System, method and program

Abstract

To increase an interest of a user who has a user account of electronic commerce.SOLUTION: A game execution part (101) of a system (1) executes a game based upon user's game operation. A determination part (102) determines whether or not predetermined conditions related to an article or service of electronic commerce are met based upon the game operation. A processing execution part (103) executes processing to associate the article or service with a candidate list of a user account of the user in electric commerce when it is determined that the predetermined conditions are met.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system, a method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electronic commerce that enables commercial transactions of goods or services by electronic means has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a product sales system by a virtual department store using a virtual reality space, which includes a server device for realizing a virtual department store in a virtual reality space in contrast to a department store that actually exists, and a product information database connected so as to be accessible from the server device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-030469 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technology of the cited document 1, the user merely experiences shopping in a general electronic commerce transaction in a virtual department store in a virtual reality space, and the user has no other enjoyment than shopping in the virtual department store. Similarly, in other conventional technologies other than the cited document 1, the user has no other enjoyment than shopping, in principle, and the conventional technologies have not been able to sufficiently increase the interest of the user.

[0005] One of the objectives of the present disclosure is to increase the interest of users who have user accounts in electronic commerce. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The system of the present disclosure includes a game execution unit that executes a game based on a user's game operation, a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined condition associated with a product or service in an electronic commerce transaction is satisfied based on the game operation, and a processing execution unit that, when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, executes a process to associate the product or service with a candidate list of the user's user account in the electronic commerce. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure can, for example, increase the interest of users who have user accounts in electronic commerce. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a user playing a game. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a shopping cart screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions realized in the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a user database in a game. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a condition database. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a user database in electronic commerce. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product database. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a process executed in a game system or the like. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function realized in a modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a game executed in Modification 1. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game executed in Modification 2. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a termination screen in Modification 3. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a termination screen in Modification 3. [Figure 15] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen of Modification 7. [Figure 16] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a game executed in Modification 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [1. System hardware configuration] An example of an embodiment of a system, method, and program according to the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a system according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, a case where a game system 1 corresponds to a system according to the present disclosure will be taken as an example. Therefore, the description of the game system 1 can be read as the system according to the present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 1, each of the game system 1, the electronic commerce system 2, and the user terminal 30 is connected to a network N such as the Internet or a LAN.

[0010] For example, the game system 1 is a system of a game provider that provides a game to a user. In this embodiment, a browser game executed on a browser of the user terminal 30 is taken as an example, but the game may be of any type and is not limited to the example of this embodiment. For example, the game may be a game executed on a game program installed on the user terminal 30 (for example, a so-called smartphone game), a game executed on a game machine other than the user terminal 30 (for example, a game machine in an amusement facility), or another type of game.

[0011] For example, the game system 1 includes a game server 10 which is a server computer. The game server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The control unit 11 includes at least one processor. The storage unit 12 includes at least one of a volatile memory such as a RAM and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The communication unit 13 includes at least one of a communication interface for wired communication and a communication interface for wireless communication.

[0012] For example, the e-commerce system 2 is a system of an e-commerce provider that offers e-commerce to users. E-commerce is commercial transaction conducted using electronic means. In e-commerce, not only goods but also services are traded. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the game provider and the e-commerce provider are different, but the game provider and the e-commerce provider may be the same. In other words, the same person may offer both games and e-commerce to users.

[0013] In this embodiment, online shopping (net shopping) is taken as an example of electronic commerce, but electronic commerce may be of any type and is not limited to the example of this embodiment. For example, an online flea market or an online shopping mall with multiple member stores may correspond to electronic commerce. For example, services that accept reservations by electronic means also correspond to electronic commerce, so online reservations for facilities such as hotels and beauty salons, travel products such as tours, transportation such as airplanes, or tickets for concerts, etc. may also correspond to electronic commerce.

[0014] For example, the electronic commerce system 2 includes an electronic commerce server 20 which is a server computer. The electronic commerce server 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The hardware configurations of the control unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the communication unit 23 may be similar to those of the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the communication unit 13, respectively.

[0015] For example, the user terminal 30 is a user's computer. For example, the user terminal 30 is a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, or a wearable terminal. For example, the user terminal 30 includes a control unit 31, a memory unit 32, a communication unit 33, an operation unit 34, and a display unit 35. The hardware configurations of the control unit 31, the memory unit 32, and the communication unit 33 may be similar to those of the control unit 11, the memory unit 12, and the communication unit 13, respectively. The operation unit 34 is an input device such as a touch panel or a mouse. The display unit 35 is a display such as a liquid crystal or organic EL.

[0016] The programs stored in the storage units 12, 22, 32 may be supplied to the game server 10, the electronic commerce server 20, or the user terminal 30 via the network N. At least one of a reading unit (e.g., a memory card slot) that reads a computer-readable information storage medium and an input / output unit (e.g., a USB port) for inputting and outputting data to and from an external device may be included in the game server 10, the electronic commerce server 20, or the user terminal 30. For example, a program stored in an information storage medium may be supplied to the game server 10, the electronic commerce server 20, or the user terminal 30 via at least one of the reading unit and the input / output unit.

[0017] Furthermore, the game system 1 only needs to include at least one computer and is not limited to the example of Fig. 1. For example, the game system 1 may include a game server 10 and another computer (e.g., a server computer or a personal computer). Similarly, the electronic commerce system 2 only needs to include at least one computer and is not limited to the example of Fig. 1. For example, the electronic commerce system 2 may include an electronic commerce server 20 and another computer (e.g., a server computer or a personal computer).

