Program and information processing device

Abstract

To motivate a player to continue playing a game.SOLUTION: A program allows a computer to function as reception means 52 for receiving a continuation instruction for continuing a game from a player correspondingly when the player does not satisfy a clearing condition, and as control means 54 for reducing a continuation consideration as a consideration following a continuation instruction when the player does not satisfy a clearing condition of the game after the continuation instruction compared to when a clearing condition of the game is satisfied after the continuation instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and an information processing device.

[0002] Conventionally, there are known games that allow a player, when unable to complete a game (e.g., a quest), to choose whether to continue playing the game by paying a fee (e.g., currency, a currency item, etc.) or to retire without paying the fee.

[0003] In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses technology that favors game progress when a player consumes both paid and free items at once, rather than continuing the game (quest) by consuming only paid items or only free items. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6614378 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In such games, even if a player pays the fee to continue playing the game, there is a possibility that the player will not be able to complete the game again, and so the player may hesitate to continue playing the game.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to provide a program and an information processing device that can motivate a player to continue playing a game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a program according to a first aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as: an accepting means for accepting a continuation instruction to continue the game from a player in response to the player failing to satisfy a condition for clearing the game; and a control means for reducing a continuation fee, which is compensation associated with the continuation instruction, in a case where the player has not satisfied the condition for clearing the game after the continue instruction, compared to a case where the condition for clearing the game has been satisfied after the continue instruction.

[0008] In a second aspect of the present invention, the control means makes the continuation fee free of charge if the player does not satisfy the condition for clearing the game after the continuation instruction.

[0009] In addition, in a third aspect of the present invention, when a clearing condition of the game is satisfied after the player gives the instruction to continue, the receiving means receives an instruction from the player as to whether or not to confirm the clearing of the game, and when an instruction not to confirm the clearing is given, the control means determines that the clearing condition of the game has not been satisfied.

[0010] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the player satisfies a condition for clearing the game after the continuation instruction, the control means allocates a reward for clearing the game to the continuation fee.

[0011] In addition, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, the receiving means receives a re-continuation instruction from the player to further continue the game in response to the player not satisfying the clearing conditions of the game after giving the continue instruction, and the control means reduces the sum of the continuation consideration and the re-continuation consideration, which is the consideration associated with the re-continuation instruction, when the player does not satisfy the clearing conditions of the game after giving the re-continuation instruction, compared to when the player satisfies the clearing conditions of the game after the re-continuation instruction.

[0012] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the control means sets the sum of the continuation fee and the re-continuation fee to be free if the player does not satisfy the condition for clearing the game after the re-continuation instruction.

[0013] In addition, in a seventh aspect of the present invention, when the player satisfies a condition for clearing the game after the re-continuation instruction, the control means allocates a reward for clearing the game to the sum of the continuation fee and the re-continuation fee.

[0014] In addition, in an eighth aspect of the present invention, the continuation consideration in a case where the player does not satisfy the clearing condition of the game after the continuation instruction is less than the re-continuation consideration in a case where the player does not satisfy the clearing condition of the game after the re-continuation instruction.

[0015] In addition, in a ninth aspect of the present invention, the continuation compensation when the player satisfies the clearing condition of the game after the continuation instruction is less than the re-continuation compensation when the player satisfies the clearing condition of the game after the re-continuation instruction.

[0016] In addition, in a tenth aspect of the present invention, the re-continuation consideration in a case where the player does not satisfy the clearing conditions of the game after the re-continuation instruction is less than the continuation consideration in a case where the player does not satisfy the clearing conditions of the game after the continuation instruction.

[0017] In addition, in an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the re-continuation consideration in the case where the player satisfies the clearing condition of the game after the re-continuation instruction is less than the continuation consideration in the case where the player satisfies the clearing condition of the game after the continuation instruction.

[0018] In addition, an information processing device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention includes an acceptance means for accepting a continuation instruction to continue the game from a player in response to the player failing to satisfy a condition for clearing the game, and a control means for reducing a continuation fee, which is a fee associated with the continuation instruction, when the player has not satisfied the condition for clearing the game after the continuation instruction, compared to a case in which the player has satisfied the condition for clearing the game after the continuation instruction. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to motivate a player to continue playing a game. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device. [Diagram 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a smartphone as the terminal device illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional unit of a server device. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes performed by each functional means shown in FIG. 4 in the game system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a continue confirmation screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a clear confirmation screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes performed by each functional means in a game system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a continue confirmation screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a clear confirmation screen according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, a number of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate understanding of the description, the same components and steps in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0022] ---First embodiment --- First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0023] <Overall composition> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0024] 1, the game system 1 includes a server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 12. The server device 10 and the terminal devices 12 are communicatively connected to each other via a communication network NT such as an intranet, the Internet, or a telephone line.

[0025] The server device 10 is an information processing device that provides the game execution results obtained by executing the game program 14, or the game program 14 itself, to the players of the terminal devices 12 via the communications network NT. In the first embodiment, the server device 10 provides the game program 14 itself to the players of the terminal devices 12.

[0026] Each terminal device 12 is an information processing device owned by each player, and provides a game to each player by executing the game program 14 received from the server device 10 after it has been installed therein. Examples of these terminal devices 12 include various devices such as video game machines, arcade game machines, mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, and personal computers.

[0027] <Hardware configuration> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the server device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0028] 2, the server device 10 includes a control device 20, a communication device 26, and a storage device 28. The control device 20 is mainly configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22 and a memory 24.

[0029] In the control device 20, the CPU 22 executes a predetermined program stored in the memory 24 or the storage device 28, etc., to function as various functional means. The details of these functional means will be described later.

[0030] The communication device 26 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device, etc. The communication device 26 transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal device 12, for example.

[0031] The storage device 28 is composed of a hard disk, etc. This storage device 28 stores various programs and information necessary for executing the processes in the control device 20, including the game program 14, and information on the results of the processes.

[0032] The server device 10 can be realized by using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. The server device 10 may be configured by a single information processing device or by multiple information processing devices distributed over a communication network NT. FIG. 2 shows only a part of the main hardware configuration of the server device 10, and the server device 10 may have other configurations that a server generally has. The hardware configuration of the multiple terminal devices 12 may also have the same configuration as the server device 10, except for including an operating means, a display device, and a sound output device.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a smartphone serving as the terminal device 12 shown in FIG.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 12 includes a main control unit 30, a touch panel (touch screen) 32, a camera , a mobile communication unit , a wireless LAN communication unit , a storage unit 40, and a speaker .

[0035] The main control unit 30 is configured to include a CPU, a memory, etc. The main control unit 30 is connected to a touch panel 32 as a display input device, a camera 34, a mobile communication unit 36, a wireless LAN communication unit 38, a storage unit 40, and a speaker 42. The main control unit 30 has a function of controlling these connection destinations.

[0036] The touch panel 32 has both a display function and an input function, and is composed of a display 32A that performs the display function and a touch sensor 32B that performs the input function. In the first embodiment, the display 32A can display game images including operation input images such as button images, cross key images, and joystick images. The touch sensor 32B can detect the input position of the player relative to the game image.

[0037] The camera 34 has a function of taking still images and / or moving images and storing them in the storage unit 40.

[0038] The mobile communication unit 36 ​​has a function of connecting to a mobile communication network via an antenna 36A and communicating with other communication devices connected to the mobile communication network.

[0039] The wireless LAN communication unit 38 has a function of connecting to the communication network NT via an antenna 38A and communicating with other devices such as the server device 10 connected to the communication network NT.

[0040] The storage unit 40 stores various programs and data such as the game program 14 and play data indicating the game progress and player information of the game program 14. The play data may be stored in the server device 10.

[0041] The speaker 42 has a function of outputting game sounds and the like.

[0042] <Game Overview> The game according to the first embodiment includes a quest in which the player can acquire a character as an example of content. This quest may be called a fighting game, a dungeon, a search, a mission, or the like.

[0043] A quest according to the first embodiment is a game in which the objective is to satisfy a predetermined clearing condition (task). For example, this quest is a game in which a party formed of one or more characters owned by the player is pitted against enemy characters that appear in each stage based on an instruction (request) from the player to execute a quest specified by the player. An example of this clearing condition is to defeat one or more enemy characters (boss characters) that appear in the final stage (for example, reducing the hit points to 0 or less).

