JP6778561B2 - Server system and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a server system or the like that matches users when executing a game including a billing element.

In a multiplayer online game in which a maximum number of players (registered users) participate and play at the same time, it is common to perform so-called matching that automatically combines the maximum number of users who wish to participate (for example, Patent Document 1). See).

In addition, advertisements and billing factors are associated with the profit structure of online games in recent years. As for the billing factor, for example, the consideration for game play, the purchase of items, the paid lottery, and the like correspond to it. Then, as a payment method of the billing element, there are a method of payment by electronic payment by a credit card, a method of paying from the virtual currency or item purchased by the user through such electronic payment in advance as a source of funds. There is also known a technique for managing the usage history of a billing element in association with player identification information (for example, a user account) and using it for controlling advertisement display (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2015-163262 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-8988

In recent years, problems related to billing have been pointed out. For example, one of the problems is that there is a user who repeatedly executes a paid lottery until the desired item is obtained and charges an excessively large amount. As a simple measure to deal with these problems, for example, set an upper limit on the monthly billing amount (total usage of billing factors, total consumption of resources), and after reaching the billing upper limit threshold, billing factors (for example, paid lottery) ) Etc. can be considered as a measure to make it infeasible.

However, in that case, the user who has reached the upper limit of the charge (hereinafter referred to as "the user who has reached the threshold") will be interested in the game related to the charge element until the next month (for example, collecting items of special rarity obtained by pay lottery). , Gameplay that makes full use of advanced abilities and power by using paid items, etc.) can no longer be enjoyed. For users who have reached the threshold, they may be dissatisfied with "I can't enjoy it anymore even though I've spent so much money" and "I can't get the satisfaction of spending so much money". Then, there is a concern that the user who has reached the threshold will leave the game.

In addition, the user who has reached the threshold is likely to have many items and equip the player character with expensive and powerful items, or is familiar with the game and may have a high player level. high. On the other hand, users who have not reached the upper limit of billing threshold (hereinafter referred to as "users who have not reached the threshold value") do not purchase so many items, so they have few items and have relatively low ability to obtain them for free. In many cases, only items are equipped on the player character. It can be said that the users who have not reached the threshold value are often users who are not completely familiar with the game.

As a matter of course, the play styles of the users who have reached the threshold and the users who have not reached the threshold are different, and even if they play the same game stage, the degree of progress is different. Therefore, if both players are randomly matched just because they want to participate, a situation unfavorable for both players may occur due to the difference in play style. For example, to a threshold-achieving user, a threshold-lessing user may appear to be just pulling a leg with poor equipment. On the other hand, from the perspective of users who have not reached the threshold, it may seem that they do not have a favorable impression of letting money say something and playing the game in their own favor. And we want to eliminate such a situation as much as possible as a factor that impairs the satisfaction of game play.

The present invention has been devised to provide a new matching technique when a threshold value reaching user and a threshold value non-achieving user exist as users in a multiplayer game having a charging element.

The first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a server system that matches users when executing a game including a billing element.
Billing management means for managing billing related to the billing element for each user (for example, control board 1150 in FIG. 1, server processing unit 200s in FIG. 9, user management unit 202, billing history management unit 204, and resource management in FIG. 12). Data 603) and
For each user, the total billing amount in the current unit accounting period of the unit accounting period separated by the accounting deadline date and time of billing (hereinafter, simply referred to as "accounting deadline") is a threshold reaching user who has reached a given threshold value. A determination means for determining whether the user has not reached the threshold value (for example, the control board 1150 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 9, the user management unit 202, the determination unit 206, the matching standby list 630 in FIG. 13, and the threshold value. Achievement determination result 635, step S6) in FIG.
A billing limiting means (for example, the control board 1150 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 9, the user management unit 202, and the billing limiting unit 208) that restricts the use of the charging element for the user who has reached the threshold value.
Matching means for performing matching based on whether the user who desires the matching is the user who has reached the threshold value or the user who has not reached the threshold value (for example, the control board 1150 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 9, and the game management unit. It is a server system including 220, a matching unit 222, and steps S8 to S26 in FIG.

The second invention is the server system of the first invention, wherein the matching means preferentially matches the users who have reached the threshold value or the users who have not reached the threshold value.

According to the first or second invention, it is possible to determine whether the user who desires matching is a user who has reached the threshold value or a user who has not reached the threshold value, and can adjust the matching according to the result. Therefore, in a multiplayer game having a charging element, it is easy to maintain motivation for game play even when the threshold reaching user cannot use the charging element, and unfavorable matching between the threshold non-achieving user and the threshold non-achieving user is suppressed as much as possible. can do.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the matching means does not match the users who have reached the threshold value or the users who have not reached the threshold value, the matching means performs heteromatching in which the user who has reached the threshold value and the user who has not reached the threshold value are mixed. This is the server system of the second invention.

According to the third invention, when matching is not established only by the users who have reached the threshold value or only the users who have not reached the threshold value, it is not necessary to wait for a long time for the users who desire the matching.

However, as a gist of the invention, it is preferable to adjust the matching so as to avoid an unfavorable situation caused by matching the threshold value non-achieving user and the threshold value non-achieving user as much as possible.

Specifically, as a fourth invention, when the matching means performs the hetero-matching, the matching is performed so that the number of users who have reached the threshold value is equal to or less than the number of users who have not reached the threshold value. It is preferable to configure the server system of the invention of 3.

In addition, since hetero-matching is intentionally performed even though it is an unavoidable measure, it is preferable to provide some privilege for the user who has reached the threshold value.

Specifically, as a fifth invention, a game result changing means (for example, a game result changing means) for changing the result that can be obtained by the threshold-reaching user by the matched game depending on whether or not the matching is the heteromatching. The server system of the third or fourth invention further comprising the control board 1150 of FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s of FIG. 9, the game management unit 220, the game result changing unit 227, and steps S104 to S116 of FIG. It is preferable to configure it.

Furthermore, if it is possible to give a privilege focusing on the fact that the threshold-reaching user cannot use the billing element any more, it is preferable because it is easy to maintain the motivation for the game play even when the threshold-reaching user cannot use the billing factor. is there.

Specifically, as the sixth invention, the game result changing means sets the result that can be acquired by the threshold-achieving user as an item that can be acquired by the billing element in the case of the heteromatching. It is preferable to configure the server system of the present invention.

Further, as a seventh invention, the game result changing means uses the result as a parameter value, and in the case of the heteromatching, the user who reaches the threshold value acquires more parameter values than in the case of not the heteromatching. It may be possible to configure the server system of the fifth invention which enables it.

If the game is designed as a competitive game, it is preferable to add an element for acquiring loot from the loser because it is easy for the threshold-reaching user to maintain motivation for the game play even when the charging element cannot be used.

