JP6721397B2 - Server system and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a server system or the like for controlling execution of a game including an automatic selection element based on a given automatic selection specification and a charging element.

One of the attractions in online games is an automatic selection element that gives items that can be used in the game as prizes. For example, a lottery element for selecting a prize to be given by lottery is a typical example. Game makers are eager to improve the appeal of automatic selection elements. For example, when presenting information about items that can be prizes to the player, when the player acquires the parent item, the level of information disclosure related to the lottery is controlled in stages so that the information about the child item can be disclosed. One of them is a technique for increasing the expectation of the lottery elements (for example, see Patent Document 1).

On the other hand, advertising and billing are involved in the profit structure of online games. Regarding charging, for example, consideration for game play, purchase of items, pay lottery, and the like are applicable. Then, as a payment method of billing, there are payment by electronic payment using a credit card, payment by virtual currency and items previously purchased by the player through such electronic payment, and the like. Such charging history information is managed in association with player identification information (for example, player account), and a technique used for controlling advertisement display is also known (for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-58157 JP, 2005-8988, A

In a game including an automatic selection element, the automatic selection element plays an important role in enhancing the interest of the game, but at the same time, a problem with charging is pointed out. For example, one of the problems is that there are players who repeatedly perform pay lottery until end up with the desired item and pay an excessively large amount of money. In particular, it was considered that minor players tend to be overcharged.

As a simple measure to deal with such a problem, for example, a method of setting an upper limit on a monthly charge amount and making a pay automatic selection element (for example, lottery) inexecutable after the charge upper limit threshold is reached Is possible. However, in that case, the player who has reached the upper limit of the charge cannot enjoy the interest of the game related to the paid automatic selection element (for example, collecting items of special rarity) until the next month, so the player may worry about leaving the game. It

The present invention was devised to provide a technique for giving a new interest due to the fact that the charging upper limit threshold has been reached.

A first invention for solving the above-mentioned problem is a server system for controlling execution of a game including an automatic selection element based on given automatic selection specifications and a charging element,
A billing history management unit that manages a billing history relating to the billing element for each user (for example, the control board 1150 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 10, the user management unit 202, the billing history management unit 204, and the user in FIG. 12). Management data 600, billing history data 607, step S4 of FIG. 15, and
Among the users, the threshold reached users whose total billing amount in the current unit accounting period of the unit accounting periods divided by the accounting closing date and time (hereinafter, simply referred to as “accounting closing date”) for charging have reached a given threshold value. Detection means for detecting (for example, the control board 1150 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 10, the threshold reaching user detection unit 212, step S20 in FIG. 15),
For the user who has reached the threshold value, a billing restriction unit (for example, the control board 1150 in FIG. 1 or the server process in FIG. 10) that limits the use of the billing element until the accounting closing date related to the current unit accounting period elapses. Section 200s, charging restriction section 214, steps S80 to S82, S86 in FIG.
For the user who has reached the threshold value, an automatic selection specification changing unit (for example, the control board 1150 in FIG. 1 or the server in FIG. 10) that changes the automatic selection specification until the closing date of the current unit accounting period elapses. The server system includes a processing unit 200s, a lottery specification changing unit 216, play data 700 of FIG. 13, free lottery specification setting data 740, and steps S32 to S36 of FIG. 15.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, based on the total charge amount in the unit accounting period, it is possible to limit the use/execution of the charging element until the end of the unit accounting period. Even so, since the use of the charging element is restricted, a new interest can be given by changing the automatic selection specification, which would make the game less attractive. As a user (player), by reaching the charging upper limit threshold, he/she can enjoy the automatic selection element based on the new automatic selection specification that cannot be enjoyed unless the upper limit is reached. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that leads to an improvement in the attractiveness of the game.

In a second aspect, the automatic selection specification changing unit changes the automatic selection specification having a content advantageous to the user who has reached the threshold, as compared with the automatic selection specification before the total charge amount reaches the threshold. The server system of the first invention.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the attractiveness of the game can be reliably compensated by changing the automatic selection specification.

The change contents of the automatic selection specification can be set appropriately.
For example, as a third invention, the automatic selection specification changing means sets the selection probability of a prize satisfying a predetermined high rarity condition among the prizes that can be selected by the automatic selection element, and the total charge amount reaches the threshold value. It is possible to configure the server system according to the second aspect of the present invention, which is changed to the automatic selection specification having a higher content than before.

Further, as a fourth invention, the automatic selection specification changing unit increases the number of types of prizes that can be selected by the automatic selection element compared to before the total charge amount reaches the threshold value. It is also possible to configure the server system of the second or third invention, which is changed to.

Further, as a fifth invention, the automatic selection specification changing means sets a limited prize which is a prize only when the total charge amount reaches the threshold value, and when the total charge amount reaches the threshold value, It is also possible to configure the server system of the fourth invention, which is added to the prize that can be selected by the selection element.

Further, as a sixth invention, the automatic selection specification changing unit changes the number of selected prizes per automatic selection to the automatic selection specification having a content larger than that before the total charge amount reaches the threshold value. The server system according to any one of the second to fifth inventions can be configured.

Further, as a seventh invention, the automatic selection element is an element for performing a lottery according to an instruction operation of the user, the unit accounting period includes a plurality of unit periods, and the automatic selection specification includes: The number of possible lottery per unit period is included, and the automatic selection specification changing unit increases the number of lottery possible per unit period compared to before the total charging amount reaches the threshold value. The server system according to any one of the second to sixth inventions, which is changed to the automatic selection specification, can be configured.

Further, the change content of the automatic selection specification is not fixed, and may be changed in association with various elements. For example, as an eighth invention, the automatic selection specification changing means changes the automatic selection specification so as to reduce the advantageous degree as the total charge amount reaches the threshold. For example, the server system according to any one of the second to seventh inventions of steps S38 to S40 in FIG. 15 can be configured.

Further, as a ninth invention, the automatic selection specification changing means changes the automatic selection specification according to a time required in the current unit accounting period required for the total charge amount to reach the threshold value. The server system according to any one of the first to eighth inventions can be configured.

Also, as a tenth invention, the server system according to any one of the first to ninth inventions, wherein the automatic selection specification changing unit changes the automatic selection specification according to a play frequency in a current unit accounting period. It can also be configured.

Further, as an eleventh invention, the automatic selection specification changing means changes the automatic selection specification according to the number of the unit accounting periods in which the total charge amount reaches the threshold value. It is also possible to configure the server system of any of the inventions.

In addition, as a twelfth invention, the automatic selection specification changing means changes the automatic selection specification according to the number of consecutive unit accounting periods in which the total charge amount reaches the threshold value. It is also possible to configure the server system of any one of the inventions.

The change in the automatic selection specification may be a change in the method of selecting a prize.
That is, as a thirteenth invention, the automatic selection element is an element for performing automatic selection in accordance with an operation designated by the user, and the automatic selection specification has a probability of giving a prize from an infinite number of prize groups. The automatic selection specification includes at least a first selection method for selecting and a second selection method for selecting a gift from a predetermined finite number of prize groups, and the automatic selection specification changing means includes the threshold value. It is possible to configure the server system of the first invention, in which the automatic selection specification for the arriving user is changed to the automatic selection specification by the second selection method.

Further, as a fourteenth invention, the automatic selection element is an element which automatically selects a prize from a predetermined limited number of prize groups according to an instruction operation of the user and gives it to the user. Yes, the automatic selection specification changing unit changes the prize group, which is a selection source of the automatic selection element, to different specifications before and after the total charge amount reaches the threshold value. The server system of the invention may be configured.

