JP2005321675A - Advertising system using virtual character game - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an advertisement system with a virtual character game using a game item provided by an advertiser. <P>SOLUTION: The advertisement system using the virtual character game comprises a user information memory means, a virtual character information memory means for memorizing the virtual character for a user and the state information indicating the progression state of the game, an item information memory means for memorizing the game item used by the virtual character and , a virtual character display means, a game progression instruction means, and a state information updation means for updating the state information of the virtual character based on the game progression instruction data/state information and progressing the game. Actual item identification information, advertiser identification information and the characteristic data of the actual items are included in the item information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an advertising system using a virtual character game.

Conventionally, various advertising methods have been adopted using computers and the Internet.
In addition, various methods are used for the advertisement placement. Many websites that provide online games have also been established and operated, and methods for displaying advertisements to users using online games have been developed.

  Under these circumstances, it would be desirable to be able to effectively communicate advertising information, effectively appeal the characteristics and characteristics of products and services targeted for advertising, and purchase products and services targeted for advertising. By the way, if the user can obtain information while having no resistance and having fun, the effect is even greater.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-24840 JP 2004-8354 A JP 2003-58777 A

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-24840 “Entertainment System, Advertising System, Entertainment Method, Advertising Method, Recording Medium,”, an image such as a photograph taken by a user in a system relating to a biological breeding game is taken to generate an image or a moving image However, the contents that it can be used for a game in a virtual space are described.
However, the above application is characterized in that the original image and character can be used, and the contents of displaying the advertisement are also described in this application, but the advertisement itself is, for example, as shown in FIGS. It is an advertisement like a normal banner advertisement, and the advertisement technique itself is not characteristic.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-8354 “Game System, Game Management Device, and Advertising Method”, in a system for advertising in a game on a mobile phone, the item indicated by the advertiser's advertisement information stored in a database in advance is an item in the game. It is described to be displayed as.
The specific contents are “name of advertisement target, image used for advertisement, tagline of advertisement target, description of advertisement target, area information, time information, link information, etc.”, and these are displayed as game progress items. Is. Examples of display contents are such that advertisements related to questions during the game appear as shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG.
However, in the above system, although an effect is expected in that an advertisement is displayed during game play, a game play screen is merely used as a display location of the advertisement. For example, it is not possible to effectively appeal the characteristics / characteristics of the product or service to be advertised and to purchase the product or service to be advertised. In other words, in order to know the features / characteristics of the product or service to be advertised, it is necessary to display such information directly on the game screen or follow the link information to go to the page where the advertisement is posted. There is a limit to the amount of information that can be displayed on the game screen, and if you move the page, you must leave the game you are playing. Therefore, when the game is continued, it is difficult to convey the characteristics / characteristics of the product or service to be advertised to the user. Even if there is link information, it is not directly linked to product purchase.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-58777 “Advertising System and Advertising Program”, an advertising system related to a game for growing a virtual creature is proposed. The content is to request the user to browse the browsing destination according to the state of the virtual creature, and to allow the user to browse by the method in which the virtual creature grows by browsing. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the virtual creature displays a line “Let's go to the department store” and clicks the line to view the link destination.
However, even in the above application, although the advertisement and the progress of the game are linked by linking the growth of the organism and the advertisement, the advertisement is at the link destination, and the feature of the product or service to be advertised In order to know the characteristics, such information must be displayed directly on the game screen, or the link information must be followed to go to the page where the advertisement was posted, but the amount of information that can be displayed on the game screen There is a limit, and if you move the page, you must move away from the game you are playing. Therefore, when the game is continued, it is difficult to convey the characteristics / characteristics of the product or service to be advertised to the user. Even if there is link information, it is not directly linked to product purchase.
In addition, the application does not select from a plurality of items, and although the selection of the advertisement relates to or influences the progress of the game story, it is subject to advertisement, such as the effect and utility on the characters appearing in the progressing game The characteristics of products and services are not related or affected. Therefore, since advertisement information is merely displayed after all, and detailed advertisements for knowing the characteristics of the advertisement target are at the link destination, a hyperlink to the advertisement is displayed in the game. Only.

  Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to solve the above-mentioned various problems and to know the characteristics and characteristics of the products and services to be advertised in the game itself by using the virtual character game, which is effective. An object of the present invention is to provide an advertising system capable of appealing and linking to purchase of products and services to be advertised. Through the operation of selecting an item from multiple items, the effect / utility, etc. on the characters appearing in the progressing game and the characteristics of the product / service targeted for advertising can be handled without making the advertisement of the product / service conscious. Providing a system that makes it possible to obtain the characteristics and contents of products and services that are subject to advertisement in the progress of the game itself, and to obtain effective information exposure and sponsorship effects that are unprecedented for advertisers. For the purpose.

In order to solve the above problem, in the invention according to claim 1,
A system that includes a server that is connected to a user terminal device via a network and includes a game program that advances a game using a predetermined item in response to an operation by the user terminal device,
In the server, user information storage means for storing user information of a user who uses the game program from a user terminal device;
Virtual character information storage means for storing a virtual character for each user and state information indicating a progress state of the game of the virtual character in association with the user information;
Item information storage means for storing a game item selected by the user during the progress of the game program and used by the virtual character in the game program, and item information relating to the game item;
Virtual character display means for displaying a virtual character for each user stored in the virtual character information storage means according to the progress of the game with reference to the state information;
Game progress instruction means for transmitting and displaying data for inputting game progress instruction data to be input or selected for progressing the game to the user terminal device, and receiving the game progress instruction data from the user terminal device; ,
Based on the game progress instruction data and the state information, at least comprising state information update means for updating the state information of the virtual character to advance the game,
The game item stored in the item information storage means is a game item data in which a game program refers to a real item that is an actual item of the advertiser provided by the advertiser, and an item related to the game item The information includes real item identification information for identifying the real item, advertiser identification information for identifying the advertiser, real item information including at least characteristic data of the real item, and the game item including the state information. Game progress instruction data corresponding to the characteristic data of the real item information set to update the virtual item, and the virtual character state information corresponding to the characteristic data of the real item information according to the game item selection is included. Virtual character game that is updated and the game progresses It is characterized in that an advertisement system using the.

In order to solve the above problem, in the invention according to claim 2,
The virtual character stored in the virtual character information storage means is a virtual character performing a sport, and the state information indicating the progress of the game of the virtual character indicates the cultivating state of the ability of the virtual character performing the sport It is an advertising system using the virtual character game according to claim 1 which is data.

In order to solve the above problem, in the invention according to claim 3,
The status information is data of at least one of a plurality of items of speed, stamina, technique, mental, motivation, and physical, which indicate a training state of the ability of a virtual character that performs swimming that is the sport. It is an advertising system using the described virtual character game.

In order to solve the above problem, in the invention according to claim 4,
4. The virtual character game according to claim 2, wherein the game item stored in the item information storage means is a plurality of game items including sports equipment used by the virtual character performing the sport. It is characterized by being an advertising system.

In order to solve the above problem, in the invention according to claim 5,
4. The virtual character game according to claim 2, wherein the game item stored in the item information storage means is a plurality of game items including food and drink used by the virtual character performing the sport. It is characterized by being an advertising system.

In order to solve the above problem, in the invention according to claim 6,
The advertisement system using the virtual character game according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the item information further includes data on the real item or a hyperlink to data on the real item. It is characterized by.

In order to solve the above problem, in the invention according to claim 7,
The virtual character according to claim 1, further comprising item information receiving means for receiving and storing item information regarding the game item stored in the item information storage means via a network. It is an advertising system using a game.

