Program and information processing device

Abstract

To allow a predetermined parameter to easily reach a predetermined value and to suppress a decrease in a player's willingness for a predetermined event.SOLUTION: A program allows a computer to function as: event control means for allowing a player to play a game of a predetermined event when a predetermined parameter correlated with at least one of the player and one's own player character reaches a predetermined value, and for limiting game play of the predetermined event to the player when the predetermined parameter does not reach the predetermined value; and parameter control means for performing control such that the predetermined parameter reaches the predetermined value by allowing a player for which game play of the predetermined event is limited to use a special item.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a game program that increases a predetermined parameter (eg, level) associated with a player or a player character based on the results of playing an event (eg, a quest) (eg, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-171198 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, a game technique may be adopted in which a player or a player character's predetermined parameter reaches a predetermined value, and then a predetermined event that has been restricted from being played is permitted to be played. In this game technique, if the predetermined parameter has not yet reached the predetermined value, the player's ability to play the predetermined event is restricted, which can be a factor in reducing the player's motivation to play.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to make it easier for a predetermined parameter to reach a predetermined value, thereby suppressing a decline in motivation to play a predetermined event. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The main invention of the present invention to solve the above problems is: Computer, an event control means for permitting the player to play a game of a predetermined event when a predetermined parameter associated with at least one of the player and his / her player character reaches a predetermined value, and for restricting the player from playing the game of the predetermined event when the predetermined parameter has not reached the predetermined value; a parameter control means for controlling the predetermined parameter to reach a predetermined value by a player who is restricted from playing the predetermined event using a special item; It is a program that functions as a Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 50 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a server device 20 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of character information according to the embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of item information according to the embodiment; [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing an example of quest information according to the present embodiment; FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of player information according to the embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of play status information according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation regarding quest selection in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a quest selection screen 500 in this embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a special item use screen 550 in this embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation regarding quest selection in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a character selection screen 600 in this embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation for granting a special benefit for a special quest in this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] At least the following points will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. That is, the computer, an event control means for permitting the player to play a game of a predetermined event when a predetermined parameter associated with at least one of the player and his / her player character reaches a predetermined value, and for restricting the player from playing the game of the predetermined event when the predetermined parameter has not reached the predetermined value; a parameter control means for controlling the predetermined parameter to reach a predetermined value by a player who is restricted from playing the predetermined event using a special item; It is a program that functions as a According to such a program, even if a specified parameter has not yet reached a specified value, the player can easily increase the specified parameter to the specified value by using a special item, thereby suppressing a decrease in the player's motivation to play a specified event.

[0009] Also, such a program includes: The computer may function as a privilege granting means for granting a greater privilege to a player who has been permitted to play the specified event because the specified parameter has reached a specified value by using the special item, than to a player who has been permitted to play the specified event because the specified parameter has reached a specified value without using the special item. According to such a program, when the predetermined parameter has not yet reached the predetermined value, the player will be encouraged to actively use the special items in order to obtain many benefits.

[0010] Also, such a program includes: The computer may function as a reward granting means for granting a reward to a player who is permitted to play the specified event because the specified parameter has reached a specified value without using the special item, for reaching the specified value. According to such a program, steady effort until a predetermined parameter reaches a predetermined value is rewarded without relying on special items.

[0011] Also, such a program includes: The parameter control means may be configured to restrict use of the special item so that, when a player restricted from game play of the specified event uses the special item to cause a specified parameter associated with one of the player characters to reach a specified value, the specified parameter associated with the remaining player characters does not reach a specified value. According to such a program, by restricting the use of special items, it is possible to prevent a player whose predetermined parameter has not yet reached a predetermined value from using special items excessively.

[0012] Also, such a program includes: The computer may function as an item granting means for granting the special item to a player when the player uses a paid item out of his / her paid items and free items. According to such a program, when the predetermined parameter has not yet reached the predetermined value, the player will actively use paid items in order to acquire the special item.

[0013] Also, such a program includes: The parameter control means may control the specified parameter to reach a specified value based on a specified operation being performed on an operation screen for using a special item by a player who is restricted from playing the game of the specified event. According to such a program, the player can use the special item at any timing by performing an operation.

[0014] Also, such a program includes: The bonus awarding means may award the bonus at least one of before the start of a game of the predetermined event and after the end of the game. According to such a program, a special benefit is given at the start of a game of a predetermined event, so that the player can start the game in an advantageous state. Also, a special benefit is given at the end of a game of a predetermined event, so that the player can be in an advantageous state depending on the game result.

[0015] Also, such a program includes: The reward granting means includes: For a player who is permitted to play the game of the predetermined event by using the special item and the predetermined parameter reaching a predetermined value, Until a predetermined condition for restricting game play after permission is satisfied, each time a game of the predetermined event is played, A greater benefit may be given to a player who is permitted to play the predetermined event because the predetermined parameter has reached a predetermined value without using the special item. According to such a program, a predetermined event can be continuously played until a predetermined condition is met, so that the player can repeatedly receive benefits from the use of the special item.

[0016] an event control unit that permits the player to play a game of a predetermined event when a predetermined parameter associated with at least one of the player and the player's own player character reaches a predetermined value, and restricts the player from playing the game of the predetermined event when the predetermined parameter does not reach the predetermined value; a parameter control unit that controls the predetermined parameter to reach a predetermined value by a player who is restricted from playing the predetermined event using a special item; The information processing device includes: According to such an information processing device, the predetermined parameter can more easily reach the predetermined value, and a decrease in motivation to play the predetermined event can be suppressed.