Further, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which a limit is intentionally set for changing the automatic selection specification.
That is, as a fifteenth invention, the automatic selection specification changing unit changes the automatic selection specification for a predetermined number of users who have reached the threshold in the detection order of the detection unit in the current unit accounting period. The server system according to any one of the first to fourteenth inventions can be configured.

A sixteenth invention is a program for causing a computer system to control execution of a game including an automatic selection element based on a given automatic selection specification and a charging element, and charging according to the charging element for each user. A billing history management means for managing history, among the users, a total billing amount in a current unit accounting period of unit accounting periods separated by a billing accounting deadline date and time (hereinafter simply referred to as “accounting deadline date”) is given. Detecting means for detecting a threshold reaching user who has reached the threshold of, a charging limiting means for restricting the use of the charging element for the threshold reaching user until the accounting closing date of the current unit accounting period elapses, A program for causing the computer system to function as automatic selection specification changing means for changing the automatic selection specification until the accounting closing date of the current unit accounting period elapses for the user who has reached the threshold value.

The computer system here means a system in which a single computer or a plurality of computers are communicatively connected. According to the sixteenth invention, it is possible to cause the computer system to exhibit the same effects as the first invention.

The figure which shows an example of a structure of a game system. The figure for explaining the outline of a game. Illustration of the principle. The figure which shows the example of standard lottery specification setting data which defines the specification of standard lottery. The figure which shows the example of 1st specification change lottery definition data. The figure which shows the example of 2nd specification change lottery definition data. The figure which shows the example of 3rd specification change lottery definition data. The figure which shows the example of the nth specification change lottery definition data. The figure for explaining the way of thinking which decides which is applied from the specification change lottery prepared for plural kinds. The functional block diagram which shows the functional structural example of the server system in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the program and data which the server storage part in 1st Embodiment memorize|stores. The figure which shows the data structural example of user management data. The figure which shows the data structural example of play data. The functional block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the user terminal in 1st Embodiment. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the server system of the first embodiment. The flowchart which continues from FIG. The functional block diagram which shows the function structural example of the user terminal in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the program and data memorize|stored in the terminal storage part of the user terminal in 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, an example of the embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described, but it goes without saying that the mode to which the present invention is applicable is not limited to the following embodiment. The automatic selection element will be described as a typical example of the lottery element.

[First Embodiment]
As a first embodiment, an example will be described in which an action RPG type online game including a billing element and an item that can be used in the game is automatically selected by lottery and given to a player is executed.

The "billing element" is an element that is executed by the player approving the billing and paying the consideration. For example, paying for play of game play, paying for play of special events and game stages, paying for execution of pay lottery (an example of pay automatic selection element) that includes rare game elements as prizes, game element Payment of purchase price, etc. corresponds to this.

The “game element” can be appropriately set according to the game. Since the game of this embodiment is an action RPG, so-called "items" such as weapons, armor, ammunition, and medicines that the player character can equip and use are game elements. The game element can be other than the item that can be equipped and used by the player character according to the game content. For example, the character itself that can be used as a player character, vehicles, summoned beasts, additional abilities (so-called skills) that can be added to the player character, right to open new game stages or maps, right to participate in events, NPC (non-playable character) It may be a present, a reward for an NPC, breeding material, construction material, or the like.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system according to this embodiment. The game system 1000 according to the present embodiment is a computer system including a server system 1100 and a user terminal 1500 that are connected to the communication line 9 and can perform data communication with each other. In the illustrated example, the number of user terminals 1500 is one, but in actual operation, a plurality of user terminals 1500 for each user may simultaneously be in a state capable of communication connection with the server system 1100.

The communication line 9 means a communication path capable of data communication. That is, the communication line 9 includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet. It means that the communication method may be wired/wireless.

The server system 1100 includes a main body device 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and a storage 1140, and a control board 1150 is mounted on the main body device 1101.

On the control board 1150, various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as VRAM, RAM and ROM, and a communication device 1153 are mounted. Has been done. Note that part or all of the control board 1150 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or a SoC (System on a Chip).

Then, in the server system 1100, the control board 1150 performs arithmetic processing based on a predetermined program and data, so that 1) a user management function related to user registration and the like, and 2) a player who is a user plays a game on the user terminal 1500. A game management function of providing data necessary for playing and managing execution control of the game on the user terminal 1500; and 3) an online shopping function of selling various items available in the game to the user online. Realize. That is, the game in this embodiment is realized as a kind of client/server type online game.

Although the server system 1100 is described as a single unit, it may have a configuration in which a plurality of blade servers that share respective functions are mounted and mutually connected via an internal bus so that data communication is possible. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that a plurality of independent servers installed at distant locations are caused to perform data communication via the communication line 9 so that they function as the server system 1100 as a whole.

The user terminal 1500 is a computer system that a registered user who is a player individually uses for game play, and is an electronic device (electronic device that can access the server system 1100 via the communication line 9 to execute an online game. ). The user terminal 1500 of this embodiment is a so-called smartphone device, but may be a portable game device, a game controller, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, an arcade game device, or the like.

The user terminal 1500 includes a direction input key 1502, a button switch 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device and a contact position input device, a speaker 1510, a built-in battery 1509, a microphone 1512, a control board 1550, and a computer. And a memory card reading device 1542 capable of reading and writing data from the memory card 1540 which is a readable storage medium. In addition, a power button, a volume control button, etc., which are not shown, are provided. Further, an IC card reader or the like that can read and write data in a contactless manner with respect to an IC card type credit card or a prepaid card that can pay for the game play may be provided.

The control board 1550 is used for wireless communication with various microprocessors such as the CPU 1551, GPU, DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM, ROM, mobile phone base stations and wireless LAN base stations connected to the communication line 9. A wireless communication module 1553, an interface circuit 1557, etc. are mounted.

The interface circuit 1557 includes a driver circuit of the touch panel 1506, a circuit that receives signals from the direction input keys 1502 and button switches 1504, an output amplifier circuit that outputs a sound signal to the speaker 1510, and a sound signal collected by the microphone 1512. An input signal generation circuit for generating, a signal input/output circuit for the memory card reader 1542, and the like are included.

These elements mounted on the control board 1550 are electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected so that reading/writing of data and transmission/reception of signals can be performed. Note that part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured with an ASIC, FPGA, or SoC. Then, the control board 1550 stores in the IC memory 1552 a client program and various data for realizing the function as the user terminal of the game of this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the user terminal 1500 is configured to download the client program and various setting data from the server system 1100, but the user terminal 1500 may be configured to read it from a storage medium such as a memory card 1540 that is separately obtained.

[Game description]
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the game in this embodiment.
The game of the present embodiment is an action RPG in which the player uses the main character 4 and the sub character 5 to fight against the enemy character 6.

The game screen W2 includes a main display unit 21 and an operation icon display unit 22.
The main display portion 21 displays a state in which the main character 4 and the sub character 5 fight the enemy character 6.

The main character 4 is an alter ego of the player in the game world, and by equipping various items 7 with each other, it is possible to enhance the offensive power and the defense power. The item 7 is an object that can be used in the game and is a game element prepared in various types. Item 7 has a rarity (rareness/rareness) set, and the higher the rarity, the higher the ability is set. By equipping or using the item with the high rarity to the main character 4, the player can The game can be advantageously advanced.

The sub character 5 is an NPC (non-player character) that is automatically controlled so as to support the main character 4. The sub-character 5 can be obtained and obtained by a free lottery per login (an example of a free automatic selection element), a loot in the game, a special event play, and the like. The player can own a plurality of sub-characters 5, and can select and change a predetermined number of characters to accompany the main character 4 from among the sub-characters 5 owned before or during the game. The item 7 can be set so that the sub character 5 can be equipped and used.