[0018] [2. Overview of the embodiment] In this embodiment, the user has issued a user account for the game and a user account for electronic commerce. The user has also linked the user account for the game and the user account for electronic commerce. For example, when the user specifies the URL of a game site, which is a website of the game, from the browser of the user terminal 30, the user terminal 30 accesses the game server 10. When the user successfully logs in to the game site, the user can play the game on the game site.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a user plays a game. For example, when a user logs in to a game site, a top screen SC1 corresponding to the top page of the game site is displayed on the display unit 35. In this embodiment, a game in which a user moves a drone in a game space and aims to acquire an object placed in the game space is taken as an example, but the game may be of any type and is not limited to the example of this embodiment. For example, the game may be a puzzle game, a quiz game, an action game, a shooting game, a role-playing game, or any other type.

[0020] For example, when the user selects the button B10, the game starts. When the game starts, a game screen SC2 showing the state of the game space is displayed on the display unit 35. The user operates the buttons B20A to B20D to move the drone D21 within the game space. In the game space, an object O22 representing a box whose contents are unknown is placed. When the drone D21 touches the object O22 in the game space, the user can acquire the object O22.

[0021] In this embodiment, the object O22 is associated with a product sold through online shopping, which is an example of electronic commerce. For example, when a user acquires the object O22, the game server 10 requests the electronic commerce server 20 to add the product to the user's shopping cart. The electronic commerce server 20 adds the product to the user's shopping cart based on the request from the game server 10.

[0022] For example, when the user acquires an object O22, a product associated with the object O22 is added to the user's shopping cart, as shown in the game screen SC2 at the bottom left of Fig. 2. When multiple objects O22 are placed in the game space, the user may acquire multiple objects O22 one after another. Every time the user acquires an object O22, a product is added to the user's shopping cart.

[0023] In the example of FIG. 2, the user does not know what product will be added to the shopping cart until he or she acquires the object O22, but the user may know what product will be added to the cart before acquiring the object O22. For example, a texture representing the product may be mapped onto the surface of the object O22. Furthermore, the object O22 may be any object and is not limited to a box as shown in FIG. 2. For example, the object O22 may be a three-dimensional model representing the product.

[0024] For example, when the drone D21 arrives at a predetermined goal point, the game ends. The condition for ending the game may be any condition and is not limited to the example of this embodiment. For example, the game may end when the user performs an operation for ending the game, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the game, when a predetermined number of objects O22 are acquired, or based on other conditions. When the game ends, an end screen SC3 indicating that the game has ended is displayed on the display unit 35. The end screen SC3 shows information about the products added to the user's shopping cart.

[0025] For example, when a user specifies the URL of an e-commerce website from a browser of the user terminal 30, the user terminal 30 accesses the e-commerce server 20. If the user successfully logs in to the e-commerce site, the user can check the contents of his / her shopping cart on the e-commerce site. Note that when the user logs in to the e-commerce site after finishing a game, the game and the e-commerce may be linked.

[0026] For example, when a user selects a shopping cart link on an e-commerce site, a shopping cart screen showing the contents of the shopping cart is displayed on the display unit 35. Note that the user may check the contents of the shopping cart not on the e-commerce site but on a program dedicated to e-commerce (for example, a so-called smartphone app) installed on the user terminal 30.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a shopping cart screen. As shown in Fig. 3, information on a product that has been added to the shopping cart by the user acquiring an object O22 is displayed on the shopping cart screen SC4. The user can purchase or delete products in the shopping cart from the shopping cart screen SC4. The flow of purchasing and deleting products may be the same as that of a known e-commerce site.

[0028] As described above, when a user acquires an object O22 in a game, the game system 1 requests the electronic commerce system 2 to add a product associated with the object O22 to the shopping cart. The electronic commerce system 2 adds the product to the user's shopping cart based on the request from the game system 1. This allows the user to have a new experience of using electronic commerce while enjoying a different form of entertainment, namely a game, rather than simply shopping, and therefore the game system 1 can increase the user's interest (playability). Hereinafter, the details of this embodiment will be described.

[0029] [3. Functions realized in the embodiment] 4 is a diagram showing an example of functions realized in the embodiment. Hereinafter, functions assuming electronic commerce other than online shopping will be described. For example, functions assuming not only products traded in electronic commerce but also services traded in electronic commerce (for example, reservation services provided on reservation sites for facilities such as hotels, transportation such as airline tickets, or tickets for events, etc.) will be described.

[0030] [3-1. Functions realized by the game system] For example, the game server 10 includes a data storage unit 100, a game execution unit 101, a determination unit 102, and a process execution unit 103. The data storage unit 100 is realized by the memory unit 12. The game execution unit 101, the determination unit 102, and the process execution unit 103 are realized by the control unit 11.

[0031] [Data storage section] The data storage unit 100 stores data necessary for providing a game to a user. For example, the data storage unit 100 stores a user database DB1 and a condition database DB2 in the game.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a user database DB1 in a game. The user database DB1 is a database in which various information related to a user having a user account in a game is stored. For example, the user database DB1 stores a user account in a game, a password for logging in to a game site, a user account in electronic commerce, game status data, and game result data. Any information may be stored in the user database DB1. The information stored in the user database DB1 is not limited to the example in FIG. 5. For example, the user database DB1 may store personal information registered by a user in a game site.

