Program product, game device, method, and recording medium

Abstract

The present invention provides a program, a game device, a method, and a recording medium that can avoid confusion in a game and maintain the fun of the game. The present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute a game. The program causes the computer to function as a game execution unit that executes a game using game elements corresponding to items, and as a registration unit that registers game elements used in the game. Items include items of a first category that are associated with game elements and items of a second category that are associated with game elements. The registration unit controls the registration of game elements corresponding to either of the game elements corresponding to the first category and the game elements corresponding to the second category, so that game elements corresponding to either category of items cannot be registered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and a game device. Background Art

[0002] There is a game in which a game device reads game cards owned by players and players compete with each other (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Players register game cards to be used in the game, thereby making characters embodied as cards appear in the game and using the characters to fight.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5622184 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] In addition to the basic cards (regular cards), there are also variation cards derived from regular cards. One type of variation card is a card with a different appearance from a regular card (called a parallel card). Parallel cards have the same characters as regular cards, but their appearance is different. For example, there are cards with different text or images than regular cards.

[0009] This parallel card can be used in the game in the same manner as the regular card because the character is the same as the regular card. However, if both the regular card and the parallel card can be used in the game, there is a worry that confusion may occur in the game.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a program and a game device that can avoid confusion in a game and maintain the fun of the game.

[0011] Solutions for solving problems

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute a game, the program causing the computer to function as a game execution unit and a registration unit, the game execution unit executing a game using game elements corresponding to items, the registration unit registering game elements used in the game, the items including items of a first category corresponding to the game elements and items of a second category corresponding to the game elements, the registration unit controlling the registration of game elements corresponding to either category of items, on the condition that game elements corresponding to either category of items of the first category or game elements corresponding to the second category are registered.

[0013] One embodiment of the present invention is a game device comprising: a game execution unit that executes a game using game elements corresponding to items; and a registration unit that registers the game elements used in the game, wherein the items include items of a first category that correspond to the game elements and items of a second category that correspond to the game elements, and the registration unit controls the registration of game elements corresponding to either category of items, on the condition that game elements corresponding to the first category of items and game elements corresponding to the second category of items are registered, so that game elements corresponding to items of the other category cannot be registered.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, the fun of the game can be maintained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a game system according to this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the game device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of a regular card and a parallel card.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining an overview of a game executed by the game device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the game device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 : is a diagram showing an example of the conversion table 180 .

[0022] Figure 7This is a diagram showing an example of the game element database 190 .

[0023] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of using game element registration information.

[0024] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing an example of a detailed information screen.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of the player database 210 .

[0027] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of the operation of the game device 1.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an example of a main menu screen.

[0029] Figure 14 This is an operational flowchart of the registration process (step 106).

[0030] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing an example of an error display screen.

[0031] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing an example of a game result screen.

[0032] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing an example of a game end screen.

[0033] Figure 18 This is an action flow chart of the game card providing process (step 108).

[0034] Figure 19 This is an action flow chart of the game card continuous provision process (step 109).

[0035] Figure 20 It is a diagram showing an example of a continuous provision screen.

[0036] Figure 21 This is an operational flowchart of the registration process according to the first modification of the present embodiment.

[0037] Figure 22 This is a diagram showing an example of an error display screen according to Modification 1 of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] <Embodiment of the present invention>

[0039] <Overall Structure>

[0040] [Overall structure]

[0041] Figure 1 : is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the game system in this embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the game system includes a game server 2 and one or more game devices 1. The game devices 1 and the game server 2 are connectable to a communication line N and can communicate with each other.

[0042] Communication line N refers to a communication path capable of data communication. Specifically, communication line N includes dedicated lines (dedicated cables) for direct connection, LANs based on Ethernet (registered trademark), and other communication networks, including telephone communication networks, cable networks, and the Internet. Communication methods may be either wired or wireless.

[0043] Game device 1 is a device for executing games and is connectable to a communication line N to communicate data with a game server 2. Game device 1 may be, for example, a commercial game device (arcade game device), a smartphone, a mobile phone, a portable game device, a stationary home game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a controller for a stationary home game device, or the like. There are typically multiple game devices 1, each of which is operated by a player.

[0044] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the game device 1. Figure 2 As shown, the game device 1 includes: a display panel 11, which displays a screen related to the game; an operation touch panel 12, which is formed as a whole with the display panel 11; an operation button 13; a first reading unit 14, which is used to obtain information related to the player; a second reading unit 15, which is configured to be able to configure items and read information from the configured items; an input port 16, which is used to insert coins; and an output port 17, which is used to discharge items.

[0045] The game server 2 is a server system composed of one or more server devices, storage devices, etc. The game server 2 can provide various services for operating the game of this embodiment, manage the data required for operating the game, and distribute the game programs and data required to execute the game on the game device 1.

[0046] In this embodiment, such a system configuration enables inter-player battle games to be implemented using multiple game devices 1 via the game server 2 and communication lines N. Inter-player battle games include not only those in which other players are the opponents, but also those in which computer-controlled non-player characters are the opponents. Furthermore, games that provide a gaming experience on the game device 1 are not limited to inter-player battle games but may also include games designed for single-player play.

[0047] The embodiment described below applies the present invention to a game device capable of executing a game including a battle (competitive game) as an example of a game device. However, the present invention is applicable to any device capable of executing a competitive game.

[0048] [Game Overview]

[0049] To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, an overview of a game executed by the game device 1 will be described.

[0050] In the battle game involved in this embodiment, multiple types of game elements appear. Game elements are characters (characters, vehicles, props, etc.), which are embodied as images, virtual or physical objects, etc. Images include still images and moving images. As an example of a virtual or physical object, for example, there are game cards that are objects with physical volume (real objects). In addition, objects are not limited to game cards, as long as they are constructed to determine the game elements corresponding to the objects, they are not limited to game cards. For example, objects may also be sculpted objects such as figures with the appearance of game elements.

[0051] In this embodiment, the description is made by assuming that the multiple types of items are all physical game cards and each corresponds to a game element that appears in a battle game that provides a game experience on the game device 1. As to which game element a game card corresponds to, it can be determined by obtaining the item identification information (card ID) attached to the game card through a card reading unit described later and obtaining the identification information (game element ID) for identifying the game element corresponding to the obtained card ID. Regarding the addition of item identification information (card ID) to the game card, for example, it can be achieved by printing a one-dimensional code or multi-dimensional code obtained by converting the item identification information on the game card, or by recording it on a tag or IC chip for near field communication (NFC) contained in the game card.

