WO2014002792A1 - Game control device, game control method, program, recording medium, and game system - Google Patents

Abstract

This game control device comprises: an association means that, on the basis of information related to a predetermined input, associates a user with one of a plurality of items related to game execution results provided in advance; a ranking means that, on the basis of the game execution result of a first user, ranks the first user within the item associated with the first user; and a granting means that grants a privilege in the game to the first user if the ranking of the first user satisfies a predetermined condition.

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 each user in accordance with each operation of a plurality of users.

In recent years, so-called social games have become widespread as applications executed in social networking services (SNS).

As an example of the above-described social game, a digital card game (Dragon Collection (registered trademark)) disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 is known. In this known digital card game, a menu for performing a quest process in which a user searches various areas and acquires a new card or item is provided. 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.

By the way, in the conventional game, for example, the user is ranked (ranking) based on the execution result such as the number of battles won by the user on the game, and the privilege on the game is given to the user who has won the highest ranking. Are given. In such a game, an item (for example, the number of wins) related to one execution result to be ranked is set in advance, and the user automatically or arbitrarily enters the item. . Here, when a large number of users have entered the item, a user who feels that there is a large difference in ability from other users, such as a beginner in a game, will win the top ranking in the item. Judging that it is difficult to do so, there is a possibility that interest in ranking is lost. As a result, the user's willingness to aim at the top of the ranking is reduced, and as a result, the user's willingness to play the game may be reduced.

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 arouse a user's willingness to play a game.

A first aspect of the present invention is a game control device.
The game control device
An associating means for associating a user with one of a plurality of items related to a game execution result provided in advance, based on information related to a predetermined input;
Ranking means for ranking the first user in an item associated with the first user based on the execution result of the game by the first user;
Granting means for granting a privilege on the game to the first user when the order of the first user satisfies a predetermined condition;
Is provided.

Here, the “information relating to the predetermined input” is not limited to information obtained by being directly input to the game control device, and is input to an external device accessible to the game control device, for example. May be information obtained.
The “game execution result” may be, for example, a baseball game victory, scoring, stealing, homerun, etc. in the case of a baseball game, or in a soccer game in the case of a soccer game. It may be a victory, a score, a shoot, etc.
Further, the “privilege on the game” may be a point or item on the game or an advantageous effect on the game. Here, the item may be, for example, an object that the user can hold on the game, an object that the user needs to collect on the game, It may be an object that can obtain an advantageous effect. The object can be in the form of, for example, a card on which a character is drawn or a figure. Furthermore, the advantageous effect on the game may be, for example, that the parameter of an item that the user holds in the game may be increased, or that the user can obtain a special item. Further, the advantageous effect on the game may be that the setting is adjusted so as to facilitate the progress of the scenario in the game, for example, the consumption of points on the game to be consumed according to the user's operation. May be reduced more than usual, or the point may be available to the user. In addition, when the structure which can be acquired by making the point to consume by making the friend on a game is already provided, it may be made to be able to acquire more points than the point. Furthermore, the advantageous effect on the game may be that the setting on the game is adjusted so that the game can be advantageously promoted indirectly, for example, an event that allows the user to acquire a special item. It may be generated, or may be to increase the probability that the parameter of the item will increase significantly.
Further, the “privilege on game” may be a privilege on the same game as the game executed by the user, or may be a privilege on another game different from the game executed by the user. Here, different different games, for example, in the case of one game series, where the game configuration and genre are substantially the same but the game titles are different (for example, “Game A (2011 version)” and “ Game A (2012 version) ”and the like.

In this game control device, a plurality of items relating to the execution results of the games to be ranked (ranking) are provided, and the first user can select a desired item among the plurality of items based on information relating to a predetermined input. Can be associated (entry). That is, the first user can select, from a plurality of items, an item that has a high possibility of satisfying a predetermined order condition, that is, has a high possibility of obtaining a privilege on the game. Thereby, even if the first user is a user who feels that the ability difference with other users is large, such as a beginner of the game, for example, the first user can also obtain a privilege on the game. You can be interested in ranking. For this reason, the 1st user's willingness to satisfy | fill the predetermined condition about an order | rank can be improved, and the 1st user's willingness to play with respect to a game can be stimulated by extension.

In the game control device, the plurality of items may include an item regarding a negative execution result on the game.
Here, the “negative execution result on the game” may be, for example, an unfavorable execution result on the game. Specifically, in the case of a baseball game, the defeat, the goal loss in the baseball game, Mistakes, strikeouts, etc., and in the case of a soccer game, it may be a defeat, a goal loss, a foul, etc. in a soccer game. In addition, the “item about the negative execution result on the game” may be, for example, in the case of a baseball game, the number of defeats, the number of points lost, the number of missed attempts, the number of strikes, etc. May be the number of defeats, the number of points lost, the number of fouls, etc.
In this case, the first user may obtain a privilege on the game based on the occurrence of the negative execution result on the game by associating (entry) with the item about the negative execution result on the game. Can be increased. In this case, the first user is motivated to continue to play the game in order to obtain a privilege on the game, even when many adverse execution results on the game are obtained. Thereby, even if it is a case where the disadvantageous execution result on a game is obtained, the game which can continue the user's willingness to play a game is realizable.

In the game control device, the plurality of items include a combination of two or more items related to the execution result of the game, and the ranking means corresponds to a combination of two or more items for the first user. In this case, the first user may be ranked using the user associated with the combination as a population.
According to this game control device, for example, the user population in the combination is smaller than the user population for each item included in the combination of two or more items (that is, the number of users is smaller). Will be narrowed down). For this reason, it is possible for the first user to increase the possibility of satisfying a predetermined condition for the rank in the combination of two or more items, that is, the possibility of obtaining a privilege on the game.

In the game control device, the plurality of items include an item indicating numerical information about the execution result of the game, and the ranking unit includes an item for each item included in the combination. A numerical deviation value for the first user may be acquired, and the first user may be ranked based on a value obtained by averaging the acquired deviation values among the respective items.
Here, for example, in the case of a baseball game, the “item indicating numerical information about the game execution result” may be the number of wins, the number of points, the number of steals, the number of home runs, the batting rate, the defense rate, etc. In the case of a soccer game, it may be the number of wins, the number of points, the number of shots, the pass success rate, or the like.
For example, when ranking the first user in the combination based on the ranking of the first user in each item included in the combination, depending on the difference in the size of the user population between the items, each item Therefore, for example, it is necessary to rank the first user in the combination after appropriately weighting the rank of each item.
In this game control device, the ranking of the first user in the combination is performed based on the numerical deviation value for the execution result of the first user in each item included in the combination. In this case, the ranking of the first user can be performed based on the relative evaluation of the first user in each item without using the ranking of the first user in each item. Accordingly, the first user can be easily ranked without performing processing such as weighting.

In the game control device, the granting unit sets the privilege to each of the plurality of items, and a larger privilege is given to an item having a large number of associated users among the plurality of items. You may set as follows.
Here, “a big privilege is given” may be that, for example, when a point on a game is given as a privilege, the larger the number of users, the more points are given. . Further, for example, when an item on a game is given as a privilege, an item with a higher rarity value may be given as the number of users increases. Furthermore, for example, when an advantageous effect on the game is given as a privilege, the more advantageous effect may be given as the number of users increases.
For example, when the first user is associated with an item, the smaller the number of users associated with the item, the higher the possibility that the first user satisfies a predetermined order condition (that is, However, even if the predetermined condition is satisfied, only a small privilege can be obtained. On the other hand, as the number of users associated with the item increases, the first user is less likely to satisfy a predetermined order condition (that is, less likely to obtain a privilege on the game). A great privilege can be obtained by satisfying the predetermined condition. Thereby, since the 1st user can consider the item matched (entry) with self according to his purpose (namely, obtaining a big privilege or raising the possibility of obtaining a privilege), A highly entertaining game can be realized.

The said game control apparatus WHEREIN: You may provide the notification means to notify the said 1st user of the information regarding the order | rank before the said 1st user's matching in at least 1 item among these items.
Here, the “information regarding rank” may be, for example, the rank itself or information suggesting the rank. The information suggesting the rank may be, for example, information indicating a range of a predetermined rank including the rank of the first user (for example, “the current rank is between xxx and xxx”). Information indicating that the rank of the first user is a rank that satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, “a privilege can be obtained if the current rank is maintained”) may be used.
According to this game control device, the first user has a predetermined ranking of the first user in the item based on the information related to the ranking of the at least one item before the association of the first user. It can be assumed whether or not the condition is satisfied, that is, whether or not a privilege on the game can be obtained. Of course, since there is a possibility that other users may enter the upper rank after the association of the first user, it is a temporary rank to the last, but there is almost no possibility of privilege acquisition, depending on the item It is possible to determine whether there is a possibility. Thereby, for example, when it is assumed that there is a high possibility that the order of the first user in the item satisfies the predetermined condition, the first user associates (enters) the item and reliably confirms the predetermined condition in the item. Therefore, the motivation of the first user to play the game can be further improved.