Specifically, as the eighth invention, the game is a competitive game, and as a result of the game by the heteromatching, when the user who reaches the threshold becomes the winner and the user who does not reach the threshold becomes the loser, the loser Among the items owned by a user who has not reached a certain threshold value, a prize giving means for giving an item available as a charging element to the winning user who has reached the threshold value as a booty (for example, control board 1150 in FIG. 1, FIG. It is preferable to configure the server system of any of the third to seventh inventions further comprising the server processing unit 200s of 9, the game management unit 220, the game result changing unit 227, and steps S104 to S116 in FIG. ..

In addition, a mechanism may be introduced in which the number of users who have reached the threshold and users who have not reached the threshold at the time of heteromatching can be changed as appropriate.

Specifically, as a ninth invention, the matching is a matching of three or more users, and the matching means sets a mixing ratio of the threshold reaching user and the threshold non-achieving user in the hetero matching. A third unit having mixed ratio changing means (for example, control board 1150 in FIG. 1, server processing unit 200s in FIG. 9, game management unit 220, matching unit 222, mixing ratio changing unit 223, step S22 in FIG. 16). It is preferable to configure the server system of any one of the third to eighth inventions.

More preferably, as the tenth invention, the mixing ratio changing means may configure the server system of the ninth invention, which changes the mixing ratio according to the level of matching users.

For example, if the number of users who have reached the high threshold is large and the number of users who have not reached the low threshold is small, there is a high possibility that the users who have not reached the threshold will be left in the power play of the users who have reached the threshold and will be atrophied. However, conversely, if a very small number (for example, one person) of users who have reached the high threshold is mixed with a large number of users who have not reached the threshold, the power play of the users who have reached the threshold becomes a good stimulus / reference.

Then, when hetero-matching is established, by notifying before the start of play that the matched users include users who have reached the threshold value and users who have not reached the threshold value, a difference in play style occurs between the two. It is preferable because it can foretell the possibility and prepare the person.

Specifically, as the eleventh invention, when the heteromatching is performed, the matching identification notification means (for example, the control board of FIG. 1) is notified to the matched user that the matching is heteromatching. A server system according to any one of the third to tenth inventions, further comprising 1150, a server processing unit 200s of FIG. 9, a game management unit 220, a matching identification information notification control unit 224, and step S34 of FIG. Suitable.

In addition, since hetero-matching is performed even though it is an unavoidable measure, some privilege may be given to the user who has not reached the threshold value.

Specifically, as the twelfth invention, when the threshold value reaching user is included in the users matched by the matching means, the stage in which the threshold value reaching user is included as a selection condition. Is selected as a stage to be played by the matched user (for example, the control board 1150 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 9, the game management unit 220, the stage selection control unit 225, and the step in FIG. 17). It is preferable to configure the server system according to any one of the first to eleventh inventions, further comprising S62 to S66).

A thirteenth invention is a billing management means (for example, the server processing unit 200s of FIG. 9) that manages a billing related to the billing element for each user in a computer system that matches users when executing a game including a billing element. User management unit 202, billing history management unit 204, holding resource management data 603) in FIG.
For each user, the total billing amount in the current unit accounting period of the unit accounting period separated by the accounting deadline date and time of billing (hereinafter, simply referred to as "accounting deadline") is a threshold reaching user who has reached a given threshold value. Judgment means for determining whether the user has not reached the threshold value (for example, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 9, the user management unit 202, the determination unit 206, the matching standby list 630 in FIG. 13, the threshold value arrival determination result 635, FIG. Step S6),
A billing limiting means for restricting the use of the billing element to a user who has reached the threshold value (for example, the server processing unit 200s, the user management unit 202, and the billing limiting unit 208 in FIG. 9).
Matching means for performing matching based on whether the user who desires the matching is the user who has reached the threshold value or the user who has not reached the threshold value (for example, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 9, the game management unit 220, the matching unit 222, FIG. 16 is a program for functioning as steps S8 to S26).

According to the thirteenth invention, a computer system for matching users can exert the same effects as those of the first invention.

The figure which shows an example of the structure of a game system. The front view which shows the configuration example of a user terminal. Diagram to give an overview of the game. The figure which describes the homo-matching only by a user who reached a threshold value, and shows the example of the matching identification information notification screen displayed at the time of the homo-matching. The figure which describes the homo-matching only by the user who has not reached the threshold value, and shows the example of the matching identification information notification screen displayed at the time of the homo-matching. The figure which explains heteromatching and shows an example of the matching identification information notification screen displayed on the user terminal of the user who has not reached the threshold value. The figure which shows the example of the matching identification information notification screen displayed on the user terminal of the hetero-matched threshold value arrival user. The figure for demonstrating the distribution of the bonus item in the case of heteromatching. A functional block diagram showing an example of functional configuration of a server system. The figure which shows the example of the program and data which the server storage part stores. The figure which shows the data structure example of the game stage initial setting data. The figure which shows the data structure example of the user management data The figure which shows the data structure example of the matching waiting list. The figure which shows the data structure example of the play data. A function block diagram showing an example of a function configuration of a user terminal. A flowchart for explaining the flow of the matching process. A flowchart for explaining the flow of the game execution process. The flowchart which continues from FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a modification of the flow of a game execution process, and is the flowchart of the part corresponding to FIG.

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described, but it goes without saying that the embodiment to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to the following embodiments.

As an example of this embodiment, an example of executing an action RPG type multiplayer online game in a game including a "billing element" will be described.

The "billing element" is a "play medium" that can be used for game play as a source of funds, and when the user approves the payment of the consideration, the play medium for the consideration is consumed from the source, and the target product or service is used. It is a mechanism that can be obtained. The play medium can be cash, credit, virtual currency, or in-game points or items that can be purchased with these.

To give a more specific example of the billing element, payment of play consideration for a special event or game stage, execution consideration for a paid lottery (an example of a paid synthetic element) in which a rare item (game object) is included in a prize This includes payments, payments for the purchase of game objects such as characters and items that can be used as player characters, and so on.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a game system according to the present embodiment. The game system 1000 of the present embodiment is a computer system including a server system 1100 capable of mutual data communication by connecting to a communication line 9 and a single or a plurality of user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...). ..

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

The server system 1100 is a computer system having a main body device 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and a storage 1140, and the main body device 1101 is equipped with a control board 1150.

The control board 1150 is equipped with various microprocessors such as CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as VRAM, RAM and ROM, and communication device 1153. Has been done. A 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) user 2 (2a, 2b, ... ) Provides data necessary for playing a game on the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) And manages game execution control on the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...), And 3 ) Realize an online shopping function that sells various items that can be used in the game to users online. 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 be configured such that a plurality of blade servers sharing each function are mounted and connected to each other via an internal bus so that data communication is possible. Alternatively, a configuration may be configured in which a plurality of independent servers installed at remote locations perform data communication via the communication line 9 to function as the server system 1100 as a whole.