[0052] In this embodiment, items (game cards) include items of the first category and items of the second category. Items of the first category are ordinary game cards (regular cards). Items of the second category are parallel cards derived from ordinary game cards (regular cards). Parallel cards in this embodiment are a type of variant card derived from regular cards. With respect to the game elements corresponding to the items of the second category (parallel cards) and the game elements corresponding to the items of the first category (regular cards as a source of derivation), the game elements are the same. The same game elements include the same characters. Furthermore, it may also include the same characters and the same game-related parameter information of the game elements. The game-related parameter information of the game elements includes the game-related parameter information of the character. The game-related parameter information of the character includes various parameters related to the character's abilities (such as attack power, defense power, HP, experience value, level, etc.).

[0053] The first category of items (regular cards) and the second category of items (parallel cards) associated with the same game element have different appearances. Figure 3 It is a diagram illustrating the appearance of regular cards and parallel cards. (A) is a regular card, and (B) is a parallel card. All are game cards corresponding to the same character "AAA", but the card patterns, character postures, card decorations, etc. are different between cards. The degree of decoration of the appearance of parallel cards can also be higher than that of the appearance of regular cards (more luxurious, gorgeous, beautiful, etc.). In addition, it can also be that the degree of decoration is the same but the pattern of the card is different. In this embodiment, the probability of parallel cards being provided is lower than the probability of regular cards being provided, and the rarity is high. Therefore, parallel cards have value as special cards. However, the abilities (parameter information) of the characters of parallel cards are the same as those of the characters of regular cards.

[0054] Cards with a low probability of being provided and a high rarity are generally referred to as rare cards. Parallel cards in this embodiment can also be considered a type of rare card. Among the rare cards, there are game cards associated with special characters, whose game-related abilities are set higher than those of regular characters. Parallel cards differ from these game cards associated with special characters in terms of the character's ability level.

[0055] In a battle game, each player can use multiple game elements. Before the game begins (before the actual sequence of operating the game elements begins), the second reader 15 of the game device obtains information from multiple game cards placed by the players, and the game elements corresponding to the game cards can be registered as game elements to be used in the game (used by the players). In this embodiment, the game elements corresponding to the first category of items (regular cards) and the game elements corresponding to the second category of items (parallel cards) that are the same as the game elements cannot be registered as game elements to be used in the game at the same time. This is because if two identical characters appear in the game, the game will feel inconsistent.

[0056] Furthermore, this embodiment aims to prevent the registration of game elements for the same character within a single game. Game elements for different characters can be registered regardless of the item type. For example, if a regular card corresponds to the character "AAA" and a parallel card corresponds to the character "BBB," the game elements for both items can be registered simultaneously.

[0057] Next, an overview of a series of games will be described.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the game executed by the game device 1 is composed of a series of gameplay including battles. The game executed by the game device 1 starts when payment of the game price (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the first price) is detected.

[0059] (1) Acquisition of player information

[0060] The game device 1 obtains information about the player using the game device 1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as player information). For example, the game device 1 obtains the player's identification information from a recording medium (e.g., a player card) on which the player's identification information is recorded, using the first reader 14, and communicates with the game server 2 to obtain the player information managed by the game server 2. The player information is updated as the game progresses.

[0061] (2) Main menu presentation

[0062] The game device 1 displays a main menu on the display panel 11 and presents it to the player. The game device 1 accepts selections made by the player through operation of the touch panel 12. The options presented in the main menu include, for example, "Play Match" and "Cancel Match." Selecting "Play Match" initiates the match process. Here, "Cancel Match" means the player abandons the match without executing it. Selecting "Cancel Match" causes the match to be skipped (abandoned) without executing it.

[0063] (3) Battle

[0064] The game device 1 executes a battle using game elements. While a battle can include multiple battles, in this embodiment, the battle corresponding to the payment of the first price is recorded as the primary battle. The game elements used in the battle are characters (such as characters and vehicles), which are associated with physical objects. In this embodiment, the objects are game cards. Identification information (card ID) for identifying the objects is attached to the game cards. Before the battle, the second reader 15 reads the card IDs of the game cards placed on the second reader 15 by the player, and obtains the game element IDs corresponding to each card ID. A determination is performed on the obtained game element IDs to determine whether they can be registered, and the group of game elements corresponding to the game element IDs determined to be eligible for registration are registered as game elements that can be used in the battle. During the battle, the registered group of game elements takes battle actions in a designated gaming venue to advance the battle. At this time, the battle is controlled based on the operational inputs made to the registered game elements and the character information of the game elements. The battle then ends when the players determine the winner.

[0065] (4) Provision of game cards (items)

[0066] In the game device 1, for the payment of the first price of the game, in addition to being able to play the main battle, a game card (an item corresponding to the game element) is also provided to the player. After the main battle ends, or when the main battle is ended by selecting "abandon the battle" in the main menu and skipping the battle game, the game device 1 discharges the game card (item) from the outlet 17 and provides it to the player. The player's willingness to obtain the game card is considered to be higher after the battle has just ended. On the other hand, there are also players who aim to obtain the game card rather than the battle. Therefore, in order to satisfy the players who want to play the battle match and the players who do not want to play the battle match but obtain the game card for the purpose of both parties, the game card is provided at the opportunity after the battle ends.

[0067] (5) Continuous provision of game cards (items)

[0068] In this embodiment, a single game card is provided for the initial payment of the game. However, in addition to this single game card, further game cards (items) may be provided upon the player's request, conditional upon further payment. This is because providing further game cards (items) after a match is an opportunity for players to address weaknesses or obtain more valuable game cards after receiving the results of the primary match. Furthermore, even if a player does not participate in a match but instead aims to obtain game cards, it would be beneficial for such players to be able to continuously obtain game cards after paying the initial price.