The abilities of the main character 4 and the sub character 5 change according to the game progress result. The ability is managed by a character level indicating the degree of growth, and control parameter values represented by offensive power, defense power, movement power, recovery power, skill, and the like. Of course, parameters other than these can be included as appropriate. When the main character 4 and the sub character 5 are equipped and used with items, their control parameter values are improved according to the effect setting of the item 7.

For the player, in order to proceed the game more favorably and without difficulty, it is necessary to obtain the item 7 having higher rarity and high effect. In turn, the collection of the more rare item 7 itself is an important factor in the enjoyment of the game.

The operation icon display section 22 displays icons for inputting various game operations. In the present embodiment, a purchase icon 23, a pay lottery icon 24, and a free lottery icon 25 are displayed. Of course, the operation icon display section 22 can appropriately include other icons, tabs, menu displays, etc. depending on the game content.

The purchase icon 23 is an icon for inputting an operation of purchasing the item 7 using online shopping during game play.
The pay lottery icon 24 is an icon for inputting a pay lottery execution operation. The pay lottery of the present embodiment is a special lottery in which the item 7 with a high reaitability that cannot be purchased through online shopping is included in the prize.
The free lottery icon 25 is an icon for inputting the execution operation of the free lottery (an example of a free automatic selection element), which is inferior to the paid lottery but includes the item 7 which can not be purchased online shopping as a prize. is there.

[Explanation of the principle]
Now, as a direct method for suppressing excessive billing for some players, the upper limit is the billing amount per unit accounting period, which is divided by the accounting deadline date for billing (hereinafter simply referred to as "accounting deadline date"). After the charge upper limit threshold is reached, the use of charge elements such as item purchase and pay lottery may be restricted until the end of the unit accounting period.

The “unit accounting period” includes one or a plurality of “unit periods”.
The “unit period” can be appropriately set depending on the game content and the game operation mode. For example, a period that can be arbitrarily set by the game operator, such as 24 hours, holidays, 1 week, 10 days, 1 month, 2 months,... But it's okay. In the present embodiment, the unit period will be one month, and the unit accounting period will also be one month.
The “accounting deadline date (accounting deadline date and time)” may be a deadline date and time that is specified by a date such as the end of the month, a weekend, or the 15th of every month, or by a time such as the beginning of the week or the time from the previous deadline to a predetermined time. It may be the deadline date and time.

Now, when the charge upper limit threshold is set, the player who has reached the charge upper limit threshold is of course in the pay lottery until the end of the current unit accounting period (unit accounting period including the current date and time; this month in this embodiment). You can't even buy items. For the player, the fact that the pay lottery or item purchase is not possible can greatly reduce the attractiveness of the game.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, after the charge upper limit threshold is reached, the specifications of the free lottery are changed to provide a new game attraction that cannot be obtained unless the charge upper limit is reached. This will also compensate for the reduced attractiveness of being unable to charge for pay lottery and item purchases.

Specifically, it is assumed that the total charge amount of the player 2 reaches a predetermined upper limit threshold on the Xth day of the month. The player is called a "threshold player" or a "threshold player". Further, in the present embodiment, the specification of the free lottery executed by the player who has reached the threshold is more advantageous for the player from the standard specification applied until the upper limit threshold is reached from the beginning of the unit accounting period (the beginning of the month in the present embodiment). Change to special specifications. The former is called "standard lottery" and the latter is called "specification change lottery".

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of specifications of lottery in the present embodiment, and is a diagram showing an example of standard lottery definition data 521 that defines specifications of standard lottery. The standard lottery specifications of the present embodiment are: a unique lottery ID 30, a maximum lottery number 32 per day (also referred to as a unit period), a maximum lottery number 34 until the end of the month (until the end of the unit accounting period), and once. The prize payout number 36 per lottery and the winning probability setting table 38 are described.

The winning probability setting table 38 stores the winning probability in association with each type of standard lottery prize. That is, in the standard lottery, a range of numerical values is set for each prize, a random number is generated every time the lottery is executed, and a prize in the range including the generated random number value is selected as a prize. The relative probability of the range of numerical values prepared for each prize type is the winning probability.

Of course, the information describing the lottery specifications can be set as appropriate, unexpectedly. In the illustrated example, the rarity is set to four levels of S, A, B, and C, and one kind of prize is set for each rarity. However, the number of kinds of rarity and the kind of prize for each rarity are It can be set appropriately.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a plurality of types of specification change lottery are prepared with different degrees of advantage indicating how more advantageous the player is, based on the standard lottery.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the first specification change lottery definition data 522.
Like the standard lottery, the specifications of the first specification change lottery include a unique lottery ID 30, a lottery upper limit number 32 per day, a lottery upper limit number until the end of the month 34, a payout number 36, and a winning probability setting table 38. Described in. However, in the first specification change lottery, the winning probability of a prize satisfying a predetermined high rarity condition (a prize having a relatively high rarity) is higher than that in the standard lottery as compared with the standard lottery. In other words, the change has been made for the player. In the illustrated example, the winning probabilities of the S rare and A rare prizes are increased, but the present invention is not limited to this. The type of rarity for increasing the winning probability, the number of prizes of the rarity, and the amount for increasing the rarity can be appropriately set.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the second specification change lottery definition data 523.
The second specification change lottery is set to be more advantageous to the player than the first specification change lottery. Specifically, compared to the standard lottery, S rare and A rare prizes (prizes satisfying a predetermined high rarity condition) are added. In the example shown in the figure, a new S rare is added while the winning probability of the entire S rare remains unchanged, and a new A rare is added with the same winning probability as the original A rare, but the type of added rarity The number, the number of winnings, and the winning probability can be set appropriately. The prizes added here (S rare (2) prize and A rare (2) prize in FIG. 6) are limited prizes that can be obtained only when the total charge amount reaches the upper limit threshold. It is preferable.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the third specification change lottery definition data 524.
The third specification change lottery is set to be more advantageous to the player than the second specification change lottery. Specifically, the lottery upper limit number 32 per day, the lottery upper limit number 34 until the end of the month, and the payout number 36 are increased more than in the second specification change lottery. These increments can be set appropriately. Further, all three of the lottery upper limit number 32, the lottery upper limit number until the end of the month, and the payout number 36 are not increased, and any one or two may be used.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the n-th specification change lottery definition data 525 (n is an integer of 4 or more). The n-th specification change lottery is set to be more advantageous to the player than the third specification change lottery. Specifically, the lottery method is not the winning probability method (first lottery method) as shown in the first specification change lottery to the third specification change lottery, but rather the type and number of prizes and their payout order ( It has been changed to a sequential payout method (second lottery method) which is predetermined to the player (not disclosed to the public). In short, it is an electronic version of the capsule toy vending machine, the so-called box gacha method.

The specifications of the n-th specification change lottery are described by a unique lottery ID 30, a lottery upper limit number 32 per day, a lottery upper limit number 34 until the end of the month, a payout amount 36, and a payout order setting table 39. In the payout order setting table 39, a predetermined number of payout orders and identification information of the prizes paid out at that time are stored in association with each other.

In the winning probability method, even if the winning probability of S rare is set to 1%, the prize of S rare is not necessarily won within 100 times. However, in the sequential payout method, the S rare prize is definitely won once within 100 times, which is advantageous for the player.