[0033] In this embodiment, a user account for a game and a user account for e-commerce are linked by storing them in user database DB1. For example, a user links these user accounts when registering to use the game or at any time thereafter. Note that the user account for a game and the user account for e-commerce may be the same. In other words, a user may be able to use both the game and e-commerce with one user account. In this case, the user account for e-commerce does not need to be stored in user database DB1.

[0034] The game situation data is data indicating the situation of a game being executed. The game situation data may be data adopted in known games and may include any information. For example, the game situation data indicates the current state of the game space. A virtual viewpoint (virtual camera) is set in the game space. The game screen SC2 displays the game space as seen from the virtual viewpoint. The game space may be three-dimensional or two-dimensional.

[0035] When an AR (Augmented Reality) game is executed, the game space may be a virtual space that is combined with the real space. For example, when an AR game is executed, a video image captured by a drone flying in the real space may be combined with an image showing the state of the virtual space. In addition to the AR game, a VR (Virtual Reality) or MR (Mixed Reality) game may be executed. The game space may be a space used in these games.

[0036] In the case of the game in the example of Fig. 2, the game situation data includes information such as the position of the virtual viewpoint, the line of sight direction of the virtual viewpoint, the position of the drone D21, the orientation of the drone D21, the moving direction of the drone D21, the position of the object O22, the orientation of the object O22, information on a product associated with the object O22, information on the object O22 acquired by the user, information on a product added to the user's shopping cart, and the elapsed time from the start of the game. When a game other than the game in the example of Fig. 2 is executed, the game situation data may include information corresponding to the other game.

[0037] The game result data indicates the results of a game that the user played in the past (a game that has already ended). For example, the game result data includes the date and time when the user played the game, information on the object O22 acquired by the user, and information on a product or service associated with the object O22. In the case of the game in the example of FIG. 2, the game result data includes information on the object O22 touched by the drone D21 and information on a product added to the user's shopping cart. The game result data may include other information, for example, information indicating whether the user purchased the product, or other information.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the condition database DB2. The condition database DB2 is a database showing the relationship between a predetermined condition in a game and a product or service in electronic commerce. In the example of FIG. 6, the predetermined condition and the product or service have a one-to-one relationship, but the predetermined condition and the product or service may have a one-to-many, many-to-one, or many-to-many relationship. Any information may be stored in the condition database DB2. The information stored in the condition database DB2 is not limited to the example of FIG. 6. For example, the condition database DB2 may store information capable of identifying the electronic commerce system 2.

[0039] The predetermined condition is a condition that corresponds to a trigger for processing by the processing execution unit 103 described later. In the present embodiment, the case where the user's acquisition of the object O22 corresponds to the predetermined condition is taken as an example, but the predetermined condition may be any condition that can be determined based on a game operation, and is not limited to the example of the present embodiment. For example, the predetermined condition may be a condition in which an object in the game is acquired, completed, or cleared by a game operation. The predetermined condition may be a condition that can be determined based on game situation data updated by a game operation.

[0040] For example, the predetermined condition may be that the user achieves a score equal to or greater than a threshold in the game, that the user completes a mission in the game, that the user completes the game, that the user defeats an enemy in the game, or that the user rescues an ally in the game. The predetermined condition may be that the user completes a virtual object (e.g., a diagram of a product or a puzzle), that the user correctly answers a quiz about a virtual object (e.g., a product), or other conditions. The predetermined condition may be a condition specified by a game provider, an e-commerce provider, or any other party.

[0041] The example of Fig. 6 shows an example of the condition database DB2 when the game of Fig. 2 is executed. For example, the condition database DB2 stores object identification information capable of identifying the object O22, and product identification information capable of identifying a product to be added to a shopping cart when the user acquires the object O22. If there are conditions for the product, such as color or size, the conditions may also be stored in the condition database DB2, or the user may specify the conditions by himself / herself.

[0042] In the case of electronic commerce which handles services rather than goods, service identification information capable of identifying the service is stored in the condition database DB2 rather than product identification information. For example, in the case of electronic commerce which handles a reservation service for a facility such as a hotel, facility identification information capable of identifying the facility is stored in the condition database DB2. In the case of electronic commerce which handles a reservation service for a travel product such as a tour, travel product identification information capable of identifying the travel product is stored in the condition database DB2. In the case of electronic commerce which handles a reservation service for tickets to an event, etc., ticket identification information capable of identifying the ticket is stored in the condition database DB2. It is sufficient that information capable of identifying some product or service in the electronic commerce is associated with a specified condition.

[0043] In this embodiment, the relationship between the predetermined conditions and the goods or services is specified by the e-commerce provider. The e-commerce provider specifies these relationships and creates data that is the basis of the condition database DB2. The data is transmitted by the e-commerce provider to the game server 10. The game server 10 stores the data in the condition database DB2. The relationship between the predetermined conditions and the goods or services may be specified by the game provider, by individual affiliated stores that operate e-commerce stores, or by other parties.

[0044] The data stored in the data storage unit 100 is not limited to the user database DB1. The data storage unit 100 may store any data related to the game. For example, the data storage unit 100 may store data necessary for the game, such as a game program, data of an object O22, and data necessary for displaying a screen in the game.

[0045] [Game Execution Department] The game execution unit 101 executes a game based on a game operation by a user. A game operation is an operation performed by a user while the game is being executed. In the present embodiment, an example is given in which an operation in which a user selects buttons B20A to B20D corresponds to a game operation, but the game operation may be any operation and is not limited to the example of the present embodiment. For example, the game operation may be an operation for moving an object other than the drone D21 in the game space, a selection of some command in the game, a selection of some option in the game, or other operations. The game operation is not limited to an operation performed from the operation unit 34, and may be an operation by voice or gesture.

