JP3842589B2 - Character use method, processing device, game machine manufacturing method, game software manufacturing method, game software manufacturing device, and sales promotion method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a character use method, a processing device, a game machine manufacturing method, a game software manufacturing method, a game software manufacturing device, and a sales promotion method for promoting game sales.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, game software is generally manufactured by actually producing game software to be sold, repeating advertisement / promotion activities, and selling them side by side on the sales date. A manufacturer that manufactures game software manufactures game software according to the expected number of sales calculated based on its own experience and experience. If the actual number sold is far below the expected number of sales, the manufacturer will suffer a large loss. In order to prevent such a situation, manufacturers take the method of asking advertising agencies to carry out advertising and advertising activities, but in addition, make sales forecasts based on more detailed calculations. Usually, a great deal of effort is paid.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, as in conventional sales methods, it is very difficult to estimate the number of sales based only on past results and experience in the present age when the variety of game software is diversifying and the trend is changing rapidly. It has become work. Under such circumstances, the current situation is that manufacturers, as a matter of course, entrust their work to a specialist who specializes in market research and pay a great deal of money. This cost is derived from the profit generated from the sales of game software, and in order to secure the cost, it is not possible to devote more budget to developing new game software that is most important for game makers. Is the current situation.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In view of the above problems, the present invention is characterized in that sales of game software is promoted by giving an attachment to a character that will appear in a game in the future.
[0005]
More specifically, the present invention provides the following.
[0006]
(1) By using a character that will appear in a future game as a character with the authority of limited use, it is attached in advance in a form that leaves some trace in the memory of the person who uses the character. The character usage method which aims at sales promotion of the apparatus which uses the said future game, and the said game software.
[0007]
(2) By using a character that will appear in a future game as a character with the authority of limited use, pre-attachment in a form that leaves some trace in the memory of the person who uses the character A processing device for executing a character using method for promoting sales of the game software and the game software, and appearing in the future game in order to promote the sales. A processing device that performs processing for selecting and setting a wax character.
[0008]
According to the invention of (1) or (2) described above, since “a character that will appear in a future game is used as a character with the authority of limited use”, a limited range, for example, The character can be used only during the rental period, and there is a possibility of causing the operator to easily use the character. This increases the possibility of easily spreading the character.
[0009]
(3) A character that will appear in a future game and is used as a character with the authority of limited use, so that it is attached in advance in a form that leaves some trace in the memory of the person who uses the character. A game machine manufacturing method for manufacturing game software in which a held character is incorporated as an appearance character of the game.
[0010]
(4) A character that will appear in a future game and is used as a character with the authority of limited use, so that it is attached in advance in a form that leaves some trace in the memory of the person who uses the character. A game software manufacturing method for manufacturing game software in which a held character is incorporated as an appearance character of the game.
[0011]
(5) A character that will appear in a future game and is used as a character with the authority of limited use, so that it is attached in advance in a form that leaves some trace in the memory of the person who uses the character. A game software manufacturing apparatus including a process of manufacturing game software in which a held character is incorporated as an appearance character of the game.
[0012]
(6) A character that will appear in a future game and is used as a character with the authority of limited use, so that it is attached in advance in a form that leaves some trace in the memory of the person who uses the character. Game software manufactured by incorporating a held character as an appearance character of the game.
[0013]
According to the above-described inventions of (3) to (6), because “a character that is attached in advance in a form that leaves some trace in the memory of the person using the character is incorporated and manufactured as an appearance character of the game” The possibility arises that an almost accurate sales forecast can be made before entering the manufacturing process.
[0014]
(7) A character that will appear in a future game and is used as a character with the authority of limited use, so that it is attached in advance in a form that leaves some trace in the memory of the person who uses the character. A game sales promotion method for promoting sales of devices and game software that use the future game by incorporating and holding the held character as an appearance character of the game.
[0015]
(8) A character that will appear in a future game and is used as a character with the authority of limited use, so that it is attached in advance in a form that leaves some trace in the memory of the person who uses the character. A game software manufacturing apparatus for promoting sales of a game, in which a character to be held is manufactured as an appearance character of the game.
[0016]
According to the invention of (7) or (8) described above, “a character that will appear in a future game and is used as a character that is given the authority of limited use. The character that is attached in advance in the form of leaving some trace in the user's memory is incorporated and manufactured as an appearance character of the game ", so that the character appearing in the manufactured game has sufficient advertising effect before release It is possible that In addition, the sales effect of the game may be promoted due to the advertising effect.
[0017]
[Definition of terms]
“Character” is a concept that generally includes various fantasy characters in addition to imitating moving objects such as people, animals and plants, and robots. However, in view of the essence of the present invention, a “character” specifically intended in the present invention is thought to be something that is noticeable at first glance and attracts people's interest. It is preferable.
[0018]
The “character information” is information including character image information and character personality information, and is a concept indicating information for characterizing the character externally and internally.
[0019]
Furthermore, “limited use” is a concept that allows a character to be used by limiting the character information in terms of time, region, or content. This is a concept that allows a character to be displayed on a display unit of a terminal device only within a predetermined period, and is a concept corresponding to so-called “rental”. Moreover, it is a concept including a regional restriction that is limited to only those who live in a predetermined area, and a content restriction that allows only a predetermined function to be used.
[0020]
The “rental” described above is a concept indicating that a character can be used in a communication terminal device regardless of whether it is paid or free.
[0021]
Furthermore, “authority of limited use” is a concept indicating a qualification that allows limited use of character information. This qualification is given by the server to the communication terminal device or determined by the server. is there.
[0022]
“Will appear” is included in the scope of the present invention when it is used as a possibility of appearing in the future as well as something that will surely appear in the future.
[0023]
“Attachment” is a subjective thing that a user who uses a character is lonely when he returns to the state without that character, and cannot be expressed by something like numbers. In a state where a character with the authority of limited use is used up to the limit of various conditions set in a finite state, or the character responds frequently to calls from the character during use of the character. If there is, it is considered that it is in a state of having “attachment” in the present invention.
[0024]
“Give attachment” is a concept that includes not only the state in which the character actually has attachment but also the process of bringing attachment.