The types of specification change lottery are not limited to these. Further, the advantage to the player is not limited to this order, and the method for making the lottery advantageous to the player, such as improvement of the winning probability, addition of a prize, increase of the maximum number of lottery, and increase of the number of payouts. Can be carried out alone or in combination of two or more. Then, the order of the degree of advantage of the lottery specification for the player can be appropriately designed by the contents and combinations thereof.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the concept of deciding which is to be applied among the specification change lottery prepared for a plurality of types. In the present embodiment, which of the specification change lottery prepared for a plurality of types is to be adopted is determined based on the “play history” and the “billing history” of the player. The play history is a record of when and how long the game is played. The billing history is a record of what, when, and how much was paid.

Specifically, the number of arrival days reference point P1, the number of arrivals reference point P2, the number of consecutive reference points P3, and the play frequency reference point P4 are obtained, and the size of the change point Pc, which is their total value, is calculated. Therefore, the specification change lottery to be applied is determined.

The arrival day reference point P1 is determined by a predetermined function or table data based on the arrival days indicating how long after the start of the unit accounting period the charge upper limit threshold has been reached. The point is set to a higher value as the number of arrival days is smaller. The trend shown in the graph is an example and can be set as appropriate.

The number-of-arrivals reference point P2 is set to a higher value as the number of times the upper limit threshold has been reached in the past. The trend shown in the graph is an example and can be set as appropriate.

The consecutive number reference point P3 is set to a higher value as the number of times the upper limit threshold has been consecutively reached in the past from the current unit accounting period (corresponding to the present month in the present embodiment). The trend shown in the graph is an example and can be set as appropriate.

The play frequency reference point P4 is set to a higher value as the past play frequency is higher. The unit of the play frequency can be set appropriately. The tendency shown in the graph is an example and can be set as appropriate.

Then, the change point Pc is obtained by summing these, and the higher the change point Pc, the more the specification change lottery set to be advantageous to the player is applied and adopted.

[Description of functional configuration]
FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the server system 1100 according to this embodiment. The server system 1100 in this embodiment includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, a sound output unit 390s, an image display unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

The operation input unit 100s is means for inputting various operations for managing the server. The keyboard 1106 in FIG. 1 corresponds to this.

The server processing unit 200s is realized by a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC or an IC memory, and inputs/outputs data from/to each functional unit including the operation input unit 100s and the server storage unit 500s. Take control. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on a predetermined program and data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 100s, and data received from the user terminal 1500 to integrally control the operation of the server system 1100.

The server processing unit 200s of the present embodiment includes the user management unit 202, the game progress control unit 210, the time counting unit 280s, the sound generation unit 290s, the image generation unit 292s, and the communication control unit 294s. Of course, functional units other than these may be included as appropriate.

The user management unit 202 performs processing related to a user registration procedure and storage management of data associated with an account (user ID, player ID).
In the present embodiment, 1) an account assignment control unit, 2) a registration information management unit that registers and manages personal information about a user, and 3) a virtual account linked to the account and used as a source of payment for consideration at the time of charging. Setting and deposit/withdrawal control, that is, an electronic settlement control unit for electronic settlement, 4) a billing history management unit 204 that stores and manages a billing history relating to billing factors by a user of the account, and 5) manages a log-in/logout history. The functions of the first play history management unit 206 and the second play history management unit 208 which 6) stores and manages the data regarding the game progress status up to that point (so-called game save data) in association with the account. Have. Of course, a management function of data associated with an account other than these can be appropriately included.

The game progress control unit 210 performs various processes related to game execution management. Since the game of the present embodiment is a client-server type online game, the game progress control unit 210 of the present embodiment controls to provide data necessary for game play while communicating with the user terminal 1500.

Since the game of this embodiment is an action RPG (role playing game), 1) a process of arranging an object such as a background in a virtual three-dimensional space to form a game space, and 2) a player character, an enemy character, and a virtual character in the game space. Processing for arranging a camera, 3) Automatic control processing for a virtual camera, 4) Processing for controlling the action of the player character according to an operation input on the user terminal 1500, 5) Automatic control processing for the enemy character 6, 6) Attack It is possible to perform processing relating to hit determination and damage reflection, 7) game score calculation processing, 8) generation processing of an image of the game space taken by a virtual camera, and the like. Further, along with these, various data necessary for controlling the game play can be stored in the server storage unit 500s.

Note that the game of this embodiment is premised on single play, but if the game is executed in the PvP (Player versus Player) format, the game progress control unit 210 should be made to execute control related to opponent matching. May be

Then, the game progress control unit 210 of the present embodiment includes a threshold reaching user detection unit 212, a charging restriction unit 214, a lottery specification change unit 216, and a lottery execution unit 218.

The threshold reaching user detection unit 212 detects a threshold reaching user whose total billing amount in the current unit accounting period of the unit accounting periods separated by the accounting closing date of the billing reaches the given threshold among registered users. Control. Specifically, referring to the billing history of the current player who is a registered user, if the total billing amount in the current unit accounting period has reached the upper limit threshold, the current player is set as a “threshold user”. Detected as "threshold person".

The charging restriction unit 214 restricts the use of the charging element to the user who has reached the threshold value until the accounting closing date of the current unit accounting period elapses. In this embodiment, item purchase and pay lottery are disabled.

The lottery specification changing unit 216 gives the lottery specification to the threshold reaching user until the total closing amount reaches the threshold (upper threshold in the present embodiment) until the accounting closing date related to the current unit accounting period elapses. Compared to the lottery specifications up to, the control is performed to change the content to be advantageous to the player (threshold user). In the present embodiment, control is performed to change the specification of the free lottery from the standard lottery to the specification change lottery.

Regarding the specification change, specifically, the lottery specification change section 216
1) Among the prizes that can be won by the lottery element, it is possible to change the winning probability of a prize satisfying a predetermined high rarity condition to a higher lottery specification than before the total charge amount reaches a threshold value (Fig. 5).
2) The types of prizes that can be won by the lottery element can be changed to lottery specifications in which the amount is increased more than before the total charge amount reaches the threshold value (see FIG. 6).
3) A limited prize that is a prize only when the total billing amount reaches the threshold can be added to the prize that can be won by the selection element when the total billing amount reaches the threshold (see FIG. 6 ).

In addition, the lottery specification change unit 216
4) It is possible to change the lottery specification per lottery to a lottery specification in which the number of winable prizes per lottery is larger than that before the total charge amount reaches the threshold value (see FIG. 7).
5) It is possible to change the lottery possible number per unit period to a lottery specification in which the number of lottery times per unit period is larger than that before the total charge amount reaches the threshold value (see FIG. 7).
6) It is possible to change the lottery specifications so as to reduce the degree of advantage as the total charge amount reaches the threshold.
7) The lottery specifications can be changed according to the time required in the current unit accounting period required for the total charge amount to reach the threshold value (see the arrival days in FIG. 9).
8) The lottery specifications can be changed according to the play frequency in the current unit accounting period (see the play frequency in FIG. 9).

In addition, the lottery specification change unit 216
9) The lottery specifications can be changed according to the number of unit accounting periods in which the total charge amount reaches the threshold value (see the number of arrivals in FIG. 9).
10) The lottery specification can be changed according to the number of consecutive unit accounting periods in which the total billing amount reaches the threshold value (see the number of consecutive units in FIG. 9).
11) The lottery specification for the user who has reached the threshold is selected in order from the first lottery method of selecting a prize to be won with a given probability from an infinite number of prize groups, in order from a predetermined finite number of prize groups. It is possible to change to a second lottery method for selecting a prize to be played (see FIG. 8).
12) It is possible to change the lottery specification for a predetermined number of threshold reaching users in the detection order detected as threshold reaching users in the current unit accounting period.