The user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) Is a computer system individually used by the player user 2 (2a, 2b, ...) For game play, and is connected to the server system 1100 via the communication line 9. It is an electronic device (electronic device) that can be accessed and played online games. The user terminal 1500 of the present embodiment is a device called a so-called smartphone, but may be a portable game device, a game controller, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, a business game device, or the like.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a configuration example of the user terminal 1500 according to the present embodiment.
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. A memory card reading device 1542 capable of reading and writing data from a memory card 1540 which is a readable storage medium is provided. In addition, a power button, a volume control button, etc. (not shown) are provided. Further, an IC card reader or the like capable of reading and writing data in a non-contact manner with respect to an IC card type credit card or a prepaid card capable of paying for game play may be provided.

The control board 1550 is used for wireless communication with various microprocessors such as CPU 1551, GPU, and DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a mobile phone base station or wireless LAN base station connected to the communication line 9. It is equipped with a wireless communication module 1553, an interface circuit 1557, and the like.

The interface circuit 1557 includes a driver circuit of the touch panel 1506, a circuit for receiving signals from the direction input key 1502 and the button switch 1504, an output amplifier circuit for outputting an audio signal to the speaker 1510, and an audio signal collected by the microphone 1512. An input signal generation circuit to be generated, a signal input / output circuit to the memory card reader 1542, and the like are included.

These elements mounted on the control board 1550 are electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected so as to be able to read / write data and send / receive signals. A part or all of the control board 1550 may be composed of ASIC, FPGA, or SoC. Then, the control board 1550 stores the program and various data for realizing the function as the user terminal of the game of the present embodiment in the IC memory 1552.

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

[Game description]
The game of the present embodiment is a multiplayer-compatible stage-clearing action RPG in which each user 2 (2a, 2b, ...) As a player plays cooperatively using the player characters 4 (4a, 4b ...). Of course, you can also play the game in single play. In the example of FIG. 1, the first user 2a operates the first player character 4a, the second user 2b operates the second player character 4b, and the third user 2c operates the second player character 4c. Indicates that the operation is performed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the game according to the present embodiment.
The game screen W2 is displayed on the touch panel 1506 of the user terminal 1500, and the user 2 who is a player performs various touch operations on the touch panel 1506 to play. The game screen W2 of the present embodiment includes a main display unit 21, a purchase operation icon 22, a paid lottery operation icon 24, an item use operation icon 26, and an equipment change operation icon 28. Of course, depending on the content of the game, operation icons, tabs, menu displays, etc. of other contents can be appropriately displayed on the game screen W2.

The main display unit 21 displays how the player characters 4 (4a, 4b, ...) Fight against the enemy character 6.

The player character 4 (4a, 4b, ...) Is an alter ego in the game world of the player, and by equipping various items 7 (7a, 7b, ...), the attack power and the defense power can be enhanced.

Item 7 is a game object that can be used in a game, and various types are prepared. Rarity (rareness / rarity) is set for item 7, and the higher the rarity, the higher the ability is set. By equipping or using the item with high rarity in the player character 4, the player can use it. You can advance the game to your advantage. Item 7 can be obtained by dropping by the enemy character 6 or purchasing an item (one of the charging elements in this embodiment).

The abilities of the player characters 4 (4a, 4b, ...) Change according to the outcome of the progress of the game. Abilities are managed by parameters such as experience points, levels indicating the degree of growth of the character, attack power, defense power, movement power, resilience, and skill. Of course, parameters other than these can be included as appropriate. Then, when the player character 4 (4a, 4b, ...) Is equipped with and used the item 7, the values of those parameters are improved according to the effect setting of the item 7.

The purchase operation icon 22 is an icon for inputting an operation for purchasing a game object such as an item 7 by using online shopping (one of the billing elements of the present embodiment) during game play.

The paid lottery operation icon 24 is an icon for inputting an execution operation of the paid lottery (one of the charging elements of the present embodiment). The paid lottery of the present embodiment is a special lottery in which the prize includes item 7 having a high degree of reliability that cannot be purchased through online shopping.

The item use operation icon 26 is an icon for inputting a use operation of an item owned by the user 2 who is a player.

The equipment change operation icon 28 is an icon for inputting a change operation of the item 7 to be equipped or used by the player character 4.

Payment of various billing factors such as item purchase is performed by consumption of play medium resources (hereinafter referred to as "owned resources") owned by user 2 who is a player and can be used for game play. The resources held can be purchased from the game administrator in exchange for the consumption of cash, credits, debit cards, virtual currency, and shopping points, and the funds held will be increased or charged by the purchase. For example, virtual currency and items equivalent to currency correspond to the holding resources.

The balance of the holding resources is linked to the account of the user 2 and managed by the server system 1100. For example, when the player performs an item purchase operation on the user terminal 1500 and performs a purchase payment approval operation, an item purchase request is transmitted to the server system 1100. The server system 1100 controls to deduct the approved payment amount from the holding resources and grant the purchased item 7 to the player.

4 to 6 are conceptual diagrams for explaining matching in the present embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the total billing amount in the current unit accounting period of the unit accounting period divided by the accounting deadline date and time of billing (hereinafter, simply referred to as "accounting deadline") for each user 2 (2a, 2b, ...) Is a user who has reached the threshold limit or a user who has not reached the threshold value, and if the user is a user who has reached the threshold value, the use of the charging element in the current unit accounting period is restricted for the user. .. Then, in the present embodiment, matching is performed using the determination result of whether the user has reached the threshold value or the user has not reached the threshold value.

Specifically, as the first priority, as shown in FIG. 4, the threshold value reaching users are preferentially matched with each other. This is called "homo-matching" as the meaning of matching of similar users. In the example of FIG. 4, in the matching of a capacity of 4 people, 4 users 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d who have reached the threshold value are preferentially homomatched out of the 6 people waiting for matching. The number of matching capacity is not limited to four and can be set as appropriate.

The matching identification information notification screen W4 is displayed on the user terminals 1500 of the homomatched threshold value reaching users 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. On the screen, for example, the user information display 30 is displayed in association with the matched player characters 4 (4a, 4b, ...) Of each user.

The user information display 30 displays the user account, the user level, and the determination result notification 32 as to whether the user is a threshold reaching user or a threshold not reached user. In the example of the determination result notification 32 of FIG. 4, a predetermined display body indicating that the user has reached the threshold value is displayed for all of them. The homomatched threshold-achieving users 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are able to visually recognize that a predetermined display body indicating that they are threshold-reaching users is displayed on the user information display 30 of all of them. You can know that it was homomatched.

By matching between the threshold-achieving users, it is possible to avoid a situation that is unfavorable for both due to the difference in play style that is worrisome when the threshold-reaching user and the threshold-non-achieving user are mixed and matched.

Also, since we are users who have reached the threshold, we are aware that we can not purchase any more items from each other, so either clear the game using the items you have or play as much as you have common situational awareness. It becomes easier to do. For example, you can fully enjoy power play using powerful items without hesitation. This new enjoyment created by the strangeness of matching will be attractive to new gameplay for users who have reached the threshold and can no longer enjoy the fun of games related to billing factors until the following month.

