WO2018042559A1

WO2018042559A1 - Game system, server, information processing program, and information processing method

Info

Publication number: WO2018042559A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/075515
Authority: WO
Inventors: 宮本　茂; 裕介別府; 潔水木; 豊武久; 秀樹紺野
Original assignee: 任天堂株式会社
Priority date: 2016-08-31
Filing date: 2016-08-31
Publication date: 2018-03-08
Also published as: JPWO2018042559A1; JP6938375B2

Abstract

One example of this game system for executing a game application that includes a plurality of items of content stores permission information, which indicates whether content may be used, in association with each of the plurality of items of content. The game system receives a selection operation from the user to execute a first process for enabling the use of some of the content included among the plurality of items of content, or a second process for enabling the use of all of the content included among the plurality of items of content. In response to execution of the first process, permission information that is associated with some of the unusable content is updated. In response to execution of the second process, permission information that is associated with all of the unusable content is updated. The game system executes a game process using the content for which the permission information has been updated to information indicating that the content may be used.

Description

GAME SYSTEM, SERVER, INFORMATION PROCESSING PROGRAM, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD

The present invention relates to a game system, a server, an information processing program, and an information processing method for executing a game application in a terminal device.

Conventionally, there is a system in which content is downloaded from a server to a terminal device and used in the terminal device.

JP 2006-006241 A

Conventionally, when a plurality of contents are acquired by a terminal device, for example, only a method for acquiring the plurality of contents at a time may be provided to the user, and options for acquiring the contents may be limited. It was. Therefore, it is preferable to make it easy for the user to acquire the plurality of contents.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system, a server, an information processing program, and an information processing method that can improve convenience when a terminal acquires a plurality of contents.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configurations (1) to (18).

(1)
An example of the present invention is a game system for executing a game application including a plurality of contents. The game system includes storage means, reception means, content processing means, update means, and game processing means. The storage unit stores use availability information indicating whether the content is usable in the game process in association with each of the plurality of contents. The accepting unit executes a first process for enabling a part of content included in the plurality of contents or a second process for enabling each content included in the plurality of contents. A user's selection operation is accepted. The content processing means executes the first process or the second process based on the user's selection operation. The update unit updates the availability information associated with some unusable content according to the execution of the first process to information indicating that the content can be used, and according to the execution of the second process. Then, the usability information associated with each unusable content is updated to information indicating that it can be used. The game processing means executes the game processing using the content updated to information indicating that the availability information is usable by the updating means.

(2)
When updating the availability information in accordance with the execution of the second process after updating the availability information in accordance with the execution of the first process, the update means, in accordance with the first process, among a plurality of contents The availability information associated with the content other than the content with the updated availability information may be updated.

(3)
The update unit may update the availability information associated with all unusable contents among the plurality of contents to information indicating that the contents can be used according to the execution of the second process.

(4)
The accepting unit may present a second image representing the second process together with the first image representing the first process. The content processing means may execute the first process according to an operation for selecting the first image, and execute the second process according to an operation for selecting the second image.

(5)
The accepting unit is configured to accept an operation for executing the first process when a predetermined part of the plurality of contents becomes usable in response to the execution of the first process. An operation for executing the second process may be accepted.

(6)
The storage unit may store information indicating an order in which a plurality of contents are set. The update means can use the availability information associated with one content that is unusable among a plurality of contents and is identified according to the order in accordance with one execution of the first process. You may update to the information which shows that there exists. The accepting unit executes the second process in a state in which an operation for executing the first process is not accepted after a predetermined part of the plurality of contents becomes usable according to the order. May be accepted.

(7)
When the availability information associated with a predetermined part of the content indicates that the game processing means indicates that the content is unusable, the game processing means may execute the game processing using the content in a state where a restriction is applied.

(8)
The accepting unit accepts a selection operation in an initial state in which a plurality of contents cannot be used, and accepts a selection operation in a partially usable state in which a part of the plurality of contents is usable by executing the first process. May be.

(9)
The accepting unit may present the second image representing the second process together with the first image representing the first process in the initial state, and may present the second image together with the first image in the partially usable state. The content processing means may execute the first process according to an operation for selecting the first image, and execute the second process according to an operation for selecting the second image.

(10)
The content processing means may execute an acquisition process for acquiring a value for making the content usable as the first process and the second process.

(11)
The consideration acquired in the second process executed in the initial state where a plurality of contents cannot be used is the first consideration, and the total of the consideration acquired in the first process a predetermined number of times executed from the initial state is the second When the third value is the value acquired in the second process executed in the partially usable state in which a part of the plurality of contents becomes usable by executing the predetermined number of times of the first process. The content processing means may make the first consideration smaller than the sum of the second consideration and the third consideration.

(12)
The consideration acquired in the second process executed in the partially usable state generated by executing the first process the first number of times from the initial state where a plurality of contents cannot be used is the fourth consideration. The second process executed in the partially usable state in which a part of the plurality of contents can be used by executing the first process by the second number of times greater than the first number from the initial state. When the consideration acquired in step 5 is the fifth consideration, the content processing means may make the fifth consideration smaller than the fourth consideration.

(13)
The content processing means may execute a process of reducing points owned by the user in the game application or a process of charging a fee corresponding to the usable content as the acquisition process.

(14)
The storage unit may store information indicating an order in which a plurality of contents are set. The update means updates the availability information associated with the unusable content among the plurality of contents to information indicating that the content can be used one by one according to the order every time the first process is executed. Also good.

(15)
When the selection operation for selecting the first process is performed, the accepting unit may accept a user designation operation for designating a usable content among a plurality of contents. The update unit may update the availability information associated with the content designated by the designation operation to information indicating that the content can be used in accordance with the execution of the first process.

(16)
When the availability information associated with the predetermined content indicates that the predetermined content is unusable, the game processing means executes the game processing using the predetermined content in a restricted state. May be.

(17)
The game system may include a terminal device operated by a user and a server. The game system is provided in the server, and data for making the content that satisfies the condition usable in the terminal device is provided on the terminal device on condition that the availability information is updated by the first process or the second process. You may further provide the data transmission means to transmit to. The game processing means may be provided in the terminal device and execute the game processing based on data received from the server.

(18)
The content may be stage data in the game. The game processing means may execute game processing using the stage data updated to information indicating that the availability information is usable by the updating means.

Note that another example of the present invention may be a server or a terminal device included in the game system according to the above (1) to (18), and a computer of an information processing device may be used as each unit of the server or the terminal device. It may be an information processing program to function. Another example of the present invention may be an information processing method executed in the game system in the above (1) to (18).

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve convenience when a terminal acquires a plurality of contents.

A block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information processing system in the present embodiment Block diagram showing an example of server configuration The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of a terminal device The figure which shows an example of the state transition of the terminal device regarding the usable content The figure which shows an example of the flow of the process performed regarding the purchase of content in stage mode The figure which shows an example of a stage mode image Diagram showing an example of a purchase image The figure which shows an example of the flow of the process performed regarding the purchase of content in battle mode The figure which shows an example of a battle mode image The figure which shows an example of the charge amount in each state of a terminal device The figure which shows the relationship between the timing which performed the bulk purchase in the example of the charge amount shown in FIG. 10, and the payment amount at that time The figure which shows an example of the various information used for the process performed in a server The figure which shows an example of the various information used for the process performed in a terminal device The flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the process in a terminal device FIG. 14 is a sub-flowchart showing an example of a detailed flow of the purchase process in step S25 Flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing in the server

[1. Overall system configuration]
Hereinafter, an information processing system, a server, an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, and an information processing method according to the present embodiment will be described. First, the overall configuration of the information processing system according to the present embodiment and the configurations of a terminal device and a server included in the information processing system will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system includes a server 1 and a terminal device 2. These servers 1 or terminal devices 2 can be connected to a network 3 such as the Internet and / or a mobile communication network. The server 1 and the terminal device 2 can communicate with each other via the network 3.

The server 1 is a server for providing a service related to an application executed in the terminal device 2. In the present embodiment, the server 1 has a function as a game server for executing a game application in the terminal device 2. The server 1 provides an environment for executing a game application game on the terminal device 2. For example, the server 1 executes game processing as necessary in response to a request from the terminal device 2 that executes the game application, and transmits game data corresponding to the request to the terminal device 2 (see FIG. 1). .

The terminal device 2 is an example of an information processing device possessed by a user, and is, for example, a smartphone, a portable or stationary game device, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, or a wearable terminal. The terminal device 2 can execute a game application that the server 1 provides a service. In FIG. 1, only one terminal device 2 is shown, but the information processing system may include a plurality of terminal devices.

(Specific example of the configuration of the server 1)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the server 1. Each component included in the server 1 illustrated in FIG. 2 is realized by one or more information processing apparatuses. Here, in this specification, the “server” refers to one information processing apparatus (that is, a server apparatus), and a server apparatus group (that is, when the function of the server is realized by a plurality of server apparatuses (that is, a server apparatus). , Server system). That is, the “server” may be a server device or a server system. Note that the hardware configuration of the server 1 in the present embodiment may be the same as the hardware configuration for a conventional server.

As shown in FIG. 2, the server 1 includes a processing unit 11 and a storage unit 12. The processing unit 11 is electrically connected to the units 12 to 15 of the server 1. The processing unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is an example of a processor, and a memory. In the server 1, various types of information processing (for example, processing illustrated in FIG. 16) is executed by the CPU executing a program stored in the storage unit 12 using the memory. The storage unit 12 is an arbitrary storage device (also referred to as a storage medium) accessible by the processing unit 11. The storage unit 12 stores a program executed in the processing unit 11, data used for information processing by the processing unit 11, data obtained by the information processing, and the like. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 12 stores at least a program for game processing executed on the server side for game processing executed on the terminal device 2 (referred to as a “server-side game program”).

The server 1 includes a communication unit 13. The communication unit 13 has a function of connecting to the network 3 and communicating with other devices (for example, the terminal device 2) via the network 3. The server 1 also includes an input unit 14 and a display unit 15 as an input / output interface. For example, the server administrator uses the input / output interface when there is an update in the game provided by the server 1 (that is, the server-side game program and / or the game application executed in the terminal device 2). Work for the update.

(Specific example of the configuration of the terminal device 2)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the terminal device 2. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the terminal device 2 includes a processing unit 21 and a storage unit 22. The processing unit 21 is electrically connected to the units 22 to 25 of the terminal device 2. The processing unit 21 includes a CPU that is an example of a processor and a memory. In the terminal device 2, various types of information processing are executed when the CPU executes a program (including the above-described game application) stored in the storage unit 22 using a memory. The storage unit 22 stores a program executed in the processing unit 21, data used for information processing by the processing unit 21, data obtained by the information processing, and the like.

The terminal device 2 includes an input unit 23. The input unit 23 may be any input device that accepts input from the user. In the present embodiment, the input unit 23 includes a touch panel provided on the screen of the display unit 24 described later. The input unit 23 may include a button and / or an inertial sensor (for example, an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor) in addition to (or instead of) the touch panel.

