JP2024083629A - Program, information processing device, and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a program, an information processing device, and a control method for improving the convenience of a game.SOLUTION: A program causes information processing devices 11, 12 to execute the steps for: storing the state and holding period of a game part; associating a specific game medium with the game part associated therewith with a user; determining the game part in a first state in the case of being outside the holding period; determining the game part in a second state in the case of being within the holding period; determining the game part in a third state in acquiring a holding request when the game part is in the first state or the second state; and a play step for allowing a user to play the game part on the basis of set information of the game part when the state of the game part is the second state or the third state. In the play step, different set information is used in accordance with the states of the game part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a program, an information processing device, and a control method.

Conventionally, in games executed by information processing devices, configurations are known in which game parts such as in-game events are held for a limited time. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a configuration in which a team battle is implemented as a limited time event in a fighting game that has two fighting methods, normal battle and team battle.

JP 2015-126808 A

Time-limited events held in conventional games are not necessarily convenient for users. For example, in conventional games, the event period is determined in advance in the game program, or the event period is determined by the game operator who distributes the data necessary to hold the event. Since the event period determined in this way does not take into account the convenience of the user, there are cases where the user is unable to play the game during the event period. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the convenience of games that hold time-limited events.

In view of the above, the objective of the present invention is to provide a program, an information processing device, and a control method that improve the convenience of games.

In order to solve the above problems, the program according to the present invention comprises:
An information processing device for controlling a game including a game part for a user to play,
storing in a storage unit a state of the game part and an event period indicating a predetermined period in association with the game part;
A step of associating a specific game medium to which the game part is associated with the user;
a first step of setting a state of the game part to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited when the current time is outside the event period;
a second step of setting a state of the game part to a second state in which the user is permitted to play the game part if the current time is within the event period;
a third step of setting the state of the game part to a third state in which the user is permitted to play, when a holding request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is acquired while the state of the game part is a first state or a second state;
a play step of making the user play the game part based on setting information of the game part when the state of the game part is the second state or the third state;
In the play step, different setting information is used depending on whether the state of the game part is the second state or the third state.

Further, the information processing device according to the present invention comprises:
An information processing device that controls a game including a game part for a user to play. Reference number: GPA0290JP Patent application 2016-037269 (Proof)
Submission date: February 29, 2016
a storage unit that stores a state of a game part and an event period indicating a predetermined period in association with the game part;
A control unit,
The control unit is
Associating a specific game medium to which the game part is associated with the user;
If the current time is outside the event period, the state of the game part is set to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited;
If the current time is within the event period, the state of the game part is set to a second state in which the user is permitted to play;
when a holding request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is acquired when the state of the game part is a first state or a second state, the state of the game part is set to a third state in which the user is permitted to play;
performing a play process for playing the game part based on setting information of the game part when the state of the game part is the second state or the third state;
In the play process, different setting information is used depending on whether the state of the game part is the second state or the third state.

The control method according to the present invention further comprises:
A method for controlling a game including a game part for a user to play, the method comprising the steps of:
A control unit of the information processing device
storing in a storage unit a state of the game part and an event period indicating a predetermined period in association with the game part;
A step of associating a specific game medium to which the game part is associated with the user;
a first step of setting a state of the game part to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited when the current time is outside the event period;
a second step of setting a state of the game part to a second state in which the user is permitted to play the game part if the current time is within the event period;
a third step of setting the state of the game part to a third state in which the user is permitted to play, when a holding request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is acquired while the state of the game part is a first state or a second state;
a play step of playing the game part based on setting information of the game part when the state of the game part is the second state or the third state,
In the play step, different setting information is used depending on whether the state of the game part is the second state or the third state.

The program, information processing device, and control method according to the present invention improve the convenience of the game.

1 is a block diagram of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing information regarding game parts. A figure showing information regarding a specific game medium. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing setting information of a game part. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a first screen displayed on the terminal device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a second screen displayed on the terminal device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a third screen displayed on the terminal device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a fourth screen displayed on the terminal device. 11 is a flowchart showing a process relating to a first screen and a second screen. 13 is a flowchart showing a process relating to the third screen and the fourth screen. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a state of a game part. 13 is a flowchart showing a process of reading setting information and executing a game part.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention.

First, a game system including a server device and a terminal device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, a game system 10 according to this embodiment includes a server device 11 and a plurality of terminal devices 12. For simplicity, only one terminal device 12 is shown in FIG. 1.

The server device 11 is, for example, an information processing device such as a server managed by a game operator, and provides games (game data) to terminal devices 12 owned by individual users. The terminal devices 12 are, for example, information processing devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, PCs, or game devices, and execute the games provided by the server device 11. In this way, the server device 11 and the terminal devices 12 work together to control the games provided to the users of the terminal devices 12.

Here, we will provide an overview of the game according to this embodiment. The game according to this embodiment is a game in which the user can play a variety of game parts using, for example, game media.

Game media is electronic data used in a game, and includes any media, such as cards, items, tickets, characters, and avatars. Game media is also electronic data that can be acquired, owned, used, managed, exchanged, synthesized, strengthened, sold, discarded, or donated by a user within a game, but the manner in which game media can be used is not limited to those explicitly stated in this specification.

Unless otherwise specified, "game media owned by a user" refers to game media associated with the user ID of the user. "Giving game media to a user" refers to associating the game media with a user ID. "Discarding game media owned by a user" refers to dissociating the association between a user ID and the game media. "Consuming game media owned by a user" refers to the possibility of causing some effect or influence in the game in response to dissociating the association between a user ID and the game media. "Selling game media owned by a user" refers to dissociating the association between a user ID and the game media, and associating the user ID with other game media (e.g., virtual currency or items, etc.). "Transferring game media owned by user A to user B" refers to dissociating the association between user A's user ID and the game media, and associating the game media with user B's user ID.

A game part is a content that a user can play in a game, and includes, for example, quests, missions, mini-games, item acquisition events, dungeon exploration events, and battle events with opponents (for example, other users, enemy characters, enemy buildings, etc.). For example, if it is determined that a predetermined condition (for example, a game task) set for each game part has been successfully achieved, the user may be given a predetermined reward, for example, a game medium and virtual currency. The game task may be any task according to the content of the game part, such as a task of winning a battle against an enemy character or a task of reaching the goal of a dungeon. In the following description, the state in which the user is permitted to play a game part (the second state or the third state described below) is set to be also referred to as holding a game part. Furthermore, the achievement of a specific task (cleared task) among the game tasks set for a game part is also referred to as clearing the game part. In other words, if it is determined that the cleared task has been successfully achieved in the game part, the game part is determined to be cleared and the game part ends.

In this embodiment, game parts include game parts that are held at all times (i.e., play is permitted at all times) and game parts that are held for a limited time (i.e., play is permitted only during a specified period of time). Game parts that are held for a limited time are explained below, and game parts that are held for a limited time are also simply referred to as game parts.

In summary, in the game according to this embodiment, a user can acquire a specific game medium, which in this embodiment is a ticket. A ticket is associated with one or more game parts. By consuming a ticket owned in the game, a user can force the game part associated with the ticket to be held even outside of the event period.

(Configuration of the server device)
Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the server device 11. The server device 11 includes a server communication unit 13, a server storage unit 14, and a server control unit 15.

The server communication unit 13 is an interface that communicates with external devices wirelessly or via a wired connection to send and receive information. The server communication unit 13 can send and receive information to and from the terminal device 12 via a network 16 such as the Internet.

The server storage unit 14 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device, and is capable of storing various information and programs necessary for providing and controlling the game. For example, the server storage unit 14 stores information about each user, such as the user's ID and name, the user's game parameters (for example, parameters used in the game, such as level and stamina, described below), and game media and virtual currency associated with the user. Hereinafter, the user's ID or name will also be referred to simply as the user. The server storage unit 14 also stores information about game parts, information about specific game media, and setting information for the game parts.

