WO2013128516A1

WO2013128516A1 - Game control device, game control method, program, recording medium, and game system

Info

Publication number: WO2013128516A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/007024
Authority: WO
Inventors: 実米山; 清水　明彦; 謙史鴻上
Original assignee: 株式会社コナミデジタルエンタテインメント
Priority date: 2012-02-27
Filing date: 2012-11-01
Publication date: 2013-09-06
Also published as: JP5436613B2; JP2013208414A

Abstract

Provided are a game control device capable of increasing the sense of expectation in a user, a game control method, a program, a recording medium, and a game system. This game control device is provided with an imparting means for imparting a game item to a user in a state in which the content of the item is not recognized by the user, on the basis of information pertaining to a prescribed operation input or to the progress of the game; and a limiting means for limiting the period during which it is possible for the user to recognize the content of the item to a prescribed period after the item has been imparted to the user by the imparting means.

Description

GAME CONTROL DEVICE, GAME CONTROL METHOD, PROGRAM, RECORDING MEDIUM, GAME SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a technique for controlling the progress of a game by the user according to the user's operation.

In recent years, a so-called social game (Social) executed by a game application created based on an operating environment such as an API (Application Programming Interface) operating on a web browser in a social networking service (SNS) by a specific service provider. Game) is popular. It can be said that the social game is a kind of online game that is played while communicating among an unspecified number of users. If a user can connect to the Internet and has a communication terminal equipped with a web browser, the user can enjoy a social game regardless of time and place.

One of the features of the above-described social game is that it has a richer communication function for interaction between users than the conventional online game. In social games, for example, in addition to cooperative play with other users (friends), information exchange by communicating with friends such as greetings and contacts with friends, gifts of items on the game with friends or items An exchange has been made. As an example of such a social game, a digital card game (Dragon Collection (registered trademark)) described in Non-Patent Document 1 below is known.

Many of the social games described above are easy to operate for the user and the results of the game can be immediately confirmed. Therefore, users who do not want to spend a long time on the game, or want to enjoy the game easily. Accepted by users. In other words, it can be said that the social game has a simple game. Therefore, as a mechanism for attracting the user to the game or improving the attractiveness of the game, for example, a mechanism for increasing the user's expectation is sought.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described viewpoints, and an object thereof is to provide a game control device, a game control method, a program, a recording medium, and a game system that can enhance the user's expectation.

A first aspect of the present invention is a game control device.
The game control device
A granting means for granting an item on the game to the user in a state where the content of the item is not recognized by the user based on information regarding a predetermined operation input or the progress of the game;
Limiting means for limiting the time when the user can recognize the content of the item to a predetermined time after the item is given to the user by the giving means;
Is provided.

Here, the information related to the predetermined operation input may be information indicating that the predetermined operation input is performed on an external device accessible to the game control device, for example. Further, the information related to the progress of the game may be, for example, conquering a predetermined area on the game or a character having reached a predetermined level. Further, the item may be, for example, a recovery drug that recovers a character's parameters or points, a drug that improves the character's ability, or a weapon or armor used by the character.
Furthermore, the state in which the content of the item is not recognized by the user may be, for example, a state in which the entire content of the item is not recognized by the user, or the content of the item is not recognized by the user. It may be in a state where a part is recognized by the user.
According to this game control device, the user to whom the item is assigned cannot know the content of the item until a predetermined time after the item is given. For this reason, a user's expectation with respect to the content of the item can be enhanced. In addition, in order to know the contents of the item, the user can be attracted to the game until the predetermined time, and the user is motivated to play the game after the predetermined time after recognizing the content of the item. Can be given to. As a result, the user can enjoy the game continuously for a long time.

In the game control device, the predetermined time may be a predetermined time of an event in the real world related to the item.
Here, the real-world event related to the item may be, for example, a baseball game performed in the real world when the item is a baseball player card, or the item is a soccer player card. In this case, it may be a soccer game played in the real world. In addition, for example, when the event is a baseball game, the predetermined time of the event is, for example, the opening date of the official game, the date of the all-star game, the date of the Japan series, or a predetermined inning (for example, 7 times) ) May start.
According to this game control device, when a predetermined time of an event in the real world arrives, the user can know the contents of the item that is given and linked to the event in the real world. Thereby, a user's expectation can be raised more as the predetermined time of the event approaches.

In the game control device, when there are a plurality of items, the predetermined time may be set for each of the plurality of items.
Here, the predetermined time set for each item may be the same time for each item, or may be different. For example, when a predetermined level is set for each item, the predetermined time may be set to a time later than other items as the item level is higher.
According to this game control device, as the number of assigned items increases, the time to know the contents of each item may be different, so that the user's expectation can be continuously increased.

In the game control device, a use start time is set for the item, and the restricting unit may restrict the use of the item until the use start time comes.
Here, the use start time of the item may be set to the same time as the predetermined time, for example, or may be set to a time different from the predetermined time.
According to this game control device, since the time when the content of the item can be recognized and the time when the item can be used are provided separately, the user's expectation for the content of the item and the effect on the game due to the use of the item Each user's expectation can be enhanced. In addition, if the time when the item content can be recognized is set earlier than the time when the item can be used, the user may know the item content but cannot use it. And a psychological dilemma can be given to the user, and the user's interest in the game can be further increased.

In the said game control apparatus, when notifying the content of the said item to the said user based on the information regarding predetermined | prescribed operation input after progress of the said predetermined time, according to the notification timing, the content of the said item or the said item's You may provide the adjustment means to fluctuate the effect on the said game by use.
For example, the second item having a higher value compared to the first item set in advance may be given to the user as the required time from the predetermined time until the content of the item is notified is shorter. Moreover, you may give a user the 2nd item with a low value compared with the 1st item set beforehand, so that the said required time is short. In addition, for example, when the content of an item is notified in a predetermined time zone (for example, from 9:00 to 10:00 in the morning) after the lapse of a predetermined time, compared with the first item set in advance You may give a user the 2nd item with high value.
This will motivate the user to play the game aggressively at the best time to get a high-value item or the best time to get an advantageous game effect from using the item. Can do. In addition, the game settings can be widened.

In the game control device, when there are a plurality of the items, an attribute is set for each item, and when the item is given to the user by the granting unit, only the attribute of the item is The user may be notified. Here, the attributes include, for example, the rarity value of the item, the rare degree indicating the degree of availability, the ability of the item itself, the degree of influence the item has on the game (typically positive influence degree), etc. May be included.
Thereby, the user can imagine the content of the assigned item based on the notified attribute. For this reason, a user's expectation can be raised more.

In the game control device, a plurality of attributes are set for the item, and when the item is given to the user by the granting unit, the plurality of attributes satisfy a predetermined condition after the item is given. The user may be notified step by step according to the above.
Here, the “predetermined condition” means that, for example, a predetermined number of other items different from the above-mentioned items are obtained by user operation or obtained without user operation during the game. Good. In addition, the “predetermined condition” may be, for example, that the user reaches a predetermined stage on the game during the execution of the game. In addition, the “predetermined condition” can be arbitrarily set according to the content related to the progress of the game. Further, the “predetermined condition” may be that a predetermined time elapses after the item is given. In this case, a plurality of attributes set in the item are notified to the user step by step according to the elapsed time.
Thereby, for example, the attribute is notified to the user every time a predetermined condition is satisfied after the item is granted, and the user can imagine the content of the item based on the notified attribute. For this reason, it can be set as the mechanism in which a user's expectation rises more whenever predetermined conditions are satisfy | filled.

The plurality of attributes may be notified to the user in a stepwise manner according to an elapsed time after the item is given.
Thereby, the user can imagine the content of the said item based on the notified attribute for every timing which an attribute is notified, for example. For this reason, it can be set as the mechanism in which a user's expectation rises more for every timing to which an attribute is notified.

A second aspect of the present invention is a game control method. This game control method may be performed by a game control device.
The game control method is as follows:
A step of giving an item on the game to the user in a state where the content of the item is not recognized by the user based on a predetermined operation input or information on the progress of the game;
Limiting the time at which the user can recognize the content of the item to a predetermined time after the granting of the item to the user by the granting means;
Is provided.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a computer for controlling the execution of a game.
Based on a predetermined operation input or information on the progress of the game, the user can recognize the item on the game in a state where the content of the item is not recognized by the user, and the content of the item. A function to limit the time to be a predetermined time after the grant to the user of the item by the grant means,
It is a program for realizing.