The terminal device 2 includes a display unit 24. The display unit 24 displays an image (for example, a game image) generated by information processing executed in the processing unit 21 of the terminal device 2. Note that the terminal device 2 may include a speaker, a microphone, and / or a camera.

The terminal device 2 includes a communication unit 25. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 25 has a function of communicating by connecting to a mobile communication network (in other words, a mobile phone communication network). That is, the terminal device 2 (specifically, the processing unit 21) connects to the network 3 via the mobile communication network using the communication unit 25 (in other words, via the communication unit 25), It communicates with (for example, server 1 etc.). In addition, the structure of the communication part for the terminal device 2 to communicate via the network 3 is arbitrary. The communication unit 25 may have a function of connecting to a wireless LAN by a communication module that has received Wi-Fi authentication, for example. The communication unit 25 may have both a function for connecting to a mobile communication network and a function for connecting to a wireless LAN.

Note that the terminal device 2 may have another configuration in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, the terminal device 2 may have a function of performing communication by NFC and / or a function of detecting the position of the terminal device 2 (for example, a GPS function).

[2. Outline of processing in information processing system]
Next, an overview of processing executed in the information processing system will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, the case where the game application executed in the terminal device 2 includes a plurality of different contents in the game will be described as an example. More specifically, a case where the game application includes a plurality of different stages will be described as an example.

(2-1: Purchase of content)
First, a method for purchasing content included in a game application will be described. In the present embodiment, the game application service is provided by a so-called free-to-play or freemium fee system. That is, the user can download the game application to the terminal device 2 free of charge, and then can purchase content in the game. Here, in the present embodiment, the content to be purchased is a stage in the game. That is, the user can play the game application within the free range, and can play the game for the purchased stage by purchasing the stage (paid content).

The “stage” is a unit of game play, and may be referred to as “area”, “plane”, or “world”. Further, when a game includes a plurality of scenarios, it can be said that the scenario is a stage. A stage is typically a virtual game space used by a user to play a game. For example, in a game of a type in which a user operates a player character (for example, an action game), it can be said that a game space (also referred to as a map) in which the player character appears is a stage. Moreover, in a puzzle game, it can be said that the game space where a puzzle element is arrange | positioned is a stage.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the game application includes six stages. Although details will be described later, the user can purchase each stage individually, or can purchase all stages at once. Thus, in this embodiment, the convenience of the user regarding content purchase can be improved by providing two types of purchase methods of individual purchase and batch purchase.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of state transition (for the terminal device) regarding usable content. In the present embodiment, the terminal device 2 can take various states shown in FIG. 4 as states relating to content usable in the game application.

First, the game application is downloaded from the server 1 to the terminal device 2 and installed in the terminal device 2 according to, for example, a user instruction. As described above, in the present embodiment, the server 1 does not charge for downloading the application. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, a state in which a game application is installed in the terminal device 2 and content (that is, a stage) is not purchased is referred to as an “initial state”. Although details will be described later, in the initial state, the user can perform a trial play for a stage that has not been purchased.

In the initial state, the user can selectively perform individual purchase in which each of the six stages is purchased individually and collective purchase in which each stage is purchased in a lump. Here, in this embodiment, the order of the six stages included in the game application is determined in the order of the first to sixth stages, and the user can purchase the stages one by one in this order. . In the present embodiment, the above order is an order along the progress of the game, and in the following, the above order is referred to as “progression order”. In other embodiments, the order of the stages may not be determined. In the following, the state in which the content (that is, the stage) in the game application is partially usable as a result of the individual purchase is referred to as a “partial use state”. Specifically, a state in which n stages up to the nth stage (n is an integer of 1 to 6) can be used is referred to as an “nth partial use state”.

When the individual purchase is performed in the initial state, the game application of the terminal device 2 is in the first partial use state as shown in FIG. That is, the first stage (which is the first stage) among the six stages can be used by individual purchase. Thereby, the user can play the first stage (in other words, the game play using the first stage becomes possible). In the present embodiment, the user can play an unlimited number of games after purchase for the stages that can be used by purchase.

In the present embodiment, the game provided by the game application includes a mode in which each user plays each stage (referred to as “stage mode”) and a user plays the game in a battle format with other users. Mode (referred to as “battle mode”). Although details will be described later, in exchange for a battle ticket owned by the user in the game application (in other words, by consuming the battle ticket), the user plays the game in battle mode (hereinafter referred to as “battle play”). Can be performed). In the present embodiment, when a user makes the above-described individual purchase, a predetermined number (for example, 20) of battle tickets is given to the user. Therefore, when the game application of the terminal device 2 is in the first partial use state as a result of the individual purchase, the user can perform battle play (by the number corresponding to the assigned battle ticket) (see FIG. 4).

On the other hand, when the collective purchase is performed in the initial state, the terminal device 2 is in a fully used state as shown in FIG. The all use state is a state in which each of the six stages can be used and battle play can be performed without any limitation. In this way, when performing a batch purchase, the user can receive the same benefits as purchasing a game application (entire). In the present embodiment, when a collective purchase is performed, no further charge is imposed for using the game application, so that the user can use the game application with peace of mind.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the user can make an individual purchase even in the partial use state. In response to the individual purchase, the game application of the terminal device 2 transitions from the current partial use state to the next partial use state (that is, the partial use state in which one usable stage is increased). To do. For example, when an individual purchase is performed in the first partial use state, the game application of the terminal device 2 is in the second partial use state. That is, the second stage of the six stages can be used by individual purchase, and thereby the second stage can be used. Also, a predetermined number of battle tickets are given to the user by individual purchase performed in the partial use state. Therefore, in each partial use state, the user can perform battle play (by the number of times corresponding to the assigned battle ticket) (see FIG. 4).

Although details are not shown in FIG. 4, the application state of the terminal device 2 changes from the second partial usage state to the third partial usage state, the fourth partial usage state, according to repeated individual purchases. And a state changes sequentially to the 6th partial use state via the 5th partial state. As a result, the number of usable stages increases one by one. That is, in the nth (n is an integer from 1 to 6) partial use state, the first to nth stages can be used. In the sixth partial use state, six stages can be used, but (unlike the full use state) battle play cannot be performed indefinitely, and the number of battle plays corresponding to the assigned battle ticket is not possible. Is possible. When the individual purchase is performed in the sixth partial use state, the terminal device 2 is in the full use state, and it is possible to perform battle play without limitation (see FIG. 4).

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, it is possible to make a collective purchase even in the partial use state as in the initial state. That is, even in the partial use state, as in the initial state, the user can selectively perform individual purchase and bulk purchase. Therefore, in this embodiment, in any state, the user can use each content in a lump by lump purchase, so that the convenience of content purchase can be improved. For example, a user who has not decided to purchase in a batch at the initial stage can purchase a batch at that stage if he / she likes the game application at a stage after purchasing several stages and playing the game.

Further, in the present embodiment, the user can obtain a stage (more strictly, the right to use the stage) and a battle ticket by purchase. Here, it can be said that the stage is non-consumable content having a property that can be used without limitation after purchase. On the other hand, it can be said that the battle ticket is consumption-type content having a property of using itself (in other words, consuming) for game play. That is, in the present embodiment, a combination of non-consumable content (that is, a stage) and consumption content (that is, a battle ticket) is given to the user by purchase. According to this, a purchase willingness can be continued also to a user with a small willingness to purchase a new stage.

(Variation related to batch purchase timing)
In the above embodiment, the user can issue an individual purchase instruction in any of the partial use states (FIG. 4). Here, in another embodiment, in a predetermined partial use state, the user can only give a collective purchase instruction and may not be able to make an individual purchase. For example, the information processing system may accept both the individual purchase instruction and the collective purchase instruction in the initial state, and accept the collective purchase instruction without accepting the individual purchase instruction in the partial use state. That is, the user can make an individual purchase for the first stage and cannot make an individual purchase for the second to sixth stages. At this time, since the application of the terminal device 2 can only transition from the first partial use state to the full use state, unlike the above embodiment, the application of the terminal device 2 is in the second to sixth partial use states. It will never be. In another embodiment, the information processing system performs the individual purchase instruction and the collective purchase instruction in the initial state and the m-th partial use state (m is an integer smaller than the number of stages included in the game application). Both may be received, and in the (m + 1) th partial use state, a collective purchase instruction may be received and an individual purchase instruction may not be received.

In addition, when the individual purchase is possible for some of the plurality of stages as described above, the server 1 enables trial play for the stage that can be purchased individually, and the stage that cannot be purchased individually. May not allow trial play. For example, if the individual purchase is possible only for the first stage, the trial play may be possible for the first stage, and the trial play may not be possible for the other second to sixth stages. In this case, more specifically, the trial play may be possible for the first substage A of the first stage. According to this, the user can be motivated to make a batch purchase by making the user want to play the second to sixth stages where trial play is not possible.

In another embodiment, trial play may be possible for the first to sixth stages, even if individual purchase is possible only for the first stage. According to this, it is possible to allow the user to perform a trial play even on a stage where only collective purchase is possible.

(2-2: Process flow in information processing system)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9, an outline of a flow of processing executed regarding content purchase in the information processing system will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of processing executed regarding content purchase in the stage mode. In the present embodiment, the stage mode starts according to a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is arbitrary. For example, in the menu image or the battle mode image described later, the user is instructed to switch to the stage mode. When the stage mode is started, a stage mode image is displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal device 2 (step S1).

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stage mode image. In the present embodiment, the stage mode image includes a stage configuration image 31 representing the configuration of each stage included in the game. The stage configuration image 31 represents the stage configuration of six stages (that is, the substages included in the stage, and the order of the stages and substages). In the stage mode image shown in FIG. 6, the stage number is represented by a circle number.

Here, in the present embodiment, each of the six stages includes four sub-stages (here, sub-stages A to D) having a predetermined order for each stage. When the user clears one sub-stage, the user can proceed to the next sub-stage (that is, the next sub-stage can be played). In one stage, the user clears the substage in order from substage A to substage D. By clearing the substage D, the stage is cleared. In the above stage mode, the user mainly clears the first stage to the sixth stage in the order of progress and clears the sixth stage (specifically, the substage D of the sixth stage). As a game play. As shown in FIG. 6, the stage composition image 31 represents the order of clearing the stage and the substage.

In other embodiments, the order in which the stages and / or substages should be cleared may not be defined. At this time, the user may freely select a stage (or substage) to be played.

As shown in FIG. 6, the stage composition image 31 includes a substage image 32 representing a substage. In FIG. 6, a total of 24 substage images are shown, but only the substage image representing the first stage substage D is given a reference numeral for the purpose of making the drawing easier to see. The substage image 32 is displayed so as to represent the above-described order of progression (in a manner connected in FIG. 6 by arrows).