(Information about the game part)
First, information about game parts will be described. Information about game parts includes information indicating play conditions, duration, status, and playability in association with the ID or name of the game part, as shown in FIG.

The ID or name of a game part is information that can uniquely identify the game part. Hereinafter, the ID or name of a game part will also be referred to simply as a game part. In FIG. 2, four game parts GP001-GP004 are illustrated, but the number of game parts may be determined arbitrarily.

The play conditions are information used to determine whether or not to allow a game part to be played. In this embodiment, in order to allow a game part to be played, it is necessary that the play conditions are fulfilled and that the current time is within the event period, as described below. The play conditions are conditions that can be determined based on any information unique to the user, such as a predetermined parameter such as the user's level or stamina, game achievement, game part play history, total play time, and login history. In FIG. 2, for example, the play condition for game part GP001 is set to "level 50 or higher." In this case, in order to allow game part GP001 to be played, the user must be at least level 50 or higher. Game parts GP002-GP004 are similar to GP001, so their explanation will be omitted.

As described below, each game part has a "cost" parameter set, and the above-mentioned play conditions further include a condition that "the current or maximum stamina value is equal to or greater than the cost." Here, the user's current stamina value increases (recovers), for example, as time passes or as a specific game medium (e.g., an item) is used. The user's maximum stamina value increases, for example, as the user's level increases.

The event period, together with the above-mentioned play conditions, is information used to determine whether or not to allow play of a game part. In this embodiment, the event period is, for example, a period arbitrarily determined by the game administrator. In FIG. 2, for example, the event period for game part GP001 is "2016/02/29 12:00-13:00." In this case, in order to allow play of game part GP001, the current time must be at least between 12:00 and 13:00 on February 29, 2016. Game parts GP002-GP004 are similar to GP001, so a description thereof will be omitted.

The state is determined based on the above-mentioned play conditions, the event period, and the use of a specific game medium (a ticket in this embodiment) described below, and is stored, for example, for each user. In this embodiment, there are four states, state 1 to state 4. In addition, playability indicates permission or prohibition of play, which is determined according to state 1 to state 4.

Specifically, the first state indicates a state in which the current time is outside the event period. The game part in the first state is set to "play prohibited (outside the event period)". The second state indicates a state in which the play conditions have been met and the current time is within the event period. The game part in the second state is set to "play permitted". The third state indicates a state in which the play conditions have been met and the ticket corresponding to the game part has been used. The third state takes precedence over the first and second states described above. The game part in the third state is set to "play permitted (ticket used)". The fourth state indicates a state in which the play conditions have not been met. The game part in the fourth state is set to "play prohibited (play conditions not met)".

(Information regarding specific game media)
Next, information about a specific game medium will be described. The information about the specific game medium is stored, for example, for each user. The information about the specific game medium includes one or more game parts and a restriction setting associated with the specific game medium owned by the user, i.e., the specific game medium associated with the user, as shown in FIG. 3, for example.

In this embodiment, when a specific game medium is used (for example, when the server device 11 acquires a request to hold a game part from the terminal device 12 and disassociates the specific game medium from the user, as described below), the state of at least one game part among the one or more game parts associated with the specific game medium is set to a state in which play is permitted (third state). The specific processing of the server device 11 to set at least one game part to the third state will be described below.

The limit setting is information set for a game part that has become the third state through the use of a specific game medium, and indicates the conditions under which the third state is resolved. In this embodiment, the limit setting is information indicating the limit number of times that the game part is permitted to be played or cleared, or the time limit for which the game part is permitted to be played. Specifically, when a game part set to the third state is played or cleared the limited number of times, the game part changes from the third state to another state. Alternatively, when the time limit has elapsed since the game part was set to the third state, the game part changes from the third state to another state. In the following description, the specific game medium for determining the limit number of times that the game part is permitted to be played or cleared is also referred to as the first specific game medium or "ticket A", and the specific game medium for determining the time limit for which play is permitted is also referred to as the second specific game medium or "ticket B".

For example, in FIG. 3, ticket A1, which is the first specific game medium, is associated with game part GP001, and the number of times it can be played is limited to "2 times." Ticket A2, which is the first specific game medium, is associated with four game parts GP001-GP004, and the number of times it can be played is limited to "1 time." Ticket B1, which is the second specific game part, is associated with game part GP003, and the time limit is "30 minutes."

In the information about a specific game medium in this embodiment, one specific game medium is associated with one limited number of times or one limited time period, as described above, but the configuration of the information about a specific game medium is not limited to this. For example, if multiple game parts are associated with one specific game medium in the information about a specific game medium, multiple limited number of times or multiple limited time periods may be associated with each of the multiple game parts.

(Game part setting information)
Next, the setting information of the game part will be described. The setting information is information indicating various settings related to the game part, and is stored for each game part. In this embodiment, each game part is associated with setting information corresponding to the second state and setting information corresponding to the third state. When executing a game part (for example, when the server device 11 acquires a request to execute a game part from the terminal device 12 as described below), setting information corresponding to the state of the game part (the second state or the third state) is loaded. Then, the game part is executed based on the loaded setting information.

The setting information includes, for example, information about the cost, information about continuing play, difficulty, and information about rewards, as shown in FIG. 4.

The cost is information used to determine the play conditions described above. For example, as described above, the play conditions for each game part include the condition that "the current or maximum value of stamina is equal to or greater than the cost." As described below, when a game part is executed (for example, when the server device 11 acquires a request to execute a game part from the terminal device 12, as described below), the cost of that game part is subtracted from the user's stamina.

For example, in FIG. 4, the cost corresponding to the second state is "10" and the cost corresponding to the third state is "1." Thus, the cost corresponding to the second state and the cost corresponding to the third state may be different or the same.

Preferably, the cost corresponding to the third state is smaller than the cost corresponding to the second state. With this configuration, for example, when the game part is in the third state due to the use of the second specific game medium, the occurrence of a situation that may be disadvantageous to the user is suppressed, such as the time limit elapsed and the third state being resolved without the game part being able to be executed because the user's current stamina value is less than the cost.

In addition, a condition may be set for resolving the state in which the cost corresponding to the third state is smaller than the cost corresponding to the second state. Specifically, the cost corresponding to the third state may be smaller than the cost corresponding to the second state only until the number of plays or the number of clears reaches a predetermined number, and may increase when the number of plays or the number of clears exceeds the predetermined number, for example, to the same value as the cost corresponding to the second state. Alternatively, the cost corresponding to the third state may be smaller than the cost corresponding to the second state only until the elapsed time from when the game part is set to the third state reaches a predetermined time, and may increase when the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time, for example, to the same value as the cost corresponding to the second state. This configuration suppresses the occurrence of situations that may disrupt the game balance, such as a situation in which the cost corresponding to the third state continues to be set to zero or an extremely small value.

The information relating to continuing play is information used in a process for continuing play (e.g., a process for continuing) that may be executed when a state occurs during play of a game part in which play cannot be continued (e.g., a game over state). For example, if a game over occurs during play of a game part and a continue option is executed, the user can continue the game part. On the other hand, if a game over occurs during play of a game part and a continue option is not executed, the game over is confirmed and the game part ends.

In this embodiment, the information regarding continuing play includes information indicating whether or not it is possible to continue when the game is over, and information indicating the user's resources (e.g., game media or virtual currency associated with the user) that will be consumed to continue, but the information included in the information regarding continuing play is not limited to this. For example, the information regarding continuing play may further include information indicating the limit on the number of times that continuing can be performed.