The computer may be, for example, a network server or a large computer. Further, this program may be stored in a computer-readable information storage medium such as a DVD-ROM or a CD-ROM. That is, a fourth aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium in which the program is recorded.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is a game system including a communication terminal and a server that is accessed from the communication terminal and controls execution of a game by the communication terminal,
A granting means for granting an item on the game to the user in a state where the content of the item is not recognized by the user based on information regarding a predetermined operation input or the progress of the game;
Limiting means for limiting the time when the user can recognize the content of the item to a predetermined time after the item is given to the user by the giving means;
Is provided.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is a game control device.
The game control device
A granting means for granting an item on the game to the user in an unusable state based on a predetermined operation input or information on the progress of the game;
Limiting means for limiting the time when the user can use the item to a predetermined time after the grant of the item to the user by the granting means;
Is provided.

Here, the information related to the predetermined operation input may be information indicating that the predetermined operation input is performed on an external device accessible to the game control device, for example. Further, the information related to the progress of the game may be, for example, conquering a predetermined area on the game or a character having reached a predetermined level.
According to this game control device, a user to whom an item is given cannot use the item until a predetermined time after the item is given. For this reason, a user's expectation with respect to the effect on the game by use of an item can be raised. In addition, in order to use the item, it is possible to give the user a motivation to play the game after the predetermined time. As a result, the user can enjoy the game continuously for a long time.

In the game control device, the predetermined time may be a predetermined time of an event in the real world related to the item.
Here, the real-world event related to the item may be, for example, a baseball game performed in the real world when the item is a baseball player card, or the item is a soccer player card. In this case, it may be a soccer game played in the real world. In addition, for example, when the event is a baseball game, the predetermined time of the event is, for example, the opening date of the official game, the date of the all-star game, the date of the Japan series, or a predetermined inning (for example, 7 times) ) May start.
According to this game control device, when a predetermined time of an event in the real world arrives, the user can use the item that is given and linked to the event in the real world. Thereby, the user's expectation with respect to the effect on the game by use of an item can be raised more as the predetermined time of the said event approaches.

In the game control device, when there are a plurality of items, the predetermined time may be set for each of the plurality of items.
Here, the predetermined time set for each item may be the same time for each item, or may be different. For example, when a predetermined level is set for each item, the predetermined time may be set to a time later than other items as the item level is higher.
According to this game control device, as the number of assigned items increases, the time when each item can be used may be different. For example, the user's expectation on the game effect when using each item is continuously maintained. Can be increased.

In the game control device, when the use of the item is enabled based on information related to a predetermined operation input after the predetermined time has elapsed, the use of the item on the game is determined according to the timing to be enabled. You may provide the adjustment means to fluctuate an effect.
For example, the shorter the time required until the item can be used from a predetermined time, the second item that is more effective when used is given to the user than the preset first item. May be. In addition, as the required time is shorter, a second item that is less effective when used may be given to the user as compared with the first item set in advance. In addition, for example, when the item can be used in a predetermined time zone (for example, from 9:00 to 10:00 in the morning) after the lapse of the predetermined time, compared with the first item set in advance A second item that is highly effective when used may be given to the user.
Accordingly, it is possible to motivate the user to actively play the game at a timing most suitable for obtaining an advantageous effect on the game by using the item.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is a game control method. This game control method may be performed by a game control device.
The game control method is as follows:
A step of giving an item on the game to the user in an unusable state based on a predetermined operation input or information on the progress of the game;
Limiting the time when the user can use the item to a predetermined time after the item is given to the user;
Is provided.

An eighth aspect of the present invention provides a computer for controlling the execution of a game.
Based on a predetermined operation input or information on the progress of the game, a function for giving an item on the game to the user in an unusable state, and a time when the user can use the item for the item. A function that restricts until a predetermined time after granting to the user,
It is a program for realizing.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium in which the program is recorded.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is a game system including a communication terminal and a server that is accessed from the communication terminal and controls execution of a game by the communication terminal,
A granting means for granting an item on the game to the user in an unusable state based on a predetermined operation input or information on the progress of the game;
Limiting means for limiting the time when the user can use the item to a predetermined time after the grant of the item to the user by the granting means;
Is provided.

The figure which shows the basic composition of the game system of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the external appearance of the communication terminal of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the external appearance of the communication terminal of 1st Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the communication terminal of 1st Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the game server of 1st Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the database server of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the structural example of the user database contained in the database server of 1st Embodiment. The functional block diagram for demonstrating the function which plays a main role with the game control apparatus of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the display screen of the communication terminal which displays a top page. The figure which shows an example of a web page when a user selects a scout menu. The figure which shows an example of a web page when a user selects a scout menu. The figure which shows an example of a web page when a user selects a scout menu. The figure which shows the data structural example of item data. The flowchart which shows an example of the item process in the game control apparatus of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of a web page when a user selects an item menu. The figure which shows an example of the web page when the content of the item is notified. The figure which shows an example of a web page when a user selects a scout menu in the game control apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the data structural example of item data. The flowchart which shows an example of the item process in the game control apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of a web page when a user selects an item menu. The functional block diagram for demonstrating the function which plays a main role with the game control apparatus of a modification. The figure explaining the example of a setting for changing the effect on a game. The figure which shows the data structural example of the item data in a modification. The figure which shows the example of a display of the web page until the content of the item is notified. The figure which shows the structural example of each function in each of a communication terminal and a game server. The figure which shows the structural example of each function in each of a communication terminal and a game server.

The present invention relates to Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-040609 filed with the Japan Patent Office on February 27, 2012, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-102788 filed with the Japan Patent Office on April 27, 2012. The entire contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

(1) 1st Embodiment Hereinafter, 1st Embodiment of the game system of this invention is described.

(1-1) Configuration of Game System FIG. 1 shows a system configuration example of the game system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system includes

communication terminals

10a, 10b, 10c,... That can be connected to a communication network NW (network) such as the Internet, a game server 20 connected to the communication network NW, The database server 30 is configured. Each of the

communication terminals

10a, 10b, 10c,... Is a terminal operated by an individual user, for example, a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a personal computer, a television having a bidirectional communication function. A communication terminal such as a John receiver (including a so-called multi-function smart TV). In the following description, when referring to the

communication terminals

10a, 10b, 10c,.
In this game system, the game server 20 is configured to be able to communicate with the communication terminal 10 that is a client, and provides a gaming service to the communication terminal 10. The game server 20 is mounted with an application operable on a web browser as a game application. The database server 30 stores various information to be described later in executing the game, and is connected to the game server 20 by, for example, a wire for reading and writing the information.
The communication terminal 10 includes a web browser capable of displaying a web page provided by the game server 20, and the user operates the communication terminal 10 on the web page to execute a game.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, an authentication server for authenticating the user of each communication terminal 10 may be provided separately from the game server 20. Further, when a plurality of game servers 20 are provided in order to accept access from many communication terminals 10, a load balancer for adjusting a load between the plurality of game servers 20 may be provided. The game server 20 may be configured as a single server device, but may be configured as a plurality of server devices having distributed functions.

(1-2) Configuration of Communication Terminal The communication terminal 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3.
2A and 2B are diagrams each showing an example of the appearance of the communication terminal 10, and FIG. 2A exemplifies a button input type communication terminal such as a foldable mobile terminal (mobile phone), for example. FIG. 2B illustrates a touch panel input type communication terminal such as a smartphone. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the communication terminal 10.
As shown in FIG. 3, the communication terminal 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, an image processing unit 14, an instruction input unit 15, a display unit 16, A communication interface unit 17 as a signal transmission / reception unit is provided, and a bus 18 for transmitting a control signal or a data signal between the units is provided.

The CPU 11 loads the web browser in the ROM 12 into the RAM 13 and executes it. And CPU11 is based on the appropriate designation | designated of URL (Uniform Resource Locator) input to a user by the instruction | indication input part 15 grade | etc., Data for displaying a web page from the game server 20 via the communication interface part 17, That is, data of an object such as an HTML (HyperText Markup Language) document and an image associated with the document (hereinafter collectively referred to as “HTML data” as appropriate) is acquired via the communication interface unit 17. Interpret the HTML data. The communication terminal 10 may be mounted with various plug-ins for extending the browser function of the web browser.
In acquiring the HTML data, the CPU 11 sends an access request message including a user ID (user identification information) registered in advance or a user ID input via the instruction input unit 15 via the communication interface unit 17. The game server 20 is notified.

The web browser displays the web page provided from the game server 20 on the display unit 16 based on the acquired HTML data via the image processing unit 14. When the user selects a hyperlink or menu on the web page by operating the instruction input unit 15, the web browser transmits new HTML data for displaying the web page according to the selection. (That is, update of the web page) is requested to the game server 20.

The image processing unit 14 displays a web page on the display unit 16 based on the display image data given from the CPU 11 as the analysis result of the HTML data. The display unit 16 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid-Cristal-Display) monitor including thin film transistors arranged in units of pixels in a matrix, and displays an image of a web page by driving the thin film transistors based on display image data. To display.