Next, as a second priority in matching, as shown in FIG. 5, users who have not reached the threshold value are preferentially matched. This is also one of homomatching. In the example of FIG. 5, there are 6 people waiting for matching in matching with a capacity of 4 people. Since matching cannot be performed only by users who have reached the threshold value, four users who have not reached the threshold value, 2e, 2f, 2g, and 2h, are preferentially matched. The number of matching capacity is not limited to four and can be set as appropriate.

The matching identification information notification screen W6 is displayed on the user terminals 1500 of the matched threshold value non-achieving users 2e, 2f, 2g, and 2h. On the screen, for example, the user information display 30 is displayed in association with the matched player characters 4 (4a, 4b, ...) Of each user. The example of the determination result notification 32 in FIG. 5 is displayed on a predetermined display body indicating that all the users have not reached the threshold value. The homomatched users 2e, 2f, 2g, and 2h who have not reached the threshold value themselves by visually recognizing that a predetermined display body indicating that the user has not reached the threshold value is displayed on the user information display 30 of all the users. You can see that they were homomatched.

By matching only the users who have not reached the threshold value, it is possible to avoid a situation unfavorable for both due to the difference in play style that is worrisome when the user who has reached the threshold value and the user who has not reached the threshold value are mixed and matched.

Also, since only users who have not reached the threshold value, the possibility of possessing such items is low. If you play cooperatively with only those users, you will run out of items. Then, there is a high possibility that the purchase will be unavoidable, and it can be expected that the use of billing elements will be promoted. In fact, the game is designed so that you can enjoy 100% of the fun you envisioned by purchasing items moderately, so promoting the purchase of items moderately invites you to the original enjoyment of the game. This is preferable for both the game operator and the user.

Next, as a third priority in matching, as shown in FIG. 6, when homo-matching is not established, a user who has reached the threshold value and a user who has not reached the threshold value are mixed and matched. This is called "heteromatching". In the example of FIG. 6, in matching with a capacity of 4 people, there are 6 people waiting for matching. In a situation where matching cannot be performed only by users who have reached the threshold value or only users who have not reached the threshold value, when the duration of the matching waiting state exceeds the reference value, the users who have reached the threshold value and the users who have not reached the threshold value are mixed and heteromatched.

However, when heteromatching is performed, matching is performed so that the number of users who have reached the threshold value to be matched is equal to or less than the number of users who have not reached the threshold value. Then, the mixing ratio of the threshold value reaching user and the threshold value non-achieving user at that time is determined based on the user level of the matching threshold value reaching user and the user level of the threshold value non-achieving user. Specifically, the larger the level difference between the user level of the threshold reaching user and the user level of the threshold reaching user, the smaller the mixing ratio of the threshold reaching users is set. If there are a plurality of target users, the level shall use statistical values such as the average value.

In the example of FIG. 6, in matching with a capacity of 4 people, there are 6 people waiting for matching. Since matching cannot be performed only by the users who have reached the threshold value or only the users who have not reached the threshold value, the user 2a who has reached the threshold value and the users 2e, 2g, and 2h who have not reached the threshold value are heteromatched. The number of matching capacity is not limited to four and can be set as appropriate.

Among the hetero-matched users, the matching identification information notification screen W8 is displayed on the user terminals 1500 of the threshold value non-achieving users 2e, 2g, and 2h. On the screen, the privilege information notification 34 for users who have not reached the threshold value is additionally displayed.

The "privilege for users who have not reached the threshold value" is originally provided in the sense of giving some kind of privilege to an unfavorable situation that is expected when a user who has reached the threshold value and a user who has not reached the threshold value are matched. .. The content of the privilege can be appropriately set in consideration of the content of the game and the like. In the present embodiment, a game stage that cannot be played by homomatching only for users who have not reached the threshold value can be used. In other words, a game element that is originally limited to a threshold-achieving user can be used even by a threshold-lessing user because a threshold-achieving user happens to be present at the matched party.

On the other hand, among the hetero-matched users, the user terminal 1500 of the threshold value reaching user 2a displays the matching notification screen W10 for the threshold value reaching user at the time of heteromatching as shown in FIG. On the screen, in addition to the user information display 30 associated with the player character 4, the privilege information notification 36 for the threshold value reaching user is additionally displayed.

The "privilege for users who have reached the threshold" is the dissatisfaction that the user who has reached the threshold is supposed to have when the user who has reached the threshold and the user who has not reached the threshold are matched, and the threshold that must be played without being able to purchase items. It is prepared to compensate for the dissatisfaction of the arriving user. The content of the privilege can be appropriately set in consideration of the content of the game and the like. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, among the bonus items 40 (40a, 40b, ...) Granted at the time of clearing the stage, the type of bonus item 40a that can be obtained only by the billing element is selected by the user who has reached the threshold value. The player character 4a can be obtained preferentially. In addition, in changing the ability parameter value such as the experience value according to the game result, the amount of change is increased as compared with the case where the same game result is obtained by homomatching only the threshold value user.

[Explanation of functional configuration]
FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the server system 1100 according to the present embodiment. The server system 1100 in the present 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 a means for inputting various operations for managing the server. The keyboard 1106 of FIG. 1 corresponds to this.

The server processing unit 200s is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC or IC memory, and inputs / outputs data to and from each functional unit including an operation input unit 100s and a 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, and the operation of the server system 1100 is controlled in an integrated manner.

The server processing unit 200s of the present embodiment controls communication with the user management unit 202, the online shopping management unit 210, the game management unit 220, the timekeeping unit 280s, the sound generation unit 290s, and the image generation unit 292s. Includes parts 294s. Of course, functional parts other than these can be included as appropriate.

The user management unit 202 performs processing related to the user registration procedure and storage management of data associated with the account (user ID). In this embodiment, 1) account grant that controls the granting of an account to a registered user, 2) registration information management that registers and manages personal information for each account, and 3) possession resource management that manages the holding resources by associating them with the account. And 4) Play history management that manages login / logout history, and each function. Of course, a function for managing data associated with accounts other than these can also be included as appropriate.

The user management unit 202 of the present embodiment includes a charge history management unit 204, a determination unit 206, and a charge restriction unit 208.

The billing history management unit 204 manages the billing history (usage history) related to the billing element for each user.

In the determination unit 206, the total billing amount in the current unit accounting period of the unit accounting period divided by the accounting deadline date and time (accounting deadline in the present embodiment) for each user is a given threshold value (the present embodiment). Then, it is determined whether the user has reached the threshold value (upper limit threshold value: upper limit of billing amount) or has not reached the threshold value.

The billing restriction unit 208 controls to limit the use of the billing element to the user who has reached the threshold value.

The online shopping management unit 210 is responsible for controlling online shopping among the billing elements. Known online shopping techniques can be used as appropriate.

The game management unit 220 performs various processes related to game execution management. Since the game of the present embodiment is a client-server type online game, the game management unit 220 of the present embodiment controls to provide data necessary for game play while communicating with the user terminal 1500.