[0069] The game device 1 accepts the player's selection operation regarding whether or not to provide further game cards. In the case of an operation indicating that further game cards are desired, the game device 1 requests the player to pay a further price (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the second price). The game device 1, on the condition that the payment of the second price is detected, ejects a game card from the removal port 17 and provides it to the player. The second price is an amount lower than the first price paid as the price for playing the game. This is because, when the first price is paid, the player is provided with the right to play against the main player and a game card, but even if the second price is paid, the player is not provided with the right to play against the main player, and only a game card is provided to the player.

[0070] The provision of further game cards can be repeated a predetermined number of times. Hereinafter, the act of repeatedly providing game cards is referred to as "continuous provision of game cards." For example, after providing a game card in response to a single payment of the second price, the player is prompted to select whether to provide further game cards. If the player still wishes to provide game cards, a further game card is provided upon payment of the second price. If the player does not wish to provide further game cards, or if the number of consecutive game card provisionings reaches a predetermined number, the process ends.

[0071] (6) Display of game results

[0072] The game device 1 displays the game results. The displayed information includes, for example, the results of the game, the players updated according to the results of the game, the levels of the game elements, etc. In addition, if the player selects "Abandon the game", that is, abandons the game, a display indicating that the game has been abandoned is displayed.

[0073] (7) Display of the end screen

[0074] The game device 1 displays a predetermined ending screen and ends one game consisting of a series of play corresponding to the first cost.

[0075] Next, the configuration of each device will be described.

[0076] [Structure of Game Device 1]

[0077] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the game device 1 .

[0078] The game device 1 includes a processing unit 20, a display unit 21, an operation input unit 22, a user information reading unit 23, a card reading unit 24, a price detection unit 25, a sound output unit 26, a first card providing unit 27, a second card providing unit 28, a communication unit 29, a storage unit 30, a first reading unit 14 and a second reading unit 15.

[0079] The processing unit 20 comprehensively controls the operation of the game device 1 based on the programs and data stored in the storage unit 30, input signals from the user information reading unit 23, the card reading unit 24, and the operation input unit 22. The functions of the processing unit 20 can be implemented by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, and an IC memory. The processing unit 20 includes a game execution unit 61, a game element registration unit 62, a first card provision control unit 63, and a second card provision control unit 64 as main functional units. These units will be described later.

[0080] The display unit 21 displays various game screens based on the image signal output from the processing unit 20. The function of the display unit 21 can be realized by a display device such as a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal, a projector, or a head-mounted display. Figure 2 In the example, the display panel 11 corresponds to this.

[0081] The operation input unit 22 is used by the player to input various operations related to the game, and outputs operation input signals corresponding to the operation input to the processing unit 20. The functions of the operation input unit 22 can be realized by elements such as a touch panel, a touch operation pad, a home button, a button switch, a joystick, and a trackball that are directly operated by the player's fingers, or by elements such as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a tilt sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor that detect movement and posture. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the operation touch panel 12 and the operation buttons 13 correspond to this.

[0082] The user information reader 23 controls a reader (first reader 14) for reading a recording medium containing player identification information (player ID), thereby acquiring the player ID from the recording medium. In this embodiment, the recording medium containing the player ID is a tag or IC chip embedded in a game card. The first reader 14 and the user information reader 23 form a player ID acquisition unit that acquires the player ID from the player card.

[0083] The card reader 24 controls the reader (second reader 15) for reading game cards owned by the player to obtain the card ID from each game card placed by the player. For example, if a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional code encoding the card ID is printed on the game card, the card ID is obtained by reading this code. Alternatively, if a tag or IC chip for near-field communication containing the card ID is included in the game card, the card ID is obtained from the tag or IC chip. The second reader 15 and the card reader 24 constitute a card ID acquisition unit that acquires the card ID from the game card.

[0084] The price detection unit 25 detects whether a price has been paid in the game device 1. For example, payment of a price can be determined by detecting the insertion of a predetermined amount of coins or equivalent game coins into the slot 16 of the game device 1, or by detecting the completion of settlement processing based on communication with a chip associated with a predetermined electronic currency. This embodiment will be described assuming that the game device 1 begins a series of game-related processes, including a battle, upon payment of a first price related to the game. Alternatively, payment of a price can be detected after the series of game-related processes has begun.

[0085] The sound output unit 26 is a speaker or the like for outputting sound effects related to the game based on the sound signal output from the processing unit 20 .

[0086] The first card providing section 27 and the second card providing section 28 are composed of a card dispenser configured to provide the game cards accommodated in the accommodating section one by one. The game device 1 of this embodiment has two types of card dispensers (the first card providing section 27 and the second card providing section 28) inside the shell of the game device 1, and the first card providing control section 63 and the second card providing control section 64 control which card providing section is used to provide. A card dispenser has a accommodating section configured to accommodate game cards in a manner that stacks the game cards in a vertical direction, and has a mechanism for delivering a game card maintained at the bottom layer in response to a providing command issued by the first card providing control section 63 or the second card providing control section 64. The delivered game cards are guided to a space that can be entered through the removal port 17 to be provided to the player.

[0087] The items (game cards) provided in this embodiment include items of the first category (regular cards) and items of the second category (parallel cards), but the items of the second category are items that are rarer and provided in a smaller proportion than the items of the first category. Therefore, the first card providing unit 27 provides the game cards of the first category (regular cards) and the second card providing unit 28 provides the game cards of the second category (parallel cards), thereby enabling the game cards to be provided separately according to the frequency of being provided (the probability of being provided). The first card providing unit 27 or the second card providing unit 28 is driven based on a providing command issued by the first card providing control unit 63 or the second card providing control unit 64, thereby enabling the game cards to be provided based on the rarity of the game cards. Therefore, when replenishing the game cards, the operation is performed in such a manner that the items of the first category (regular cards) are accommodated in the receiving unit of the first card providing unit 27 and the items of the second category (parallel cards) are accommodated in the receiving unit of the second card providing unit 28. Furthermore, the game device 1 of the present embodiment is configured to provide normal cards when the first card providing unit 27 is driven, and to provide parallel cards when the second card providing unit 28 is driven.

[0088] The communication unit 29 is a communication interface with external devices. The communication unit 29 can connect to external devices via a communication line N (whether wired or wireless) and can transmit and receive data. For example, the communication unit 29 converts input information into data in a specified format and transmits it to an external device such as the game server 2 via the communication line N. Furthermore, the communication unit 29 receives information from external devices via the communication line N.