When the communication terminal 10 is a button input type communication terminal (FIG. 2A), the instruction input unit 15 includes a button group 15a including a plurality of instruction input buttons such as a direction instruction button and a decision button for accepting a user operation input. And a button group 15b including a plurality of instruction input buttons such as a numeric keypad, and includes an interface circuit for recognizing a pressing (operation) input of each button and outputting it to the CPU 11. For example, the direction instruction button is provided to instruct the CPU 11 to scroll and display the web page displayed on the display unit 16. The determination button instructs the CPU 11 that the user selects one hyperlink or menu that is actively displayed (for example, highlighted) when, for example, a plurality of hyperlinks or menus are displayed on a web page. To be provided. When the communication terminal 10 is configured by a small portable terminal, these buttons are provided on the front surface of the communication terminal 10 so that the user can easily operate (click) with the thumb while holding the communication terminal 10 with one hand. It is preferable to arrange | position. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the button group 15b is arranged below the button group 15a and includes a plurality of instruction input buttons on which “0” to “9”, “*”, and “#” (ten keys) are written. .

When the communication terminal 10 is a touch panel input type communication terminal (FIG. 2B), the instruction input unit 15 mainly accepts touch panel type input by touching the display screen 16a with a fingertip or a pen. The touch panel input method may be a known method such as a capacitance method. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the button group 15a may be provided even when the communication terminal 10 is a touch panel input method.

For example, when the communication terminal 10 is a portable terminal, the menu selection operation on the web page displayed on the communication terminal 10 is selected by pressing the direction instruction button and selecting by pressing the enter button. This is done by confirming the selected menu. Further, for example, when the communication terminal 10 is a touch panel input method, the selection operation is performed by instructing (touch operation) a menu position on the display screen 16a on which the web page is displayed with a finger or a pen.

(1-3) Configuration of Game Server The configuration of the game server 20 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game server 20 manages a game website including a plurality of hierarchical web pages, for example, and provides a game web service to the communication terminal 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the game server 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a database (DB) access unit 24, and a communication interface unit 25, for transmitting control signals or data signals between the units. A bus 26 is provided. In addition, the game server 20 can take the same structure as a general-purpose web server regarding hardware.

The ROM 22 stores an application program that provides a service for displaying an object such as an HTML document or an image (displaying a web page) to the web browser of the communication terminal 10 that is a client. The ROM 22 stores various data referred to by the CPU 21 in addition to the application program.
The CPU 21 loads the game program in the ROM 22 to the RAM 23 and executes it, and performs various processes via the communication interface unit 25.

For example, the CPU 21 transmits HTML data to the communication terminal 10 via the communication interface unit 25. In addition, when the game server 20 performs the authentication process of the user of the communication terminal 10, the CPU 21 performs the authentication process.
The CPU 21 performs processing according to the hyperlink or menu selected by the user on the web page displayed on the communication terminal 10. The processing includes, for example, transmission of new HTML data, arithmetic processing in the game server 20 or data processing.
The database access unit 24 is an interface when the CPU 21 reads / writes data from / to the database server 30.

(1-4) Configuration of Database Server The database server 30 can be realized by a general-purpose storage such as a large-capacity hard disk device or a device such as a RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks). Each database in the database server 30 is configured to be able to read and write data from the CPU 21 via the database access unit 24 of the game server 20.
FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the database server 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the database server 30 includes a user database 31 and a game database 32.

The type of game realized by the game server 20 of the present embodiment is not particularly limited, but in the following, as an example of a game realized by the game server 20 for convenience of description of the embodiment, a baseball digital format Pick up a card game.
In a baseball-style digital card game, a user collects player cards (items) corresponding to baseball players to create his own team, play baseball against other users' teams, or baseball leagues by skill level. A game that is configured to fight a battle. Baseball-style digital card games include a scout process that searches for player cards to create their own team, a lottery process that allows them to obtain player cards by lottery, or two or more player cards. A strengthening process or the like is provided to increase the ability of a specific player card.
In this digital card game, a player card that can be used by the user at the present time and a player card that can be used from a predetermined time after the current time (hereinafter referred to as “next player card”) appear. In the present embodiment, “use a player card” means to use a player card in a reinforcement process or a game process described later. The next player card is an example of an item in the present invention.
Each function implemented in the baseball digital card game will be described later.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a user database 31 applied in the baseball-format digital card game described above. In this example, the user database 31 has a user name / display image, a team, a skill level, an action point, an operation point, an enhancement point, an ale point, the number of players, and friends for each user ID that is information for identifying the user. Information about each item of the user ID, possessed card image data, and retained card attributes. Information included in the user database 31 can be updated sequentially by the game server 20.

In the following description, the user ID included in the user database 31 or data for each user name (to be described later) specifying the user is generically referred to as user data. The data of each item constituting the user data is as follows.
User name / display image A user name and a display image that are displayed to identify the user on the communication terminal 10 when the game is executed. The user name is text of a predetermined length or less that is specified in advance by the user, and the display image is an avatar image that is selected in advance by the user, for example. The user name is a name that identifies the user on the network environment (or game community) provided by the game server 20.
-Team In the above-mentioned baseball-format digital card game, the team specified by the user at the time of user registration. In this game, for example, there are a P league consisting of 6 teams P1 to P6 and a Q league consisting of 6 teams Q1 to Q6, and the user selects one of these 12 teams at the time of user registration To do.
Skill level This is data indicating the skill level of the user on the game. For example, it is a level value in a range from Lv1 (level 1) to Lv100 (level 100).
-Action point In the baseball-type digital card game, for example, it is a point necessary for performing a game scout by the user. The value of the action point is reduced by scouting, and is recovered (increased) every time a predetermined time elapses.
-Management point In the baseball-type digital card game, for example, it is a point necessary for a user to play a game match. The value of the management point is reduced by a battle with another user or the like, and is recovered (increased) every time a predetermined time elapses.
Strengthening point In the baseball digital card game, for example, it is a point necessary for strengthening a player card by a user. The value of the strengthening point is reduced by strengthening the player card, and is recovered (increased) every time the player wins a battle with another user or a predetermined time elapses.
-Ale Point In the baseball-format digital card game, it is a point that the user acquires by sending a cheer message to a fellow user.
-Number of players This is the number of player cards held by the user. The number of players is increased or decreased by the execution of scout processing and strengthening processing. The maximum number of players (for example, 60) is defined in advance.
-Associates Data of other user IDs that are associates of the target user ID.
-Image data of possession card In the case of the above-mentioned baseball format digital card game, the image data of the possession card is data including an image of the player card possessed by the user.
-Attribute of possessed card The attribute of the possessed card includes data indicating the ability value of the player card. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, each ability value such as “batting force”, “running ability”, “defense ability”, and the like may be included as parameter items. In the example of FIG. 6, the capability value is a value in the range of 0 to 1000, and the higher the capability value is, the higher the capability is. In FIG. 6, “batting force”, “running ability”, and “defense ability” are illustrated as items as indicators of ability, but if the player is a pitcher, other items such as “ball speed”, “ball control” It is good also as "power", "stamina", etc.
The attribute of the possessed card may include “rare degree”. Here, the “rare degree” is a value indicating the degree of rarity value of the player card, and the higher the value is, the lower the probability of appearing in the game is set. In the present embodiment, the rarity is expressed in five stages of 1 to 5, and the rarity of player cards corresponding to players with outstanding technical ability and popular players is set high.
The attributes include team (any of P1 to P6, Q1 to Q6), position (pitcher, catcher, first baser, left winger, etc.), the degree of influence that player cards have on the game (typically positive impact) Degree) or the like.

Referring back to FIG. 5, the game database 32 stores and updates information on game settings executed by the game server 20 and information on game results (game results) based on access from the game server 20. Information related to game results may include various information depending on the nature of the game. For example, in the case of a baseball-format digital card game, information on game results includes results of matches between different user IDs (scores, etc.), results of league battles between a plurality of user IDs of specific skill levels ( Score, ranking, etc.).

(1-5) Overview of Functions in Game Control Device In the present embodiment, the game control device is configured by the game server 20 and the database server 30. In the following, with reference to FIG. 7, the functions realized by the game control device of the present embodiment will be described by taking as an example the case where the above-described baseball-format digital card game (hereinafter simply referred to as “game”) is applied. I will explain. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram for explaining functions that play a main role in the game control apparatus of the present embodiment.
In addition, in the functional block diagram of FIG. 7, the provision means 53 and the restriction means 54 respond | correspond to the main structures of this invention. Other means are not necessarily indispensable structures, but they are structures for making the present invention more preferable.
In the following description, menus, marks and the like displayed on the web page displayed on the communication terminal 10 are arranged at desired positions on the web page, and are menus visually recognized on the communication terminal 10. The position on the display screen of the mark and the like can be changed by scrolling the web page by the user's direction instruction button or touch panel operation.