[0044] In addition, in a quest according to the first embodiment, the player can organize a party (team) to be used in the quest by arbitrarily selecting a predetermined number (e.g., 5) or less of characters from the characters he owns in an organization menu for organizing the party (team) to be used in the quest in advance. In other words, the player can organize a party to be used in the quest with a predetermined number or less of characters.

[0045] Moreover, a quest according to the first embodiment is executed based on the consumption of a current stamina value associated with the player. If the clearing condition of the quest is not met, the player can select whether to continue the quest (continue) or give up on clearing the quest (retire midway through the quest). For example, an example of a case where the clearing condition is not met is when all characters constituting a party are annihilated (the hit points of all characters become 0 or less). The quest is continued based on the payment of a price by the player, that is, the consumption of a currency item owned by the player. Examples of the currency item include a paid item (e.g., paid stones) and a non-paid item (e.g., free stones). A paid item is a paid item that is given to a player based on a payment by money, a prepaid card, electronic money, a credit card, cryptocurrency, or the like. A non-paid item is a free item that is given to a player in the game. For example, the non-paid item may have a value equivalent to that of a paid item, or may have a value lower than that of a paid item. For example, if a player owns both a paid item (e.g., paid stones) and a non-paid item (e.g., free stones), the player may consume the paid item first, or the non-paid item first. In addition, the paid stones and free stones are sometimes referred to as "stones."

[0046] On the other hand, if the player meets the conditions for clearing a quest, the player can obtain a clear reward. Examples of the clear reward include non-chargeable items (e.g., free stones), coins, characters, weapon items, player experience points, etc.

[0047] Also, for example, in a quest according to the first embodiment, if the player chooses to continue the quest after all characters have been wiped out, the hit points, skill points, overdrive gauges, etc. of all characters making up the party will be fully restored, the hit points and other ability parameters of enemy characters will remain as they were when all characters were wiped out, and the quest will be resumed from the stage where all characters were wiped out.

[0048] <Functional means> FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional means of the server device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0049] 4, the server device 10 has, as functional components, a storage means 50, a receiving means 52, and a control means 54. The storage means 50 is realized by one or more storage devices 28. The functional means other than the storage means 50 are realized by the control device 20 executing the game program 14 stored in the storage device 28 or the like.

[0050] The storage means 50 has a function of storing player information 50A, character information 50B, quest information 50C, and the like.

[0051] The player information 50A is stored for each player in association with the player ID of the player. The player information 50A includes, for example, the player's name, age, player rank, owned content information, party information, quest progress information, stamina information, and the like.

[0052] The player rank increases, for example, when the player gains player experience points.

[0053] The owned content information includes owned character information, owned item information, owned coin information, etc. The owned character information includes a character ID for each owned character owned by the player, and ability parameters of each character. Examples of ability parameters include level, luck, hit points, attack power, defense power, etc. In the first embodiment, for example, when the character level increases, the hit points, attack power, defense power, etc. increase.

[0054] The owned item information includes the item IDs and the number of various items owned by the player, such as currency items (paid stones and unpaid stones) and weapon items.

[0055] The owned coin information includes the number of coins owned by the player.

[0056] The party information includes information about a party that is previously organized by a player. This party information includes, for example, one or more owned characters that constitute the party.

[0057] The quest progress information includes the quest ID of a quest that the player has cleared, and whether or not the mission (clearance evaluation) has been accomplished. The cleared quests and whether or not the mission has been accomplished are updated when the clearing of the quest is confirmed. In the first embodiment, when the player clears a quest (normal quest), a new quest (next normal quest) becomes executable. Also, in the first embodiment, there is a quest that becomes executable when the player rank reaches a certain value or higher. A predetermined number of missions (clearance evaluations) (e.g., three) are set for each quest, and when the player completes all the missions for the first time, he or she can earn a mission completion reward.

[0058] The stamina information includes the player's current stamina value and stamina upper limit. The current stamina value is the value consumed by the player when performing various quests. This current stamina value increases by a certain amount (e.g., 1) after a certain amount of time (e.g., 3 minutes) has passed, and recovers to the stamina upper limit. In addition, this current stamina value can be recovered beyond the stamina upper limit by the player consuming paid stones, unpaid stones, stamina recovery items, etc. This stamina upper limit increases as the player's player rank increases.

[0059] Character information 50B is stored for each character in association with the character ID of the character. Character information 50B includes, for example, the character's name, image, ability information, rarity, etc. This character information 50B is updated as the game operator updates the game.

[0060] The ability information includes the initial and maximum values ​​of ability parameters, skills, special moves (overdrive), etc. Skills include abilities such as recovering or strengthening hit points of ally characters in quests and dealing damage to enemy characters based on the consumption of skill points (battle points). For example, a predetermined number of skill points are granted to a character each time an action turn begins. Special moves are abilities to weaken enemy characters or deal large damage to enemy characters based on the consumption of skill points and an overdrive gauge. This overdrive gauge is accumulated, for example, as action turns progress, as the character is attacked by an enemy character, as the character attacks an enemy character, etc.

[0061] The rarity includes a number ranging from 1 to 6, for example. This number may be expressed, for example, by the number of stars. Characters with high rarity are set with advantageous ability parameters, skills, etc. in the game (for example, quests).

[0062] The quest information 50C is stored for each quest in association with the quest ID of the quest. The quest information 50C includes the name of the quest, the stamina consumed, enemy character information, the cost, mission information, and clear reward information.

[0063] The consumed stamina value includes a value required to execute a quest. This consumed stamina value is consumed from the player's current stamina value, and for example, the higher the difficulty of the quest, the higher the consumed stamina value.

[0064] The enemy character information includes the character ID and ability parameters of each enemy character that appears in each stage of the quest, including the boss character that appears at the end of the quest.

[0065] The compensation includes a continuation compensation corresponding to the continuation of a quest and a re-continuation compensation corresponding to a re-continuation. For example, the continuation compensation includes the number of currency items corresponding to the first (first) continuation. Also, the re-continuation compensation includes the number of currency items corresponding to the second or subsequent continuations (re-continuations). In the first embodiment, the compensation includes a continuation compensation and a re-continuation compensation when the clear condition is satisfied, and a continuation compensation and a re-continuation compensation when the clear condition is not satisfied. The continuation compensation and the re-continuation compensation can be changed as appropriate. Specific examples of the continuation compensation and the re-continuation compensation are described below.

[0066] (1) Free of charge if the conditions are not met For example, if the player does not meet the clearing conditions, the continuation fee and re-continuation fee are free. Specifically, the continuation fee and re-continuation fee for a certain quest are 10 currency items if the clearing conditions are met, and are free if the clearing conditions are not met.

[0067] (2) The continuation consideration is less than the re-continuation consideration For example, the continuation fee when the player does not satisfy the clearing condition of the quest (game) after the continuation instruction is less than the re-continuation fee when the player does not satisfy the clearing condition of the quest after the re-continuation instruction. Also, the continuation fee when the player satisfies the clearing condition of the quest after the continuation instruction is less than the re-continuation fee when the player satisfies the clearing condition of the quest after the re-continuation instruction. Specifically, in a certain quest, if the player does not satisfy the clearing conditions of the quest after issuing a continue instruction, the continuation compensation associated with the continue instruction is four currency items. Also, for example, in a certain quest, if the player does not satisfy the clearing conditions of the quest after issuing a re-continuation instruction, the re-continuation compensation associated with the re-continuation instruction is five currency items. Also, for example, in a certain quest, if the player satisfies the clearing conditions of the quest after issuing a continue instruction, the re-continuation compensation associated with the re-continuation instruction is eight currency items. Also, for example, in a certain quest, if the player satisfies the clearing conditions after issuing a re-continuation instruction, the re-continuation compensation associated with the re-continuation instruction is ten currency items.

[0068] (3) The renewing consideration is less than the continuing consideration For example, the re-continuation fee when the player does not satisfy the clearing condition of the quest (game) after issuing a re-continuation instruction is less than the continuation fee when the player does not satisfy the clearing condition of the quest after issuing a continuation instruction. Also, the re-continuation fee when the player satisfies the clearing condition of the quest after issuing a re-continuation instruction is less than the continuation fee when the player satisfies the clearing condition of the quest after issuing a continuation instruction. Specifically, in a certain quest, if the player does not satisfy the clearing conditions of the quest after issuing a continue instruction, the re-continuation consideration associated with the re-continuation instruction is four currency items. Also, for example, in a certain quest, if the player does not satisfy the clearing conditions of the quest after issuing a continue instruction, the re-continuation consideration associated with the re-continuation instruction is five currency items. Also, for example, in a certain quest, if the player satisfies the clearing conditions of the quest after issuing a continue instruction, the re-continuation consideration associated with the re-continuation instruction is eight currency items. Also, for example, in a certain quest, if the player satisfies the clearing conditions after issuing a continue instruction, the re-continuation consideration associated with the re-continuation instruction is ten currency items.