[0089] The storage unit 30 is a recording device capable of storing data, such as a nonvolatile memory or HDD. In addition to storing the operating programs for each component of the game device 1, the storage unit 30 also stores information on parameters necessary for the operation of each component, various graphics data used in games executed by the game device 1, and the like.

[0090] The storage unit 30 stores a conversion table 180 for obtaining game element identification information (game element ID) from item identification information (card ID). Figure 6 As shown, in the conversion table 180, the card ID and the game element ID are mapped. In particular, for the first category of items (regular cards) and the second category of items (parallel cards) that are mapped to the same game element, the card IDs of both parties are mapped to the same game element ID. Figure 6 In the conversion table, it is assumed that the game card group with different card IDs corresponding to the same game element ID is only a combination of parallel cards and regular cards. Figure 6In the example, since card ID "BBB111R" and card ID "BBB111P" correspond to the same game element ID "BBB111," the game cards with these card IDs are a combination of a regular card and a parallel card. In the game device 1 of this embodiment, when playing, the player places the game card on the second reader 15, causing the second reader 15 to acquire the card ID. The conversion table 180 is then used to acquire the game element ID corresponding to the acquired card ID.

[0091] A game element database 190 (game element DB 190) is stored in the storage unit 30. The game element DB 190 is a database for managing information (game element information) on each game element that appears in the game.

[0092] For example, the game element information managed for a game element Figure 7 As shown, the game element ID, which uniquely identifies a game element, is associated with rendering information and character information. The rendering information includes graphics data used to generate the screen when the game element appears in the game. The character information describes not only the name and attributes of the game element, but also parameters related to the game element's abilities (attack power, HP, experience points, level, etc.), and effects activated by using the game element. Character information is referenced in the game to make the game element appear, and plays a role in controlling the game's progression.

[0093] In addition, in this embodiment, it is assumed that graphic data, character information, etc. are stored in the game element DB 190, and the game element information includes these data for explanation, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. The game element information may also include information indicating the storage location of the data of each information.

[0094] Next, the game execution unit 61 , the game element registration unit 62 , the first card provision control unit 63 , and the second card provision control unit 64 , which are main functional units of the processing unit 20 , will be described.

[0095] The game execution unit 61 executes the game in cooperation with the game element registration unit 62 , the first card provision control unit 63 , and the second card provision unit 64 .

[0096] When the price detection unit 25 detects payment of the first price, the game execution unit 61 transmits the player identification information acquired by the first reading unit 14 and the user information reading unit 23 to the game server 2, receives the player information managed by the game server 2, and stores it in the storage unit 30. Furthermore, if the player is a new player, the game device 1 communicates with the game server 2 to register the player information.

[0097] After acquiring player information, the game execution unit 61 displays a main menu on the display unit 21 and accepts player selection input. Options presented in the main menu include, for example, "Start Battle" and "Cancel Battle." When "Start Battle" is selected, the game execution unit 61 notifies the game element registration unit 62 of this decision. Once the game element registration unit 62 completes registration of the game elements used by the player in the battle, the game execution unit 61 communicates with the game server 2 to initiate a battle match with another player or non-player character as the opponent. When the player's battle ends, the game execution unit 61 notifies the first card provision control unit 63 of the battle end. On the other hand, if "Cancel Battle" is selected on the main menu, the game execution unit 61 notifies the first card provision control unit 63 of the battle abandonment notification.

[0098] The game execution unit 61 displays game results. The displayed game results include, for example, battle results, player evaluations, experience points for game elements, and level updates. The game execution unit 61 communicates with the game server 2 at predetermined intervals during the game to obtain information related to the game results.

[0099] When the game element registration unit 62 receives a notification from the game execution unit 61 that "Execute Battle" has been selected from the main menu, it performs a registration process for registering the game elements used in the game. In the registration process, the game element registration unit 62 uses the card ID of the game card read by the card reading unit 24 to determine whether the game element corresponding to the game card can be registered as a game element used in the game (use game element), and registers the use of the game element based on the determination result. The information on the registration of the use of the game element (use game element registration information) includes the card ID of the read game card and the game element ID corresponding to the card ID. Figure 8 The game element registration information is used as an example.

[0100] By determining the Figure 6 ) to determine whether it can be registered as a game element. If there are no other card IDs of the same group corresponding to the same game element ID as the read card ID in the conversion table, it is determined that the game element corresponding to the game card whose card ID is read can be registered. In addition, if there are other card IDs belonging to the same group as the read card ID, it is determined whether they are consistent with the game element registration information ( Figure 8) are consistent with one of the card IDs in the game. If they are consistent, it is determined that the game element corresponding to the read card ID cannot be registered. On the other hand, if they are not consistent, it is determined that the game element corresponding to the read card ID can be registered. Regarding the game element determined to be able to be registered, the card ID and the game element ID are registered as a game element in the game element registration information ( Figure 8 )middle.

[0101] Furthermore, for a game card among the multiple game cards read by the card reading unit 24 that is determined to have a game element that cannot be registered, a message indicating that the game element corresponding to the game card cannot be registered is displayed on the display unit 21. In response to this display, the player places a replacement game card on the second reading unit 15. The game element registration unit 62 again uses the card ID of the game card read by the card reading unit 24 to determine whether the game element corresponding to the game card can be registered as a usable game element, and registers the game element based on the determination result.

[0102] When registration of a predetermined number of game elements to be used is completed, the game element registration unit 62 notifies the game execution unit 61 of the completion of registration of the game elements to be used.

[0103] Furthermore, the game element registration unit 62 may display information of the game elements registered as the use game elements on the display unit. Figure 9 This is an example of a detailed information screen that displays information about game elements registered as game elements. Figure 9 As shown in the example, a virtual image of an item corresponding to a game element may also be displayed. The information of the displayed game element may also include the category (first category, second category) of the corresponding item. Figure 9 In the example of , "parallel cards" are shown as the category of items.