In the game control device, the number of users in at least one item among the plurality of items, the information regarding the number of users associated with the item before the association with the first user, Notification means for notifying one user may be provided.
Here, the “information regarding the number of users” may be, for example, the number of users themselves or information suggesting the number of users. The information suggesting the number of users may be, for example, information indicating a range of a predetermined number of users (for example, “the current number of participating users is between xxx names and xxx names”) or participation. Information indicating the proportion of users who satisfy a predetermined condition among users (for example, “x% of current participating users can obtain benefits”) may be used.
According to this game control device, when the first user is notified of information related to the number of users associated with the item, the ranking of the first user in the item is predetermined based on the information related to the number of users. It can be assumed whether or not the above condition is satisfied, that is, whether or not a privilege on the game can be obtained. Of course, since the number of users may increase after the association of the first user, it is only a tentative ranking, but there is almost no possibility of privilege acquisition, or depending on the item Etc. can be made. Thereby, for example, when it is assumed that there is a high possibility that the order of the first user in the item satisfies the predetermined condition, the first user associates (enters) the item and reliably confirms the predetermined condition in the item. Therefore, the motivation of the first user to play the game can be further improved.

A second aspect of the present invention is a game control method.
The game control method is as follows:
A step of associating a user with one of a plurality of items related to a game execution result provided in advance based on information about a predetermined input;
Ranking the first user in an item associated with the first user based on the execution result of the game by the first user;
A step of granting a privilege on the game to the first user when the order of the first user satisfies a predetermined condition;
Is provided.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a computer for controlling the execution of a game.
A function for associating a user with one of a plurality of items related to a game execution result provided in advance based on information about a predetermined input;
Based on the execution result of the game by the first user, a function for ranking the first user in an item associated with the first user, and when the ranking of the first user satisfies a predetermined condition, A function of giving a privilege on the game to the first user;
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 accessed from the communication terminal,
Corresponding means for associating a user with one of a plurality of items related to the execution result of a game provided in advance based on information about a predetermined input;
Ranking means for ranking the first user in an item associated with the first user based on execution of the game by the first user;
A granting means for granting a privilege on the game to the first user when the order of the first user satisfies a predetermined condition;
Any one of the communication terminal and the server is provided with each means.

The communication terminal may be, for example, a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a personal computer, a television receiver having a bidirectional communication function, a game device with a communication function, or the like.

The figure which shows the basic composition of the game system of embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the communication terminal of embodiment. The figure which shows the other example of the external appearance of the communication terminal of embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the communication terminal of embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the game server of embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the database server of embodiment. The figure which shows the structural example of the user database contained in a database server. The figure which shows the structural example of execution result data. The functional block diagram for demonstrating the function to play main roles with the game control apparatus of embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the display screen of the communication terminal which displays a top page. The figure which illustrates the web page displayed on a user's communication terminal. The figure which illustrates the web page displayed on a user's communication terminal. The figure which illustrates the web page displayed on a user's communication terminal. The figure which shows the structural example of ranking data. The figure explaining an example of the ranking method of the said user when a user enters into one ranking item which combines a plurality of ranking items. The flowchart which shows an example of the main processes of the game control apparatus of embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the main processes of the game control apparatus of embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the example of a setting of the privilege provided to a user. The functional block diagram for demonstrating the function which plays a main role with the game control apparatus of a modification. The figure which illustrates the web page displayed on a user's communication terminal in the game control apparatus of a modification. The figure which illustrates the web page displayed on a user's communication terminal in the game control apparatus of a modification. 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 the patent application of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-144474 filed with the Japan Patent Office on June 27, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

(1) Configuration of Game System FIG. 1 shows a system configuration example of a game system according to the 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 has a program for creating a document that can be interpreted by a web browser as a game program. The database server 30 stores various information to be described later in executing the game, and is connected to the game server 20 in a wired or wireless manner for reading and writing the information. Note that the game server 20 and the database server 30 may be connected via a communication network NW.
The communication terminal 10 includes a web browser that can display a web page provided by the game server 20, and the user executes the game application by performing an operation on the web page on the communication terminal 10.

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.

(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 illustrating an example of the appearance of the communication terminal 10. FIG. 2A illustrates a button input type communication terminal such as a foldable mobile terminal (mobile phone). FIG. 2B illustrates a communication terminal of a touch panel input method 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, and A communication interface unit 17 is provided, and a bus 18 for transmitting control signals or data signals 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. In addition, when the user selects a hyperlink or menu (for example, an operation target such as an instruction button) on the web page by the operation of the instruction input unit 15, the web browser displays a web page corresponding to the selection. The game server 20 is requested to transmit new HTML data for display (that is, update of the web page).

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 (shown in FIG. 2A), the instruction input unit 15 includes a plurality of instruction input buttons such as a direction instruction button and a decision button for accepting a user operation input. A button group 15b including a group 15a and a plurality of instruction input buttons such as a numeric keypad is provided, and an interface circuit for recognizing a pressing (operation) input of each button and outputting it to the CPU 11 is included. 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 (shown in 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.

(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.

(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 RAID (Redundant Arrays 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. Hereinafter, a baseball digital card game will be taken as an example of the game of the present embodiment. A baseball-format digital card game is a game in which a user collects player cards corresponding to baseball players to create his / her team and play a baseball match with another user's team. This game includes the following processes.
・ Scout processing:
In this process, a player card is obtained by searching an area set in the game in order to build up his own team. In this game, a certain amount of action points (described later) are consumed by executing the scout process, but strengthening points (described later) increase.
・ Strengthening process:
It is a process of increasing the ability of a specific player card by merging two or more player cards by consuming reinforcement points. In this case, the ability of a specific player card increases, but the player card used for integration disappears. That is, the number of players is reduced by the number of player cards used for integration.
・ Game processing:
This is a process of playing a baseball game with another user's team. Management points (to be described later) are consumed by playing the game, but if the game is won, the reinforcement points will increase. In the present embodiment, a case where a game is played between users is described as an example. However, the user's opponent may be a team composed of a plurality of player cards arbitrarily extracted by the CPU 21, for example.
・ Order processing:
This is a process for the user to change the order of a player card, to replace a player card with a copy, and the like.
・ Lottery processing:
This is a process of consuming an ale point (described later) and obtaining a player card by lottery.
・ Ranking process:
This is a process for a user to participate (entry) in a ranking about information related to a game execution result.

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 includes, for each user ID (user identification information), a user name / display image, a team, a skill level, an action point, an operation point, an enhancement point, an ale point, a player number, a fellow user ID, Contains information about each item of data on the card. Information included in the user database 31 can be updated sequentially by the game server 20.

In the following description, data for each user ID included in the user database 31 is collectively 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 of the communication terminal 10 when the game is executed. The user name is text of a predetermined length or less that is designated in advance by the user, for example, 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 game of the present embodiment, a team designated 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, the level value is in a range from Lv1 (level 1) to Lv100 (level 100). For example, the skill level is sequentially increased by executing the scout process continuously.
-Action point It is a point required in performing the scout process in the game of this embodiment. The action point is a value that is reduced by a certain amount by performing the scout process and is recovered (increased) every time a predetermined time elapses.
-Management point In the game of this embodiment, it is a point required when performing a game process. The management point is a value that is reduced by playing a game with another user and recovered (increased) every time a predetermined time elapses.
-Strengthening point In the game of this embodiment, it is a point required when performing a reinforcement | strengthening process. The reinforcement point is a value that is reduced by strengthening the player card and increased by winning a game with another user or by searching in the scout process.
-Ale point In the game of this embodiment, it is a point which a user acquires by transmitting a support message to other users (for example, fellow user related with a 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.
・ Friend's user ID
It is the data of the user ID of the fellow user linked | related with the user.
-Data of possession cards For each player card possessed by the user, for example, image data of the player, parameters indicating the ability of the player (for example, a value indicating a striking force, a running ability, a defensive ability, etc. If there is, data such as a ball speed, a ball control force, a value indicating stamina, etc.) are included. For example, it may be set to indicate that the capability is higher as the value of the capability included in the parameter is larger. The player card data may include “rare degree”. Here, the “rare degree” is a value indicating the degree of the rarity value of the player card, and the higher the value (that is, the higher the rarity value), the lower the probability of appearing in the game is set. Also good. For example, when the rarity is expressed in five stages from 1 to 5, the rarity of the player card corresponding to a player with outstanding technical ability or a popular player may be set high (for example, 4 or 5). .
In addition, the player card data includes the player's team, position (such as pitcher, catcher, first baseman, left winger) and the degree of influence the player card has on the game (typically positive). May be.