In order to solve the above problem, in the invention according to claim 8,
The data for inputting game progress instruction data input or selected for progressing the game, which is transmitted and displayed on the user terminal device by the game progress instructing means, is stored in the user terminal in order to proceed with the game. The virtual character game according to claim 1, wherein the virtual character game is a web content for inputting data relating to a character, inputting a data instruction relating to the progress of the game, or inputting a data selection including an item selection. It is characterized by the advertising system used.

In order to solve the above problem, in the invention according to claim 9,
The characteristic data included in the real item information is data relating to characteristics of the real item used in real sports, and the game progress instruction data corresponding to the characteristic data of the real item information is the real item. The game progress instruction data for updating the state information indicating the cultivated state of the ability of the virtual character performing the sport in the game program by the corresponding game item in correspondence with the characteristic data. It is an advertising system using the virtual character game described above.

In order to solve the above problem, in the invention according to claim 10,
The system further includes purchase application receiving means for receiving purchase application data of the real item from a user terminal device,
2. A purchase application storage means for storing the purchase application data in association with user information, wherein the application for purchasing a real item corresponding to any one of the game items is made possible when the game program proceeds. It is the advertising system using the virtual character game in any one of -9.

  According to the present invention, using the virtual character game, it is possible to know the characteristics and characteristics of the product or service to be advertised in the game itself, to make an effective appeal, and to be further advertised. It is possible to provide an advertising system that can be linked to the purchase of goods and services. Through the operation of selecting an item from multiple items, the effect / utility, etc. on the characters appearing in the progressing game and the characteristics of the product / service targeted for advertising can be handled without making the advertisement of the product / service conscious. Providing a system that makes it possible to obtain the characteristics and contents of products and services that are subject to advertisement in the progress of the game itself, and to obtain effective information exposure and sponsorship effects that are unprecedented for advertisers. be able to.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 and 2 are system configuration diagrams showing an example of a basic configuration of the system of the present invention.
An advertising system using a virtual character game according to the present invention includes a server that is connected to a user terminal device via a network and includes a game program that advances a game using a predetermined item in response to an operation by the user terminal device. It is a system that includes.

  As a user terminal for connecting to the server, a computer terminal such as a personal computer or a workstation is usually used. The computer terminal includes control means, storage means, input means, output means, display means, and the like. Further, it is a normal form to connect to a computer network typified by the Internet and have a function of transmitting and receiving data, and an application program such as a browser, e-mail software, and a word processor, and an operating system (OS).

  The server is provided by being connected to a network represented by the Internet and accessed from a user terminal. The network includes a wide variety of forms such as the Internet, a network connected by a dedicated line, an intra-company LAN, an inter-company LAN, and a WAN. In addition, the form of the communication line used here widely includes forms of wired communication and wireless communication, and may include forms using satellite communication, Bluetooth, or the like.

The server system can usually be constituted by an application server, a database server, an authentication server, a web server, other mail servers as necessary, and other various devices. Each of these servers includes a form that is physically provided in the same apparatus, a form that is physically composed of a plurality of apparatuses, or a form that is physically composed of a plurality of apparatuses connected via a network. As long as the same function is realized, various forms are included.
When the system of the present invention is provided on a website via the Internet, it is provided with a web server that stores content data and a program for accessing from a user terminal. The content data includes a data file displayed on the web such as an HTML file and an XML file, a data file displayed on a mobile phone accessible to a website such as a C-HTML file, and the like. It is also possible to store character data files, audio data files, image data files, moving image data files, animation data files, and other various content data that are displayed or output by being inserted into these files. it can.

The server includes user information storage means for storing user information of a user who uses the game program from a user terminal device.
User information stored in the user information storage means includes user data such as user ID and password, user data, address, phone number, payment method information, e-mail address, etc. This is predetermined information.
In order to perform user authentication processing for use of a game program or the like, purchase of an item described later, etc., user authentication means for authenticating a user who accesses from a user terminal via communication means such as the Internet is provided.
Various authentication methods can be used for user authentication, but a typical method is that a user ID is registered from a user terminal and a user ID or password is issued to receive content distribution. Used for

Next, the server includes virtual character information storage means for storing the virtual character for each user and the state information indicating the game progress state of the virtual character in association with the user information.
The virtual character appears in the game program as the main character of the game and constitutes the progress of the game. The virtual character is image data or animation data displayed by the game program.
It is preferable that the virtual character can be selected by the user from a plurality of virtual characters to be his / her own virtual character. It is also preferable to be able to customize the name, color, shape, etc. of the virtual character.