The lottery execution unit 218 controls the execution of the lottery and gives the player a prize for the lottery. In the present embodiment, the free lottery is executed according to the standard lottery specifications if the current player is not detected as the threshold reaching user, and the lottery specification changing unit 216 is changed if the current player is detected as the threshold reaching user. Execute according to the set lottery specifications.

The clock unit 280s uses the system clock to clock the current date and time, time limit, and the like.

The sound generation unit 290s is realized by executing an IC or software that generates or decodes sound data, and generates or decodes sound data such as operation sounds or BGM related to system management of the server system 1100 or game play. Then, the audio signal related to system management is output to the sound output unit 390s.

The sound output unit 390s outputs a sound signal. In the example of FIG. 1, a speaker (not shown) included in the main body device 1101 and the touch panel 1108 corresponds to this.

The image generation unit 292s can generate an image related to system management of the server system 1100, a game image (or data for displaying the game image on the user terminal 1500), and the like. Then, the image regarding the system management can be output to the image display unit 392s.

The image display unit 392s displays various images for system management based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 292s. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In the example of FIG. 1, the touch panel 1108 corresponds.

The communication control unit 294s executes data processing related to data communication and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 394s.

The communication unit 394s is connected to the communication line 9 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, or the like. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication device 1153 corresponds.

The server storage unit 500s stores programs and various data for realizing various functions for causing the server processing unit 200s to integrally control the server system 1100. Further, it is used as a work area of the server processing unit 200s, and temporarily stores the calculation result and the like executed by the server processing unit 200s according to various programs. This function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD, or an online storage. In the example of FIG. 1, the storage medium such as the IC memory 1152 and the hard disk mounted in the main body device 1101 and the storage 1140 correspond to this.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s in the present embodiment.
The server storage unit 500s in the present embodiment includes a server system program 501, a server program 503, a distribution game client program 505, game initial setting data 510, item purchase initial setting data 512, and pay lottery initial setting data 514. The free lottery initial setting data 520, the change point calculation function library 540, and the specification change lottery selection table 550 are stored.

In addition, the server storage unit 500s stores user management data 600, a threshold-attainer list 620 for each unit period, play data 700, and current date and time 800 as data that is sequentially generated and managed. In addition, information such as a timer, a counter, and various flags can be stored as appropriate.

The server system program 501 is a system program for realizing basic input/output functions required by the server system 1100 as a computer by being read and executed by the server processing unit 200s.

The server program 503 is a program for realizing the functions of the user management unit 202 and the game progress control unit 210 by being read and executed by the server processing unit 200s (see FIG. 10).

The distribution game client program 505 is the original game client program provided to the user terminal 1500.

The game initial setting data 510 defines various initial setting data for displaying the main character 4, the sub character 5, and the enemy character 6 to act in the game, and various data defining a game space which is an environment in which they fight. .. For example, regarding the main character 4, the sub character 5, and the enemy character 6, character model data, motion data, an initial parameter value list (for example, character level, attack power, defense power, movement power, initial skill, etc.) Store the data in association with each other.

The item purchase initial setting data 512 stores initial setting data for realizing item purchase by online shopping. For example, an item that can be purchased and its charge consideration are stored in association with each other.

The pay lottery initial setting data 514 stores various data defining specifications of pay lottery. For example, the types of items used as prizes, the winning probability of each item, and the lottery execution consideration are stored in association with each other.

The free lottery initial setting data 520 stores various data defining the specifications of the free lottery. In the present embodiment, standard lottery definition data 521 that defines the specifications of the standard lottery (see FIG. 4) is included. Further, the first specification change lottery definition data 522, the second specification change lottery definition data 523,..., The nth specification change lottery defining each specification of the first specification lottery to the nth specification change (see FIGS. 5 to 8). It includes definition data 525.

The change point calculation function library 540 stores data defining a function for calculating the change point Pc (see FIG. 9). In this embodiment, the data of the function for calculating the arrival day reference point P1, the arrival number reference point P2, the continuous number reference point P3, and the play frequency reference point P4 are stored. Instead of the function, table data for determining the corresponding points from the respective parameter values of the number of arrival days, the number of arrivals, the number of continuations, and the play frequency may be stored.

The user management data 600 is prepared for each registered user and stores various data associated with an account, which is unique identification information.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, one user management data 600 includes a unique account 601, a virtual account balance 603 used for payment of charges such as item purchase, and play history data 605. It includes charging history data 607, game save data 609, free lottery specification save data 611, and free lottery execution history data 613. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The play history data 605 is data in which data describing when the game was played in the past is stored in a time series of playing, and is automatically updated at the login/logout timing.

The billing history data 607 is data that stores, in a time series, data that describes how much the billing was made for what time and when. In this embodiment, it is automatically updated every time item purchase or pay lottery is executed.

The free lottery specification save data 611 is save data of the setting of the lottery specification applied to the free lottery when the game was played last time. Specifically, the change date and time, which is the date and time when the lottery specification is changed, and the lottery ID are included. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The free lottery execution history data 613 is created each time the free lottery is executed and stores the lottery result. One piece of free lottery execution history data 613 stores, for example, a lottery date and time, a lottery ID, and a lottery result (type and number of prizes won). Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

Returning to FIG. 11, the threshold reacher list 620 by unit period is data that stores threshold reachers in each unit period in time series in association with arrival dates and times.

The play data 700 is prepared for each game play, and stores various data describing the progress of the game and various information regarding display of the game screen such as control data of each character.

As shown in FIG. 13, for example, one piece of play data 700 includes a player account 701, a play start date/time 702, and game progress control data 704. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The game progress control data 704 is game space control data 705, which is control data of various background objects constituting the game space, and control of the main character 4, the sub character 5, and the item 7 (see FIG. 2) equipped by the main character 4. The player character control data 706, which is data, and the enemy character control data 707, which is control data for the enemy character 6, are included.

Further, the game progress control data 704 is data relating to the lottery in the present embodiment, and is a total charge amount 710, the number of arrival days 712, the number of arrivals 714, the number of consecutive 716, a play frequency 718, and an arrival day reference point 722. The number of arrivals reference point 724, the number of consecutive reference points 726, the play frequency reference point 728, the change point 730, and the free lottery specification setting data 740 are included. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The total charge amount 710 is the total amount of charges already made by the player in the current unit accounting period including the current date and time.

The number of arrival days 712 is the time required for the total charging amount 710 to reach the upper limit threshold in the current unit accounting period. In the present embodiment, the number of days is used, but the arrival time may be read. Further, the calculation period is not limited to the unit accounting period, but may be a unit period constituting the unit accounting period.

The number of times of arrival 714 is the number of times in the past unit accounting period when the total charge amount has reached the upper limit threshold. The calculation period is not limited to the unit accounting period, but may be a unit period constituting the unit accounting period.

The continuous number 716 indicates how many times the past unit accounting period in which the total charge amount has reached the upper limit threshold is consecutive from the current unit accounting period. The calculation period is not limited to the unit accounting period, but may be a unit period constituting the unit accounting period.

The play frequency 718 is a past play frequency. In the present embodiment, the play frequency in the current unit accounting period is used, but it may be the play frequency in a predetermined number of past unit accounting periods. The unit of the play frequency can be set as appropriate. Further, the play frequency calculation period is not limited to the unit accounting period, and may be a unit period constituting the unit accounting period.

The arrival day reference point 722, the arrival number reference point 724, the continuous number reference point 726, and the play frequency reference point 728 are parameter values for calculating the change point 730 in the present embodiment (see FIG. 9). ).