[0069] The mission information includes a predetermined number (e.g., three) of missions (clearing evaluations) and a mission achievement reward. Examples of the missions include clearing the quest without continuing (continuing), not one of the characters in the party being unable to fight (hit points are 0 or less), defeating all enemy characters that appear, obtaining all treasure chests, clearing within a certain time (predetermined turns), and the like. It is determined whether or not each mission has been achieved when the player has confirmed that the quest has been cleared. For example, the player may clear the quest multiple times and successively achieve the missions that have not been achieved. Examples of the mission achievement reward include non-chargeable items (e.g., free stones), coins, and the right to skip the quest (e.g., skip tickets). The mission achievement reward may be included in the clearing reward described later.

[0070] The clear reward information includes the number of non-chargeable items that can be acquired when the quest is cleared (e.g., 100 free stones), the number of coins, the character ID and drop rate of a character (e.g., a boss character), the item ID and drop rate of a weapon item, the player's experience points, etc. This drop rate is the probability that the player will acquire a character or weapon item. For example, the higher the difficulty of the quest, the higher the drop rate will be.

[0071] The receiving means 52 is a functional means for receiving various instructions (requests) from a player. In the first embodiment, the receiving means 52 receives a continue instruction from a player to continue a quest (game) when the player does not satisfy the conditions for clearing the quest. An example of this continue instruction is pressing a continue execution button. The receiving means 52 also receives an end instruction from a player to give up (retire) from clearing the quest when the player does not satisfy the conditions for clearing the quest. An example of this end instruction is pressing a clear decline button.

[0072] In the first embodiment, when the player has satisfied the conditions for clearing the quest (game) after giving a continue instruction, the receiving means 52 receives an instruction from the player as to whether or not to confirm the completion of the quest. An example of an instruction to confirm the completion is pressing a clear confirmation button. An example of an instruction not to confirm the completion is pressing a clear decline button.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the receiving unit 52 receives a re-continuation instruction from the player to continue the quest in response to the player not satisfying the clearing condition of the quest (game) after the player has given a continuation instruction. An example of this re-continuation instruction is pressing the continue execution button.

[0074] The control means 54 is a functional means for controlling the entire game. In the first embodiment, the control means 54 executes payment of a continuation fee or a re-continuation fee (e.g., consumption of a currency item) at the timing when it is determined that the clearing condition has been satisfied (cleared) or at the timing when it is determined that the clearing condition has not been satisfied (retirement). In other words, the control means 54 does not execute payment of a continuation fee at the timing when the player issues a continuation instruction or a re-continuation instruction.

[0075] Also, in the first embodiment, if the player does not satisfy the conditions for clearing the quest (game) after issuing a continuation instruction, the control means 54 reduces the continuation fee, which is the compensation associated with the continuation instruction, compared to when the conditions for clearing the quest are satisfied after issuing a continuation instruction.

[0076] For example, when the player satisfies the clearing condition of the quest after issuing a continuation instruction, the control means 54 confirms the clearing. Next, the control means 54 consumes a currency item included in the possessed item information of the player information 50A, with reference to the compensation in the quest information 50C. Specifically, when the player satisfies the clearing condition of the quest after issuing a continuation instruction, the control means 54 consumes 10 currency items possessed by the player as the continuation compensation for satisfying the clearing condition.

[0077] On the other hand, if the player does not satisfy the conditions for clearing the quest after giving a continuation instruction, the control means 54 causes the touch panel 32 to display a continue confirmation screen including a continue execution button for giving a continuation instruction again and a retire execution button for giving an end instruction. Next, when the player presses the quit execution button (a quit instruction is given), the control means 54 confirms that the clearing condition has not been met (quit). Next, the control means 54 refers to the compensation in the quest information 50C and consumes an amount of currency items included in the possessed item information in the player information 50A that is less than the continuation compensation in the case where the clearing condition is met (clearing is confirmed). For example, the control means 54 consumes half the amount of currency items of the continuation compensation in the case where the clearing condition is met. Specifically, if the continuation compensation in the case where the clearing condition is met is 10 currency items, the control means 54 consumes 5 currency items possessed by the player as the continuation compensation in the case where the clearing condition is not met. If the player does not satisfy the clearing conditions after issuing a continue instruction, the control means 54 may automatically determine that the clearing conditions have not been satisfied (retirement) without displaying the continue confirmation screen on the touch panel 32. In other words, the control means 54 may limit the number of times the quest can be continued to one.

[0078] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, if the player does not satisfy the clearing conditions of the quest after issuing a continuation instruction, the control means 54 provides the continuation fee free of charge. For example, if the player does not satisfy the clearing conditions of the quest after issuing a continuation instruction, the control means 54 displays a continuation confirmation screen including a continue execution button and a retire execution button on the touch panel 32. Next, when the player presses the retire execution button (a termination instruction is issued), the control means 54 provides the continuation fee free of charge.

[0079] In the first embodiment, the control means 54 determines that the clearing conditions of the quest (game) have not been satisfied when an instruction not to confirm clearing has been given. For example, when the player satisfies the clearing conditions of the quest after an instruction to continue, the control means 54 causes the touch panel 32 to display a clear confirmation screen including a clear confirmation button and a clear decline button. Next, when the player presses the clear decline button (instruction is given not to confirm clear), the control means 54 confirms that the clear condition has not been met (retirement). Next, the control means 54 refers to the compensation in the quest information 50C and consumes an amount of currency items included in the possessed item information in the player information 50A that is less than the continuation compensation in the case where the clear condition has been met (when clearing has been confirmed). For example, the control means 54 consumes half the amount of currency items that would be the continuation compensation in the case where the clear condition has been met. Specifically, the control means 54 consumes five currency items possessed by the player as compensation for the continuation instruction. Note that, when the player presses the clear decline button, the control means 54 may make the continuation instruction free of charge. Next, the control means 54 causes a quest selection screen for selecting a quest to be displayed on the touch panel 32. That is, when the player presses the clear decline button, the control means 54 does not update the quest progress information in the player information 50A, and does not allow the player to acquire the quest reward, the mission achievement reward, or the like.

[0080] Furthermore, when the player presses the clear confirmation button (gives an instruction to confirm the clear), the control means 54 confirms the player's clearing of the quest. Specifically, when the player presses the clear confirmation button, the control means 54 consumes 10 currency items owned by the player as a continuation fee in the case where the clear condition is satisfied. Next, the control means 54 updates the quest progress information in the player information 50A, and allows the player to acquire quest rewards, mission achievement rewards, and the like.

[0081] In the first embodiment, when the player satisfies the clearing condition of the quest (game) after the continuation instruction, the control means 54 appropriates the clearing reward of the quest as the continuation consideration. For example, when the player does not satisfy the clearing condition of the quest after the continuation instruction, the control means 54 causes the touch panel 32 to display a continuation confirmation screen including a continue execution button and a quit execution button. Here, when the continuation confirmation screen is displayed, the control means 54 permits the player to press the continue execution button (to issue a continuation instruction) even if the number of currency items owned by the player is less than the continuation consideration when the clearing condition is satisfied (for example, 10 currency items). Next, the control means 54 appropriates the continuation consideration from the currency items that are the clearing reward of the quest. For example, the control means 54 subtracts the continuation consideration (for example, 10 currency items) from the clearing reward (for example, 100 free stones) to allow the player to acquire the clearing reward. Specifically, the control means 54 allows the player to acquire 90 free stones as a clear reward.

[0082] In addition, if the number of currency items (free stones) included in the clear reward is less than the continuation compensation when the clear condition is satisfied, the control means 54 does not allow a continuation instruction to be issued using the clear reward. For example, when the player re-executes a quest that has already been cleared, the control means 54 does not allow a continuation instruction to be issued if the number of currency items included in the clear reward is zero.