[0104] The first card provision control unit 63 controls the first card provision unit 27 or the second card provision unit 28 to provide game cards to the player. Upon receiving a match end notification or a match abandonment notification from the game execution unit 61, the first card provision control unit 63 initiates a drawing process to select one of the first card provision unit 27 and the second card provision unit 28, notifying the selected card provision unit of the provision command. The drawing is performed using probability. For example, during the drawing, the first card provision unit 27 may be selected at a rate of 0.8, while the second card provision unit 28 may be selected at a rate of 0.2. This means that after the match, the game cards provided will be regular cards at a rate of 0.8 and parallel cards at a rate of 0.2. This is to increase the value of the parallel cards. However, the above example is merely illustrative, and the card provision ratios may be other values. When the game cards are provided, the first card provision control unit 63 sends a provision completion notification to the second card provision control unit 64, indicating that the game cards have been provided.

[0105] The second card provision control unit 64 controls the first card provision unit 27 or the second card provision unit 28 to control the continuous provision of game cards according to the player's expectations after the game cards are provided after the battle is completed by the first card provision control unit 63. When the second card provision control unit 64 receives the provision completion notification from the first card provision control unit 63, it displays a menu screen on the display unit 21 regarding whether to accept the continuous provision of game cards, and accepts the selection input made by the player. The second card provision control unit 64 repeats further game card provision until an input operation is performed indicating that the continuous provision of game cards is not accepted, or until the continuous provision of game cards subject to the payment of the second price reaches the number of continuous provision times. In addition, the number of continuous provision times can also be set to be changeable by the administrator of the game device 1, etc.

[0106] When the user chooses to accept the continuous provision of game cards and the cost detection unit 25 detects the second cost, the second card provision control unit 64 begins a drawing process to select one of the first card provision unit 27 and the second card provision unit 28, notifying the selected card provision unit of the provision command. The drawing is similar to the first card provision control unit 63 in that it uses probability, but the proportion of game cards provided is different.

[0107] For example, the second card provides that the control unit 64 makes the ratio of the first card providing unit 27 being selected be 0.2, and the ratio of the second card providing unit 28 being selected be 0.8. That is, the main purpose of the player who carries out the continuous provision of game cards is to obtain rare game cards. In order to meet this purpose, the provision ratio of parallel cards is set to be higher. In addition, the provision ratio can also be changed according to the number of times of purchasing game cards. For example, when the number of times of continuous provision is set to four times, when the game cards are provided for the first time, the ratio of the first card providing unit 27 being selected is set to 0.8, and the ratio of the second card providing unit 28 being selected is set to 0.2. When the game cards are provided for the second time, the ratio of the first card providing unit 27 being selected is set to 0.5, and the ratio of the second card providing unit 28 being selected is set to 0.5. When the game cards are provided for the third time, the ratio of the first card providing unit 27 being selected is set to 0.2, and the ratio of the second card providing unit 28 being selected is set to 0.8. When the game cards are provided for the fourth time, the ratio of the first card providing unit 27 being selected is set to 0, and the ratio of the second card providing unit 28 being selected is set to 1. That is, as the number of game card presentations increases, the proportion of parallel cards presented increases. When the number of consecutive presentations reaches the maximum (the fourth in this example), parallel cards are presented. Furthermore, when the game cards are presented continuously, the second card presentation unit 28 may be always selected. However, the above example is merely one example, and the card presentation ratio may also be another value. When the continuous presentation of game cards is complete, the second card presentation control unit 64 notifies the game execution unit 61 of the completion of the continuous presentation of game cards.

[0108] [Structure of Game Server 2]

[0109] Figure 10 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the game server 2. The game server 2 includes a processing unit 200, a communication unit 220, and a storage unit 240.

[0110] The processing unit 200, such as a CPU, controls the operation of each block included in the game server 2. Specifically, the processing unit 200 controls the operation of each block by, for example, reading the operation program for each block stored in the storage unit 240, expanding the program in the memory, and executing the program. The processing unit 200 includes a matching processing unit 201 and a management unit 202 as its main functional units.

[0111] The matching processing unit 201 performs matching processing for the inter-player battle game (player battle) provided in the game system of this embodiment. Through the matching processing, a session is established between two game devices 1 connected to the game server 2, for example, two game devices 1 that have sent matching requests at the same time, thereby enabling information communication related to the battle game.

[0112] The management unit 202 manages player evaluations related to the game based on the game play content of the game played on the game device 1. More specifically, the management unit 202 evaluates the player based on the game play content each time the player plays the game, and generates or updates player information related to the player, which will be described later, based on the evaluation results.

[0113] The storage unit 240 is a recording device capable of storing data, such as a nonvolatile memory or HDD. In addition to storing the operation programs for each block of the game server 2, the storage unit 240 also stores information such as parameters necessary for the operation of each block. Furthermore, the storage unit 240 stores the player database 210 (player DB 210).

[0114] In the game system of this embodiment, the player DB 210 is a database that manages information (player information) indicating the game usage status of each user (player) for games provided through the game device 1. Player information is used to manage each player's usage history of game functions and the various game elements available to that player. Player information is sequentially updated based on the results of games played using a player card on the game device 1. Player information is provided to the game device 1 when the player card is used again. This allows game play on the game device 1 to be provided in a state reflecting previously played games.

[0115] In this embodiment, the player information can be, for example, Figure 11 As shown, associated with the player ID 211 for identifying the player are progress information 212 indicating the progress of the player's game play, ownership information 213 indicating the game elements owned by the player and available for use in the game, enhancement status information 214 indicating the enhancement status of each game element available to the player, and provision information 215 indicating the game elements available to the player.

[0116] Here, the progress status information 212 may include evaluation information evaluating the player's game play status in addition to progress information indicating the stage of progress in a predetermined plot and record information indicating the results of the competitive game.

[0117] The owned information 213 is formed by sequentially adding identification information of game elements owned by the player.

[0118] The enhancement status information 214 can be configured to manage, for at least one enhanced (changed from its initial state) game element, character information such as experience points and element levels, which serve as indicators of parameters changed due to the enhancement, in association with the game element ID of the game element. In this embodiment, for ease of understanding of the invention, the enhancement status information 214 is described as being updated based on the results of game play performed on the game device 1. However, the enhancement status information 214 can also be updated based on, for example, information on the results of training obtained by utilizing a training-related function on the game device 1.

[0119] The provided information 215 is used to record identification information of game elements that can be provided to the player. The provided information 215 can be updated when the game play result of the game played on the game device 1 is obtained, when a notification of a player giving up a game is received, etc.