Returning to FIG. 5, the game database 32 stores information on game settings executed by the game server 20 based on access from the game server 20, execution result data indicating game execution results for each user, and the like. .

An example of the execution result data is shown in FIG. The execution result data is data in which information related to a game execution result is written for each user ID. Here, the “game execution result” may be, for example, a baseball game victory, scoring, stealing, homerun, etc. in the case of a baseball game, or a soccer game in the case of a soccer game. Victory, scoring, shooting, etc. For example, in the execution result data, as shown in FIG. 7, for each user ID, a plurality of items indicating numerical information about the execution result (in the example of the figure, the number of wins, the number of losses, the number of points, the number of points lost, the home run) Number, triple number,...) Values may be included. Note that the plurality of items are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 7, and may include, for example, the number of failed plans, the number of thefts, the batting rate, and the defense rate. In addition, the values of the number of wins, the number of losses, the number of points scored, the number of points lost, the number of home runs, the number of strikeouts, etc. may be, for example, cumulative values from when the user played the game for the first time. It may be a cumulative value from a predetermined timing set by a person as a starting point.
In the present embodiment, the information related to the execution result of the baseball game is described as an example of “information related to the execution result of the game”, but the information related to the execution result of the game is not limited thereto. For example, in the case of a soccer game, the number of wins, the number of points, the number of shots, the pass success rate, and the like may be included in the information related to the game execution result.
In addition, the execution result data includes, for example, the number of area searches in the scout process, the number of player cards obtained in the scout process, the number of executions of the strengthening process, the number of executions of the lottery process, etc. May be included.

(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. Below, the function implement | achieved with the game control apparatus of this embodiment is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 8, taking the case where the baseball format digital card game mentioned above is applied as an example. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram for explaining functions that play a main role in the game control apparatus of the present embodiment.
In the functional block diagram of FIG. 8, the associating means 53, the ranking means 54 and the assigning means 55 correspond to the main configuration of the present 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).
Note that the registration means 51 is not an essential component of the present invention, but is a component for making the present invention more preferable.

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 on the communication terminal 10 on the web page provided from the game server 20 (for example, a predetermined menu selection operation or a text input such as a user ID or password specified by the user). Web pages may be configured to be generated automatically. The registration request message may include information for identifying the communication terminal 10 as the transmission source (for example, individual identification information of a terminal such as a UID (Unique Identifier), an IP address, a mail address, etc.), or If the user has already used another game by the same service provider, 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 the registration is completed, the CPU 21 generates user data corresponding to the user ID and stores it in the user database 31. When the registration is completed, the user can execute the game of the present embodiment.

Moreover, the registration means 51 may be provided with the function which relates users. Specifically, the registration unit 51 may 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.
The function of the registration means 51 in this case is realized as follows, for example. The CPU 21 of the game server 20 sends an application message (application) specifying a user ID (or a corresponding display name) that the user wants to become 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 accesses the user data of the corresponding two user IDs in the user database 31 and writes the data in the location of “mate user ID” (see FIG. 6).
Note that the conditions for relating users are not limited to the forms that require application and approval as described above, and the user who performs the stage on the same game or the user who performed the battle is related to the user in the game. You may register as an attached user, that is, a friend. Alternatively, users who transmit a predetermined number of greeting messages may be automatically registered as friends, and if there is a mode on the game in which a battle is performed between users, the user who has performed the battle a predetermined number of times or more You may automatically register each other as a friend.
Further, instead of directly associating users with each other, the users in the group may be related by associating each user with the same group (guild or the like). For example, when the user A applies to the specific user B associated with the predetermined group and obtains the approval of the specific user B, the predetermined group and the user A Associate. By doing this, by applying and approving specific users in a given group, users in the same group can be related to each other regardless of whether or not they are directly applying and approving. You may do it.
In this embodiment, although the example which implement | achieves by registering data in the user database 31 by registering the friendship relationship between users was shown, it is not restricted to this example. The data regarding the friendship may be written in an external storage device on the network accessible from the game server 20.

The game execution means 52 has a function of executing a game. For example, the game execution means 52 receives an HTTP request in response to a user's selection operation on the web page with respect to the communication terminal 10, and HTML data (that is, HTTP data for sequentially updating the web page displayed on the communication terminal 10. By transmitting (response), the game of this embodiment is executed by the web service.
Note that the game execution means 52 is not an essential component for the present invention, but is a component for making the present invention more preferable.

The game execution means 52 may have a function of executing an authentication process at the time of user login when the user executes the game of the present embodiment.
This function is realized as follows. When receiving the HTTP request from the communication terminal 10 of each user, the CPU 21 of the game server 20 acquires the individual identification information or the user ID and password from the HTTP request, and acquires the individual identification information or the user ID and password. For example, the authentication process is performed by collating with data recorded in the user database 31.

The game execution 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. 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.

An example of a game top page displayed on the communication terminal 10 by the game execution means 52 is shown in FIG. The top page shown in FIG. 9 includes web pages corresponding to individual user IDs. The top page illustrated in FIG. 9 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. In the items displayed in the user data display area, the point or number written in X / Y format 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 is a menu corresponding to a plurality of processes (scout process, reinforcement process, game process, order process, lottery process, ranking process) provided in the game of this embodiment. This is an area where menus m1 to m6 of “game”, “order”, “lottery”, and “ranking” 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 performing an exchange of player card orders, replacement with a reserved player card, or the like under the instruction of the user.

For example, when the top page shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the communication terminal 10 of the user, the function of the game execution 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. 9 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).

Moreover, the game execution means 52 is provided with the function to perform a scout process.
[Scout processing]
The scout process is a process for obtaining a player card by searching for an area set on the game in order for the user to create his own team.
In the scout process, the game execution means 52 can be realized as follows. When the menu m1 is selected and operated on the top page of FIG. 9, the CPU 21 of the game server 20 generates HTML data for displaying the web page shown in FIG.

In the web page illustrated in FIG. 10, a Japan map divided into a plurality of regions (areas) is displayed in the display region 100 in a state where an area to be searched is highlighted.
In this scout process, the user is provided with a menu labeled “Search” provided for each area to be searched (in the example of FIG. 10, 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. 10), and the value of the reinforcement point obtained by one search (“10” in the example of FIG. 10). 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 execution means 52, every time a search is performed (when the menu m10 is selected), the CPU 21 accesses the user database 31 and updates the values of action points and reinforcement points of the target user ID.

In the scout process, when the CPU 21 of the game server 20 recognizes the selection operation on the menu m10, the CPU 21 performs a lottery with a predetermined or random probability from a plurality of player cards provided in advance for the scout. When the CPU 21 obtains (excavates) a player by lottery, the CPU 21 accesses the user database 31 and adds the data of the newly discovered player to the data of the target user ID. Is increased by one. Furthermore, CPU21 produces | generates the HTML data for displaying the player card of the excavated player in the display area 102, and transmits to communication terminal 10 addressed | directed. 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.

In the scout process, the action points required for one search may be different for each area to be searched. That is, the amount of action points that are reduced (consumed) in one search may be different for each area to be searched. For example, each time the skill level of the user increases, the amount of action points consumed may be increased.
In the scout process, the action points decrease each time the selection operation is performed on the menu m10. Therefore, when the top page is displayed immediately after the scout process is executed, the action points displayed on the top page are It will be displayed in a reduced manner than before the scout process. If the action point possessed by the user becomes 0, the search cannot be executed any further. However, since the action points are recovered (increased) by one point each time a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) elapses, for example, the search can be performed again after the predetermined time elapses.

When the search result of the area in the scout process is included in the execution result data, the CPU 21 accesses the execution result data every time a selection operation is performed on the menu m10, and performs the scout process corresponding to the target user ID. The value of the number of executions may be increased by one.
When the number of player cards obtained in the scout process is included in the execution result data, the CPU 21 accesses the execution result data when the player is obtained (excavated) by lottery, and sets the target user ID. The number of corresponding player cards may be increased by one.