[0083] Also, in the first embodiment, if the player does not satisfy the conditions for clearing the quest (game) after issuing a re-continuation instruction, the control means 54 reduces the sum of the continuation fee and the re-continuation fee, which is the fee associated with the re-continuation instruction, compared to when the player satisfies the conditions for clearing the quest after issuing a re-continuation instruction. For example, when the player satisfies the clearing condition of the quest after issuing a re-continuation instruction, the control means 54 confirms the clearing. Next, the control means 54 consumes the currency items included in the possessed item information of the player information 50A, referring to the compensation and the number of continues (variable n) of the quest information 50C. Specifically, when the number of continues is two and the compensation for continuing and the compensation for re-continuing when the clearing condition is satisfied are each 10 currency items, the control means 54 consumes 20 currency items possessed by the player. Next, the control means 54 updates the quest progress information of the player information 50A, and allows the player to acquire a clearing reward, a mission achievement reward, or the like.

[0084] On the other hand, when the player does not satisfy the clearing condition of the quest after the re-continuation instruction, the control means 54 displays a continue confirmation screen including a continue execution button and a retire execution button on the touch panel 32. Next, when the retire execution button is pressed by the player (a quit instruction is given), the control means 54 confirms that the clearing condition has not been satisfied (retirement). Next, the control means 54 refers to the compensation and the number of continues (variable n) in the quest information 50C, and consumes currency items included in the possessed item information in the player information 50A in an amount less than the re-continuation compensation when the clearing condition is satisfied (when the clearing is confirmed). For example, the control means 54 consumes currency items that are half the continuation compensation when the clearing condition is satisfied and currency items that are half the re-continuation compensation. Specifically, when the number of continues is two and the continuation compensation and re-continuation compensation when the clearing condition is satisfied are each 10 currency items, the control means 54 consumes 10 currency items owned by the player as the continuation compensation and re-continuation compensation when the clearing condition is not satisfied. If the player does not satisfy the clearing conditions after issuing a re-continuation instruction, the control means 54 may automatically determine that the clearing conditions have not been satisfied (retirement) without displaying the continue confirmation screen on the touch panel 32. In other words, the control means 54 may limit the number of times the quest can be continued (to two times).

[0085] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, if the player does not satisfy the clearing conditions of the quest (game) after issuing a re-continuation instruction, the control means 54 makes the sum of the continuation fee and the re-continuation fee free of charge. For example, if the player does not satisfy the clearing conditions of the quest after issuing a re-continuation instruction, the control means 54 displays a continue confirmation screen including a continue execution button and a retire execution button on the touch panel 32. Next, when the player presses the retire execution button (a termination instruction is issued), the control means 54 makes the continuation fee and the re-continuation fee free of charge. In addition, if the player does not satisfy the clearing condition of the quest after issuing a re-continuation instruction, the control means 54 may make either the continuation fee or the re-continuation fee free of charge.

[0086] In the first embodiment, when the player satisfies the clearing condition of the quest (game) after the re-continuation instruction, the control means 54 appropriates the clearing reward of the quest to the sum of the continuation consideration and the re-continuation consideration. For example, when the player does not satisfy the clearing condition of the quest after the re-continuation instruction, the control means 54 displays a continue confirmation screen including a continue execution button and a retire execution button on the touch panel 32. Here, when the continuation confirmation screen is displayed, the control means 54 permits the player to press the continue execution button (to issue a re-continuation instruction) even if the number of currency items owned by the player is less than the sum of the continuation consideration (e.g., 10 currency items) and the re-continuation consideration (e.g., 8 currency items) when the clearing condition is satisfied. Next, the control means 54 appropriates the continuation consideration and the re-continuation consideration from the currency items that are the clearing reward of the quest. For example, the control means 54 subtracts the sum of the continuation compensation (e.g., 10 currency items) and the re-continuation compensation (e.g., 8 currency items) from the clear compensation (e.g., 100 free stones) to allow the player to acquire the clear compensation. Specifically, the control means 54 allows the player to acquire 82 free stones as the clear compensation.

[0087] In addition, if the number of currency items included in the clear reward is less than the sum of the continuation compensation and the re-continuation compensation when the clear condition is satisfied, the control means 54 will not allow a re-continuation instruction to be made to use the clear reward.

[0088] <Processing flow> Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by each functional means shown in Fig. 4 in the game system according to the first embodiment. The processing of the following steps is started, for example, when the characters constituting the party are first wiped out (the clearing condition is not met) while the player is performing a quest. The variable n, which is the number of continues, is initialized to 0 when the player starts the quest. If the player defeats the boss character without being wiped out (the clearing condition of the quest is met), the processing starts from step SP20. The order and contents of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0089] (Step SP10) The control means 54 causes the touch panel 32 to display a continue confirmation screen.

[0090] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a continue confirmation screen 60 according to the first embodiment.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 6, the continue confirmation screen 60 is provided with a continue information area 62, a quit button 64, and a continue button 66. The continue information area 62 displays the number of continues, the state of enemy characters and ally characters after continuing, the number of currency items consumed when clearing or retiring after continuing, currency item ownership information, etc. This currency item ownership information displays the change in the number of owned currency items when clearing the game after continuing. The quit button 64 is a button for issuing an instruction to quit the quest without continuing. The continue button 66 is a button for issuing an instruction to continue and restart the quest.

[0092] Returning to FIG. 5, the process proceeds to step SP12.

[0093] (Step SP12) The reception means 52 judges whether or not the continue execution button is pressed by the player on the continue confirmation screen. If the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP14. On the other hand, if the judgment is negative, that is, if the player presses the retire execution button, the process proceeds to step SP28.

[0094] (Step SP14) The control means 54 increments (+1) the variable n, which is the number of times the player continues the quest, and then the process proceeds to step SP16.

[0095] (Step SP16) The control means 54 resumes the execution of the quest. For example, the control means 54 fully recovers the hit points, skill points, and overdrive gauges of all characters constituting the party, leaves the hit points of the enemy characters as they were when they were all defeated, and resumes the quest from the stage where all the characters were defeated. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP18.

[0096] (Step SP18) The control means 54 judges whether or not the player has satisfied the conditions for clearing the quest. For example, when the control means 54 defeats a boss character that appears in the final stage of the quest, the control means 54 judges the quest as positive. If the judgment is judged as positive, the process proceeds to step SP20. On the other hand, if the judgment is judged as negative, that is, if all the characters constituting the party have been annihilated (the conditions for clearing the quest have not been satisfied), the process proceeds to step SP10.

[0097] (Step SP20) The control means 54 causes the touch panel 32 to display a clear confirmation screen.

[0098] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a clear confirmation screen 70 according to the first embodiment.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 7, the clear confirmation screen 70 is provided with a clear confirmation information area 72, a clear decline button 74, and a clear confirmation button 76. The clear confirmation information area 72 displays the number of currency items consumed when the player declines to clear the game or when the player confirms the clear, the ownership information of the currency items, etc. This ownership information of the currency items displays the change in the number of owned currency items when the player confirms the clear. The clear decline button 74 is a button for issuing an instruction to decline completing the quest. The clear confirmation button 76 is a button for issuing an instruction to confirm the clearing.

[0100] Returning to FIG. 5, the process proceeds to step SP22.

[0101] (Step SP22) The reception means 52 judges whether or not the player has pressed the clear confirmation button on the clear confirmation screen. If the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP24. On the other hand, if the judgment is negative, that is, if the player has pressed the clear decline button, the process proceeds to step SP28.

[0102] (Step SP24) The control means 54 updates the quest progress information in the player information 50A. Next, the control means 54 refers to the quest progress information and the mission information and clear reward information in the quest information 50C, and allows the player to acquire (grant) the clear reward and the mission achievement reward. For example, if the number of continues (variable n) is 1 or more, the control means 54 does not allow the player to acquire the mission achievement reward. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP26.

[0103] (Step SP26) The control means 54 consumes the currency items when the clearing condition is satisfied, by referring to the continuation consideration, the re-continuation consideration, and the variable n (number of continues) included in the consideration in the quest information 50C. For example, if the continuation consideration and the re-continuation consideration when the clearing condition is satisfied are each 10 currency items, and the variable n (number of continues) is 2, the control means 54 consumes 20 currency items included in the possessed item information in the player information 50A. Then, the process ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 5.

[0104] (Step SP28) The control means 54 refers to the continuation fee, re-continuation fee, and variable n (number of continues) included in the fee in the quest information 50C, and consumes the currency item when the clearing condition is not satisfied. For example, the control means 54 makes the sum of the continuation fee and re-continuation fee free. Then, the process ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 5.