[0120] The communication unit 220 is a communication interface with external devices. The communication unit 220 can connect to the external device via a communication line N (whether wired or wireless) and can transmit and receive data. For example, the communication unit 220 converts input information into data in a predetermined format and transmits it to the external device, such as the game device 1, via the communication line N. Furthermore, the communication unit 220 receives information from the external device via the communication line N.

[0121] [Operation of Game Device 1]

[0122] use Figure 12 The operation of the game device 1 is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0123] At the start of the game, player A inserts a predetermined amount of coins or equivalent gaming coins as the first price for executing the game into the slot 16 of the game device 1. When the price detection unit 25 detects the first price (step 100), the game execution unit 61 starts the game consisting of a series of games (step 101).

[0124] Next, player A touches the player card to the first reader 14 (reader) of the game device 1. The first reader 14 reads the player ID 211 from player A's player card (step 102). The user information reader 23 transmits the player ID 211 read from player A's player card by the first reader 14 to the game server 2, thereby receiving and acquiring player information (such as progress status information 212, possession information 213, enhancement status information 214, and provided information 215) associated with the player ID 211 from the game server 2 (step 103).

[0125] The game execution unit 61 displays the main menu (step 104 ). Figure 13 : is a diagram showing an example of a main menu screen. Figure 13 On the main menu screen, options such as "Start Battle" and "Cancel Battle" are displayed in a selectable manner.

[0126] Player A selects a desired option from the displayed main menu. The game execution unit 61 determines the option selected from the main menu (step 105).

[0127] When “execute battle” is selected, the game execution unit 61 notifies the game element registration unit 62 of this fact, and the game element registration unit 62 executes a registration process for accepting registration of a game element used by the player in the battle (step 106 ).

[0128] use Figure 14 The operation of the registration process is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0129] In the game of this embodiment, the number of game cards used is a predetermined number m, and the second reader 15 (reader) has a predetermined number m of card placement areas. Player A places a game card on the second reader 15 (reader) of the game device 1. The card reader 24 reads the card ID from the game card placed in the i-th (i=1, ..., m) card placement area via the second reader 15 (step 201).

[0130] The game element registration unit 62 obtains the game element ID corresponding to the card ID read by the card reading unit 24 from the conversion table 180 (step 202), and determines whether there is another card ID corresponding to the same game element ID as the obtained game element ID in the conversion table (step 203).

[0131] For example, when the card ID acquired from the card arrangement area is "DDD113R", the game element registration unit 62 refers to the conversion table 180 ( Figure 6 ), obtain the game element ID "DDD113" whose card ID is "DDD113R", and determine whether there is another card ID corresponding to the game element ID "DDD113" in the conversion table. Figure 6 In the example, there is no other card ID corresponding to the game element ID "DDD113".

[0132] When there is no other card ID corresponding to the game element ID corresponding to the read card ID in the transformation table 180 (step 203: "No"), the game element registration unit 62 registers the read card ID and the game element ID obtained from the transformation table in step 202 into the game element registration information (step 207).

[0133] In addition, when there are other card IDs corresponding to the game element ID corresponding to the read card ID in the transformation table 180 (step 203: "Yes"), the game element registration unit 62 obtains the other card IDs corresponding to the game element ID corresponding to the read card ID from the transformation table 180 (step 204), and determines whether the obtained card ID is consistent with a card ID registered in the game element registration information (step 205).

[0134] For example, when the read card ID is "BBB111R", the game element registration unit 62 selects the card from the conversion table 180 ( Figure 6 ) obtains other card ID "BBB111P" corresponding to the game element ID "BBB111" corresponding to the card ID "BBB111R", and determines whether the obtained card ID "BBB111P" is consistent with a card ID registered in the game element registration information (step 205).

[0135] When the card ID obtained from the transformation table 180 in step 204 does not match any card ID in the game element registration information (step 205: "No"), the game element registration unit 62 registers the read card ID and the game element ID obtained from the transformation table 180 in step 202 into the game element registration information (step 207).

[0136] In addition, if the card ID obtained from the conversion table 180 in step 204 is consistent with a card ID registered in the game element registration information (step 205: "Yes"), the game element registration unit 62 determines that the game element corresponding to the game card whose card ID was read cannot be registered, and displays a predetermined error (for example, a message indicating that the game element corresponding to the configured game card cannot be registered) through the display unit 21, so that the player can configure a new game card to replace it on the second reading unit 15. Figure 15, an error display screen is illustrated in FIG. The content of the display for specifying the game card that cannot be registered is arbitrary. For example, the character name of the game card that caused the error can be displayed, and the number assigned to the card configuration area can also be displayed (for example, the game card in the second configuration area cannot be registered, etc.). In addition, the LED lights of the corresponding card configuration areas set in the multiple card configuration areas can be flashed to notify the player. Then, when the player replaces the game card that caused the error and configures a new game card and presses the "read" button on the screen, the game element registration unit 62 reads the card ID of the game card configured in the i-th card configuration area (step 201), and repeats the above-mentioned steps 201 to 206 as needed until the read card ID and the game element ID corresponding to the card ID are registered as the use game element registration information (step 207).

[0137] In step 207, when the read card ID and the game element ID corresponding to the card ID are registered in the game element registration information, the game element registration unit 62 determines whether the number of registered game element IDs (or card IDs) has reached the specified number m (step 208). If not, i is added by 1 (step 209), the card ID is read from the game card configured in the next card configuration area (the i-th) (step 201), and the above-mentioned processing is performed.

[0138] Furthermore, in step 208 , when the number of game elements (or card IDs) registered in the game element information reaches the predetermined number m, the game element registration unit 62 ends the present process.

[0139] Return to Figure 12 As shown in the flowchart of FIG, when the registration process completes the registration of the cards to be used in the battle, the game execution unit 61 executes the battle process to start the battle between the players (step 107). Then, when the winner is determined, the battle ends. When the battle ends, the game execution unit 61 notifies the first card provision control unit 63 of this fact.

[0140] When the first card supply control unit 63 receives the notification of the end of the game from the game execution unit 61, it controls the first card supply unit 27 or the second card supply unit 28 to discharge a game card from the removal port 17 (step 108). In addition, this game card supply process (step 108) will be described later.

