Program and game device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a program and a game device. The object of the invention is to improve the interest of giving a game element. The program of the invention is a program that enables a computer to provide a game experience by executing the following processes: a switching process that switches the action of the computer to either a first mode in which the game experience can be provided or a second mode in which the game experience cannot be provided; a giving process that gives a game element to a player of the game in accordance with the provision of the game experience in the first mode; a control process that controls the execution of the giving process in such a manner that the game element is given only a predetermined number of times that the game element can be given; and a change process that accepts a change in the number of times that the game element can be given when the computer is acting in the second mode; and the control process controls the execution of the giving process in such a manner that the game element is given only the number of times that the game element can be given after the change when the number of times that the game element can be given is changed by the change process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a program and a game device, and more particularly to an electronic game that includes providing game elements to the player. Background Technology

[0002] A video game that adjusts the probability of selection in a lottery process related to the assignment of game elements (Patent Document 1).

[0003] [Previous Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-058157 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In commercial game devices known as arcade cabinets, promotional campaigns are conducted for a limited period to attract customers, during which a specific number of game elements are awarded based on a lottery. However, such campaigns sometimes complete the awarding of the specific number of game elements too early at the start of the campaign, thus failing to achieve the desired customer attraction effect during the campaign. On the other hand, while adjusting the selection probability, as in Patent Document 1, can extend the time until the specific number of game elements are awarded, it may reduce the player's enjoyment experience.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a program and game device that enhance the fun of game elements.

[0009] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] The program of the present invention is a program that enables a computer capable of providing a competitive gaming experience to perform the following processes: a switching process that switches the computer's operation to either a first mode that can provide a competitive gaming experience or a second mode that cannot provide a competitive gaming experience; an assignment process that assigns game elements to the player of the game based on the provision of the competitive gaming experience in the first mode; a control process that controls the execution of the assignment process in a manner that assigns game elements only to a predetermined number of times they can be assigned; and a change process that, when the computer is operating in the second mode, accepts a change in the number of times that can be assigned; and the control process controls the execution of the assignment process in a manner that, in the case of a change in the number of times that can be assigned, only assigns game elements with the changed number of times that can be assigned.

[0011] [The effects of the invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, the fun factor associated with game elements can be enhanced. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the external configuration of a game device 100, which is an example of an embodiment and variation of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a game device 100, which is an example of embodiments and variations of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the normal and special periods related to the service provision of the game device 100, which is used to explain the embodiments and variations of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the setting screen for providing special cards related to special periods during which embodiments and variations of the present invention are provided.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the provisioning process performed in the game device 100, which is an example of an embodiment and variation of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a variation 2 of the present invention, showing a screen that notifies the player of the availability of special cards.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the data structure of character information used in the game device 100 according to embodiments and variations of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] [Implementation Method]

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments do not limit the invention as claimed, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more features from the plurality of features described in the embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In addition, the same or identical components are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0022] The following description illustrates an example of applying the present invention to a game device, which is an example of a game device, to control the assignment of game elements based on a selection result during the use of the device for a specific period of time. However, the present invention can be applied to any machine that can assign game elements according to the provision of a competitive gaming experience.

[0023] The Composition of Gaming Devices

[0024] Figure 1This describes the external configuration of the game device 100 according to this embodiment. The game device 100 is configured to detect payment when it is in a usable state, and upon detection of payment, to provide the user (player) with a competitive game experience including at least one game element. Payment is detected, for example, by inserting a specific amount of material into the input port 141.

[0025] In this embodiment, the game elements provided to the user by the gaming device 100 include physical game cards, which are provided by fulfilling conditions during service provision. In this embodiment, at least one game card is provided for a single game experience. The gaming device 100 has an access port 142 on its exterior, through which the player can access a retaining part 143 located inside. The retaining part 143 holds the game card in a manner that allows the player to remove it at any time when it is provided.

[0026] Furthermore, the gaming device 100 has a mounting section 144 on its exterior, which can hold a specific card containing a game card provided by the gaming device 100. Details will be described later. When using the gaming device 100, players can engage in gameplay by placing the game card in the mounting section 144, and by responding to information attached to the game card.

[0027] <Functional Composition of Game Devices>

[0028] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the game device 100 in this embodiment.