  According to an example of a preferred form of the system of the present invention, the virtual character stored in the virtual character information storage means is a virtual character that performs sports in a game program, and indicates a progress state of the virtual character game The information is data indicating a training state of the ability of the virtual character performing the sport.

The state information includes image data of the virtual character indicating the degree of growth of the virtual character, and numerical values, characters, and other virtual characters indicating the degree of growth stored in association with the virtual character. It is the data shown.
In the case of a virtual character that performs sports in the game program, the state information indicates speed, stamina, technique, mental, motivation, physical, which indicates the state of training of the virtual character's ability to swim, which is the sport. It is data of at least one of a plurality of items.

Next, the server includes item information storage means for storing a game item selected by the user during use of the game program and used by the virtual character in the game program, and item information related to the game item.
The game item is an item used in a game story used by a virtual character appearing as the main character of the game in accordance with the progress of the game. The game item is image data or animation data displayed by the game program.
It is preferable that the game item can be selected by the user as an item used by his / her virtual character from a plurality of game items according to the progress of the game.

  The item information related to the game item stored in the item information storage means is item name, characteristic, purpose of use, application, performance, size, specification, color, attribute information related to other game items, and other data.

As a preferred representative example, the game item stored in the item information storage means is game item data in which a game program refers to a real item that is an actual item of the advertiser provided by the advertiser. .
In this case, the item information regarding the game item includes real item information including at least real item identification information for identifying the real item, advertiser identification information for identifying the advertiser, and characteristic data of the real item. And game progress instruction data corresponding to the characteristic data of the real item information set for updating the state information.

In addition, when a game story is progressed by playing a sport with a virtual character in a game program, the game item stored in the item information storage means, as a representative example, performs the sport. A plurality of game items including sports equipment used by the virtual character.
Another typical example of the game item stored in the item information storage means is a plurality of game items including food and drink used by the virtual character performing the sport.
The status information indicating the progress of the game is the data indicating the capacity development status of the virtual character performing the sport, the characteristics of the game item used by the virtual character in the choice game, the purpose of use, the usage method, etc. It is assumed to fluctuate.

The item information further includes data related to the actual item or a hyperlink to data related to the actual item.
For example, a hyperlink from a game item such as image data or text data selected by a user and used by a virtual character during a game to an advertiser's website or a web page provided on the server of the system of the present invention The item information includes a hyperlink such as a URL so that it is displayed. In addition, a hyperlink is set from the list display of game items such as image data and text data used by the virtual character during the game to the website of the advertiser or the web page provided on the server of the system of the present invention. The item information includes a hyperlink such as a URL so as to be displayed.

In the case where a hyperlink to a web page or the like provided on the server of the system of the present invention is set and displayed, a web page for providing information on a real item corresponding to the game item, or for selling a real item A web page or the like can be provided on the server.
In order to sell a real item at the server, the system further includes purchase application receiving means for receiving purchase application data of the real item from a user terminal device.
The purchase application receiving means receives from the user terminal purchase application data including user identification data for identifying a user who makes a purchase, real item identification data for identifying a real item to be purchased, and a quantity for purchasing the real item. This is for receiving at the server by inputting and transmitting. Specifically, an input form provided on a web page, a shopping cart program, receipt of a purchase application by e-mail, or the like. In addition, if necessary, the purchase application data may include the delivery destination of the purchased real item, the purchase price, the settlement method, the designation of size / specification / model number / color, and other data.