[0046] For example, when a user operates the user terminal 30 to access the game server 10, the game execution unit 101 executes a login process for the user. The game execution unit 101 determines whether or not the user account and password entered by the user match the user account and password for the game stored in the user database DB1. If the game execution unit 101 determines that they do not match, it determines that the login has failed. If the game execution unit 101 determines that they match, it determines that the login has been successful. If it determines that the login has been successful, the game execution unit 101 causes the user terminal 30 to display a top screen SC1 of the game site.

[0047] For example, when the user selects the button B10 to start the game, the game execution unit 101 places an object O22 in the game space based on the condition database DB2. The game execution unit 101 may place all of the objects O22 set in the condition database DB2 as a predetermined condition in the game space, or may place only some of the objects O22 in the game space. For example, the game execution unit 101 may place some of the objects O22 selected randomly in the game space, or may place objects O22 associated with products or services according to the user's preferences in electronic commerce in the game space. For example, in electronic commerce, products or services that the user has shown an intention to purchase or use, such as those associated with the user account by a candidate list such as a favorite list, or those that are in the purchase history or search history, are placed in the game space in association with the object O22. The position of the object O22 may be determined in advance or based on a random number.

[0048] For example, the game execution unit 101 places the drone D21 at a predetermined initial position. The game execution unit 101 generates game situation data indicating the game space constructed as described above. The game execution unit 101 stores the game situation data in the user database DB1. The game server 10 receives game operation data indicating the content of the game operation performed by the user from the user terminal 30. The game execution unit 101 executes the game by updating the game situation data based on the game operation indicated by the game operation data. For example, the game execution unit 101 updates the game situation data so that the drone D21 moves to a position according to the game operation.

[0049] For example, when a determination unit described later determines that the user has acquired the object O22, the game execution unit 101 updates the game situation data so that the game situation data indicates that the user has acquired the object O22. The game execution unit 101 may update the game situation data using an update method according to the content of the game. The method for updating the game situation data may be a method adopted in known games. The game server 10 transmits the updated game situation data to the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 receives the game situation data from the game server 10.

[0050] Thereafter, until the game ends, communication is performed between the game server 10 and the user terminal 30, thereby updating the game situation data. When the game ends, the game execution unit 101 generates game result data. The game execution unit 101 stores the game result data in the user database DB1. Note that the processing executed by the game execution unit 101 may be processing adopted in known games, and is not limited to the example of this embodiment. The game execution unit 101 may update the game situation data based on the game program.

[0051] [Judgment section] The determination unit 102 determines whether or not a predetermined condition associated with a product or service in an electronic commerce transaction is satisfied based on the game operation. A product or service in an electronic commerce site is associated with a predetermined condition when a correspondence is defined between information that can identify the product or service and information that indicates the predetermined condition. In this embodiment, an example is given in which these correspondences are defined in the condition database DB2, but these correspondences may also be defined in a database other than the condition database DB2, a table that does not correspond to a database, data in the form of a mathematical formula, a part of a program code, or other data.

[0052] In this embodiment, since the user's acquisition of the object O22 corresponds to the predetermined condition, the determination unit 102 determines whether the predetermined condition is satisfied by determining whether the user has acquired the in-game object O22 associated with a product or service based on a game operation. The determination unit 102 determines whether the user has acquired the object O22 based on game situation data updated in response to the game operation.

[0053] In the case of the game in the example of FIG. 2, the determination unit 102 executes a collision determination between the drone D21 and the object O22. The algorithm of the collision determination may be a known algorithm. When it is not determined by the collision determination that the drone D21 has touched the object O22, the determination unit 102 determines that the user has not acquired the object O22. When it is determined by the collision determination that the drone D21 has touched the object O22, the determination unit 102 determines that the user has acquired the object O22.

[0054] The determination method of the determination unit 102 is not limited to the above example. The determination unit 102 may determine whether or not the user has acquired the object O22 based on a predetermined determination method. For example, in a case where the user acquires the object O22 when the user clears a mission in the game, the determination unit 102 determines whether or not the user has cleared the mission based on the game situation data. When it is determined that the user has cleared the mission, the determination unit 102 determines that the user has acquired the object O22. For example, in the case of a puzzle game, the determination unit 102 may determine that the user has acquired the object O22 by determining whether or not the user has completed the object O22.

[0055] Furthermore, when a condition other than the user acquiring the object O22 is set, the determination unit 102 may determine whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied by a determination method according to the other condition. For example, the determination unit 102 may determine whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied by determining whether or not the user has completed a mission unrelated to acquiring the object O22. The determination unit 102 may determine whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied by determining whether or not the score in the game is equal to or greater than a threshold. The determination unit 102 may determine whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied by determining whether or not the user has defeated an enemy in the game.

[0056] [Processing execution section] When it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the process execution unit 103 executes a process for associating a product or service associated with the predetermined condition with a candidate list of the user account of the user in the electronic commerce. Associating a product or service with a candidate list of the user account in the electronic commerce means associating information capable of identifying the product or service with the candidate list of the user account in the electronic commerce. For example, adding a product or service to the candidate list of the user corresponds to associating a product or service with the candidate list of the user account in the electronic commerce.

[0057] The candidate list of the user's user account may be any product or service provided in the EC that is associated with the user account, such as a favorites list, a wish list, a likes list, a my list, a buy later list, or a watch list. Preferably, the candidate list of the user also includes the user's shopping cart. Since the shopping cart is always checked before payment when the user uses the EC, adding an item to the shopping cart will ensure that the user checks it, thereby increasing the chance of purchase.

