JP7348554B2 - Information processing system, information processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, an information processing device, and a program.

Patent Document 1 discloses that in order for a second user to manage in-game charges made by a first user, the first user and the second user are stored in a linked manner, and a charge request is made from a first user terminal used by the first user. A technique has been disclosed that receives a billing request and sends a predetermined notification to a second user terminal used by a second user based on the billing request.

Patent No. 6903207

Although it is desirable to suppress excessive charges in a game, managing charges takes time and effort.

In view of the above circumstances, the present disclosure aims to improve user convenience.

(1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing system is provided. In the first processing step in this information processing system, in response to a user's instruction, when a first payment is made by a first payment means to charge a billing target for a game, a first process is executed based on the billing. . In the second processing step, in response to a user's instruction, when a second payment is made by the second payment means to charge a billing target for the game, a second process is executed based on the billing. In the acquisition step, first information regarding the first payment in the first period is acquired. In the related processing step, related processing related to the second payment is executed based on the acquired first information, and the related processing is a restriction processing that limits execution of the second payment or changes the effect of the second payment. Contains change processing.

According to such an aspect, user convenience can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a game system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a control section of each device. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of billing-related processing. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of billing determination processing. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen related to billing. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen for selecting a billing target. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen for selecting a payment method. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual currency purchase screen. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an item purchase screen. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual currency purchase screen. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an item purchase screen through in-app billing. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a billing restriction setting screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a setting change screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a status confirmation screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the quantity confirmation screen of virtual currency.

[Embodiment]
Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Various features shown in the embodiments described below can be combined with each other.

By the way, the program for implementing the software appearing in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, or may be downloaded from an external server. The program may be provided in a manner that allows the program to be started on an external computer and the function thereof is realized on the client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the term "unit" may include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by circuits in a broad sense and software information processing that can be concretely implemented by these hardware resources. . In addition, various types of information are handled in this embodiment, and these information include, for example, the physical value of a signal value representing voltage and current, and the signal value as a binary bit collection consisting of 0 or 1. It is expressed by high and low levels or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations can be performed on circuits in a broad sense.

Further, a circuit in a broad sense is a circuit realized by at least appropriately combining a circuit, a circuit, a processor, a memory, and the like. That is, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (for example, simple programmable logic devices (SPLD), complex programmable logic devices (COMPLEX), etc. Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and field This includes a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and the like.

1. Game Description FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a game system 1 according to the present embodiment. In the game system 1 shown in FIG. 1, a game management device 2, an application distribution device 5, an EC management device 6, a plurality of game devices 3, and a plurality of user devices 7 are communicably connected to each other via a communication network 11. A game is executed on the device 3, and a process of providing a service on an EC site (EC: Electronic Commerce) is executed on the user device 7. Each device connected to the game system 1 is an information processing device, and the game system 1 is an information processing system including these information processing devices.

The game according to this embodiment is an online game executed by the game system 1. In this game, the user of the game device 3 causes one or more player characters to act in a virtual game space, and causes the player character to compete against an enemy character that is a non-player character (NPC). Further, a character is an example of an object.

The above games can be played on home game consoles such as PlayStation (registered trademark), portable game consoles such as Nintendo Switch (registered trademark), or game devices 3 that are electronic devices such as personal computers, smartphones, and tablet terminals. It is executed using

2. Overview of Game System 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes a game management device 2, an application distribution device 5, an EC management device 6, a plurality of game devices 3, and a plurality of user devices 7. The game management device 2 stores game programs and game data, and manages the game data of the game device 3 (for each account information described below). The game management device 2 is configured by, for example, a server. Each of the plurality of game devices 3 has the same configuration. Note that in this embodiment, the system is composed of one or more devices or components. Therefore, for example, even a single game management device 2 or game device 3, which will be described later, can be an example of the game system 1.

The game device 3 executes a predetermined game based on a user's operation. For this purpose, the game device 3 receives (specifically downloads and installs) the game program and game data from the game management device 2 via the communication network 11. Account information including identification information and a password is assigned to each user in association with the game device 3. This account information is transmitted from the game device 3 to the game management device 2 at the time of login, and is used for user authentication in the game management device 2.

After user authentication, mutual communication between the game management device 2 and the game device 3 becomes possible. After logging in, the game device 3 receives data necessary for the game progress (data related to the game progress status) from the game management device 2, and then outputs game images and sounds to the display 4a and speaker 4b based on the user's operations. , advance the game. The game management device 2 is operated by a game maker A.

The application distribution device 5 is a device that distributes an application program (hereinafter referred to as “app”). The game program executed by the game device 3 is one of the applications, and is distributed by the application distribution device 5. The game device 3 runs an application on a platform such as an OS (Operating System) that provides a common operating environment. The application distribution device 5 is operated by a provider B that provides the platform. The application distribution device 5 includes a payment means used for payment regarding the application.

The EC management device 6 is a device that manages an EC site and provides electronic commerce services via the EC site. Electronic commerce services are services that allow businesses to conduct commercial transactions electronically without having a physical store. The EC management device 6 includes a payment means used for payment of electronic commerce services. The EC site provided by the EC management device 6 can be used by both the game device 3 and the user device 7.

Each of the plurality of user devices 7 is a device that executes information processing, and is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like. Based on the user's operation, the user device 7 executes, for example, a browser program to display an EC site in the form of a web page, or executes a dedicated application for EC site viewing to display the EC site.

2.1 Hardware Configuration Hereinafter, each hardware configuration of the game system 1 will be explained with reference to FIG.

<Game management device 2>
As shown in FIG. 1, the game management device 2 includes a communication section 21, a storage section 22, and a control section 23. The communication unit 21 and the storage unit 22 are electrically connected to the control unit 23 via the communication bus 20.

The communication unit 21 is a so-called network interface that is communicably connected to each game device 3 via the communication network 11 such as the Internet and a LAN. The main information that the game management device 2 receives via the communication unit 21 includes game program download request information, gacha lottery request in response to user operations, quest execution request, autoplay execution/termination request, Examples include account information and game data. The main information that the game management device 2 transmits via the communication unit 21 includes information for confirming that the game device 3 has received the game program, information regarding game media obtained through gacha, etc. .

The storage unit 22 includes a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like. The storage unit 22 stores various programs including a part of the game program according to the present embodiment, various data related to games, and the like.

Specifically, for example, the storage unit 22 stores a user DB, a lottery list, and the like. The user DB contains information such as the user name, user rank, and status regarding the player character operated by the user, the amount of consumption media that can be used in the virtual game space, and parameters for each identification number of the user who plays the game. Information etc. are stored in association with each other. The lottery list is used for a lottery process generally called gacha, and includes a plurality of pieces of information regarding game media to be selected. In the lottery list, information regarding the game medium (name, ability parameters, rarity, level, etc.) is associated with selection ratios based on the lottery. Further, the ability parameters include, for example, when the game medium is a player character, military strength, HP, attack power, defense power, intelligence, or speed.

The control unit 23 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and a semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the game management device 2, which is its own device. In particular, the control section 23 realizes various functions related to the game management device 2, which is its own device, by reading out a predetermined program stored in the storage section 22. That is, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically implemented by the control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, so that each functional unit described below can be executed. Note that the control section 23 is not limited to a single control section, and may be implemented so as to have a plurality of control sections 23 for each function. It may also be a combination thereof.

Examples of the information processing executed by the control unit 23 include billing settlement processing, user account authentication processing, gacha lottery selection processing, and the like. The billing settlement process is executed, for example, based on a billing request necessary to recover a predetermined amount of parameters during the game. The user account authentication process is executed using user identification information received from the game device 3, for example. The gacha lottery selection process is a process in which, in response to a gacha lottery request, one or more game media are selected by lottery from a lottery list based on the selection probability for each game medium. According to the gacha lottery selection process, the information regarding the selected game medium and the identification information of the user who performed the operation to send the lottery request are associated in the user DB, so that the user can: You will receive the winning game content as a result of drawing the gacha yourself.

To further supplement the above, "game media" is electronic data representing elements related to the game, including the name of the character used as the player character, and the items used by the player character in the virtual game space. Includes weapons, armor, tools, etc. Users can obtain game media through a lottery method called gacha, in addition to direct purchase through payment and quest clearing. The obtained game content is stored and managed in the user DB in association with the identification information of the user who owns the game content. Furthermore, "gacha" is a method in which the game management device 2 selects an arbitrary game medium from a lottery list based on a predetermined selection ratio. The selected arbitrary game content is provided to the user's game device 3. "The game content selected in the gacha is given to the user/owned by the user" is synonymous with "the game content selected in the lottery process is/is associated with identification information indicating the user". be.

<Application distribution device 5, EC management device 6>
The hardware configurations of the application distribution device 5 and the EC management device 6 are basically the same as those of the game management device 2, although there are differences in specifications and performance. However, the hardware configurations corresponding to the control unit 23 of the application distribution device 5 and the EC management device 6 (referred to as the control unit 53 and the control unit 63) execute information processing different from that of the game management device 2. Details of this information processing will be described later.