In addition, in order to sell a real item in the server, the server further includes purchase application storage means for storing the purchase application data in association with user information. The purchase application data input and transmitted by the purchase application means and received by the server are stored. As the game program progresses, it is possible to apply for purchase of a real item corresponding to one of the game items.
Although a payment system or the like may be provided, data may be transmitted to another system in cooperation with a payment organization such as a credit card company.

Next, the server includes virtual character display means for displaying the virtual character for each user stored in the virtual character information storage means according to the progress of the game with reference to the state information.
The virtual character display means displays the virtual character selected by the user based on the state information stored in association with the user information in a game program for displaying a game operation screen or progress status. Therefore, when displaying, the user information storage means and the virtual character information storage means are referred to.

Next, the server transmits and displays data for inputting game progress instruction data input or selected for progressing the game to the user terminal device, and receives the game progress instruction data from the user terminal device. Game progress instruction means is provided.
The data for inputting game progress instruction data input or selected for progressing the game, which is transmitted and displayed on the user terminal device by the game progress instructing means, is stored in the user terminal in order to proceed with the game. It is web content for inputting data related to a character, inputting data instructions regarding the progress of a game, or inputting data selection including item selection.

  The game progress instruction data is data for advancing the game based on the instruction data by performing menu selection instructions in the game program, designation of data necessary for the progress of the game, data selection, data input, etc. It is.

A preferred example of the game progress instruction data is as follows.
The characteristic data included in the real item information is data relating to characteristics of the real item used in real sports, and the game progress instruction data corresponding to the characteristic data of the real item information is the real item. It is game progress instruction data for updating the state information indicating the cultivating state of the ability of the virtual character performing the sport in the game program with the corresponding game item in correspondence with the characteristic data. That is, depending on which game item is selected, the progress of the game is affected, for example, the virtual character grows according to the characteristics of the game item.

Next, the server includes state information updating means for updating the state information of the virtual character based on the game progress instruction data and the state information to advance the game. The game progress instruction data is received, and a story corresponding to a menu selection instruction in the game program, designation of data necessary for the progress of the game, data selection, data input, etc. is made. The status information of the virtual character is updated as necessary.
When the virtual character grows in accordance with the characteristics of the game item, the progress of the game is affected, and the state information of the virtual character is updated corresponding to the characteristic data of the real item information according to the game item selection. And the game progresses.

  Next, a preferred example of the system of the present invention is a mode in which the system further includes item information receiving means for receiving and storing item information regarding the game item stored in the item information storage means via a network. It is. An advertiser who provides item information can register or update item information via a network.

A preferred example of the basic processing flow of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In the following, as an embodiment, the virtual character stored in the character information storage means is a virtual character that performs swimming, and the state information indicating the progress of the game of the virtual character is the ability of the virtual character that performs swimming. An example in the case of using data indicating a growing state will be described.
This example is a swimmer training simulation game, and the user understands the importance and continuity of training by training players in the game (virtual world), learns basic nutrition, and sponsors You can get product knowledge while enjoying. It can also be linked to e-mail magazines and other systems to link user acquisition and information provision / advertisement by advertisers.

3 to 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the basic processing flow of the present invention. The processing flow shown here is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this, and various applications and modifications are possible.
First, the user registration process will be described with reference to FIG.
The user terminal connects to the Internet (S100) and accesses the server (S101). A user registration menu is selected (S102), and a user information registration screen is displayed (S103). At the user terminal, the user name, e-mail address and other user information are input and transmitted to the server (S104). The data is received at the server and stored in the user information storage means (S105). Further, a storage area for storing the virtual character information of the user is set in the virtual character information storage means (S106). The user ID, password, and the like of the user are issued and transmitted to the user terminal for notification (S107). This completes the user membership registration.