Specifically, the game management unit 220 includes a matching unit 222, a matching identification information notification control unit 224, a stage selection control unit 225, a game progress control unit 226, and a game result change unit 227. Of course, functional parts other than these can be included as appropriate.

The matching unit 222 performs matching based on whether the user who desires matching is a user who has reached the threshold value or a user who has not reached the threshold value.
Specifically, the matching unit 222 can perform homo-matching in which users who have reached the threshold value or users who have not reached the threshold value are preferentially matched with each other. Further, the matching unit 222 can perform hetero-matching in which the threshold-achieved user and the threshold-less-reached user are mixed when the matching between the threshold-reached users or the threshold-less-reached users is not established.

Then, the matching unit 222 has a mixing ratio changing unit 223, and when performing heteromatching, the matching unit 222 and the threshold reaching user so that the number of matching threshold reaching users is equal to or less than the number of threshold reaching users. It is possible to change and match the mixing ratio with the user who has not reached the threshold value according to the level of the matching user.

The matching identification information notification control unit 224 controls to notify the matched user that the matching is heteromatching when heteromatching is performed. In the present embodiment, the display control of the matching identification information notification screen W8 (see FIG. 6) and the matching identification information notification screen W10 (see FIG. 7) corresponds to this.

In the stage selection control unit 225, when a threshold value reaching user is included in the matched users, the matched user plays a stage on which the threshold value reaching user is included as a selection condition. Select and accept as a stage. In other words, the stage selection control unit 225 functions as a hetero-matching privilege granting control unit for users who have not reached the threshold value, which grants the privilege to the hetero-matched threshold-less user.

The game progress control unit 226 executes a process related to progress control of the multiplayer game. In this embodiment, since it is an action RPG (role-playing game), the game management unit 220 1) arranges an object such as a background in a virtual three-dimensional space to form a game space of a game stage selected before play. Processing, 2) Processing for arranging the player character 4 of the user 2 matched to the game space, the enemy character 6, and the virtual camera, 3) Automatic control processing for the virtual camera, 4) Each according to the operation input in the user terminal 1500. Processing to control the behavior of the player character 4, 5) Automatic control processing of the enemy character 6, 6) Processing related to attack hit determination and damage reflection, 7) Game performance calculation processing, 8) Game space shot with a virtual camera Image generation processing, etc. can be performed. Further, along with these, various data necessary for controlling the game play can be stored in the server storage unit 500s.

The game result changing unit 227 changes and controls the result that can be acquired by the user who has reached the threshold value by the matched game, depending on whether or not the matching type is heteromatching.
Since the game of the present embodiment is a cooperative play type multiplayer game, the game result changing unit 227 sets the result that can be acquired by the user who reaches the threshold value as an item that can be acquired by the billing element in the case of heteromatching (FIG. 8). reference). Further, the result is used as a parameter value, and in the case of hetero-matching, it is possible for the user who has reached the threshold value to acquire more parameter values than in the case of not hetero-matching. In other words, the game result changing unit 227 functions as a loot granting unit that grants loot to the user and a heteromatching privilege granting control unit for the threshold-achieving user that grants the privilege to the hetero-matched threshold-reaching user.

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

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

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

The image generation unit 292s can generate an image related to the 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 related to 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, and 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 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. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication device 1153 corresponds.

The server storage unit 500s stores programs, various data, and the like for realizing various functions for making the server processing unit 200s control the server system 1100 in an integrated manner. Further, it is used as a work area of the server processing unit 200s, and temporarily stores the calculation results 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 DVD, or online storage. In the example of FIG. 1, the IC memory 1152 mounted on the main unit 1101, a storage medium such as a hard disk, and the storage 1140 correspond to this.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a program and data stored in the server storage unit 500s in the present embodiment. The server storage unit 500s in the present embodiment includes the server system program 501, the server program 503, the distribution game client program 505, the item sales initial setting data 510, the purchase-only item list 512, and the paid lottery initial setting data 514. , The paid lottery dedicated item list 516, the heteromatching mixed ratio setting data 518, and the game initial setting data 520 are stored in advance.

Further, the server storage unit 500s stores user management data 600, matching standby list 630, play data 700, and current date and time 800 as data to be sequentially generated and managed. In addition, information such as timers, counters, and various flags can be stored as appropriate.

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

The server program 503 is a program for realizing the functions of the user management unit 202, the online shopping management unit 210, and the game management unit 220 by reading and executing the server processing unit 200s (see FIG. 9). ..

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

The item sales initial setting data 510 is definition data related to the billing element in the present embodiment, is prepared for each item that can be purchased by online shopping, and stores the initial setting for selling the item. For example, a unique item ID (indicating an item type) and a sales consideration are stored in association with each other.

In the present embodiment, items that can be purchased / obtained only through online shopping are prepared in addition to being given as bonus items, and the item IDs of such items are listed in the purchase-only item list 512. In addition, a character that can be used as the player character 4 can be appropriately included in the sales target.

The paid lottery initial setting data 514 is definition data related to the billing element in the present embodiment, is prepared for each type of the paid lottery, and stores various data defining the contents of the lottery. For example, a paid lottery ID, a lottery consideration, and a prize item list are stored.

Then, in the present embodiment, items that can be obtained only by the paid lottery other than being given as bonus items are prepared, and the item IDs of such items are listed in the paid lottery dedicated item list 516. The lottery prize may include a character that can be used as the player character 4 as appropriate.

In addition, in a configuration including additional billing elements other than item purchase and paid lottery as billing elements, such initial setting data and a dedicated item list shall be prepared for each additional billing element.

The heteromatching mixed ratio setting data 518 is basic data for determining the ratio of the number of users who have reached the threshold value and the number of users who have not reached the threshold value among the users who are heteromatched. In the present embodiment, the user-level statistical value of the user who has reached the threshold value for which matching is scheduled (specifically, the average value, but the maximum value, the median value, the minimum value, etc.) and the threshold value for which matching is scheduled are also scheduled. A function that derives the mixing ratio is set using the user-level statistical value of the unachieved user as a variable. Then, in the function, the larger the difference between the two statistical values, the smaller the number of users who have reached the threshold value. The heteromatching mixed ratio setting data 518 is not a function but may be table data in which the difference between the two statistical values and the mixed ratio are associated with each other.

The game initial setting data 520 stores various initial setting data necessary for game progress control. In this embodiment, the game stage initial setting data 530, the item initial setting data 560, the player character candidate initial setting data 570, and the NPC initial setting data 572 are included. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The game stage initial setting data 530 is prepared for each game stage and stores various initial setting data related to the stage.
As shown in FIG. 11, for example, one game stage initial setting data 530 includes a unique stage ID 532, a stage selectable requirement 540, a game space initial setting data 550, an enemy character appearance initial setting data 552, and a drop item. Includes Listing 554 and Bonus Item List 556. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The stage selectable requirement 540 defines the conditions that must be met in order to play the game stage. For example, a clear stage list 542 that defines a game stage that should be cleared in advance, a minimum player level 544 that indicates the minimum user level standard for multiplayer users, and a threshold-reaching user. Stores the threshold-reached user-only stage flag 546 and. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The enemy character appearance initial setting data 552 is data that defines which type of enemy character 6 appears at what timing.