The free lottery specification setting data 740 is the setting data of the lottery specifications applied to the free lottery. The standard lottery definition data 521 (see FIG. 11) is copied until the total charging amount 710 reaches the upper limit threshold, and after reaching the upper limit threshold, the first specification change lottery definition selected according to the change point 730. Any of the data 522 to the nth specification change lottery definition data 525 is changed.

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 1500 in this embodiment. The user terminal 1500 of this embodiment includes an operation input unit 100, a terminal processing unit 200, a sound output unit 390, an image display unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a terminal storage unit 500.

The operation input unit 100 outputs an operation input signal to the terminal processing unit 200 according to various operation inputs made by the player. For example, it can be realized by a push switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a trackball, an acceleration sensor, a gyro, a CCD module, or the like. The direction input key 1502, the button switch 1504, and the touch panel 1506 in FIG. 1 correspond to this.

The terminal processing unit 200 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC or an IC memory, and inputs or outputs data to or from each functional unit including the operation input unit 100 or the terminal storage unit 500. Take control. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on a predetermined program and data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 100, and various data received from the server system 1100 to control the operation of the user terminal 1500. The control board 1550 of FIG. 1 corresponds to this. The terminal processing unit 200 in this embodiment includes a user terminal calculation unit 260, a clock unit 280, a sound generation unit 290, an image generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

The user terminal calculation unit 260 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 261 and a game screen display control unit 262.

The operation signal transmission control unit 261 executes processing for transmitting various data and requests to the server system 1100 according to the operation performed on the operation input unit 100.

The game screen display control unit 262 performs control for displaying the game screen based on various data received from the server system 1100. In this configuration, the game space image (for example, 3DCG image) is generated by the server system 1100, but the game space image may be generated by the user terminal 1500. In that case, the game screen display control unit 262 includes control of the objects arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space for generating the 3DCG, for example.

The sound generation unit 290 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of reproducing a voice file, or the like, and effects related to the game based on the processing result by the game screen display control unit 262. Sound signals of sounds, BGM, and various operation sounds are generated and output to the sound output unit 390.

The sound output unit 390 is realized by a device that outputs a sound effect, BGM, or the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 290. The speaker 1510 of FIG. 1 corresponds to this.

The image generation unit 292 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC, a video codec, an IC memory for a drawing frame such as a frame buffer, or the like.

Then, the image generation unit 292 generates an image of one game screen in one frame time (for example, 1/60 seconds) based on various data received from the server system 1100, and generates an image signal of the generated game screen as an image. It is output to the display unit 392.

The image display unit 392 displays various game images based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 292. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 1506 of FIG. 1 corresponds to this.

The communication control unit 294 executes data processing related to data communication and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 394. The communication unit 394 connects to the communication line 9 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, and the like, and the wireless communication module 1553 of FIG. 1 corresponds to this.

The terminal storage unit 500 stores a system program for realizing various functions for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to integrally control the user terminal 1500, a program necessary for game play, various data, and the like. Further, it is used as a work area of the terminal processing unit 200, and temporarily stores a calculation result executed by the terminal processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data input from the operation input unit 100, and the like. Such a function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD. The IC memory 1552 and the memory card 1540 mounted on the control board 1550 of FIG. 1 correspond to this.

The terminal storage unit 500 of this embodiment stores a terminal system program 502 and a game client program 504. Of course, data other than these can also be stored as appropriate.

The terminal system program 502 is a program for realizing the basic input/output functions of the user terminal 1500 as a computer.

The game client program 504 is application software for realizing the function as the user terminal calculation unit 260 by being read and executed by the terminal processing unit 200, and is a configuration incorporated as a part of the terminal system program 502. May be. In this embodiment, the distribution game client program 505 (see FIG. 11) provided by the server system 1100 is a copy.

The game client program 504 may be a dedicated client program according to a technical method for realizing an online game, or may be configured by a web browser program and a plug-in for realizing interactive image display.

[Description of operation]
Next, the flow of processing in the server system 1100 will be described. The processing flow described here is executed by the server processing unit 200s executing the server system program 501 and the server program 503.

15 to 16 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing in the server system 1100 of this embodiment. First, as shown in FIG. 15, the server system 1100 executes login processing (step S2) and starts recording play history and billing history (step S4).

Next, the server system 1100 prepares new play data 700 for the logged-in user (player) (see FIG. 13) and initializes the game progress control data 704 (step S6). Then, the server system 1100 reflects the game save data 609 of the user management data 600 (see FIG. 12) of the login player in the game progress control data 704 (step S8). At this time, the free lottery specification save data 611 is copied to the free lottery specification setting data 740 (see FIG. 12).

Next, the server system 1100 determines whether or not a specification restoration condition that is a condition for returning the specifications of the free lottery to the initial state is satisfied (step S10). In this embodiment, an affirmative determination is made when the current unit accounting period ends, specifically, when a new accounting month starts.
Then, in the affirmative case (YES in step S10), the free lottery specification setting data 740 is overwritten with the standard lottery definition data 521 (see FIG. 11) to restore the initial state (step S12).

Next, the server system 1100 starts game progress control (step S14).
After that, the server system 1100 controls the motions of the main character 4 and the sub character 5 that is the used sub character in response to an operation input from the user terminal 1500, causes the enemy character 6 to appear, and controls the motion. To do.

Next, the server system 1100 determines whether or not the lottery specification change activation condition is satisfied (step S20). In the present embodiment, when the total charge amount 710 is calculated by extracting the charge in the current unit accounting period from the charge history data 607 (see FIG. 12) of the user management data 600 of the player, and the predetermined upper limit threshold is reached. Is determined as “affirmative”.

Then, in the affirmative case (YES in step S20), the server system 1100 stores the player account and the current date and time in association with each other in the unit period threshold reacher list 620 (see FIG. 11) corresponding to the current unit period. (Step S22).

Next, if the number of threshold arriving persons in the current unit accounting period is less than or equal to a predetermined first-come-first-served upper limit number (YES in step S30), the server system 1100 calculates a change point Pc (step S32; see FIG. 9). That is, the server system 1100 refers to the player play history data 605 and the billing history data 607, and calculates the change point Pc based on each function stored in the change point calculation function library 540.

Next, the server system 1100 refers to the specification change lottery selection table 550 (see FIG. 9) to determine the specification change contents of the lottery (step S34). Specifically, any one of the first specification change lottery definition data 522 to the nth specification change lottery definition data 525 is selected. Then, the free lottery specification setting data 740 is overwritten with the selected definition data (step S36).

Next, the server system 1100 calculates the elapsed time from the date and time when the player was registered as the threshold reacher in the current unit accounting period (step S38), and the advantage of the free lottery specification decreases according to the elapsed time. (Step S40).

Specifically, in the specification change lottery in which the winning probability is higher than in the standard lottery (see FIG. 5 ), the winning probability of the raised high rarity prize in the winning probability setting table 38 is slightly increased according to the elapsed time. Lower. It may be gradually reduced or may be gradually reduced according to the elapsed time. Alternatively, it may not be lowered.

Further, in the specification change lottery in which the types of prizes are increased more than in the standard lottery (see FIG. 6), the increased prizes may be deleted from the winning probability setting table 38 according to the elapsed time. It does not have to be deleted.
In addition, in the specification change lottery in which the lottery upper limit number 32 per day, the lottery upper limit number 34 until the end of the month, and the payout number 36 are increased (see FIG. 7), one or more of these values is changed according to the elapsed time. It may be lowered. It may not be lowered.

Such decrease in the degree of advantage may not be constant, and it may be determined how much to decrease according to the charging history and the play history of the player. Specifically, it is preferable that the shorter the number of arrival days 712 is, the smaller the reduction rate of the advantage is relatively small, and the more the number of arrivals 714, the consecutive number 716, and the frequency of play 718 is, the smaller the reduction rate of the advantage is relatively small. is there.