The registration unit 51 has a function of recognizing a user request based on an appropriate operation input to the communication terminal 10 on a web page provided to the communication terminal 10, for example, and performing a registration process (user registration).
The function of the registration means 51 is implement | achieved as follows, for example. The CPU 21 of the game server 20 receives a registration request message from the communication terminal 10 via the communication interface unit 25. The registration request message is automatically generated by a predetermined operation (for example, a predetermined menu selection operation, text input, etc.) on the communication terminal 10 on the web page provided from the game server 20. May be configured. The registration request message may include information (for example, IP address, e-mail address, etc.) for specifying the communication terminal 10 as the transmission source, or the user has already played another game by the same service provider. If used, the user ID may be included.
When the CPU 21 receives the registration request message and the registration request message does not include the user ID, the CPU 21 issues a new user ID and performs registration processing of the user ID, and then the registration processing is completed. Is sent to the communication terminal 10. When the CPU 21 receives the registration request message and the registration request message includes a user ID, the CPU 21 performs registration processing of the user ID, and then transmits a registration completion message indicating that the registration processing is completed to the communication terminal. 10 to send.
When registration is completed, the CPU 21 stores user data for a new user ID in which predetermined default data is described in the user database 31.

The registration unit 51 may also register the user ID in association with another user ID triggered by an application based on the user ID. That is, the registration unit 51 registers another user ID as a “mate” with an application based on the user ID as a trigger. In the following description, it is synonymous that the user ID is in a friend relationship and that the corresponding user is in a friend relationship.
The registration means 51 in this case is executed as follows, for example. The CPU 21 of the game server 20 sends an application message (application) specifying a user ID (or a corresponding user name) to be a friend from the communication terminal 10 of the user corresponding to a certain user ID via the communication interface unit 25. Accept. Transmission of this application message is preset as a function of a web page provided to the user's communication terminal 10. When receiving the application message, the CPU 21 approves an application based on another user ID to the communication terminal 10 corresponding to the user ID at the timing when the access is based on the user ID included in the application message. HTML data for displaying a web page for requesting the reply is transmitted. If it is replied that the application is approved, the CPU 21 registers both as friends. Specifically, the CPU 21 writes the data in the “mate” part (see FIG. 6) of the user data of the corresponding two user IDs in the user database 31.

The game progress means 52 advances the game by transmitting HTML data for sequentially updating web pages displayed on the communication terminal 10 in response to a user operation on the communication terminal 10. As described above, a baseball digital card game is provided with the following processing in order to advance the game.
-Scout process: A process of searching for player cards in order to build up their own team. Executing a scout consumes action points, but increases reinforcement points.
-Strengthening process: It is a process that increases the ability of a specific player card by merging two or more player cards by consuming the strengthening points.
Game processing: Processing for playing a baseball game with another user's team. Management points will be consumed by playing the game, but if you win the game, the points will increase.
-Lottery process: A process for consuming an ale point and obtaining a player card by lottery.
Order processing: This is processing for the user to change the order of a player card, replace the player card with a copy, and the like.
Item processing: Processing for confirming the contents of items held by the user in the game.

In realizing the game progression means 52, the CPU 21 of the game server 20 assigns in advance any process for advancing the game to each menu displayed on the web page. Then, when the menu on the web page is selected in the communication terminal 10, the CPU 21 receives information about the selected menu from the communication terminal 10, and is assigned to the selected menu based on the received information. Execute the process.

As shown in FIG. 8, the game progress means 52 causes the communication terminal 10 to display a plurality of menus each assigned a plurality of processes executed in the game. Specifically, the CPU 21 generates HTML data for displaying a web page including a plurality of menus, and transmits the HTML data to the communication terminal 10. As described above, in the game, points on the game are consumed as the scout process, the strengthening process, the game process, and the lottery process are executed.

An example of the top page of the game displayed on the communication terminal 10 by the game progress means 52 is shown in FIG. This top page is composed of web pages corresponding to individual user IDs. The top page illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a user name display area, a player image display area, and a menu display area in addition to the user name and team text.
In the user data display area, skill level, action point, management point, strengthening point, yell point, number of players, and data of each item of fellows included in the user data of the target user ID (see FIG. 6) are displayed. Area. It should be noted that in the items displayed in the user data display area, the point or number written in the X / Y format is that X is the point or number held by the user, and Y is the maximum value of the point or number. Indicates that there is. For example, if the number of players is written as “40/60”, it indicates that the number of players held by the user is 40 and the maximum number of players that can be held is 60.
The player image display area is an area in which image data of a player card previously selected by the user is displayed.
The menu display area includes “Scout” and “Strengthen” as basic menus corresponding to a plurality of processes (scout process, reinforcement process, game process, lottery process, order process, item process) provided in a baseball digital card game. , “Game”, “lottery”, “order”, “item” menus m1 to m6 are displayed. That is, a plurality of menus to which a plurality of processes executed in the game are assigned are respectively arranged at predetermined positions on the web page displayed on the communication terminal 10. Note that the order process is a process of executing an exchange of player card orders, replacement with a reserved player card, or the like under the instruction of the user.
The game progress means 52 executes processing corresponding to the user's selection operation for the menu displayed on the communication terminal 10. Preferably, when each process is executed, each process is executed hierarchically such that a new web page including a plurality of menus subdivided for each process is displayed.

For example, when the top page shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the communication terminal 10 of the user, the game progress means 52 is realized as follows. The CPU 21 of the game server 20 accesses the user database 31 via the database access unit 24, and reads the data of each item included in the user data display area and the player card image data to be displayed in the player image display area. Next, the CPU 21 generates HTML data so that the top page shown in FIG. 8 is configured, and transmits it to the communication terminal 10. The generated HTML data is different for each user (that is, for each user ID). The communication terminal 10 interprets the received HTML data and displays the top page image on the display unit 16 (display screen 16a).

[Scout processing]
The game progress means 52, the grant means 53, and the notification means 54 execute a scout process that allows the user to search for player cards in order to build up their own team.
9 to 11 show examples of web pages displayed on the communication terminal 10 when the scout process is executed. FIG. 9 is a display example of a web page when the scout menu is selected and operated on the top page. FIG. 10 is a display example of a web page when the menu m11 displayed as “to area list” on the screen shown in FIG. 9 is selected and operated. FIG. 11 is a display example of a web page for notifying the user that the next player card has been granted during the execution of the scout process.

In the web page illustrated in FIG. 9, the Japan map divided into a plurality of regions (areas) is displayed in the display region 100 with the area to be searched highlighted.
In this scout process, the user has a menu labeled “Search” provided for each area to be searched (in the example of FIG. 9, area 9 (subareas 9-1, 9-2,...)). Select m10. With this operation as a trigger, a search for an area to be searched is performed, and when a player is excavated, the player card of the player is displayed in the display area 102. At this time, each time the menu m10 is selected and a search is performed, the value of “search rate” (%) displayed in the display area 101 increases. In the display area 101, the value of the action force required for one search (“5” in the example of FIG. 9), and the value of the reinforcement point obtained by one search (“10” in the example of FIG. 9). Is displayed. For each search, the action points are decreased by the value of the displayed action force, and the displayed amount of reinforcement points is increased. In the game progress means 52, whenever it searches, CPU21 accesses the user database 31, and updates the value of the action point and reinforcement | strengthening point of user ID used as object.

In the game progression means 52, when the CPU 21 of the game server 20 recognizes the selection operation for the menu m10, a predetermined or random number is selected from a plurality of player cards (player cards available at the present time) provided in advance for the scout. A lottery with a good probability. When the CPU 21 obtains (excavates) a player card by lottery, the CPU 21 accesses the user database 31 and adds the data of the excavated player card to the data of the target user ID. Is increased by one. Further, the CPU 21 generates HTML data for displaying the excavated player card in the display area 102 and transmits it to the communication terminal 10. The HTML data is configured such that search rate data in the display area 101 is updated. When the selection operation for the menu m10 by the user is repeatedly performed and the search rate of all the sub-areas 9-1, 9-2,... In FIG. The subject moves to the next area (in this case, area 10). As will be described later, even if the search rate reaches 100%, the maximum number of players that can be displayed in the display area 102 (four in the sub-area 9-1 in FIG. 10) is excavated. It is not always possible.