[0058] In this embodiment, when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the process execution unit 103 executes a process for adding a product or service associated with the predetermined condition to a shopping cart of the user's user account. That is, the process execution unit 103 executes a process for adding product identification information to a shopping cart identified by a user account in electronic commerce. For example, the process execution unit 103 executes the process by transmitting the user account in electronic commerce and product identification information of a product (product associated with the predetermined condition) to be added to the shopping cart to the electronic commerce server 20.

[0059] The process executed by the process execution unit 103 is not limited to the example of this embodiment. For example, the process execution unit 103 may execute the above process by adding the product to the shopping cart itself, rather than requesting the e-commerce server 20 to add the product to the shopping cart. The process execution unit 103 may execute the above process by executing a product purchase process without adding the product to the shopping cart. The process execution unit 103 may execute the above process by adding the product to a favorites list.

[0060] For another example, in the case of an electronic commerce transaction for accepting reservations for a facility such as a hotel, the process execution unit 103 may execute the above process by adding a facility associated with a predetermined condition or a predetermined service provided by the facility (services such as accommodation and meals) to a list of reservation candidates (one example of a candidate list). In the case of an electronic commerce transaction for accepting reservations for transportation such as an airline ticket, the process execution unit 103 may execute the above process by adding a transportation facility associated with a predetermined condition or a predetermined service provided by the transportation facility (services such as ticket purchase and reservation) to a list of reservation candidates. For example, in the case of an electronic commerce transaction for accepting reservations for tickets to an event, the process execution unit 103 may execute the above process by adding a ticket for the event associated with a predetermined condition or a predetermined service provided in association with the event (services such as priority entrance rights and prize winnings) to a list of reservation candidates.

[0061] [3-2. Functions realized by the electronic commerce system] For example, the electronic commerce system 2 includes a data storage unit 200, a linking unit 201, and a providing unit 202. The data storage unit 200 is realized mainly by the storage unit 22. The linking unit 201 and the providing unit 202 are realized mainly by the control unit 21.

[0062] [Data storage section] The data storage unit 200 stores data necessary for providing electronic commerce to users. For example, the data storage unit 100 stores a user database DB3 and a product database DB4 for electronic commerce.

[0063] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a user database DB3 in electronic commerce. The electronic commerce database is a database in which various information related to a user having a user account in electronic commerce is stored. For example, the electronic commerce database stores a user account in electronic commerce, a password for logging in to an electronic commerce site, a user account in a game, and shopping cart data. Any information may be stored in the electronic commerce database. The information stored in the electronic commerce database is not limited to the example in Fig. 7. For example, the electronic commerce database may store data of a user's favorites list.

[0064] In this embodiment, the user account for the game and the user account for the electronic commerce are stored in the user database DB3, and thus linked. For example, the user links these user accounts when registering for use in the electronic commerce or at any time thereafter. Note that the user account may be linked only in either the user database DB3 for the electronic commerce or the user database DB1 for the game.

[0065] Shopping cart data is data that indicates the contents of a user's shopping cart. For example, the shopping cart data includes product identification information of products added to the shopping cart, the quantity of the products, information such as the color or size of the products, the unit price of the products, coupons that can be applied to the products, and other information. The shopping cart data may be in any format that is commonly used in electronic commerce.

[0066] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of product database DB4. Product database DB4 is a database in which various information related to products in electronic commerce is stored. For example, product identification information, product titles, product images, and product unit prices are stored in product database DB4. Any information may be stored in product database DB4. The information stored in product database DB4 is not limited to the example in Fig. 8. For example, product database DB4 may store information on affiliated stores that handle the products, product descriptions, and product inventory information.

[0067] In this embodiment, all or part of the product identification information stored in the product database DB4 is stored in a condition database DB2 stored in the game server 10. That is, the product identification information of all or part of the products that a user can purchase through electronic commerce is stored in the condition database DB2 and associated with a predetermined condition. For example, an electronic commerce provider creates data that is the basis of the condition database DB2 by specifying a predetermined condition in the game and one of the products whose product identification information is stored in the product database DB4. As mentioned above, the data may be created by someone other than the electronic commerce provider.

[0068] The data stored in the data storage unit 200 is not limited to the user database DB3 and the product database DB4. The data storage unit 200 may store any data related to electronic commerce. For example, when a service is provided in electronic commerce instead of a product, the data storage unit 200 may store a service database in which various information related to the service in electronic commerce is stored. The service database differs from the product database DB4 in that information related to the service is stored, but is similar to the product database DB4 in other respects. Therefore, the service database may be read by replacing the word "product" in the description of the product database DB4 with "service." The data storage unit 200 may store other data, such as data for displaying an electronic commerce site on the user terminal 30.

[0069] [Collaboration Department] The linking unit 201 executes various processes related to the link between the game and the electronic commerce. For example, when the linking unit 201 receives a request from the game server 10 to add a product to the user's shopping cart, the linking unit 201 updates the user database DB3 so that the product is added to the user's shopping cart. The linking unit 201 updates the shopping cart data stored in the user database DB3, which is associated with the user account in the electronic commerce of the user who has acquired the object O22.

[0070] For example, when a request from the game server 10 includes a user account in electronic commerce, the linking unit 201 updates the shopping cart data associated with the user account. When a request from the game server 10 includes a user account in a game, the linking unit 201 refers to the user database DB3 and identifies a user account in electronic commerce associated with the user account in the game. The linking unit 201 updates the shopping cart data associated with the identified user account.