[0017] === Implementation form === An information processing device, a program, an information processing method, and an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. The present invention can be widely applied to a program, an information processing device, an information processing method, an information processing system, and the like that employs a mechanism for permitting game play of a predetermined event that has been restricted in game play until now, on the condition that a predetermined parameter of a player or a player character reaches a predetermined value. In this embodiment, a case where the "predetermined event" is a special quest will be described as an example. A quest is a game stage in which a task to be accomplished by a player is preset.

[0018] <System configuration> Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, one or more client terminals 10 and a server device 20 are connected via a network N.

[0019] The client terminal 10 is a terminal device operated by a player, such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC, or a terminal device such as a dedicated game machine for home or commercial use. The server device 20 manages and controls the game played by the player on the client terminal 10, and performs billing processing within the game, etc. The network N is the Internet, etc., and includes a mobile wireless base station, etc.

[0020] In addition to the client-server type information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1, the present invention can also be applied to a single game device by providing a separate mechanism for performing billing processing within the game. The information processing system 1 in Fig. 1 is only one example, and it goes without saying that there are various system configurations depending on the application and purpose. For example, the server device 20 in Fig. 1 may be configured to be distributed across multiple computers.

[0021] <Hardware configuration> Client terminal and server device Fig. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 50 according to the present embodiment. The client terminal 10 and the server device 20 according to the present embodiment are realized by, for example, a computer 50 having the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 2. The computer 50 is an example of an information processing device.

[0022] 2, the computer 50 includes a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53, a communication interface 54, an input device 55, a display device 56, an external interface 57, and a HDD 58, all of which are connected to one another via a bus line B. Note that the server device 20 may be configured such that the input device 55 and the display device 56 are connected and used when necessary.

[0023] The CPU 51 is a calculation device that reads out programs and data from storage devices such as the ROM 53 and the HDD 58 onto the RAM 52, and executes various processes based on the read programs and data, thereby achieving overall control and functionality of the computer.

[0024] The RAM 52 is an example of a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) for temporarily storing programs and data, and is also used as a work area when the CPU 51 executes various processes.

[0025] The ROM 53 is an example of a non-volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 53 stores programs and data such as the BIOS, OS settings, and network settings that are executed when the computer 50 is started.

[0026] The communication interface is an interface for connecting the computer 50 to the network N. This allows the computer 50 to perform data communication via the communication interface .

[0027] The input device 55 is a device used by a player or a game operator (administrator) to input various data, etc. The input device 55 in this embodiment is, for example, an operation device such as a touch panel, operation keys or buttons, a keyboard, or a mouse.

[0028] The display device 56 is a device for displaying various information on a screen to a player or a game operator (administrator). The display device 56 in this embodiment is, for example, a liquid crystal or organic EL display.

[0029] The external interface 57 is an interface for connecting to an external device so as to enable data communication. This allows the computer 50 to read and / or write data from and to a recording medium via the external interface 57. The external device is, for example, a recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, or a USB memory.

[0030] The HDD 58 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data, such as the OS, which is the basic software that controls the entire computer, and applications that provide various functions on the OS.

[0031] Instead of the HDD 58, a drive device that uses a flash memory as a storage medium (for example, a solid-state drive (SSD)) may be used.

[0032] The client terminal 10 and the server device 20 according to this embodiment can realize various processes, which will be described later, by executing a program on the computer 50 having the above-mentioned hardware configuration.

[0033] <Software configuration> Server device 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the server device 20 according to the present embodiment. The server device 20 according to the present embodiment is realized by, for example, the functional blocks shown in FIG.

[0034] The server device 20 according to the present embodiment realizes a server control unit 200, a server storage unit 220, and a server communication unit 240 by executing a program.

[0035] The server control unit 200 has a function of executing various processes in the server device 20. The server control unit 200 according to this embodiment includes at least a quest control unit 201, a parameter control unit 202, a benefit granting unit 203, a reward granting unit 204, and an item granting unit 205.

[0036] The quest control unit 201 is an example of an event control unit, and performs control related to at least special quests (predetermined events). The quest control unit 201 according to this embodiment determines whether a predetermined parameter associated with at least one of the player and the player's own player character has reached a predetermined value. If the predetermined parameter has reached the predetermined value, the player is permitted to play the special quest game, and if the predetermined parameter has not reached the predetermined value, the player is restricted from playing the special quest game.

[0037] The parameter control unit 202 controls at least the predetermined parameters. The parameter control unit 202 according to the present embodiment controls the predetermined parameters to reach predetermined values ​​by using a special item by a player who is restricted from playing a special quest game.

[0038] The bonus granting unit 203 controls the granting of bonuses for the use of special items. The bonus granting unit 203 according to this embodiment grants a larger bonus to a player who is permitted to play a special quest game because a predetermined parameter has reached a predetermined value using a special item than to a player who is permitted to play a special quest game because a predetermined parameter has reached a predetermined value without using a special item.

[0039] The reward granting unit 204 controls the granting of rewards for non-use of special items. The reward granting unit 204 according to this embodiment grants a reward for reaching a predetermined value to a player who is permitted to play a special quest game because a predetermined parameter has reached a predetermined value without using a special item.

[0040] The item granting unit 205 controls the granting of special items. When a player uses one of his / her paid items and free items, the item granting unit 205 according to this embodiment grants the special item to the player.