[Strengthening process]
The game executing means 52 has a function of executing a strengthening process for integrating two or more player cards and increasing the ability of a specific player card. In this game, a certain amount of strengthening points is required for the user to execute the strengthening process.
This integration process may be performed as follows, for example. The player card to be strengthened (the remaining player card specified by the user) is the player card of player A, and the player card that is integrated with the player card of player A and disappears is the player card of player B. In this case, in the integration process, the CPU 21 sets the “batting force” of the player card of the player B against the parameters indicating the ability values of the “batting force”, “running ability”, and “defense ability” of the player A player card. The parameters of the player card of the new player A may be calculated by adding a certain ratio of the parameters indicating the ability values of “”, “running ability”, and “defense ability”. By this strengthening process, the characteristic features of the player B's player card are reflected in the player A's player card.
After the strengthening process, the CPU 21 accesses the user database 31 after the strengthening process, deletes the player card data of the player B from the user data of the target user ID, decreases the value of the number of players by 1, The parameter of the player card of A is rewritten, and the reinforcement point of the target user ID is reduced by a predetermined amount. In addition, a reinforcement | strengthening point increases by performing the said scout process or performing the game process demonstrated below.

When the execution result data includes the number of executions of the reinforcement process, the CPU 21 accesses the execution result data every time the integration process is performed, and the number of executions of the reinforcement process corresponding to the target user ID. The value may be increased by one.

[Game processing]
The game execution means 52 has a function of executing a game process for playing a baseball game with another user's team, triggered by an operation input of the communication terminal 10 by the user.
In this game, management points are required to execute the game process, and strengthening points can be obtained by winning the game. That is, the value of the management point and the strengthening point corresponding to the user ID can be changed by executing the game process. The management point required (consumed) in one game is a value determined by the order formed by the user's team. The user can reorder the player cards that the user wants to participate in the game from among the player cards held by the user, but the consumption of management points is determined by the predetermined number of player cards that are desired to participate in the game . For example, a cost (necessary points) necessary for one game is assigned in advance for each player card, and the total of necessary points of a predetermined number of players who want to participate in the game becomes the management point. The management points are recovered (increased) by one point each time a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) elapses.

The function that the game execution means 52 executes the game process is realized as follows with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a web page displayed on the user communication terminal 10 realized by the function of the game execution means 52.
When the selection operation of the menu m3 (see FIG. 9) is performed on the top page of the user's communication terminal 10 and the selection result is received, the CPU 21 of the game server 20 selects a plurality of candidates for the match of the user ID as the user. Randomly determined from other user IDs included in the database 31. At this time, the skill level of the match candidate is preferably the same skill level as the user who selected and operated the menu m3. CPU21 transmits the HTML data for displaying the web page which can select any candidate from the list | wrist of a some candidate of a competition partner addressed to a user's communication terminal 10. FIG.

When an operation for selecting any candidate from a list of candidates for a plurality of opponents is performed by the user, as shown on the web page P1 in FIG. 11, a menu that prompts an instruction to start a match with the opponent (the opponent). A web page containing is displayed. Here, when the user selects the “game start” menu, the CPU 21 performs a process of determining a game result (game win / loss). In determining the game result, the CPU 21 accesses the user database 31 of the database server 30 via the database access unit 24, and the management point of the target user ID is equal to or more than a predetermined amount required for the execution of the game. In addition, the predetermined amount is reduced from the management point, and a parameter indicating the ability of the plurality of player cards associated with the two user IDs playing the game is read out. And CPU21 determines the game result between users based on the read parameter.

The game result can be determined by any method as long as the ability value of the player card affects the winning or losing. For example, by comparing the total values of the parameters of a plurality of player cards held by two users each playing a match, the user with the larger total value has a higher probability (for example, a predetermined probability within a range of 60 to 90%) ) May be set to win. The win rate may be higher as the difference in ability values is larger. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, when there are a plurality of parameter items indicating the ability value, a predetermined weighting is given to the parameter value of each item as a value representing the parameter of each player card ( For example, in the example of FIG. 6, the overall ability value is set with a weight of 0.4 for “strike”, 0.2 for “running power”, and 0.4 for “defense”. Also good.

In addition, the CPU 21 determines the values of a plurality of items (for example, the score, the number of points lost, the number of home runs, the number of strikeouts,...) Included in the execution result data for each of the two users who perform the game. You may decide. Here, the values of the plurality of items may be determined randomly or based on a predetermined rule, for example, and the ability values of a plurality of player cards respectively held by two users playing a game are determined by a predetermined arithmetic expression. May be sought by applying to
In the game according to the present embodiment, when the user selects the “game start” menu, the values of a plurality of items are automatically obtained. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the values of the plurality of items may be obtained by, for example, counting the number of times of execution results generated based on the user's operation input with respect to characters on the game.

If CPU21 determines a game result and the value of a some item, in order to notify a user of a game result and the value of a some item, CPU21 will display the web page containing a game result and the value of a some item The HTML data to be displayed is transmitted to the mobile terminal 10 of the user who performed the selection operation of the “game start” menu. Since the time until the web page including the game result and the values of a plurality of items is displayed after the operation of selecting the “start game” menu is performed is extremely short (for example, several seconds), the user Can know the game result in a very short period of time with a simple operation. The web page P2 in FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a web page displayed by executing the game process. On the web page P2 in FIG. 11, for example, the values of a plurality of items such as the score, the number of points lost, the number of home runs, the number of strikeouts, etc., and the game result are displayed.
Moreover, CPU21 performs the process which writes the value of a some item in execution result data for every two users who played a game. The contents of this processing will be specifically described with reference to the web page P2 of FIG. 11. The CPU 21 accesses the execution result data, and assigns the user IDs of the user “KNM” and the user “GIP” to each user ID. Corresponding number of wins, points, points lost, home runs, strikeouts, etc. are updated. In this case, in the execution result data, the number of wins corresponding to the user ID of the user “KNM” is increased by 1, the score is increased by 7, the goal score is increased by 2, and the number of home runs is increased by 2. It will be. On the other hand, in the execution result data, the number of defeats corresponding to the user ID of the user “GIP” is increased by 1, the score is increased by 2, the score is increased by 7, and the number of strikeouts is increased by 8. become.

[Lottery processing]
The game executing means 52 executes a lottery process that enables an item (for example, a player card) to be obtained by lottery. The lottery process is preferably executed through an effect such as taking (drawing) one player card from the lottery box. The player cards appearing in the lottery are basically random, but the probability that a player card with a high degree of rarity (for example, a rare degree of 4 or 5) (so-called rare card) will appear in the lottery is set very low. Yes. The lottery process may be performed in exchange for a predetermined amount of ale points.

If the execution result data includes the number of lottery process executions, the CPU 21 accesses the execution result data every time a lottery is performed, and the number of lottery process executions corresponding to the target user ID is determined. The value may be increased by one.

Whether or not the game execution 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 the game progress is limited when the point is lower than a predetermined threshold, specifically, the scout process is performed for an area where the action power is required to be “5” for one search. When trying to execute, when the action point of the user is “3”, since the scout process cannot be executed, for example, “Insufficient action power. Action power recovers 1 every 3 minutes. Let's wait slowly . "Is displayed. 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.

The function of each means for executing the ranking process will be described below.
The association unit 53 has a function of associating a user with any one of a plurality of items relating to a game execution result provided in advance based on information about a predetermined input.
Here, the “information relating to the predetermined input” is not limited to information obtained by being directly input to the game control device, and is input to an external device accessible to the game control device, for example. May be information obtained.
In addition, the association unit 53 executes the ranking process of the game according to the present embodiment.