The granting unit 53 has a function of granting the above-described next player card to the user in a state where the content of the next player card is not recognized by the user based on information regarding a predetermined operation input or the progress of the game. That is, the user cannot recognize the contents of the next player card when the next player card is given. In this case, a user's expectation with respect to the content of the next player card can be enhanced. The state in which the content of the next player card is not recognized by the user may be, for example, a state in which all of the content of the next player card is not recognized by the user, The user may be in a state where some of the contents are recognized by the user to the extent that the entire contents of the card are not recognized by the user. In order to make the content of the next player card unrecognized, for example, dummy data may be set in the name and image data of the player of the next player card.
In the scout process, the granting unit 53 grants the next player card to the user with a predetermined or random probability according to the selection operation of the menu m10.
The function of the giving means 53 when the next player card is given to the user is realized as follows, for example. When the CPU 21 of the game server 20 recognizes the selection operation for the menu m10, the CPU 21 performs a lottery with a predetermined or random probability from a plurality of next player cards provided in advance. When the CPU 21 obtains the next player card by lottery, the CPU 21 accesses the user database 31 and records information on the next player card for the item data of the target user ID.
In addition, the attribute of the next player card provided may be limited. Here, the limited attribute can be arbitrarily selected. For example, the rare degree of the next player card may be limited to 4 or more, the team of the next player card may be limited (for example, only the P1 team), or the position of the next player card may be limited (for example, a pitcher) Only). Moreover, for example, the next player card of a league limitation (for example, only P league) may be provided.

An example of the data structure of item data is shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 12, each time the next player card is given to the user by the giving means 53, information on the next player card is recorded. In the example of FIG. 12, the item ID for identifying the type of item, the ID of the next player card, the rarity of the next player card, the date and time of the next player card, the contents of the next player card, as information on the next player card The notification start date and time and other data (for example, the player name of the next player card, image data, ability value, etc.) are included. In this embodiment, when the information of the next player card is recorded in the item data, dummy data is recorded in the player name and image data of the next player card.

Here, the notification start date and time of the contents of the next player card is a time when the user can recognize the contents of the next player card. This notification start date and time can be set as appropriate after the next player card is given. The notification start date and time may be a predetermined time of a real world event related to the next player card. Here, the real world event related to the item may be, for example, a baseball game held in the real world. In addition, for example, when the event is a baseball game, the predetermined time of the event is, for example, the opening date of the official game, the date of the all-star game, the date of the Japan series, or a predetermined inning (for example, 7 times) ) May start. Thereby, when the predetermined time of the baseball game (real world event) arrives, the user can know the contents of the next player card that is given and linked to the actual baseball game. Thereby, a user's expectation can be raised more as the predetermined time of a baseball game approaches.
In the example shown in FIG. 12, the notification start date and time is set to 12:00 on “March 30, 2012” which is the opening date (predetermined time) of the official professional baseball game (real world event) in 2012. ing.

Also, the notification start date and time may be set for each of a plurality of next player cards. Here, the notification start date and time set for each next player card may be the same or different for each next player card. For example, the notification start date and time may be set later than other next player cards as the degree of rarity of the next player card is higher. Thereby, since the time which knows the contents of each next player card may differ, so that the number of the next player cards provided increases, a user's expectation can be raised continuously.

The notification means 54 may have a function of notifying the user of only the attributes of the next player card when the next player card is given to the user by the giving means 53. Thereby, the user can imagine the content of the assigned item based on the notified attribute. For this reason, a user's expectation can be raised more. The function of the notification means 54 is realizable as follows, for example. When the information of the next player card is recorded in the item data, the CPU 21 of the game server 20 generates HTML data for displaying the web page illustrated in FIG. 11 on the communication terminal 10, and the generated HTML data is The data is transmitted to the communication terminal 10 via the communication interface unit 25. Here, the CPU 21 extracts the image data, the rare degree, and the notification start date / time from the information of the next player card recorded in the item data, and generates HTML data so as to include the extracted information. In this case, the web page illustrated in FIG. 11 is notified of the image data (dummy data) of the next player card, a message notifying the rare degree of the next player card, and the communication start date and time of the contents of the next player card. Message to do so is displayed. Note that the dummy data of the image data may include, for example, a figure, a character, a symbol, or the like that can recognize a part of the attribute of the next player card. In the illustration of FIG. 11, the number of star-shaped figures corresponding to the rare degree value is included in the dummy data.

[Lottery processing]
The game advancing means 52 executes a lottery process that makes it possible to obtain a player card by lottery. The lottery process is preferably executed through an effect of taking out (drawing) one player card from the lottery box. The player cards that appear by lottery are basically random, but the probability that a player card with a high degree of rareness will appear by lottery is set very low. The lottery process may be performed in exchange for a predetermined amount of ale points.
In the lottery process, the granting unit 53 and the notification unit 54 may perform the same process as the process executed in the scout process.

Whether or not the game progress means 52 can further execute functions (scout processing, strengthening processing, game processing, and lottery processing) according to the menu selected by the user based on each point or the number of players held by the user. If the function corresponding to the selected menu cannot be executed, a page including text for notifying the user that the function cannot be executed is displayed on the communication terminal 10. For example, when a scout process is to be executed for an area that requires a power of “5” for one search, when the user's action point is “3”, the scout process cannot be executed. The action power recovers 1 every 3 minutes. Let's wait slowly. " At this time, the CPU 21 of the game server 20 accesses the user database 31, performs a comparison process between the user action point data and the action power (predetermined value) required for the area to be searched, and executes the scout process. Judgment is made.

As described above, in this game, the action points, management points, strengthening points, yell points, and the number of players displayed in the user data display area of FIG. 8 are the scout process, the strengthening process, the individual battle process, and the lottery process. It can vary depending on the execution of each function.

Item processing
Next, item processing will be described. As described above, the item process is a process for confirming the content of an item (next player card) held by the user on the game. The item processing is executed by the game progress means 52, the notification means 54, and the restriction means 55.
FIG. 13 is a display example of a web page when an item menu is selected and operated on the top page shown in FIG.
The function that the game progression means 52 executes item processing is realized as follows, for example. When the CPU 21 of the game server 20 recognizes that the menu m6 has been selected on the web page of FIG. 8, for example, it communicates HTML data for displaying a web page that prompts the user to select the next player card to be confirmed. Transmit to the terminal 10. An example of the web page displayed on the communication terminal 10 at this time is a list of next player cards recorded in the item data associated with the user ID of the user, as shown in FIG.

The restricting means 55 has a function of restricting the time when the user can recognize the contents of the next player card until the notification start time after the granting means 53 gives the next player card to the user.
The function of the restriction means 55 can be realized as follows, for example. The CPU 21 of the game server 20 performs selection operation at the timing when the selection operation is performed when the menu “content confirmation” provided in the display area for each next player card is selected on the web page illustrated in FIG. 13. It is determined whether the notification start time of the next player card corresponding to the selected menu has passed. Here, the timing of the selection operation may be measured using a timer built in the CPU 21. If the selection operation timing has passed the content notification start time, the CPU 21 sets the content of the next player card corresponding to the selected operation menu in a state where it can be recognized. Specifically, the CPU 21 deletes the player name of the next player card and the dummy data set in the image data recorded in the item data, and the player name associated in advance with the player ID of the next player card. And image data are recorded in the item data.

The notification means 54 has a function of notifying the user of the contents of the next player card based on information related to a predetermined operation input in the item processing.
The function of the notification means 54 is realizable as follows, for example. The CPU 21 of the game server 20 generates HTML data for displaying the web page illustrated in FIG. 14 when the player name or image data previously associated with the player ID of the next player card is recorded in the item data. Then, the generated HTML data is transmitted to the communication terminal 10 via the communication interface unit 25. Here, CPU21 extracts image data and a player name from the information on the next player card recorded on item data, and produces | generates HTML data so that the extracted information may be included. In this case, the web page illustrated in FIG. 14 displays image data of the next player card and a message notifying the player name of the next player card.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a series of processes mainly executed by the CPU 21 of the game server 20 in order to realize the functions of the game progress means 52, the notification means 54, and the restriction means 55 in the item processing.
When recognizing that the menu m6 is selected on the web page of FIG. 8, the CPU 21 of the game server 20 refers to the item data corresponding to the user ID of the user who performed the selection operation, and is recorded in the item data. HTML data for displaying a web page including a list of next player cards is transmitted to the communication terminal 10. Thereby, the web page shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the communication terminal 10 (step S10). Next, when recognizing that the “content confirmation” menu is selected on the web page shown in FIG. 13 (step S12: YES), the CPU 21 determines the timing when the selection operation of the “content confirmation” menu is performed. It is determined whether or not the notification start date and time of the next player card corresponding to the selected “content confirmation” menu has passed. Then, when the timing when the “content confirmation” menu selection operation is performed has passed the notification start date and time (step S14: YES), the CPU 21 is selected as illustrated in FIG. The contents of the next player card corresponding to the “content confirmation” menu are notified (step S16). In this way, the content of the next player card can be recognized by the user after the notification start date and time.
In addition, about the next player card which can confirm the content, you may set to the state which can be used on a game. Specifically, the CPU 21 records information on the next player card recorded in the item data in user data corresponding to the user ID of the item data, and deletes the information on the next player card from the item data. Good.
Note that if the timing when the “content confirmation” menu selection operation has not been performed has passed the notification start date and time (step S14: NO), the CPU 21 determines, for example, that “communication start date and time has not elapsed. "The content cannot be notified yet," and the like, a web page including a message indicating that the content of the next player card cannot be confirmed is displayed on the communication terminal 10 (step S18).