[0071] [Provider] The providing unit 202 provides electronic commerce to the user. For example, the providing unit 202 causes the user terminal 30 to display an electronic commerce site. When the user performs an operation to add a product to a shopping cart on the electronic commerce site, the providing unit 202 executes a process to add the product to the user's shopping cart. When the user performs an operation to purchase a product in the shopping cart on the electronic commerce site, the providing unit 202 executes a payment for the product selected by the user. This series of processes may be similar to processes employed in known electronic commerce.

[0072] [3-3. Functions realized on user terminals] For example, the user terminal 30 includes a data storage unit 300, an operation reception unit 301, and a display control unit 302. The data storage unit 300 is realized mainly by the storage unit 32. The operation reception unit 301 and the display control unit 302 are realized mainly by the control unit 31.

[0073] [Data storage section] The data storage unit 300 stores data necessary for a user to use each of the games and the electronic commerce. For example, the data storage unit 300 stores a browser or a dedicated program (for example, a so-called smartphone app) for displaying each screen of the game site and the electronic commerce site.

[0074] [Operation reception section] The operation reception unit 301 receives various operations of the user. For example, the operation reception unit 301 receives a game operation of the user. The operation reception unit 301 transmits game operation data indicating the game operation of the user to the game server 10. When the user performs some operation on the e-commerce site, the operation reception unit 301 transmits data indicating the operation to the e-commerce server 20.

[0075] [Display control section] The display control unit 302 causes various screens to be displayed on the display unit 35. For example, the display control unit 302 causes the display unit 35 to display a top screen SC1, a game screen SC2, an end screen SC3, and a shopping cart screen SC4.

[0076] [4. Processing Executed in the Present Embodiment] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of processing executed in the game system 1 etc. The processing in Fig. 9 is executed by the control units 11, 21, and 31 executing programs stored in the storage units 12, 22, and 32, respectively. Before the processing in Fig. 9 is executed, it is assumed that the user has linked his / her user account in the game with his / her user account in the electronic commerce.

[0077] 9, when a user selects the URL of a game site, the user terminal 30 executes a login process between the game server 10 and the game terminal 30 to log the user into the game site (S1). If the login to the game site is successful, a process is executed between the game server 10 and the user terminal 30 to display the top screen SC1 of the game site on the display unit 35 (S2). When the user selects a button B10, a process is executed between the game server 10 and the user terminal 30 to start the game (S3).

[0078] Between the game server 10 and the user terminal 30, a process for playing a game is executed based on the user's game operation (S4). The game server 10 judges whether or not the user has acquired the object O22 (S5). If it is judged that the user has not acquired the object O22 (S5: N), the process proceeds to the process of S9 described below. If it is judged that the user has acquired the object O22 (S5: Y), the game server 10 requests the electronic commerce server 20 to add a product to the shopping cart (S6). The request transmitted in S6 includes the user account in the electronic commerce and product identification information of the product to be added to the shopping cart (product identification information associated with the object O22 acquired by the user).

[0079] The request transmitted in S6 may include only the game result, such as the acquisition of the object O22, together with the user account in the game. In this case, the electronic commerce server 20 identifies the product identification information associated with the object O22 based on the user account in the game and the game result, and associates the product with the user account in the electronic commerce. Also, instead of the user account, other information that can identify the user may be transmitted. Furthermore, the game server 10 and the electronic commerce server 20 may transmit and receive data via yet another server in between. This also applies to the modified example described below.

[0080] When the electronic commerce server 20 receives the request from the game server 10 (S7), it adds a product to the shopping cart (S8). In S8, the electronic commerce server 20 acquires the user account for electronic commerce included in the request received from the game server 10. The electronic commerce server 20 adds the product identification information included in the request received from the game server 10 to the shopping cart data associated with the acquired user account among the shopping cart data stored in the user database DB3 for electronic commerce.

[0081] The game server 10 judges whether the game has ended (S9). If it is judged that the game has not ended (S9: N), the process returns to S4. If it is judged that the game has ended (S9: Y), a process for displaying an end screen SC3 is executed between the game server 10 and the user terminal 30 (S10). When the user performs an operation to view the contents of the cart on the e-commerce site, a process for displaying a shopping cart screen SC4 is executed between the e-commerce server 20 and the user terminal 30 (S11), and this process ends. The details of this series of processes are as described above.

[0082] [5. Summary of the embodiment] The game system 1 of this embodiment executes a game based on a game operation of a user. The game system 1 determines whether or not a predetermined condition associated with a product or service in an electronic commerce transaction is satisfied based on the game operation. When it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the game system 1 executes a process for associating the product or service associated with the predetermined condition with a candidate list of the user's user account in the electronic commerce transaction. This allows the user to have a new experience of using an electronic commerce transaction while enjoying another form of entertainment, namely a game, rather than simply shopping, and therefore the game system 1 can increase the user's interest.

[0083] Furthermore, the game system 1 determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied by determining whether the user has acquired an in-game object O22 associated with a product or service based on the game operation. This allows the user to have the above-mentioned new experience through an interesting act of acquiring the object O22, thereby further increasing the user's interest.

[0084] Furthermore, when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the game system 1 executes a process for adding a product or service associated with the predetermined condition to a shopping cart of the user's user account. By adding the product or service to the shopping cart, the user can reliably confirm the product or service, and the game system 1 can further increase the user's chances of purchasing the product or service.