FIG. 6 shows a stage mode image in the first partial use state (that is, the state where only the first stage can be used). In FIG. 6, the substage image representing the substage included in the first stage that can be used is displayed in a form with marks (ie, “A” to “D”) representing the substage. . On the other hand, the sub-stage images representing the sub-stages included in the second to sixth stages that cannot be used are displayed in a mode in which the above mark is not added (specifically, a mode in which “?” Is added). . Thereby, the user can easily distinguish and recognize the usable stage and the unusable stage. Thus, in the present embodiment, the stage configuration image 31 represents each stage in such a manner that it can be distinguished whether or not it is a usable stage (and sub-stage). In addition, what kind of thing may be sufficient as the specific example of the aspect which can distinguish whether it can be used or not. For example, in other embodiments, substage images representing usable substages may be displayed in a colored manner. Further, for example, an image representing a stage (a circled number image in FIG. 6) may be displayed in a manner that can distinguish whether or not the image can be used.

Further, the stage composition image 31 includes a current position mark 33. The current position mark 33 is displayed to indicate a substage to be cleared next by the user. That is, the current position mark 33 is displayed at the position of the substage image representing the next substage to be cleared by the user.

In this embodiment, the user can play a substage before the substage indicated by the current position mark 33. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the substage is included in a stage that can be used by purchase, there may be a substage that cannot be played at that time. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the sub-stage D of the first stage is a sub-stage that can be used by purchase, but is a sub-stage that cannot be played yet at the time of the example shown in FIG. Thus, in this specification, “content can be used” means that the user has a right to use the content, and depending on the game situation, game play using the content is possible. You may not be able to do that. In other embodiments, usable stages (and sub-stages) may be playable unconditionally. For example, when the order in which the stages are to be cleared is not set, the certain stage may be made playable only on the condition that a certain stage becomes usable.

In addition, although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the user can perform a trial play under a predetermined restriction for unusable content. In other words, “content can be used” means that in a case where unusable content can be used under a predetermined restriction, the content can be used without the predetermined restriction.

As shown in FIG. 6, the stage mode image includes

mode switching images

34 and 35 for giving an instruction to switch the game mode. Specifically, the mode switching image 34 represents switching to the stage mode, and the mode switching image 35 represents switching to the battle mode. In the stage configuration image 31, the mode switching image 34 corresponding to the stage mode is displayed in a mode (indicated by hatching in FIG. 6) indicating that the current mode is the stage mode. Moreover, in the stage composition image 31, the mode switching image 35 corresponding to the battle mode can be specified, and the game mode is set to the battle mode in accordance with an operation for specifying the mode switching image 35 (that is, an operation to touch). Can be switched to.

Returning to the description of FIG. 5, in the state where the stage mode image is displayed on the terminal device 2, when an operation specified by the substage image representing the playable substage is performed by the user, the game of the substage starts. (Step S2). The “playable substage” is a substage before the substage to be cleared next, specifically, a substage before the substage represented by the current position mark 33. In the present embodiment, even if the substage is usable, the user cannot specify a substage image representing a substage that is not playable. That is, the terminal device 2 does not accept an instruction for the substage image, and the game is not started even when the substage image is touched.

On the other hand, when an operation for specifying a substage image representing a substage that cannot be used (that is, a substage image with “?”) Is performed by the user, a purchase image is displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal device 2. Is displayed (step S3). The purchase image is an image for performing individual purchase and batch purchase of the stage.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a purchase image. As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the purchase image includes a trial instruction image 41 for giving a trial play instruction. The trial instruction image 41 includes an image representing a sub-stage to be trial-played (in FIG. 7, “2-A” image representing the second stage sub-stage A). Note that the sub-stage that is the target of the trial play is the sub-stage designated at the time of switching to the purchase image, in other words, the sub-stage designated by the designation operation that triggered the switch to the purchase image. Note that it is not necessary that trial play is possible for all substages. For example, in another embodiment, a trial play may be possible only for the first substage in each stage.

In the state where the purchase image is displayed, when an operation for specifying the trial instruction image 41 is performed by the user, the game is started in the trial play for the specified substage (step S4 shown in FIG. 5). Here, the trial play is a game play that is more restricted than the game play when the substage becomes usable. The specific content of the trial play is arbitrary. For example, in the trial play in the present embodiment, only a part of the substage may be playable, or may be playable only for a predetermined time (for example, only for 15 seconds). Further, in the trial play, there may be a restriction that a specific character does not appear, or even if it is cleared, it cannot proceed to the next substage (that is, it is not considered cleared). For example, in another embodiment, for the first sub-stage A in one stage, the entire sub-stage A may be made available for trial play. This is an example of a mode in which only a part of the stage can be played in the mode of trial play, and a mode in which a restriction is imposed that even if cleared, it cannot proceed to the next substage. It can also be an example.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the purchase image includes an individual purchase instruction image 42 for performing an individual purchase instruction. In the present embodiment, the individual purchase instruction image 42 includes the following images.
A stage image 42a representing a stage to be purchased (that is, a stage including a designated sub-stage, which is the second stage in FIG. 7).
-Amount image 42b representing the purchase amount (500 yen in FIG. 7)
-An image showing the amount of battle tickets given according to the purchase (in FIG. 7, the message “Battle Ticket 20 Present”)
When performing an individual purchase regarding the stage indicated by the individual purchase instruction image 42, the user performs an operation of designating the individual purchase instruction image 42.

In the state where the purchase image is displayed, when an operation for designating the individual purchase instruction image 42 is performed by the user, among the unusable stages, the stage with the earliest order of the above-mentioned progression order can be used. The setting is changed (step S5 shown in FIG. 5). Therefore, after that, when the stage mode image is displayed, the sub-stage images representing the respective sub-stages included in the stage are displayed in a manner indicating that they can be used. Further, when an operation for designating the individual purchase instruction image 42 is performed by the user, a predetermined number (20 in this case) of battle tickets is given to the user.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the purchase image includes a collective purchase instruction image 43 for performing a collective purchase instruction. In the present embodiment, the collective purchase instruction image 43 includes the following images.
A stage image 43a representing the stages to be purchased (that is, all six stages)
-Amount image 43b representing the purchase amount (2900 yen in FIG. 7)
-Image showing notification that game play in battle mode will be unlimited (in Fig. 7, message "Unlimited battle!")
When performing batch purchase, the user performs an operation of specifying the batch purchase instruction image 43. The stage image 43a representing each stage represents each stage in such a manner that it can be distinguished whether or not the stage has already been purchased at that time. In the example shown in FIG. 7, since the first stage has been purchased, the image representing the stage is represented by translucent (indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 7) and “purchased”. For the stages other than the first stage, an image representing the stage is represented (opaque). In other embodiments, the stage image 43a may include only an image representing a stage that has not been purchased.

In the state where the purchase image is displayed, when an operation for designating the collective purchase instruction image 43 is performed by the user, the setting is changed so that all six stages included in the game can be used (FIG. 5). Step S6). Therefore, after that, when the stage mode image is displayed, the substage images representing the substages included in all the stages are displayed in a manner indicating that they can be used. In addition, when an operation for designating the batch purchase instruction image 43 is performed by the user, the setting is changed so that battle play can be performed without limitation.

Note that, as described above, in this embodiment, a certain stage (and sub-stage) can be played on the condition that the progression order has cleared the stage preceding the stage. On the other hand, regarding the purchase of a stage, it is not a condition that the stage is cleared, and it is possible to purchase a certain stage even if the stage prior to a certain stage is not cleared. Thus, in this embodiment, it is easy to purchase a stage by increasing the opportunities for the user to purchase the stage.

Further, regarding the purchase image shown in FIG. 7, since all stages are already usable in the sixth partial use state, there is no need for trial play, so the purchase image displayed in the sixth partial use state is The trial instruction image 41 is not included. Further, in the sixth partial use state, the purchase target is substantially the same for the individual purchase and the collective purchase. In other words, both purchase targets are the right to perform unlimited battle play. Therefore, the purchase image displayed in the sixth partial use state does not include the collective purchase instruction image 43. Therefore, in the sixth partial use state, unlike step S3 shown in FIG. 5, exceptionally, only the individual purchase instruction is accepted, and the trial play instruction and the collective purchase instruction are not accepted. In other embodiments, the purchase image displayed in the sixth partial use state may include the batch purchase instruction image 43 instead of the individual purchase instruction image 42. At this time, the processing executed when the batch purchase instruction image 43 is designated is the same as the processing executed when the individual purchase instruction image 42 is designated in the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of processing executed regarding content purchase in the battle mode. In the present embodiment, the battle mode starts according to a predetermined condition. Although the predetermined condition is arbitrary, for example, the user is instructed to switch to the battle mode in the menu image or the stage mode image. When the battle mode is started, a battle mode image is displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal device 2 (step S11).

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a battle mode image. As shown in FIG. 9, the battle mode image includes a player image 51, a battle player image 52, and a start instruction image 53. The own player image 51 represents information related to the user of the terminal device 2 (in other words, the player). For example, the user name, the player character used by the user, and / or the rate set by the user regarding the battle play, etc. Represents. The rate is an index indicating, for example, the skill of the user (in other words, the level), and may be determined so as to increase when the battle is won and to decrease when the battle is lost. The battle player image 52 represents information related to a user (in other words, a player) who is the opponent of the user of the terminal device 2, for example, the same type of information as the player image 51. For example, the user determines whether or not to start game play with the battle player with reference to the player image 51 and the battle player image 52. The start instruction image 53 is an image for giving a start instruction for starting a battle game play. The battle mode image may include an image representing a plurality of opponent candidates, and the user may be able to specify an opponent from the plurality of candidates.

Also, the battle mode image includes

mode switching images

34 and 35 as in the case of the stage mode image (see FIG. 9). In the battle mode image, the mode switching image 35 corresponding to the battle mode is displayed in a mode indicating that the current mode is the battle mode (a mode indicated by hatching in FIG. 9). Further, in the battle mode image, a mode switching image 34 corresponding to the stage mode can be designated, and the game mode is switched to the stage mode in accordance with an operation for designating the mode switching image 34.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the start instruction is made in the battle mode image, the battle mode game is started if the battle play is possible (step S12). In addition, the “state where battle play is possible” means that the user owns a battle ticket (the number required for battle play) or the restriction of battle play is released (that is, unlimited battle play) Can be performed).

On the other hand, in the battle mode image, when the start instruction is made, if the battle play is not possible, the purchase image is displayed (step S13). The “state incapable of battle play” is a state in which the restriction on battle play is not lifted and the user does not have a battle ticket (the number required for battle play).

Here, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the user cannot perform a trial play, unlike the stage mode, with respect to battle play. Therefore, the purchase image displayed in step S13 does not include the trial instruction image 41 (and includes the individual purchase instruction image 42 and the collective purchase instruction image 43). That is, in a state where a purchase image is displayed in the battle mode, the user can issue an individual purchase instruction and a collective purchase instruction. In another embodiment, a trial play may be possible even in a battle play, and at this time, the purchase image may include a trial instruction image 41. In another embodiment, a battle ticket may be given free of charge in the initial state, and thereby, a trial play in the battle mode may be enabled (number of times corresponding to the battle ticket).