For example, in FIG. 4, the information regarding continuation of play corresponding to the second state is "Continue Possible (Consume 5 virtual currency)." In such a case, the user can continue even if the game ends during play of the game part in the second state by consuming 5 virtual currency. On the other hand, the information regarding continuation of play corresponding to the third state is "Continue Not Possible." In such a case, the user cannot continue even if the game ends during play of the game part in the third state. In this way, the information regarding continuation of play corresponding to the second state and the information regarding continuation of play corresponding to the third state may be different or the same.

The difficulty level indicates the difficulty of the game tasks that the user must accomplish in the game part. For example, in FIG. 4, the difficulty level corresponding to the second state is "high." In such a case, the difficulty level of the game tasks in that game part, which is the second state, becomes higher. When the difficulty level of the game tasks becomes higher, for example, the number or strength of enemy characters increases, or the distance to the goal of the dungeon becomes longer. The difficulty level is not limited to "high" or "low," and may include any information related to the difficulty of the game tasks, such as information about enemy characters or map data for the dungeon.

The information about rewards is information about rewards that may be granted to a user when a specified condition is met in a game part. The specified condition may include, for example, a game task set in the game part, but may be any condition related to the game part. In this embodiment, the information about rewards includes information indicating the type, quantity, and probability.

The type is information indicating the content of the reward, such as game media or virtual currency. For example, in FIG. 4, the type of reward corresponding to the second state is "Item A," and the type of reward corresponding to the third state is "Item B." The reward may be one or more types of game media, virtual currency, or a combination of these. The reward may also include a specific game medium. The reward corresponding to the second state and the reward corresponding to the third state may be different or the same.

The quantity is information indicating the number or amount of rewards. For example, in FIG. 4, the quantity of rewards (item A) corresponding to the second state is "5", and the quantity of rewards (item B) corresponding to the third state is "10". The quantity corresponding to the second state and the quantity corresponding to the third state may be different or the same.

The probability is information indicating the probability that a reward will be given to the user when a predetermined condition is met, for example, when a game task is successfully accomplished. For example, in FIG. 4, the probability corresponding to the second state is "10%," and the probability corresponding to the third state is "100%." The probability corresponding to the second state and the probability corresponding to the third state may be different or the same.

Preferably, the setting information corresponding to the second state is different from the setting information corresponding to the third state. With this configuration, the user can change the setting information for the game part in the second state in which play is permitted, by using a specific game medium. Therefore, an advantage is created in using the specific game medium corresponding to the game part in the second state, and the user can be encouraged to use the specific game medium. In addition, since the user can play the same game part with different settings, the variety of game parts increases and it becomes easier to adjust the game balance.

The server control unit 15 (see FIG. 1) is a CPU that realizes a specific function, for example, by loading a specific program. The server control unit 15 controls the operation of the entire server device 11. For example, the server control unit 15 transmits and receives information via the server communication unit 13. The server control unit 15 also stores the information about the game parts described above, information about the specific game media, and setting information about the game parts in the server storage unit 14.

The server control unit 15 also performs various processes related to the game parts.

For example, the server control unit 15 cooperates with the terminal device 12 to perform processing to allow the user to play the game part in the second state.

Specifically, the server control unit 15 acquires from the terminal device 12 a display request for a first specific screen on which one or more game parts, which are the second state, are displayed in a selectable manner. The terminal control unit 21 then transmits a display instruction for the first specific screen to the terminal device 12. In other words, the server control unit 15 causes the terminal device 12 to display the first specific screen by transmitting the display instruction. Here, the display instruction for the first specific screen includes information necessary for displaying the first specific screen, for example, information on one or more game parts, which are the second state.

The server control unit 15 then acquires from the terminal device 12 a request to execute the game part in a second state selected in response to a user operation on the first specific screen. The server control unit 15 then reads setting information corresponding to the second state of the game part. The server control unit 15 then transmits an execution instruction for the game part, including the read setting information, to the terminal device 12. In other words, by transmitting the execution instruction, the server control unit 15 causes the terminal device 12 to execute the game part and causes the user to play the game part. The execution instruction for the game part may include any information necessary for executing the game part in addition to the read setting information.

In addition to the above-mentioned processing, details of the processing related to the game parts executed by the server control unit 15 will be described later.

(Configuration of terminal device)
Next, a description will be given of the terminal device 12. As shown in Fig. 1, the terminal device 12 includes a terminal communication unit 17, a terminal storage unit 18, a display unit 19, an input unit 20, and a terminal control unit 21.

The terminal communication unit 17 is an interface that communicates with an external device wirelessly or via a wired connection to send and receive information. The terminal communication unit 17 sends and receives information to and from the server device 11 via the network 16.

The terminal storage unit 18 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device, and is capable of storing various information and programs necessary for processing the game provided by the server device 11. For example, the terminal storage unit 18 may store some or all of the information related to the game parts described above, information related to a specific game medium, and setting information for the game parts. Some or all of this information is obtained from the server device 11 by, for example, the terminal control unit 21 during execution of the game.

The display unit 19 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and is capable of displaying a variety of screens.

The input unit 20 is an input interface that includes, for example, a touch panel that is integral with the display unit 19, and is capable of accepting user input to the terminal device 12.

The terminal control unit 21 is a processor that realizes a specific function, for example by loading a specific program, and controls the operation of the entire terminal device 12. For example, the terminal control unit 21 transmits and receives information via the terminal communication unit 17. The terminal control unit 21 also executes (launches) a game application in response to a user's operation. When the terminal control unit 21 receives a screen display instruction from the server device 11 via the device communication unit 17, it causes the display unit 19 to display a screen or update the screen based on the instruction. The terminal control unit 21 also transmits information based on a user input received via the input unit 20 to the server device 11 via the device communication unit 17.

The terminal control unit 21 also performs various processes related to the game parts.

For example, the terminal control unit 21 cooperates with the server device 11 as described above to perform processing to execute the game part, which is the second state.

Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 transmits to the server device 11 a display request for the above-mentioned first specific screen on which one or more game parts, which are the second state, are displayed in a selectable manner. Then, when the terminal control unit 21 acquires an instruction to display the first specific screen from the server device 11, it causes the display unit 19 to display the first specific screen. Then, in response to a user operation on the first specific screen, the terminal control unit 21 acquires an execution request for the game part of the selected second state. Then, the terminal control unit 21 transmits the execution request for the game part to the server device 11. Then, when the terminal control unit 21 acquires an execution instruction for the game part from the server device 11, it executes the game part based on the setting information included in the execution instruction. In other words, the terminal control unit 21 executes the game part to cause the user to play the game part.

In addition to the above-mentioned processing, details of the processing related to the game parts executed by the terminal control unit 21 will be described later.

Next, with reference to Figures 5 to 9, we will explain the various screens displayed on the terminal device 12 and the operation of the server device 11 and the terminal device 12.

First, the operation of the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 for displaying various screens will be described. In this embodiment, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 transmits a display request for a desired screen to the server device 11. Next, the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 transmits a display instruction for the screen to the terminal device 12 in response to obtaining the display request. Then, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display the screen in response to obtaining the display instruction. Here, the display instruction for the screen may include information necessary for displaying the screen.

(First screen)
Next, the first screen will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The first screen is a screen on which one or more specific game contents are displayed in a selectable manner. In this embodiment, one or more selection buttons 22 are displayed in a selectable manner on the first screen.

The selection button 22 is provided in correspondence with a specific game medium, and functions as an interface that accepts a user operation to select the specific game medium. One selection button 22 may be provided in correspondence with multiple specific game media.

In this embodiment, when the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 accepts a user operation on the selection button 22, it selects (identifies) the specific game medium corresponding to the selection button 22. The terminal control unit 21 then transmits a display request for a second screen corresponding to the selected specific game medium to the server device 11. The second screen will be described later.