[0085] [6. Modifications] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The present disclosure can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0086] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of functions realized in the modified example. As shown in Fig. 10, the game server 10 in the modified example includes a bonus granting unit 104, a necessity selection unit 105, a guidance unit 106, and a level-up unit 107. Each of the bonus granting unit 104, the necessity selection unit 105, the guidance unit 106, and the level-up unit 107 is realized by the control unit 11.

[0087] [6-1. Variation 1] For example, in the embodiment, a case is exemplified in which it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied based on a game operation of a user. The process executed based on the game operation is not limited to the example of the embodiment. For example, a certain benefit related to a product or service in electronic commerce may be given to the user based on the game operation.

[0088] The game system 1 of the first modification includes a reward unit 104. The reward unit 104 rewards the user with a reward related to a product or service based on a game operation. The reward is some kind of profit or benefit that occurs to the user. In the first modification, a case where a coupon for a product or service associated with a predetermined condition corresponds to the reward is taken as an example, but the reward unit 104 may grant any reward. The reward granted to the user by the reward unit 104 is not limited to the example of the first modification. For example, at least one of a discount without a coupon, an increase in points that the user acquires in an electronic commerce transaction, free shipping, free commission, granting a free product or service to the user, and an increase in the amount of a product or service may correspond to the reward.

[0089] The reward granting unit 104 determines whether or not a condition for granting a reward to a user is satisfied based on a game operation. In the first modification, a case where the condition is different from the predetermined condition described in the embodiment is taken as an example, but the condition may be the same as the predetermined condition described in the embodiment. The condition may be defined in the code of the game program, or may be defined in the setting data referenced by the game program. As an example of a condition for granting a reward, acquisition of an object other than the object O22 for adding a product to a shopping cart will be described.

[0090] In addition, when the condition for the reward granting unit 104 to grant a reward to the user is the same as the predetermined condition described in the embodiment, the reward granting unit 104 may add a product to the shopping cart when the user acquires the object O22, and may grant the user a reward that can be used for the product. In another example, the reward granting unit 104 may add a product to the shopping cart when the user acquires the object O22, and thereafter grant the user a reward when the drone completes a flight along a designated route or when a predetermined number of objects O22 are acquired.

[0091] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game executed in Modification 1. The flow up to when the user acquires the object O22 (the game screens SC2 in the upper left and upper right of FIG. 11) is the same as that of the embodiment. As shown in the game screen SC2 in the lower left of FIG. 11, another object O23 for the benefit of the benefit bestowing unit 104 to the user is arranged in the game space. For example, the benefit bestowing unit 104 determines whether or not the user has acquired the other object O23 based on the game operation. This determination method may be the same as the determination method for whether or not the user has acquired the object O22.

[0092] For example, if it is not determined that the user has acquired another object O23, the bonus granting unit 104 does not grant a bonus to the user. If it is determined that the user has acquired another object O23, the bonus granting unit 104 grants a bonus to the user. As shown in the game screen SC2 in the lower right of FIG. 11, the bonus granting unit 104 grants a bonus to the user while the game is being played. Note that the bonus granting unit 104 may grant a bonus to the user after the game ends.

[0093] For example, if a coupon corresponds to the benefit, the benefit granting unit 104 requests the electronic commerce server 20 to grant the coupon to the user. This request includes the user account in the electronic commerce and a coupon code that can identify the coupon. Upon receiving the request, the electronic commerce server 20 grants the coupon to the user based on the user account in the electronic commerce and the coupon code that can identify the coupon. The user can use the coupon in the electronic commerce. The method of granting the coupon itself may be similar to a method adopted in known electronic commerce.

[0094] In addition, when a benefit other than a coupon is given to the user, the benefit giving unit 104 may execute processing according to the other benefit. For example, when a discount without a coupon corresponds to the benefit, the benefit giving unit 104 requests the electronic commerce server 20 to apply a discount to a product or service. Upon receiving the request, the electronic commerce server 20 applies the discount to the product or service. The method of applying the discount may be the same as a method adopted in known electronic commerce. The same applies to other benefits, and the method of granting the benefit may be the same as a method adopted in known electronic commerce.

[0095] The game system 1 of the first modification provides the user with a benefit related to a product or service based on the game operation. The game system 1 can further increase the interest of the user. For example, the user can be given the fun of searching for other objects O23 in the game space to obtain a coupon for the product, and thus can be motivated to play the game. For example, the game system 1 can also acquire new customers and promote sales in electronic commerce.

[0096] [6-2. Variation 2] For example, in the embodiment, when a user acquires an object O22, a product associated with the object O22 is automatically added to the shopping cart. The product may be unnecessary depending on the user. Therefore, in the second modification, when a user acquires an object O22, the user may be allowed to select whether or not to add the product associated with the object O22 to the shopping cart.

[0097] The game system 1 of the second modification includes a necessity selection unit 105. When it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied, the necessity selection unit 105 allows the user to select within the game whether or not to associate the user account in electronic commerce with a product or service. Whether or not to associate refers to whether or not to cause the process execution unit 103 to execute a process for the association. For example, the necessity selection unit 105 displays within the game an image for the user to select whether or not to associate. The image includes a first image indicating that the association is necessary and a second image indicating that the association is not necessary.

[0098] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a game executed in Modification 2. For example, when the user acquires an object O22 in the state of the game screen SC2 in the upper left of FIG. 12, the necessity selection unit 105 displays an image I24 indicating whether or not to add the product associated with the object O22 to the shopping cart on the game screen SC2, as in the game screen SC2 in the upper right of FIG. 12. The image I24 includes a button B240 (an example of the aforementioned first image) indicating that the product is to be added to the shopping cart, and a button B241 (an example of the aforementioned second image) indicating that the product is not to be added to the shopping cart. The user selects either the button B240 or the button B241.