Then, the server system 1100 notifies the player that the specification of the free lottery has been changed to the advantage on the game screen, and that the advantage gradually decreases toward the end of the month (step S42). The notification method can be set as appropriate. For example, a badge for drawing attention to the free lottery icon 25 on the game screen W2 may be attached and displayed, and when the player touches the free lottery icon 25, a pop-up displaying the notification content may be displayed. Alternatively, the notification text may be displayed as a strip at the top or bottom of the screen.

16, next, the server system 1100 detects the execution operation of the charging element (in the present embodiment, item purchase and pay lottery) (YES in step S80), and the total charging amount 710 becomes the upper limit threshold. If not reached (NO in step S82), the requested charging element is executed and the charging process is performed (step S84). Along with this, the virtual account balance 603 of the player and the charging history data 607 (see FIG. 12) are updated.
On the other hand, if the total charge amount 710 has reached the upper limit threshold (YES in step S82), the server system 1100 limits the use of the charge element and notifies that the charge element cannot be executed (step S86).

Next, if the execution operation of the free lottery is detected (YES in step S100), the server system 1100 determines whether or not the limitation of the free lottery is satisfied (step S102).
Specifically, with reference to the free lottery execution history data 613 (see FIG. 12) of the user management data 600 of the player, the number of free lottery executed on that day and the number of free lottery executed this month are calculated. To do. Then, the lottery upper limit number 32 per day and the lottery upper limit number 34 by the end of the definition data of the specification change lottery indicated by the free lottery specification setting data 740 are compared and determined (see FIGS. 5 to 8 ).

If the restriction does not apply (NO in step S102), the server system 1100 applies the free lottery specification setting data 740 to execute the free lottery, and updates the free lottery execution history data 613 of the player (step). S104; see FIG. 12).
On the other hand, if the limit is met (YES in step S102), the server system 1100 notifies the player that the free lottery has reached the limit and cannot be executed (step S106).

Until the game ending condition is satisfied (NO in step S120), steps S20 to S102 are repeatedly executed.
The game end condition can be appropriately set according to the game content. For example, it is possible to appropriately set such things as the annihilation of the player character, the annihilation of the enemy character, the end of the game stage, the lapse of a predetermined time in the game world when a predetermined time has passed from the play start date and time 702.

When the game end condition is satisfied (YES in step S120), the server system 1100 updates the play history data 605, the game save data 609, and the free lottery specification save data 611 of the user management data 600 of the player (step S120). S122), and a series of processing ends.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to set an upper limit on billing as a measure against excessive billing. Further, a decrease in the interest of the game related to the charging factor which cannot be obtained after the charging upper limit threshold is reached can be compensated by changing the specification of the lottery so as to be advantageous to the player.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The present embodiment is basically realized in the same manner as the first embodiment, except that the processing subject of the game progress control is the user terminal 1500. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same components as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the user terminal 1500B in the present embodiment. The user terminal 1500B of the present embodiment has the game progress control unit 210 with the game screen display control unit 262 omitted. That is, in the present embodiment, the user terminal 1500 itself executes the arithmetic processing regarding the game progress, and generates the game space image by itself.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in the terminal storage unit 500 of the user terminal 1500B of this embodiment.
The terminal storage unit 500 of this embodiment stores a terminal system program 502 and a game program 506. Then, as the game progress control unit 210 is processed by the user terminal 1500B, the game initial setting data 510 excluding the user management data 600 and the unit period threshold reacher list 620 (see FIG. 11) is set to the current date and time 800. Are stored in the terminal storage unit 500.

The game program 506 is a program for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to realize the user terminal calculation unit 260 and the game progress control unit 210 of this embodiment.

The process flow in this embodiment is basically the same as the process flow of the server system 1100 in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 15 to 16), and the game progress control unit 210 is executed by the user terminal 1500B. Accordingly, the executing body of each step may be appropriately replaced with the server system 1100 or the user terminal 1500B. When performing a process such as logging in at the user terminal 1500B that needs to refer to the user management data 600, whether to request the server system 1100 to provide or collate the necessary data or to request the process itself. And deal with it.

According to this embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.
It should be noted that the user terminal 1500B may not be responsible for all of the game progress control unit 210, but may be configured to be responsible for only part thereof.

[Modification]
Although the embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above, the embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and constituent elements can be appropriately added, omitted, or changed.

[Part 1]
For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which an online game is realized by a client/server type computer system has been described, but it may be realized by a computer system in which a plurality of user terminals 1500 are peer-to-peer connected. In that case, one of the user terminals 1500 is caused to have a function as the server system 1100 of the first embodiment. Alternatively, a plurality of user terminals 1500 may share the functions of the game progress control unit 210 as in the second embodiment.

[Part 2]
Furthermore, although an online game is exemplified in the above embodiment, the same can be applied to a game executed by the user terminal 1500 standalone, that is, a game executed in a computer system including a single computer. In this case, basically, the functional configurations shown in FIGS. 10 and 17 may be read as those realized by the user terminal 1500 alone.

[Part 3]
Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the action RPG is used as an example of the game genre, but the game genre is not limited to this and can be set as appropriate as long as it is a game including a charging element and a lottery element. For example, the present embodiment can be applied to a puzzle game, a tactical simulation game, a shooting game, a love game, a training game, a racing game, a puzzle game, an action game, a music game, a sports game, and the like.

[Part 4]
Further, although the specification of the free lottery is changed in the above embodiment, for example, the specification of the pay lottery may be changed when the free lottery is not prepared in the first place. Specifically, when the total billing amount 710 reaches the upper limit threshold, the billing amount for the lottery execution consideration in the pay lottery specifications may be changed to "0". Alternatively, the lottery execution consideration is changed to use of a predetermined “dedicated pass item” or “dedicated ticket item”, and those items that are valid only in the current unit accounting period are separately given to the player detected as the threshold reaching user. May be

[Part 5]
Further, in the above embodiment, the definition of the specification change lottery of the winning probability formula is prepared in advance, but the definition is not limited to this (see FIGS. 5, 6, and 7). For example, the maximum number of times of lottery 32 per day, the maximum number of times of lottery 34 until the end of the month, the number of payouts 36, and the winning probabilities associated with each prize in the winning probability setting table 38 are respectively the number of arrival days 712, the number of arrivals 714, and the continuous number. 716 and play frequency 718 are defined as a function (or table data) including parameters, and each time, the upper limit number of lottery 32 per day, the upper limit number of lottery 34 by the end of the month, the number of payouts 36, and the winning probability setting table 38 are set. It may be configured to calculate/determine the winning probability associated with the prize.

[Part 6]
In addition, in the above embodiment, the lottery method of the lottery elements is, in principle, the winning probability formula (first lottery system), and when the specification of the nth specification change lottery is changed to the sequential payout system (second lottery system). It was explained as doing. However, all the lottery elements may be sequentially paid out (second lottery), and the types and the number of prizes may be different before and after the total charging amount reaches the charging upper limit threshold.

That is, the automatic selection element is an element that automatically selects and gives a prize from a predetermined limited number of prize groups according to a player's instruction operation, and is a source of selection of the automatic selection element. Is changed to a different specification before and after the total charging amount reaches the charging upper limit threshold. It can be said that the contents of the box in the so-called box gacha are changed.