[Ranking process]
As described above, the ranking process is a process for the user to participate (entry) in the ranking of items related to the game execution result.
The function of the correlation means 53 is implement | achieved as follows, for example. When the CPU 21 of the game server 20 recognizes that the menu m6 (see FIG. 9) indicated as “ranking” is selected on the top page of the communication terminal 10 of the user, the web page illustrated in FIG. 12 is displayed. HTML data to be generated is transmitted to the communication terminal 10 of the user. In this case, the web page shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the communication terminal 10 of the user. The web page illustrated in FIG. 12 includes a message prompting the user to select a ranking item, a plurality of ranking items corresponding to a combination of each of a plurality of items included in the execution result data and two or more items (FIG. 12). In the example, “Wins”, “Defeats”, “Scores”, “Goal points”, “Homer strikes”, “Triumphs”, “Wins + points”, “Defeats + points”, "Home run number + strikeout number", "Victory number + score number + home run number", etc.) and a plurality of menus associated with each ranking item (in the example shown in the figure, "participation" is indicated respectively) Multiple menus). Here, a ranking item composed of a combination of two or more items (in the example of the figure, “winning number + score number”, “defeat number + losing point number”, “home run number + triplet number”, “winning number + score number + In “the number of home runs”), ranking of the ranking items is performed based on the values of the respective items included in the ranking items.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, since a plurality of ranking items related to the execution results of the games to be ranked (ranking) are provided, the user selects a menu labeled “participation”. By this (based on information related to a predetermined input), it becomes possible to associate (enter) a desired ranking item among a plurality of ranking items. That is, the user can select a ranking item that is highly likely to satisfy a predetermined condition for ranking, that is, that is highly likely to obtain a privilege on the game from among a plurality of ranking items.

The plurality of ranking items may include ranking items for negative execution results on the game. Here, the “negative execution result on the game” may be, for example, an unfavorable execution result on the game. Specifically, in the case of a baseball game, the defeat, the goal loss in the baseball game, Mistakes, strikeouts, etc., and in the case of a soccer game, it may be a defeat, a goal loss, a foul, etc. in a soccer game. Also, the ranking items for negative execution results on the game may be, for example, a baseball game, the number of losses, the number of points lost, the number of missed measures, the number of strikes, etc. It may be the number of defeats, the number of points lost, the number of fouls, etc.
In this case, by associating (entry) the ranking item with the negative execution result on the game, the user can obtain a privilege on the game based on the occurrence of the negative execution result on the game. It becomes possible to raise. In this case, the user is motivated to continue to play the game in order to obtain a privilege on the game, for example, even when many adverse execution results on the game are obtained. Thereby, even if it is a case where the disadvantageous execution result on a game is obtained, the game which can continue the user's willingness to play a game is realizable.
In order to realize the function of the association means 53 in this case, the CPU 21 refers to the execution result data when generating HTML data for displaying the web page shown in FIG. 12, and is included in the execution result data. A plurality of ranking items corresponding to each of a plurality of items and a combination of two or more items are generated. Here, an item about a negative execution result on the game (in the example of this embodiment, “the number of defeats”, “the number of points lost”, “three strikes”,...) Is generated when the execution result data includes. The plurality of ranking items include ranking items for negative execution results on the game. And CPU21 should just produce | generate the said HTML data so that the some ranking item produced | generated may be included.

When the user performs a selection operation of a menu labeled “participation” on the web page illustrated in FIG. 12, the CPU 21 of the game server 20 corresponds to the user who performed the selection operation and the menu that has been selected. Performs processing to associate ranking items. By performing this process, the user who has performed the selection operation has entered the ranking item corresponding to the menu for which the selection operation has been performed. This process will be described in detail. First, the CPU 21 accesses the execution result data, and corresponds to the ranking item of the selected menu among a plurality of items corresponding to the user ID of the user who performed the selection operation. The value of the item is extracted from the execution result data. Then, the CPU 21 records the user ID and the extracted value in the ranking data in the game database 32. FIG. 13 shows a configuration example of ranking data. As shown in FIG. 13, the ranking data includes user IDs of participating users who are entered (corresponding to) ranking items for each of a plurality of ranking items (in the example of the figure, the number of wins, the number of losses,...) This is data describing the ranking information in the ranking item. The ranking information includes the user ID of the participating user, the value corresponding to the user ID, and the deviation value of the value in the ranking item in order from the highest ranking (first in the example in the figure). Here, the ranking of the participating users in each ranking item may be determined to be higher as the value corresponding to the user ID is larger, for example.
The deviation value is not essential data in the present invention, but is data for making the present invention more preferable.

The CPU 21 records the user ID of the user who has performed the menu selection operation in the “participating user ID” section (see FIG. 13) corresponding to the ranking item of the selected menu. Further, the CPU 21 determines the ranking of the user at the time of association based on the value extracted from the execution result data. In this case, for example, the CPU 21 may determine the rank of the user by comparing the value extracted from the execution result data with the value corresponding to the user ID of each participating user in the ranking item. . Moreover, CPU21 may calculate the deviation value of the said value in the said ranking item based on the value extracted from execution result data. And CPU21 records the user ID of the said user, the value corresponding to the said user ID, and the deviation value of the said value in the location corresponding to the determined order | rank. In addition, when recording data (user ID, a value corresponding to the user ID, and a deviation value of the value) of the user who performed the selection operation of the menu, other participation that has a lower rank than the user is recorded. The ranking data may be updated so that the user's rank is sequentially lowered.
In this way, the process of associating the user who has performed the selection operation with the ranking item corresponding to the menu for which the selection operation has been performed is performed.

Further, when the user performs a selection operation of a menu corresponding to a ranking item formed by combining two or more items, the CPU 21 determines the user for the ranking item corresponding to each of a plurality of items included in the ranking item. Perform processing to associate. Here, a case where the user performs a selection operation of a menu corresponding to a ranking item of “number of home runs + three strikes” formed by combining two or more items will be described.
The CPU 21 accesses the execution result data, and extracts the values of the respective items of “home run number” and “triple number” corresponding to the user ID of the user who performed the selection operation from the execution result data. Then, the CPU 21 records the user ID, the value of the item “number of home runs”, and the deviation value of the value in a location corresponding to the ranking item “number of home runs” in the ranking data. In addition, the CPU 21 records the user ID, the value of the item “triplet number”, and the deviation value of the value in a location corresponding to the ranking item “triple number” in the ranking data. Note that when the user data is recorded, the user ranking in each of the ranking items of “home run number” and “triple number” may be determined in the same manner as described above.
Further, the CPU 21 sets the values of the respective items of the user ID, “home run number” and “triple number”, and the deviation value of the values to the ranking item “home run number + triple number” in the ranking data. Record in the corresponding location. Here, in the location of the deviation value, for example, a value obtained by averaging the deviation values of the respective ranking items of “the number of home runs” and “the number of third strike” may be recorded. Further, the CPU 21 may determine the ranking of the user in the ranking item “number of home runs + three strikes” at the time of association based on the average deviation value. In this case, for example, the CPU 21 calculates the average deviation value and the deviation value of each participating user in the ranking item “home run number + triple number” (here, the deviation value of the participating user is “home run number” and “triple number”). The ranking of the user may be determined by performing a size comparison with the average value of the deviation values of the participating users in each ranking item.

The ranking means 54 has a function of ranking the users in ranking items (items) associated with the user based on the game execution result by the user (first user).
The function of the ranking means 54 is realizable as follows, for example.
The CPU 21 of the game server 20 performs a ranking process for each participating user based on the value of the item regarding the execution result of each participating user recorded in the execution result data, for example, during a predetermined period during which ranking is performed. This process will be specifically described. First, for each of a plurality of ranking items of the ranking data, the CPU 21 calculates the value of the item corresponding to the ranking item among the plurality of items corresponding to the user ID of the participating user. Extract from Next, the CPU 21 determines the ranking of the participating users for each of a plurality of ranking items based on the extracted value. Here, the ranking of the participating users may be determined, for example, by comparing the extracted values with other participating users. And CPU21 records the data (user ID, the value of a ranking item, a deviation value) of a participating user according to the determined order | rank for every some ranking item.

In addition, when the combination of two or more items is associated with the user (first user), the ranking unit 54 ranks the users with the user associated with the combination as a population. May be.
In this case, for example, compared to the user population for each item included in the combination of two or more items, the user population in the combination is smaller (that is, the number of users is narrowed down). ). For this reason, it is possible for the user to increase the possibility of satisfying a predetermined condition for the rank in the combination of two or more items, that is, to increase the possibility of obtaining a privilege on the game.
The function of the ranking means 54 in this case can be realized as follows, for example.
The CPU 21 of the game server 20 is a ranking item composed of a combination of items for two or more execution results among a plurality of ranking items (in the example of this embodiment, “the number of wins + the number of points”, “the number of defeats + the number of points lost). ”,“ Home run number + triplet number ”,“ Win number + Score number + Home run number ”, etc.), the ranking may be performed for the participating users associated with the ranking item.
The order determination method may be arbitrarily set. For example, a point according to the ranking of the ranking item corresponding to each of the items about the plurality of execution results included in the ranking item is given to the participating user, and based on the total of the points of each ranking item, two or more items You may determine the order of the participating user in the ranking item which consists of a combination. More specifically, for example, when a user is associated with a ranking item of “home run number + triple number”, points given to the user according to the ranking of the user in the ranking item of “home run number” And ranking of the user in the ranking item of “home run + tripling number” based on the sum of the points given to the user according to the ranking of the user in the ranking item of “three strikes” Good. In this case, the value of the point in each ranking item of “the number of home runs” and “the number of third strikes” may be set so as to decrease as the rank increases from lower to higher.