[0141] On the other hand, if player A does not want to play and selects "Cancel Play" in the main menu, the game execution unit 61 notifies the game server 2 of the cancellation of the game via communication (step 107). Upon receiving the cancellation notification from the game execution unit 61, the first card presentation control unit 63 controls the first card presentation unit 27 or the second card presentation unit 28 to eject a game card from the removal port 17 (step 108). This game card presentation process (step 108) will be described later.

[0142] Next, the second card supply control unit 64 executes a continuous supply process for further supplying game cards (step 109). The game card continuous supply process will be described later.

[0143] The game execution unit 61 executes the battle match and displays the game result when the game card continuous supply process is completed (step 110). Figure 16 1 is a diagram showing an example of a game result screen. In addition, when the game is abandoned, a screen indicating that the game is abandoned is displayed.

[0144] Finally, the game execution unit 61 displays an end screen for notifying the player that the game is over (step 111 ). Figure 17 This figure shows an example of a game end screen. A series of games ends with the display of the end screen. Specifically, for each payment of the first price, a match and game cards are provided in one game. For a price lower than the first price, no match is provided.

[0145] Next, use Figure 18 The flowchart of the game card providing process (step 108) is used to illustrate the action.

[0146] When the first card providing control unit 63 receives a battle end notification or a battle abandonment notification from the game execution unit 61 (steps 300, 301), it performs a lottery process for selecting the game card providing unit (step 302). In the lottery process, as described above, a lottery is performed with a specified probability so that ordinary cards or parallel cards are provided at a specified provision ratio. The first card providing control unit 63 selects one of the first card providing unit 27 and the second card providing unit 28 based on the result of the lottery (step 303), and notifies the selected card providing unit of a provision command (step 304). The first card providing unit 27 or the second card providing unit 28 that has been notified of the provision command discharges a game card from the removal port 17.

[0147] Then, the first card provision control unit 63 displays the game card provision screen (step 305). The first card provision control unit 63 notifies the second card provision control unit 64 of the completion of the one-time game card provision (step 306).

[0148] The End Game card above provides a description of the actions processed.

[0149] Next, use Figure 19 The flowchart of FIG. 1 is used to illustrate the action of the game card continuous providing process (step 109).

[0150] Upon receiving the provision completion notification from the first card provision control unit 63 , the second card provision control unit 64 displays an input screen (continuous provision screen) for accepting a player's selection input on whether to accept further game card provision (step 400 ). Figure 20 It is a diagram showing an example of a continuous provision screen. Figure 20 The continuous supply screen is a screen for selecting game cards to be supplied continuously, indicating that a second price needs to be paid for each card supplied.

[0151] The second card provision control unit 64 determines the content selected by the player (step 401). When a selection is made to accept further game card provision (step 401) and the payment of the second price is detected by the price detection unit 25 (step 402), a drawing process is performed (step 403). In the drawing process, as described above, a drawing is performed with a specified probability so that ordinary cards or parallel cards are provided at a specified provision ratio. The second card provision control unit 64 selects one of the first card provision unit 27 and the second card provision unit 28 based on the result of the drawing (step 404), and notifies the selected card provision unit of the provision command (step 405). The first card provision unit 27 or the second card provision unit 28, which has been notified of the provision command, discharges a game card from the removal port 17.

[0152] The second card provision control unit 64 increments the counter C (initial value = 0) for counting the number of times game cards are further provided (step 406 ), and determines whether the counter C has reached a continuous number of times (eg, four times) (step 407 ).

[0153] If the counter C has not reached the possible consecutive number of times, the second card provision control unit 64 returns to step 400 , displays the consecutive provision screen, and continues the processing after step 400 .

[0154] On the other hand, if a selection is made not to obtain a game card, the second cost is not detected, or the counter C reaches the continuous count, the second card provision control unit 64 notifies the game execution unit 61 of provision completion and ends this process.

[0155] The above description ends the description of the actions of the game card continuous provision processing.

[0156] This embodiment is configured so that, for game cards of different categories (items of the first category and items of the second category) that are associated with the same game element, if a game element corresponding to an item of one category is registered as a game element for use in the game, the game element corresponding to an item of the other category cannot be registered as a game element for use in the game. This prevents the game from becoming chaotic due to the appearance of the same character in the game, and as a result, maintains the fun of the game.

[0157] <Variation 1 of the present embodiment>

[0158] In the registration process performed by the game element registration unit 62 in the above embodiment, it is assumed that for each game card placed on the second reading unit 15 , it is determined whether the game element can be registered as a usable game element.

[0159] In the first modification of the present embodiment, the game element registration unit 62 determines whether there is a combination that cannot be registered as a usable game element among all the game cards arranged in the second reading unit 15, and registers the combination based on the determination result. Figure 21 The registration process performed by the game element registration unit 62 in the first modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0160] Player A places a game card in the card placement area of ​​the second reader 15 (reader) of the game device 1. The card reader 24 reads the card IDs from all the game cards placed in the card placement areas (1, ..., m) via the second reader 15 (step 501).

[0161] The game element registration unit 62 obtains the game element ID corresponding to each card ID read by the card reading unit 24 from the conversion table 180 (step 502). Then, it is determined whether there is an identical game element ID among the obtained game element IDs (step 503).

[0162] When there is no identical game element ID among the acquired game element IDs (step 503: "No"), the game element registration unit 62 is set to be able to register all game element IDs as used game elements, register all the read card IDs and the game element IDs corresponding to the card IDs into the used game element registration information (step 504), and end this processing.

[0163] When the game element IDs acquired from the conversion table 180 are identical (step 503: Yes), the game element registration unit 62 determines whether the card IDs corresponding to the identical game element IDs are identical (step 505).

[0164] When the card IDs are the same (step 505: "Yes"), the game element registration unit 62 is configured to be able to register all game element IDs as game elements for use, and register all the read card IDs and the game element IDs corresponding to the card IDs into the game element registration information for use (step 504).

[0165] In addition, if the card IDs are different (step 505: "No"), the game element registration unit 62 displays an error display screen, in which the following message is displayed: indicating that the configured game cards include parallel cards and regular cards with the same game element ID (same role), the player is requested to keep the game card he wants to register among the game cards with the same game element ID and replace the other game card with the new game card (step 506). Figure 22 The error display screen is shown in the figure.