In addition, information about the corresponding specific game medium is displayed on the selection button 22. Alternatively, the information about the specific game medium may be displayed in correspondence with the selection button 22 at any position on the first screen, rather than on the selection button 22. In this embodiment, the selection button 22 may display, as information about the specific game medium, an icon 23, the ID or name of the specific game medium, the ID or name of the corresponding game part, the number owned (i.e., the quantity of specific game medium associated with the user), resources required to acquire the specific game medium (i.e., game medium or virtual currency, etc. consumed to acquire the specific game medium), and the time remaining until it can be reacquired.

The appearance of the icon 23 differs depending on whether the corresponding specific game medium is a first specific game medium or a second specific game medium. Specifically, the icon 23 corresponding to the first specific game medium includes a first image (e.g., a heart-shaped image), and the icon 23 corresponding to the second specific game medium includes a second image (e.g., an image of a clock) different from the first image. With this configuration, a user who sees the icon 23 can tell at a glance whether the specific game medium corresponding to each selection button 22 displayed on the first screen is the first specific game medium or the second specific game medium.

Preferably, the icon 23 corresponding to the first specific game medium includes a first image and information indicating the number of times limit set for the corresponding first specific game medium (see FIG. 3). Also preferably, the icon 23 corresponding to the second specific game medium includes a second image and information indicating the time limit set for the corresponding second specific game medium (see FIG. 3). With this configuration, the user can grasp at a glance the number of times limit or time limit set for the specific game medium corresponding to each selection button 22 displayed on the first screen.

The remaining time until reacquisition is possible is the time required from when a specific game medium is associated with a user in response to a user operation on the second screen described below until operation on the selection button 22 can be accepted again. That is, in this embodiment, acceptance of operation on the selection button 22 is prohibited until the remaining time until reacquisition becomes zero. Details of the process for determining the remaining time until reacquisition is possible will be described later. Preferably, the selection button 22 is displayed in a different display mode from normal, for example, grayed out, until the remaining time until reacquisition has elapsed. Alternatively, the selection button 22 may be hidden until the remaining time until reacquisition has elapsed.

For example, in FIG. 5, three selection buttons 22 (22a, 22b, 22c) are displayed on the first screen.

The selection button 22a corresponds to the ticket A1, which is the first specific game medium. The icon 23a corresponding to the selection button 22a includes a first image and information indicating the limited number of times (2 times). In addition, the selection button 22a displays, as information about the specific game medium, the game part "GP001" corresponding to the ticket A1, the number of tickets in possession "0", and the resource "50 virtual currency".

The selection button 22b corresponds to the ticket B1, which is the second specific game medium. The icon 23b corresponding to the selection button 22b includes a second image and information indicating the time limit (30 minutes). Furthermore, the selection button 22b displays, as information relating to the specific game medium, the game part "GP001" corresponding to the ticket B1, the number of tickets owned "1", and the time remaining until reacquisition is possible "57 minutes". Furthermore, the selection button 22b is displayed grayed out, and no operation can be accepted until the remaining time until reacquisition has elapsed.

The selection button 22c corresponds to the ticket A2, which is the first specific game medium. The icon 23c corresponding to the selection button 22c includes a first image and information indicating the limited number of times (1 time). In addition, the selection button 22c displays, as information about the specific game medium, the four game parts "GP001-GP004" corresponding to the ticket A2, the number of tickets in possession "0", and the resource "100 virtual currency".

(Second screen)
Next, the second screen will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The second screen is displayed in response to an operation on the selection button 22 displayed on the first screen as described above. The second screen is a screen for transmitting a request to acquire a specific game medium selected via the selection button 22 on the first screen, i.e., a request to associate the specific game medium with a user, from the terminal device 12 to the server device 11. In this embodiment, an information display area 24, a back button 25, and an acquisition button 26 are displayed on the second screen.

The information display area 24 is an area where information about a specific game medium is displayed. In the information display area 24, for example, an icon 23, an ID or name of the specific game medium, a restriction setting, resources required to acquire the specific game medium, and an ID or name of a game part corresponding to the specific game medium are displayed. The information displayed in the information display area 24 and the information displayed in the selection button 22 on the first screen described above may be different or the same. Preferably, an explanation about the specific game medium is displayed in the information display area 24. The explanation about the specific game medium includes, for example, an explanation that suggests to the user which game parts corresponding to the specific game medium do not satisfy the play conditions.

Preferably, when the game part displayed in the information display area 24 is in the fourth state, i.e., the play conditions have not been met, information indicating that the game part is in the fourth state is further displayed in the information display area 24. This configuration prevents the occurrence of situations that may be detrimental to the user, such as the user acquiring a specific game medium without realizing that the play conditions for the game part have not been met.

The back button 25 functions as an interface that accepts user operations requesting the display of the first screen.

In this embodiment, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 acquires a display request for the first screen in response to a user operation on the back button 25. The terminal control unit 21 then transmits the display request for the first screen to the server device 11.

The acquisition button 26 functions as an interface that accepts user operations requesting the acquisition of a specific game medium.

In this embodiment, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 acquires a request to acquire a specific game medium in response to a user operation on the acquisition button 26. The terminal control unit 21 then transmits the request to acquire the specific game medium to the server device 11. Next, upon acquiring the request to acquire the specific game medium, the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 disassociates the resource (e.g., game medium or virtual currency) corresponding to the specific game medium from the user, and associates the specific game medium with the user. The server control unit 15 then starts measuring the remaining time until the specific game medium can be reacquired. The initial value of the remaining time is, for example, 24 hours, but may be set arbitrarily by the game operator for each specific game medium.

For example, FIG. 6 shows an example of the second screen corresponding to ticket A2, which is the first specific game medium. In FIG. 6, the information display area 24 displays an icon 23c, the name of the specific game medium "Ticket A2", a limit setting of "1 time", a resource of "100 virtual currency", and game parts "GP001-GP004". The information display area 24 also displays information indicating that the game part "GP004" is in the fourth state, "Play conditions not met".

As described above, specific game media is granted to the user through processing related to the first screen and second screen executed by the server device 11 and the terminal device 12.

(Third screen)
Next, the third screen will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The third screen is a screen on which tickets owned by the user, i.e., specific game media associated with the user, and game parts in the third state are selectively displayed. In this embodiment, a game part execution request button 27 and a specific game media selection button 28 may be displayed on the third screen.

The execution request button 27 is provided in correspondence with the game part, which is the third state, and functions as an interface that accepts user operations to execute that game part.

In this embodiment, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 acquires a request to execute the game part of the third state in response to a user operation on the execution request button 27. The terminal control unit 21 then transmits the request to execute the game part of the third state to the server device 11. Next, when the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 acquires the request to execute the game part of the third state, it subtracts the cost of the game part from the user's stamina, for example. The server control unit 15 also loads setting information corresponding to the third state of the game part. The server control unit 15 then transmits an instruction to execute the game part, including the loaded setting information, to the terminal device 12.

Here, for example, if a limit on the number of times a game part is allowed to be played is set, the server control unit 15 increments the number of times the game part is played and stores the number of times the game part is played in the server storage unit 14. Then, if the number of times the game part is played and the limit on the number of times the game part is played are equal, the server control unit 15 cancels the third state of the game part.

Next, when the terminal control unit 21 acquires an instruction to execute a game part, it executes the game part based on the setting information included in the execution instruction. Next, when the game part ends, for example, by clearing the game part or by game over, the terminal control unit 21 transmits information indicating the execution result of the game part to the server device 11. The information indicating the execution result of the game part may include any information obtained by executing the game part, such as, for example, whether or not the game task was accomplished, the score, the play time, the number of continues, and the parameters of the game medium used to execute the game part. The server control unit 15 then acquires the information indicating the execution result of the game part.