As described above, according to this game control device, the user who is given the next player card cannot know the contents of the next player card until the notification start date and time after the grant of the next player card. For this reason, a user's expectation with respect to the content of the next player card can be enhanced. In order to know the contents of the next player card, the user can be attracted to the game until the notification start date and time, and the game is played after the notification start date and time after recognizing the content of the next player card. Can be given to the user. As a result, the user can enjoy the game continuously for a long time.

(2) Second Embodiment Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the game system of the present invention will be described.
The difference between the game system of the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that, in the first embodiment, the item is given to the user in a state where the contents of the item (next player card) on the game cannot be recognized. On the other hand, in 2nd Embodiment, the item on a game (next player card) is a point given to a user in the state where use is impossible.
Hereinafter, a configuration different from the first embodiment will be described.

[Scout processing]
First, the scout process of this embodiment will be described.
In the scout process, the granting unit 53 has a function of granting the next player card to the user in an unusable state based on information regarding a predetermined operation input or the progress of the game. That is, at the time when the next player card is awarded, the strengthening process or the game process cannot be executed using the next player card.
In the scout process, the granting unit 53 grants the next player card to the user with a predetermined or random probability according to the selection operation of the menu m10. At this time, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the content of the next player card may be recognized by the user.
The function of the giving means 53 when the next player card is given to the user is realized as follows, for example. When the CPU 21 of the game server 20 recognizes the selection operation for the menu m10, the CPU 21 performs a lottery with a predetermined or random probability from a plurality of next player cards provided in advance. When the CPU 21 obtains the next player card by lottery, the CPU 21 accesses the user database 31 and records information on the next player card for the item data of the target user ID. In addition, the number of the next player cards provided at once may be plural. In addition, the probability that the next player card is awarded in accordance with the selection operation of the menu m10 may be a value that is substantially proportional to the action point when the user selects the menu m10.

An example of the data structure of item data is shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 17, each time the next player card is given to the user by the granting unit 53, information on the next player card is recorded. In the example of FIG. 17, as the next player card information, an item ID for identifying the item type, an ID of the next player card, a rare degree of the next player card, a date and time of giving the next player card, and a start of using the next player card The date and time and other data (for example, the player name of the next player card, image data, ability value, etc.) are included.

Here, the use start date and time of the contents of the next player card is a time when the user can use the next player card. This use start date and time can be appropriately set after the next player card is given. The use start date and time may be a predetermined time of an event in the real world related to the next player card. Here, the real world event related to the next player card may be, for example, a baseball game held in the real world. In addition, for example, when the event is a baseball game, the predetermined time of the event is, for example, the opening date of the official game, the date of the all-star game, the date of the Japan series, or a predetermined inning (for example, 7 times) ) May start. Thereby, when the predetermined time of the baseball game (real world event) arrives, the user can use the next player card that is given and linked to the actual baseball game. Thereby, the user's expectation with respect to the effect on the game by use of the next player card can be further increased as the predetermined time of the baseball game approaches.
In the example shown in FIG. 17, the use start date and time is set to 12:00 “March 30, 2012”, which is the opening day of the professional baseball game in 2012.

Also, the use start date and time may be set for each of a plurality of next player cards. Here, the use start date and time set for each next player card may be the same or different for each next player card. For example, the use start date and time may be set later than other next player cards as the degree of rarity of the next player card is higher. As a result, as the number of next player cards granted increases, the time when each next player card can be used may vary. For example, the user's expectation of the game effect when using each next player card will continue. Can be enhanced.

The notification means 54 may notify the user of the use start time of the next player card when the next player card is given to the user by the giving means 53. In this case, when the information of the next player card is recorded in the item data, the CPU 21 of the game server 20 generates HTML data for displaying the web page illustrated in FIG. 16 on the communication terminal 10, and generates the generated HTML. Data is transmitted to the communication terminal 10 via the communication interface unit 25. Here, the CPU 21 extracts the image data, the rare degree, and the notification start date / time from the information of the next player card recorded in the item data, and generates HTML data so as to include the extracted information. In this case, the image data of the next player card and a message notifying the use start date and time of the next player card are displayed on the web page illustrated in FIG.

Item processing
Next, item processing of this embodiment will be described. The item process of this embodiment is a process for making it possible to use the next player card that the user has in the game. The item processing is executed by the game progress means 52, the notification means 54, and the restriction means 55.
FIG. 18 is a display example of a web page when an item menu is selected and operated on the top page shown in FIG.
The function that the game progression means 52 executes item processing is realized as follows, for example. When the CPU 21 of the game server 20 recognizes that the menu m6 has been selected on the web page of FIG. 8, for example, the communication terminal transmits HTML data for displaying a web page that prompts the user to select the next player card to be used. Send to 10 address. An example of the web page displayed on the communication terminal 10 at this time is a list of next player cards recorded in the item data associated with the user ID of the user, as shown in FIG.

The restricting means 55 has a function of restricting the time when the user can use the next player card to the use start time after the granting means 53 gives the next player card to the user.
The function of the restriction means 55 can be realized as follows, for example. When the menu “use” provided in the display area for each next player card is selected on the web page illustrated in FIG. 18, the CPU 21 of the game server 20 performs the selection operation at the timing of the selection operation. It is determined whether or not the use start time of the next player card corresponding to the menu has elapsed. Here, the timing of the selection operation may be measured using a timer built in the CPU 21. When the selection operation timing has passed the use start timing, the CPU 21 sets the next player card corresponding to the selection operation menu to a usable state. Specifically, the CPU 21 records information on the next player card recorded in the item data in user data corresponding to the user ID of the item data, and deletes the information on the next player card from the item data.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a series of processes mainly executed by the CPU 21 of the game server 20 in order to realize the functions of the game progress means 52, the notification means 54, and the restriction means 55 in the item processing.
When recognizing that the menu m6 is selected on the web page of FIG. 8, the CPU 21 of the game server 20 refers to the item data corresponding to the user ID of the user who performed the selection operation, and is recorded in the item data. HTML data for displaying a web page including a list of next player cards is transmitted to the communication terminal 10. Thereby, the web page shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on the communication terminal 10 (step S20). Next, when recognizing that the “use” menu is selected on the web page shown in FIG. 18 (step S22: YES), the CPU 21 determines the timing when the “use” menu is selected. Then, it is determined whether or not the use start date and time of the next player card corresponding to the selected “use” menu has passed. If the timing when the “use” menu selection operation is performed has passed the use start date and time (step S24: YES), the CPU 21 corresponds to the selected “content confirmation” menu. The next player card is set in a usable state (step S26). In this manner, the user can use the next player card after the use start date and time.
In addition, when the timing when the “use” menu selection operation is performed has not passed the use start date and time (step S24: NO), the CPU 21, for example, “the use start date and time has not passed. “The next player card cannot be used yet.” Or the like, a web page including a message indicating that the next player card cannot be used is displayed on the communication terminal 10 (step S28).

As described above, according to this game control device, the user who is given the next player card cannot use the next player card until the use start time after the grant of the next player card. For this reason, a user's expectation with respect to the effect on the game by use of the next player card can be raised. Moreover, in order to use the next player card, a motivation to play a game after the use start time can be given to the user. As a result, the user can enjoy the game continuously for a long time.

(3) Modification (3-1) Modification 1
In the first embodiment, the use start time is set for the next player card, and the restricting means 54 may restrict the use of the next player card until the use start time comes. Here, the use start time of the next player card may be set, for example, at the same time as the notification start time, or may be set at a time different from the notification start time. As a result, the time when the content of the next player card can be recognized and the time when the next player card can be used are set separately, so the user's expectation for the content of the next player card and the use of the next player card It is possible to increase the user's expectation for the effect of each. In addition, if the time when the content of the next player card can be recognized is set earlier than the time when the next player card can be used, it will be used even though the user can recognize the content of the next player card. It is possible to generate a situation incapable of being performed, and a psychological dilemma can be given to the user, so that the user's interest in the game can be further increased.

In this modification, in the item data shown in FIG. 12, it is preferable that the use start time is set for each of the plurality of next player cards. In the limiting means 54 in this modification, when the next player card is used for the strengthening process or the game process by the selection operation of the communication terminal 10, the CPU 21 of the game server 20 first refers to the item data and relates to the next period. It is determined whether or not the timing is after the use start time of the player card. And when it is the timing after the use start time of the said next player card, CPU21 should just perform a reinforcement | strengthening process and a game process using the said next player card.
In this modification, the use start time of the next player card may be set to the same date and time as the notification start time, for example. Alternatively, the use start time of the next player card may be set before the notification start time or may be set after the notification start time.