[0025]
The “form that leaves some trace in the memory of the user” is a concept that refers to a form that allows the character to touch the user's eyes casually.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0027]
[System configuration]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a character rental system 1 having a portable communication terminal device 10, a portable game device 60, and a mobile phone 70 (hereinafter referred to as communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70) according to the present invention. is there. In the character rental system 1 shown in FIG. 1, a portable game device 60 is connected to the public telephone line network 2, and the portable game apparatus 60 is connected to the server 4 via the public telephone line network 2. Various information can be received from 4.
[0028]
Further, the portable communication terminal device 10 or the mobile phone 70 can be connected to the mobile phone network 3 through the base station 5 and can access the server 4 through the public phone network 2. Has been made.
[0029]
The server 4 described above is configured to manage the addresses of the communication terminal devices 10, 60, and 70. The server 4 includes various information transmitted from the communication terminal devices 10, 60, or 70, such as passwords. This information can be identified.
[0030]
[Configuration of communication terminal device]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. As shown in FIG.
[0031]
In the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 shown in FIG. 2, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12, ROM 14, RAM 16 and nonvolatile RAM 18 are connected to the bus line 30, and the CPU 12 is ROM 14, RAM 16 or nonvolatile RAM 18. Each part is controlled in accordance with the program stored in.
[0032]
A keyboard 32 and a controller 34 are connected to the bus line 30 via the input interface 22. The bus line 30 is connected to a display interface 24, a sound processing circuit 25, and a communication interface 21 that exchanges information with the public telephone network 2.
[0033]
A display device 41 is connected to the display circuit 24 described above, and a speaker 42 is connected to the sound processing circuit 25. Various information including characters to be described later is displayed on the display device 41 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 12.
[0034]
Further, a timer 20 for measuring a time such as a program execution time is connected to the bus line 30. When a signal for starting the timer is issued from the CPU 12, the timer 20 initializes the timer value and starts counting the timer value. When a signal for stopping the timer is issued from the CPU 12, the timer 20 stops counting the timer value and supplies the timer value at that time to the bus line 30. The date and time are set based on this timer value.
[0035]
[Server configuration]
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the server 4 that controls the system for renting characters via a communication network such as the Internet includes a hard disk drive 88, a CPU 82, a ROM 84, a RAM 86, a communication interface circuit 90, It is composed of The hard disk drive 88 notifies a program for communicating with the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, a program for an unregistered user process, a program for a registered user process, a program for processing interactive information, and a rental deadline. A processing program, a program such as a program for processing rental completion information, and a program for displaying a character image on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 are stored. By doing in this way, the server 4 gives the communication terminal device the authority to use the character information including the character image information, and supplies the character information to the communication terminal device, and the communication terminal device. And a storage medium for storing the program for displaying the character on the display unit.
[0036]
With the configuration as described above, the communication terminal apparatus 10, 60 or 70 and the server 4 are connected via the public telephone line network 2 or the mobile telephone line network 3 and can transmit and receive data. In this state, data can be transmitted / received to / from the communication terminal device while being connected to the communication terminal device via a communication line.
[0037]
In the following, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 and the server 4 are activated in advance, and the variables used in the CPU 12 and CPU 82 described above are initialized to predetermined values, and the communication terminal device 10, 60 is used. Or 70 and the server 4 shall operate | move normally.
[0038]
[Outline of character rental system]
FIG. 4 shows an outline of a system for renting a character. In the present specification, the term “rental” indicates that a character can be used in the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 regardless of whether it is paid or free.
[0039]
The operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 designates and accesses the server 4 that rents the character. Thereby, the guidance information about character rental is displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, and the appearance and character of the character are introduced. A plurality of types of characters are prepared, and the operator can select a character that seems to be compatible with him or a character of interest.
[0040]
The operator who has selected the character performs a predetermined procedure to apply for rental of the character. As a result, user registration is performed, and character rental such as character image data and personality information is received from the server.
[0041]
The trial period will be calculated simultaneously with the start of character rental. In this trial period, the character can be used free of charge in the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. For example, when a mail or phone call is received at the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, a character tells that the incoming call is received, a character asks a question about the content of the mail, or a character is displayed. Is displayed to invite the game to the operator.
[0042]
During the trial period, restrictions may be placed on the function of character use. For example, it is possible to provide a function that cannot be used, such as telling about incoming calls but not telling about incoming mails.
[0043]
As described above, in the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, it is possible to know more about the character of the character by interacting with the rented character or playing a game. After using the character for a while, if the operator determines that the character is not compatible with the character or gets bored with the character, the character can be exchanged.
[0044]
When the predetermined trial period has elapsed, the server notifies the server whether or not to extend the rental period. When the operator wants to extend the rental period, the rental period can be extended by paying a predetermined number of chips to the server.
[0045]
This chip increases by interacting with the character or playing a game, and indicates the degree of exchange with the character. As will be described later, the number of chips varies depending on the number of times and time of dialogue with the character and the result of the game against the character. Further, chips may be purchased in exchange for a predetermined amount. In this way, even if the operator likes characters, it is difficult to provide time for interaction with the characters, or even operators who are not good at games, the number of chips can be increased. A character can be rented.
[0046]
Furthermore, when the extended period has elapsed or when the operator desires to purchase a character, the operator can purchase the character by paying more chips. By purchasing the character, the operator can use the character permanently in the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70.
[0047]
If the operator desires, the character may be purchased even during the trial period. In this case, a large number of chips to be paid may be set.
[0048]
[Description of server operation]
(Registration process for registered or unregistered users)
The subroutine executed in the server 4 is shown in FIG.
[0049]
The subroutine shown in FIG. 5 is called and executed at a predetermined timing from a main routine (not shown) executed in advance.
[0050]
First, it is determined whether or not communication with the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is possible (step S11). When it is determined that communication with the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is not possible, this subroutine is immediately terminated.
[0051]
When it is determined that communication with the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is possible, the user ID issued from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is received (step S12). This user ID is identification information for identifying the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, and is specified by the server 4.