Here, when the limit on the number of times a game part is permitted to be cleared is set for example to the game part, and the acquired information indicating the execution result of the game part indicates that the game part has been cleared, the server control unit 15 increments the number of times it has been cleared and stores it in the server storage unit 14. Furthermore, when the number of times it has been cleared is equal to the limit on the number of times it has been cleared, the server control unit 15 cancels the third state of the game part.

In addition, information about the game part is displayed on the execution request button 27. Alternatively, the information about the game part may be displayed in correspondence with the execution request button 27 at any position on the third screen, rather than on the execution request button 27. In this embodiment, the execution request button 27 may display, as information about the game part, the icon 23, the ID or name of the specific game medium used to bring the game part into the third state, the ID or name of the game part, the number of the specific game medium owned, and information about the limit setting.

Information relating to the limit setting includes, for example, information indicating the time remaining until the time limit elapses if a time limit is set for the game part. Information relating to the limit setting also includes, for example, information indicating the number of times remaining until the limit elapses if a limit is set for the number of times for the game part.

The selection button 28 is provided corresponding to a ticket owned by the user, i.e., a specific game medium associated with the user, and functions as an interface that accepts a user operation to select the specific game medium.

In this embodiment, when the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 accepts a user operation on the selection button 28, it selects (identifies) the specific game medium that corresponds to the selection button 28. The terminal control unit 21 then transmits a display request for a fourth screen that corresponds to the selected specific game medium to the server device 11. The fourth screen will be described later.

In addition, information about the corresponding specific game medium is displayed on the selection button 28. Alternatively, the information about the specific game medium may be displayed in correspondence with the selection button 22 at any position on the first screen, rather than on the selection button 22. In this embodiment, the selection button 28 displays, as information about the specific game medium, an icon 23, the ID or name of the specific game medium, the ID or name of the corresponding game part, and the number of possessions (i.e., the quantity of the specific game medium associated with the user).

For example, in FIG. 7, one execution request button 27 and one selection button 28 are displayed.

The execution request button 27 shown in Figure 7 displays the icon 23b, the specific game medium "Ticket B1" used to set the game part to the third state, the game part "GP003", the number of possessions "1", and information regarding the limit setting "Time remaining: 28 minutes".

The selection button 28 shown in FIG. 7 displays the icon 23c, the specific game medium "Ticket A2", the game parts "GP001-GP004", and the number of pieces in possession "1".

(4th screen)
Next, the fourth screen will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The fourth screen is displayed in response to an operation on the selection button 28 displayed on the third screen as described above. The fourth screen is a screen for transmitting a request to hold a predetermined number of game parts among one or more game parts associated with a specific game medium selected via the selection button 28 on the third screen, that is, a request to set the state of the predetermined number of game parts to the third state, from the terminal device 12 to the server device 11. The predetermined number is, for example, 1, but may be any number equal to or greater than 2. In this embodiment, one or more hold buttons 29 are displayed selectably on the fourth screen.

The hold button 29 is provided for each of one or more game parts associated with a specific game medium, and functions as an interface that accepts user operations that request the holding of a game part.

In this embodiment, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 acquires a request to hold a game part in response to a user operation on the hold button 29. Here, the hold request includes information indicating a specific game medium selected via the selection button 28 on the third screen, and information indicating a predetermined number of game parts selected based on a user operation on the hold button 29 on the fourth screen from among one or more game parts associated with the specific game medium. Next, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a request to hold a game part to the server device 11. Next, when the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 acquires a request to hold a game part, it cancels the association between the user and the specific game medium and sets the state of the game part to the third state. Here, when the server control unit 15 sets the game part to a time limit during which play is permitted, for example, it starts measuring the elapsed time since the game part became the third state. Then, when the elapsed time is equal to the time limit, the server control unit 15 cancels the third state of the game part.

In addition, the hold button 29 displays information related to the corresponding game part. Alternatively, the information related to the game part may be displayed in correspondence with the hold button 29 at any position on the fourth screen, rather than on the hold button 29. In this embodiment, the hold button 29 may display information related to the game part, such as the ID or name of the game part, and information related to the status of the game part.

The information regarding the state of the game part includes different information depending on the state of the game part. In this embodiment, when the game part is in the first state (i.e., when it is outside the holding period), the information regarding the state of the game part may include information encouraging the holding of the game part, such as a message saying "hold a game part."

In addition, when the game part is in the second state (i.e., when the event period is in progress and the play conditions are satisfied), the information regarding the state of the game part may include, for example, information indicating that the game part is in the second state and information indicating the time remaining until the end of the event period.

In addition, when the game part is in the third state (i.e., when the game part is in a state in which play is permitted by using a specific game medium), the information regarding the state of the game part may include, for example, information indicating that the game part is in the third state, and information regarding the limit setting. The information regarding the limit setting is, for example, information indicating the number of times remaining until the limit is reached or the time remaining until the time limit has elapsed.

In addition, the information regarding the state of the game part may include, for example, information indicating that the game part is in the fourth state (i.e., when the play conditions are not satisfied).

Preferably, the hold button 29 corresponding to a game part that is in the third or fourth state is displayed in a different display mode from the normal state, for example, grayed out, and operation on the hold button 29 is prohibited. Alternatively, the selection button 22 may hide the hold button 29 corresponding to a game part that is in the fourth state. With this configuration, the occurrence of situations that may be detrimental to the user is suppressed, such as, for example, a specific game medium being used to put a game part into the third state even though the game part is already in the third state, or a specific game medium being used to put a game part whose play conditions are not satisfied, for example, a game part that is too difficult for the user's level, into the third state.

For example, FIG. 8 shows an example of the fourth screen corresponding to ticket A2, which is the first specific game medium. In FIG. 8, four event buttons 29 (29a, 29b, 29c, 29d) corresponding to the four game parts "GP001-GP004" corresponding to ticket A2 are displayed.

The game part "GP001" corresponding to the hold button 29a is in the first state (see Figure 2). Therefore, the hold button 29a displays the message "Hold GP001."

The game part "GP002" corresponding to the hold button 29b is in the second state (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the hold button 29b displays the message "Now Open" and the remaining time until the end of the event period, "48 hours."

The game part "GP003" corresponding to the hold button 29c is in the third state (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the hold button 29c displays the message "Now Opening" and the remaining time until the time limit expires, "28 minutes."

The game part "GP004" corresponding to the hold button 29d is in state 4 (see Figure 2). For this reason, the hold button 29d displays the message "Play conditions not met." The hold button 29d is also grayed out, as it is prohibited to accept any operations on the hold button 29d.

Next, referring to the flowchart in FIG. 9, we will specifically explain the processing related to the first and second screens described above, which is executed by the server device 11 and the terminal device 12.

Step S100: First, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 sends a display request for the first screen to the server device 11.

Step S101: Next, when the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 acquires a display request for the first screen from the terminal device 12, it causes the terminal device 12 to display one or more specific game media in a selectable manner. Specifically, the server control unit 15 transmits an instruction to display the first screen to the terminal device 12.

Step S102: Next, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display the one or more specific game media in a selectable manner based on the display instruction acquired from the server device 11. Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display a first screen.

Step S103: Next, the terminal control unit 21 sends a display request to the server device 11 for the second screen corresponding to the specific game medium selected on the first screen.

Step S104: Next, when the server control unit 15 acquires a display request for the second screen from the terminal device 12, it causes the terminal device 12 to display the second screen corresponding to the specific game medium. Specifically, the server control unit 15 transmits a display instruction for the second screen corresponding to the specific game medium to the terminal device 12.

Step S105: Next, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display a second screen corresponding to the specific game medium based on the display instruction obtained from the server device 11.

Step S106: Next, the terminal control unit 21 transmits to the server device 11 a request to acquire the specific game medium acquired in response to the operation on the second screen.

Step S107: Next, when the server control unit 15 acquires the request to acquire the specific game medium, it disassociates the resource (e.g., game medium or virtual currency) corresponding to the specific game medium from the user. In this way, the user's resource is used (consumed).