The drop item list 554 is a list of items that can be obtained by finding the drop by the enemy character 6 in the map or the like while playing the game stage.

The bonus item list 556 is a list of items given as a bonus when the game stage is cleared or when a specific enemy character 6 is captured.

Returning to FIG. 10, the player character candidate initial setting data 570 is prepared for each type of character that the user 2 can use as his / her own player character 4, and stores various initial setting data of the character. For example, character types, character model data, motion data, initial values of various ability parameter values (for example, character level, attack power, defense power, movement power, initial skill, attribute, etc.) are stored in association with each other.

The NPC initial setting data 572 is prepared for each type of NPC appearing in the game (the enemy character 6 also corresponds to this in the present embodiment), and stores various initial setting data of the NPC.

The user management data 600 is prepared for each registered user and stores various data associated with the 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 holding resource management data 603 related to a resource used for payment of a billing element, and a play history data 605. And the game save data 610. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The holding resource management data 603 is a balance record of the holding resources. For example, the update date and time, the reason for update, the amount of change, and the balance of resources held are stored in chronological order in association with each other. So to speak, it is a book, and it is updated every time the holding resources are purchased, distributed, or paid.

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

The game save data 610 stores various data describing the state of game progress up to the time of the previous game play. In the present embodiment, the user level 612 automatically assigned according to the past game results, the possessed character management data 614, and the possessed item management data 616 are stored. Of course, data other than these can be stored as appropriate.

The possessed character management data 614 is prepared for each character that can be used as the player character 4, and stores various data at the time of data saving that describes the state of the character. One possessed character management data 614 stores the type of the character, the ability parameter value list at the time of data saving, and the like for each unique character ID. Of course, data other than these can be stored as appropriate.

Returning to FIG. 10, the matching waiting list 630 is a list of accounts of users who desire matching. As shown in FIG. 13, for example, the matching standby list 630 stores the registration date / time 631, the account 633, the threshold value arrival determination result 635, and the user level 637 in association with each other. The threshold value arrival determination result 635 indicates whether the user is a threshold value reaching user or a threshold value non-achieving user. It is judged when it is registered in the list and set in the judgment result.

Returning to FIG. 10, the play data 700 is prepared for each game play, in other words, for each matched party, and relates to various data describing the progress of the multiplayer game, control data of each character, display of the game screen, and the like. Stores various information.

As shown in FIG. 14, one play data 700 includes a unique play ID 701, a play start date and time 702, a matching list 710 that stores the matched user 2 account, and game progress control data 720. Including. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

In the matching list 710, the threshold value arrival determination result 714 and the user level 716 are stored in association with the matched user account 712. This information is copied from the matching wait list 630 (see FIG. 13).

The game progress control data 720 includes 1) a play stage ID 721 indicating the game stage to be played, 2) game space control data 722 which is control data of various background objects constituting the game space, and 3) different player characters. Includes player character control data 723, which is the control data of the above, 4) enemy character control data 724, which is control data for each enemy character 6, and 5) game performance data 725. The player character control data 723 reflects the player's game save data 610 (see FIG. 12) at the start of the game.

FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 1500 in the present embodiment. The user terminal 1500 of the present 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 in response to various operation inputs 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. 2 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 IC memory, and inputs / outputs data to / from each functional unit including the operation input unit 100 and the terminal storage unit 500. Take control. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals 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. 2 corresponds to this. The terminal processing unit 200 in the present embodiment includes a user terminal calculation unit 260, a timekeeping 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 a process for transmitting various data and requests to the server system 1100 in response to the operation performed by the operation input unit 100.

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

The sound generation unit 290 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as an audio synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of reproducing an audio file, and the like, and an effect related to the game based on the processing result by the game screen display control unit 262. Sound signals of sound, 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 sound effects, BGM, and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 290. The speaker 1510 in FIG. 2 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 or 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 second) based on various data received from the server system 1100, and images the generated image signal of the game screen. 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, and a head-mounted display. In this embodiment, the touch panel 1506 of FIG. 2 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 or a control circuit of a wired communication cable, and the wireless communication module 1553 of FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

The terminal storage unit 500 stores a system program for realizing various functions for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to control the user terminal 1500 in an integrated manner, 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 the calculation result executed by the terminal processing unit 200 according to various programs, the 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 RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or the like. The IC memory 1552 and the memory card 1540 mounted on the control board 1550 of FIG. 2 correspond to this.

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

The terminal system program 502 is a program for realizing the basic functions of input / output 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, but has a configuration incorporated as a part of the terminal system program 502. You may. In the present embodiment, it is a copy of the distribution game client program 505 (see FIG. 10) provided by the server system 1100.

The game client program 504 may be a dedicated client program depending on the technical method for realizing an online game, or may be configured by a web browser program, a plug-in that realizes an interactive image display, or the like.

[Explanation of operation]
Next, the processing flow 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.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the matching process in the server system 1100 of the present embodiment. The server system 1100 periodically and repeatedly executes the matching process.

In the same process, when the server system 1100 receives the login list from the user terminal 1500, it executes the login process and newly registers the logged-in user in the matching standby list 630 (step S2; see FIG. 13). Then, referring to the resource management data 603 of the logged-in user, the total billing amount in the current unit accounting period has reached a given upper limit threshold value (monthly billing upper limit amount), or the user has not reached the threshold value. It is determined whether the user is a master user, and the threshold value arrival determination result 635 is set according to the determination result.

Next, the server system 1100 tries homomatching of the users 2 registered in the matching standby list 630 by the users who have reached the threshold value or the users who have not reached the threshold value (step S8).

If homomatching is not established (NO in step S20), the server system 1100 determines the mixing ratio with reference to the heteromatching mixing ratio setting data 518 (step S22), and heteromatching to realize the mixing ratio. Is tried (step S24).
If heteromatching does not hold (NO in step S26), the process returns to step S4.

When homo-matching is established (YES in step S20) or hetero-matching is established (YES in step S26), the server system 1100 deletes the matched user 2 from the matching waiting list 630 (step S30).

Then, a new play data 700 (see FIG. 14) is created to reflect the matched game save data 610 (see FIG. 12) of the user 2 (step S32).
Specifically, a unique play ID 701 is set, and the current date and time 800 is stored in the play start date and time 702. The information of the matched user 2 from the matching waiting list 630 is copied to the matching list 710. Of the game progress control data 720, the play stage ID 721 sets a predetermined value indicating undecided. The game space control data 722 does not have to be created yet. The player character control data 723 is created by reflecting the game save data 610 of each matched user 2. Enemy character control data 724 and game performance data 725 do not have to be created yet. The matched user is now a player.