Next, processing for setting a virtual character by the user will be described with reference to FIG.
According to various embodiments utilizing the system of the present invention, the virtual character may be a human, an animal, or a fictional character. Further, a plurality of characters set and stored in advance may be selected, or a user original character may be created. Here, it is assumed that a member who has registered as a user can create his / her character (man, woman) during the game.
The user terminal connects to the Internet (S200) and accesses the server (S201). A virtual character registration menu is selected (S202), and a virtual character registration screen is displayed (S203).
In the user terminal, the virtual character is transmitted to the server by selecting / designating its own virtual character (S204). At this time, physical data such as age, height, and weight of the virtual character, and other attribute data may be input and transmitted. The input data is received by the server and stored in the virtual character information storage means in association with the user information (S205). The state information of the virtual character is stored as a game start time setting (S206). The setting at the game start time may be the same state information for any user, or may reflect data input by the user terminal.
It is also possible to correlate data between virtual characters and real users. As mentioned above, enter physical data such as age, height, and weight of virtual characters, and meals and other data actually consumed by real users Can be input as a diary, so that nutritional guidance can be received while playing the game, and data on the training menu of the actual user can be input and reflected in the game.

Next, the game start process will be described with reference to FIG.
The user terminal connects to the Internet (S300) and accesses the server (S301). When the game start menu is selected (S302), the virtual character information stored in association with the user information is referenced on the server based on the user information (S303), and the virtual character information and the state information are extracted (S304). . Based on the game progress status of the user, the game screen of the game progress corresponding to the status information at that time is displayed (S305), and the virtual character is displayed corresponding to the status information of the virtual character (S306).

Next, progress information such as menu selection for progressing the game, item selection during game progress, input and selection of various data, etc., progress status of the game and status information of virtual characters in it A process in which the fluctuates will be described with reference to FIG.
A game progress menu is selected (S400), and a game progress instruction data input screen is displayed (S401).
Here, when menu selection other than game item selection is performed, game progress instruction data is input through a progress instruction such as menu selection, input of various data, and selection (S450).
In the case of a game in which swimming is performed to develop the virtual character's swimming power, for example, menu selections such as practice at a swimming school, dinner, and a swimming competition are performed, and the game is advanced to increase the character's ability parameters.
8 and 9 show examples of character ability status information (status).
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of a progress state of a game that is progressed by selecting a game progress menu.

Next, an example of an environment and a method in which virtual characters are trained as the game progresses will be described.
The first example of the virtual character training menu is practice in a swimming school, and the following menus can be selected as examples of training elements.
(1) Speed practice (speed increases but stamina does not work)
(2) Form practice (techniques go up but speed and stamina do not work)
(3) Endurance practice (to increase stamina)
(4) OFF (Reducing stress)
In addition, during the practice or after the practice, it is possible to input game progress instruction data such as “speak”, “save”, and “do nothing”. For example, moderately “speaking” increases the mental value of the player depending on the timing, but excessively “speaking” increases the stress value. Moderately “giving up” reduces the player's stress level depending on the timing, but if you “praise” too much, the mental value decreases.
Further, before practice, it may be possible to make contact with other users who are raising virtual characters at the same level as the virtual character being raised. By practicing with players of the same level, a sense of competition and rivalry occur, increasing the character's parameter increase rate. The user may use a chat function, an electronic bulletin board function, or the like to exchange with users all over the country through practice.

The second example of the virtual character training menu is dinner. As an example, the following menu can be selected.
The user can select game progress instruction data by selecting from a plurality of data items such as staple food, main dish, and side dish, and giving a meal to the virtual character. If you eat the right meal, it will be reflected in the physical value, and will be affected by the rate of increase in each value of physical ability.
In addition, by inputting physical data such as age, height, and weight of virtual characters in advance, real users can receive nutritional guidance while playing games based on meals consumed by real people Can do. The selected meal content may be stored in a database and delivered as an email report at the end of every month.