[0052]
Next, it is determined whether or not the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 connected to the server 4 is a registered user (step S13). This determination is made based on whether or not the above-described user ID exists. That is, when the server 4 receives the user ID, it determines that it is a registered user, and when it does not receive a user ID, it determines that it is an unregistered user.
[0053]
If it is determined in step S13 that the user is not a registered user, that is, if it is determined that the user is an unregistered user, an unregistered user process described later is called and executed (step S14). On the other hand, when it is determined that the user is a registered user, a registered user process described later is called and executed (step S15).
[0054]
After executing the process of step S14 or S15 described above, this subroutine is terminated.
[0055]
(Processing for unregistered users)
FIG. 6 shows a subroutine of unregistered user processing called and executed in step S14 described above.
[0056]
First, guidance information regarding character rental is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S21).
[0057]
When the guide information related to character rental is transmitted from the server 4, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives this guide information, and the display unit of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 displays, for example, FIG. As shown in (a), a message such as “Welcome to the character rental site” or a character such as “Return”, “Continue” or “Select” is displayed on the display unit 41 of the communication device 10, 60 or 70. A message appears prompting you to select a rental process for.
[0058]
When the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 selects a desired process, information on the process is transmitted from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 to the server 4.
[0059]
Next, it is determined whether or not information indicating that processing is to be continued is received from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S22). When information indicating that the processing is not continued is received, this subroutine is immediately terminated.
[0060]
On the other hand, when information indicating that processing is to be continued is received, character selection processing is performed (step S23). In this selection process, one character type is selected as a character from a plurality of character types. As will be described later, the server 4 prepares a plurality of character types as characters so that one character can be selected from the plurality of character types. By performing such a process, it is possible to select from a plurality of character types.
[0061]
Further, the information indicating that the above-described processing is continued constitutes permission request information for finite use of the character information in the communication terminal device.
[0062]
The selection process described above may generate a random number and select a character type corresponding to the random number. In this case, one character type corresponding to the random number is selected from a plurality of character types.
[0063]
The hard disk drive 88 of the server 4 stores a character introduction database as shown in FIG. This database stores images of a plurality of character types and messages corresponding to the character types. In step S23 described above, the database is searched to read out the character type image and the message corresponding to the character type.
[0064]
Next, the read image of the character and a message corresponding to the character are transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S24).
[0065]
When a character image or a message corresponding to the character is transmitted from the server 4, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives the image of the character or a message corresponding to the character, and the communication terminal device 10. , 60 or 70, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, a character image, a message from the character, and a message prompting selection of processing are displayed.
[0066]
By performing such processing, it is possible to display a display image related to selection on the display unit of the communication terminal device.
[0067]
The operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 determines whether or not the displayed character is acceptable, and inputs whether it is possible or not by a key operation. The information on availability is transmitted from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 to the server.
[0068]
The server 4 receives the propriety information transmitted from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, and determines whether to accept the character introduced by the operator (step S25). When it is determined that the operator does not want to rent the introduced character, the process returns to step S23 described above, and the character selection process is performed again.
[0069]
By performing such processing, the character can be freely selected from a plurality of character types, and the character can be exchanged in the communication terminal device.
[0070]
If it is determined in step S25 described above that the operator wants to rent the introduced character, user registration processing is performed (step S26). This user registration process is performed by communicating predetermined information such as the name of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, an e-mail address or a telephone number for communication between the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 and the server 4. When the server 4 receives the information from the terminal device 10, 60 or 70 and determines that there is no defect, the user registration is completed. By performing this process, the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 changes from an unregistered user to a registered user, and one user ID to be described later is determined for the operator.
[0071]
After finishing the process of step S26, the program of a character use system is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 (step S27).
[0072]
The program of the character use system includes a program for displaying the rented character in the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. For example, when a mail or phone call is received at the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, based on a program for displaying an image such that the rented character tells the incoming mail or phone call or the content of the mail A program for displaying an image in which the character asks the operator a question, and a program for displaying an image in which the character invites the game.
[0073]
Further, if the above-described character use system program includes a function of authority for limited use for character use, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 manages the time limit for limited use. . With such a configuration, the character can be used only for a predetermined rental period in the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, and the server 4 can use the character information for limited use according to the program transmitted by the server 4. The authority is given to the communication terminal device.
[0074]
Further, as will be described later, the server 4 may manage a limited use time limit. In this case, when the time limit for finite use is approaching, the server 4 transmits information to that effect to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, and the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is based on the transmitted information. Thus, the character information is limited.
[0075]
In the case of such a configuration, the server 4 manages the time limit for finite use, so the authority for finite use of character information in the communication terminal device is determined. In addition, since the information on the limited use time limit is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, the server 4 also gives the communication terminal device the limited use authority for the character information.
[0076]
The program of the character use system described above may be a program language suitable for communication and display. For example, it is a program created by a programming language such as JAVA (registered trademark) corresponding to I mode.
[0077]
Next, the character image data displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S28). By performing such processing, the character information can be supplied as data to the communication terminal device.
[0078]
In the case where the image data is included in the program transmitted in step S27, the image data need not be transmitted independently.
[0079]
Next, the question information about whether to take over the past history is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 for the character information that determines the character of the character. The character personality information is information on the character personality formed based on the dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 and the character, as will be described later.
[0080]
The communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 displays the question information transmitted from the server 4 on the display device 41, and prompts the user to input whether or not to take over the past history. The operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 operates the keyboard 32 or the controller 34 to select and input an answer as to whether or not to take over the past history. The communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 transmits information on this answer to the server 4.
[0081]
The server 4 receives information on whether or not to take over the past history transmitted from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, and determines whether or not to take over the past history of personality information (step S29). ). When it is determined that the past history of the personality information is not inherited, the process proceeds to step S31 described later.
[0082]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the past history of the personality information is taken over, the past history of the personality information of the character is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S30). By performing such processing, the character information can be supplied to the communication terminal device as data. In addition, character information including personality information is supplied as data to the communication terminal device.
[0083]
Next, the database as shown in FIG. 9 to be described later is updated in the server 4 (step S31). This database stores the operator information of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 and the information of the rented character, and is stored in the hard disk 88 of the server 4.
[0084]
After completing the above-described processing, this subroutine is terminated.