[0041] The server storage unit 220 has a function of storing various information in the server device 20. The server storage unit 220 in this embodiment includes a character information storage unit 221, an item information storage unit 222, a quest information storage unit 223, and a player information storage unit 224, as shown in FIG.

[0042] The character information storage unit 221 is an example of a content information storage unit, and stores character information (content information) related to characters as an example of content. Various characters used in quests are set in the character information stored in the character information storage unit 221. The character information stored in the character information storage unit 221 is composed of various data shown below.

[0043] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of character information according to the present embodiment. The character information shown in Fig. 4 has items such as a character ID, a name, a rarity, and ability parameters.

[0044] The character ID is information for uniquely identifying a character. The name is information indicating the character's name. The rarity is information indicating the rarity of the character. The ability parameters are information indicating the ability values ​​of the character. Here, the initial values ​​of parameters such as the character's attack power, defense power, HP (stamina value), level, etc. are set.

[0045] The item information storage unit 222 stores item information related to items. The item information stored in the item information storage unit 222 is made up of various data items shown below.

[0046] Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an example of item information according to this embodiment. The item information shown in Fig. 5 has items such as item ID, name, type, function / effect, and price.

[0047] The item ID is information for uniquely identifying an item. The name is information indicating the name of the item. The type is information for identifying the type of item. Here, one of two types is set: normal item and special item.

[0048] The function and effect fields contain information about the functions and effects of each item. The price field contains information about the price set for items available to players. Here, the price (zero) is set not only for paid items (charged items), but also for free items (non-chargeable items).

[0049] The quest information storage unit 223 is an example of an event information storage unit, and stores quest information (event information) related to quests as an example of events. The quest information stored in the quest information storage unit 223 is composed of various data shown below.

[0050] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of quest information. The quest information shown in Fig. 6 includes items such as a quest ID, a name, an enemy character, a clear condition, a play condition, a bonus, a reward, and a playable period.

[0051] The quest ID is information for uniquely identifying the quest. The name is information indicating the name of the quest. The enemy character is information indicating one or more characters that may appear as opponents for the player who selected the quest, among the characters set in the character information.

[0052] The clear condition is information indicating the condition for the player to clear the quest. Here, the clear condition may be, for example, defeating all enemy characters that appear, or defeating all enemy characters using the character with the highest rarity that the player possesses.

[0053] The play conditions are information indicating the conditions that must be met in order for the player to be able to play the quest. Here, a quest that is associated with a play condition is set as a "special quest", and a quest that is not associated with a play condition is set as a "normal quest". In addition, the play conditions may be, for example, that the player's rank has reached a predetermined rank, that the player's character's level has reached a predetermined value, etc.

[0054] The special item is information about a special benefit for a player who fulfills a play condition by using a special item. For example, the special benefit may be one or more characters that are special benefits among the characters set in the character information, or one or more items that are special benefits among the items set in the item information.

[0055] The reward is information about a reward for a player who fulfills the play conditions without using a special item. For example, the reward may be one or more characters from among the characters set in the character information, or one or more items from among the items set in the item information. The playable period is information indicating the period during which the player can play the quest.

[0056] The player information storage unit 224 stores player information related to the player who plays the quest. The player information stored in the player information storage unit 224 is made up of the following various data:

[0057] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of player information according to the present embodiment. The player information shown in Fig. 7 includes items such as a player ID, a name, a rank, a possessed character, possessed items, the number of possessed paid items, the number of possessed free items, play status information, and friend information.

[0058] The player ID is information for uniquely identifying a player. The name is information indicating the name of the player. The rank is information indicating the rank of the player. In this embodiment, the more quests a player clears, the higher the player's rank is configured to be.

[0059] The possessed character is information indicating one or more player characters (possessed characters) currently possessed by the player among the characters set in the character information. Here, as shown in parentheses in the figure, various parameters of the player character at the current time are also set.

[0060] The possessed item is information indicating one or more items currently possessed by the player among the items set in the item information. Here, as shown in parentheses in the figure, the number of possessed items currently possessed by the player is also set.

[0061] The number of paid items owned is information indicating the number of paid items (charged items) that the player has acquired through purchase. The number of free items owned is information indicating the number of free items (non-charged items) that the player has acquired through means other than purchase.

[0062] The play status information is information about the player's play status of the quest. This play status information is made up of various data as follows:

[0063] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of play status information. The play status information shown in Fig. 8 has items such as a play ID, play date and time, a quest, a completion status, and a usage status of a special item.

[0064] The play ID is information for uniquely identifying a quest that the player has already played. The play date and time is information indicating the date and time when the player played the quest. The clear status is flag information indicating whether or not the player has cleared the quest. The special item usage status is flag information indicating whether or not the player has played a special quest using a special item.

[0065] The friend information is information about other players (friend players) with whom the player has a friend relationship. The player can play quests together with the friend players.

[0066] The server communication unit 240 has a function of communicating with the client terminal 10 via the network N.

[0067] As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, the server device 20 performs control related to quests, but the client terminal 10 may perform various controls and processes. Specifically, at least some of the quest control unit, parameter control unit, benefit granting unit, reward granting unit, and item granting unit may be configured not to be provided in the server control unit 200 of the server device 20, but to be provided in the client control unit 100 of the client terminal 10.

[0068] Client terminal 9 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment. The client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment is realized by, for example, the functional blocks shown in FIG.

[0069] The client terminal 10 according to this embodiment realizes a client control unit 100, a client storage unit 120, a client communication unit 140, an operation input receiving unit 150, and a screen display unit 160 by executing a program.