<Game device 3>
A display 4a, a speaker 4b, and an input device 4c are externally connected or built into the game device 3. The game device 3 also includes a communication section 31, a storage section 32, a control section 33, a graphics processing section 34a, an audio processing section 34b, and an operation section 34c. The communication section 31, the storage section 32, the graphic processing section 34a, the audio processing section 34b, and the operation section 34c are electrically connected to the control section 33 via the communication bus 30.

The communication unit 31 is a so-called network interface that is communicably connected to the communication network 11 in order to transmit and receive various data between the game device 3 and the game management device 2. The main information that the game device 3 receives via the communication unit 31 includes account information, new game data download request information, gacha execution request, quest execution request, and the like. The main information that the game device 3 transmits via the communication unit 31 includes new game data sent from the game management device 2 in response to download request information, information regarding the game content selected in the lottery process, etc. Can be mentioned.

The storage unit 32 includes an HDD, SSD, RAM, ROM, and the like. The storage unit 32 stores game data downloaded from the game management device 2, various programs including a part of the game program, account information of the game device 3, which is the own device, user information, etc. Note that the user information is at least part of information in the user DB stored in the storage unit 22 of the game management device 2. The user DB manages a master of user information, and the storage unit 32 of the game device 3 receives at least part of the information of this master from the game management device 2 and stores it.

The control unit 33 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and a semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the game device 3, which is its own device. In particular, the control section 33 realizes various functions related to the game device 3, which is the own device, by reading out a predetermined program stored in the storage section 32. That is, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 32 is specifically implemented by the control unit 33, which is an example of hardware, so that each functional unit described below can be executed. Note that the control section 33 is not limited to a single control section, and may be implemented so as to have a plurality of control sections 33 for each function. It may also be a combination thereof.

In particular, the control unit 33 is configured to execute the game in accordance with input by the user of the game device 3, which is its own device, via the input device 4c. Specifically, the control unit 33 reads data such as virtual game space objects and textures included in the game data from the storage unit 32, or uses data received from the game management device 2 to create two-dimensional or three-dimensional Generates game image information. As the game image information is processed by the graphic processing unit 34a, the processed game images are sequentially displayed on the display 4a. In other words, the control unit 33 is configured to perform display control on the display 4a and audio output control on the speaker 4b in response to operations by the user of the game device 3, which is the own device, when executing the game.

The graphic processing unit 34a draws a game image including characters and various objects related to the virtual game space in a moving image format according to the game image information output from the control unit 33. The graphic processing unit 34a is connected to, for example, a liquid crystal display 4a, and a game image drawn in a moving image format is displayed on the display 4a as a game screen. The audio processing section 34b is connected to the speaker 4b, and when the game sound is reproduced and synthesized according to instructions from the control section 33, it is output from the speaker 4b. The operation unit 34c is connected to the input device 4c, and transmits and receives data related to operation inputs to and from the input device 4c. The user inputs an operation signal to the game device 3 via the input device 4c. Note that the input device 4c is a general term for a touch panel integrated with the display 4a, an external game pad, a mouse, a keyboard, and the like.

<User device 7>
The hardware configuration of the user device 7 is basically the same as that of the game device 3, although there are differences in specifications and performance. However, the hardware configuration corresponding to the control unit 33 of the user device 7 (referred to as the control unit 73) executes information processing different from that of the game device 3. Details of this information processing will be described later.

2.2 Functional Configuration This section describes the functional configuration of this embodiment. As described above, the information processing by the software stored in the storage section of each device is specifically implemented by the control section, which is an example of hardware, so that each functional section included in the control section can be executed.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the control section of each device. The control unit 23 of the game management device 2 includes a game progress processing unit 201, a charging target presentation unit 202, a payment method presentation unit 203, a payment request unit 204, a charging processing unit 205, and a payment related processing unit 206. Be prepared. The control unit 53 of the application distribution device 5 includes an application presentation unit 501, a payment processing unit 502, and an application distribution unit 503. The control section 63 of the EC management device 6 includes a service presentation section 601 , a billing object presentation section 602 , a payment processing section 603 , and a service processing section 604 .

The control unit 33 of the game device 3 includes application processing units 301-1, 301-2, ... (referred to as "application processing unit 301" if not distinguished), application operation reception units 302-1, 302-2, ... (referred to as the "application operation reception unit 302" if not distinguished). The control unit 73 of the user device 7 includes EC processing units 701-1, 701-2, ... (referred to as "EC processing unit 701" if not distinguished), EC operation reception units 702-1, 702-2, ... (referred to as "EC operation reception unit 702" if not distinguished).

The game progress processing unit 201 of the game management device 2 executes processing related to the progress of the game (hereinafter referred to as "game progress processing"). In this embodiment, a game is played in which the overall story progresses while characters participate in quests and fight in battles. The game progress processing unit 201 executes, for example, processes related to characters, processes related to quests, processes related to battles, processes related to progress of the story, and the like. Note that the game progress processing section 201 may include processing sections necessary for the progress of the game in addition to those described here.

The billing object presentation unit 202 presents billing objects in the game to the user via the game device 3. Billing objects in the game are things that can be used in the game, such as paid virtual currency, paid items, paid characters, and paid quest openings. Please note that some virtual currency, items, characters, quest openings, etc. can be obtained for free as the game progresses, but there are also things that can only be obtained for a fee, or that obtaining them for a fee will significantly speed up the game's progress. It can be shortened.

The payment method presentation unit 203 presents the user, via the game device 3, with a payment method to be used for purchasing the billing object. In the game system 1, at least two payment methods can be selected. One of the two payment methods is the payment method used by the above-mentioned EC management device 6, and is hereinafter referred to as the "EC payment method." The other is a payment method used by the application distribution device 5, and is hereinafter referred to as an "application payment method." Both the EC payment means and the application payment means can be used for payment when purchasing a chargeable object in the game, and are presented to the user by the payment means presentation unit 203.

The payment requesting unit 204 requests the application distribution device 5 to make a payment using the application payment method when the application payment method is selected for the payment for purchasing the billing object. The billing processing unit 205 executes processing related to the purchased billing target when the billing target is purchased by performing an app payment using an app payment means or an EC payment using an EC payment means. The processing related to the billing object is, for example, the processing of assigning the billing object to the user.

The payment-related processing unit 206 executes processing related to payments performed in the game system 1 (hereinafter referred to as “related processing”). In this embodiment, the related processing includes a restriction process that limits execution of payment, and a change process that changes the effect of payment. Details of the restriction process and the change process will be explained later.

The application presentation unit 501 of the application distribution device 5 presents the application to be distributed to the user. The payment processing unit 502 performs a payment process in which, when a paid application is presented and the user purchases the application, the payment for the application is paid from the user's deposit or the like. Further, the payment processing unit 502 performs the same payment processing for the billing targets of the game described above. In other words, the payment processing unit 502 is an application payment means included in the application distribution device 5. Note that the payment processing unit 502 may execute a process of controlling a payment system external to the application distribution device 5 as an application payment means as the payment process. The application distribution unit 503 distributes the application selected by the user to the game device 3.

The service presentation unit 601 of the EC management device 6 presents the electronic commerce services handled by the EC site to the user. The electronic commerce service handled by the EC site is, for example, a service for selling products such as game-related goods. However, the electronic commerce service referred to herein provides the user with services that cannot be used in the game. On the other hand, billing target presentation unit 602 presents services that can be used in the game to the user. Specifically, the charging object presentation unit 602 presents charging objects for the game provided by the game management device 2.

The payment processing unit 603 performs a payment process in which the user uses the user's deposit or the like to pay for the price generated when the user uses the electronic commerce service presented by the service presentation unit 601. Further, the payment processing unit 603 performs similar payment processing for the billing object presented by the billing object presentation unit 602. That is, the payment processing unit 603 is an EC payment means included in the EC management device 6. Note that the payment processing unit 603 may execute a process of controlling a payment system external to the EC management device 6 as an EC payment means as the payment process.

The service processing unit 604 executes processing related to the used e-commerce service when payment processing is performed based on the use of the e-commerce service. Processing related to electronic commerce services is, for example, processing for shipping purchased products to users.

The application processing unit 301 of the game device 3 executes processing related to the application distributed from the application distribution device 5. For example, if the application is a game, the processing related to the application includes processing for progressing the game and processing for payment of charges provided in the game. The application operation reception unit 302 receives operations regarding the application by the user.

The EC processing unit 701 of the user device 7 executes processing related to the electronic commerce service provided by the EC management device 6. For example, when the EC management device 6 provides a product sales service, the processing related to the service includes a process of presenting a sales object, a payment process of paying the price for the selected sales object, and the like. The EC operation reception unit 702 receives operations related to the electronic commerce service by the user, such as an operation for selecting a purchase object and a payment operation for paying the price for the selected purchase object.