[0085]
By performing the above-described steps S27, S28, and S29, the character information related to the character displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device and the program including the program for displaying the character are supplied as data to the communication terminal device. It does.
[0086]
Display image displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 when the server 4 transmits guidance information for renting a character to the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 in step S21 described above. Is shown in FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of the display unit of the mobile phone 70 shown in FIG.
[0087]
A message “Welcome to the character rental site” from the server 4 is displayed at the top of the display section. In the center of the display unit, a character image as an example of the character is displayed. Further, a selection frame of “Continue” and “Return” indicating options for continuing or returning the processing is displayed at the bottom of the display unit.
[0088]
In step S24 described above, when a character image or a message corresponding to the character is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, it is displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. A display image is shown in FIG. FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of the display unit of the mobile phone 70 shown in FIG. 1, as in FIG. 7A.
[0089]
In the upper part of the display part, the character introduction sentence from the server 4 "I am a cute character. I want to play with you" is displayed. An image of an introduction character is displayed in the center of the display unit. Furthermore, a selection frame of “next” and “return” indicating options for proceeding to the next process or returning is displayed in the lower left part of the display unit. Furthermore, a “select” frame for selecting the displayed character is displayed in the lower right part of the display unit.
[0090]
FIG. 8 shows an example of a character introduction database that is referred to when the message from the character is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 in step S24 described above.
[0091]
The left column stores character types. For example, character types such as “bullish character”, “cute character”, and “slow character” are stored.
[0092]
In the center column, names of characters corresponding to character types are stored. For example, names of characters such as “□ -chan”, “○ -chan”, “× -chan”, and the like are stored.
[0093]
In addition, the right column stores self-introduction documents from each of the characters. For example, “I am □. It ’s fun to play with me.” “My name is ○ "I want to play with you.", "I am X. Maybe you should play with me."
[0094]
The character introduction database also stores image data of the introduction character, and image data is read out together with the character introduction sentence.
[0095]
FIG. 9 shows a database generated or updated in step S31 described above.
[0096]
The first column is an area where the user ID is stored. This user ID is for identifying the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 or the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. When the user registration process in step S26 is completed, the server 4 Assign.
[0097]
The second column is an area where the character ID is stored. This character ID is for identifying the rented character, and is assigned by the server 4 when the user registration process in step S26 is completed. The character ID includes information for identifying the character type.
[0098]
The third column shows the number of rentals and shows the number of times that character has been rented in the past.
[0099]
The fourth column stores the rental start date, and stores the date when the user registration process in step S26 described above is completed.
[0100]
The fifth column indicates whether or not the character rental is in the trial period. For example, when the character is in the trial period, the value to be stored is set to “1”, and when it is not the trial period, The value to be stored is set to “0”.
[0101]
The sixth column indicates whether or not the character rental is in the extended period. For example, when the character is not in the extended period, the value to be stored is set to “0”, and in the extended period, Memorize the number of extensions.
[0102]
The seventh column stores whether or not a character has been purchased. For example, when a character is not purchased, the stored value is set to “0”, and when the character is purchased, the stored value is “ 1 ”is set.
[0103]
The eighth column stores the number of chips. This number of chips increases when the registered user takes care of the character, for example, interacts with the character or plays a game with the character.
[0104]
FIG. 10 shows a time chart when the above-described subroutine of FIG. 6 is executed. The left vertical line indicates the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, and the right vertical line indicates the server 4.
[0105]
When the processing in step S21 described above is executed, the character rental guidance information is transmitted from the server 4 to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70.
[0106]
On the other hand, when the processing is continued, information indicating that the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 continues is transmitted to the server 4.
[0107]
When the process of step S24 is executed, introduction information such as a character image for introduction is transmitted from the server 4 to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70.
[0108]
On the other hand, when the introduced character is rented, information indicating consent is transmitted from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 to the server 4.
[0109]
In step S27, the character use system program is transmitted from the server 4 to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, and when it is determined that the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 has received all of the program, it is received. Information indicating the end is transmitted from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 to the server 4.
[0110]
Furthermore, when character image data is transmitted from the server 4 to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 in step S28, and it is determined that the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 has received all of the character image data, Information indicating the end of reception is transmitted from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 to the server 4.
[0111]
In step S29, the server 4 transmits, to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, question information about whether or not to take over the past history for the character information that determines the character of the character.
[0112]
On the other hand, when taking over the history, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 transmits information to that effect to the server 4.
[0113]
[Description of operation of communication terminal device]
(Operation when receiving mail / operation when receiving a call)
When the character is rented by the above-described procedure and the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives the mail, an image as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. The
[0114]
At the top of the screen, you ’ll see a message from your character, like “Kana got an email. Read it now?”. In addition, an image of the rented character is displayed at the center of the screen. Further, at the bottom of the screen, a frame indicating whether to read or not read the mail is displayed.
[0115]
In this way, when the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives a mail while the character is rented, the character informs the display.
[0116]
In addition, when the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives a call, a display is made in which the character informs that effect.
[0117]
As shown in FIG. 11, while the character is rented, information indicating that the character is currently rented, such as “rental”, may be displayed on the screen. By performing such processing, a display image related to the notification information relating to the limited use of the character information is displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device.
[0118]
(Action to ask a question from the character)
In some cases, the character asks questions about the contents of the received mail. An example is shown in FIG. For example, a word is extracted from the received mail and the question is what the word means.
[0119]
As shown in FIG. 12 (a), at the top of the screen, “What is“ Normal ”? Is displayed. The word “correct line” is a word extracted from the received mail. A character image is displayed at the center of the screen. In addition, a frame for selecting “answer” and “no answer” is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
[0120]
When the operator answers a question from the character, a screen as shown in FIG. 12B is displayed. On the left side of the screen, categories to which the word can belong, for example, “place”, “food”, “game name”, and “person name” are displayed.
[0121]
When the operator answers this, the character also asks a question and likes / dislikes “Masayuki” at the top of the screen. A question from the character “is displayed. At the bottom of the screen, a frame for selecting whether the word indicates “like” or “dislike” is displayed. The operator answers the question from the character as described above.