[Part 7]
Regarding game elements other than the lottery element (automatic selection element), specifications may be changed before and after the total charge amount reaches the charge upper limit threshold. For example, an NPC (non-playable character) such as an intermediary, a buyer, or a merchant who trades and sells items and characters is introduced in the game, and game elements that trade and sell these items are incorporated. The exchange rate in bartering or trading may be changed before and after the total charge amount reaches the charge upper limit threshold. In addition, as a lottery element that uses items, etc. as a consumption medium, not bartering or buying and selling, the consumption amount of the consumption medium required for one lottery is calculated before and after the total charging amount reaches the charging upper limit threshold. It may be changed with.

[Part 8]
In the above-described embodiment, when the total charge amount in the current unit accounting period reaches the charge upper limit threshold, the lottery specification is changed until the accounting deadline (accounting deadline date) of the current unit accounting period elapses ( Hereinafter, it is referred to as "first change"). In addition, assuming that the current unit accounting period is the Nth unit accounting period, if the total charging amount in the Nth unit accounting period reaches the charging upper limit threshold value, the (N+1)th unit accounting period In the meantime, the lottery specifications may be changed (hereinafter referred to as “second change”). The specifications related to the second change may be the same as or different from the specifications related to the first change. For example, for the first change, the specification to be changed is determined based on all or some of the points P1 to P4 described above, and for the second change, the specifications of the points P1 to P4 described above are changed. The specifications to be changed may be determined using all or some of these points. Of course, the contents of the specification to be changed may be different.

4... Main character 5... Sub character 6... Enemy character 7... Item 22... Operation icon display part 3... Purchase icon 24... Paid lottery icon 25... Free lottery icon 30... Lottery ID
32... Max lottery number per day 34... Max lottery number until the end of the month 36... Payout number 38... Winning probability setting table 39... Payout order setting table 200s... Server processing unit 202... User management unit 204... Charging history management unit 206... First play history management unit 208... Second play history management unit 210... Game progress control unit 212... Threshold reaching user detection unit 214... Charging restriction unit 216... Lottery specification change unit 218... Lottery execution unit 500s... Server storage unit 503... Server program 510... Game initial setting data 512... Item purchase initial setting data 514... Paid lottery initial setting data 520... Free lottery initial setting data 521... Standard lottery definition data 522... First specification change lottery definition data 523... Second Specification change lottery definition data 524... Third specification change lottery definition data 525... Nth specification change lottery definition data 540... Change point calculation function library 550... Specification change lottery selection table 600... User management data 601... Account 603... Virtual account Balance 605...Play history data 607...Charging history data 611...Free lottery specification save data 613...Free lottery execution history data 620...Unit threshold threshold list 700...Play data 701...Player account 704...Game progress control data 710... Total billing amount 712...Number of arrival days 714...Number of arrivals 716...Consecutive number 718...Play frequency 722...Arrival day reference point 724...Arrival number reference point 726...Continuous number reference point 728...Play frequency reference point 730...Change point 740...Free Lottery specification setting data 1000... Game system 1100... Server system 1150... Control board 1500... User terminal 1550... Control board P1... Arrival day reference point P2... Arrival number reference point P3... Continuous number reference point P4... Play frequency reference point Pc... Change point W2... Game screen

Claims (16)

A server system for controlling execution of a game including an automatic selection element based on a given automatic selection specification and a charging element,
Billing history management means for managing billing history relating to the billing element for each user,
Among the users, the threshold reached users whose total billing amount in the current unit accounting period of the unit accounting periods divided by the accounting closing date and time (hereinafter, simply referred to as “accounting closing date”) for charging have reached a given threshold value. Detection means for detecting,
Billing restriction means for limiting the use of the billing element to the user who has reached the threshold value until the accounting closing date of the current unit accounting period elapses,
For the user who has reached the threshold value, the automatic selection specification of the automatic selection element that can be executed by the user under the usage restriction of the charging element by the charging restriction unit until the accounting closing date related to the current unit accounting period elapses. Automatic selection specification changing means for changing
Server system with. The automatic selection specification changing unit changes to the automatic selection specification having contents advantageous to the user who has reached the threshold, as compared with the automatic selection specification before the total charging amount reaches the threshold.
The server system according to claim 1. The automatic selection specification changing unit increases the selection probability of a prize satisfying a predetermined high rarity condition out of the prizes that can be selected by the automatic selection element, compared to before the total charge amount reaches the threshold. Change to the automatic selection specification,
The server system according to claim 2. The automatic selection specification changing unit changes the types of prizes that can be selected by the automatic selection element to the automatic selection specifications having a larger content than before the total charge amount reaches the threshold value.
The server system according to claim 2 or 3. The automatic selection specification changing means changes a limited prize that is a prize only when the total charge amount reaches the threshold value to a prize that can be selected by the automatic selection element when the total charge amount reaches the threshold value. to add,
The server system according to claim 4. The automatic selection specification changing unit changes the number of selected prizes per automatic selection to the automatic selection specification having a content larger than that before the total charge amount reaches the threshold value.
The server system according to claim 2. The unit accounting period includes a plurality of unit periods,
The automatic selection element is an element for performing a lottery according to an instruction operation of the user,
The automatic selection specification includes the number of times the lottery can be performed per unit period,
The automatic selection specification changing means changes the number of possible lottery per unit period to a value larger than that before the total charging amount reaches the threshold, to the automatic selection specification.
The server system according to claim 2. The automatic selection specification changing means changes the automatic selection specification so as to reduce the advantageous degree as the total charging amount reaches the threshold value.
The server system according to any one of claims 2 to 7. The automatic selection specification changing means changes the automatic selection specification according to the time required in the current unit accounting period required for the total charge amount to reach the threshold value,
The server system according to claim 1. The automatic selection specification changing means changes the automatic selection specification according to the play frequency in the current unit accounting period,
The server system according to claim 1. The automatic selection specification changing means changes the automatic selection specification according to the number of the unit accounting periods in which the total charge amount reaches the threshold.
The server system according to claim 1. The automatic selection specification changing unit changes the automatic selection specification according to the number of consecutive unit accounting periods in which the total charge amount reaches the threshold value,
The server system according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The automatic selection element is an element that performs automatic selection according to an instruction operation of the user,
The automatic selection specification includes a first selection method for selecting a prize from an infinite number of prize groups with a given probability and a second selection method for selecting a prize from a predetermined finite number of prize groups. Includes an automatic selection method specification that includes at least and
The automatic selection specification changing means changes the automatic selection specification for the threshold reaching user from the first selection method to the automatic selection specification by the second selection method.
The server system according to claim 1. The automatic selection element is an element which automatically selects a gift from a predetermined finite number of prize groups and which is given to the user according to an instruction operation of the user,
The automatic selection specification changing means changes the prize group, which is a selection source of the automatic selection element, to different specifications before and after the total charge amount reaches the threshold value.
The server system according to claim 1. The automatic selection specification changing means changes the automatic selection specification for a predetermined number of users who have reached the threshold in the detection order by the detecting means in the current unit accounting period.
The server system according to any one of claims 1 to 14. A program for causing a computer system to control execution of a game including an automatic selection element based on a given automatic selection specification and a charging element,
Billing history management means for managing billing history relating to the billing element for each user,
Among the users, the threshold reached users whose total billing amount in the current unit accounting period of the unit accounting periods divided by the accounting closing date and time (hereinafter, simply referred to as “accounting closing date”) for charging have reached a given threshold value. Detection means to detect,
Billing limiting means for limiting the use of the billing element to the user who has reached the threshold until the accounting closing date of the current unit accounting period elapses,
For the user who has reached the threshold value, the automatic selection specification of the automatic selection element that can be executed by the user under the usage restriction of the charging element by the charging restriction unit until the accounting closing date related to the current unit accounting period elapses. Automatic selection specification change means to change,
And a program for operating the computer system.

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