3. Flow of Operation of Game System 1 In this section, the flow of operation of the game system 1 described above will be explained. As an example of a preferred embodiment, a game will be described in which a user operates a character and progresses through a quest while acquiring items and the like.

3.1 Overview of Information Processing The flow of information processing executed by the game system 1 will be outlined below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 describes billing-related processing that is performed when a user playing a game purchases a billing object. The billing-related process includes a billing determination process that makes a determination regarding billing. The billing determination process will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of billing-related processing. First, in A11, the game management device 2 causes the game progress processing section 201 to execute a game progress process. The game progress processing unit 201 cooperates with the game progress processing unit 201 of the game management device 2 to execute game progress processing based on user operations received by the application operation reception unit 302 of the game device 3. More specifically, the game progress processing unit 201 generates screen data indicating a game screen that changes as the game progresses, and sends it to the game device 3. The game device 3 uses the application processing unit 301 to display the game screen indicated by the received screen data. The user operates the game while looking at the displayed game screen.

As the game progresses, charges may be incurred for things that can be used in the game, such as virtual currency, items, or characters. In that case, the game management device 2 uses the billing object presentation unit 202 to generate screen data indicating a game screen for selecting a billing object and transmits it to the game device 3. The game device 3 uses the application processing unit 301 to display the game screen indicated by the received screen data. In this way, the billing object presentation unit 202 causes the billing object in the game that the user is playing to be presented on the screen of the game.

The game device 3 receives an operation for selecting a billing target through the application operation reception unit 302. The application operation reception unit 302 transmits selection result data indicating the selected billing target to the game management device 2. In A12, the game management device 2 receives the selection of the charging object indicated by the received selection result data through the charging object presentation unit 202.

Next, the game management device 2 causes the payment method presentation unit 203 to display a game screen that allows the user to select either the first payment method provided by the EC management device 6 or the second payment method provided by the application distribution device 5. Screen data is generated and transmitted to the game device 3. The game device 3 uses the application processing unit 301 to display the game screen indicated by the received screen data. In this manner, the payment means presentation unit 203 causes the payment means for making payments for in-game charges by the user to be presented on the game screen.

The game device 3 receives an operation for selecting a payment method through the application operation reception unit 302. The application operation reception unit 302 transmits selection result data indicating the selected payment method to the game management device 2. In A13, the game management device 2 receives the selection of the payment method indicated by the received selection result data through the payment method presentation unit 203.

In A14, the game management device 2 causes the payment-related processing unit 206 to execute a determination process regarding billing as the billing determination process described above. Next, at A15, the game management device 2 causes the payment-related processing unit 206 to generate determination result data indicating the determination result regarding billing, the selected billing target, and the selected payment method. This is executed as the billing determination process described above. Details of the billing determination processing in A14 and A15 will be explained later with reference to FIG. 4.

The payment-related processing unit 206 outputs the generated determination result data to an output destination according to the selected payment method. The payment-related processing unit 206 outputs the determination result data to the EC management device 6 when the EC payment method is selected in A13. In A<b>21 , the EC management device 6 uses the billing object presentation unit 602 to generate screen data indicating a purchase screen related to the purchase of the billing object indicated by the received determination result data, and transmits the generated screen data to the game device 3 . Note that the purchase screen includes a normal purchase screen and a purchase screen that changes depending on the determination result, and here, a case where the normal purchase screen is displayed will be described.

The game device 3 uses the application processing unit 301 to display a purchase screen indicated by the transmitted screen data. The purchase screen displayed in this way is one of the screens displayed within the EC site provided by the EC management device 6. In the explanation of FIG. 3, it is assumed that the user performs an input on the purchase screen to confirm the purchase target. When the game device 3 receives an input from the user who confirms the purchase object through the application operation reception unit 302, the game device 3 transmits purchase data indicating the confirmed purchase object to the EC management device 6.

In A22, the EC management device 6 receives, through the billing object presentation unit 602, an instruction from the user to make a payment for the purchase object indicated by the received purchase data. In A23, the EC management device 6 executes a payment process to pay the price of the purchase object from the user's deposit, etc., based on the instruction accepted by the user by the payment processing unit 603. In A24, the EC management device 6 notifies the game management device 2 of the completion of the payment by using the payment processing unit 603 to generate notification data that notifies the contents of the executed payment process and transmits the generated notification data to the game management device 2.

The payment-related processing unit 206 outputs determination result data to the game progress processing unit 201 if the application payment method is selected in A13. In A31, the game management device 2 uses the game progress processing unit 201 to generate screen data indicating a purchase screen for purchasing the billing object indicated by the received determination result data, and transmits the generated screen data to the game device 3. do. The game device 3 uses the application processing unit 301 to display a purchase screen indicated by the transmitted screen data. The purchase screen thus displayed is one of the screens displayed within the game provided by the game management device 2.

In the explanation of FIG. 3, it is assumed that the user performs an input on the purchase screen to confirm the purchase target. When the application operation reception unit 302 receives an operation on the displayed operation image as an input by the user who confirms the purchase target, the game device 3 transmits purchase data indicating the confirmed purchase target to the game progress processing unit 201. Send. In A32, the game management device 2 receives, through the game progress processing unit 201, an instruction from the user to make a payment for the purchase object indicated by the transmitted purchase data.

In A33, the game management device 2 uses the payment requesting unit 204 to generate request data for requesting the specified payment, and transmits it to the application distribution device 5. In A34, the application distribution device 5 causes the payment processing unit 502 to execute a payment process for the purchase object indicated by the transmitted request data. The payment processing unit 502 executes payment processing for payment of a purchase target, similar to payment processing for payment for application distribution.

When processing an application payment, the game progress processing unit 201 displays the same payment screen as when the payment processing unit 502 performs payment processing for payment in application distribution. This payment screen is a common screen for all apps, so that the user can make payments in the game in the same way as payments in other apps used by the game device 3. In A35, the application distribution device 5 notifies the completion of the payment by causing the payment processing unit 502 to generate notification data that notifies the content of the executed payment process and transmits the generated notification data to the game management device 2.

In A41, the game management device 2 uses the payment-related processing unit 206 to store the history of payments made for billing targets of the game. The payment-related processing unit 206 stores the details of the payment process indicated by the notification data transmitted from the EC management device 6 or the application distribution device 5 as a payment history. The payment history is information indicating the user who instructed the payment, the billing object for which the payment was made, the payment amount, the payment date and time, the payment method, and the like. Hereinafter, the history of EC payments will be referred to as "EC payment history," and the history of app payments will be referred to as "app payment history."

Next, in A42, the game management device 2 causes the billing processing unit 205 to perform a granting process of granting the user the billing target indicated by the received notification data, that is, the billing target for which payment processing has been completed. The billing processing unit 205 assigns the billing target to the user, for example, by generating billing purchase information that associates the identification information of the user who purchased the billing target with the identification information of the purchased billing target. The billing processing unit 205, for example, charges the user with paid virtual currency purchased through EC payment means. The user who has been given the billing object returns to A11 to continue playing the game, and can use the assigned billing object as needed.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of billing determination processing. This flowchart shows A14 (determination regarding billing) and A15 (generation of determination result data), which are performed after the game management device 2 accepts the selection of the billing target at A12 shown in FIG. 3 and the selection of the payment method at A13. details. The game management device 2 executes charging determination processing for the payment method selected in A13.

First, in A141, the game management device 2 uses the payment related processing unit 206 to generate a payment history indicating the user who has selected the billing target and the selection method from among the EC payment history and the application payment history stored in the game management device 2. get. These payment histories are stored in the game management device 2 at A41 every time the user executes the billing-related process shown in FIG. 3.

Next, in A142, the game management device 2 uses the payment-related processing unit 206 to determine a first threshold value and a second threshold value. Since the first threshold value and the second threshold value will be explained later, A142 will also be explained at the same time.

Next, in A143, the game management device 2 determines, by the payment-related processing unit 206, that the total amount of money paid for the selected payment method in a predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as the "period total amount") is calculated by the payment-related processing unit 206. It is determined whether or not the first threshold value is exceeded. The first threshold value is a value determined as a guideline for the upper limit of the amount that can be charged in a predetermined period for a billing object (virtual currency, item, character, etc.) provided in the game. The predetermined period is, for example, the period of the month that includes the day on which billing is performed (if the billing date is July 7th, then the period from July 1st to July 31st).

In A142, the payment-related processing unit 206 first determines the value set by the user as the initial value of the first threshold. The payment-related processing unit 206 determines the first threshold value for each selected payment method, but in this embodiment, the initial value is the same value (set by the user) regardless of which payment method is selected. (value) determined. For example, if 10,000 yen is set as the initial value by the user, the payment-related processing unit 206 sets 10,000 yen as the first threshold regardless of whether the EC payment method or the app payment method is selected. Determine as the initial value.