Step S108: Next, the server control unit 15 associates the specific game medium with the user. In this way, the specific game medium is granted to the user.

Step S109: The server control unit 15 then starts measuring the remaining time until the specific game media can be reacquired.

Next, the process related to the third and fourth screens described above, which is executed by the server device 11 and the terminal device 12, will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 10. Here, the process for changing the state of the game part among the processes related to the third and fourth screens will be described later, and will not be described here.

Step S200: First, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 sends a display request for the third screen to the server device 11.

Step S201: Next, the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 identifies the specific game medium associated with the user and the game part that is the third state, based on the information about the game part (see FIG. 2) and the information about the specific game medium (see FIG. 3).

Step S202: Next, the server control unit 15 causes the terminal device 12 to display the specific game media and game parts identified in step S201 in a selectable manner. Specifically, the server control unit 15 transmits an instruction to display the third screen to the terminal device 12.

Step S203: Next, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to selectably display the specific game medium and game part identified in step S201 based on the display instruction acquired from the server device 11. Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display a third screen.

Step S204: Next, the terminal control unit 21 transmits to the server device 11 a request to open the game part selected on the third screen, or a request to display the fourth screen corresponding to the specific game medium selected on the third screen. Here, it is assumed that a request to display the fourth screen is transmitted.

Step S205: Next, when the server control unit 15 acquires a display request for the fourth screen from the terminal device 12, it causes the terminal device 12 to selectably display the game part corresponding to the specific game medium selected in step S204. Specifically, the server control unit 15 transmits an instruction to display the fourth screen to the terminal device 12.

Step S206: Next, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to selectably display the game part corresponding to the specific game medium selected in step S204 based on the display instruction acquired from the server device 11. Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display the fourth screen.

Step S207: Next, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a request to hold the game part acquired in response to the operation on the fourth screen to the server device 11.

Step S208: When the server control unit 15 receives a request to hold a game part from the terminal device 12, it disassociates the specific game medium corresponding to the fourth screen from the user.

Next, the operation of the server device 11 that determines (changes) the state of the game part will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 11. This operation is performed for each user and for each game part.

Step S300: First, the server control unit 15 determines whether or not the play conditions of the game part (see FIG. 2) are satisfied. If it is determined that the play conditions are not satisfied (step S300-No), the process proceeds to step S301. On the other hand, if it is determined that the play conditions are satisfied (step S300-Yes), the process proceeds to step S302.

Step S301: If it is determined in step S300 that the play conditions are not met (step S300-No), the server control unit 15 determines the state of the game part to be the fourth state. Then, the process returns to step S300.

Step S302: If it is determined in step S300 that the play conditions are met (step S300-Yes), the server control unit 15 determines whether the current time is within the event period (see FIG. 2). If it is determined that the current time is within the event period (step S302-Yes), the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current time is outside the event period (step S302-No), the process proceeds to step S304.

Step S303: If it is determined in step S302 that the event is still in progress (step S302-Yes), the server control unit 15 determines the state of the game part to be the first state. Then, the process proceeds to step S305.

Step S304: If it is determined in step S302 that the event period is not in progress (step S302-No), the server control unit 15 determines the state of the game part to be the second state. Then, the process proceeds to step S305.

Step S305: After step S303 or step S304, the server control unit 15 determines whether or not a request to hold a game part has been acquired from the terminal device 12. If it is determined that a request to hold a game part has been acquired (step S305-Yes), the process proceeds to step S306. On the other hand, if it is determined that a request to hold a game part has not been acquired (step S305-No), the process returns to step S300.

Step S306: If it is determined in step S305 that a request to hold an event has been acquired (step S305-Yes), the server control unit 15 determines the state of the game part to be the third state. Here, the server control unit 15 sets the limit setting included in the information about the specific game medium (see FIG. 3) for the game part. Specifically, the server control unit 15 sets a limit on the number of times or a time limit for the game part.

Step S307: The server control unit 15 then determines whether or not to resolve the third state of the game part. For example, if the number of plays or the number of clears becomes equal to the limit number set in step S306, or if the time limit set in step S306 has elapsed, the server control unit 15 determines that the third state is to be resolved. If it is determined that the third state is to be resolved (step S307-Yes), the server control unit 15 resolves the third state. Then, the process returns to step S300. On the other hand, if it is determined that the third state is not to be resolved (step S307-No), step S307 is repeated.

Next, referring to the flowchart in FIG. 12, we will specifically explain the operation of the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 that allow the user to play the game part.

Step S400: First, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 transmits a request to execute a game part that is the second state or the third state to the server device 11. Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a request to execute a game part of the second state selected in response to a user operation on the above-mentioned first specific screen. Alternatively, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a request to execute a game part of the third state selected in response to a user operation on the above-mentioned third screen.

Step S401: Next, when the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 acquires an execution request from the terminal device 12, it determines whether the state of the game part related to the execution request is the second state or the third state. If it is determined that the state of the game part is the second state (step S401-Yes), it proceeds to step S402. On the other hand, if it is determined that the state of the game part is the third state (step S401-No), it proceeds to step S403.

Step S402: If it is determined in step S401 that the state of the game part is the second state (step S401-Yes), the server control unit 15 reads the setting information (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the second state of the game part. Then, the process proceeds to step S404.

Step S403: If it is determined in step S401 that the state of the game part is the third state (step S401-No), the server control unit 15 reads the setting information (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the third state of the game part.

Step S404: After step S402 or step S403, the server control unit 15 transmits an instruction to execute the game part, including the setting information read in step S402 or step S403, to the terminal device 12.

Step S405: When the terminal control unit 21 acquires the execution instruction of step S404, it executes the game part based on the setting information included in the execution instruction.

In this embodiment, the terminal device 12 may be configured to execute some or all of the operations and processes executed by the server device 11. Similarly, the server device 11 may be configured to execute some of the operations executed by the terminal device 12.

As described above, when the server device 11 (or the terminal device 12) according to this embodiment acquires a request to hold a game part associated with a specific game medium, it sets the state of the game part to the third state in which the user is permitted to play. With this configuration, the user can force the game part to be held at a desired timing, improving the convenience of the game. Furthermore, the server device 11 (or the terminal device 12) allows the user to play the game part based on different setting information depending on whether the state of the game part is the second state or the third state. With this configuration, when playing a game part, the user can play the game part based on the desired setting information out of two different setting information. Therefore, the convenience of the game is further improved, for example, compared to a configuration in which the user cannot freely switch between setting information.

In addition, multiple game parts may be associated with one specific game medium, and the server device 11 (or terminal device 12) may set a predetermined number of the multiple game parts to the third state. With this configuration, a user can select a game part to be forcibly held from among the multiple game parts by using one specific game medium. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which, for example, one game part is associated with one specific game medium, the user has a wider range of choices, further improving the convenience of the game.

In addition, play conditions for permitting the play of each of the multiple game parts may be set. This configuration prevents the occurrence of situations that may be detrimental to the user, such as forcing the user to play a game part that is too difficult for the user's level, resulting in the effective waste of specific game media.

In addition, when a first specific game medium is used, a limit on the number of times a game part is permitted to be played or cleared may be set, and when a second specific game medium is used, a time limit on the time a game part is permitted to be played may be set. With this configuration, the user can vary the limit settings set for the game part depending on the type of specific game medium used, further improving the convenience of the game.

Although the present invention has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that a person skilled in the art would be able to easily make various modifications and corrections based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and corrections are included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the functions included in each means, step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to cause logical inconsistencies, and multiple means, steps, etc. can be combined into one or divided.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, two types of methods for acquiring specific game media have been described. Specifically, in the above-described embodiment, the first specific game media or the second specific game media is granted to the user in response to a request for acquisition of the specific game media and in response to the achievement of a game task in a game part. However, the type of specific game media granted to the user may be different depending on the method for acquiring the specific game media.