[0166] For example, if the card IDs obtained from the game cards arranged in the card arrangement area are "BBB113R," "CCC112R," "CCC112P," "DDD113R," and "FFF544R," the game element registration unit 62 obtains the game element IDs "BBB113," "CCC112," "CCC112," "DDD113," and "FFF544" corresponding to the respective card IDs from the conversion table 180. Among these game element IDs, the same game element ID "CCC112" exists, and the card IDs corresponding to the same game element ID "CCC112" are different card IDs "CCC112R" and "CCC112P." Therefore, the game element registration unit 62 displays an error screen, requesting the player to retain the game card they wish to register, either the game card with the card ID "CCC112R" or the game card with the card ID "CCC112P" corresponding to the game element ID "CCC112," and to replace the game card with another game card.

[0167] Then, for example, when the re-read button of the error display screen is pressed, the process returns to step 501 and the above-mentioned processing (steps 501 to 506) is repeated until the game elements of all the game cards arranged in each card arrangement area (1,..., m) are registered as used game elements.

[0168] The registration process in Modification 1 of the present embodiment has been described above.

[0169] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and Modification 1, a conversion table is used to obtain a game element ID from a card ID. However, this is not limiting. Instead of using a conversion table, a card ID can be constructed from the game element ID and the card category ID, thereby obtaining the game element ID from the card ID itself. For example, for parallel cards, the last portion of the card ID can be set to "P," and for regular cards, the last portion of the card ID can be set to "R," with the remainder of the card ID being the game element ID. For example, if the card ID is "BBB111R," the game element ID becomes "BBB111."

[0170] <Variation 2 of this embodiment>

[0171] Furthermore, while the above embodiment provides items of the first and second categories, a configuration may also be provided in which items of another category (items of a third category) are also provided. Items of the third category may, for example, be rare cards associated with special game elements (characters) with high game ability values ​​(parameter information). In this case, the game device 1 further includes a third card supply unit comprising a card dispenser, which can supply game cards one by one from a storage unit containing items of the third category (rare cards). The first card supply control unit 63 controls the first card supply unit 27, the second card supply unit 28, or the third card supply unit. The probability of supplying cards of the first, second, and third categories may also be set based on the rarity of the cards in the corresponding categories. Due to the high rarity of rare cards, the probability of an item being removed is set to be at least lower than the probability of removal of items of the first category (regular cards). Alternatively, the probability of an item being removed may be set to be lower than the probability of removal of items of the first category (regular cards) because the character's high ability value is more conducive to game progress than parallel cards. Furthermore, when the second card provision control unit 64 sets a high provision ratio for rare game cards, the provision probability is set in descending order of third category cards (rare cards), second category cards, and first category cards. Furthermore, third category items are not limited to rare cards and may be other items.

[0172] While the present invention has been described above by way of preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the technical concept.

[0173] Description of Reference Numerals

[0174] 1: Game device; 2: Game server; 11: Display panel; 12: Operation touch panel; 13: Operation button; 14: First reading unit; 15: Second reading unit; 16: Input port; 17: Withdrawal port; 20: Processing unit; 21: Display unit; 22: Operation input unit; 23: User information reading unit; 24: Card reading unit; 25: Price detection unit; 26: Sound output unit; 27: First card providing unit; 28: Second card providing unit; 29: Communication unit; 30: Storage unit; 61: Game execution unit; 62: Game element registration unit; 63: First card providing control unit; 64: Second card providing control unit.

Claims

1. A program product comprising a program for causing a computer to execute a game, the program causing the computer to function as a game execution unit and a registration unit, The game execution unit executes a game using a character corresponding to an item. The registration unit registers a character used in the game using the item, The items include items of the first category and items of the second category, In a case where the role corresponding to the first category of items is the same as the role corresponding to the second category of items, the registration unit is controlled so that the same role corresponding to the other category of items cannot be registered, on the condition that the role corresponding to either the first category of items or the second category of items is registered.

2. The program product according to claim 1, wherein The characters corresponding to the items of the first category are the same as the characters corresponding to the items of the second category.

3. The program product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The character corresponding to the items of the first category is the same as the character corresponding to the items of the second category, and the parameter information related to the game of the character corresponding to the items of the first category is the same as the parameter information related to the game of the character corresponding to the items of the second category.

4. The program product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The appearance of the first category of items associated with the character is different from the appearance of the second category of items associated with the character.

5. The program product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The computer is further configured to function as a presentation unit capable of presenting information about the character. The character information includes the category of the item associated with the character.

6. The program product according to claim 5, wherein The character information includes a virtual item image of an item corresponding to the character.

7. The program product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Different identification information is assigned to the articles of the first category and the articles of the second category.

8. The program product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The computer is further configured to function as an acquisition unit capable of acquiring identification information assigned to an article. After acquiring the identification information, the registration unit uses the acquired identification information to determine whether the character corresponding to the item can be registered as a character used in the game.

9. The program product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The computer is made to function also as a detection unit and a control unit, The detection unit is capable of detecting the payment of the price, The provision control unit controls the provision of the item on the condition that the payment of the price is detected.

10. The program product according to claim 9, wherein The provision control unit performs control so that the probability of providing the second category of items is lower than the probability of providing the first category of items.

11. The program product according to claim 1, wherein When the characters corresponding to the first category of items and the characters corresponding to the second category of items are different, the registration unit is controlled to be able to register the characters corresponding to the first category of items and the characters corresponding to the second category of items.

12. A gaming device comprising: a game execution unit that executes a game using a character corresponding to the item; and a registration unit that uses the item to register a character used in the game, in, The items include items of the first category and items of the second category, In a case where the role corresponding to the first category of items is the same as the role corresponding to the second category of items, the registration unit is controlled so that the same role corresponding to the other category of items cannot be registered, on the condition that the role corresponding to either the first category of items or the second category of items is registered.

13. A method for a gaming device, comprising: A game execution step, executing the game using the character corresponding to the item; as well as A registration step, using the items to register the character to be used in the game, The items include items of the first category and items of the second category, In the case where the role corresponding to the items of the first category is the same as the role corresponding to the items of the second category, in the registration step, the registration of the same role corresponding to the items of the other category is controlled so that the registration of the same role corresponding to the items of the other category cannot be performed, based on the condition that the role corresponding to the items of either the first category or the second category is registered. 14 . A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon the program according to claim 1 .

Images