Then, the payment-related processing unit 206 determines the first threshold when the EC payment method is selected, based on the initial value determined as described above and the acquired application payment history. Specifically, the payment-related processing unit 206 determines, as the first threshold, a value obtained by subtracting the period total amount indicated by the application payment history from the initial value of the first threshold for EC payments. For example, if the initial value of the first threshold for EC payment is 10,000 yen and the total period amount indicated by the app payment history is 3,000 yen, then 10,000 yen - 3,000 yen = 7,000 yen will be applied to the first EC payment threshold. 1 threshold value. The payment-related processing unit 206 also determines the first threshold value when the application payment method is selected, based on the period total amount indicated by the EC payment history, using the same method.

If the payment-related processing unit 206 determines that the total amount for this month's period exceeds the determined first threshold for the selected payment method (YES), in A151, no further charges can be made this month. Determination result data indicating a certain fact as a determination result is generated.

If the payment-related processing unit 206 determines that the total period amount for this month does not exceed the first threshold (NO), it determines in A144 whether the period total amount exceeds the second threshold value. The second threshold is an amount at which the effect obtained when making a payment for a billing object (hereinafter referred to as "payment effect") changes when the period total amount exceeds this amount. The payment effect is, for example, an effect in which a bonus item or the like is provided along with the billing object.

In A142, the payment-related processing unit 206 determines, for example, a predetermined ratio of the initial value of the first threshold value as the initial value of the second threshold value. For example, if the predetermined ratio is 50% and the initial value of the first threshold is 10,000 yen, the payment related processing unit 206 sets the initial value of the second threshold to 10,000 yen x 0.5 = 5,000 yen. Determine as.

Then, the payment-related processing unit 206 determines the second threshold when the EC payment method is selected based on the initial value determined as described above, the acquired EC payment history, and the acquired application payment history. do. Specifically, the payment-related processing unit 206 calculates the sum of the initial value of the second threshold value for EC payment and the initial value of the second threshold value for app payment, based on the period total amount indicated by the EC payment history and the period indicated by the application payment history. The value distributed in proportion to the total amount is determined as the second threshold. For example, if the initial value of the second threshold for both EC payment and app payment is 5,000 yen, and the above-mentioned ratio is 8:2, (5,000 yen + 5,000 yen) / 10 * 8 = 8,000 yen is determined as the second threshold for EC payment, and (5,000 yen + 5,000 yen)/10*2=2,000 yen is determined as the second threshold for app payment.

If the payment-related processing unit 206 determines that the total period amount for this month exceeds the second threshold (YES), in A152, the payment-related processing unit 206 determines that the payment effect for this month is to be changed for the selected payment method as a result of the determination. The judgment result data shown in the table is generated. A change in the payment effect is, for example, a change in the quantity of bonus items provided with the billing object, a change in the type of the bonus, or the like. In this embodiment, the payment-related processing unit 206 generates determination result data that indicates a decrease in the quantity of bonus items as a change in the payment effect.

If the payment-related processing unit 206 determines that the total amount for this month's period does not exceed the second threshold (NO), in A153, the payment-related processing unit 206 generates a determination result indicating that the payment effect for this month is to be maintained as it is. Generate data. The game management device 2 executes the operations from A141 to A151, A152, or A153 as billing determination processing. As described in FIG. 3, the game management device 2 outputs the generated determination result data to an output destination according to the selected payment method.

The billing object presentation section 602 of the EC management device 6 and the billing object presentation section 202 of the game management device 2 generate screen data indicating a purchase screen based on the output determination result data. When the determination result data indicates that charging is not possible, charging object presentation unit 602 and charging object presentation unit 202 generate screen data of a purchase screen indicating that charging for the selected charging object is not possible. In this case, the input for determining the purchase object will not be accepted, and therefore the user will not be able to purchase the chargeable object.

Furthermore, when the determination result data indicates a change in the payment effect, the charge object presentation unit 602 and the charge object presentation unit 202 select a charge object whose payment effect has changed compared to the charge object displayed on the normal purchase screen. Generate screen data for the purchase screen shown. In this case, an input for determining a purchase object with a different bonus compared to the purchase object indicated on the normal purchase screen is accepted. Therefore, the payment effect when purchasing a billing object changes compared to when the charging object is purchased on a normal purchase screen.

To summarize the above, the game system 1 according to the present embodiment includes the following components, that is, a first processing section, a second processing section, an acquisition section, and a related processing section. The first processing unit executes a first process based on a charge when a first payment is made by a first payment means to charge a billing object for the game in accordance with a user's instruction. Further, the second processing unit executes a second process based on the charge when a second payment is made by the second payment means to charge the billing object for the game, in accordance with a user's instruction.

In this embodiment, the first payment is an EC payment or an app payment, and the first payment means is an EC payment means or an application payment means. Further, the first process is a game process based on the charge for which the first payment has been made, and the second process is a game process based on the charge for which the second payment has been made. The game progress processing section 201 functions as a first processing section and a second processing section. In the following, to simplify the explanation, a case will be described in which the first payment is an EC payment and the second payment is an app payment.

For example, in A11 shown in FIG. 3, the game progress processing unit 201 (first processing unit) performs an EC payment process (first payment process) using an EC payment means (first payment means) to charge the billing object for the game in response to a user's instruction. When a first payment) is performed, a game process (first process) based on the charge is executed. Also, in A11, the game progress processing unit 201 (second processing unit) performs an application payment (second payment method) using the application payment means (second payment means) to charge the billing object for the game in accordance with the user's instruction. ) is also performed, the game process (second process) based on the charge is executed.

The game process based on billing includes, for example, if the subject of billing is virtual currency, the process of purchasing items using virtual currency, the lottery process using gacha, and the like. Furthermore, if the billing target is an item, it is a battle process using the item, etc. Further, if the billing object is a character, the charge is a quest process using the character, etc.

The acquisition unit acquires first information regarding a first payment in a first period, and acquires second information regarding a second payment in the same first period. The first information indicates the first payment amount, which is the cumulative total of the payment amount by the first payment method in the first period, and the second information indicates the second payment amount, which is the cumulative total of the payment amount by the second payment method in the first period. Indicate quantity.

In this embodiment, the payment-related processing unit 206 functions as an acquisition unit. For example, in A141 shown in FIG. 4, the payment-related processing unit 206 (acquisition unit) acquires the EC payment history (first information) regarding the EC payment (first payment) in a predetermined period (first period), and The application payment history (second information) regarding the application payment (second payment) in the period (first period) is acquired. Both the EC payment history and the app payment history are information indicating the payment amount, payment date and time, and payment method, so if you add up the payment amounts that include the payment date and time in a predetermined period, you can calculate the EC payment method or app payment history for the predetermined period. This information indicates the cumulative amount of payment by payment method.

The related processing unit executes related processing regarding the second payment based on the acquired first information. In this embodiment, the payment-related processing unit 206 functions as a related processing unit. For example, the payment-related processing unit 206 (related processing unit) determines a first threshold value and a second threshold value when app payment (second payment) is selected, based on the acquired EC payment history (first information). Determined as described above, and using the determined first threshold and second threshold, it is determined whether or not to execute related processing regarding application payment (second payment).

In this way, the payment-related processing unit 206 (related processing unit) executes related processing regarding application payment (second payment) based on the acquired EC payment history (first information). Similarly, the payment-related processing unit 206 (related processing unit) executes related processing regarding EC payment (first payment) based on the acquired application payment history (second information). The related processing includes a restriction process that limits execution of app payments and a change process that changes the effects of app payments.

In this embodiment, the restriction process is a process of generating determination result data indicating that charging is not possible at A151 shown in FIG. By generating this determination result data, it becomes impossible to charge the billing target, and the execution of payment is restricted. In this embodiment, the change process is a process for generating determination result data indicating a change in the payment effect at A152 shown in FIG. 4. By generating this determination result data, the bonus that comes with purchasing the billing object changes, and the effect of payment changes.

As mentioned above, even if the payment effect changes and the user is no longer able to pay, the total amount for the period will return to 0 after a predetermined period has passed, so the payment effect will become possible again. also returns to normal. Then, in the next period as well, if the total amount for the selected payment method exceeds the second threshold, the payment effect will change, and if the total amount for the period exceeds the first threshold, charging will no longer be possible. .

When there are two payment methods that can be used to pay for a game as in this embodiment, in order to suppress excessive charges, it is necessary to total amount) must be known. This is because one payment method may charge at least more than the other payment method. Moreover, as mentioned above, the period total amount becomes 0 in the next period, so it is more difficult to accurately grasp it.

In the game system 1, related processing is executed based on the period total amount. For example, when the total period amount exceeds a first threshold value, a restriction process is executed, and no more charges can be made, thereby preventing excessive charges. Furthermore, when the period total exceeds the second threshold, a change process is executed and the bonus changes. As mentioned above, if the quantity of bonuses decreases, the user's desire to pay more will be diminished. In this way, according to the game system 1, excessive charges are suppressed even if the user does not know the results of payments made by two payment methods, and the user's convenience is improved compared to the case where related processing regarding payments is not executed. can improve sex.