When the user designates the individual purchase instruction image 42 in the state where the purchase image is displayed, the setting change process similar to the above step S5 is executed (step S14 shown in FIG. 8). On the other hand, when the user performs an operation for designating the collective purchase instruction image 43 in a state where the purchase image is displayed, a setting change process similar to step S6 is executed (step S15 shown in FIG. 8). By the process of step S14 or S15, the terminal device 2 is in a state where battle play is possible. Therefore, in the battle mode, the game in the battle mode may be started (step S12) following the process of step S14 or S15.

Note that the purchase image displayed in the battle mode does not include the collective purchase instruction image 43 in the sixth partial use state, similarly to the purchase image in the stage mode. That is, unlike the step S13 shown in FIG. 8, in the sixth partial use state, only the individual purchase instruction image 42 is exceptionally received and the collective purchase instruction is not accepted.

(2-3: Content purchase price)
As described above, in the present embodiment, the user can selectively perform individual purchase and collective purchase both in the initial state and in the partial use state. Here, the fee charged for the purchase of the content (that is, the stage) differs in each state, and is set as described below in the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charge amount in each state (specifically, an initial state or a partial use state) of the terminal device. As shown in FIG. 10, in the initial state, the charge amount for individual purchase (that is, the consideration for the first stage) is set to 200 yen, and the charge amount for collective purchase is set to 3000 yen. In the first to fifth partial use states, the charge amount for individual purchase (that is, the price for one of the second to sixth stages) is set to 500 yen. Further, in the first to fifth partial use states, the charge amount for the collective purchase is set so as to gradually become cheaper as the partial use state step proceeds (in other words, as the number of individual purchases increases). . Specifically, each time the partial usage state advances by one stage, the charge for the collective purchase is reduced by 400 yen. Further, in the sixth partial use state, the charge amount for the individual purchase (that is, the price for making the battle play unlimited) is set to 1000 yen.

In other embodiments, there may be no consideration for unlimited battle play. For example, the terminal device 2 may be in the full use state in response to the individual purchase being made in the fifth partial use state.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the consideration for the first individual purchase (that is, the charge amount, specifically 200 yen) is the consideration for the second and subsequent individual purchases (specifically, 500 yen). ) Is set smaller. According to this, it is possible to give a motivation to purchase content for a trial to a user who purchases content for the first time, and to prompt the user to use the content. In other embodiments, the consideration for each individual purchase from the beginning to a predetermined number of times may be set smaller than the consideration for individual purchases thereafter. In other embodiments, the consideration for the first stage may be omitted. That is, the first stage may be content that can be used free of charge. In other embodiments, the consideration for the first individual purchase may be the same as the consideration for the second and subsequent individual purchases.

In another embodiment, for a predetermined period (for example, one week) after the individual purchase is performed, the consideration for the next individual purchase and / or bulk purchase may be reduced. For example, when the first individual purchase is made from the initial state, the charge amount for the individual purchase may be discounted from 500 yen to 300 yen in the first partial use state for a predetermined period from the first individual purchase. Further, the billing amount for the collective purchase may be discounted from 2900 yen to 2800 yen.

Further, in the present embodiment, the consideration for the collective purchase changes according to the number of individual purchases made until the collective purchase is performed. Specifically, the greater the number of individual purchases, the smaller the consideration for collective purchase. According to this, even after several individual purchases, the user can be motivated to make a batch purchase, and the user can be motivated to use all the contents.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a relationship between the timing of performing the bulk purchase and the total payment amount at that time in the example of the charge amount shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, when the bulk purchase is performed in the initial state, the individual purchases made so far by the user are 0 times, so that the terminal device 2 is in a fully used state. The total amount charged (in other words, the total amount charged to the user until the entire use state is reached) is 3000 yen. In addition, when the batch purchase is performed in the initial state, the individual purchase that the user has made so far is one time, and the charge amount for the individual purchase is 200 yen. In this case, the charge amount for the collective purchase is 2900 yen, and the charge amount in this case is 3100 yen. When the total amount of charge is calculated in the same manner as described above, as shown in FIG. 11, the total amount of charge when the bulk purchase is performed in the partial use state is calculated at each stage from the first partial use state to the fifth partial use state. The price increases by 100 yen per stage. In addition, the total charge amount when the collective purchase is performed in the sixth partial use state is 200 yen, which is 200 yen higher than the total charge amount when the collective purchase is performed in the fifth partial use state.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the consideration for setting the terminal device 2 to the full use state changes according to the timing at which the bulk purchase is performed (in other words, the number of times the individual purchase is performed). . Specifically, the earlier the timing at which the collective purchase is performed (in other words, the smaller the number of individual purchases), the smaller the consideration for setting the terminal device 2 to the full use state. According to this, it is possible to give the user the motivation to make a batch purchase at an early timing, and to give the user the motivation to be able to use all the content at an early stage. In another embodiment, the total amount charged when a single purchase is made after a certain number of individual purchases is the case where the purchase is made after a single individual purchase is made more than the certain number of times. It is not always necessary to be different from the total charge amount of, and may be the same. For example, in another embodiment, until the individual purchase is performed three times, the total amount charged for setting the terminal device 2 to the full use state may be the same.

[3. Specific example of processing executed in information processing system]
Next, specific examples of processing executed in the information processing system will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of various information used for processing executed in the server 1. Various types of information illustrated in FIG. 12 are stored in the storage unit 12 of the server 1, for example.

As shown in FIG. 12, the storage unit 12 stores application information related to the game application. The application information includes fee information and stage information.

The fee information indicates the fee for the above content (here, stage). In other words, the charge information indicates a price for making the content usable. Specifically, the charge information includes information indicating the charge amount for the collective purchase and the individual purchase shown in FIG.

In other embodiments, fee information may be changed according to a predetermined condition being satisfied. For example, as described above, in the case where the charge amount for the individual purchase and / or the bulk purchase to be performed next is discounted after the predetermined period elapses after the individual purchase is performed, the server 1 performs the individual purchase. Depending on what has been received, the fee information may be changed to indicate the discounted amount. At this time, in response to the elapse of the predetermined period, the server 1 may perform a change to return the charge information. When the fee information is changed, the server 1 may set the fee information for each user (for example, the fee information is stored in association with the user information).

Stage information is information relating to the above-described stage, and is information used to execute a game process using the stage. In the present embodiment, the stage information includes first to sixth basic stage information corresponding to each of the first to sixth stages. The storage unit 12 stores the first to sixth basic stage information so as to be able to specify the above-mentioned progression order regarding the basic stage information. That is, the storage unit 12 stores information that can specify the order set for the stage. The stage information includes first to sixth additional stage information associated with each piece of information of the first to sixth basic stage information. Note that the n-th (n is an integer from 1 to 6) basic stage information and the n-th additional stage information are used to execute game processing using the n-th stage, respectively.

Specifically, the basic stage information includes, for example, information indicating the game space of the stage and / or information indicating characters appearing on the stage. The additional stage information may be, for example, information related to a part of the stage. When the basic stage information is encrypted, the additional stage information is used to decrypt the encrypted basic stage information in the terminal device 2. Information (for example, key information). Further, the additional stage information may be a combination of information regarding a part of the stage and information used for decoding the basic stage information. Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, game processing using a stage becomes possible by using basic stage information and additional stage information.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the storage unit 12 stores user information related to a game played by the user. This user information is information related to a user who is registered as a person who receives a service provided by the server 1 (a service related to a game application in the present embodiment). The storage unit 12 stores user information for each registered user. As shown in FIG. 12, the user information includes use permission / inhibition information, battle restriction information, and balance information.

The availability information is information indicating whether each stage is usable or not for each stage. In the present embodiment, the availability information indicates whether or not each of the first to sixth stages is usable.

Battle restriction information is information related to battle play restrictions, and indicates, for example, the presence or absence of restrictions and / or conditions relating to restrictions. In the present embodiment, the battle limit information includes ticket number information and battle limit flag information. The ticket number information indicates the number of battle tickets owned by the user in the game. The battle limit flag information indicates whether the battle limit flag is on or off. Here, the state where the battle restriction flag is on is a state where battle play is restricted (that is, a state where battle play is impossible without a battle ticket). Further, the state where the battle restriction flag is off is a state where battle play is not restricted (that is, a state where battle play is possible even without a battle ticket).

The balance information is information indicating the balance of the amount that the user can use for payment in the service provided by the server 1. The user can add the balance by depositing in advance by any method such as a prepaid card or card settlement. Note that a method for adding a balance by the user by depositing is arbitrary, and a method similar to the conventional method may be used. Note that the balance information may indicate the balance of the actual currency, or may indicate the balance of points (in other words, virtual currency) that can be used in the service. The amount indicated by the balance information is not limited to the amount that can be used for payment related to the game application, but may be the amount that can be used for payment related to other applications provided by the server 1.

In addition, here, as an example of a payment method in which the user pays the amount of money for the content, a method of depositing the above amount in advance is illustrated, but the payment method is arbitrary, and the same method as in the past is used. May be. For example, in this embodiment, a method by credit card settlement may be used, or a method by so-called carrier settlement may be used.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of various types of information used for processing executed in the terminal device 2. Various information illustrated in FIG. 13 is stored in the storage unit 22 of the terminal device 2, for example.

As shown in FIG. 13, the storage unit 22 stores application information related to the game application. Note that the content stored in the terminal device 2 as application information and the content stored in the server 1 do not necessarily match. In the present embodiment, the application information stored in the terminal device 2 includes basic stage information. The basic stage information stored in the terminal device 2 is the same as the basic stage information stored in the server 1. The basic stage information is downloaded together with the program when the game application program is downloaded from the server 1 to the terminal device 2, and is stored in the storage unit 22 when the game application is installed.

Also, the application information stored in the terminal device 2 includes additional stage information depending on the situation. The additional stage information stored in the terminal device 2 is the same as the additional stage information stored in the server 1. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the additional stage information is not stored in the terminal device 2 in the initial state, and when the stage becomes usable, the additional stage information related to the stage is transmitted from the server 1 to the terminal device. 2 and stored in the terminal device 2.

Although not shown, the application information stored in the server 1 and the terminal device 2 are all information used for executing game processing in the battle mode (for example, information indicating the game space in the battle mode, and Information on characters appearing in the game space). In the terminal device 2, this information is stored in the storage unit 22 when the game application is installed, like the basic stage information.

Also, the application information stored in the storage unit 22 includes the above-described useability information, battle restriction information, and balance information. The contents of these pieces of information are updated so as to be synchronized with the availability information, battle restriction information, and balance information stored in the server 1.

(Specific example of processing executed in terminal device 2)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing (described as “terminal processing”) in the terminal device 2. Note that the series of processing shown in FIG. 14 is started in response to the start of execution of the game application program in the terminal device 2. In the present embodiment, the processing unit 21 (specifically, the CPU) of the terminal device 2 will be described as executing the processing of each step shown in FIG. 14 (and FIG. 15). The processing of this step may be executed by a processor other than the CPU or a dedicated circuit.