[0029] The control unit 101, for example, is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the operation of each functional block of the game device 100. Specifically, the control unit 101 reads the operation program of each functional block stored in the storage device 102, expands it in the memory 103 and executes it, thereby realizing the operation of each functional block.

[0030] Storage device 102 is a device that can permanently store data, such as non-volatile memory or HDD (Hard Disk Drive). In addition to storing the operation programs related to each function block of the game device 100, storage device 102 also stores information such as parameters necessary for the operation of each function block, or various graphics data used in the game executed by the game device 100. Memory 103 is a storage device used for temporary data storage, such as volatile memory. Memory 103 serves not only as an expansion area for the operation programs of each block, but also as a storage area for temporarily storing data output during the operation of each block.

[0031] The payment detection unit 104 detects payment made in the gaming device 100. Payment can be determined, for example, by inserting a specific amount of physical goods or equivalent game currency into the input slot 141 of the gaming device 100, or by detecting the completion of settlement processing based on communication via a chip associated with a specific electronic currency. In this embodiment, the gaming device 100 is described as initiating a service offering that includes a competitive experience of a battle game, based on payment made for the initiation of a service.

[0032] The acquisition unit 105 is an interface provided in the game device 100 of this embodiment related to obtaining information from physical cards. Specifically, the acquisition unit 105 includes a reader configured to obtain information about cards attached to the mounting unit 144. The physical cards that can be used in the game device 100 (information that the acquisition unit 105 can obtain) are game cards provided to the player when using the game device 100, and the mounting unit 144 is configured to obtain information about the game cards attached to it.

[0033] Game elements (characters, vehicles, items, effects, etc.) that provide a competitive experience in the gaming device 100 are associated with each game card. In this embodiment, for ease of understanding, the game element associated with each game card is described as a character, but the invention is not limited to this. The association between the character and the game card is established by attaching information for a specific character (character ID: character identification information) to each game card. By placing a game card on the mounting unit 144 and obtaining the information through the acquisition unit 105, the player can register the corresponding character and use it in the game (or activate effects that appear in the game and are associated with the character).

[0034] In addition, in this embodiment, the physical object that can obtain information through the acquisition unit 105 is described as a card, but of course it can also be a physical object other than a card.

[0035] The Character DB (Data Base) 106 is a database that manages information related to each character appearing in the game (character information). For example, the character information managed for one character might be... Figure 7 As shown, associated with a unique character ID 701, parameter information 702 includes the character's name, attributes, parameters, and effects activated by using the character. Parameter information 702 is information referenced in the game using the character and relates to the control of the game.

[0036] The control unit 107 controls the provision of game elements to the player based on the competitive experience provided by the game in the game device 100. In this embodiment, the game element provided to the player when providing the competitive experience is a physical object, namely a game card. The control unit 107 controls the provisioning actions of the first provisioning unit 110 and the second provisioning unit 120 to provide the game card. The game cards provided in the game device 100 in this embodiment include not only the regular cards that are generally provided when the game device 100 provides services, but also special cards that are provided only during special periods such as promotional activities described later.

[0037] The first supply unit 110 and the second supply unit 120 are configured to hold multiple game cards in a storage compartment (not shown). When the control unit 107 receives a supply instruction for a character card, it operates by dispensing one stored game card. In this embodiment, regular cards are stored and used in the storage compartment of the first supply unit 110, and special cards are stored and used in the storage compartment of the second supply unit 120. When the control unit 107 determines the type of card to be supplied, it sends a supply instruction to the corresponding supply unit. The game card dispensed from each supply unit based on the supply instruction is held in a holding compartment 143 in a form that can be removed by the player.

[0038] Here, special cards are game cards created to correspond to game elements with higher value than regular cards, such as those that produce effects that benefit the game or allow players to enjoy special visuals. In other words, special cards are more valuable than regular cards for players who collect game cards or want to gain an advantage in the game. Furthermore, to make this difference more significant, special cards may also have higher manufacturing costs than regular cards, such as those that undergo gold foil stamping or embossing.

[0039] The prompting control unit 108 controls the prompting unit 130 in the game device 100 to provide various information to the player. In this embodiment, the prompting unit 130, which provides the information prompts, is described as a display device capable of providing visual information prompts, such as a liquid crystal display, that displays images (game screen, menu screen, etc.). However, the information prompting mechanism is not limited to this, and alternatives or additions can be made. The prompting unit 130 may also include, for example, a speaker that provides auditory information prompts.