3.2 Details of Information Processing Next, details of the information processing outlined above will be explained.
<Screen transition>
First, the transition of the screen displayed by the game device 3 based on the screen data transmitted from the game management device 2 and the EC management device 6 when charging occurs will be explained with reference to FIG. 5 and subsequent figures.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen regarding billing. On the game screen G1 shown in FIG. 5, a gacha button H11 and a billing button H12 are displayed. When these buttons are pressed, a game screen for selecting a billing object is displayed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen for selecting billing targets. The game screen G2 shown in FIG. 6 displays a virtual currency purchase button H21, an item purchase button H22, a charging limit button H23, and a possession quantity confirmation H24. When the purchase buttons H21 and H22 are pressed, a game screen for selecting a payment method is displayed. When the charging restriction button H23 is pressed, a game screen for checking and setting restrictions regarding charging is displayed. When the user presses the check H24 for holding quantity, a game screen is displayed for checking the holding quantity of virtual currency that can be used in the game.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen for selecting a payment method. On the game screen G3 shown in FIG. 7, a payment selection button H31 for out-of-app charges and a payment selection button H32 for in-app charges are displayed. The payment selection button H31 displays a guide saying "*Jump to external EC site." The payment selection button H31 is a button for selecting an EC payment method provided by the EC management device 6. The payment selection button H32 is a button for selecting an application payment method provided by the application distribution device 5.

The billing party for payment using the EC payment means is the person who operates the EC management device 6, and in this embodiment is the game maker A that provides the game. The billing party for the payment using the application payment means is the platform provider B that operates the application distribution device 5. This platform is a platform for applications distributed by the application distribution device 5, and a platform for games provided by the game system 1. In other words, the payment for the billing object can be performed using the application payment means used by the platform providing the game.

Note that the person who operates the EC management device 6 may be a person different from the platform provider B who operates the application distribution device 5, and even game maker A may be a person who operates the platform provider B who operates the application distribution device 5. It may be C, etc.

When the application payment is executed, the amount obtained by deducting a predetermined fee from the payment amount is paid to the game maker A. On the other hand, when an EC payment is made to game maker A, the amount based on the payment is paid to game maker A without the predetermined fee of platform provider B being deducted from the payment amount. In addition, if the EC payment is made to a different person than game maker A or platform provider B, if the EC payment is made to that person, the amount after deducting the prescribed fee paid to that person from the payment amount will be the amount paid to the game maker. Paid to A. Therefore, it is advantageous for game maker A if the fee paid to platform provider B is lower than the fee paid to platform provider B.

When the billing button H12 in FIG. 5, the virtual currency purchase button H21 in FIG. 6, and the payment selection button H31 for the first payment method in FIG. , a purchase screen displayed by the game device 3 as an EC site screen is shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual currency purchase screen. The purchase screen G4 shown in FIG. 8 displays a billing object K4, a bonus B4, price information L4, and a purchase button H4.

Charge target K4 indicates that a paid virtual currency called "paid stone F1" can be purchased in five quantities (10 pieces, 20 pieces, 30 pieces, 40 pieces, 50 pieces). Bonus B4 is that "free stones D1" are provided in quantities corresponding to the quantity of paid stones F1 (20 pieces, 40 pieces, 60 pieces, 80 pieces, 100 pieces) as a bonus for each quantity of paid stones F1. shows. Price information L4 indicates prices (100 yen, 200 yen, 300 yen, 400 yen, and 500 yen) determined for five different quantities of paid stones F1.

The purchase button H4 is a button for purchasing each quantity of paid stones F1. For example, assume that the game device 3 receives an operation by the user on the purchase button H4 for 30 paid stones F1. In that case, on the condition that the payment of 300 yen is executed to the EC payment means provided in the EC management device 6, the charging processing unit 205 and the payment related processing unit 206 of the game management device 2 of paid stones F1 and an additional 60 free stones D1 are given to the user.

Next, when the charging button H12 in FIG. 5, the item purchase button H22 in FIG. 6, and the payment selection button H31 for the EC payment method in FIG. 7 are operated in order, the EC management device 6 generates a FIG. 9 shows a purchase screen displayed by the game device 3 as a screen of the EC site.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an item purchase screen. The purchase screen G5 shown in FIG. 9 displays a billing object K5, a bonus B5, price information L5, and a purchase button H5.

Billing target K5 indicates that "500" "paid stones F1" can be purchased as billing targets. Bonus B5 is a bonus of 500 paid stones F1, bonus B51 of "700 free stones D1", bonus B52 of "recovery" of "200pt", and bonus B53 of "limited item S". is provided. Paid stones F1 and free stones D1 are both virtual currencies, but on the purchase screen G5, they are treated as items that can be used to purchase other items within the game. The 200pt recovery is a recovery item that recovers a predetermined number of points in the status of the user or character in the game. In this way, billing target K5 and bonus B5 represent a set of paid items and free items.

Price information L5 indicates the price (5000 yen) determined for the billing object indicated by billing object K5. The purchase button H5 is a button for purchasing the billing object K5. When the game device 3 accepts the user's operation on the purchase button H5, the billing processing unit of the game management device 2 is required to make a payment of 5,000 yen to the EC payment means provided in the EC management device 6. 205 and the payment-related processing unit 206 provide the user with a set of items shown in FIG. In this way, when the chargeable object K5 is purchased by a user, the chargeable object K5 and the bonus B5 are provided to the user.

When the charge button H12 in FIG. 5, the virtual currency purchase button H21 in FIG. 6, and the payment selection button H32 for the application payment method in FIG. FIG. 10 shows a purchase screen displayed by the game device 3 as a game screen.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual currency purchase screen. The purchase screen G6 shown in FIG. 10 displays a billing object K6, a bonus B6, price information L6, and a purchase button H6.

Charge target K6 indicates that a paid virtual currency called "paid stone F2" can be purchased in five quantities (10 pieces, 20 pieces, 30 pieces, 40 pieces, 50 pieces). Bonus B6 indicates that bonus B6 called "free stone D2" is provided in corresponding quantities (10 pieces, 20 pieces, 30 pieces, 40 pieces, 50 pieces) as a bonus for each quantity of paid stone F2. . Price information L6 indicates the price of paid stone F2. In the example of FIG. 10, the quantity and price of the paid stone F2 are determined to be the same quantity and price as the paid stone F1 shown in FIG. Note that the paid stones F1 and F2 and the free stones D1 and D2 may be used together in the game, or may only be used individually. Furthermore, the same paid stones and free stones may be provided for EC payment and app payment.

The purchase button H6 is a button for purchasing each quantity of paid stones F2. For example, assume that the game device 3 receives an operation by the user on the purchase button H6 for 30 paid stones F2. In that case, on the condition that a payment of 300 yen is made to the application payment means provided in the application distribution device 5, the charging processing unit 205 and the payment-related processing unit 206 of the game management device 2 of paid stones F2 and 30 free stones D2 as a bonus are given to the user.

When the billing button H12 in FIG. 5, the item purchase button H22 in FIG. 6, and the payment selection button H32 for the second payment method in FIG. FIG. 11 shows a purchase screen displayed by the game device 3 as a game screen.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an item purchase screen through in-app billing. The purchase screen G7 shown in FIG. 11 displays a bonus B7, price information L7, and a purchase button H7.

Billing target K5 indicates that "500" "paid stones F2" can be purchased as billing targets. Bonus B7 is a bonus of 500 paid stones F2, bonus B71 of "350 free stones D2", bonus B72 of "recovery" of "100pt", and bonus B73 of "limited item R". is provided. In this way, billing target K7 and bonus B7 represent a set of paid items and free items.

Price information L5 indicates the price (5000 yen) determined for the billing object indicated by billing object K5. The purchase button H5 is a button for purchasing the billing object K5. When the game device 3 accepts the user's operation on the purchase button H5, the game management device 2 executes the process shown in FIG. Give the user the set of items shown in In this way, when the chargeable object K7 is purchased by a user, the chargeable object K7 and the bonus B7 are provided to the user.

FIG. 12 shows a billing limit setting screen provided by the game management device 2 and displayed by the game device 3 as a game screen when the billing button H12 in FIG. 5 and the billing limit button H23 in FIG. 6 are operated in order. show.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a billing restriction setting screen. The setting screen G8 shown in FIG. 12 displays a default setting M8 of the first threshold value, a current setting N8, a change button H81, and a status confirmation button H82 for this month.

The default setting M8 is "No limit" if the user's age is 18 years or older, "10,000 yen/month" if the user is between 6 years old and under 18 years old, and "No charges allowed" if the user is under 6 years old. This indicates that the setting is specified. Current settings N8 indicate setting items and current settings for the player playing the game. The example in FIG. 12 shows that the first threshold is set to "10,000 yen," the inter-PF collaboration is set to "Yes," and the second threshold is set to "Yes."

Inter-PF cooperation refers to inter-platform cooperation, and in the game system 1, represents information cooperation between a platform equipped with an EC payment means and a platform equipped with an application payment means. In this embodiment, the information to be linked is EC payment information and application payment information, and as a result of these being linked, the above-mentioned period total amount is calculated.