Further, the processing of each step in the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 (the same applies to the flowcharts in FIGS. 15 and 16 described later) is merely an example, and if the same result is obtained, the processing order of each step is changed. In addition to (or instead of) the process of each step, another process may be executed.

Also, the processing unit of the terminal device 2 or the server 1 executes each process shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 using a memory (or storage unit). That is, the processing unit stores information (in other words, data) obtained in each processing step in a memory, and when using the information in subsequent processing steps, reads the information from the memory and uses it. In addition, in the processes shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, when information is transmitted from the own device to another apparatus, the processing unit transmits the information using the communication unit (in other words, transmits information to the communication unit). )

In the terminal processing shown in FIG. 14, first, in step S21, the processing unit 21 displays a stage mode image (FIG. 6) on the display unit 24 (step S1 shown in FIG. 5). By displaying the stage mode image, an instruction to start the game play of the usable substage (step S2 shown in FIG. 5), an instruction to display the purchase image (step S3 shown in FIG. 5), and mode switching Instructions are accepted. In another embodiment, the processing unit 21 first displays a menu image on the display unit 24 after the game application is started, and then the stage mode according to a mode switching instruction performed by the user on the menu image. An image may be displayed on the display unit 24. Following step S21, the process of step S22 is executed.

In step S22, the processing unit 21 determines whether or not to start a game in the stage mode (in other words, whether or not an instruction to start a game play of a usable substage is given). That is, the processing unit 21 executes a first determination process for determining whether an operation for designating a substage image has been performed on the stage mode image. Specifically, the processing unit 21 acquires input information (for example, information indicating a touch position by the user) indicating input to the input unit 23 from the input unit 23. Then, the processing unit 21 determines whether or not the operation (for example, an operation for touching the substage image) has been performed based on the acquired input information.

When it is determined that the operation has been performed in the first determination process, the processing unit 21 determines whether or not the substage represented by the designated substage image is included in an available stage. Execute the process. Note that the second determination process can be performed based on whether or not additional stage information corresponding to the stage including the substage represented by the designated substage image is stored in the storage unit 22. In another embodiment, the availability information (FIG. 12) may be stored in the terminal device 2, and the second determination process may be performed by referring to the availability information.

When the determination results of the first determination process and the second determination process are both affirmative, the determination result of step S22 is affirmative, and when at least one of the determination results of the first determination process and the second determination process is negative, The determination result in step S22 is negative. If the determination result of step S22 is affirmative, the process of step S23 is executed. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S22 is negative, a process of step S24 described later is executed.

In step S23, the processing unit 21 executes a game process for game play in the stage mode (step S2 shown in FIG. 5). That is, the processing unit 21 executes the game process using the basic stage information and the additional stage information stored in the storage unit 22. Thereby, the user can play the game of the designated stage (specifically, the substage designated in the stage mode image).

Note that the terminal device 2 may be able to execute the game process in step S23 without starting communication with the server 1 after starting the game application. That is, even if the terminal device 2 is not in an environment where communication with the server 1 is possible, the user may be able to play a game in the stage mode. In this embodiment, the user purchases the right to use the stage, which is non-consumable content, and therefore it is convenient for the user that the stage can be used regardless of the communication environment of the terminal device 2 after the purchase. is there. Therefore, the terminal device 2 may be able to execute the game process using the (purchased) stage without using the communication with the server 1 as a condition.

In step S23, when the game of the substage designated by the user is finished (for example, when the user clears the substage, the game is over, or the user gives an end instruction) The unit 21 ends the process of step S23. After step S23, the process of step S21 is executed again.

On the other hand, in step S24, the processing unit 21 determines whether or not to display the purchase image (in other words, whether or not an instruction to display the purchase image has been issued). That is, in the second determination process of step S22, the processing unit 21 does not include the substage represented by the designated substage image in the usable stage (in other words, in the unusable stage). ) Is determined. If the determination result of step S24 is affirmative, the process of step S25 is executed. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S24 is negative, a process of step S26 described later is executed.

In step S25, the processing unit 21 executes a purchase process. The purchase process is a process for receiving a purchase instruction from the user in a state where a purchase image is displayed on the display unit 24. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 15, the details of the process in the purchase process will be described.

FIG. 15 is a sub-flowchart showing an example of a detailed flow of the purchase process in step S25 shown in FIG. In the purchase process, first, in step S41, the processing unit 21 displays a purchase image (FIG. 7) on the display unit 24 (step S3 shown in FIG. 5). As a result, the trial play instruction, the individual purchase instruction, and the collective purchase instruction described above are accepted. Following step S41, the process of step S42 is executed.

In step S42, the processing unit 21 determines whether or not a trial play instruction has been performed. That is, the processing unit 21 acquires the input information from the input unit 23, and whether or not a trial play instruction operation (that is, an operation of touching the trial instruction image 41) is performed based on the acquired input information. Determine. When the determination result of step S42 is affirmative, the process of step S43 is executed. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S42 is negative, a process of step S44 described later is executed.

In step S43, the processing unit 21 executes a game process for trial play (step S4 shown in FIG. 5). That is, the processing unit 21 executes the game process using the basic stage information stored in the storage unit 22. Accordingly, the user can perform a trial play related to the designated stage (specifically, the substage designated in the stage mode image). In addition, when the game in the trial play of the sub-stage designated by the user is finished (for example, the play time in which the trial play is possible elapses, the player character clears the area in which the trial play is possible, or When the user gives an end instruction), the processing unit 21 ends the process of step S43. After step S43, the processing unit 21 ends the purchase process.

In step S43, the processing unit 21 executes the game process without using additional stage information (that is, using only basic stage information). In other words, the trial play can be executed using only the basic stage information, and the additional stage information does not include information necessary for the trial play. For example, in the trial play, when only a part of the substage can be played, the additional stage information may include information regarding a part different from the part. In addition, when the additional stage information is key information for decrypting the encrypted basic stage information, the portion used in the trial play in the basic stage information may be stored without being encrypted. .

In step S44, the processing unit 21 determines whether or not a purchase instruction has been issued. That is, the processing unit 21 acquires the input information from the input unit 23, and operates an individual purchase instruction or a collective purchase instruction based on the acquired input information (that is, the individual purchase instruction image 42 or the collective purchase instruction image 43). It is determined whether or not an operation of touching is performed. If the determination result of step S44 is affirmative, the process of step S45 is executed. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S44 is negative, the process of step S42 is executed. Thereafter, the processing unit 21 repeatedly executes a series of processes of steps S42 and S44, for example, at a rate of once per predetermined time until the determination result of step S42 or S44 becomes affirmative.

In step S45, the processing unit 21 makes a purchase request to the server 1. That is, the processing unit 21 generates purchase request information indicating a purchase request, and transmits the purchase request information to the server 1 via the communication unit 25 (in other words, using the communication unit 25). The purchase request information includes information indicating whether the purchase instruction is an individual purchase instruction or a collective purchase instruction. Moreover, purchase request information contains the user identification information which can identify the user (or terminal device 2) which concerns on a purchase request. In another embodiment, when the user can specify content to be purchased by individual purchase, the purchase request information includes information indicating the content to be purchased. Following the process of step S45, the process of step S46 is executed.

Although details will be described later, in response to the purchase request by the process of step S45, the server 1 transmits additional stage information regarding the stage corresponding to the purchase request to the terminal device 2 (steps S56 and S61 shown in FIG. 16).

In step S46, the processing unit 21 receives the additional stage information transmitted from the server 1 via the communication unit 25. In addition, the processing unit 21 stores the received additional stage information in the storage unit 22. Thereby, the stage corresponding to the purchase request in step S45 can be used. After the process of step S46, the processing unit 21 ends the purchase process.

Returning to the description of FIG. 14, after the purchase process shown in FIG. 15, the processing unit 21 executes the process of step S21 again. That is, after the purchase operation is performed on the purchase image, the stage mode image is displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal device 2.

On the other hand, in step S26, the processing unit 21 determines whether or not a mode switching instruction has been performed on the stage mode image. That is, the processing unit 21 acquires the input information from the input unit 23, and performs a mode switching instruction operation (that is, an operation of touching the mode switching image 35 representing the battle mode) based on the acquired input information. It is determined whether or not If the determination result of step S26 is affirmative, the process of step S27 is executed. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S26 is negative, the process of step S22 is executed again. Thereafter, until the determination result in any one of the determination processes in steps S22 to S26 becomes affirmative, the series of processes in steps S22 to S26 is repeatedly executed at a rate of, for example, once every predetermined time.

In step S27, the processing unit 21 displays the battle mode image (FIG. 9) on the display unit 24 (step S11 shown in FIG. 8). By displaying the battle mode image, a start instruction for starting the battle play and a mode switching instruction are accepted. Following step S27, the process of step S28 is executed.

In step S28, the processing unit 21 determines whether or not to start a battle play game. That is, the processing unit 21 acquires the input information from the input unit 23, and whether or not the start instruction operation (that is, an operation of touching the start instruction image 53) is performed based on the acquired input information. A third determination process for determining the above is executed. Further, when it is determined in the third determination process that the operation of the start instruction has been performed, the processing unit 21 is in a state where battle play is possible (specifically, a state where the user owns a battle ticket, or A fourth determination process is performed to determine whether or not the restriction of battle play is released.

The specific determination method of the fourth determination process is arbitrary. For example, when the battle limit information is also stored in the terminal device 2 so as to be synchronized with the battle limit information stored in the server 1, the processing unit 21 performs the fourth determination process by referring to the battle limit information. be able to. Further, for example, the terminal device 2 may make a request to the server 1 to confirm whether or not battle play is possible. At this time, the server 1 refers to the battle restriction information stored in the storage unit 12 to determine whether battle play is possible, and transmits information indicating the determined result to the terminal device 2. Also good. By receiving the information, the terminal device 2 can perform the fourth determination process.

When the determination results of the third determination process and the fourth determination process are both affirmative, the determination result of step S28 is affirmative, and when at least one of the determination results of the third determination process and the fourth determination process is negative, The determination result in step S28 is negative. If the determination result of step S28 is affirmative, the process of step S29 is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S28 is negative, the process of step S30 described later is executed again.

In step S29, the processing unit 21 executes a game process for battle play (step S12 shown in FIG. 8). That is, the processing unit 21 executes the game process using the application information stored in the storage unit 22. Thereby, the user can perform a battle play. In addition, when battle play is complete | finished (for example, when the time limit of battle | competition passes, a match of a battle | competition is attached, or a user gives completion | finish instruction | indication), the process part 21 performs the process of step S29. finish. After step S29, the process of step S27 is executed again.