Further, the ranking means 54 obtains a numerical deviation value for the user (first user) in the item for each item included in the combination, and averages the obtained deviation value between the items. The user ranking may be performed based on the ranking.
For example, when ranking the users in each combination based on the ranking of the users in each item included in the combination, the ranking of each item may vary depending on the size of the user population between the items. Since the values are different, for example, it is necessary to rank the user in the combination after appropriately weighting the rank of each item.
In this game control device, the ranking of the user in the combination is performed based on the numerical deviation value of the execution result of the user in each item included in the combination. In this case, the ranking of the user can be performed based on the relative evaluation of the user in each item without using the ranking of the user in each item. Thereby, for example, the user can be easily ranked without performing processing such as weighting.
The function of the ranking means 54 in this case can be realized as follows, for example. Here, in the ranking data, the deviation values of the ranking items corresponding to each of the items of the two or more execution results are averaged as the deviation values in the ranking items composed of combinations of the items of the two or more execution results. A case where a value is recorded will be described as an example. When the CPU 21 of the game server 20 determines the participating user's rank in the ranking item composed of a combination of two or more execution results, the comparison of the deviation values corresponding to the ranking item is performed. The order may be determined. A specific example of the order determination method in this case will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a ranking method for a user when a user enters a ranking item formed by combining two or more execution result items. As shown in FIG. 14, when a user with a user ID “000001” and a user with “001122” have entered the ranking item “number of home runs + third strike”, the user ID “000001” in the ranking item. The value of the user's deviation value is “the deviation value (50 in the example of the figure) of the user value in the ranking item“ Home run number ”and the deviation value ( In the example in the figure, the average value is 60) (55 in the example in the figure). Further, the value of the deviation value of the user with the user ID “001122” in the ranking item “home run number + triplet number” is the deviation value (55 in the example of the figure) of the user value in the ranking item “home run number”. , The average value (50 in the example of the figure) with the deviation value (45 in the example of the figure) of the value of the user in the ranking item of “three strikes”. In this case, the ranking of the user with the user ID “000001” is ranked higher than the user with the user ID “001122” in the ranking item “home run number + triplet number”.

The granting unit 55 has a function of granting a privilege on the game to the user when the order of the user (first user) satisfies a predetermined condition.
Here, the “predetermined condition” may be, for example, that the user's rank is included within the range of the predetermined rank from the highest rank, or the user's rank number is good (no fraction). It is good also as a number (for example, 100th place, 200th place, 500th place, etc.).
“Give a privilege to a user” is stored in a predetermined storage device (for example, the user database 31) in a state in which information about the privilege (for example, points, items, etc.) is associated with the user ID of the user. It may be to let you. The predetermined storage device may be provided in the game server 20, for example, or may be provided in the user's communication terminal 10 or the like.

Furthermore, the “privilege on the game” may be, for example, a point or item on the game or an advantageous effect on the game. Here, the item may be, for example, what the user can hold on the game, what the user needs to collect on the game, or advantageous for the user on the game. The thing etc. which can obtain a special effect may be used. For example, the item may be a recovery drug that recovers a character's parameters or points, a chemical that increases the character's ability, or a weapon or armor that the character uses. The character is, for example, a virtual person, creature, or monster on the game, and includes those displayed on a card or the like.
In addition, when points or items on the game are given as a privilege, the points or items have a large amount or a rare value compared to those available in normal play on the game. It is preferable. For example, when a player card is given as an example of an item, a rare card that is difficult to obtain in the lottery process described above may be given. Alternatively, for example, in the lottery process, an item (for example, a special lottery ticket) for adjusting the settings on the game so that a rare card can be obtained without fail may be given. In this case, a user to whom a special lottery ticket is given can obtain a rare card by using the lottery ticket on the game at an arbitrary timing.
Further, the advantageous effect on the game may be, for example, that the ability value of the player card that the user holds in the game may be increased, or that the user can obtain a special item. Further, the advantageous effect on the game may be that the setting is adjusted so as to facilitate the progress of the scenario in the game. For example, various points (actions) on the game that are consumed according to the user's operation. Points, management points, reinforcement points, ale points) may be reduced more than usual, or the above-mentioned various points may be available to the user. In addition, when the structure which can obtain the said point by making the friend on a game is already provided, it may be made possible to acquire more points than the point. Further, the advantageous effect on the game may be that the setting on the game is adjusted so that the game can be indirectly advantageous, for example, an event that allows the user to acquire a special item is generated. It is also possible to increase the probability that the ability value of the player card is significantly increased in the strengthening process.
Further, the “privilege on game” may be a privilege on the same game as the game executed by the user, or may be a privilege on another game different from the game executed by the user. Here, different different games, for example, in the case of one game series, where the game configuration and genre are substantially the same but the game titles are different (for example, “Game A (2011 version)” and “ Game A (2012 version) ”and the like. For example, when a game is updated at a predetermined time in one game series, by giving the user a privilege on the next game at an event in the game that can be executed at the present time, The game series can be encouraged to be played continuously.

The function of the provision means 55 is realizable as follows, for example. Here, the “predetermined condition” will be described on the assumption that the user rank is included in the range of the predetermined rank from the highest rank. Moreover, it is assumed that the contents of the privilege given to the user are recorded in the ROM 22 in advance.
CPU21 of the game server 20 performs the process which provides a privilege with respect to the said user, when a user's order | rank is contained in the range of a predetermined order | rank from the top. Here, the range from the highest rank to the predetermined rank may be appropriately set according to, for example, the number of participating users in the ranking item, and specifically, the higher the number of participating users in the ranking item, the higher the number. You may make it the range from a high rank to a predetermined order expand (that is, the number of the participating users who are the grant object of privilege increases). In addition, the process which provides a privilege may be the process which associates the user ID of the user who becomes a grant object of a privilege, and the privilege (for example, a point, an item, etc.) provided. For example, when a predetermined amount of strengthening points is given as a privilege, the CPU 21 may perform a process of rewriting the strengthening points in the user data of the user ID of the user to be given (a process of adding a predetermined amount of strengthening points). . Moreover, when an item, a point, etc. are provided to a user as a privilege, an item, a point, etc. may be provided in multiple times within a predetermined privilege provision period.

In addition, the privilege given to the user is the amount of various points (behavior points, management points, reinforcement points, ale points) given during a given privilege grant period (that is, in a state where no privilege is granted). It may be increased. Here, you may make it the provision amount of at least 1 type of points increase among various points.
In this case, the user can advantageously advance the game by obtaining a privilege. For example, when the privilege is to increase the amount of action points given, the behavior points are recovered (increased) by one point every time a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) elapses. Within the grant period, action points may be recovered (increased) by 3 points. In this case, when executing the scout process, the user can obtain action points necessary for performing one search earlier than usual, so that the progress of the game can be increased earlier than usual. The advantage that you can do it.

Moreover, when a privilege is to raise the parameter of the player card held by the user during the privilege grant period, the CPU 21 holds the user to be granted during the privilege grant period as a process of granting the privilege. The card parameters may be added by a predetermined ratio. For example, when the result of the game in the game process is determined based on the parameters of the player card, the user may increase the possibility of winning a game with another user in the game process within the privilege grant period. Since it is possible, the game can be advanced more advantageously than other users. In addition, CPU21 returns the parameter of a possession card to the original value, when a privilege provision period ends.
Furthermore, when the privilege is a privilege on another game different from the game of the present embodiment, the CPU 21 has a user ID of a user who is a privilege grant target, a message for notifying that the privilege is granted, and the like. May be transmitted to a game server that controls execution of other games. In this case, the game server that controls the execution of other games may be configured similarly to the game server 20 in the present embodiment. For example, a game server that controls the execution of another game may be configured to execute a process in which a privilege is given to a user corresponding to the user ID when the user ID and the message are received. Good.

(6) Flow of main processes of game control apparatus of this embodiment Next, an example of the flow of the main processes performed by the game control apparatus of this embodiment is demonstrated with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing contents in the game ranking processing of the present embodiment.