When the change button H81 is pressed on the setting screen G8, a setting change screen for changing the current settings is displayed.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a settings change screen. The setting change screen G9 shown in FIG. 13 includes a first threshold setting input field P91, an inter-PF cooperation setting input field P92, a second threshold setting input field P93, a confirm button H91, and a cancel button H92. is represented.

The amount to be set as the first threshold is input into the setting input field P91. In the setting input field P92, "Yes" is entered if cooperation between PFs is to be performed, and "No" is entered if it is not to be performed. In the setting input field P93, "Yes" is entered if the change process (process to change the payment effect) using the second threshold value is to be performed, and "No" is entered if it is not to be performed. When the confirm button H91 is pressed, the settings entered in each setting input field are confirmed. When the cancel button H92 is pressed, the settings entered in each setting input field are invalidated.

When the status confirmation button H82 is pressed on the setting screen G8, a status confirmation screen is displayed for confirming the payment status for this month's billing object in the game the player is playing.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a status confirmation screen. The status confirmation screen G10 shown in FIG. 14 shows a total purchase amount N11, a first threshold N12, and a second threshold N13. The total purchase amount N11 includes the purchase amount N111 for EC payment (1,000 yen in the example in FIG. 14) and the purchase amount N112 for app payment (2,000 yen in the example in FIG. 14), which are the breakdown of the total purchase amount. The total purchase amount is N113 (3,000 yen in the example of FIG. 14).

The situation confirmation screen G10 is a screen displayed by the game device 3 based on screen data generated by the game progress processing section 201. In this way, the game progress processing unit 201 determines the total amount of charges made by the user (in FIG. 14) in a predetermined period (first period) based on the EC payment history (first information) and the application payment history (second information). 3,000 yen in the example), and a breakdown including the first payment amount (1,000 yen in the example in Figure 14) and the second payment amount (2,000 yen in the example in Figure 14) relative to the total amount. ing. According to this aspect, it is possible for the user to grasp the status of his/her own billing.

The first threshold value N12 represents the first threshold value N121 for EC payment (10,000 yen in the example of FIG. 14) and the first threshold value N122 for app payment (10,000 yen in the example of FIG. 14). There is. The second threshold value N13 represents the second threshold value N131 (5,000 yen in the example of FIG. 14) for EC payment and the second threshold value N132 (5,000 yen in the example of FIG. 14) for app payment. There is. In the situation shown in Figure 14, the total period amount (1,000 yen + 2,000 yen = 3,000 yen) for both EC payment and app payment does not exceed either the first threshold or the second threshold. It turns out that it is not executed either.

The payment-related processing unit 206 executes restriction processing and change processing according to the settings of the first threshold, inter-PF cooperation, and second threshold. In this embodiment, the first threshold is set to 10,000 yen, inter-PF collaboration is set to "Yes", and the second threshold is set to "Yes", and as described above, changes that reduce the quantity of bonus items The restriction process and the change process when the process is executed will be explained in more detail.

First, change processing will be explained. As described above, the game progress processing unit 201 executes the game processing based on billing as the first processing or the second processing. The first process based on EC payment includes a first main process that is executed in response to a payment for billing, and a first sub-process that is executed in conjunction with the first main process. The second process based on the application payment includes a second main process that is executed in response to the payment, and a second sub-process that is executed in conjunction with the second main process. In the present embodiment, each main process is a process for giving the user paid stones to be charged, and each sub-process is a process for giving the user free stones as an extra.

On the other hand, a first threshold value is set for the application payment means (second payment means), and a second threshold value is also set for the application payment means (second payment means). The first threshold value and the second threshold value are determined at A142 shown in FIG. 4, as described above. Then, when the application payment amount (second payment amount), which is the cumulative total of payment amounts by the application payment means (second payment means) during a predetermined period, exceeds the second threshold, the payment related processing unit 206 Executes change processing for sub-processing.

The payment-related processing unit 206 executes, as a change process, a process of reducing the amount of bonus free stones provided by the second sub-process when the application payment amount exceeds the second threshold. For example, when purchasing the item set shown in FIG. 9 through app payment, 700 free stones will be given as an extra until the app payment amount exceeds 5,000 yen. Then, when the application payment amount exceeds 5,000 yen, a change process is executed such that the number of free stones given as an extra is reduced to, for example, 100 pieces. According to such an aspect, since the user considers that it is a waste to pay for charges that exceed the second threshold and considers making purchases by app payment in the next month, the user considers that it is a waste to pay charges that exceed the second threshold. Charges due to settlement can be suppressed.

Furthermore, as described above, the payment-related processing unit 206 executes a process that changes the effect of the second sub-process as a change process, so that even if the change process is executed, the effect of the second sub-process does not change. , the effect of the second main process (in the example of FIG. 9, the effect of giving 500 paid stones) remains unchanged. According to such an aspect, the payment amount can be suppressed without affecting the main processing.

Further, as described in the explanation of A142 shown in FIG. 4, the payment-related processing unit 206 calculates the EC payment amount (which is the cumulative total of the payment amount by the EC payment method (first payment method) in a predetermined period with respect to the application payment method). The second threshold value used for purchase by app payment is changed based on the first payment amount). According to such an aspect, the total of the first payment and the second payment can be suppressed compared to the case where the second threshold value is fixed.

Next, the restriction processing will be explained. The payment-related processing unit 206 executes a restriction process when the EC payment amount (first payment amount) exceeds the first threshold. In the above example, when the EC payment amount exceeds the first threshold of 10,000 yen, the payment-related processing unit 206 executes a restriction process that restricts further EC payments. According to this aspect, excessive billing due to the second payment can be prevented.

Further, as described in the explanation of A142 shown in FIG. 4, the payment-related processing unit 206 calculates the EC payment amount (which is the cumulative total of the payment amount by the EC payment method (first payment method) in a predetermined period with respect to the application payment method). A first threshold value used for purchase by app payment is changed based on the first payment amount). According to such an aspect, the total of the first payment and the second payment can be suppressed compared to the case where the first threshold value is fixed.

When the billing button H12 in FIG. 5 and the owned quantity confirmation H24 in FIG. FIG. 15 shows a screen for confirming the amount of virtual currency to be displayed.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual currency quantity confirmation screen. The quantity confirmation screen G11 shown in FIG. 15 shows the current held quantity Q1 of virtual currency and this month's acquired quantity Q2. The current holding quantity Q1 includes the current holding quantity Q11 of paid stones and the current holding quantity Q12 of free stones. This month's acquisition quantity Q2 includes this month's acquisition quantity of paid stones Q21 and this month's acquisition quantity of free stones Q22.

Paid stones are a chargeable object whose quantity increases as they are acquired through charges, and are a game medium whose quantity decreases depending on consumption behavior within the game. Free stones are a game medium in which the number of free stones increases due to acquisition as a bonus when purchasing a charged item or acquisition behavior in the game, and decreases due to consumption behavior within the game. Consumption behavior is behavior such as gacha and continues. Acquisition actions include winning in battle and clearing quests. In this way, the game progress processing unit 201 displays the amount of game media acquired in a predetermined period (first period) as the total amount. According to this aspect, it is possible to grasp the scale of billing in a predetermined period.

[others]
In the embodiment, the first threshold value and the second threshold value used in a predetermined period are changed based on the payment amount in a predetermined period (first period), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the payment-related processing unit 206 changes the first threshold value in the second period after the first period based on the application payment amount (first payment amount) regarding the EC payment method (second payment method). Good too.

The second period after the first period is, for example, the month following the month (first period) that includes the day on which billing is performed or the month after that. The second period may be a period spanning multiple months. In other words, the payment-related processing unit 206 changes the first threshold value used in a predetermined period based on the application payment amount in a previous period (such as the previous month or the month before that). According to this aspect, since the first threshold value used in a predetermined period is determined at the beginning of the period, it is possible to eliminate the need to acquire the first information every time a payment is made using the second payment means.

Similarly, the payment-related processing unit 206 changes the second threshold value in the second period after the first period based on the application payment amount (first payment amount) regarding the EC payment method (second payment method). It's okay. In other words, the payment-related processing unit 206 may change the second threshold value used in a predetermined period based on the application payment amount in the previous period. According to this aspect, since the second threshold value used in a predetermined period is determined at the beginning of the period, it is possible to eliminate the need to acquire the first information every time a payment is made using the second payment means.

In the embodiment, the payment-related processing unit 206 determines the first threshold and the second threshold based on the first information, and determines whether the first threshold and the second threshold are exceeded based on the second information. Ta. That is, the payment-related processing unit 206 executed related processing regarding the second payment based on both the first information and the second information. In this way, the method based on both the first information and the second information to perform related processing is not limited to this. For example, the payment-related processing unit 206 may execute related processing based on the total value of the first payment amount indicated by the first information and the second payment amount indicated by the second information.