Then, the server system 1100 sends the newly matched user 2 to the user terminal 1500 corresponding to the matching identification information notification screen W4 to the corresponding user terminal 1500 depending on whether the user is a threshold reaching user or a threshold not reaching user. Display any of W10 (see FIGS. 4 to 7) (step S34).

By the matching process, play data 700 is created for each matching, the information of the matched user 2 is registered in the matching list 710, and the game is ready to start.

17 to 18 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of the game execution process in the server system 1100 of the present embodiment. The game execution process is also repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

In the same process, the server system 1100 executes loop A for accepting selection of the stage to be played for each play data 700 whose play stage is undecided (steps S60 to S68).

That is, when the matching of the play data to be processed is organized only for users who have not reached the threshold value (YES in step S62), the stage flag 546 for users who have reached the threshold value (see FIG. 11) is set to "1 (dedicated)". The game stage excluding the existing game stage is presented to the user, and the selection of the stage to be played is accepted (step S64). The selection result is stored in the play stage ID 721 of the play data 700 (see FIG. 14).

On the other hand, when the matching of the play data to be processed includes the threshold reaching user (NO in step S62), the threshold reaching user-only stage flag 546 (see FIG. 11) is set to "1 (dedicated)". The game stage including the game stage is presented to the user, and the selection of the stage to be played is accepted (step S66). The selection result is stored in the play stage ID 721 of the play data 700.

When the loop A is terminated, the server system 1100 executes the loop B for each play data 700 in which the game stage to be played is determined, from the start to the end of the matching for each matching, and until the result is given according to the game results. (Steps S80 to S122; FIG. 18).

In loop B, the server system 1100 starts game progress control for the play data to be processed (step S82). That is, the game space control data 722 (see FIG. 14) is created according to the game space initial setting data 550 (see FIG. 11) of the game stage indicated by the play stage ID 721, and the control of the game space is started. Further, the enemy character control data 724 (see FIG. 14) is created according to the enemy character appearance initial setting data 552 (see FIG. 11), and the automatic control of the enemy character 6 is started. Then, the operation of each player character 4 is controlled according to the operation input signal from the user terminal 1500 of each user 2. In the present embodiment, the battle between the player character 4 and the enemy character 6 is fought, and the game result data 725 is sequentially updated.

In this embodiment, when both the player character 4 and the enemy character 6 are attacked by the opponent, the durability value is reduced by the amount of damage, and when the durability value becomes "0", the player becomes incapacitated. Then, when all the player characters 4 or all the enemy characters 6 become incapacitated, the game progress control ends (step S84). The end of the game progress control can be appropriately set depending on the content of the game.

When the game progress control is completed, the server system 1100 gives a result according to the game result. That is, when the game progress ends and the game result is "stage clear", that is, when all the enemy characters 6 become incapacitated and the game progress ends (YES in step S100), the matching list 710 of the play target play game to be processed. A predetermined stage clear notification is given on the user terminal 1500 of the user 2 registered in (step S102).

Moving to FIG. 18, when the game result is "stage clear", the server system 1100 reads out the bonus item list 556 (see FIG. 11) of the game stage being played and gives a bonus according to the game result. An item is prepared (step S104) and distributed to the user 2 (step S106).

In the allocation, among the prepared bonuses, the items that can be obtained only by the bonus item or the billing element are preferentially distributed to the users who have reached the threshold value.
Specifically, the bonus items are collated with the purchase-only item list 512 and the paid lottery-only item list 516 (see FIG. 10), and the corresponding items are subject to priority allocation. Then, in the matching list 710 (see FIG. 14), the user who has reached the threshold value is set as the allocation destination. If the number of users who have reached the threshold of the distribution destination is larger than the items to be distributed, the distribution destination is randomly selected and determined.

Next, the server system 1100 changes the ability parameter value of the player character 4 of each user 2 as one of the results according to the game result.
That is, when the matching type is hetero (hetero in step S110), the server system 1100 sets the ability parameter value of the player character 4 of the user who has not reached the threshold value registered in the matching list 710 of the play game to be processed. Only the standard value determined according to the game results is changed (step S112). The type of ability parameter value to be changed can be set as appropriate. Either a singular species or a plurality of species may be used. Standard values can also be set as appropriate.

Further, the server system 1100 raises the ability parameter value of the player character 4 of the threshold-achieving user registered in the matching list 710 of the play game to be processed by multiplying the standard value determined according to the game performance by a predetermined magnification. Change by the amount (step S114). That is, the privilege is given to the hetero-matched threshold value reaching user. The magnification can be set as appropriate. In the present embodiment, the magnification is 1.2 times, but the larger the difference between the user-level statistical value of the user who has reached the threshold value and the user-level statistical value of the user who has not reached the threshold value, the higher the magnification, or vice versa. It may be lowered.

On the other hand, when the matching type is homo (homo in step S110), the server system 1100 sets the ability parameter value of the player character 4 of each user registered in the matching list 710 of the play game to be processed as the game result. Only the standard value determined according to is changed (step S116).

The server system 1100, which has finished giving results according to the game results, updates the game save data 610 (see FIG. 12) of each user registered in the matching list 710 of the play game to be processed (step S120). The loop B is terminated (step S122).

When the game progress is completed and the game result is "game over", that is, when all the player characters 4 become incapacitated and the game progress is completed (YES in step S100; FIG. 17), the processing target play game A predetermined game over notification is performed on the user terminal 1500 of the user 2 registered in the matching list 710 (step S118).
Then, the addition of the result is skipped, the game save data 610 of each user is updated (step S120), and the loop B is terminated (step S122).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a multiplayer game having a charging element, it is easy for a user who has reached the threshold to maintain motivation for game play even when the charging element cannot be used, and a user who has not reached the threshold and a user who has not reached the threshold can easily maintain the motivation. It is possible to realize a new matching technique such as suppressing unfavorable matching.

[Modification example]
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 components can be added, omitted, or changed as appropriate.

[Part 1]
For example, in the above embodiment, an example is given in which matching, game progress control, and granting of results according to game results are consistently realized as an online game on a client-server computer system, but the present invention is not limited to this. ..

For example, a plurality of user terminals 1500 may be realized in a computer system capable of peer-to-peer (P2P) connection. In that case, after the server system 1100 provides the play data 700 to the matched user terminals 1500, the P2P connection is realized again between the user terminals. Then, any user terminal 1500 is made to take on the functions of the game progress control unit 226 and the game result change unit 227 of the game management unit 220 of the first embodiment. Alternatively, a configuration may be configured in which a plurality of user terminals 1500 share these functions.