[0070] The client control unit 100 has a function of executing various processes in the client terminal 10. The client control unit 100 in this embodiment includes at least an image generation unit 101 and a display control unit .

[0071] The image generating unit 101 generates image data for displaying various screens relating to the quest on the client terminal 10 based on the processing results by the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20.

[0072] The display control unit 102 controls the screen display on the client terminal 10 by outputting various screens relating to the quest to the screen display unit 160 based on the image data generated by the image generation unit 101.

[0073] The operation input receiving unit 150 receives an operation input from a player. When a touch operation is performed on the screen by the player, the operation input receiving unit 150 according to this embodiment receives the operation input from the player via a touch panel.

[0074] The client storage unit 120 stores various programs and various information required for the client terminal 10. The various programs include a program for the player to play a quest. As with the server storage unit 220, the various information includes all or part of character information, item information, event information, and player information. In other words, the client storage unit 120 also functions as a character information storage unit, an item information storage unit, an event information storage unit, and a player information storage unit.

[0075] The client communication unit 140 communicates with the server device 20 via the network N. The screen display unit 160 performs screen display on the client terminal 10 by receiving a control signal from the display control unit 102.

[0076] As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the client terminal 10 performs image generation, display control, etc., but the server device 20 may perform various controls and processes. Specifically, at least a part of the image generation unit and the display control unit may be configured not to be provided in the client control unit 100 of the client terminal 10, but to be provided in the server control unit 200 of the server device 20.

[0077] <System Overview> An overview of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment will be described. In the information processing system 1 in this embodiment, a plurality of playable quests are prepared. When the player selects one of the plurality of quests and starts the game, the player can fight against an enemy character set in association with the selected quest.

[0078] In this embodiment, a battle against an enemy character in a quest can be undertaken by the player who selected the quest alone, or can be undertaken in cooperation with another player, such as a friend, who has also selected the quest.

[0079] In this embodiment, the multiple quests include not only normal quests but also special quests. A special quest is permitted to be played by a player who satisfies the play conditions, but is restricted from being played by a player who does not satisfy the play conditions.

[0080] As an example of a play condition, in the case where the play condition is that the player's rank has reached a certain rank, only players who have reached the certain rank will be permitted to play the special quest.

[0081] As another example of a play condition, if the play condition is that the level of the player character has reached a predetermined value, only players who challenge a battle using a player character whose level has reached the predetermined value will be permitted to play the special quest.

[0082] On the other hand, a player who does not satisfy the play conditions will not be able to play special quests and will only be able to play normal quests, which may reduce the player's motivation to play.

[0083] Therefore, in the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, even if the play conditions are not met, it is possible to satisfy the play conditions by using a special item, and thus to play the special quest.

[0084] For example, if the condition for playing is that the player's rank has reached a certain rank, a player who has not yet reached the certain rank can use a special item to instantly raise his or her rank to the certain rank, thereby making it easy for the player to play the special quest.

[0085] Also, for example, if a play condition is that the player character's level has reached a predetermined value, a player who challenges a battle using a player character whose level has not yet reached the predetermined value can use a special item to quickly raise the character's level to the predetermined level, allowing the player to easily play special quests.

[0086] <System Operation> The operation of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment will be described below. The operation related to the selection of a quest by a player and the operation related to the awarding of a benefit to a player who plays a special quest will be specifically described below.

[0087] 《Quest Selection》 The following describes the operation of the player selecting a quest in this embodiment. In the following Example 1, a case where the play condition of the special quest is that the player's rank has reached a predetermined rank is specifically described, and in Example 2, a case where the play condition of the special quest is that the player's character's level has reached a predetermined level is specifically described.

[0088] <Example 1> The operation related to quest selection in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 12. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation related to quest selection in the first embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a quest selection screen 500 in this embodiment. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a special item use screen 550 in this embodiment.

[0089] First, as shown in FIG. 10, when the player performs an operation to start a quest on a menu screen not shown, the operation input receiving unit 150 receives the operation input from the player, and the display control unit 102 of the client terminal 10 displays the quest selection screen 500 shown in FIG. 11 on the screen display unit 160 based on the image data generated by the image generation unit 101 (step S11).

[0090] 11, a scroll button 501 and a list of selectable quests 502 are displayed on a quest selection screen 500. When a player operates the scroll button 501 on the quest selection screen 500, the selectable quests are moved up and down in the list 502 and displayed in sequence.

[0091] Next, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 receives the player's operation information from the client terminal 10 and determines whether or not the player has performed an operation to select any one of the multiple types of quests in the list 502 on the quest selection screen 500 shown in FIG. 11 (step S12).

[0092] Next, when the player performs an operation to select any quest (step S12: YES), the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 determines whether or not the player has selected a special quest (step S13).

[0093] In other words, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 refers to the quest information shown in FIG. 6, and if the quest selected by the player is a quest with play conditions, it determines that the player has selected a special quest, and if the quest is a quest without play conditions, it determines that the player has selected a normal quest.

[0094] If it is determined that the player selected a normal quest instead of a special quest (step S13: NO), the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 permits game play of the normal quest selected by the player. On the other hand, if it is determined that the player selected a special quest (step S13: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S14.

[0095] Next, if the player selects a special quest (step S13: YES), the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 refers to the player information shown in FIG. 7 and determines whether the player's rank has reached a predetermined rank (e.g., rank 50) (step S14).