In this case, the payment-related processing unit 206 calculates the total value of the periodic total amount of EC payment indicated by the EC payment history and the periodic total amount of app payment indicated by the application payment history. When the payment-related processing unit 206 determines that the total value calculated in A143 shown in FIG. 4 exceeds the first threshold value, it generates determination result data indicating that charging is not possible in A151. For example, if the first threshold value is 10,000 yen, the payment-related processing unit 206 executes the restriction process when the total period total of both the EC payment and the app payment exceeds 10,000 yen. According to such an aspect, the total amount of payments can be suppressed compared to the case where the total value is not used.

In the embodiment, the first process based on the EC payment included the first main process and the first sub-process, and the second process based on the app payment included the second main process and the second sub-process. In the first main process, the game progress processing unit 201 grants a first amount of first game media to the user in response to payment of the first payment amount. The first game medium is, for example, paid stones. In the example of FIG. 9, 500 (first quantity) paid stones F1 (first game medium) are given to the user in response to payment of 5,000 yen (first payment amount) by EC payment.

Furthermore, in the second main process, the game progress processing unit 201 grants the user a second amount of second game content corresponding to the first game content in response to payment of the second payment amount. In the example of FIG. 11, 500 (second quantity) paid stones F2 (second game medium) are given to the user in response to payment of 5,000 yen (second payment amount) through application payment.

Here, the payment-related processing unit 206 acquires information indicating a first charging unit price obtained by dividing the first payment amount by the first quantity as the first information. In the example of FIG. 9, first information indicating 5,000 yen (first payment amount)/500 pieces (first quantity) = 10 yen as the first charging unit price is acquired. Further, the payment-related processing unit 206 acquires second information indicating a second charging unit price obtained by dividing the second payment amount by the first quantity. In the example of FIG. 11, second information indicating 5,000 yen (second payment amount)/500 pieces (second quantity) = 10 yen as the second charging unit price is acquired.

Then, the payment-related processing unit 206 executes a process for changing the effect of the second sub-process as a changing process based on the first charging unit price and the second charging unit price. For example, the payment-related processing unit 206 determines a second threshold value proportional to the charging unit price. For example, if there is a paid stone where the first charge unit price when paying with EC payment is 10 yen and the second charge unit price when paying with app payment is 40 yen, which is four times the first charge unit price, payment related processing The unit 206 determines the second threshold value used for EC payment to be 2,000 yen, and determines the second threshold value to be used for app payment to be 8,000 yen. Here, the sum of the two second threshold values is determined to be, for example, the first threshold value (10,000 yen in this case).

When determining the second threshold based on past payment amounts, a large amount of payment may occur before the change process is executed. For example, if the first threshold is 10,000 yen and the second threshold is 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen is charged at once, 10,000 yen worth of extras will be purchased before the change process is executed. That will happen. On the other hand, since the charging unit price is determined in advance even if the game medium is not purchased, the second threshold value can be determined from the start of the predetermined period. Note that the game media whose unit prices are compared as described above is not limited to virtual currency, but may also be items such as recovery medicine, characters, and the like. According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the change processing is not completed in time.

In the embodiment, the payment-related processing unit 206 executes a change process to decrease the quantity of bonus items, but the present invention is not limited to this, and on the contrary, it may execute a change process to increase the quantity of bonus items. . For example, assume that the bonus of the item set shown in FIG. 9 has been changed so that an item set with 100 free stones is provided as a chargeable item. In that case, the payment-related processing unit 206 does not perform the change processing until the app payment amount exceeds the second threshold, and when the app payment amount exceeds the second threshold, the number of free stones that will be given as a bonus will be reduced to, for example, 500. Execute change processing to increase.

When increasing the quantity of items through change processing, restriction processing is also executed. For example, if the first threshold is 10,000 yen and the second threshold is 5,000 yen, the bonus will increase if the user charges up to 5,000 yen with one payment method, so for example, the user can charge up to 5,000 yen with an EC payment method. do. After that, if you charge up to 10,000 yen using an EC payment method, you will no longer be able to make EC payments due to restriction processing, so you will try to charge using an app payment method this time. At this time, the bonuses that have been increased once again return to the original small bonuses, and the user's desire to pay diminishes. In this way, when increasing the quantity of items through the change process, it is possible to suppress charges that exceed the first threshold.

In the embodiment, the setting of the second threshold value is set to "Yes" on the setting change screen G9 shown in FIG. 13, but it may be set to "No". Even in that case, since the restriction process is executed when the payment amount exceeds the first threshold, excessive billing can be prevented.

In the embodiment, the first threshold value is set to "10,000 yen" on the setting change screen G9 shown in FIG. 13, but it may be "0 yen" or "none". Even in that case, since the change process is executed and the payment effect changes when the payment amount exceeds the second threshold, excessive charges can be suppressed compared to the case where the payment effect is fixed.

In the embodiment, inter-PF cooperation is set to "Yes" on the setting change screen G9, but it may be "No". In that case, for example, in both the EC payment means and the application payment means, the first threshold value is fixed at a value set by the user, and the second threshold value is fixed at a value corresponding to the first threshold value. Then, the payment-related processing unit 206 executes the change process when the EC payment amount exceeds the second threshold, and executes the restriction process when the EC payment amount exceeds the first threshold. Further, the payment-related processing unit 206 executes a change process when the application payment amount exceeds the second threshold, and executes a restriction process when the application payment amount exceeds the first threshold. Even in this case, excessive billing can be prevented by the restriction process, and excessive billing can be suppressed by the change process.

In the embodiment, the related processing (restriction processing and change processing) is executed by both the EC payment means and the application payment means, but the related processing is not limited to this, and the related processing may be executed by only one of them. For example, when related processing is executed only for the EC payment means, the EC payment amount is suppressed from increasing beyond the second threshold, and the EC payment amount is prevented from increasing beyond the first threshold. Additionally, if the restriction process and change process are executed only for the app payment method, the app payment amount is suppressed from increasing beyond the second threshold, and the app payment amount is prevented from increasing beyond the first threshold. be done.

In the above embodiment, the payment-related processing unit 206 executes the process of decreasing or increasing the quantity of bonus free stones as the change process, but the present invention is not limited to this. The payment-related processing unit 206 may perform, for example, processing to change the quantity of bonus items other than virtual currency, processing to change the effects of the items (recovery value of recovery medicine, etc.), or processing to change the type or rarity of bonus items. You may perform the process of changing , etc. as a change process. In either case, it is desirable that further billing be suppressed by executing the change process.

In the embodiment, the payment-related processing unit 206 executes the process of disabling payment as a restriction process, but the present invention is not limited to this. The payment-related processing unit 206 may execute, as the restriction process, for example, a process that limits the time when charges can be made to only a specific time period, or a process that limits users who can make charges based on age or the like. In either case, it is preferable that the charge is suppressed by executing the restriction process more than when the change process is executed.

In the embodiment, two payment methods are used, but three or more payment methods may be used. In that case, the payment method presentation unit 203 presents these three or more payment methods on the game screen for selecting a payment method, and the game progress processing unit 201 performs game processing regarding the billing object paid with the selected payment method. Execute. Then, the game progress processing unit 201 performs different game processing when a payment is made using the first payment method than when a payment is made using a payment method other than the first payment method (considered as a second payment method). Execute. With this aspect as well, it is possible to make the first payment method more likely to be used than the second payment method.

Further, the first payment means and the second payment means are not limited to the EC payment means and the app payment means. For example, when the same game is provided on two or more platforms, the in-app payment means provided on each platform may be the first payment means and the second payment means. For example, an in-app payment means of a platform that provides games on a smartphone may be the first payment means, and an in-app payment means of a platform that provides games on a personal computer may be the second payment means.

In that case, for example, the game management device 2 for smartphones and the game management device 2 for PC each include a payment-related processing unit 206, and these payment-related processing units 206 communicate with each other to exchange payment history, etc. However, the same function as the payment-related processing unit 206 in the embodiment may be realized. The payment-related processing units 206 cooperate to execute the restriction process and the change process, thereby improving the user's convenience when suppressing the payment amount.

In the embodiment, both the first payment method and the second payment method are payment methods that can be used to pay for charges for the same game, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be a payment method that can be used respectively. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to games; for example, a first payment means usable for games and a second payment means usable for payments in electronic commerce services unrelated to games may be used. In either case, by executing the above-mentioned related processing, it is possible to reduce the effort of grasping the payment status of multiple payment methods, and improve convenience for the user.

The overall configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the game management device 2, the application distribution device 5, and the EC management device 6 may be integrated into one or two devices, or may be distributed among four or more devices. Additionally, these devices may be replaced by cloud computing systems.

Moreover, the functional configuration shown in FIG. 2 is also an example, and is not limited to this. For example, the functions of the game management device 2 and the EC management device 6 may be realized by one device, or conversely, the functions of the game management device 2 may be realized by being distributed among two or more devices. Furthermore, two functions may be integrated into one function, or one function may be decomposed into two or more functions. In short, any configuration may be adopted as long as the game system 1 as a whole implements functions corresponding to the functions shown in FIG. 2 .