For example, when the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 receives a request to acquire a specific game medium from the terminal device 12, it associates the first specific game medium (or the second specific game medium) with the user. On the other hand, when the server control unit 15 successfully completes a game task, it associates the second specific game medium (or the first specific game medium) with the user (without receiving a request to acquire a game medium). Here, the game task may include a task that can be completed while playing the game part, as well as a task such as logging in to the game system 10. With this configuration, the user can acquire the desired type of specific game medium depending on the method of acquiring the specific game medium, further improving the convenience of the game.

In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which one or more specific game media are selectably displayed on the first screen, but one or more specific game media that satisfy a predetermined condition may be preferentially or selectively displayed on the first screen. This is explained in detail below.

First, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 acquires a search request in response to a user operation. Here, the search request may include any information related to the game medium, such as information indicating the game medium, or information indicating the name, type, or attributes of the game medium. Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 acquires information related to the game medium directly input by a user operation as a search request. Alternatively, in a configuration in which a correspondence between one game medium (e.g., a character) and one or more other game media (e.g., items required to strengthen or evolve the character) is stored in the terminal storage unit 18, the terminal control unit 21 may acquire information indicating one or more other game media associated with the game medium selected in response to a user operation as a search request. Next, the terminal control unit 21 transmits the search request to the server device 11.

Next, when the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 acquires a search request from the terminal device 12, it identifies, from among the multiple game parts, a game part to which a game medium matching the search request is associated. Here, the game medium matching the search request may be, for example, a game medium indicated by the search request, or may be a game medium including a name, type, or attribute indicated by the search request. Specifically, the server control unit 15 identifies, from among the multiple game parts, one or more game parts for which the game medium matching the search request is set as a reward in the setting information corresponding to the third state of each of the multiple game parts. For example, if the search request indicates the game medium "Item A", one or more game parts for which "Item A" is set as a reward in the setting information corresponding to the third state are identified.

The server control unit 15 then identifies, from among the multiple specific game media, one or more specific game media to which at least one game part identified as described above is associated. The server control unit 15 then transmits, to the terminal device 12, a display instruction for a first screen on which the identified one or more specific game media are preferentially or selectively displayed. The terminal control unit 21 then causes the display unit 19 to preferentially or selectively display the one or more specific game media based on the display instruction acquired from the server device 11. Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display a first screen on which the identified one or more specific game media are preferentially or selectively displayed.

In this way, by preferentially or selectively displaying one or more specific game media that satisfy a predetermined condition on the first screen, the user can easily find on the first screen a specific game media that will forcibly hold a game part in which the user can obtain a desired game media (e.g., item A) as a reward. This further improves the convenience of the game.

Preferably, the server control unit 15 sets a priority for each of one or more game parts identified in response to acquisition of a search request. For example, the higher the quantity, probability, or expected value of the quantity (i.e., the product of the quantity and the probability) of game media matching the search request being given to the user as a reward, the higher the priority that can be set. Next, the server control unit 15 transmits to the terminal device 12 a display instruction for a first screen in which a specific game medium associated with a game part having a high priority is preferentially displayed among the one or more identified specific game media. With this configuration, the user can easily find a specific game medium on the first screen that forcibly holds a game part with a high quantity, probability, or expected value of obtaining a game medium matching the search request as a reward. This further improves the convenience of the game.

The terminal control unit 21 may also acquire a search request that is automatically determined based on information about the user. For example, the terminal control unit 21 identifies game media that the user does not own based on information about the user, and automatically determines a search request that indicates the identified game media. Alternatively, the terminal control unit 21 identifies game media that the user owns that satisfy a predetermined condition (for example, a condition that the level, skill level, number of times combined, number of games owned, or total number of times acquired is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold) based on information about the user. Then, the terminal control unit 21 automatically determines a search request that indicates game media other than the identified game media. With this configuration, the user can easily find, for example, a specific game medium on the first screen that forcibly holds a game part that allows the user to obtain a game medium that the user does not own or a game medium that has a small total number of times acquired, as a reward. This further improves the convenience of the game.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, for example, when both a first specific game medium and a second game medium associated with the same game part are used, both a number limit and a time limit may be set for the game part set in the third state. Here, when the server control unit 15 acquires a request to hold the game part from the terminal device 12, it may stop incrementing the number of times the game part has been played or cleared while the time limit has not elapsed. This configuration prevents the occurrence of situations that may be detrimental to the user, such as the number of times that can be played decreasing compared to the number of times that the time limit has not elapsed.

In the above embodiment, the configuration was described in which the hold button 29 corresponding to the game part in the third or fourth state displayed on the fourth screen is displayed in a display mode different from the normal mode, and the acceptance of operations on the hold button 29 is prohibited. Here, the hold button 29 corresponding to the game part in the second state, i.e., the game part in the holding period and in which the play conditions are met, may also be displayed in a display mode different from the normal mode, and the acceptance of operations on the hold button 29 may be prohibited. Alternatively, the hold button 29 corresponding to the game part in the second state may be hidden. With this configuration, the occurrence of a situation that may be disadvantageous to the user is suppressed, for example, when a user mistakenly believes that a desired game part is outside the holding period, even though the game part is being held, and uses a specific game part with the aim of holding the game part.

Here, for example, after the state of a desired game part has been determined to be the third state from the first state, i.e., after a specific game medium is used outside the period during which a game part is being held and the game part is forcibly held, if the current time becomes within the holding period as a result of the passage of time, the state of the game part may be set to the second state in preference to the third state.

Specifically, when the server control unit 15 receives an event request from the terminal device 12 including information indicating a game part that is in the first state, the server control unit 15 changes the state of the game part from the first state to the third state. Next, when the current time is within the event period of the game part, the server control unit 15 temporarily changes the state of the game part from the third state to the second state until the event period ends. Then, when the event period ends, the server control unit 15 changes the state of the game part from the second state to the third state.

Preferably, when the server control unit 15 temporarily changes the state of the game part from the third state to the second state, it stores in the server storage unit 14 the number of plays or the number of clears in the third state, or the elapsed time since the game part was set to the third state. The server control unit 15 also stops incrementing the number of plays or the number of clears while the state of the game part is temporarily set to the second state, or stops measuring the elapsed time since the game part was set to the third state. Then, when the server control unit 15 determines the state of the game part to the third state in response to the end of the event period, it cancels the stop of incrementing the number of plays or the number of clears, or cancels the stop of measuring the elapsed time since the game part was set to the third state. Alternatively, if a time limit is set for the game part in the third state, instead of stopping the measurement of the elapsed time, the time limit may be extended by the duration of the event.

This configuration prevents situations that could be detrimental to the user, such as incrementing the number of times a game part has been played or cleared, or measuring the time that has elapsed since the third state was set, even during a period in which the game would normally be playable without using a specific game medium.

In the above embodiment, the terminal control unit 21 selects a specific game medium in response to a user operation on the third screen, and transmits a request to hold the game part selected in response to a user operation on the fourth screen to the server device 11. However, the configuration for transmitting the request to hold the game part is not limited to this. For example, the configuration may be such that the user selects a desired game part, further selects a specific game medium associated with the selected game part, and uses the selected specific game medium.

Specifically, the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 transmits to the terminal device 12 a display instruction for a screen (fifth screen) that displays one or more game parts, preferably one or more game parts associated with one or more specific game media associated with the user, in a selectable manner.

Next, the terminal control unit 21 identifies one or more specific game media that are associated with the game part selected in response to a user operation on the fifth screen displayed on the display unit 19 and that are associated with the user. The terminal control unit 21 then transmits to the server device 11 a display request for a screen (sixth screen) that selectively displays the identified one or more specific game media.