[0096] If it is determined that the player's rank has reached a predetermined rank (step S14: YES), the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 permits game play of a special quest selected by a player who has reached the predetermined rank. On the other hand, if it is determined that the player's rank has not reached the predetermined rank (step S14: NO), the process proceeds to the next step S15.

[0097] Next, if the rank of the player has not reached the predetermined rank (step S14: NO), the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 determines whether the player possesses a special item (step S15).

[0098] That is, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 refers to the item information shown in Fig. 5 and the player information shown in Fig. 7, and if a special item is present among the items possessed by the player, it determines that the player possesses the special item. On the other hand, if a special item is not present among the items possessed by the player, it determines that the player does not possess the special item.

[0099] If the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 determines that the player does not possess the special item (step S15: NO), it restricts the player from playing the special quest selected by the player and ends this flowchart. On the other hand, if the quest control unit 201 determines that the player possesses the special item (step S15: YES), it proceeds to the next step S16.

[0100] Next, if the player possesses a special item (step S15: YES), the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 performs control to prompt the player who has not reached a predetermined rank to use the special item that he or she possesses (step S16).

[0101] That is, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 requests the display control unit 102 of the client terminal 10 to display an operation screen with a message encouraging the user to use a special item. After that, the display control unit 102 of the client terminal 10 displays a special item use screen 550 shown in FIG. 12 on the screen display unit 160 based on the image data generated by the image generation unit 101 in accordance with the request from the quest control unit 201.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 12, the special item use screen 550 is an operation screen for using a special item, and displays a scroll button 501, a list of selectable quests 502, an operation button 503 for playing the special quest using the special item, a cancel button 504 for giving up playing the special quest, and a message 505 encouraging the player to use a special item to play the special quest.

[0103] Here, the special quest "Quest C (Special)" has been selected by the player, and a notification is displayed on the screen that a special item should be used to play the selected "Quest C (Special)." When the player presses the operation button 503, game play of "Quest C (Special)" is permitted by using the special item, and when the player presses the cancel button 504, game play of "Quest C (Special)" is restricted.

[0104] Next, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 receives the player's operation information from the client terminal 10 and determines whether the player has pressed the operation button 503 or the cancel button 504 on the special item use screen 550 shown in FIG. 12 (step S17).

[0105] If, as a result of this determination, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 determines that the player has pressed the cancel button 504, that is, that the player has given up playing the special quest without using the special item (step S17: NO), it restricts the player from playing the special quest selected by the player, and ends this flowchart.

[0106] In response to this, if the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 determines that the player has pressed the operation button 503, that is, that a special item will be used to play a special quest (step S17: YES), the quest control unit 201 requests the parameter control unit 202 to increase the player's rank to a predetermined rank (e.g., rank 50) (step S18).

[0107] That is, when it is determined that a special item will be used to play a special quest, the parameter control unit 202 of the server device 20 refers to the player information shown in Fig. 7, subtracts one special item from the items possessed by the player, and obtains the current rank of the player. Then, the parameter control unit 202 performs control to raise the obtained current rank to a predetermined rank in one go. Accordingly, the parameter control unit 202 updates the player information of the player (including the special item usage status of the play status information).

[0108] Next, when the player's rank reaches a predetermined rank, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 permits the player to play the special quest selected by the player since the player satisfies the play conditions (step S19).

[0109] In this way, according to the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, even if the player's current rank (predetermined parameter) has not yet reached the predetermined rank (predetermined value), the player can easily increase his / her rank to the predetermined rank by using a special item, and can instantly play special quests that were previously restricted from being played. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the player's motivation to play special quests.

[0110] <Example 2> The operation regarding the quest selection in the embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation regarding the quest selection in the embodiment 2. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the character selection screen 600 in this embodiment.

[0111] First, as shown in FIG. 13, when the player performs an operation to start a quest on a menu screen not shown, the operation input receiving unit 150 receives the operation input from the player, and the display control unit 102 of the client terminal 10 displays the character selection screen 600 shown in FIG. 14 on the screen display unit 160 based on the image data generated by the image generation unit 101 (step S21).

[0112] 14, a list 601 of the player's own player characters that are candidates for selection, an operation button 602 for confirming the selection of the player character, and a cancel button 603 for canceling the selection of the player character are displayed on the character selection screen 600. On the character selection screen 600, the player can select his / her own player character to be used in the quest from the list 601.

[0113] Next, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 receives player operation information from the client terminal 10 and determines whether or not the player has performed an operation to select one of the multiple player characters in the list 601 on the character selection screen 600 shown in FIG. 14 (step S22).

[0114] Next, when the player performs an operation to select one of the player characters (step S22: YES), the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 requests the display control unit 102 of the client terminal 10 to display a selection screen for a quest in which the player challenges a battle using that player character. After that, in response to the request from the quest control unit 201, the display control unit 102 of the client terminal 10 displays the quest selection screen 500 shown in Fig. 11 on the screen display unit 160 based on the image data generated by the image generation unit 101 (step S23).

[0115] Next, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 receives the player's operation information from the client terminal 10 and determines whether or not the player has performed an operation to select any one of the multiple types of quests in the list 502 on the quest selection screen 500 shown in FIG. 11 (step S24).

[0116] Next, when the player performs an operation to select any quest (step S24: YES), the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 determines whether or not the player has selected a special quest (step S25).