[0040] In the form of a display device, where the prompt unit 130 is the display unit, the prompt control unit 108 includes a drawing device such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) to perform specific drawing processing to generate the image displayed on the prompt unit 130. Specifically, during the startup of the game device 100 (in service provision or standby mode), the prompt control unit 108 performs necessary calculations on the necessary drawing objects (graphics data) based on the processing or commands performed by the control unit 101 to draw the image. The generated image is output to the prompt unit 130 and displayed to the player in a specific display area.

[0041] The operation input unit 109 is, for example, a user interface of the game device 100, such as an operation component or various sensors for determining input. When the operation input unit 109 detects an operation input to the operation component, it outputs a control signal corresponding to the operation input to the control unit 101. In this embodiment, the operation input unit 109 includes, for example, a touch input detection sensor that detects touch input performed on the display screen of the prompt unit 130, that is, contact with a part of the human body.

[0042] Furthermore, the game device 100 of this embodiment is not shown in the figure. Figure 1 Inside the housing, there are special switches such as DIP switches that can be operated by staff of the game device 100 installation shop and service provider personnel. The operation input unit 109 is configured to output a corresponding control signal to the control unit 101 when it detects an operation input to a special switch, or based on the input state of the special switch. In other words, the operation input unit 109 is not limited to operation input to operation components that can be operated by the player during service provision, which are located on a so-called control panel, but is configured to detect operation input to operation components (special switches) that cannot be operated by the player during service provision.

[0043] An overview of how game elements provide control.

[0044] Hereinafter, an overview of the assignment and control of game elements performed in the game device 100 of this embodiment will be described.

[0045] As described above, the provision of the competitive experience in the gaming device 100 is defined by a normal period during which a typical competitive experience is provided, and a special period during which a different competitive experience is provided. Here, the normal period and the special period can be distinguished, for example, by the former being a period during which no promotional (or customer acquisition) activities are carried out, and the latter being a period during which promotional activities are carried out. In this embodiment, promotional activities related to the special period provide players with opportunities to enjoy game elements different from the normal ones. This is effective in increasing the number of customers attracted to the gaming device 100, more specifically, by increasing new users (players), or by encouraging users who want to enjoy the benefits of the promotional activities to reuse the service.

[0046] From a promotional perspective, such special periods are not offered regularly or frequently, but rather with limited intervals set within a short period, which allows for the expectation of positive effects. Therefore, special periods, such as... Figure 3 As shown, it is preferable to set the period to be shorter than the usual service provision period. Figure 3 For the services provided by the gaming device 100, the application of either the normal period or the special period is indicated in chronological order, as shown in the figure. The special period is set after the normal period's service provision and is shorter than the normal period without repetition. More specifically, during the service provision period of the gaming device 100, special periods are set at intervals, each special period being at least shorter than the previous normal period. The frequency of special periods can also be set, for example, to be implemented each time the game content provided in the gaming device 100 is updated (e.g., an update to the lineup of available normal cards, or an update to at least a portion of the service content or functionality, etc.).

[0047] The information related to setting a special period (period setting information) can be configured such that the publisher (developer, publisher) of the game content sets the date, time, and period, and this setting information is sent to the game device 100, for example, via the Internet (not shown), where the game device 100 performs a process to set the special period based on the receipt of the period setting information. Alternatively, the period setting information can be included in the update program when updating a game-related application installed on the game device 100, and the special period can be set on the game device 100 at the same time as the update.

[0048] In the game device 100 of this embodiment, among the game elements provided for providing a competitive experience during normal periods, there are regular cards, which each player can obtain in a single game. In contrast, among the game elements provided for providing a competitive experience during special periods, in addition to regular cards, or in lieu of regular cards, there are special cards, which each player can obtain in a single game, either regular cards or special cards, or both.

[0049] However, from a promotional perspective, while special cards are preferably game cards with a higher value than regular cards, it is generally impractical to provide special cards to all players using the game during the special period due to limited promotional budgets. In other words, because the number of special cards issued by the publisher for promotional purposes and available to various stores is limited, it is physically impossible to provide special cards to all players during the special period. Therefore, the period setting information for setting the special period on the game device 100 includes, in addition to specifying the date, time, or duration of the special period, information specifying the predetermined number of times special cards can be supplied to various stores and other locations (the initial inventory (number of purchases) of special cards).