A third example of the virtual character training menu is a competition, and as an example, the following menu can be selected.
Within the game, competitions are held at predetermined intervals such as once or twice a month. In addition, a national tournament may be held about once or twice a year. Only players who exceed the standard record at the monthly competition can participate in the national competition.
In addition, an actual product may be presented to the user who won the top prize in each competition from the sponsor of each competition.
The decision of winning or losing and recording is determined by the ability of the character, but some change may occur depending on the lucky value. Basically, the longer the period of breeding, the stronger the character, and it may be possible to grow strongly in a short period of time by purchasing sponsor products.
At competitions, it is possible to hold a crown tournament with the advertiser's company name and product name, and at the competition venue displayed in the game, the advertiser's logo is displayed and various information is announced. The user can remember the name and information of the sponsor unconsciously. In addition, if the advertiser's product is provided for the winning prize, the user will compete for the product.

Next, returning to FIG.
When selecting a game item (S402), game item information is displayed (S403), and a game item is selected / designated on the user terminal (S404). The game item is, for example, a sporting article used by a virtual character that performs sports or a food or drink used by a virtual character that performs sports. When a game item is selected, the game progress instruction data is received by the server (S405). The progress status of the game and the status information of the virtual character are updated based on the game progress instruction data (S406).
The above processing is performed until the game is finished, and the game is advanced. When the game is finished (S407), the progress of the game and the status information of the virtual character are stored in association with the user information (S408). ).
As the game progresses, the training menu is digested and swimming is improved. In addition, by taking the right meal, physical ability is improved.
The advertiser's product is used as a game item in the game, and a virtual character tries on. If the character can win the top prize by participating in the competition, the user can get the actual product, and the ranking can be posted on the website.

Here, the item information related to the game item includes real item identification information for identifying the real item, advertiser identification information for identifying the advertiser, and real item information including at least characteristic data of the real item. Yes. When the user selects a game item used by the virtual character in the game, the state of the virtual character corresponding to the characteristic data of the real item information is based on the game progress instruction data corresponding to the characteristic data of the real item information such as a product. Information is updated.
For example, wearing a special item (such as a full-body suit swimsuit) increases specific parameters (improvement, exploration). Further, as a hidden element, a method in which a bonus value is added by combining and installing specific items may be combined (game-like element).
An example of updating the state information by the characteristic data of the real item information is that if a swimsuit for swimming with a characteristic of speed improvement is selected, the virtual character wears the swimsuit in the game, and the speed value increases by 10, Wearing the product can result in increased speed.
Moreover, when the intake of supplements is selected, the physical value is affected, and the effect of intake of nutrients can be improved by ingesting the product.
In this way, the parameters of the virtual character are influenced by the characteristics of the real item corresponding to the selected game item, leading to the advertiser's product promotion. In addition, the user can select a product to be worn at a competition practiced in the game, and can obtain visual or lustful satisfaction or try it on. Since the user is involved in the game strategy, the design, characteristics and features of the advertiser's product can be examined while having fun.
In addition, it is possible to determine as data which swimwear the user currently likes and wears. In competitions, it is also possible to visually determine which swimmers from which manufacturers are wearing the athletes on each course platform.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the processing for purchasing a real item will be described.
The user can display actual item information corresponding to the game item from the item information displayed in the game and the list of these products (S500), and can proceed to actual purchase. When purchasing a real item (S501), the real-item purchase application screen is displayed (S502), and the real-item purchase application information is input and transmitted (S503). The purchase application information is received at the server and stored in the purchase application storage means (S504). The purchase price may be a member price, or may be discounted depending on whether the game is scored or worn and displayed in the game.

  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to know the characteristics and characteristics of products and services to be advertised in the game itself using the virtual character game, and to effectively appeal. It is possible to provide an advertising system that can be linked to the purchase of products and services to be advertised. Through the operation of selecting an item from multiple items, the effect / utility, etc. on the characters appearing in the progressing game and the characteristics of the product / service targeted for advertising can be handled without making the advertisement of the product / service conscious. Providing a system that makes it possible to obtain the characteristics and contents of products and services that are subject to advertisement in the progress of the game itself, and to obtain effective information exposure and sponsorship effects that are unprecedented for advertisers. be able to.