[0105] <Effects> As described above, in the first embodiment, the computer functions as an accepting means 52 which accepts a continuation instruction to continue the game from a player in response to the player not satisfying the conditions for clearing the game, and a control means 54 which reduces the continuation fee, which is the compensation associated with the continuation instruction, when the player does not satisfy the conditions for clearing the game after the continuation instruction, compared to when the conditions for clearing the game are satisfied after the continuation instruction.

[0106] According to this configuration, if the clearing conditions are not met after continuing the game, the continuation fee will be less than if the clearing conditions are met, thereby providing the player with an incentive to continue playing the game.

[0107] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, if the player does not satisfy the conditions for clearing the game after issuing a continuation instruction, the control means 54 provides no continuation fee.

[0108] According to this configuration, if the conditions for clearing the game are not met, no fee is charged for continuing to play the game, which can motivate the player to continue playing the game.

[0109] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the conditions for clearing the game are satisfied after the player gives an instruction to continue, the receiving means 52 receives an instruction from the player as to whether or not to confirm the clearing of the game, and when an instruction is given not to confirm the clearing, the control means 54 determines that the conditions for clearing the game have not been satisfied.

[0110] According to this configuration, even if the clearing conditions are met, the clearing cannot be confirmed, so that the player can be motivated to continue playing the game even immediately before the clearing conditions are met.

[0111] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the player satisfies the conditions for clearing the game after issuing a continuation instruction, the control means 54 appropriates the reward for clearing the game as the consideration for continuation.

[0112] According to this configuration, the reward for completing the game is applied as the continuation fee, so that a player who is hesitant to pay the continuation fee by continuing the game can be motivated to continue playing the game.

[0113] Also, in the first embodiment, the receiving means 52 receives a re-continuation instruction from the player to continue the game further in response to the player not satisfying the clearing conditions of the game after giving a continue instruction, and the control means 54 reduces the sum of the continuation fee and the re-continuation fee, which is the fee associated with the re-continuation instruction, when the player does not satisfy the clearing conditions of the game after giving the re-continuation instruction, compared to when the player satisfies the clearing conditions of the game after giving the re-continuation instruction.

[0114] According to this configuration, if the clearing conditions are not met after resuming the game, the sum of the continuation fee and the re-continuation fee will be less than if the clearing conditions were met, thereby providing the player with an incentive to resuming the game.

[0115] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, if the player does not satisfy the conditions for clearing the game after issuing a re-continuation instruction, the control means 54 sets the sum of the continuation fee and the re-continuation fee as free of charge.

[0116] According to this configuration, the sum of the continuation fee and the re-continuation fee in the event that the conditions for clearing the game are not met is free, which can motivate the player to continue playing the game again.

[0117] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the player satisfies the condition for clearing the game after issuing a re-continuation instruction, the control means 54 allocates the reward for clearing the game to the sum of the continuation consideration and the re-continuation consideration.

[0118] According to this configuration, the reward for clearing the game is applied to the sum of the continuation fee and the re-continuation fee, so that a player who is hesitant to pay the re-continuation fee to re-continue the game can be motivated to re-continue the game.

[0119] In addition, in the first embodiment, the continuation fee in the case where the player does not satisfy the conditions for clearing the game after issuing a continuation instruction is less than the re-continuation fee in the case where the player does not satisfy the conditions for clearing the game after issuing a re-continuation instruction.

[0120] According to this configuration, the continuation fee if the clearing conditions are not met after continuing the game is less than the re-continuation fee if the clearing conditions are not met after re-continuing the game, thereby providing the player with an incentive to continue playing the game.

[0121] In addition, in the first embodiment, the continuation fee paid when the player satisfies the game completion condition after issuing a continuation instruction is less than the re-continuation fee paid when the player satisfies the game completion condition after issuing a re-continuation instruction.

[0122] According to this configuration, the continuation fee when the clearing condition is satisfied after continuing the game is less than the re-continuation fee when the clearing condition is satisfied after re-continuing the game, thereby providing the player with an incentive to continue playing the game.

[0123] In addition, in the first embodiment, the re-continuation fee in the case where the player does not satisfy the conditions for clearing the game after issuing a re-continuation instruction is less than the continuation fee in the case where the player does not satisfy the conditions for clearing the game after issuing a continuation instruction.

[0124] According to this configuration, the resumption fee in the case where the clearing conditions are not satisfied after the game is resumed is less than the continuation fee in the case where the clearing conditions are not satisfied after the game is continued, thereby providing the player with an incentive to resume the game.

[0125] In addition, in the first embodiment, the re-continuation compensation in a case where the player satisfies the game completion condition after issuing a re-continuation instruction is less than the continuation compensation in a case where the player satisfies the game completion condition after issuing a continuation instruction.

[0126] According to this configuration, the resumption fee in the case where the clearing condition is satisfied after the game is resumed is less than the continuation fee in the case where the clearing condition is satisfied after the game is continued, thereby providing the player with an incentive to resume the game.

[0127] ---Second embodiment--- Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0128] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the compensation in the quest information 50C further includes the return amount of the continuation compensation or the re-continuation compensation, that the receiving means 52 receives a second continuation instruction involving the payment of a portion of the continuation compensation, that the control means 54 executes the payment (consumption) of the continuation compensation or the re-continuation compensation at the timing of the continuation instruction or the re-continuation instruction, and that the control means 54 returns the continuation compensation or the re-continuation compensation. Note that the configuration and functions of the game system according to the second embodiment, which are not described below, are similar to those of the game system according to the first embodiment.

[0129] In the second embodiment, the compensation of the quest information 50C includes a continuation compensation and a re-continuation compensation. For example, the continuation compensation and the re-continuation compensation are the same quantity. Specifically, the continuation compensation and the re-continuation compensation are 10 currency items. Also, for example, the continuation compensation may be less than the re-continuation compensation. Specifically, the continuation compensation is 7 currency items, and the re-continuation compensation is 10 currency items. Also, the re-continuation compensation may be less than the continuation compensation. Specifically, the continuation compensation is 10 currency items, and the re-continuation compensation is 7 currency items.

[0130] In the second embodiment, the compensation in the quest information 50C further includes the amount of the continuation compensation or the amount of the re-continuation compensation returned when the clearing condition is met, and the amount of the continuation compensation or the amount of the re-continuation compensation returned when the clearing condition is not met. For example, if the continuation compensation and the re-continuation compensation are 10 currency items, the amount of the continuation compensation or the amount of the re-continuation compensation returned when the clearing condition is met may be less than 10 currency items (e.g., 0 or 2). Also, for example, if the continuation compensation and the re-continuation compensation are 10 currency items, the amount of the continuation compensation and the re-continuation compensation returned when the clearing condition is not met may be 10 or less currency items (e.g., 5 or 10).

[0131] In the second embodiment, the receiving means 52 receives a first continuation instruction accompanied by payment of a continuation fee for continuing the quest from the player in response to the player failing to satisfy a condition for clearing the quest (game).

[0132] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when a clearing condition for a quest (game) is satisfied after the player issues a first continuation instruction, the receiving means 52 receives an instruction from the player as to whether or not to confirm the clearing of the quest.

[0133] In the second embodiment, the receiving means 52 receives a second continuation instruction accompanied by a partial payment of the continuation consideration from the player in response to the player not satisfying the clearing condition of the quest (game). For example, if the continuation consideration is 10 currency items, the partial payment of the continuation consideration may be the consumption of any one of 0 to 9 currency items. In other words, this partial payment includes the case where no consideration is paid.

[0134] In addition, in the second embodiment, the receiving means 52 receives a first re-continuation instruction, which involves payment of a re-continuation fee for further continuing the quest, from the player in response to the player failing to satisfy the conditions for clearing the quest (game) after the first continuation instruction.

[0135] In addition, in the second embodiment, the receiving means 52 receives a second re-continuation instruction, which involves payment of a portion of the re-continuation fee, from the player in response to the player failing to satisfy the conditions for clearing the quest (game) after the first continuation instruction.

[0136] In the second embodiment, the receiving means 52 receives a second re-continuation instruction from the player, which involves a partial payment of the re-continuation consideration, in response to the player not satisfying the clearing condition of the quest (game) after the second continuation instruction. For example, if the re-continuation consideration is 10 currency items, the partial payment of the re-continuation consideration may include the consumption of any one of 0 to 9 currency items. In other words, this partial payment includes the case where no consideration is paid.