[0117] In other words, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 refers to the quest information shown in FIG. 6, and if the quest selected by the player is a quest with play conditions, it determines that the player has selected a special quest, and if the quest is a quest without play conditions, it determines that the player has selected a normal quest.

[0118] If it is determined that the player selected a normal quest instead of a special quest (step S25: NO), the process proceeds to step S31. In step S31, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 permits game play of the normal quest selected by the player. On the other hand, if it is determined that the player selected a special quest (step S25: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S26.

[0119] Next, when the player selects a special quest (step S25: YES), the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 determines whether the level of the player character selected by the player on the character selection screen 600 has reached a predetermined level (step S26).

[0120] That is, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 refers to the player information shown in Fig. 7 and identifies the player character selected on the character selection screen 600 from among the characters possessed by the player. Then, it is determined whether the level of the identified player character has reached a predetermined level (for example, level 50).

[0121] If it is determined that the level of the player character has reached a predetermined level (step S26: YES), the process proceeds to step S31. In step S31, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 permits game play of the special quest selected by the player. On the other hand, if it is determined that the level of the player character has not reached the predetermined level (step S26: NO), the process proceeds to the next step S27.

[0122] Next, if the level of the player character has not reached the predetermined level (step S26: NO), the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 determines whether or not the player possesses a special item (step S27).

[0123] That is, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 refers to the item information shown in Fig. 5 and the player information shown in Fig. 7, and if a special item is present among the items possessed by the player, it determines that the player possesses the special item. On the other hand, if a special item is not present among the items possessed by the player, it determines that the player does not possess the special item.

[0124] If the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 determines that the player does not possess the special item (step S27: NO), it restricts the player from playing the special quest selected by the player and ends this flowchart. On the other hand, if the quest control unit 201 determines that the player possesses the special item (step S27: YES), it proceeds to the next step S28.

[0125] Next, if the player has a special item (step S27: YES), the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 performs control to prompt the player to use the special item he or she possesses (step S28).

[0126] That is, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 requests the display control unit 102 of the client terminal 10 to display an operation screen with a message encouraging the user to use a special item. After that, the display control unit 102 of the client terminal 10 displays a special item use screen 550 shown in FIG. 12 on the screen display unit 160 based on the image data generated by the image generation unit 101 in accordance with the request from the quest control unit 201.

[0127] Next, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 receives the player's operation information from the client terminal 10 and determines whether the player has pressed the operation button 503 or the cancel button 504 on the special item use screen 550 shown in FIG. 12 (step S29).

[0128] If, as a result of this determination, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 determines that the player has pressed the cancel button 504, that is, that the player has given up playing the special quest without using the special item (step S29: NO), it restricts the player from playing the special quest selected by the player, and ends this flowchart.

[0129] In response to this, if the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 determines that the player has pressed the operation button 503, that is, that a special item will be used to play a special quest (step S29: YES), the quest control unit 201 requests the parameter control unit 202 to increase the level of the player character selected by the player on the character selection screen 600 to a predetermined level (e.g., level 50) (step S30).

[0130] That is, when it is determined that a special item will be used to play a special quest, the parameter control unit 202 of the server device 20 refers to the player information shown in Fig. 7, subtracts one special item from the items possessed by the player, and then identifies the player character selected on the character selection screen 600 from among the characters possessed by the player. Then, control is performed to instantly raise the current level of the identified player character to a predetermined level. Accordingly, the parameter control unit 202 updates the player information of the player (including the special item use status of the play status information).

[0131] Next, when the level of the player character selected by the player reaches a predetermined level, the quest control unit 201 of the server device 20 permits the player to play the special quest selected by the player, since the player satisfies the play conditions (step S31).

[0132] Thus, according to the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, even if the current level (predetermined parameter) of the player character has not yet reached the predetermined level (predetermined value), the player can easily increase the level of his / her player character to the predetermined level by using a special item, and can instantly play special quests that were previously restricted from being played. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the player's motivation to play special quests.

[0133] 《Special quest perks》 The operation of granting a reward to a player who plays a special quest in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of granting a reward for a special quest in this embodiment.

[0134] First, as shown in FIG. 15, the bonus providing unit 203 of the server device 20 determines whether or not a player permitted to play a special quest has completed the special quest as a result of playing the game (step S41).

[0135] Specifically, the bonus granting unit 203 of the server device 20 identifies the play status information of the player by referring to the player information shown in Fig. 7, and then identifies the completion status of the special quest in which the player has played the game by referring to the play status information shown in Fig. 8. Based on the flag information set for the identified completion status, it is determined whether or not the special quest has been completed.

[0136] Next, if the bonus granting unit 203 of the server device 20 determines that the player permitted to play the special quest has not completed the special quest (step S41: NO), the bonus granting unit 203 ends this flowchart without granting a bonus. On the other hand, if the player permitted to play the special quest has completed the special quest (step S41: YES), the bonus granting unit 203 determines whether the player has played the special quest using a special item (step S42).

[0137] Specifically, the bonus granting unit 203 of the server device 20 identifies the play status information of the player by referring to the player information shown in Fig. 7, and then identifies the usage status of the special item in the special quest in which the player played the game by referring to the play status information shown in Fig. 8. Based on the flag information set for the identified usage status of the special item, it is determined whether or not the player played the special quest using the special item.

[0138] Next, if the bonus granting unit 203 of the server device 20 determines that a player who is permitted to play a special quest game has played the special quest without using a special item (step S42: NO), the bonus granting unit 203 grants a normal bonus to the player (step S43).