Although not shown, the terminal device 2 notifies the server 1 when a game process for battle play is executed. In response to the notification, the server 1 executes a process of subtracting the battle ticket. Specifically, the server 1 indicates a numerical value obtained by subtracting a predetermined number (specifically, the number of tickets necessary for one battle play) from the pre-update ticket number information stored in the storage unit 22. Update ticket number information.

In step S30, the processing unit 21 determines whether or not to display a purchase image. That is, the processing unit 21 determines whether or not it is determined in the fourth determination process in step S28 that the battle play is not possible. If the determination result of step S30 is affirmative, the process of step S31 is executed. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S30 is negative, a process of step S32 described later is executed.

In step S31, the processing unit 21 executes a purchase process. The purchase process in step S31 differs from the process in step S25 in that the battle mode image does not include the trial instruction image 41 (therefore, the processes in steps S42 and S43 shown in FIG. 15 are not executed). Except for the above points, the purchase process in step S31 is the same as the process in step S25. By the process of step S31, the purchase image is displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal device 2 in the battle mode (step S13 shown in FIG. 8). After step S31, the process of step S27 is executed again.

In the purchase process of step S25 or S31, when the terminal device 2 is in the sixth partial use state, only the individual purchase instruction is accepted, and the collective purchase instruction is not accepted. Therefore, in the purchase process in this case, a purchase image that does not include the batch purchase instruction image 43 is displayed in step S41.

On the other hand, in step S32, the processing unit 21 determines whether or not a mode switching instruction is performed in the battle mode image. That is, the processing unit 21 acquires the input information from the input unit 23, and performs a mode switching instruction operation (that is, an operation of touching the mode switching image 34 representing the stage mode) based on the acquired input information. It is determined whether or not If the determination result of step S32 is affirmative, the process of step S21 is executed. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S32 is negative, the process of step S28 is executed again. Thereafter, until the determination result in any of the determination processes in steps S28 to S32 becomes affirmative, the series of determination processes in steps S28 to S32 is repeatedly executed, for example, once every predetermined time.

Note that the terminal process shown in FIG. 14 ends in response to an instruction from the user to end the execution of the game application. The above instruction may be received at any timing during the execution of the terminal process. For example, the instruction may be received in a state where a menu image (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 24, a stage mode image and / or a battle. The mode image may be received in a state displayed on the display unit 24. Further, the game application may include a game mode other than the stage mode and the battle mode. At this time, in the terminal process, a process corresponding to the game mode is executed.

(Specific example of processing executed in server 1)
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing (described as “server processing”) in the server 1. Note that the series of processes shown in FIG. 16 is continuously executed during the operation of the server 1. In the present embodiment, the processing unit 11 (specifically, the CPU) of the server 1 executes the processing of each step shown in FIG. 16 by executing the server-side game program described above. However, in other embodiments, the processing of some steps in the flowchart may be executed by a processor other than the CPU or a dedicated circuit.

In the server process shown in FIG. 16, first, in step S <b> 51, the processing unit 11 receives a request from the terminal device 2. That is, the processing unit 11 confirms whether request information indicating a request from the terminal device 2 has been received by the communication unit 13, and receives the request information from the communication unit 13 if there is received request information. Following step S51, the process of step S52 is executed.

In step S52, the processing unit 11 determines whether or not there has been an individual purchase request from the terminal device 2. That is, the processing unit 11 determines whether or not the request information received in step S51 is purchase request information indicating an individual purchase instruction. If the result of the determination process in step S52 is affirmative, the process in step S53 is executed. On the other hand, when the result of the determination process in step S52 is negative, a process in step S57 described later is executed.

In step S53, the processing unit 11 executes billing processing related to individual purchase. That is, the processing unit 11 first refers to the usability information stored in the storage unit 22, and refers to the current state of the terminal device 2 (either the initial state or the first to sixth partial use states). Is identified. For example, when the availability information indicates that only the first stage is usable, the current state can be specified as the first partial use state. It can be said that the process of specifying the current state is a process of specifying the content to be purchased (in this embodiment, the right to perform an unlimited stage or battle play).

Next, the processing unit 11 refers to the fee information stored in the storage unit 22 and identifies the billing amount corresponding to the identified current state. As is clear from FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, the processing unit 11 can uniquely specify the charge amount for the individual purchase from the current state. Subsequently, the processing unit 11 executes a charging process according to the specified charging amount. Specifically, the processing unit 11 subtracts the specified billing amount from the balance indicated by the balance information stored in the storage unit 22, and updates the balance information to indicate the balance after the subtraction. By the above processing, charging and settlement for individual purchases are performed. Following the process of step S53, the process of step S54 is executed.

In step S54, the processing unit 11 updates the usability information stored in the storage unit 22 for one stage whose setting should be changed (in other words, the stage specified in step S53). That is, the processing unit 11 updates the availability information so as to indicate that the stage is usable. Following the process of step S54, the process of step S55 is executed.

In step S55, the processing unit 11 gives a battle ticket to the user. That is, the processing unit 11 adds a predetermined number to the ticket number information stored in the storage unit 22 and updates the ticket number information so as to indicate the numerical value after the addition. Following the process of step S55, the process of step S56 is executed.

In addition, when the current state specified in step S53 is the sixth partial use state, in step S54, the processing unit 11 does not update the availability information. In this case, in step S55, the processing unit 11 updates the battle limit flag information stored in the storage unit 22 so as to indicate that the battle limit flag is off.

In step S56, the processing unit 11 transmits to the terminal device 2 additional stage information related to one stage whose setting should be changed to be usable. That is, the processing unit 11 transmits the additional stage information corresponding to the above stage among the additional stage information stored in the storage unit 22 via the communication unit 13 (in other words, using the communication unit 13). Transmit to the terminal device 2. As described above, the terminal device 2 receives the additional stage information transmitted from the server 1 and stores it in the storage unit 22 (step S46 shown in FIG. 15). Following step S56, the process of step S51 is executed again.

In the process of step S56, the processing unit 11 adds the additional stage information and user information updated by the processes of steps S53 to S55 (specifically, availability information, battle restriction information, and balance information). ) Is transmitted to the terminal device 2. The processing unit 21 of the terminal device 2 that has received the user information updates the application information stored in the storage unit 22 so as to be synchronized with the received user information. As a result, information can be synchronized between the server 1 side and the terminal device 2 side.

As a result of the series of steps S54 to S56 described above, the setting change process (step S5 shown in FIG. 5 or step S14 shown in FIG. 8) corresponding to the individual purchase is executed.

On the other hand, in step S57, the processing unit 11 determines whether or not there is a batch purchase request from the terminal device 2. That is, the processing unit 11 determines whether or not the request information received in step S51 is purchase request information indicating a batch purchase instruction. If the result of the determination process in step S57 is affirmative, the process in step S58 is executed. On the other hand, when the result of the determination process in step S57 is negative, a process in step S62 described later is executed.

In step S58, the processing unit 11 executes billing processing related to batch purchase. That is, the processing unit 11 first identifies the current state of the terminal device 2 with reference to the usability information stored in the storage unit 22 as in the process of step S53. Next, the processing unit 11 refers to the fee information stored in the storage unit 22 and identifies the billing amount corresponding to the identified current state. As is clear from FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, the processing unit 11 can uniquely specify the billing amount for the collective purchase from the current state. Subsequently, the processing unit 11 executes a charging process according to the specified charging amount, similarly to the process of step S53. That is, the processing unit 11 updates the content of the balance information stored in the storage unit 22 according to the charge amount. Through the above processing, billing and settlement for the bulk purchase are performed. Following the process of step S58, the process of step S59 is executed.

In step S59, the processing unit 11 updates the availability information stored in the storage unit 22 for the stage whose setting should be changed to be usable. That is, the processing unit 11 updates the availability information so as to indicate that each of the first to sixth stages can be used. Following the process of step S59, the process of step S60 is executed.

In step S60, the processing unit 11 sets the battle limit flag to OFF. That is, the processing unit 11 updates the battle limit flag information stored in the storage unit 22 so as to indicate that the battle limit flag is off. As a result, the terminal device 2 is fully used. Following the process of step S60, the process of step S61 is executed.

In step S61, the processing unit 11 transmits additional stage information regarding one or more stages whose settings are changed to be usable to the terminal device 2. Here, the stage to which the additional stage information is transmitted is a stage that has been changed to indicate that the usability information is usable in the process of the previous step S59. Specifically, the processing unit 11 transmits additional stage information corresponding to the above stage among the additional stage information stored in the storage unit 22 to the terminal device 2 via the communication unit 13. Similarly to the process in step S56, the processing unit 11 transmits the user information updated by the processes in steps S58 to S60 to the terminal device 2 together with the additional stage information. As described above, the terminal device 2 receives the additional stage information transmitted from the server 1 and stores it in the storage unit 22 (step S46 shown in FIG. 15). Further, the terminal device 2 updates the application information stored in the storage unit 22 so as to be synchronized with the received user information. Following step S61, the process of step S51 is executed again.

In addition, about the process for enabling the use of the stage in the above steps S59 and S61, the process may be executed for each of the six stages, or the process may be executed for the stage that cannot be used at that time. Good. That is, the processing unit 11 may update the availability information for each of the six stages and transmit each additional stage information regarding the respective stages to the terminal device 2. Further, the processing unit 11 determines whether or not each of the six stages is usable, updates the availability information for the stages that are determined to be unusable, and is determined to be unusable. Additional stage information related to the stage may be transmitted to the terminal device 2.

By the series of processes in steps S59 to S61 described above, the setting change process (step S6 shown in FIG. 5 or step S15 shown in FIG. 8) corresponding to the batch purchase is executed.

Note that in the series of processes in steps S53 to S56 and the series of processes in steps S58 to S61, the contents of user information stored in the storage unit 22 (specifically, availability information, battle restriction information) , And balance information) are updated. The user information updated in these series of processes is the user information related to the user who issued the individual purchase instruction indicated by the request information received in step S51 (that is, the user indicated by the user identification information included in the received request information). It is.

In step S62, the processing unit 11 executes a process according to a request from the terminal device 2 (strictly, a request other than the purchase request). The specific content of the process in step S62 is arbitrary. For example, when an instruction to start battle play is given in the terminal device 2, the terminal device 2 sends a request for battle play to the server 1. In response to the battle play request, the processing unit 11 executes a process of determining an opponent for the battle. Following step S62, the process of step S51 is executed again.

Further, the processing unit 11 repeatedly executes a series of processes in the above steps S51 to S62. When the server 1 is accessed from a plurality of terminal devices 2, the processing unit 11 executes the above series of processes in parallel for each user (in other words, for each terminal device).