[0137] In the second embodiment, the control means 54 executes payment of the continuation fee or re-continuation fee (e.g., consumption of a currency item) at the time when the player issues a continuation instruction or re-continuation instruction, and executes return of the continuation fee or re-continuation fee at the time when it is determined that the clearing condition has not been met (retirement).

[0138] In addition, in the second embodiment, the control means 54 returns a larger amount of continuation fee if the player does not satisfy the conditions for clearing the quest (game) after the first continuation instruction, compared to when the conditions for clearing the quest are satisfied after the first continuation instruction.

[0139] For example, when the player issues a first continuation instruction, the control means 54 consumes a currency item included in the possessed item information of the player information 50A by referring to the compensation in the quest information 50C. Specifically, the control means 54 consumes 10 currency items possessed by the player in response to the first continuation instruction. Next, if the player satisfies the clearing condition of the quest after the first continuation instruction, the control means 54 determines that the quest has been cleared. In this case, the control means 54 does not return the continuation fee, for example.

[0140] On the other hand, if the player does not satisfy the clearing conditions of the quest after the first continuation instruction, the control means 54 displays a continue confirmation screen including a continue execution button and a retire execution button on the touch panel 32. Next, when the retire execution button is pressed by the player (an end instruction is given), the control means 54 confirms that the clearing conditions have not been satisfied (retirement). Next, the control means 54 returns the currency items by referring to the compensation in the quest information 50C. For example, the control means 54 returns currency items that are half the continuation compensation. Specifically, if the continuation compensation is 10 currency items, the control means 54 returns 5 currency items to the player. If the player does not satisfy the clearing condition after the first continuation instruction, the control means 54 may automatically determine that the clearing condition has not been satisfied (retirement) without displaying a continue confirmation screen including a continue button and a retire button on the touch panel 32. In other words, the control means 54 may limit the number of times the quest can be continued to one.

[0141] In the second embodiment, the control means 54 returns the entire continuation fee if the player does not satisfy the clearing condition of the quest (game) after the first continuation instruction. For example, if the continuation fee is 10 currency items, the control means 54 returns 10 currency items to the player. In addition, the control means 54 returns all of the consumed continuation fee if the player does not satisfy the clearing condition of the quest after the second continuation instruction.

[0142] In the second embodiment, the control means 54 determines that the clearing conditions of the quest (game) have not been satisfied when an instruction not to confirm the clearing has been given. For example, when the player satisfies the clearing conditions of the quest after the first continuation instruction, the control means 54 causes the touch panel 32 to display a clear confirmation screen including a clear confirmation button and a clear decline button. Next, when the player presses the clear decline button (instruction is given not to confirm clear), the control means 54 confirms that the clear condition has not been met (retirement). Next, the control means 54 returns currency items to the player by referring to the consideration in the quest information 50C. For example, the control means 54 returns currency items equal to half the continuation consideration consumed. Specifically, when the continuation consideration consumed is 10 currency items, the control means 54 returns 5 currency items to the player.

[0143] Furthermore, when the player presses the clear confirmation button (gives an instruction to confirm the clear), the control means 54 confirms the player's completion of the quest. In this case, the control means 54 does not return the continuation fee, for example.

[0144] In the second embodiment, when the player meets the clearing condition of the quest (game) after the second continuation instruction, the control means 54 uses the clearing reward of the quest to cover the shortfall of the continuation consideration. For example, when the player does not meet the clearing condition of the quest after the continuation instruction, the control means 54 displays a continuation confirmation screen including a continue execution button and a quit execution button on the touch panel 32. Here, the control means 54 permits the player to press the continue execution button (to perform the second continuation instruction) even if the number of currency items owned by the player is less than the continuation consideration (for example, 10 currency items) when the continuation confirmation screen is displayed. For example, when the number of currency items owned by the player (for example, 6 items) is less than the continuation consideration (for example, 10 currency items), the control means 54 consumes all currency items owned by the player (for example, 6 currency items) by the second continuation instruction. Next, the control means 54 fills the shortage of the continuation fee from the currency item, which is the clearing reward for the quest. For example, the control means 54 subtracts the shortage of the continuation fee (e.g., four currency items) from the clearing reward (e.g., 100 free stones) to allow the player to acquire the clearing reward. Specifically, the control means 54 allows the player to acquire 96 free stones as the clearing reward.

[0145] Furthermore, the control means 54 may provide the continuation fee associated with the second continuation instruction free of charge when the number of currency items owned by the player is 0. Note that the control means 54 may provide the continuation fee associated with the second continuation instruction free of charge even when the number of currency items owned by the player is equal to or greater than the continuation fee. In addition, the control means 54 does not permit the second continuation instruction to be made if the number of currency items included in the clear reward is less than the shortage of the continuation fee. For example, when the player replays a quest that has already been cleared, the control means 54 does not permit the second continuation instruction to be made if the number of currency items included in the clear reward is zero.

[0146] In addition, in the second embodiment, the control means 54 increases the sum of the return amount of the continuation fee and the return amount of the re-continuation fee if the player does not satisfy the conditions for clearing the quest (game) after the first re-continuation instruction, compared to when the player satisfies the conditions for clearing the quest after the first re-continuation instruction.

[0147] For example, when the player issues a first re-continuation instruction, the control means 54 consumes a currency item included in the possessed item information of the player information 50A by referring to the compensation in the quest information 50C. Specifically, the control means 54 consumes 10 currency items possessed by the player in response to the first re-continuation instruction. Next, if the player satisfies the clearing condition of the quest after the first re-continuation instruction, the control means 54 determines the clearing. In this case, the control means 54 does not return the continuation fee or the re-continuation fee, for example.

[0148] On the other hand, if the player does not satisfy the clearing condition of the quest after the first re-continuation instruction, the control means 54 displays a continue confirmation screen including a continue execution button and a retire execution button on the touch panel 32. Next, when the retire execution button is pressed by the player (a quit instruction is given), the control means 54 confirms that the clearing condition has not been satisfied (retirement). Next, the control means 54 returns currency items by referring to the compensation and the number of continues (variable n) of the quest information 50C. For example, the control means 54 returns currency items that are half the compensation for continuation and currency items that are half the compensation for re-continuation. Specifically, when the number of continues (variable n) is 2 and the compensation for continuation and the compensation for re-continuation are each 10 currency items, the control means 54 returns 10 currency items to the player. If the player does not satisfy the clearing condition after the second continuation instruction, the control means 54 may automatically determine that the clearing condition has not been satisfied (retirement) without displaying the continue confirmation screen including the continue execution button and the retire execution button on the touch panel 32. In other words, the control means 54 may limit the number of times that the quest can be continued (retirement) to two times.

[0149] In the second embodiment, the control means 54 returns all of the continuation fee and the re-continuation fee if the player does not satisfy the clearing condition of the quest (game) after the first re-continuation instruction. In other words, the control means 54 returns all of the currency items consumed in association with the first continuation instruction or the first re-continuation instruction. In addition, the control means 54 returns all of the currency items consumed in association with the first continuation instruction, the second continuation instruction, and the second re-continuation instruction if the player does not satisfy the clearing condition of the quest after the second re-continuation instruction.

[0150] In the second embodiment, when the player satisfies the clearing condition of the quest (game) after the second re-continuation instruction issued after the first continuation instruction, the control means 54 appropriates the shortfall of the re-continuation consideration from the clearing reward of the quest. For example, when the player does not satisfy the clearing condition of the quest after the second re-continuation instruction, the control means 54 causes the touch panel 32 to display a continue confirmation screen including a continue execution button and a retire execution button. Here, when the continue confirmation screen is displayed, the control means 54 permits the player to press the continue execution button (to issue a second re-continuation instruction) even if the number of currency items owned by the player (e.g., 6 items) is less than the re-continuation consideration (e.g., 10 currency items). Next, the control means 54 appropriates the shortfall of the re-continuation consideration from the currency items that are the clearing reward of the quest. For example, the control means 54 subtracts the shortage of the resumption consideration (for example, 4 currency items) from the clear reward (for example, 100 free stones) and allows the player to acquire the clear reward. Specifically, the control means 54 allows the player to acquire 96 free stones as the clear reward.