[0050] The game device 100 provides special cards only to a predetermined number of competitive experiences (the initial stock of special cards) starting from a special period. This means that if special cards were provided on a first-come, first-served basis, some players, such as those whose residences are far from the designated shop or those unable to visit the shop at the beginning of the special period, would find it difficult to obtain special cards, compromising fairness among players. Therefore, during such special periods, a lottery process with a specific winning probability is conventionally used when providing competitive experiences, and special cards are only provided if the player wins the lottery. In other words, by designing the system to provide special cards only to players who win the lottery, fair provision of special cards, regardless of the order of arrival, is achieved.

[0051] On the other hand, even if special cards are provided based on the result of a draw, if the number of draws is increased, the number of times a card is selected also increases, and the inventory of special cards available to shops will soon be depleted. In this case, after the initial inventory of special cards is selected, no more special cards can be provided, so the game device 100 must be set to a state where no draw is performed. That is, the game device 100 must be set to forcibly end the special period without waiting for it to end, or to perform the same actions as during normal periods without conducting a draw, even during special periods. Therefore, even if special cards are provided based on the result of a draw during a special period, depending on how the game device 100 is used, it is possible that shops will not achieve an appropriate promotional effect.

[0052] Therefore, the game device 100 of this embodiment is configured to accept a setting that allows the number of times special cards can be provided during the service provision of the game device 100 (during the period when a competitive experience can be provided) to be any number other than the initial inventory number, thereby enabling the provision of services related to special periods for a longer period. Specifically, the game device 100 is configured to operate in two modes: a "business mode" that provides a competitive gaming experience and allows players to use it (the first mode of the present invention), and a "maintenance mode" that does not provide a competitive gaming experience and does not allow players to use it (the second mode). Furthermore, in the maintenance mode, the selection process performed in the business mode is configured to allow setting the number of times special cards can be provided (selection count) according to the present invention.

[0053] Here, the setting of the number of special cards provided is a setting related to the operation of the game device 100, such as the setup of shops, and is preferably not changeable by the player. This setting function is configured so that it can only be accessed by staff such as shop owners, and can only be performed when the game device 100 is in maintenance mode. Furthermore, switching to maintenance mode is achieved, for example, when the game device 100 is restarted, by inputting an operation input to a special switch (not shown).

[0054] The setup staff, etc., can be displayed after the game device 100 is switched to maintenance mode, for example, [the following information is missing from the original text]. Figure 4 (a) In the setting screen 400, the number of special cards provided is set. As shown in the figure, the setting screen 400 includes a setting item 401 related to a special period, which allows changing the number of special cards that can be provided in the current setting (the maximum number of cards provided), that is, the maximum number of times a card can be selected in the current setting. The maximum number of cards provided by default set in setting item 401 is a predetermined number included in the period setting information, which is equivalent to the initial inventory of special cards for supplying one game device 100 to the store or other establishment. Staff members can limit the number of special cards provided by setting the maximum number of cards provided by setting item 401 to a number less than the default value in the setting screen 400 related to a special period, and switch the operation of the game device 100 to business mode. In other words, according to this embodiment, since the number of selections in the lottery process can be adjusted by setting item 401 in the setting screen 400, the supply schedule of special cards can be planned and adjusted during a period predetermined as a special period.

[0055] For example, in a scenario where the initial stock of special cards is 100, when the game device 100 is set to a special period based on the period setting information, the default value (initial setting) for the maximum number of cards provided is set to 100. At this time, when the game device 100 is used in the initial setting state, a competitive experience is provided from the start of the special period service, accompanied by a lottery process with a specific probability of selection. At the point when 100 selections occur, the game device 100 becomes unable to provide services related to the special period.

[0056] In contrast, for example, if the maximum number of cards provided is changed to 20 in the setting screen 400 and the game device 100 is used, from the start of the special period service, a competitive experience is provided with a lottery based on a specific probability of winning. At the point when 20 winnings occur, the game device 100 temporarily becomes unable to provide the special period-related service. However, because there is an inventory of 80 special cards for the game device 100 in the setting shop, when switching to maintenance mode and operating subsequently, by setting the maximum number of cards provided to 40 in the setting screen 400, the game device 100 can return to a state where it can provide the special period-related service again.