[0122]
The question from this character is registered in a keyword database, which will be described later, and is reflected in the character of the character.
[0123]
Moreover, in order to make it easy to extract words, a standardized mail format may be used.
[0124]
(Game action against character)
Further, when the character is rented, there may be a display in which the character offers the game battle to the operator. An example of this is shown in FIG.
[0125]
As shown in FIG. 13A, a challenge message from the character “Would you like to play with me?” Is displayed at the top of the screen. In addition, a frame for selecting “Yes” or “No” for a challenge from the character is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
[0126]
When the operator receives a challenge from the character, the game is started.
[0127]
When the game ends, for example, when the character wins, a screen as shown in FIG. 13B is displayed. At the top of the screen is a message from the character, “Do you want me to win again?”, And at the bottom of the screen, you can choose whether to play the game again or not. A frame is displayed.
[0128]
As described above, exchanges with characters are deepened through notifications of incoming mails and telephone calls, questions about mails, game battles, and the like.
[0129]
(Registered user processing)
FIG. 14 shows a registered user processing subroutine that is called and executed in step S15 described above.
[0130]
First, it is determined whether or not the information issued from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is information indicating that it is desired to transmit dialogue information (step S41). When it is determined that it is not information indicating that the dialog information is to be transmitted, the menu display information is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S42).
[0131]
When the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives the information for displaying the menu, an image as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70.
[0132]
At the top of the screen, a message “Please select the desired process” is displayed, and below that, a list of processes, for example, “Character exchange”, “Rental extension”, “Character purchase”, “End” Is displayed.
[0133]
When the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 selects a desired process, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 transmits information identifying the selected process to the server 4.
[0134]
The server 4 receives the information for identifying the selected process, and determines whether or not the process desired by the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is character exchange (step S43).
[0135]
When it is determined that the process desired by the operator is not character exchange, other processes such as rental extension and character purchase are performed (step S44), and this subroutine is terminated.
[0136]
When it is determined that the process desired by the operator is character exchange, the processes of steps S23 to S31 are executed. The processes in steps S23 to S31 are the same as those shown in FIG. 5, and are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0137]
In step S41 described above, when it is determined that the information issued from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is information indicating that it is desired to transmit the dialog information, the dialog information is received (step S45).
[0138]
Note that the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 transmits the dialogue information to the server 4 at a predetermined timing, for example, at night or in the morning. For example, when transmitting at night, the conversation information for one day of the day is transmitted to the server 4. Further, when transmitting in the morning, the conversation information for the previous day is transmitted to the server 4. By performing such processing, even when the storage capacity of the RAM 16 or the nonvolatile RAM 18 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is small, the dialog information can be sufficiently stored, and the dialog information is accurately stored in the server 4. It can be sent.
[0139]
Further, the transmission timing may be matched with the action of the displayed character. For example, it may be transmitted at night after the message “I'm sleepy, I'm going to sleep” from the character is displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. In the morning, the message “Good morning!” From the character may be transmitted after being displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70.
[0140]
Further, the dialogue information described above is composed of items as shown in FIG. 16, for example.
[0141]
The items include the number of times of interaction with the character, the time of interaction with the character, and the number of responses to calls from the character such as “Good morning!” And “Good night”. The number of answers includes the number of answers to the call from the character and the number of times it is ignored.
[0142]
In addition, the item includes the number of answers to the question about the word included in the mail. The number of answers includes the number of answers and the number of answers.
[0143]
Furthermore, the items of dialogue information include the number of times the operator has called the character, the number of times the game has been played with the character, the classification of the word that the character has asked, and the like.
[0144]
As described with reference to FIG. 12 above, the classification of the words asked by the character is a classification of what the words mean and likes / dislikes, as extracted from the received mail.
[0145]
In step S45 described above, after receiving the dialogue information, the dialogue information processing described later is executed (step S46), and the personality information and the keyword information generated by the dialogue information processing are transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 ( Step S47), this subroutine is terminated.
[0146]
(Interaction information processing)
FIG. 17 shows a subroutine for interactive information processing that is called and executed in step S46 described above.
[0147]
First, the total number of conversations is calculated from the number of conversations already stored in the database and the number of conversations newly received from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S51). Next, the total interaction time is calculated from the interaction time already stored in the database and the interaction time newly received from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S52).
[0148]
Next, the number of answers to the call from the character already stored in the database, the number of answers to the call newly received from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, and the answer to the call The total number of times is calculated (step S53). Next, the total number of times the call is ignored is calculated from the number of times that the call from the character already stored in the database is ignored, the number of times that the call newly received from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is ignored, and Step S54).
[0149]
Next, the number of times the question about the word from the character already stored in the database was answered, and the question about the word from the character newly received from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 was answered. The total number of times answered to the question is calculated from the number of times (step S55). Next, the number of times that the question about the word from the character already stored in the database is not answered, and the number of times that the new question received from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is not answered The total number of unanswered questions is calculated (step S56).
[0150]
Next, the number of calls made to the character already stored in the database, the number of calls made to the character newly received from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, and the total number of calls made to the character from Is calculated (step S57).
[0151]
Furthermore, the total number of game executions is calculated from the number of game executions already stored in the database and the number of game executions newly received from the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S58).
[0152]
Next, a character personality setting process (to be described later) is performed (step S59), a keyword setting process is performed (step S60), and this subroutine is terminated.
[0153]
(Personality setting process)
An example of a database used for the personality setting process in step S59 described above is shown in FIG.
[0154]
FIG. 18A shows a database for defining basic personalities determined according to each character type. The basic personality is, for example, “winning”, “squatting”, “cute”, “mischievous”. Further, the above-mentioned basic personality is determined by quantifying the five personality parameters, “extroversion”, “collaboration”, “diligence”, “emotional stability”, and “intelligence”.
[0155]
For example, for a cheerful character, the extroversion is set high and the emotional stability is set low. For cute characters, high coordination and diligence are set.