[0151] In the second embodiment, the control means 54 allocates the quest clearing reward to the sum of the shortfall in the continuation fee and the shortfall in the re-continuation fee when the player satisfies the clearing condition of the quest (game) after the second re-continuation instruction issued after the second continuation instruction. For example, when the player does not satisfy the clearing condition of the quest after the second re-continuation instruction, the control means 54 causes the touch panel 32 to display a continue confirmation screen including a continue execution button and a retire execution button. Here, when the continue confirmation screen is displayed, the control means 54 permits the player to press the continue execution button (to issue a second re-continuation instruction) even if the number of currency items owned by the player is 0. Next, the control means 54 allocates the shortfall in the continuation fee and the shortfall in the re-continuation fee from the currency item that is the clearing reward of the quest. For example, the control means 54 subtracts the shortage of the continuation compensation (for example, 10 currency items) and the shortage of the re-continuation compensation (for example, 10 currency items) from the clear compensation (for example, 100 free stones) and allows the player to acquire the clear compensation. Specifically, the control means 54 allows the player to acquire 80 free stones as the clear compensation.

[0152] In addition, the control means 54 does not permit a second re-continuation instruction to be made if the number of currency items included in the clear reward is less than the sum of the shortfall in the continuation consideration and the shortfall in the re-continuation consideration.

[0153] <Processing flow> FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by each functional means in the game system according to the second embodiment. The processing of the following steps is started, for example, when the characters constituting the party are first wiped out (the clearing condition is not met) while the player is performing a quest. The variable n, which is the number of continues, is initialized to 0 when the player starts the quest. If the player defeats the boss character without being wiped out (the clearing condition of the quest is met), the processing starts from step SP42. The order and contents of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0154] (Step SP30) The control means 54 causes the touch panel 32 to display a continue confirmation screen.

[0155] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a continue confirmation screen 80 according to the second embodiment.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 9, the continue confirmation screen 80 is provided with a continue information area 82, a quit button 84, and a continue button 86. The continue information area 82 shows the number of currency items consumed in continuing, the amount of currency items returned in the case of retiring, currency item ownership information, etc. This currency item ownership information shows the change in the number of owned currency items when continuing, the change in the number of owned currency items when retiring, the number of continues up to now, etc.

[0157] Returning to FIG. 8, the process proceeds to step SP32.

[0158] (Step SP32) The reception means 52 judges whether or not the continue execution button has been pressed by the player on the continue confirmation screen. If the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP34. On the other hand, if the judgment is negative, that is, if the player has pressed the retire execution button, the process proceeds to step SP50.

[0159] (Step SP34) The control means 54 refers to the compensation in the quest information 50C and consumes the continuation compensation or the re-continuation compensation from the currency items included in the possessed item information in the player information 50A. For example, when the variable n (number of continues) is 0, the control means 54 consumes 10 currency items as the continuation compensation. Also, for example, when the variable n (number of continues) is 1 or more, the control means 54 consumes 10 currency items as the re-continuation compensation. Then, the process proceeds to step SP36.

[0160] (Step SP36 to Step SP38) The processing in steps SP36 to SP38 is similar to the processing in steps SP14 to SP16 described above, and therefore the explanation will be omitted.Then, the processing proceeds to the processing in step SP40.

[0161] (Step SP40) The control means 54 judges whether or not the player has satisfied the conditions for clearing the quest. If the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP42. On the other hand, if the judgment is negative, that is, if all the characters constituting the party have been annihilated (the conditions for clearing the quest have not been satisfied), the process proceeds to step SP30.

[0162] (Step SP42) The control means 54 causes the touch panel 32 to display a clear confirmation screen.

[0163] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a clear confirmation screen 90 according to the second embodiment.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 10, the clear confirmation screen 90 is provided with a clear confirmation information area 92, a clear decline button 94, and a clear confirmation button 96. The clear confirmation information area 92 shows the number of currency items that will be returned when clearing is declined or cleared is confirmed, currency item ownership information, etc. This currency item ownership information shows the change in the number of currency items owned when clearing is declined.

[0165] Returning to FIG. 8, the process proceeds to step SP44.

[0166] (Step SP44) The reception means 52 judges whether or not the player has pressed the clear confirmation button on the clear confirmation screen. If the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP46. On the other hand, if the judgment is negative, that is, if the player has pressed the clear decline button, the process proceeds to step SP50.

[0167] (Step SP46) The process of step SP46 is similar to that of step SP24 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Then, the process proceeds to step SP48.

[0168] (Step SP48) The control means 54 returns the currency item when the clearing condition is satisfied, by referring to the return amount and the variable n (number of continues) included in the compensation in the quest information 50C. For example, the control means 54 does not return the currency item. Then, the process ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0169] (Step SP50) The control means 54 returns currency items when the clearing conditions are not met, by referring to the return amount and variable n (number of continues) included in the compensation in the quest information 50C. For example, if the return amount of the continuation compensation and the return amount of the re-continuation compensation when the clearing conditions are not met are each 10 currency items, and the variable n (number of continues) is 2, the control means 54 returns 20 currency items (e.g., free stones). Then, the process ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 8.

[0170] <Effects> As described above, in the second embodiment, the computer functions as an accepting means 52 that accepts a first continuation instruction, which involves the payment of a continuation fee to continue the game, from a player in response to the player not satisfying the conditions for clearing the game, and a control means 54 that increases the amount of the continuation fee returned when the player does not satisfy the conditions for clearing the game after the first continuation instruction, compared to when the conditions for clearing the game are satisfied after the first continuation instruction.

[0171] According to this configuration, if the clearing condition is not met after continuing the game by paying the continuation fee, the amount of the continuation fee returned will be greater than if the clearing condition is met, thereby motivating the player to continue playing the game.

[0172] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the control means 54 returns all of the continuation fee if the player does not satisfy the conditions for clearing the game after the first continuation instruction.

[0173] According to this configuration, if the conditions for clearing the game are not met, the entire continuation fee is returned, which can motivate the player to continue playing the game.

[0174] In addition, in the second embodiment, when the player satisfies the conditions for clearing the game after giving a first continuation instruction, the receiving means 52 receives an instruction from the player as to whether or not to confirm the clearing of the game, and when the control means 54 receives an instruction not to confirm the clearing, it determines that the conditions for clearing the game have not been satisfied.

[0175] According to this configuration, even if the clearing conditions are met, the clearing cannot be confirmed, so that the player can be motivated to continue playing the game even immediately before the clearing conditions are met.

[0176] In addition, in the second embodiment, the receiving means 52 receives a second continuation instruction, which involves payment of a portion of the continuation fee, from the player in response to the player failing to satisfy the conditions for clearing the game, and the control means 54, if the player satisfies the conditions for clearing the game after the second continuation instruction, applies the game clear reward to make up the shortfall in the continuation fee.

[0177] According to this configuration, the shortfall in the continuation fee is made up by the reward for completing the game, so that a player who is hesitant to pay the continuation fee by continuing the game can be motivated to continue playing the game.

[0178] In addition, in the second embodiment, the receiving means 52 receives a first re-continuation instruction involving payment of a re-continuation fee to further continue the game from the player in response to the player failing to satisfy the conditions for clearing the game after the first continuation instruction, and the control means 54 increases the sum of the return amount of the continuation fee and the return amount of the re-continuation fee when the player fails to satisfy the conditions for clearing the game after the first re-continuation instruction, compared to when the player satisfies the conditions for clearing the game after the first re-continuation instruction.

[0179] According to this configuration, if the clearing conditions are not met after resuming the game, the total amount of the return of the continuation fee and the return of the re-continuation fee will be greater than if the clearing conditions are met, thereby motivating the player to re-continue the game.

[0180] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, if the player does not satisfy the game clearing condition after the first re-continuation instruction, the control means 54 returns all of the continuation fee and the re-continuation fee.

[0181] According to this configuration, the continuation fee and re-continuation fee paid when the conditions for clearing the game are not met are all returned, thereby providing the player with an incentive to continue playing the game again.

[0182] In addition, in the second embodiment, the receiving means 52 receives a second re-continuation instruction, which involves payment of a portion of the re-continuation fee, from the player in response to the player failing to satisfy the conditions for clearing the game after the first continuation instruction, and the control means 54 applies the game clear reward to cover the shortfall in the re-continuation fee if the player satisfies the conditions for clearing the game after the second re-continuation instruction.