First, the menu m6 is selected on the top page of the user's communication terminal 10 on the top page shown in FIG. 9 (step S100: YES), and when the selection result is received, the CPU 21 of the game server 20 displays FIG. HTML data for displaying the web page illustrated in (1) is generated and transmitted to the communication terminal 10 of the user. In this case, the web page shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the user's communication terminal 10 (step S110).
As shown in FIG. 12, since there are a plurality of ranking items indicating numerical information about the execution results of the games to be ranked (ranking), the user selects the menu labeled “participation”. By this (based on information related to a predetermined operation input), it becomes possible to associate (enter) a desired ranking item among a plurality of ranking items. That is, the user can select a ranking item that is highly likely to satisfy a predetermined condition for ranking, that is, that is highly likely to obtain a privilege on the game from among a plurality of ranking items.
Next, when the user performs a selection operation on any menu on the web page shown in FIG. 12 (step S120: YES), the CPU 21 of the game server 20 determines the user who performed the selection operation and the menu that has been selected. A process of associating the ranking item corresponding to is performed (step S130). By performing this process, the user who has performed the selection operation has entered the ranking item corresponding to the menu for which the selection operation has been performed.
In the process of step S120, when a predetermined time has elapsed without any menu selection operation (step S120: NO), the CPU 21 may end the ranking process. In this case, the CPU 21 may generate HTML data for displaying the top page shown in FIG. 9 and transmit it to the user's communication terminal 10.

Next, an example of a flow of main processing performed by the game control device of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for ranking the users who have entered the ranking items in the game of the present embodiment.

In FIG. 16, when the start time of ranking (ranking) in a plurality of ranking items is reached (step S200: YES), the CPU 21 of the game server 20 executes the game by the user (in the example of this embodiment, the scout process, the enhancement) The execution result data is updated based on the execution of the process, the match process, and the lottery process (step S210). Note that, at the start time of ranking, the values of items for a plurality of execution results corresponding to all user IDs in the execution result data may be initialized to 0. Next, the CPU 21 performs ranking processing for each participating user based on the value of the item regarding the execution result of each participating user recorded in the execution result data (step S220). Then, the CPU 21 determines whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed from the ranking start time (step S230), and if it has not elapsed (step S230: NO), the CPU 21 proceeds to the process of step S210. Further, when the CPU 21 determines that a predetermined period has elapsed from the ranking start time (step S230: YES), the CPU 21 performs a process of giving a privilege to a participating user whose rank satisfies a predetermined condition for each of the plurality of ranking items. (Step S240).

As described above, according to the game control device of the embodiment, a plurality of items related to the execution results of the games to be ranked (ranking) are provided, and the user can select a plurality of items based on information related to a predetermined input. It is possible to associate (entry) with a desired ranking item among the ranking items. That is, the user can select a ranking item that is highly likely to satisfy a predetermined condition for ranking, that is, that is highly likely to obtain a privilege on the game from among a plurality of ranking items. Thereby, even if the user is a user who feels that there is a large difference in ability from other users, such as a beginner of the game, for example, the user determines that the privilege on the game can be obtained. Can have an interest in ranking. For this reason, it is possible to improve the user's willingness to satisfy a predetermined condition regarding the ranking, and to arouse the user's willingness to play the game.

(7) Modification Hereinafter, a modification of the above-described embodiment will be described.

(7-1) Modification 1
In the above embodiment, the granting unit 55 sets a privilege for each of a plurality of ranking items, and among the plurality of ranking items, a larger privilege for a ranking item with a large number of associated participating users (users). May be set to be given.
Here, “a big privilege is given” means that, for example, when points on a game are given as a privilege, a larger number of points are given as the number of participating users increases. Good. Further, for example, when an item on the game is given as a privilege, an item with a higher rarity value may be given as the number of participating users increases. Furthermore, for example, when an advantageous effect on the game is given as a privilege, the more advantageous effect may be given as the number of participating users increases.
For example, when the user (first user) is associated with a certain ranking item, the smaller the number of participating users associated with the ranking item, the more likely that the user satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the ranking. However, even if the predetermined condition is satisfied, only a small privilege can be obtained. On the other hand, the greater the number of participating users associated with the ranking item, the lower the possibility that the user will satisfy a predetermined condition for ranking (that is, the possibility of obtaining a privilege on the game). However, a large privilege can be obtained by satisfying the predetermined condition. As a result, the user can consider ranking items to be associated (entry) with his / her own purpose (that is, to obtain a large privilege or to increase the possibility of obtaining a privilege) A highly entertaining game can be realized.

The function of the provision means 55 in this modification is implement | achieved as follows. For example, the CPU 21 of the game server 20 may store setting data configured based on the setting example illustrated in FIG. In the setting example illustrated in FIG. 17, as the number of participating users in the ranking item is larger, a larger privilege (more strengthening points in the example in the figure) is given to the ranking item. In this case, the game can be advanced more advantageously for the user by giving a larger privilege (more strengthening points). If it demonstrates concretely, it will become possible to increase the frequency | count of strengthening a player card in reinforcement | strengthening process, so that the quantity of the reinforcement | strengthening point given is large. Thereby, since the parameter of a player card can be raised early, for example, when the result of the game in a game process is determined based on the parameter of a player card, a user is in a game with other users. You can increase your chances of winning.
In the process of step S240 of the flow shown in FIG. 16, the CPU 21 refers to the ranking data when giving a privilege to a participating user, and the total number of participating users in the ranking items entered by the participating user (participating users). The content of the privilege may be determined according to the total number of user IDs) and the content set in the setting data.

(7-2) Modification 2
FIG. 18 shows a functional block diagram of Modification 2 of the game control apparatus of the above embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, this functional block diagram is different from that shown in FIG. 8 in that notification means 56 is added. For example, if the ranking is generally focused on only one game in a baseball game, for example, the user may select (associate) a ranking item before the game starts. In addition, when ranking is performed over a plurality of games or throughout one season, the ranking selection may be performed when a predetermined number of games are consumed. Or you may comprise so that a ranking structure may be performed, for example, when 3 innings pass within one game. In this case, since the ranking item is selected in a state where the game result of the user has been released to some extent, the user expects what level of ranking item he will be able to produce in the future. It is also possible, and by providing a configuration that assists such prediction, the user's interest in ranking can be further aroused. Hereinafter, this configuration will be described.
The notification unit 56 has a function of notifying the user of information related to the ranking of the user (first user) before association in at least one ranking item among the plurality of ranking items.
Here, the “information regarding rank” may be, for example, the rank itself or information suggesting the rank. The information suggesting the rank may be, for example, information indicating a range of a predetermined rank including the rank of the user (for example, “the current rank is between the xxx rank and the xxx rank”) or the user May be information (for example, “a privilege can be obtained if the current rank is maintained”) indicating that the rank is a rank satisfying a predetermined condition.
According to this game control device, the user can determine whether the ranking of the user in the ranking item is a predetermined condition based on the information about the ranking of the ranking of the at least one ranking item before the user is associated. It can be assumed whether or not, that is, whether or not a privilege on the game can be obtained. Of course, after the user association, other users may enter the higher rank, so it is only a tentative rank, but there is almost no possibility of acquiring benefits, depending on the item It is possible to determine whether there is any. Thereby, for example, when it is assumed that the ranking of the user in the ranking item is highly likely to satisfy a predetermined condition, the user associates (enters) the ranking item with the predetermined condition in the ranking item. Since it is motivated to be surely satisfied, it is possible to further improve the user's willingness to play the game.

The function of the notification means 56 in this modification is implement | achieved as follows, for example. When the CPU 21 of the game server 20 recognizes that the menu m6 (see FIG. 9) indicated as “ranking” on the top page of the user's communication terminal 10 is selected, for example, it accesses the execution result data, All values of items for a plurality of execution results corresponding to the user ID of the user are extracted. Then, the CPU 21 refers to the ranking data and determines the ranking of the user in all ranking items based on the extracted value. Next, when the CPU 21 generates HTML data for displaying the web page shown in FIG. 12 by the function of the association unit 54, the ranking item and the ranking of the user in the ranking item are associated with each other. Generate HTML data to be displayed. An example of a web page displayed on the user communication terminal 10 in this case is shown in FIG. In the web page shown in FIG. 19, for each of the plurality of ranking items, the ranking of the user at the time of accepting the entry (the time of user association) is displayed. Thereby, based on the ranking at the time of association of the user in at least one ranking item among the plurality of ranking items, the user determines whether the ranking of the user in the ranking item satisfies a predetermined condition, that is, It can be assumed whether or not a privilege on the game can be obtained.
In addition, the ranking of the user in some ranking items among all ranking items may be displayed on the web page. Further, the user order may be notified using audio data, image data, or the like. Further, in combination with Modification 3 to be described later, information on the number of participating users for each item may be displayed at the same time, and the user may provide information on what number of people in that item.