The aspect of the embodiment described above may be an information processing apparatus. The information processing device includes each part of an information processing system such as the game system 1. Moreover, the aspect of the embodiment described above may be an information processing method. The information processing method includes each part of a similar information processing system. Moreover, the aspect of the embodiment described above may be a program. The program causes the computer to execute each step of the information processing system.

<Additional notes>
Furthermore, each aspect described below may be provided.

(2) In the information processing system, the first information indicates a first payment amount that is a cumulative total of payment amounts by the first payment means in the first period, and in the acquisition step, the acquiring second information regarding a second payment, the second information indicating a second payment amount that is the cumulative amount of payment by the second payment means in the first period; The related processing is executed based on the total value of the payment amount and the second payment amount.

According to such an aspect, the total amount of payments can be suppressed.

(3) In the information processing system, a first threshold is set in the second payment means, and in the related processing step, when the second payment amount exceeds the first threshold, the restriction processing is performed. Something to do.

According to this aspect, excessive billing due to the second payment can be prevented.

(4) In the information processing system, the second payment means changes the first threshold based on the first payment amount.

According to such an aspect, the total of the first payment and the second payment can be suppressed.

(5) In the information processing system, the second payment means changes the first threshold value in a second period after the first period based on the first payment amount.

According to this aspect, it is possible to eliminate the need to acquire the first information every time a payment is made using the second payment means.

(6) In the information processing system, the second process includes a second main process that is executed in response to the payment for the charge, and a second sub-process that is executed in conjunction with the second main process. and in the related processing step, a process for changing the effect of the second sub-process is executed as the changing process.

According to such an aspect, the payment amount can be suppressed without affecting the main processing.

(7) In the information processing system, the first information indicates a first payment amount that is a cumulative total of payment amounts by the first payment means during the first period.

According to such an aspect, the total of the first payment and the second payment can be suppressed.

(8) In the information processing system, the first process includes a first main process that is executed in response to the payment for the charge, and a first sub-process that is executed in conjunction with the first main process. In the first main process, a first amount of first game media is granted to the user in response to the payment of the first payment amount; A second game medium corresponding to the first game medium of a second quantity is provided to the user in accordance with the payment, and the first information is a first charge unit price obtained by dividing the first payment amount by the first quantity. In the acquiring step, second information indicating a second charging unit price obtained by dividing the second payment amount by the second quantity is acquired, and in the related processing step, the first charging unit price and the second charging unit price are obtained. A process for changing the effect of the second sub-process based on the changing process.

According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the change processing is not completed in time.

(9) In the information processing system, a second threshold is set for the second payment means, and in the related processing step, a second payment is made that is the cumulative total of the payment amount by the second payment means in the first period. When the amount exceeds the second threshold value, the change process is executed for the second sub process.

According to such an aspect, it is possible to suppress charges due to the second payment exceeding the second threshold value.

(10) In the information processing system, the second payment means changes the second threshold based on a first payment amount that is a cumulative total of payment amounts by the first payment means in the first period. .

According to such an aspect, the total of the first payment and the second payment can be suppressed.

(11) In the information processing system, the second payment means calculates a second payment amount after the first period based on a first payment amount that is a cumulative total of payment amounts by the first payment means in the first period. Something that changes the second threshold value in a period.

According to this aspect, it is possible to eliminate the need to acquire the first information every time a payment is made using the second payment means.

(12) In the information processing system, the first information indicates a first payment amount that is a cumulative total of payment amounts by the first payment means in a first period, and in the acquisition step, the first information acquiring second information regarding the second payment, the second information indicating a second payment amount that is the cumulative amount of the payment amount by the second payment means in the first period; and in the displaying step, Based on the first information and the second information, the total billing amount of the user in the first period and the breakdown including the first payment amount and the second payment amount with respect to the total amount are displayed.

According to this aspect, it is possible for the user to grasp the status of his/her own billing.

(13) In the information processing system, the billing object is a game medium whose possession quantity increases through acquisition through the billing and whose possession quantity decreases through in-game consumption behavior, and in the displaying step, the first The quantity of the game media acquired during the period is displayed as the total quantity.

According to this aspect, it is possible to grasp the scale of billing in the first period.

(14) An information processing device configured to execute each step of the information processing system.

(15) A program that causes a computer to execute each step of the information processing system.
Of course, this is not the case.
Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above may be implemented in any combination.

Finally, although various embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The new embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the disclosure. The embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the disclosure, as well as within the scope of the disclosure described in the claims and its equivalents.

1: Game system 2: Game management device 3: Game device 5: Application distribution device 6: EC management device 7: User device 11: Communication network 201: Game progress processing section 202: Charge object presentation section 203: Payment method presentation section 204 :Payment request section 205:Charging processing section 206:Payment related processing section 301:App processing section 302:App operation reception section 501:App presentation section 502:Payment processing section 503:App distribution section 601:Service presentation section 602:Billing target Presentation unit 603: Payment processing unit 604: Service processing unit 701: EC processing unit 702: EC operation reception unit

Claims (15)

An information processing system,
The information processing system,
In the first processing step, in response to a user's instruction, when a first payment is made by a first payment means to charge a billing target for the game, a first process is executed based on the charge;
In the second processing step, in response to a user's instruction, when a second payment is made by a second payment means to charge the billing target for the game, a second process is executed based on the charge;
In the acquisition step, first information regarding the first payment in a first period is acquired;
In the related processing step, a related process related to the second payment is executed based on the acquired first information, and the related process is a restriction process that restricts execution of the second payment, or a restriction process that restricts execution of the second payment. An information processing system that includes change processing that changes the effects of The information processing system according to claim 1,
The first information indicates a first payment amount that is a cumulative total of payment amounts by the first payment means in the first period,
The information processing system,
In the acquisition step, second information regarding the second payment in the first period is acquired, and the second information indicates a second payment amount that is the cumulative amount of payment by the second payment means in the first period. show,
In the related processing step, the information processing system executes the related processing based on a total value of the first payment amount and the second payment amount. The information processing system according to claim 2,
A first threshold value is set for the second payment means,
The information processing system,
In the related processing step, the information processing system executes the restriction processing when the second payment amount exceeds the first threshold. The information processing system according to claim 3,
The second payment means is an information processing system that changes the first threshold based on the first payment amount. The information processing system according to claim 4,
The second payment means is an information processing system that changes the first threshold value in a second period after the first period based on the first payment amount. In the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The second process includes a second main process that is executed in response to the payment for the charge, and a second sub-process that is executed in conjunction with the second main process,
The information processing system,
In the related processing step, the information processing system executes a process of changing the effect of the second sub-process as the changing process. The information processing system according to claim 6,
The first information is an information processing system in which the first information indicates a first payment amount that is a cumulative total of payment amounts by the first payment means during the first period. The information processing system according to claim 6 or 7,
The first process includes a first main process that is executed in response to the payment for the charge, and a first sub-process that is executed in conjunction with the first main process, and in the first main process, Granting a first amount of first game media to a user in response to payment of a first settlement amount;
The second process includes, in the second main process, providing a second amount of second game content corresponding to the first game content to the user in response to payment of a second payment amount;
The first information indicates a first charging unit price obtained by dividing the first payment amount by the first quantity,
The information processing system,
In the obtaining step, obtaining second information indicating a second charging unit price obtained by dividing the second payment amount by the second quantity;
In the related processing step, the information processing system executes, as the changing process, a process of changing the effect of the second sub-process based on the first charging unit price and the second charging unit price. The information processing system according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
A second threshold value is set for the second payment means,
The information processing system,
In the related processing step, if a second payment amount, which is a cumulative total of payment amounts by the second payment means during the first period, exceeds the second threshold, the change processing is executed for the second sub-process. , Information Processing Systems . The information processing system according to claim 9,
The second payment means is an information processing system in which the second payment means changes the second threshold based on a first payment amount that is a cumulative total of payment amounts by the first payment means during the first period. The information processing system according to claim 9,
The second payment means changes the second threshold value in a second period after the first period based on a first payment amount that is a cumulative total of payment amounts by the first payment means in the first period. , Information Processing Systems . The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The first information indicates a first payment amount that is a cumulative total of payment amounts by the first payment means in a first period,
The information processing system,
In the acquisition step, second information regarding the second payment in the first period is acquired, and the second information indicates a second payment amount that is the cumulative amount of payment by the second payment means in the first period. obtain second information indicating
In the displaying step, based on the first information and the second information, displaying the total amount of charges of the user in the first period and a breakdown including the first payment amount and the second payment amount with respect to the total amount. information processing system . The information processing system according to claim 12,
The billing target is a game medium whose holding quantity increases due to acquisition through the billing, and whose holding quantity decreases due to in-game consumption behavior;
The information processing system,
In the displaying step, the information processing system displays the quantity of the game media acquired during the first period as the total quantity. An information processing device,
The information processing device
An information processing device configured to execute each step according to any one of claims 1 to 13. A program,
A program that causes a computer that controls the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 13 to execute each step of the information processing system .