[Part 2]
Further, for example, in the above embodiment, the game genre is used as an example of an action RPG, but the game genre is not limited to this and can be appropriately set as long as the game has matching and charging elements. 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 3]
Further, in the above embodiment, the content of the game is a cooperative play type, but a competitive game may be used. If the game is designed as a competitive game, the game result change unit 227 will be the loser if the threshold-reaching user becomes the winner and the threshold-less user becomes the loser as a result of the game by heteromatching. Among the items owned by the user, the item that can be obtained by the billing element may be made to function as a booty grant control unit that grants the item that can be obtained as a billing element to the winning user who has reached the threshold value as a booty.

Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, in steps S104 to S106 relating to the granting of bonus items in the first embodiment, the item owned by the loser is granted to the winner as a loot (bonus item in the battle game). Replace with step (step S108). Then, in granting the loot, if the user who has reached the threshold is the winner and the user who has not reached the threshold is the loser, items that can only be obtained by the charging element may be given preferentially except for the bonus item.

2 ... User 4 ... Player character 7 ... Item 30 ... User information display 32 ... Judgment result notification 34 ... Bonus information notification for users who have not reached the threshold 36 ... Bonus information notification for users who have reached the threshold 40 ... Bonus item 200s ... Server processing unit 202 ... User management unit 204 ... Billing history management unit 206 ... Judgment unit 208 ... Billing restriction unit 210 ... Online shopping management unit 220 ... Game management unit 222 ... Matching unit 223 ... Mixing ratio change unit 224 ... Matching identification information notification control unit 225 ... Stage Selection control unit 226 ... Game progress control unit 227 ... Game result change unit 500s ... Server storage unit 503 ... Server program 518 ... Heteromatching mixed ratio setting data 520 ... Game initial setting data 530 ... Game stage initial setting data 532 ... Stage ID
540 ... Stage selectable requirement 546 ... Stage flag for users who have reached the threshold 550 ... Game space initial setting data 556 ... Bonus item list 560 ... Item initial setting data 600 ... User management data 601 ... Account 603 ... Owned resource management data 610 ... Game save Data 612 ... User level 616 ... Owned item management data 630 ... Matching standby list 635 ... Threshold arrival judgment result 637 ... User level 700 ... Play data 710 ... Matching list 720 ... Game progress control data 721 ... Play stage ID
722 ... Game space control data 723 ... Player character control data 725 ... Game performance data 1000 ... Game system 1100 ... Server system 1150 ... Control board 1500 ... User terminal W2 ... Game screen W4 to W10 ... Matching notification screen

Claims (14)

A server system that matches users when executing games that include billing elements.
A billing management means for managing billing related to the billing element for each user,
For each user, the total billing amount in the current unit accounting period of the unit accounting period separated by the accounting deadline date and time of billing (hereinafter, simply referred to as "accounting deadline") is a threshold reaching user who has reached a given threshold value. A determination means for determining whether the user has not reached the threshold value,
A billing limiting means for restricting the use of the billing element to the user who has reached the threshold value,
Among the users who desire the matching, a matching means for preferentially matching the users who have reached the threshold value or the users who have not reached the threshold value .
Server system with. The matching means performs hetero-matching in which the threshold-achieved user and the threshold-less-achieved user are mixed when matching between the threshold-reached users or the threshold-less-reached users is not established.
The server system according to claim 1 . When performing the hetero-matching, the matching means matches so that the number of users who have reached the threshold value to be matched is equal to or less than the number of users who have not reached the threshold value.
The server system according to claim 2 . A game result changing means for changing the result that can be acquired by the threshold-reaching user by the matched game, depending on whether or not the matching is hetero-matching.
The server system according to claim 2 or 3 , further comprising. In the case of the hetero-matching, the game result changing means sets the result that can be acquired by the threshold-achieving user as an item that can be acquired by the charging element.
The server system according to claim 4 . The game result changing means uses the result as a parameter value, and in the case of the heteromatching, the user who reaches the threshold value can acquire more parameter values than in the case of not the heteromatching.
The server system according to claim 4 . The game is a competitive game
As a result of the game by the heteromatching, when the threshold reaching user becomes the winner and the threshold non-achieving user becomes the loser, it can be obtained by the charging element from the items owned by the threshold non-achieving user who is the loser. Loot granting means, which grants items as booty to the winner, the threshold-achieving user.
The server system according to any one of claims 2 to 6 , further comprising. The matching is a matching of three or more users.
The matching means has a mixing ratio changing means for changing the mixing ratio of the threshold-achieving user and the threshold-lessing user in the hetero-matching.
The server system according to any one of claims 2 to 7 . The mixing ratio changing means changes the mixing ratio according to the level of the matching user.
The server system according to claim 8 . When the hetero-matching is performed, the matching identification notification means for notifying the matched user that the matching is hetero-matching,
The server system according to any one of claims 2 to 9 , further comprising. When the threshold value reaching user is included in the users matched by the matching means, the stage in which the matched user plays a stage on which the threshold value reaching user is included as a selection condition. Stage selection means to select as,
The server system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , further comprising. A server system that matches users when executing games that include billing elements.
A billing management means for managing billing related to the billing element for each user,
For each user, the total billing amount in the current unit accounting period of the unit accounting period separated by the accounting deadline date and time of billing (hereinafter, simply referred to as "accounting deadline") is a threshold reaching user who has reached a given threshold value. A determination means for determining whether the user has not reached the threshold value,
A billing limiting means for restricting the use of the billing element to the user who has reached the threshold value,
A matching means that performs matching based on whether the user who desires the matching is the user who has reached the threshold value or the user who has not reached the threshold value.
A stage selection that selects a special stage that is selected when the users matched by the matching means are only the users who have reached the threshold value, when the matching including the user who has reached the threshold value and the user who has not reached the threshold value is performed. Means and
Server system with. A computer system that matches users when executing a game that includes a billing element
Billing management means for managing billing related to the billing element for each user,
For each user, the total billing amount in the current unit accounting period of the unit accounting period separated by the accounting deadline date and time of billing (hereinafter, simply referred to as "accounting deadline") is a threshold reaching user who has reached a given threshold value. A determination means for determining whether the user has not reached the threshold value,
A billing limiting means that limits the use of the billing element to the threshold-achieving user,
A matching means for preferentially matching users who have reached the threshold value or users who have not reached the threshold value among the users who desire the matching.
A program to function as. A computer system that matches users when executing a game that includes a billing element
Billing management means for managing billing related to the billing element for each user,
For each user, the total billing amount in the current unit accounting period of the unit accounting period separated by the accounting deadline date and time of billing (hereinafter, simply referred to as "accounting deadline") is a threshold reaching user who has reached a given threshold value. A determination means for determining whether the user has not reached the threshold value,
A billing limiting means that limits the use of the billing element to the threshold-achieving user,
A matching means for performing matching based on whether the user who desires the matching is the user who has reached the threshold value or the user who has not reached the threshold value.
A stage selection that selects a special stage that is selected when the users matched by the matching means are only the users who have reached the threshold value, when the matching including the user who has reached the threshold value and the user who has not reached the threshold value is performed. means,
A program to function as.

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