[0057] This feature allows for the distribution of draw opportunities not only at the initial start of a special period, but also after 6 hours or on the second day, thus providing more players with opportunities to obtain special cards and extending the promotional period. In other words, by setting multiple phases to provide a maximum number of cards, opportunities to obtain special cards can also be provided to players who cannot use the game device 100 at the beginning of a special period.

[0058] Here, in order to achieve the desired promotional effect and ensure fair use among stores, the maximum number of changes provided is preferably set so that it falls within a predetermined range of upper and lower limits. In other words, if a very small number can be set, the start of the special period in the store can be substantially delayed, thus hindering players who come to the store with the intention of obtaining special cards from engaging in appropriate gameplay. Furthermore, if a maximum number of deliveries exceeding the initial inventory can be set, then the game device can operate as if it were possible to provide a competitive experience similar to a special period, without being unable to provide special cards. Therefore, the maximum number of deliveries is set within a certain numerical range.

[0059] Additionally, the extension of the special period may be decided based on the response to a promotional campaign or a joint decision made after the campaign begins. In such cases, additional supplies can be provided to participating stores by printing more special cards, aiming to further enhance the promotional effect. In this case, the value that can be used to set the maximum number of cards provided can be set to a value greater than the initial inventory of special cards. At this time, period setting information related to the extension of the special period can also be provided to each gaming device 100, and based on this information, the conditions for the maximum number of times that can be set in the setting screen 400 can be updated, allowing the setting of a maximum number of cards provided that exceeds the initial inventory.

[0060] Furthermore, the setting change of the maximum number provided in such a setting screen 400 is configured to be accepted as a condition during a special period setting on the game device 100, or otherwise during a period set as a special period.

[0061] Furthermore, because the response to promotional activities related to such special periods varies depending on the time period and content, therefore... Figure 3 As shown, for each of the special periods that are specified multiple times during the service provision period of the game device 100, the setting screen 400 can be set independently in order to accept the setting of the maximum number of services provided.

[0062] Provide processing

[0063] In the game device 100 of this embodiment, which has such a configuration, the provision performed in relation to service provision is used... Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates the specific processing. The processing corresponding to the flowchart can be implemented by the control unit 101 reading the corresponding processing program stored in the storage device 102, expanding it in the memory 103, and executing it. Furthermore, this control processing is described as starting, for example, when payment related to the start of use of the game device 100 is detected.

[0064] In S501, the control unit 101 determines whether the current usage is within a special period. That is, the control unit 101 determines whether the current period is a special period set based on period setting information. If the control unit 101 determines that the current usage is within a special period, the process moves to S503; if it determines that the current usage is not within a special period, that is, within a normal period, the process moves to S502.

[0065] In S502, the control unit 107, under the control of the control unit 101, controls the first supply unit 110 to supply a normal card, and the processing is moved to S509. Specifically, the control unit 107 sends a game card supply instruction to the first supply unit 110, causing it to supply a normal card.

[0066] On the other hand, in S501, if it is determined that this utilization is within a special period, the control unit 101, in S503, determines whether the current number of selections during the special period has reached the maximum number of slots available. Information about the current number of selections is stored and managed in the storage device 102, set to 0 at the beginning of the special period, and then incremented by 1 each time a selection result is achieved during the selection process performed during the special period. Furthermore, information about the maximum number of slots available is also stored and managed in the storage device 102, and updated according to the settings of the setting item 401 on the setting screen 400 when the game device 100 is operating in maintenance mode. If the control unit 101 determines that the current number of selections during the special period has reached the maximum number of slots available, it moves the process to S504; if it determines that the maximum number of slots available has not been reached, it moves the process to S505.

[0067] In S504, the control unit 107, under the control of the control unit 101, controls the first supply unit 110 to supply normal cards, and the process is moved to S509. Specifically, the control unit 107 sends a game card supply instruction to the first supply unit 110, causing it to supply normal cards. At this time, the notification control unit 108, under the control of the control unit 101, may also notify the notification unit 130 that the supply of special cards for the day has been completed, or that the supply of all special cards (special cards in the initial stock quantity) related to this special period has been completed.