Further, for example, the use start time of each of the two next player cards is set to a time before the notification start time, and the time is before the time when the contents of the item can be recognized by the user. In this case, the two next player cards may be generated as a single next player card by the reinforcement process. In this case, for example, the first next player card that can recognize that the player is unknown but the rarity is 5, and the second next player that can recognize that the player is unknown but the team is P1. By integrating the player card, one next player card with a rarity of 5 and a team of P1 is generated. Of course, at the time of generation, it is unknown who the player is, and it will be revealed later. This identification time can be, for example, the later or earlier of the start of use of two cards. Since it is assumed that it is difficult for the user to use the card without recognizing the contents of the card, as described above, it is appropriate to set the discovery time to the use start time of one of the cards. is there.
If the user's favorite team is P1, a P1 player with a high degree of rarity can be obtained, so the user will actively generate the above. On the other hand, when the user's favorite team is not P1, it is not preferable to perform the above generation in which a player with a high degree of rarity is limited to P1. The next player card with a high will wait while expecting that it is his favorite team. In the above example, it is assumed that the first next player card can recognize the rare degree as its attribute, and the other card can be recognized as the attribute by the team. Rareness and team may be recognized. For the integration in this case, priority may be given to the rare degree with the higher rare degree, and the remaining cards may be adopted for the team. As described above, since the next player card can be generated according to the user's preference, the playability of the game is improved.

(3-2) Modification 2
As shown in FIG. 20, in the first embodiment, when notifying the user of the contents of the next player card based on information related to a predetermined operation input after the notification start time has elapsed, according to the notification timing, You may provide the adjustment means 56 which fluctuates the effect on the game by the content of the next player card, or use of the next player card. Here, “changing the effect on the game by using the next player card” may be, for example, changing the ability value of the next player card.
For example, the shorter the required time from the notification start time to the notification of the content of the next player card, the second next player card having a higher value compared to the preset first player card is given to the user. It may be given. Moreover, you may give a user the 2nd next player card with a low value compared with the 1st next player card previously set, so that the said required time is short. In addition, for example, when the content of the next player card is notified in a predetermined time zone (for example, from 9:00 to 10:00 in the morning) after the lapse of a predetermined time, the first next player card set in advance You may give a user the 2nd next player card with high value compared with.
In this way, it is possible to actively play the game at the most suitable timing for obtaining the next player card with high value or the most suitable timing for obtaining an advantageous effect on the game by using the next player card. Motivate users. In addition, the game settings can be widened.
In the adjustment means 56 of this modification, the CPU 21 of the game server 20 stores, for example, setting data configured based on the setting example illustrated in FIG. 21 in advance in the game database 32, and in step S16 of the flowchart of FIG. The next player card may be notified to the user by extracting the next player card based on the setting data.

(3-3) Modification 3
As shown in FIG. 20, in the second embodiment, when the next player card can be used based on information related to a predetermined operation input after the use start time has passed, You may provide the adjustment means 56 which fluctuates the effect on the game by use of the next player card. Here, “changing the effect on the game by using the next player card” may be, for example, changing the ability value of the next player card.
For example, the shorter the time required from the start of use until the next player card can be used, the more effective the second next term is when compared to the first player card set in advance. A player card may be given to the user. In addition, as the required time is shorter, a second next player card that is less effective when used than the first next player card that has been set in advance may be given to the user. In addition, for example, when the next player card can be used in a predetermined time zone (for example, from 9:00 to 10:00 in the morning) after the lapse of a predetermined time, the first next player card set in advance is set. Compared to the above, a second next player card that is highly effective when used may be given to the user.
Thereby, it is possible to motivate the user to actively play the game at a timing most suitable for obtaining an advantageous effect on the game by using the next player card.
In the adjustment means 56 of the present modification, the CPU 21 of the game server 20 stores, for example, setting data configured based on the setting example illustrated in FIG. 21 in advance in the game database 32, and in step S26 of the flowchart of FIG. The next player card use process may be performed based on the setting data.

(3-4) Modification 4
In the first embodiment, a plurality of attributes are set for the next player card (item), and when the next player card is given to the user by the granting unit 53, the plurality of attributes are set after the next player card is given. You may notify a user in steps according to satisfy | filling a predetermined condition.
Here, the “predetermined condition” means that, for example, a predetermined number of other items different from the next player card are obtained by the user's operation or obtained without being operated by the user during the execution of the game. It's okay. In addition, the “predetermined condition” may be, for example, that the user reaches a predetermined stage on the game during the execution of the game. In addition, the “predetermined condition” can be arbitrarily set according to the content related to the progress of the game. The “predetermined condition” may be, for example, that a predetermined time elapses after the next player card is given. In this case, a plurality of attributes set in the next player card are notified to the user step by step according to the elapsed time.
In this case, for example, the attribute is notified to the user every time a predetermined condition is satisfied after the next player card is granted, and the user can imagine the contents of the next player card based on the notified attribute. . For this reason, it can be set as the mechanism in which a user's expectation rises more whenever predetermined conditions are satisfy | filled.

The plurality of attributes may be notified to the user step by step according to the elapsed time after the next player card (item) is granted.
In this case, for example, the user can imagine the contents of the next player card based on the notified attribute at each timing when the attribute is notified. For this reason, it can be set as the mechanism in which a user's expectation rises more for every timing to which an attribute is notified.

In addition, it demonstrates as an example of satisfy | filling a predetermined condition that predetermined time passes after a next player card grant here.
In this modification, for example, item data illustrated in FIG. 22 may be stored in the game database 32 in advance. An example of the data structure of the item of this modification is shown in FIG. Compared with the item data illustrated in FIG. 12, the item data in FIG. 22 has a plurality of attributes (in the example of the figure, the team (team) of the player corresponding to the next player card, position, rare degree) for each item ID. ) And the notification start date and time of each attribute (in the example of the figure, team notification start date and time, position notification start date and time) are added. Note that the player notification start date and time in the item data in FIG. 22 corresponds to the notification start date and time in the item data in FIG. In the example of FIG. 22, the player notification start date / time, team notification start date / time, and position notification start date / time of the next player card are the same for each next player card, but are set to be different for each next player card. May be. Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 22, the notification start date and time of each attribute is set at equal intervals (10 days in the example in the figure), but the notification timing interval of each attribute may be set to be different. .

Moreover, in this modification, when the next player card is given to the user by the granting unit 53, the notification unit 54 sets the plurality of attributes set in the next player card according to the elapsed time after the next player card is given. You may provide the function to notify a user in steps. The function of the notification means 54 in this modification is implement | achieved as follows, for example. For example, when the CPU 21 of the game server 20 recognizes that the “content confirmation” menu is selected on the web page shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of attributes set in the next player card corresponding to the “content confirmation” menu are displayed. Among them, the attribute whose notification start date and time has passed at the timing when the selection operation of the menu is performed is extracted from the item data illustrated in FIG. And CPU21 produces | generates the HTML data for displaying the web page containing the information regarding the extracted attribute, and transmits the produced | generated HTML data to the communication terminal 10 via the communication interface part 25. FIG.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, the attribute of the next player card (hereinafter referred to as the next player card A) corresponding to the ID “PL845” in the item data illustrated in FIG. 22 is the player card. A case where notification is given according to the elapsed time after the grant will be described as an example. Web pages P1 to P4 in FIG. 23 are diagrams showing a display example of a series of web pages from when the next player card is given until the contents of the next player card are notified.
For example, when the next player card A is given, if the “content confirmation” menu corresponding to the next player card A is selected on the web page shown in FIG. 13, the next player card A is displayed as shown in P1 of FIG. A web page notifying the rare degree of the player card A is displayed on the communication terminal 10. Next, after “12:00 on March 10, 2012” (see FIG. 22), which is the notification start date and time (position notification start date and time) for the attribute “position” set for the next player card A, When the “content confirmation” menu corresponding to the next player card A is selected on the web page shown in FIG. 13, as shown in P <b> 2 of FIG. 23, the web page that notifies the rare degree and position of the next player card A Is displayed on the communication terminal 10. Furthermore, when it becomes after “12:00 on March 20, 2012” (see FIG. 22), which is the notification start date and time (team notification start date and time) for the attribute “team” set in the next player card A, When the “content confirmation” menu corresponding to the next player card A is selected and operated on the web page shown in FIG. 13, the rare degree, position and team of the next player card A are notified as shown in P3 of FIG. A web page is displayed on the communication terminal 10. Then, after the player notification start date and time (corresponding to the notification start date and time illustrated in FIG. 12) set in the next player card A is “March 30, 2012 12:00” (see FIG. 22), When the “content confirmation” menu corresponding to the next player card A is selected and operated on the web page shown in FIG. 13, the contents of the next player card A (in the example of the figure, the player name and A web page that notifies (image data) is displayed. Note that the content of the web page P4 illustrated in FIG. 23 is the same as the content of the web page illustrated in FIG.
In this way, for example, the user can imagine the contents of the next player card based on the notified attribute at each timing when the attribute (rare degree, position, team in the example in the figure) is notified. .
Note that the attribute notification order may be arbitrarily set.