[0156]
The basic personality determined by these five personality parameters is determined first, and as the character is rented and interacts with the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, the value of the personality parameter is changed. It will change. As shown in the example of FIG. 18B, as the character is rented and interacts with the operator, the value of the personality parameter changes. For example, when the dialogue time with the operator is long or when the number of dialogues is large, the value of the personality parameter is changed so that the personality is good for the operator. Also, when the dialogue time with the operator is short or the number of dialogues is small, the value of the personality parameter is changed so as to avoid the operator.
[0157]
In this way, the character's personality is gradually changed by dialogue with the operator, and the values of the five personality parameters that determine the personality are stored as a personality database as shown in FIG. 18B. . Since the character of the character gradually changes according to each of the operators who rented the character in this way, the operator tries to care for the character frequently and can feel attachment to the character. It becomes.
[0158]
In the personality database shown in FIG. 18B described above, the user ID for identifying the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 or the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is rented to this operator. The character ID for identifying the character and the values of the five personality parameters are stored, and the character of the character rented by one operator can be determined.
[0159]
By performing such processing, even if only a predetermined number of character types are prepared, character types having personalities corresponding to each of a plurality of operators can be generated. is there.
[0160]
By performing the processing as described above, “character information that determines the character of the character displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device is determined based on the dialogue between the operator of the communication terminal device and the character. .
[0161]
Note that the values of the five personality parameters described above may be changed only within a predetermined range, for example, ± 1. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the character's personality from changing greatly from the basic personality.
[0162]
Further, as described above, the character of the character is formed in correspondence with the dialogue with the owner who rented the character. By performing such processing, if the owner who rents the character has changed, the character formed by the previous owner is inherited, and the database shown in FIG. 18B is updated. It will be going.
[0163]
As described above, since the character's personality is formed by dialogue with the owner, at the beginning of renting the character, the character formed by the past owner becomes the character's personality. In addition, as the dialogue time with the new owner becomes longer or the number of conversations increases, the character of the character changes and becomes a character formed by the new owner.
[0164]
By performing the above-described processing, when personality information that determines the character of a character is generated as character information from the history of dialogue, dialogues of past owners are included in the history.
[0165]
When renting a character, it may be possible to select whether the character's personality is a basic personality or inherits a personality changed by a past owner. In step S29 of FIG. 6 described above, the determination as to whether or not to take over the past history of personality information is performed by this selection process, and is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 in step S30. The past history of the character information of the character is personality information corresponding to the personality formed by the past owner.
[0166]
(Keyword setting process)
FIG. 19A shows an example of a word database used for the keyword setting process described above. The example of the word database shown in FIG. 19A shows a database for one character ID. Words for all operators who have rented the character from the past to the present are displayed. It is something to remember.
[0167]
Further, the word is a word extracted from the mail sent to the operator who rented the character, as described with reference to FIG. 12, and the character category and the likes / dislikes classification are operated by the character. This is obtained by asking the person about the word and answering the question.
[0168]
A keyword database is generated based on the word database described above. As shown in FIG. 19B, the keyword database is obtained by extracting a predetermined number of words, for example, 10 words, from the word database. In step S47 of FIG. 14 described above, this keyword database is transmitted from the server 4 to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. Thus, by extracting only a predetermined number of words as keywords, keywords can be stored sufficiently even when the storage capacity of the RAM 16 or the nonvolatile RAM 18 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is small. is there.
[0169]
In addition, in the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, it is possible to make a display calling to the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 from the character using this keyword. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, a keyword “Kanna-chan” can be used to display a message from a character such as “Kanna-chan has not received a call recently.
[0170]
As described above, the word extracted from the mail is stored as a keyword, and the character is used by the character to display the message, thereby possibly increasing the closeness between the character and the operator.
[0171]
Moreover, it is good also as determining the word extracted reflecting the character of a character. For example, when a cute character is rented, only favorite words are extracted. In this way, a message from the character using only the operator's favorite word is displayed. In the case of a bullish character, only disliked words are extracted. If it does in this way, the message from the character using only the word which an operator dislikes will be displayed.
[0172]
By processing in this way, the character's personality can be included in the message, and there is a possibility that the character will feel close and intrigued. In addition, there is a possibility that the character in the virtual space and the operator in the real space can be inseparably linked, and the character and information can be shared.
[0173]
When the character rental deadline is approaching, the server 4 transmits a message to that effect to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. The process at this time is shown in FIG.
[0174]
First, it is determined whether it is time to notify the rental deadline (step S81). This timing is a timing for comparing the rental start date recorded in the database shown in FIG. 9 with today's date and notifying, for example, the rental end date or the day before the rental end date. It is determined.
[0175]
If it is determined that it is not time to notify, this subroutine is immediately terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is time to notify the rental deadline, information indicating that the rental deadline is approaching is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S82).
[0176]
When the guidance information indicating that the rental deadline is approaching is transmitted from the server 4, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives this guidance information, and the display unit of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 displays For example, as shown in FIG. 22, on the display unit 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, a message such as “You can play with me until today. A message such as "I can play with you until tomorrow. I want to play with you again."
[0177]
By performing such processing, a message that the expiration date of the rental period is approaching is transmitted from the server 4 to the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70. Therefore, character information regarding the character displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device is displayed. The notification information regarding the limited use can be supplied to the communication terminal device. Further, since the message received by the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is displayed on the display device 41 on the communication terminal device, a display image related to the notification information relating to the limited use of the character information is displayed on the communication terminal device. It will be displayed on the screen.
[0178]
Note that, as shown in FIG. 22A or 22B, a message reflecting the character of the character may be displayed. For example, a bullish message is displayed for a bullish character, and a cute message is displayed for a cute character.
[0179]
In addition, when the end date of the rental period comes, it is necessary to prohibit the use of characters in the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. This process is shown in FIG.
[0180]
First, it is determined whether it is time to transmit rental completion information (step S91). If it is determined that it is not time to transmit the rental completion information, this subroutine is immediately terminated.
[0181]
When it is determined that it is time to transmit the rental completion information, the rental completion information is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 (step S92).
[0182]
When the rental completion information is transmitted from the server 4, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives this rental completion information and sets the flag value used in the program executed in the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. A predetermined value, for example, 1 is set. This flag indicates whether the character is being rented or has been rented. When the character is being rented, the value of the flag is “0”. The value of the flag is “1”.