[0068] On the other hand, if it is determined in S503 that the current number of elections during the special period has not reached the upper limit for providing cards, the control unit 101 performs a selection process related to the decision on whether to provide special cards in S505.

[0069] In S506, the control unit 101 determines whether the selection result of the selection process performed in S505 is selected. If the control unit 101 determines that the selection result is selected, the process is moved to S507; if the result is not selected, that is, not selected, the process is moved to S508.

[0070] In S507, under the control of control unit 101, control unit 107 controls second supply unit 120 to supply special cards, and the process is moved to S509. Specifically, control unit 107 sends a game card supply instruction to second supply unit 120, causing it to supply special cards. At this time, control unit 101 updates the current selection count information to a value incremented by 1. Furthermore, under the control of control unit 101, prompting control unit 108 causes prompting unit 130 to prompt the result of the draw and the performance of the selected special card.

[0071] On the other hand, if it is determined in S506 that the draw result is a failure, the control unit 107, under the control of the control unit 101, controls the first supply unit 110 in S508 to supply a normal card, and the process is moved to S509. Specifically, the control unit 107 sends a game card supply instruction to the first supply unit 110 to supply a normal card. At this time, the prompting control unit 108, under the control of the control unit 101, causes the prompting unit 130 to prompt a notification that a normal card has been supplied because the draw result was a failure.

[0072] In S509, the control unit 101 performs game processing to provide a competitive gaming experience. This game processing includes processing whereby the player obtains information from the game card used in the game, and controls the game based on parameter information 702 related to the character corresponding to the game card. Furthermore, when the executed game processing ends, the control unit 101 moves the processing to S510.

[0073] In S510, the control unit 101 executes specific termination procedures related to the end of this service provision, thus completing the provision process.

[0074] By doing so, the game device 100 according to this embodiment can provide services that enhance the fun of giving game elements by adjusting the progress of giving game elements during special periods.

[0075] [Variation Example 1]

[0076] In the described embodiment, although only setting item 401 is displayed on the setting screen 400, the implementation of the present invention is not limited thereto. To allow shop staff to set the maximum number of special cards to be provided based on the availability (selection status), the setting screen 400 may also include, for example... Figure 4 (b) Information on the provision of special cards during the corresponding special period, as shown in the example. By doing so, in the business model, staff can easily study what level of special cards can be provided additionally, and set an appropriate number of cards that can be provided.

[0077] Furthermore, since the information regarding performance 411 is unavailable before the corresponding special period, it can be included in the setting screen 400 for prompting only during the corresponding special period. Additionally, since the necessity of prompting for the end of a special period is low, it can also be configured so that the information is no longer available after the special period ends.

[0078] [Variation Example 2]

[0079] In Variation Example 1, although the description focused on the setting screen 400 displaying information about the availability of special cards only when the game device 100 is operating in maintenance mode, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. The availability of special cards can also be indicated to the prompting unit 130 in business mode so that the player can know whether special cards are still available on the game device 100 in use. Such prompts include, for example,... Figure 6 As shown, the display in the standby state of the game device 100 can be implemented by display item 601 showing the number of special cards provided during this special period. Alternatively, instead of displaying the number of special cards provided during this special period, the display can show the remaining number of special cards available during this special period (the inventory of special cards in the shops, etc., related to the game device 100). Both can also be displayed.

[0080] [Variation Example 3]

[0081] In the described embodiments and variations, although it has been explained that the special cards are provided on the condition that the selection result of the lottery process is selected, the implementation of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to provide special cards without performing a lottery process, and to control the provision of special cards based on the fulfillment of other conditions related to the provision of the competitive experience, such as meeting specific conditions in the game or the total amount paid reaching a specific amount.

[0082] [Variation Example 4]

[0083] In the described embodiments and variations, although the setting of special periods based on the acquisition of period setting information and the setting of the predetermined number of special cards provided (initial inventory) related to the special periods have been explained, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. The setting of special periods is not limited to the acquisition of period setting information, and may also be configured to be able to set for, for example, any promotional activities held at the store where the special period is set up. In other words, special periods may also be configured to be set by having the staff of the store or others input various implementation-related information (schedule and initial inventory) in maintenance mode.