Moreover, the notification means 56 is an item that is not associated with a user (first user) among a plurality of ranking items, and that is information regarding items that satisfy the predetermined order before the association of the user. You may provide the function to notify a user. In this case, the user can recognize ranking items that are highly likely to satisfy a predetermined condition (that is, obtain a privilege) among ranking items that are not associated (not entered). It is motivated to associate (entry) with the ranking item. Thereby, the further improvement of a user's willingness to play can be anticipated.
The function of the notification means 56 in this case is realized as follows, for example. The CPU 21 of the game server 20 accesses the execution result data at a predetermined timing, and extracts all the item values for the plurality of execution results corresponding to the user ID of the user. Here, the predetermined timing may be, for example, when the CPU 21 recognizes that the menu m6 (see FIG. 9) has been selected and the content of the execution result data based on the execution of the game by the user. It may be when is updated. Then, the CPU 21 may refer to the ranking data and include all ranking items (a combination of two or more ranking items (for example, “the number of home runs + three strikes”) based on the extracted values.) To determine the ranking of the user. Next, the CPU 21 is a ranking item that is not associated with the user among all ranking items (that is, a ranking item in which the user ID of the user is not recorded in the user ID of the participating user), The ranking items satisfying a predetermined condition (condition for granting a privilege) are extracted. In addition, among ranking items included in a combination of two or more ranking items (for example, “home run + triplet number”), some ranking items (eg, “home run”) are associated with the user. If an item (for example, “three strikes”) is not associated with a user and the order of the user in the combination (here “home run + three strikes”) satisfies a predetermined condition, the combination (Here, “home run + three strikes”) may be extracted. And CPU21 produces | generates the HTML data for displaying the web page which notifies the extracted ranking item (The combination of two or more ranking items (for example, "the number of home runs + the number of strikes" etc. may be included)) is included. Then, it may be transmitted to the communication terminal 10.

(7-3) Modification 3
In the above embodiment, the number of participating users (users) in at least one ranking item among a plurality of ranking items, and the participating users associated with the ranking item before the user (first user) is associated. Notification means 56 may be provided for notifying the user of information regarding the number of items.
Here, the “information regarding the number of users” may be, for example, the number of users themselves or information suggesting the number of users. The information suggesting the number of users may be, for example, information indicating a range of a predetermined number of users (for example, “the current number of participating users is between xxx names and xxx names”) or participation. Information indicating the proportion of users who satisfy a predetermined condition among users (for example, “x% of current participating users can obtain benefits”) may be used.
According to this modification, when the user is notified of information regarding the number of participating users associated with the ranking item, the ranking of the user in the ranking item is predetermined based on the information regarding the number of participating users. It can be assumed whether or not the above condition is satisfied, that is, whether or not a privilege on the game can be obtained. Normally, the ranking has a period for entry, and during this period, the number of participating users will gradually increase or change little, but this number of participating users Information about the user is notified to the user (first user). Based on this information, for example, when the number of participating users is very large, the user determines that the difficulty of entering the top ranking is high, or conversely, when the number of users is very small, It can be determined that there is a possibility of being ranked high in the ranking. In addition, the user (first user) will be judged based on his own experience and familiarity with the game. Thereby, for example, when it is assumed that the ranking of the user in the ranking item is highly likely to satisfy a predetermined condition, the user associates (enters) the ranking item with the predetermined condition in the ranking item. Since it is motivated to be surely satisfied, it is possible to further improve the user's willingness to play the game.

The function of the notification means 56 in this modification is implement | achieved as follows, for example. For example, when the CPU 21 of the game server 20 recognizes that the menu m6 (see FIG. 9) indicated as “ranking” on the top page of the user's communication terminal 10 has been selected, it accesses the ranking data, For each ranking item, the number of participating users (number of user IDs of participating users) is extracted. Next, when the CPU 21 generates HTML data for displaying the web page shown in FIG. 12 by the function of the association unit 54, the ranking item and the number of participating users in the ranking item are associated with each other. Generate HTML data to be displayed. An example of a web page displayed on the user's communication terminal 10 in this case is shown in FIG. In the web page shown in FIG. 19, the number of participating users at the time when an entry is received (when the user is associated) is displayed for each of the plurality of ranking items. Thereby, based on the number of participating users, the user can assume whether the ranking of the user in the ranking item satisfies a predetermined condition, that is, whether a privilege on the game can be obtained. .
Note that the number of participating users in some ranking items among all ranking items may be displayed on the web page. The number of participating users may be notified using audio data, image data, or the like.

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.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where a game is played using a plurality of cards has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, various objects such as a user's avatar image may be used instead of the card. Moreover, the card | curd and object in a game may not be plural, and a single card | curd and an object may be sufficient. Or you may perform a game process, without using objects, such as a card | curd.

In the embodiment described above, an example in which the game to be executed is a baseball format digital card game has been described, but the game of the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to any game. For example, in the game of various genres such as a role playing game, a table game, a puzzle game, a sports game, a racing game, a shooting game, an action game, an adventure game, and a simulation game, rankings regarding game execution results are performed. In this case, the present invention can be preferably applied.

In the embodiment described above, the predetermined 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. However, the input is not limited to this. The input may be an operation input by shaking a communication terminal including an acceleration sensor, or an operation input by a 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. Further, in the case of a communication terminal capable of executing a voice recognition program, the 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.

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 association unit 53, the ranking unit 54, and the provision unit 55. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. 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. 21A and FIG. 21B show examples 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, execution result data and ranking 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 RAM 13 in the communication terminal 10, a mass storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) (not shown), a flash memory, or the like.

Claims (11)

1. An associating means for associating a user with one of a plurality of items related to a game execution result provided in advance, based on information related to a predetermined input;
   Ranking means for ranking the first user in an item associated with the first user based on the execution result of the game by the first user;
   Granting means for granting a privilege on the game to the first user when the order of the first user satisfies a predetermined condition;
   A game control device comprising:
2. The plurality of items includes an item regarding a negative execution result on the game,
   The game control apparatus according to claim 1.
3. The plurality of items includes a combination of two or more items related to the execution result of the game,
   In the case where a combination of two or more items is associated with the first user, the ranking means ranks the first user with a user associated with the combination as a population. Features
   The game control device according to claim 1 or 2.
4. The plurality of items includes an item indicating numerical information about the execution result of the game,
   For each item included in the combination, the ranking means obtains a numerical deviation value for the first user in the item, and based on a value obtained by averaging the obtained deviation values among the items The first user is ranked,
   The game control device according to claim 3.
5. The granting unit sets the privilege to each of the plurality of items, and sets the privilege such that a larger privilege is given to an item having a large number of associated users among the plurality of items. Features
   The game control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. Characterized in that it comprises a notification means for notifying the first user of information related to the order before the first user is associated with at least one of the plurality of items.
   The game control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
7. Notification of notifying the first user of the number of users in at least one of the plurality of items, the information regarding the number of users associated with the item before the association with the first user Characterized by comprising means,
   The game control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
8. A step of associating a user with one of a plurality of items related to a game execution result provided in advance based on information about a predetermined input;
   Ranking the first user in an item associated with the first user based on the execution result of the game by the first user;
   A step of granting a privilege on the game to the first user when the order of the first user satisfies a predetermined condition;
   A game control method comprising:
9. To control the execution of the game, on the computer,
   A function for associating a user with one of a plurality of items related to a game execution result provided in advance based on information about a predetermined input;
   Based on the execution result of the game by the first user, a function for ranking the first user in an item associated with the first user, and when the ranking of the first user satisfies a predetermined condition, A function of giving a privilege on the game to the first user;
   A program to realize
10. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 9 is recorded.
11. A game system including a communication terminal and a server accessed from the communication terminal,
    Corresponding means for associating a user with one of a plurality of items related to the execution result of a game provided in advance based on information about a predetermined input;
    Ranking means for ranking the first user in an item associated with the first user based on execution of the game by the first user;
    A granting means for granting a privilege on the game to the first user when the order of the first user satisfies a predetermined condition;
    Each of the means is provided in either the communication terminal or the server,
    Game system.

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