[0183]
When the above-described rental completion information is received from the server 4, the flag value is set to “1”. When the value of this flag is set to “1” and an attempt is made to display a character or to call a character, for example, a message as shown in FIG. 24, “The rental period has passed. "I can't play with you anymore, but if you'd like, please sign up again. Then you can play with me again." Is displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70. The operation of functions using characters is prohibited.
[0184]
By performing such processing, the server 4 gives the communication terminal device the authority for limited use of character information, and also determines the authority for limited use of character information in the communication terminal device. is there.
[0185]
Further, the value of the flag described above indicates whether or not “limited use authority” is given, and the limited use authority for character information is given to the communication terminal device independently of the program. It does.
[0186]
In this case, it is possible to visually indicate that the rental period has ended by displaying only the message without displaying the character image. In addition, since the character image is not displayed, it is possible to cause a feeling of wanting to meet the rented character again, and to make the character feel rented again.
[0187]
Further, the content of the message may reflect the character of the rented character so far. By doing so, the operator can remember the character and feel the desire to display the character again, which can be used as a motivation to rent the character again.
[0188]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where “limited use of character information” is a rental deadline is shown. However, regional restrictions or predetermined functions limited to only those who live in a predetermined area. It is good also as a content restriction which makes it possible to use only.
[0189]
[Outline of game sales promotion method]
FIG. 25 shows an outline of a method for promoting sales of games in which characters appear.
[0190]
The operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 designates and accesses the server 4 that rents the character, and starts renting the character. Renting a character is a means for popularizing characters that will appear in future games, and is also a means for giving a character attachment. By having as many people as possible know the character and having the character attach as much as possible, the aim is to promote sales of games in which characters to be released in the future appear.
[0191]
[How to use characters]
A plurality of types of characters rented by the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 are prepared. Since these characters are created on the assumption that they will appear in future games, they attract attention and interest. The operator can select a character that seems to be compatible with himself or a character that is interested.
[0192]
The trial period will be calculated simultaneously with the start of character rental. Since the trial period also serves as a period for promoting characters appearing in a game scheduled to be released in the future, the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 can select the character he or she selects for free or Can be used for a fee. When a character is rented for a fee, the number of chips necessary for the rental is displayed when the guide information for renting the character is displayed. As described above, the number of chips increases when the user takes care of the character, for example, interacts with the character or plays a game with the character. The server 4 rents the character free of charge for a predetermined period of time, for example, within 48 hours, and if the required number of chips are accumulated within that time, a rental fee is paid and a formal rental contract is made with the user. Let's tie between.
[0193]
By making the character available for free or for a fee, as many people as possible can know the character. This realizes that the character is “spread”.
[0194]
As described above, when the rented character receives a mail or a telephone call to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, the rented character displays a message indicating that the incoming call has been received or asks the character about the content of the mail. Or invite the operator to a simple mini-game. In some cases, the character talks from time to time.
[0195]
The operator gradually becomes aware of the character of the character through various interactions with the character of his / her choice. The character gradually becomes “attached” to the character.
[0196]
In addition, after using a character for a while, when an operator judges that it is not compatible with a character, or gets tired of a character, a character can be exchanged or returned.
[0197]
The predetermined trial period is managed by the server 4, and the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 is notified when the trial period is nearing the end. When the trial period ends, the character is usually returned. However, as described above, the trial period can be extended or the character can be purchased.
[0198]
[Determination process of whether or not the character has spread]
The server 4 determines whether or not the character has spread from the number of users who rented the character. Even if the rental is stopped and returned or changed to a different character on the way, if a character has been rented even once, it is considered popular. Specifically, a predetermined number is set in advance in the server 4, and when the number exceeds the number of users, the character is regarded as popular.
[0199]
[Distinction process of whether or not the character has attachment]
Before manufacturing the game, it is determined whether or not the user of the character who is the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 has attachment to the used character. A processing procedure for determining whether or not there is attachment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0200]
In order to determine whether or not there is attachment, a database stored in the server 4 as shown in FIG. 26 is used. This database stores operator information of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 and information on the rented character, and is stored in the hard disk 88 of the server 4.
[0201]
The database stores the user ID of the user who rents the character, the character ID of the character used by the user, the rental start date when the user started rental, and the like. For example, when it is during the trial period, the stored value is set to “1”, and when it is not the trial period, it is set to “0” so that it can be seen whether or not the character rental is in the trial period. Yes. Similarly, whether or not the trial period has expired, whether or not the trial period is being extended, and whether or not a character has been purchased is also stored in the database.
[0202]
Whether or not the user who rented the character has attached to the character is determined by the server 4 based on whether or not the user has used the character until the trial period expires. Whether or not the trial period has expired can be determined by whether the value of the item “expiration of trial period” in the previous database is “1” or “0”. In addition, as another method for determining whether or not the user has attachment to his / her character, it is determined how frequently the user has responded to the call from the character as described above. A method is also conceivable. The server 4 determines how frequently the user has responded based on the database shown in FIG.
[0203]
Whether or not the user is attached to the character is a very important judgment material for predicting the number of games sold, which will be described later.
[0204]
(Character selection / setting)
The server 4 performs a process of selecting and setting a character in order to make a more popular character appear in the game before the game in which the character appears. Hereinafter, the procedure will be described with reference to FIG.
[0205]
In order to select and set a character, it is efficient to examine to which character the user's attachment is concentrated. Therefore, the server 4 calculates the degree of attachment of the user for each character.
[0206]
As shown in FIG. 27, first, using a database as shown in FIG. 26, a process for sorting by character ID is performed (step S101). For example, in the case of B-0052, the character ID included in the database is “B” representing the type of appearance of the character, and “0052” is character information including character personality information. Expresses the type. In the case where a user has an attached character to appear in the game, the classification process is performed using up to the part including the 4-digit number in the character ID, and in the case where the character that has been simply disseminated appears in the game, The classification process is performed using only the first alphabet part of the character ID. After the classification for each character ID, the sum of the values of the items “expiration of trial period” for each character is calculated (step S102). As described above, the item “expiration of trial period” is “1” when the user uses the character until the trial period expires, and the user changes or returns the character before the trial period expires. Is set to “0”, the sum of the items directly represents the degree of attachment of the user to the character.