[4. Effects and Modifications in this Embodiment]
(1)
The information processing system in the above embodiment is a game system for executing a game application including a plurality of contents (for example, stages), and includes the following means.
Storage means (for example, storage unit 12) that stores usage information (FIG. 12) indicating whether the content can be used in the game process in association with each of the plurality of contents.
First processing for enabling use of a part of content included in a plurality of contents (for example, billing processing for individual purchase. Specifically, step S53), or each content included in the plurality of contents User selection operation (for example, selecting an individual purchase instruction or a collective purchase instruction in a purchase image) for executing a second process (for example, a billing process for the collective purchase; specifically, step S58) for enabling the use Accepting means (operation S41) for accepting (operation performed automatically)
Content processing means for executing the first process or the second process based on the user's selection operation (steps S53 and S58)
-According to the execution of the first process, the availability information associated with some unusable contents is updated to information indicating that it can be used (step S54), and according to the execution of the second process Then, the availability information associated with each unusable content is updated to information indicating that it can be used (step S59). Information indicating that the availability information can be used by the updating means / updating means. Game processing means for executing a game process using the updated content (step S23)

According to the configuration of (1) above, the user can selectively perform a first process for enabling a part of content and a second process for enabling each content. it can. Therefore, the user can use a part of the content by executing the first process, and can also use the plurality of contents collectively by executing the second process. As a result, the range of options for a method of acquiring a plurality of contents (in other words, acquiring the right to use the contents) is widened, so that convenience for the user when acquiring the contents can be improved.

The “first process” and the “second process” may be arbitrary processes in which content can be used in accordance with the execution of the process. In the embodiment, the “first process” and the “second process” are charging processes for charging a fee for enabling the use of content. The billing process is a process for charging the user, and may be a process for subtracting the balance of the user as in the above embodiment, or a process for notifying the user of a charge. It may be.

The above “content” may be any content used in the game application. In the above embodiment, the content is a stage in the game, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in other embodiments, the content may be an object (eg, character or item) used in a game. That is, the game system can use some of the plurality of objects used in the game application according to the execution of the first process, and the plurality of objects according to the execution of the second process. May be usable.

The above “making content usable” means giving a user the right to use the content. For example, the right can be given to the user by the following specific processing.
When content data (which can be said to be an example of the basic stage information) is stored in the terminal device 2, processing for acquiring key information (which can be said to be an example of the additional stage information) from the server 1. Content to the terminal device 2 If a part of the data (which can be said to be an example of the basic stage information) is stored, the process of acquiring the remaining content data (which can be said to be an example of the additional stage information) from the server 1 (in the terminal device 2) Processing in which the terminal device 2 acquires data of the entire content from the server 1 (when content data is not stored)

(2)
In the above embodiment, the update unit updates the availability information according to the execution of the first process, and then updates the availability information according to the execution of the second process. The availability information associated with the content excluding the content with the availability information updated in accordance with the first process is updated (step S59).

According to the configuration of (2) above, the availability information can be updated efficiently.

(3)
In the above-described embodiment, the update unit uses the availability information associated with all the unusable contents among the plurality of contents as information indicating that the contents can be used according to the execution of the second process. Update (step S59).

According to the configuration of (3) above, the availability information can be updated efficiently.

(4)
In the above embodiment, the accepting unit presents a first image representing the first process (for example, the individual purchase instruction image 42) and a second image representing the second process (for example, the collective purchase instruction image 43). The content processing means executes the first process in response to an operation for selecting the first image, and executes the second process in response to an operation for selecting the second image.

According to the configuration of (4) above, the first image and the second image are presented to the user, so that the user can easily be notified that both the first process and the second process can be performed. Can do. Further, the user can easily perform the selection operation.

(5)
In addition, as described in the above “(Modified example regarding batch purchase timing)”, the accepting unit uses a predetermined part of a plurality of contents according to the execution of the first process. When it becomes possible (for example, when the first stage becomes usable), an operation for executing the second process may be accepted in a state where an operation for executing the first process is not accepted.

According to the configuration of (5) above, a plurality of options can be presented to the user regarding the acquisition of the content and the predetermined partial content can be used until the predetermined partial content becomes available. After that, acquisition of all of the plurality of contents can be promoted.

(6)
Further, as in the embodiment described above, the storage unit may store information indicating the order in which a plurality of contents are set. At this time, as in the above-described embodiment, the update unit is a content that cannot be used among a plurality of contents in accordance with one execution of the first process, and is one content specified according to the order. The associated availability information may be updated to information indicating that the information can be used. Further, as described in the above “(Modified example regarding the timing of bulk purchase)”, the accepting unit is configured to be able to use a predetermined part of the plurality of contents according to the above order (for example, After the first stage becomes usable, an operation for executing the second process may be accepted in a state where an operation for executing the first process is not accepted.

Note that the “order set for a plurality of contents” is the order of progress of the game, in other words, the order in which the contents are used in the embodiment. However, the order set for the plurality of contents may be an arbitrary order. For example, when the times when the plurality of contents are provided to the user are different, the order provided to the user may be used. Good.

According to the configuration of (6) above, since the user does not need to specify usable content when executing the first process, the selection operation by the user can be facilitated. In addition, after the predetermined part of content becomes usable according to the order, acquisition of all the plurality of content can be promoted.

(7)
As described above in “(Modified example regarding timing of collective purchase)”, the game processing means is such that the availability information associated with a predetermined part of content (for example, the first stage) is unusable. , The game process may be executed using the content in a restricted state. Note that the game processing means does not have to execute the game process using the content in a state where a restriction is applied to the content excluding the predetermined part of the plurality of content.

The above “use content with restrictions” means that the contents are used in a state where some restrictions are applied to the case where usable contents are used, such as the trial play described above, for example. Point to. For example, in the above embodiment, the game process is performed using a part (only) of the content, or the game process is performed using the content temporarily (for example, only for a predetermined time). Processing may be performed.

According to the configuration of (7) above, the user can use the content indicating that the availability information is unusable although it is limited. As a result, the user can be motivated to use the content without any restriction. Further, by restricting the use of the remaining content other than the content that can be used in accordance with the execution of the first process (that is, content other than the predetermined part of the content), The user can be motivated to acquire the remaining content.

(8)
In the above-described embodiment, the accepting unit accepts a selection operation in an initial state where a plurality of contents cannot be used, and a part of the plurality of contents usable by executing the first process can be used. A selection operation is accepted in the state (for example, the first to sixth partial use states) (FIG. 4).

According to the configuration of (8) above, the user can perform selection operations both in the initial state and in a partially usable state, so the convenience for the user regarding content acquisition can be improved.

(9)
In the above embodiment, in the initial state, the accepting unit has a first image representing the first process (for example, the individual purchase instruction image 42) and a second image representing the second process (for example, the collective purchase instruction image 43) in the initial state. And the second image is presented together with the first image in a partially usable state. The content processing means executes the first process in response to an operation for selecting the first image, and executes the second process in response to an operation for selecting the second image.

According to the configuration of (9) above, since the first image and the second image are presented to the user both in the initial state and in the partially usable state, both the first process and the second process can be performed. It is possible to notify the user of the fact in an easy to understand manner. Further, the user can easily perform the selection operation.

(10)
In the above-described embodiment, the content processing means executes an acquisition process (for example, a charging process) for acquiring a consideration (for example, a charge) for making the content usable as the first process and the second process.

According to the configuration of (10) above, it is possible to improve convenience when acquiring a plurality of contents in a game application capable of acquiring contents in exchange for consideration.

(11)
In the above-described embodiment, the content processing means executes an acquisition process (that is, a charging process) for acquiring a consideration (that is, a charge) for making the content usable as the first process and the second process. Here, the first to third considerations are defined as follows.
First consideration: Consideration acquired in the second process executed in the initial state (3,000 yen in the examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 11)
Second consideration: Total of considerations acquired in a predetermined number of first processes executed from the initial state (for example, when the predetermined number of times is two, in the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, 200 yen and 500 yen) Total, ie 700 yen)
Third consideration: Acquired in the second process executed in a partially usable state (for example, the second partial use state when the predetermined number of times is two) generated by the execution of the predetermined number of times of the first process. Consideration (for example, 2500 yen in the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 when the predetermined number of times is two)
At this time, the content processing means makes the first consideration (3000 yen in the above example) smaller than the sum of the second consideration and the third consideration (3200 yen in the above example).

According to the configuration of (11) above, the case where the second process is executed in the initial state where the first process is not executed is more than the case where the second process is executed after the first process is executed. The consideration for making each content usable is reduced. According to this, it is possible to give the user a motivation to use each content in the initial state.

(12)
Further, the fourth and fifth considerations are defined as follows.
Fourth consideration: Consideration acquired in the second process executed in the partially usable state generated by executing the first process a first number of times from the initial state (for example, the first number is twice) (In the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, 2500 yen)
Fifth consideration: Consideration acquired in the second process executed in the partially usable state caused by the first process being executed by the second number of times greater than the first number from the initial state (for example, (If the second number is 3 times, 2100 yen in the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11)
In the above embodiment, the content processing means makes the fifth consideration smaller than the fourth consideration.

According to the configuration of (12) above, the value of the second process when the first process is executed many times (that is, the fifth value) is the second value when the first process is executed a small number of times. It is smaller than the processing consideration (that is, the fourth consideration). According to this, even when the first process is executed many times, the user can be motivated to use each content by executing the second process.

(13)
In the above embodiment, the content processing means may execute a process of reducing points owned by the user in the game application or a process of charging a fee according to the content that can be used as the acquisition process. Good. That is, the “consideration” may be an actual currency, or may be a point that can be used in a game application (in other words, a virtual currency). The points may be exchanged for actual currency, and may be expressed as the number of paid items such as jewelry. In this way, the content may not be exchanged directly with the actual currency, but may be exchanged with the actual currency indirectly via a paid item.

(14)
In the present embodiment, the storage unit stores information that can specify the order in which a plurality of contents are set. The updating unit updates the availability information associated with the unusable content among the plurality of contents to information indicating that the content can be used one by one according to the order every time the first process is executed ( FIG. 4).

According to the configuration of (14) above, the user does not need to specify usable content when executing the first process, and thus the selection operation by the user can be facilitated.

(15)
In another embodiment, the accepting unit may accept a user designation operation for designating a usable content among a plurality of contents when a selection operation for selecting the first process is performed. Good. This designation operation may be an operation for designating a stage that can be used for the stage mode image in the above-described embodiment, for example. The update unit may update the availability information associated with the content designated by the designation operation to information indicating that the content can be used in accordance with the execution of the first process.

According to the configuration of (15) above, the user can specify the content that can be used, and thus can acquire the content with more variations.

(16)
In the above-described embodiment, the game processing means uses the predetermined content in a state in which the predetermined content is restricted when the availability information associated with the predetermined content indicates that it cannot be used. To execute the game process.

According to the configuration of (16) above, the user can use the content indicating that the usability information is unusable although it is limited. As a result, the user can be motivated to use the content without any restriction.

(17)
In the above embodiment, the game system includes the terminal device 2 operated by the user and the server 1 (FIG. 1). The game system includes data transmission means (for example, the processing unit 11 and / or the communication unit 13 that executes steps S56 and S61) provided in the server 1. The data transmitting means is data for making the content satisfying the condition usable in the terminal device 2 on the condition that the availability information is updated by the first process or the second process (for example, additional stage information). Is transmitted to the terminal device 2. The game processing means is provided in the terminal device 2 and executes game processing based on the data received from the server 1 (steps S23 and S46).