Note that the plurality of attributes are not limited to text data, and may be, for example, image data or audio data. For example, the image data of the next player card is classified into a plurality (for example, the player's head, upper body excluding the head, lower body, etc.), and each is associated with a plurality of attributes (for example, the head, upper body, lower body, etc.) The user may be notified of image data corresponding to a plurality of attributes in stages (for example, lower body, upper body, head, etc.) in accordance with the elapsed time after the next player card is given. Alternatively, the cap, uniform, spike, grab, etc. worn by the player in the image data of the next player card may be notified step by step. When the item to be given is audio data, for example, the audio data is classified into a plurality of types (for example, high sound range, mid sound range, low sound range, etc. of the audio data), and each is associated with a plurality of attributes. Depending on the elapsed time after the item is assigned, the voice corresponding to the plurality of attributes may be notified to the user in a stepwise manner (for example, the order of the low range, the mid range, and the high range).

In addition, here, a case where a plurality of attributes set in the next player card are notified to the user step by step as time passes after the next player card is given has been described as an example of satisfying a predetermined condition. However, satisfying the predetermined condition is not limited to the passage of time, and may satisfy the following condition, for example. For example, satisfying a predetermined condition means that a predetermined number of other items (for example, special balls, etc.) different from the next player card are obtained by user operation or not by user operation during the execution of the game. It may be obtained. Specifically, for example, when the user proceeds with the scout process, the other item is randomly or predeterminedly given to the user. Each time the user acquires a predetermined number (for example, five) of the other items, the attributes of the next player card may be disclosed and notified step by step. Further, for example, satisfying the predetermined condition may be that the user reaches a predetermined stage on the game during the execution of the game. More specifically, for example, every time the user's game level increases by one level, the attributes of the next player card may be disclosed and notified step by step, or the user may select a predetermined area on the game. The attribute of the next player card may be disclosed and notified step by step every time it is conquered (cleared). In addition, the predetermined condition can be arbitrarily set according to the content related to the progress of the game, for example.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described in detail, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. In addition, it goes without saying that each embodiment may be variously improved and changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. The technical matters described in the above embodiment and each modification may be applied in appropriate combination.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the game to be applied is a baseball format digital card game. However, any game type can be used as long as an item can be given to the user. It may be a thing. For example, in a monster game in which a monster character appears, the content of an item that is given when the monster character is defeated may be recognized at a predetermined time after the grant of the item.
In the above-described embodiment, the next player card is taken as an example of the item whose content confirmation and / or use is restricted. However, the content of other items in the baseball-style digital card game of the above-described embodiment is also described. Confirmation and / or use may be restricted.
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the next player card is taken as an example of the item. However, the item may be, for example, a recovery drug that recovers a character's parameters or points, a drug that improves a character's ability, or the like. It may be a weapon or armor used by the character.

In the above-described embodiment, the predetermined operation input by the user to the communication terminal is an input of a pressing operation of a predetermined operation button on the user's communication terminal or an input of a touch operation on the display screen to the communication terminal having a touch panel function. Although there is, the operation input is not limited to this. The operation input may be an operation input by shaking a communication terminal provided with an acceleration sensor, or an operation input by gesture (gesture input). In gesture input, by performing a predetermined gesture on a communication terminal having an imaging function, the communication terminal recognizes an image of the gesture and recognizes an operation input previously associated with the gesture. In the case of a communication terminal capable of executing a voice recognition program, the operation input may be performed by inputting voice.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a social game has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in a so-called online game system in which a server device placed on a network and a home online game machine are connected, it goes without saying that the progress of the game by each user can be controlled as in the above-described embodiment.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the game server 20 and the database server 30 on the network are configured to realize the functions of the granting unit 53 and the limiting unit 55, but the configuration is not limited thereto. All these means may be realized by the communication terminal 10, or at least a part of the means may be realized by the communication terminal 10. Since the communication terminal 10 and the game server 20 can have substantially the same hardware configuration, each function can be realized by the communication terminal 10 as described in the above embodiment. For example, FIG. 24A and FIG. 24B each show an example of function sharing between the communication terminal 10, the game server 20, and the database server 30 for each function in the functional block diagram shown in FIG. In the above-described embodiment, the database server 30 (game database 32) stores various data (for example, monster character data and application data). However, the data is stored in the storage device in the communication terminal 10. May be. In this case, the storage device may be a large-capacity storage device such as the RAM 13 in the communication terminal 10 or an HDD (Hard Disk Disk Drive) (not shown). At the end of the game, the communication terminal 10 transmits data about the game result to the game server 20, and the game server 20 records the received game result data in the game database 32 in association with the user. Good.

Claims

A granting means for granting an item on the game to the user in a state where the content of the item is not recognized by the user based on information regarding a predetermined operation input or the progress of the game;
Limiting means for limiting the time when the user can recognize the content of the item to a predetermined time after the item is given to the user by the giving means;
A game control device comprising:
The predetermined time is a predetermined time of a real-world event related to the item,
The game control apparatus according to claim 1.
When there are a plurality of the items, the predetermined time is set for each of the plurality of items,
The game control device according to claim 1 or 2.
The item has a start date for use,
The restriction means restricts the use of the item until the use start time comes.
The game control device according to claim 1 or 2.
When notifying the user of the content of the item based on information related to a predetermined operation input after the predetermined time has elapsed, the content of the item or the use of the item on the game depends on the notification timing. It is characterized by having adjustment means for changing the effect,
The game control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
When there are a plurality of the items, an attribute is set for each item,
When the item is given to the user by the giving means, only the attribute of the item is notified to the user,
The game control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The item has multiple attributes,
When the item is given to the user by the granting means, the plurality of attributes are notified to the user step by step according to satisfying a predetermined condition after the item grant,
The game control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The plurality of attributes are notified to the user in a stepwise manner according to an elapsed time after the item grant,
The game control apparatus according to claim 7.
A step of giving an item on the game to the user in a state where the content of the item is not recognized by the user based on a predetermined operation input or information on the progress of the game;
Limiting the time at which the user can recognize the content of the item to a predetermined time after the granting of the item to the user by the granting means;
A game control method comprising:
To control the execution of the game, on the computer,
Based on a predetermined operation input or information on the progress of the game, the user can recognize the item on the game in a state where the content of the item is not recognized by the user, and the content of the item. A function to limit the time to be a predetermined time after the grant to the user of the item by the grant means,
A program to realize
A computer-readable recording medium in which the program according to claim 10 is recorded.
A game system including a communication terminal and a server that is accessed from the communication terminal and controls execution of the game by the communication terminal,
A granting means for granting an item on the game to the user in a state where the content of the item is not recognized by the user based on information regarding a predetermined operation input or the progress of the game;
Limiting means for limiting the time when the user can recognize the content of the item to a predetermined time after the item is given to the user by the giving means;
A game system with
A granting means for granting an item on the game to the user in an unusable state based on a predetermined operation input or information on the progress of the game;
Limiting means for limiting the time when the user can use the item to a predetermined time after the grant of the item to the user by the granting means;
A game control device comprising:
The predetermined time is a predetermined time of a real-world event related to the item,
The game control device according to claim 13.
When there are a plurality of the items, the predetermined time is set for each of the plurality of items,
The game control device according to claim 13 or 14.
When the item is allowed to be used on the basis of information related to a predetermined operation input after the predetermined time has elapsed, an adjustment unit that varies the game effect due to the use of the item according to the timing to be enabled. Characterized by comprising
The game control device according to any one of claims 13 to 15.
A step of giving an item on the game to the user in an unusable state based on a predetermined operation input or information on the progress of the game;
Limiting the time when the user can use the item to a predetermined time after the item is given to the user;
A game control method comprising:
To control the execution of the game, on the computer,
Based on a predetermined operation input or information on the progress of the game, a function for giving an item on the game to the user in an unusable state, and a time when the user can use the item for the item. A function that restricts until a predetermined time after granting to the user,
A program to realize
A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 18 is recorded.
A game system including a communication terminal and a server that is accessed from the communication terminal and controls execution of the game by the communication terminal,
A granting means for granting an item on the game to the user in an unusable state based on a predetermined operation input or information on the progress of the game
Limiting means for limiting the time when the user can use the item to a predetermined time after the grant of the item to the user by the granting means;
A game system with