[0139] The benefit providing unit 203 in this embodiment provides, for example, one special character as a normal benefit to a player who plays a special quest without using a special item, based on the quest information shown in FIG.

[0140] In response to this, if the bonus granting unit 203 of the server device 20 determines that a player who is permitted to play a special quest game has played the special quest using a special item (step S42: YES), the bonus granting unit 203 grants a special bonus to the player (step S44).

[0141] The bonus granting unit 203 in this embodiment grants, for example, a plurality of special characters as a special bonus to a player who plays a special quest using a special item based on the quest information shown in FIG.

[0142] Thus, in this embodiment, a player who is permitted to play a special quest using a special item will be granted greater benefits than a player who is permitted to play that special quest without using the special item.

[0143] ===Other embodiments=== The above-described embodiments are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention also includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be configured by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments and the embodiments described below.

[0144] In addition, various inventions can be constructed by appropriately combining a plurality of invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, an invention may be constructed by deleting some invention-specifying matters from all invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment, or an invention may be constructed by appropriately combining all invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment with invention-specifying matters disclosed in the embodiment described below.

[0145] <Benefits Granted> In the above-described embodiment, the bonus granting unit 203 of the server device 20 may grant a greater bonus to a player who is permitted to play the special quest game using a special item at least one of the timings before the start of the special quest game and after the end of the special quest game, than to a player who is permitted to play the special quest game without using a special item.

[0146] For example, in the case where a special quest is granted before the start of the game, a player who is permitted to play the special quest using a special item may be provided with a special quest with a lower level of difficulty (such as a temporary decrease in the HP of an enemy character or a temporary increase in the attack power of a player character) than a player who is permitted to play the special quest without using a special item.

[0147] Also, for example, in the case where the special item is awarded after the end of a special quest game, a player who is permitted to play the special quest game using a special item may be allowed to continue the special quest for free a predetermined number of times more than a player who is permitted to play the special quest game without using the special item.

[0148] In the above embodiment, after a special quest is permitted to be played by using a special item, the bonus granting unit 203 of the server device 20 may grant a larger bonus to a player who is permitted to play a special quest by using a special item each time the player plays the special quest until a predetermined condition for restricting the play of the special quest again is satisfied, than to a player who is permitted to play the special quest without using a special item. In this case, the predetermined condition may be that a player who has reached a predetermined rank (e.g., rank 50) by using a special item reaches an even higher rank (e.g., rank 100), or that a predetermined period of time (e.g., one week) has passed since the special item was used, or the like.

[0149] In the above embodiment, the case where a special character is given as an example of a benefit has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a special item, an equipment item for a player character, a free item, etc. may be given as a benefit. Also, for example, an example of a benefit may be not only the giving of an item or other object, but also preferential treatment in the game.

[0150] <Reward Granting> In the above embodiment, the reward granting means 204 of the server device 20 may grant a reward for reaching a predetermined rank to a player who is permitted to play the special quest game because he or she has reached a predetermined rank without using a special item. This allows the player who did not rely on the special item to be rewarded for making a steady effort until he or she reached the predetermined rank. Furthermore, the reward granting means 204 of the server device 20 may grant a reward for reaching a predetermined rank at least one of the timings before the start of the special quest game and after the end of the special quest game.

[0151] <Purchase special items> In the above-described embodiment, in the process of step S15 in Example 1 and the process of step S27 in Example 2, if the player who selected the special quest does not have the special item, it is also possible to transition to a purchase screen for purchasing the special item. Then, when the player performs a purchase operation to purchase the special item on this purchase screen, the item granting unit 205 of the server device 20 may grant the special item to the player by consuming a predetermined amount of paid items out of paid items and free items owned by the player. Furthermore, the parameter control unit 202 of the server device 20 may control to raise the current rank of the player to a predetermined rank by automatically using the special item due to the item granting unit 205 granting the special item, or may control to raise the current level of the player character to a predetermined level.

[0152] <Prescribed parameters> In the above embodiment, the "rank" of the player and the "level" of the player character are described as examples of the predetermined parameters, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the player's experience points, the number of times the player has played or cleared a quest, the number of times the player has used a predetermined character or item, the attack power, defense power, HP, etc. of the player character can also be adopted as the predetermined parameters.

[0153] In the above embodiment, the parameter control unit 202 of the server device 20 may restrict the levels of the remaining player characters from being raised to a predetermined level even if the player uses a special item after the level of one of the multiple player characters owned by the player is raised to a predetermined level by using a special item. Alternatively, the parameter control unit 202 of the server device 20 may restrict the use of the special item itself so as to prevent the levels of the remaining player characters from being raised to a predetermined level when the player uses a special item to raise the level of one of the multiple player characters owned by the player to a predetermined level.

[0154] <Special quest play conditions> In the above-described embodiment, examples of play conditions for a special quest are described as "the player's rank must reach a specified rank" or "the player character's level must reach a specified level", but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0155] For example, it is possible to set both "the player's rank must reach a certain rank" and "the player character's level must reach a certain level" as play conditions for a special quest. In this case, when the player uses a special item, the player's rank will rise to the certain rank and the player character's level will also rise to the certain level.

[0156] For example, when a special quest is attempted using multiple player characters, the play condition for the special quest may be that the levels of the multiple player characters have reached a predetermined level, or that the overall level (e.g., the average level) calculated based on the levels of the multiple player characters has reached a predetermined level. In this case, the level of each of the multiple player characters is raised to a predetermined level by the player using a special item, and the overall level is also raised to a predetermined level.