Next, the server control unit 15 transmits an instruction to display the sixth screen to the terminal device 12 based on the display request obtained from the terminal device 12.

Next, the terminal control unit 21 acquires a request to hold a game part in response to a user operation on the sixth screen displayed on the display unit 19. Here, the request to hold includes information indicating one or more specific game media selected in response to a user operation on the sixth screen, and information indicating the game part selected in response to a user operation on the fifth screen as described above. The terminal control unit 21 then transmits the request to hold a game part to the server device 11.

With this configuration, the user can first select the desired game part on the fifth screen, and then use the specific game media selected on the sixth screen. In this way, the user can select the desired game part first, so that, for example, a user who owns multiple specific game media does not need to search for the specific game media that corresponds to the desired game part, further improving the convenience of the game.

Preferably, each game part displayed on the fifth screen is provided with an upper limit of the number of times it can be selected on the fifth screen. With this configuration, the upper limit of the number of times a user can be forced to hold a game part by using a specific game medium can be set for each game part, making it easier to adjust the game balance. Here, the server control unit 15 may reduce or set to zero the number of times a user can select a game part over time. With this configuration, the user can hold a game part that has been held up to the upper limit of the number of times again over time, further improving the convenience of the game.

In the above-described embodiment, a specific game medium that allows a desired game part to be held from one or more game parts has been described, but there may be a specific game medium that allows a desired game part to be held from all game parts that are held for a limited time. Specifically, there may be a specific game medium that is associated with all game parts. By using such a specific game medium, the user can hold a desired game part from all game parts, further improving the convenience of the game. Alternatively, there may be a specific game medium that is not associated with any game part. A specific game medium that is not associated with any game part functions in the same way as the specific game medium that is associated with all of the game parts described above.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration was described in which one specific game medium is required to set a game part to the third state, but multiple specific game media may be required. Also, the number of specific game media required to set the game part to the third state may be set for each game part. With this configuration, it is possible to set the user's resources required to set each game part to the third state, making it easier to adjust the game balance.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, some of the various game screens may be web displays displayed on the terminal device 12 based on data generated by the server device 11, and some of the game screens (e.g., a header area and a footer area in which menu buttons are arranged) may be native displays displayed by a native application installed on the terminal device 12. In this way, the game according to the above-described embodiment may be a hybrid game in which the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 each handle part of the processing.

Furthermore, an information processing device such as a computer or a mobile phone can be suitably used to function as the server device 11 or the terminal device 12 according to the above-described embodiment. Such an information processing device can be realized by storing a program describing the processing contents for realizing each function of the server device 11 or the terminal device 12 according to the embodiment in a storage unit of the information processing device, and reading and executing the program by a CPU of the information processing device.
[Additional Notes]
The inventions described in the claims of the original application of this application are set forth below.
[1] An information processing device for controlling a game including a game part for a user to play,
storing in a storage unit a state of the game part and an event period indicating a predetermined period in association with the game part;
A step of associating a specific game medium to which the game part is associated with the user;
a first step of setting a state of the game part to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited when the current time is outside the event period;
a second step of setting a state of the game part to a second state in which the user is permitted to play the game part if the current time is within the event period;
a third step of setting the state of the game part to a third state in which the user is permitted to play, when a holding request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is acquired while the state of the game part is a first state or a second state;
a play step of making the user play the game part based on setting information of the game part when the state of the game part is the second state or the third state;
Run the command,
A program, wherein in the play step, setting information used when the state of the game part is a second state is different from setting information used when the state of the game part is a third state.
[2] The program according to claim 1,
A program, wherein the setting information for the game part includes at least one of the following information: information indicating the value of a predetermined parameter used when the game part is executed; information regarding the continuation of play in the game part; information indicating the difficulty level of the game part; and information indicating the type, quantity, or probability that the game medium will be associated with the user by execution of the game part.
[3] The program according to claim 1 or 2,
A plurality of game parts are associated with the specific game medium;
the holding request includes the information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating a predetermined number of game parts that are in a first state or a second state among the plurality of game parts associated with the specific game medium;
In the third step, the program defines the state of the predetermined number of game parts indicated by the acquired holding request as a third state.
[4] The program according to claim 3,
a play condition for permitting play of each of the plurality of game parts associated with the specific game medium is defined;
The event request includes the information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating a predetermined number of game parts among the multiple game parts corresponding to the specific game medium, which are in a first state or a second state and in which the play conditions are satisfied.
[5] The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
a game content that can be associated with the user in response to playing the game part is associated with each of the plurality of game parts;
The information processing device includes:
a first identification step of identifying, when a search request is received, a game part associated with a game content that matches the search request from among the plurality of game parts;
identifying a specific game medium associated with the game part identified in the first identification step, from among a plurality of specific game media;
Further executing the program.
[6] The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The third step is a program in which, when an event request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is obtained when the current time is any time outside the event period and/or within the event period, the program sets the state of the game part to a third state in which the user is permitted to play.
[7] An information processing device for controlling a game including a game part for a user to play,
a storage unit that stores a state of a game part and an event period indicating a predetermined period in association with the game part;
A control unit,
The control unit is
Associating a specific game medium to which the game part is associated with the user;
If the current time is outside the event period, the state of the game part is set to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited;
If the current time is within the event period, the state of the game part is set to a second state in which the user is permitted to play;
when a holding request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is acquired when the state of the game part is a first state or a second state, the state of the game part is set to a third state in which the user is permitted to play;
performing a play process for playing the game part based on setting information of the game part when the state of the game part is the second state or the third state;
An information processing device, wherein in the play process, setting information used when the state of the game part is a second state is different from setting information used when the state of the game part is a third state.
[8] A method for controlling a game including a game part for a user to play, performed using an information processing device, comprising:
A control unit of the information processing device
storing in a storage unit a state of the game part and an event period indicating a predetermined period in association with the game part;
A step of associating a specific game medium to which the game part is associated with the user;
a first step of setting a state of the game part to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited when the current time is outside the event period;
a second step of setting a state of the game part to a second state in which the user is permitted to play the game part if the current time is within the event period;
a third step of setting the state of the game part to a third state in which the user is permitted to play when a holding request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is acquired while the state of the game part is a first state or a second state;
a play step of playing the game part based on setting information of the game part when the state of the game part is the second state or the third state;
Including,
A control method, wherein in the play step, setting information used when the state of the game part is a second state is different from setting information used when the state of the game part is a third state.

10 Game system 11 Server device 12 Terminal device 13 Server communication unit 14 Server storage unit 15 Server control unit 16 Network 17 Terminal communication unit 18 Terminal storage unit 19 Display unit 20 Input unit 21 Terminal control unit 22, 22a, 22b, 22c Selection buttons 23, 23a, 23b, 23c Icon 24 Information display area 25 Back button 26 Acquire button 27 Execution request button 28 Selection buttons 29, 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d Open button

Claims (1)

An information processing device for controlling a game including a game part for a user to play,
A step of associating a specific game medium to which the game part is associated with the user;
a first step of setting a state of the game part to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited when the current time is outside a period during which the game part is being held;
a second step of setting a state of the game part to a second state in which the user is permitted to play the game part if the current time is within a period during which the game part is being held;
a third step of setting a state of the game part to a third state in which the user is permitted to play the game part when a request for holding the game part is received, the third step being a time when the current time is outside the holding period of the game part and when a holding request including information indicating a specific game medium associated with the game part and information indicating the game part is received;
and causing the user to play the game part by changing setting information used when playing the game part depending on whether the game part to be played by the user is a game part defined in the second state or a game part defined in the third state;
The program further includes restriction setting information corresponding to the specific game medium, the restriction setting information indicating the conditions under which the third state of the game part is eliminated, the restriction setting information being for setting a limit on the number of times the game part is permitted to be played or cleared.

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