[0207]
Once the degree of attachment of the character is calculated, the character order is rearranged in descending order of the calculated sum value (step S103). By this process, the characters are rearranged in the order in which the user is attached, that is, in the order of popularity. The server 4 selects, for example, the top seven popular characters among the rearranged characters as characters to appear in the game (step S104). When the process of setting the selected character (step S105) is finished, the process in the server 4 is finished.
[0208]
[Manufacturing games]
The manufacturer manufactures the game using the selected / set character. Hereinafter, the production of the game will be described.
[0209]
(Incorporation of characters)
FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game using characters. In the figure, a character appears in the fighting game.
[0210]
Game software is manufactured in such a manner that popular characters can be selected and displayed in a fighting game program.
[0211]
In a fighting game, try fighting with another character using a character that you have attached to, or fight using a character that includes personality information that you have attached to, and another character. , You can play. Of course, it is also possible to fight against other characters using characters that have never been touched.
[0212]
If a program for manufacturing such a game is stored in a storage medium in advance and the character data selected by the server 4 is given to the storage medium, a game in which the character appears will be manufactured. You may leave it.
[0213]
(Sales forecast calculation process)
The manufacturer predicts the number of sales at the stage of manufacturing the game, and determines the number of production based on the prediction. Hereinafter, the procedure of the sales forecast calculation process will be described with reference to FIG.
[0214]
In order to make a sales forecast, the degree of attachment of the user to the character using the character is an important judgment material. This is because a user who is attached to the character can almost certainly purchase the game software in which the character appears.
[0215]
As shown in FIG. 29, the character that is determined to appear in the game by the processing in the server 4 at the initial stage of making a sales forecast is attached to the character based on the database of FIG. Calculate the number of users. In order to calculate the number of users who have attachments, the sum of the values of the items “expiration of trial period” of all users may be calculated (step S111). The numerical value calculated by this processing is assumed to be (a). As a manufacturer, (a) the game software calculated in step S111 is manufactured on the assumption that it can be sold almost certainly.
[0216]
Some users are not interested in using the character on the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70, but want to purchase it if it appears in the game. Such a potential purchase layer exists among all users who have spread the character by renting and who have not expired the trial period of the character. A value obtained by subtracting (a) from the total number of users (denoted as (b)) includes the potential purchase layer. Accordingly, a process of calculating [total number of users− (a)] (denoted as (b)) is performed (step S112).
[0217]
Since not everyone who has spread the character purchases the game, it is necessary to multiply (b) obtained in the previous step by an appropriate coefficient. Here, 0.2 is selected as a coefficient, and a process of calculating sales forecast [(a) + (b) × 0.2] is performed (step S113). Based on the numbers calculated here, the manufacturer can determine the number of game software manufactured. This completes the sales forecast calculation process.
[0218]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, before selling the game, the character used in the game can be used by many people so that the character can be attached in advance. As a result, it will have a positive effect on increasing the sales of the game in which the character appears. In addition, the number of people who are attached to the character can be used to predict the exact number of people who will definitely purchase the game. It is possible to avoid the situation where the sales are not increased and the sales are lost.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a character rental system.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a server 4;
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a system for renting a character.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in the server 4;
6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of unregistered user processing called and executed in step S14 of the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of a message displayed on the display unit of the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 when guidance information for renting a character is transmitted from the server 4. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of a message prompting the selection of a character.
FIG. 8 is a table showing an example of a character introduction database that is referred to when a message from a character is transmitted to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 in step S24.
FIG. 9 is a table showing an example of a database generated or updated in step S31.
FIG. 10 is a time chart when the subroutine of FIG. 6 is executed.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 when the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives a mail.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 when a character asks a question about the content of received mail.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 when a character offers a game battle to an operator.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of unregistered user processing called and executed in step S15 of FIG.
15 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the display device 41 of the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 when the communication terminal device 10, 60, or 70 receives information for menu display. FIG.
FIG. 16 is a table showing items included in dialogue information between a character and an operator.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for interactive information processing that is called and executed in step S46 of the subroutine of FIG. 14;
FIG. 18 is a table showing an example of a database used for character personality setting processing;
FIG. 19 is a table showing an example (a) of a word database used for keyword setting processing and an example (b) of a keyword database generated based on the word database.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display when a character calls the operator of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 using a keyword.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of processing for transmitting information from the server 4 to the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 when the character rental period is approaching.
FIG. 22 shows that when the guide information that the rental deadline is approaching is transmitted from the server 4, the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 receives this guide information, and the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on a display part.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of processing when the end date of the rental period comes.
24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal device 10, 60 or 70 when rental completion information is received from the server 4. FIG.
FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a method for promoting sales of a game in which a character appears.
FIG. 26 is a table showing an example of a database for determining whether or not a user has attachment to a character.
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a procedure for selecting and setting a character that will appear in a future game.
FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a game in which a character appears.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a procedure for performing a process of predicting sales of a game in which a character appears.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Character rental system
2 Public telephone line network (communication line)
3 Mobile phone network (communication line)
4 servers
10 Portable communication terminal device (communication terminal device)
41 Display device (display unit)
60 Portable game device (communication terminal device)
70 Mobile phone (communication terminal device)

Claims (1)

A server for selecting a character to be set for the game from a plurality of predetermined characters for a predetermined game,
A trial period for use of the character is stored in a memory in association with the character information of the character, and the use is performed by transmitting rental completion information to a plurality of mobile phone users connected via a communication line. Means for determining the authority to use the character for the person;
Means for accepting selection of a character from one of the plurality of mobile phones ;
Means for permitting the use of the character whose selection has been accepted for the one mobile phone, a trial period stored in the memory, by transmitting a program of a character use system to the one mobile phone ;
For each of the plurality of characters, means for calculating the sum of the number of times the plurality of users used the character until the trial period stored in the memory expires, and storing the sum in the memory in association with the character information When,
Calculated in the descending order of the sum of the count stored in said memory, comprising means for setting a character to appear in the game by selecting the character for a plurality of the character information, the server.

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