[0157] <Special multiplayer quest> In the above-described embodiment, in the case of a multiplayer special quest that can be played in cooperation with other players such as friends, it is possible for a player who participates in the special quest by using a special item to fulfill the play conditions, and a player who participates in the special quest by fulfilling the play conditions without using a special item, to play together.

[0158] However, if the play condition is "players must reach a certain rank," all players participating in the special quest will have reached the certain rank, but in reality, beginners (players who participate in the special quest using special items) with skills that are not yet at the certain rank and advanced players (players who participate in the special quest without using special items) with skills that have already reached the certain rank will be playing the special quest together. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the difference in skill between beginners and advanced players will widen, placing a heavy burden on advanced players in the special quest.

[0159] Therefore, when a player (beginner) who participates in a special quest using a special item and a player (advanced player) who participates in a special quest without using a special item play a special quest together, a privilege may be given only to the player (advanced player) who participates in the special quest without using a special item.

[0160] This allows players (advanced players) who participate in special quests without using special items to actively participate in special quests in order to obtain rewards, even if the battle burden in the special quests becomes heavy. Also, players (beginners) who participate in special quests using special items will not be given rewards, but they can learn the skills by playing together with players (advanced players) who participate in special quests without using special items.

[0161] In this case, for example, game points or the like may be given as a first benefit, and by accumulating a predetermined amount of the first benefit, an exchange ticket for a special character or the like may be given as a second benefit different from the first benefit.

[0162] <System configuration> In the above embodiment, instead of the centralized network system equipped with a server device, a distributed network system using blockchain technology (distributed ledger technology) may be adopted. In the distributed network system, various information stored in the server device in the centralized network system is distributed and stored in each terminal connected by peer-to-peer (P2P). By using blockchain technology, various information is managed in a mutual monitoring manner, making it possible to avoid unauthorized data tampering. Note that content (characters, items, etc.) utilizing blockchain technology may be issued and distributed as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), making it possible to increase the asset value of the content.

[0163] <Contents> In the above embodiment, a character is used as an example of content, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the content may be various data such as items, cards, figures, avatars, images, music, scenarios, and quests, or programs such as apps. [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Client Terminal 20 Server equipment 50 Computer 51 CPU 52 RAM 53 ROM 54 Communication Interface 55 Input Devices 56 Display device 57 External Interface 58 HDD 100 Client control section 101 Image Generation Unit 102 Display control unit 120 Client Memory 140 Client Communication Section 150 Operation input reception unit 160 Screen display section 200 Server control unit 201 Quest Control Unit 202 Parameter control section 203 Benefits Granting Department 204 Reward Department 205 Item Granting Department 220 Server memory 221 Character information storage unit 222 Item information storage unit 223 Quest information storage unit 224 Player information storage unit 240 Server Communication Department 500 Quest Selection Screen 501 Scroll button 502 List 503 Operation button 504 Cancel button 505 Message 550 Special Item Use Screen 600 Character selection screen 601 List 602 Operation button 603 Cancel button B Bus Line N Network

Claims

1. Computer, an event control means for permitting the player to play a game of a predetermined event when a predetermined parameter associated with at least one of the player and his / her player character reaches a predetermined value, and for restricting the player from playing the game of the predetermined event when the predetermined parameter has not reached the predetermined value; a parameter control means for controlling the predetermined parameter to reach a predetermined value by a player who is restricted from playing the predetermined event using a special item; A program that functions as a

2. a privilege granting means for granting a greater privilege to a player who has been permitted to play the predetermined event because the predetermined parameter has reached a predetermined value by using the special item, than to a player who has been permitted to play the predetermined event because the predetermined parameter has reached a predetermined value without using the special item; The program according to claim 1,

3. a reward granting means for granting a reward to a player who is permitted to play the predetermined event because the predetermined parameter has reached a predetermined value without using the special item, for the predetermined value being reached; The program according to claim 1 or 2,

4. the parameter control means, when a predetermined parameter associated with one of the plurality of player characters of a player restricted in game play of the predetermined event reaches a predetermined value through use of the special item, restricts use of the special item such that the predetermined parameters associated with the remaining player characters do not reach the predetermined values; The program according to claim 1.

5. an item granting means for granting the special item to a player when the player uses a paid item out of the paid items and free items of the player's own; The program according to claim 1,

6. the parameter control means controls the predetermined parameter to reach a predetermined value, based on a predetermined operation performed by a player who is restricted from playing the predetermined event on an operation screen for using a special item. The program according to claim 1.

7. the benefit providing means provides a benefit at least one of before a game of the predetermined event starts and after a game of the predetermined event ends. The program according to claim 2.

8. The reward granting means includes: For a player who is permitted to play the game of the predetermined event by using the special item and the predetermined parameter reaching a predetermined value, Until a predetermined condition for restricting game play after permission is satisfied, each time a game of the predetermined event is played, a greater benefit is given to the player than to a player who is permitted to play the game of the predetermined event because the predetermined parameter has reached a predetermined value without using the special item; The program according to claim 2.

9. an event control unit that permits the player to play a game of a predetermined event when a predetermined parameter associated with at least one of the player and his / her player character reaches a predetermined value, and restricts the player from playing the game of the predetermined event when the predetermined parameter does not reach the predetermined value; a parameter control unit that controls the predetermined parameter to reach a predetermined value by a player who is restricted from playing the predetermined event using a special item; An information processing device comprising:

Images