The “data for making the content usable in the terminal device 2” is not limited to the data of the additional stage information in the above embodiment, and may be other data. For example, in the modification of the above-described embodiment, “data for making the content usable in the terminal device 2” is data of the entire stage information related to one stage (that is, basic stage information and additional stage information). May be. That is, until the stage is purchased, the terminal device 2 does not store information about the stage, and in response to the purchase of the stage, information about the stage (that is, basic stage information and Additional stage information) may be transmitted from the server 1 to the terminal device 2 and stored in the terminal device 2.

According to the configuration of (17) above, it is possible to reduce the possibility of unauthorized use of content before the availability information is updated.

(18)
In the above embodiment, the content is stage data in the game. The game processing means executes a game process using the stage data updated to information indicating that the availability information is usable by the updating means.

According to the configuration of (18) above, it is possible to improve convenience when a plurality of stages can be used in a game application including a plurality of stages.

(Modifications regarding other types of content to be given)
In the above-described embodiment, the server 1 executes a process of giving another type of content (that is, a battle ticket) different from the content in response to making the content (that is, the stage) usable ( Step S55). Here, the contents of the other types of contents are arbitrary. For example, in another embodiment, a character may be given instead of a battle ticket (or together with a battle ticket). Specifically, when the stage 1 can be used according to purchase, the server 1 may change the game settings so as to increase the types of characters that the user can use.

In addition, the other types of content may be acquired by a method other than purchase. For example, when other types of content satisfy certain conditions related to the game (for example, winning a certain number of battle plays, clearing the stage, or registering an account related to the game) A predetermined number of battle tickets may be given to the user. The other types of content may be purchased separately from the content to be purchased (that is, the stage). For example, in the above embodiment, a battle ticket is given to the user by purchasing a stage, while the user may be able to purchase the battle ticket alone (that is, separately from the stage).

In the above embodiment, the stage cannot be used by any method other than purchase. However, in other embodiments, the stage can be used when a predetermined condition regarding the game is satisfied. It may be said.

(Modifications related to trial play)
In the above embodiment, each of the six stages included in the game application is paid content. Here, in other embodiments, the game application may be the same type of content as the paid content, and may include free content. That is, the game application may include content that can be used without performing the above-described first process and second process. For example, in the above embodiment, the game application may include a tutorial stage that can be played by the user in the initial state. As described above, the “second process” does not have to be a process that enables use of all contents included in the game application.

(Modification in which content is added to the game application)
In other embodiments, after the game application is installed in the terminal device 2, additional content (for example, an additional stage) may be introduced into the game application, for example, by updating the game application. In this case, the additional content may be provided free of charge or may be provided for a fee to a user who has already made a batch purchase before the introduction of the additional stage. That is, the server 1 may be able to use the additional stage without any further purchase instruction in the game application of the terminal device 2 that has been in a fully used state before the introduction of the additional stage. The additional stage may be usable according to an instruction. As described above, the “second process” may not be a process that enables use of content that is not included in the game application when the second process is executed.

(Variations regarding game application types)
In the said embodiment, the kind of game application performed in a game system is arbitrary. The game mode included in the game application is also arbitrary, and the game application is not limited to the stage mode and the battle mode in the above embodiment, and may include one or more arbitrary modes. That is, the content to be purchased is the stage in the stage mode in the above embodiment, but may be content used in any other mode different from the stage mode in other embodiments.

(Modification regarding processing in server and terminal device)
In another embodiment, a part of the processing executed on the server side in the above embodiment may be executed on the terminal device side. In other embodiments, a part of the processing executed on the terminal device side in the above embodiment may be executed on the server side.

As described above, the above embodiment can be used in, for example, a game system for the purpose of improving convenience when acquiring a plurality of contents in a terminal device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Server 2 Terminal apparatus 11 Processing part 12 Storage part 21 Processing part 22 Storage part 23 Input part 24 Display part 31 Stage structure image 41 Trial instruction image 42 Individual purchase instruction image 43 Collective purchase instruction image

Claims

A game system for executing a game application including a plurality of contents,
Storage means for storing availability information indicating whether the content is usable in the game process in association with each of the plurality of contents;
User selection operation for executing a first process for enabling a part of content included in a plurality of contents or a second process for enabling each content included in the plurality of contents Accepting means for accepting,
Content processing means for executing the first process or the second process based on the user's selection operation;
In accordance with the execution of the first process, the availability information associated with some unusable contents is updated to information indicating that it can be used, and is used according to the execution of the second process. Update means for updating the availability information associated with each impossible content to information indicating that the content can be used;
A game system comprising: game processing means for executing a game process using content updated to information indicating that the availability information is usable by the update means.
When the update unit updates the availability information according to the execution of the second process after updating the availability information according to the execution of the first process, among the plurality of contents, 2. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the availability information associated with the content excluding the content with the availability information updated according to the first process is updated.
The update unit updates the availability information associated with all unusable contents among the plurality of contents to information indicating that the contents can be used according to the execution of the second process. The game system according to claim 1 or claim 2.
The accepting means presents a second image representing the second process together with a first image representing the first process,
The content processing unit executes the first process according to an operation for selecting the first image, and executes the second process according to an operation for selecting the second image. 4. The game system according to any one of 3.
The accepting unit accepts an operation for executing the first process when a predetermined part of the plurality of contents becomes usable in response to the execution of the first process. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an operation for executing the second process is received in a state in which no operation is performed.
The storage means stores information indicating an order set for the plurality of contents,
The update means is content that is unusable among the plurality of contents in accordance with the execution of the first process once, and is used / unusable information associated with one content specified according to the order. , Update it with information to show that it ’s available,
The accepting means does not accept an operation for executing the first process after the predetermined part of the plurality of contents becomes usable according to the order. The game system according to claim 5, wherein an operation for executing two processes is received.
When the availability information associated with the predetermined part of content indicates that the usage information is unusable, the game processing means executes the game processing using the content in a restricted state. The game system according to claim 5 or 6.
The accepting unit accepts the selection operation in an initial state where the plurality of contents cannot be used, and a partially usable state in which a part of the plurality of contents can be used by executing the first process. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the selection operation is accepted.
The accepting means presents a second image representing the second process together with a first image representing the first process in the initial state, and the second image together with the first image in the partially usable state. Present
9. The content processing unit according to claim 8, wherein the content processing unit executes the first process according to an operation of selecting the first image, and executes the second process according to an operation of selecting the second image. Game system.
10. The content processing unit according to claim 1, wherein the content processing unit executes an acquisition process for acquiring a consideration for enabling the content as the first process and the second process. 11. Game system.
The consideration acquired in the second process executed in the initial state where the plurality of contents cannot be used is the first consideration, and the consideration acquired in the first process a predetermined number of times executed from the initial state The total amount is set as the second consideration, and the consideration acquired in the second processing executed in the partially usable state in which a part of the plurality of contents becomes usable by executing the predetermined number of times of the first processing is the first consideration. 11. The game system according to claim 10, wherein when the value is 3, the content processing unit makes the first value smaller than a sum of the second value and the third value.
The consideration acquired in the second process executed in the partially usable state generated by executing the first process a first number of times from the initial state in which the plurality of contents cannot be used is the fourth In a partially usable state in which a part of the plurality of contents can be used as a result of executing the first process a second number of times greater than the first number from the initial state. The content processing means makes the fifth consideration smaller than the fourth consideration when the consideration acquired in the second process to be executed is the fifth consideration. The described game system.
The content processing means executes, as the acquisition processing, processing for reducing points owned by the user in the game application, or processing for charging a fee according to content that can be used. The game system according to claim 12.
The storage means stores information indicating an order set for the plurality of contents,
The update means is information indicating that the availability information associated with the unusable content among the plurality of contents can be used one by one according to the order every time the first process is executed. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and claim 8 to claim 13, wherein the game system is updated as follows.
The accepting unit accepts a user designation operation for designating a usable content among the plurality of contents when a selection operation for selecting the first process is performed;
The update means updates the availability information associated with the content designated by the designation operation to information indicating that the content can be used in accordance with the execution of the first process. And a game system according to any one of claims 8 to 13.
The game processing means uses the predetermined content in a state in which the restriction is applied, when the availability information associated with the predetermined content indicates that the predetermined content is unusable. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the process is executed.
The game system includes a terminal device operated by a user and a server,
Provided to the terminal device, data provided on the server for enabling the terminal device to use content satisfying the condition on condition that the availability information is updated by the first process or the second process. A data transmission means for transmitting,
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the game processing means is provided in the terminal device and executes game processing based on the data received from the server.
The content is stage data in the game,
The game processing means executes game processing using stage data updated to information indicating that the availability information is usable by the updating means. The game system according to item.
A server capable of communicating with a terminal device that executes a game application including a plurality of contents,
Storage means for storing availability information indicating whether the content is usable in the game process in association with each of the plurality of contents;
User selection operation for executing a first process for enabling a part of content included in a plurality of contents or a second process for enabling each content included in the plurality of contents And content processing means for executing the first process or the second process based on a selection operation performed in the terminal device;
In accordance with the execution of the first process, the availability information associated with some unusable contents is updated to information indicating that it can be used, and is used according to the execution of the second process. Update means for updating the availability information associated with each impossible content to information indicating that it can be used,
The said terminal device is a server which performs a game process using the content updated to the information which shows that the said availability information is usable by the said update means.
An information processing program executed on a computer of a server capable of communicating with a terminal device that executes a game application including a plurality of contents,
The server includes storage means for storing usability information indicating whether the content can be used in the game process in association with each of the plurality of contents,
The information processing program includes:
User selection operation for executing a first process for enabling a part of content included in a plurality of contents or a second process for enabling each content included in the plurality of contents And content processing means for executing the first process or the second process based on a selection operation performed in the terminal device;
In accordance with the execution of the first process, the availability information associated with some unusable contents is updated to information indicating that it can be used, and is used according to the execution of the second process. Causing the computer to function as update means for updating the availability information associated with each impossible content to information indicating that the content can be used;
The information processing program, wherein the terminal device executes a game process using the content updated to information indicating that the availability information is usable by the updating unit.
An information processing method executed in a game system for executing a game application including a plurality of contents,
The server stores usability information indicating whether the content is usable in the game process in association with each of the plurality of contents,
User selection operation for executing a first process for enabling a part of content included in a plurality of contents or a second process for enabling each content included in the plurality of contents A reception step for repeatedly receiving
A content processing step for executing the first process or the second process based on the user's selection operation;
In accordance with the execution of the first process, the availability information associated with some unusable contents is updated to information indicating that it can be used, and is used according to the execution of the second process. An update step for updating the availability information associated with each impossible content to information indicating that the content can be used;
And a game processing step of executing a game process using the content updated to information indicating that the availability information is usable in the updating step.