[0183] According to this configuration, the shortfall in the resumption fee is made up by the reward for completing the game, so that a player who is hesitant to pay the resumption fee to continue the game can be motivated to continue the game.

[0184] In addition, in the second embodiment, the receiving means 52 receives a second re-continuation instruction from the player, which involves payment of a portion of the re-continuation fee for further continuing the game, in response to the player not satisfying the conditions for clearing the game after the second continuation instruction, and the control means 54, when the player satisfies the conditions for clearing the game after the second re-continuation instruction, applies the game clearing reward to the sum of the shortfall in the continuation fee and the shortfall in the re-continuation fee.

[0185] According to this configuration, the game completion reward is applied to cover the sum of the shortfall in the continuation fee and the shortfall in the re-continuation fee, so that a player who is hesitant to pay the re-continuation fee to re-continue the game can be motivated to re-continue the game.

[0186] Also, in the second embodiment, the continuation fee is less than the re-continuation fee.

[0187] According to this configuration, since the continuation fee is less than the re-continuation fee, it is possible to motivate the player to continue playing the game.

[0188] Also, in the second embodiment, the re-continuation consideration is less than the continuation consideration.

[0189] According to this configuration, since the resumption fee is less than the continuation fee, it is possible to motivate the player to continue the game again.

[0190] ---Variations--- The present invention is not limited to the above specific examples. In other words, the above specific examples, to which a person skilled in the art has made appropriate design modifications, are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. In addition, the elements of the above-mentioned embodiment and the modified examples described below can be combined to the extent technically possible, and combinations of these are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the characteristics of the present invention.

[0191] For example, in the first and second embodiments, the payment of the price is described as being made by consuming a currency item owned by the player, but the price may also be paid by inserting coins (e.g., 100 yen coins, etc.) or by payment using electronic money, etc.

[0192] In the first and second embodiments, the compensation includes a continuation compensation corresponding to the continuation of a quest and a re-continuation compensation corresponding to re-continuation. However, the continuation compensation and the re-continuation compensation may be changed depending on whether or not the player has cleared the quest. For example, the continuation compensation for a certain quest is less when the quest has been cleared than when the quest has not been cleared. Specifically, the continuation compensation for a certain quest is 10 currency items when the player has not cleared the quest, and is 5 currency items when the player has cleared the quest. For example, the continuation compensation for a certain quest is more when the quest has been cleared than when the quest has not been cleared. Specifically, the continuation compensation for a certain quest is 10 currency items when the player has not cleared the quest, and is 15 currency items when the player has cleared the quest.

[0193] In the first and second embodiments, the game is a quest. However, the game may be a puzzle game, a racing game, a training game, an action game, a game in which players compete against each other (multiplayer type competitive game), or the like. For example, the clearing condition of a puzzle game may be to clear all puzzles within a time limit (a predetermined number of turns) or to obtain a predetermined score or more. For example, the clearing condition of a racing game may be to enter a predetermined ranking. For example, the clearing condition of a training game may be to increase ability parameters or obtain skills in a training scenario to satisfy a predetermined condition included in a target game (for example, to win a match or to enter a predetermined ranking). For example, the clearing condition of an action game may be to have a player character reach a predetermined goal point within a time limit. For example, the clearing condition of a game in which players compete against each other may be to occupy the base (home base) of the opposing team or to annihilate all the characters constituting the opposing team.

[0194] In the first and second embodiments, the control means 54 has been described as determining that the clearing conditions are not met when all characters constituting a party are wiped out, but the control means 54 may also determine that the clearing conditions are not met when the player issues a retreat instruction (retirement instruction) during the execution of a quest. The control means 54 may also determine that the clearing conditions are not met when the player is unable to defeat the boss character even after the time limit has elapsed.

[0195] Furthermore, the clearing conditions may change before and after a continuation or re-continuation (continue). For example, the difficulty of the clearing conditions may change every time the player continues. Specifically, the number of boss characters or hit points may increase or decrease every time the player continues.

[0196] In the first and second embodiments, the control means 54 has been described as allocating the continuation consideration from a currency item (free stones) that is a reward for clearing a quest, but if the number of free stones owned by the player is less than the continuation consideration, the control means 54 may allocate a part or all of the continuation consideration from the reward for clearing the quest (free stones). In addition, if the number of free stones owned by the player is less than the re-continuation consideration, the control means 54 may allocate a part or all of the re-continuation consideration from the reward for clearing the quest (free stones). This allows the player to continue or re-continue (continue) a quest without reducing the number of paid stones owned.

[0197] Also, in the first and second embodiments, the control means 54 has been described as not allowing a continuation instruction to be issued using the clear reward if the number of currency items (free stones) included in the clear reward is less than the continuation compensation when the clear condition is satisfied, but for a quest that the player has already cleared, it is not necessary to allow a continuation instruction to be issued using the clear reward. Furthermore, when the player clears the quest by continuing or re-continuing (continue), the control means 54 may not grant the clear reward (including the mission achievement reward) to the player. In this case, the control means 54 may grant (apply) the clear reward (including the mission achievement reward) only when the player issues a continue instruction to apply the clear reward.

[0198] In the first and second embodiments, the re-continuation fee is the number of currency items corresponding to the second or subsequent continues, but the re-continuation fee may be changed according to the number of continues performed by the player. For example, the re-continuation fee may be increased or decreased as the number of continues performed by the player increases.

[0199] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, a case has been described in which a retire execution button is provided on the continue confirmation screen, but the control means 54 may automatically confirm retirement if a certain period of time (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed since the display of the continue confirmation screen without the continue execution button being pressed.

[0200] The continue confirmation screen may also present reference information indicating how many more times the player needs to continue before clearing the game. This reference information is generated based on, for example, the number of remaining stages, the ability parameters of enemy characters, the ability parameters of characters in a party, etc.

[0201] Also, the continue confirmation screen may present a currency item acquisition button that instructs the player to acquire a currency item. For example, when the player presses the currency item acquisition button, the control means 54 displays a screen for purchasing paid stones. Also, for example, when the player presses the currency item acquisition button, the control means 54 displays a message indicating that free stones can be acquired. An example of this message is a message with a reward distributed by the game operator as a login bonus or an event.

[0202] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the control means 54 has been described as fully recovering the hit points, skill points, and overdrive gauge of all characters constituting the party when a continue is performed, but the amount of recovery of the hit points, skill points, and overdrive gauge may be 0, or may be half of the total recovery amount, etc.

[0203] In the first and second embodiments, the control means 54 has been described as leaving the ability parameters of the enemy characters as they were when the player was completely annihilated when the player selected to continue, but the ability parameters may be changed from when the player was completely annihilated. For example, the control means 54 may reduce the hit points of the enemy characters to half of what they were when the player was completely annihilated. Also, for example, the control means 54 may fully restore the hit points of the enemy characters.

[0204] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the control means 54 has been described as restarting the quest from the stage where all characters were annihilated when a continue is selected, but the quest may be restarted from the first stage or from the previous stage.

[0205] In the first and second embodiments, the case where the player can decline to clear the quest has been described, but the clear confirmation screen may also present the clear reward for the quest (such as a dropped character or weapon item). This allows the player to decline to clear the quest by consuming less currency items if the player is unable to obtain the desired clear reward. Also, if the player is able to obtain the desired clear reward, the player can increase the consumption of currency items to confirm completion.

[0206] In addition, in the first embodiment, a case has been described in which the number of continues and the number of currency items that will be consumed when the quest is cleared, etc., are presented on the continue confirmation screen, but the number of continues and the number of currency items that will be consumed when the quest is cleared, etc. may also be presented on the quest play screen.

[0207] In the second embodiment, the control means 54 returns a currency item (free stones) when the clearing condition is not satisfied, but if paid stones are consumed as a continuation fee or a re-continuation fee, the paid stones may be returned. Note that the control means 54 may return free stones even if paid stones are consumed as a continuation fee or a re-continuation fee. [Explanation of symbols]

[0208] 10. Server equipment 12...Terminal device 50...Memory means 52...Means of reception 54...Control means

Claims

【Claim 1】 A computer, Receiving means for receiving a continuation instruction from the player to continue the game in response to the player not satisfying the clear condition of the game; Control means for reducing the continuation consideration, which is the consideration associated with the continuation instruction, when the player does not satisfy the clear condition of the game after the continuation instruction, as compared to when the player satisfies the clear condition of the game after the continuation instruction; Functioning as A program.

Images