It is a system configuration figure showing an example of the basic composition of the system of the present invention. It is a system configuration figure showing an example of the basic composition of the system of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a basic process of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a basic process of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a basic process of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a basic process of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a basic process of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data item of the status information (status) of a character's ability. It is a figure which shows an example of the status information (status) of a character's ability. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of the progress state of the game which selects a game progress menu and advances.

Claims (10)

A system that includes a server that is connected to a user terminal device via a network and includes a game program that advances a game using a predetermined item in response to an operation by the user terminal device,
In the server, user information storage means for storing user information of a user who uses the game program from a user terminal device;
Virtual character information storage means for storing a virtual character for each user and state information indicating a progress state of the game of the virtual character in association with the user information;
Item information storage means for storing a game item selected by the user during the progress of the game program and used by the virtual character in the game program, and item information relating to the game item;
Virtual character display means for displaying a virtual character for each user stored in the virtual character information storage means according to the progress of the game with reference to the state information;
Game progress instruction means for transmitting and displaying data for inputting game progress instruction data to be input or selected for progressing the game to the user terminal device, and receiving the game progress instruction data from the user terminal device; ,
Based on the game progress instruction data and the state information, at least comprising state information update means for updating the state information of the virtual character to advance the game,
The game item stored in the item information storage means is a game item data in which a game program refers to a real item that is an actual item of the advertiser provided by the advertiser, and an item related to the game item The information includes real item identification information for identifying the real item, advertiser identification information for identifying the advertiser, real item information including at least characteristic data of the real item, and the game item including the state information. Game progress instruction data corresponding to the characteristic data of the real item information set to update the virtual item, and the virtual character state information corresponding to the characteristic data of the real item information according to the game item selection is included. Virtual, updated and game progress Advertising system using a turbocharger easier ter game. The virtual character stored in the virtual character information storage means is a virtual character performing a sport, and the state information indicating the progress of the game of the virtual character indicates the cultivating state of the ability of the virtual character performing the sport The advertisement system using the virtual character game according to claim 1, wherein the advertisement system is data. The state information is data of at least one of a plurality of items of speed, stamina, technique, mental, motivation, and physical, which indicates a training state of the ability of a virtual character that performs swimming that is the sport. An advertising system using the virtual character game according to claim 2. The game item stored in the item information storage means is a plurality of game items including sports equipment used by a virtual character performing the sport. Advertising system using virtual character games. The said game item memorize | stored in the said item information storage means is a several game item containing the food and drink which the virtual character which performs the said sport uses, The Claim 2 or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Advertising system using virtual character games. The virtual character game according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the item information further includes data on the real item or a hyperlink to data on the real item. Advertising system. 7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising item information receiving means for receiving and storing item information relating to the game item stored in the item information storage means via a network. An advertising system using the virtual character game described in 1. The data for inputting game progress instruction data input or selected for progressing the game, which is transmitted and displayed on the user terminal device by the game progress instructing means, is stored in the user terminal in order to proceed with the game. 8. The web content for inputting data regarding a character, inputting a data instruction regarding the progress of a game, or inputting a data selection including an item selection. Advertising system using virtual character game. The characteristic data included in the real item information is data relating to characteristics of the real item used in real sports, and the game progress instruction data corresponding to the characteristic data of the real item information is the real item. The game progress instruction data for updating the state information indicating the cultivated state of the ability of the virtual character performing the sport in the game program by the corresponding game item in accordance with the characteristic data. The advertising system using the virtual character game in any one of 2-8. The system further includes purchase application receiving means for receiving purchase application data of the real item from a user terminal device,
Purchase application storage means for storing the purchase application data in association with user information, and when the game program proceeds, a purchase application for a real item corresponding to any one of the game items is enabled. An advertising system using the virtual character game according to claim 1.