[0084] [Variation Example 5]

[0085] In the described embodiments and variations, although the phased setting of the available number of cards is explained for store staff, etc., while considering the availability of special cards, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. The change of the available number can also be configured such that, for example, when the game device 100 is switched to maintenance mode and started, the control unit 101 refers to the availability status and changes the available number of cards without input from staff, etc.

[0086] [Variation Example 6]

[0087] In the described embodiments and variations, although the lottery process related to the provision of special cards is explained in connection with providing a competitive gaming experience, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the service provision of the game device 100, it is also possible to include a service provision that only sells game cards without providing a competitive gaming experience. In such cases, a lottery process for each card sale may also be performed.

[0088] [Variation Example 7]

[0089] In the described embodiments and variations, game cards (special cards) are cited as examples of game elements given during special periods, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, virtual items such as props that can be used in the game may also be given.

[0090] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0091] The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the inventive spirit.

[0092] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 100: Gaming Devices

[0094] 101: Control Department

[0095] 102: Storage device

[0096] 103: Memory

[0097] 104: Payment Testing Department

[0098] 105: Acquisition Department

[0099] 106: Character DB

[0100] 107: Assign control unit

[0101] 108: Prompt Control Department

[0102] 109: Operation Input Section

[0103] 110: First Provision Department

[0104] 120: Second Provision Department

[0105] 130: Prompt Department.

Claims

1. A program that enables a computer providing a competitive gaming experience to perform the following processes: The switching process switches the computer's operation to either a first mode that provides a competitive gaming experience or a second mode that does not provide a competitive gaming experience. The processing involves providing game elements to the players of the game based on the competitive experience offered in the first mode. The control process controls the execution of the assignment process in a manner that only assigns game elements a predetermined number of times; and The change processing, when the computer operates in the second mode, accepts the number of changes that can be assigned; and The control process controls the execution of the assignment process in such a way that, if the assignable number is changed by the change process, only the game element with the changed assignable number is assigned.

2. The procedure according to claim 1, wherein the change processing does not accept the number of changes that can be assigned when the computer is operating in the first mode.

3. The procedure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the change processing can accept the number of changes that can be assigned multiple times.

4. The procedure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the change processing accepts the change of the number of times that can be assigned after the change falls within the range of a predetermined upper limit and lower limit.

5. The procedure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Regarding the provision of the competitive experience of the game, there are regular periods that provide the usual competitive experience and special periods that are not used for the usual competitive experience and do not repeat the usual periods; The program causes the computer to further perform setting processing for accepting the settings of the special period; The control process controls the execution of the imparting process in a manner that imparts game elements to the competitive experience of the game during the specific period; and The change processing accepts changes to the number of times the function can be assigned, provided that the special period is set by the setting process.

6. The procedure according to claim 5, wherein the setting process, in addition to accepting the setting of the special period, also accepts the setting of the predetermined number of times that can be assigned.

7. The procedure according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the setting process is capable of accepting settings for multiple special periods, and also accepting the predetermined number of times the settings can be assigned for each of the multiple special periods.

8. The procedure according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the change processing is performed only during the specific period, and the number of changes that can be granted is accepted.

9. The procedure according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the particular period is set to be at least shorter than the previous normal period.

10. The program according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein, when the computer operates in the second mode, the computer is further prompted to perform prompting processing that prompts for information related to the performance of the assigned processing during the particular period.

11. The procedure of claim 10, wherein the prompting process is performed only during the specific period.

12. The procedure according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein if the computer operates in the first mode during the special period, the computer is further instructed to perform processing of at least one of the number of game elements assigned during the special period and the number of remaining game elements that can be assigned during the special period.

13. The procedure according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein if the control process is selected in the executed selection process, the control is to execute the assignment process.

14. A gaming device that provides a competitive gaming experience, comprising: The switching mechanism switches the operation of the game device to either a first mode that provides a competitive gaming experience or a second mode that does not provide a competitive gaming experience. The agency is given game elements to the players of the game based on the competitive experience provided by the game in the first mode; The control mechanism controls the assignment mechanism in a manner that assigns game elements only a predetermined number of times; and The mechanism for changing the number of times an applicable function can be performed when the game device operates in the second mode; and The control mechanism controls the assigning mechanism in such a way that, if the assignable number is changed by the changing mechanism, only the game element with the changed assignable number is assigned.

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