[0099] The necessity selection unit 105 may allow the user to select whether or not to associate by displaying an image other than the image I24 on the user terminal 30. Alternatively, for example, the necessity selection unit 105 may allow the user to select whether or not to associate by displaying a message to perform a predetermined operation from the operation unit 34 (for example, a message such as "If you want to add a product to the shopping cart, press the XX button on the operation unit 34") on the game screen SC2, instead of displaying an image for receiving a user's operation on the game screen SC2.

[0100] When it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied, the process execution unit 103 of the second modified example executes the process described in the embodiment based on the result of the selection of necessity performed in the game. For example, when the user selects the button B240, the process execution unit 103 executes the process described in the embodiment as shown in the game screen SC2 at the bottom left of FIG. 12, and adds the product to the shopping cart. When the user selects the button B241, the process execution unit 103 does not execute the process described in the embodiment as shown in the game screen SC2 at the bottom right of FIG. 12, and does not add the product to the shopping cart. When the user selects necessity by another operation, the process execution unit 103 may determine whether or not to add the product to the shopping cart based on the other operation.

[0101] When it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied, the game system 1 of the second modification allows the user to select in the game whether or not to associate the user account with the product or service. When it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied, the game system 1 executes the process described in the embodiment based on the result of the selection of whether or not to associate the user account with the product or service in the game. Since the game system 1 allows the user to select whether or not to perform the process described in the embodiment, the user's convenience is improved. For example, if an unnecessary product is added to a shopping cart, the user has to go through the trouble of deleting the product from the shopping cart. However, by having the user select whether or not to delete the product in the game, such a trouble can be prevented. When it is not known what product will be added to the shopping cart until the user acquires the object O22 as in the embodiment, the user's convenience is particularly improved.

[0102] [6-3. Variation 3] For example, in the second modification, a case is taken as an example in which the user is made to select necessity within a game. When it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied, the necessity selection unit 105 may make the user select whether or not to associate the user account with a product or service after the game ends. The necessity selection unit 105 may make the user select multiple necessity options all at once after the game ends.

[0103] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an ending screen SC3 of Modification Example 3. As shown in Fig. 13, when the user has acquired multiple objects O22 and the game is over, the necessity selection unit 105 causes the user terminal 30 to display an ending screen SC3 including buttons B30A to B30C indicating whether or not to add each product to the shopping cart. For example, when the user selects button B30A, the user can add all products to the shopping cart at once. When the user selects button B30B, the user can add the first product to the shopping cart. When the user selects button B30C, the user can add the second product to the shopping cart.

[0104] When it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied, the process execution unit 103 of the second modification executes the process described in the embodiment based on the result of the selection of necessity made after the game ends. This is different from the first modification in that the necessity is selected after the game ends, but it is similar to the first modification in that the process execution unit 103 executes the process described in the embodiment based on the necessity selected by the user. The process execution unit 103 requests the e-commerce server 20 to add the product selected by the user as requiring association to the shopping cart.

[0105] When it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied, the game system 1 of the third modification allows the user to select whether or not to associate the user account with a product or service after the game ends. When it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied, the game system 1 executes the process described in the embodiment based on the result of the selection of whether or not to associate the user account with a product or service after the game ends. Since the game system 1 allows the user to select whether or not to perform the process described in the embodiment, user convenience is improved. Furthermore, by allowing the user to select whether or not to perform the process after the game ends, it is possible to prevent the flow of the game from being interrupted midway, which can further increase the user's interest.

[0106] [6-4. Variation 4] For example, after the user finishes the game, the user may be guided to a shopping cart screen SC4. The game system 1 of the fourth modification includes a guidance unit 106. After the game ends, the guidance unit 106 guides the user to an electronic commerce screen (e.g., shopping cart screen SC4) related to a product or service associated with the user account by the processing of the processing execution unit 103. In the fourth modification, an example is given in which the guidance unit 106 provides guidance on the end screen SC3, but the guidance unit 106 may provide guidance on a screen other than the end screen SC3.

[0107] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the end screen SC3 of the third modified example. The guiding unit 106 guides the user to the e-commerce screen by displaying the end screen SC3 including the button B31 indicating a link to the shopping cart screen SC4 on the user terminal 30. The guiding unit 106 may display an image indicating a similar link on a screen other than the end screen SC3. When the user selects the button B31, the user terminal 30 displays the shopping cart screen SC4 on the display unit 35. The process for displaying the shopping cart screen SC4 may be the same as that of the embodiment. Note that the link indicated by the button B31 may not be a link to the shopping cart screen SC4, but may be a link to a product page of a product added to the shopping cart.

[0108] The game system 1 of the fourth modification guides the user to an electronic commerce screen related to a product or service associated with the user account after the game ends. The game system 1 can allow the user to directly access the electronic commerce screen after the game ends, thereby improving user convenience.

[0109] [6-5. Variation 5] For example, when the user purchases a product that was added to the shopping cart by acquiring the object O22, the game may be leveled up. Leveling up means that the game level increases, and specifically, for example, the game difficulty level increases, a new stage or the like is opened, the game character becomes stronger, new game items or game rewards are given to the user, or other known changes may be made. The user database DB1 stores the user's level. The game system 1 of the fifth modification includes a leveling up unit 107. The leveling up unit 107 raises the game level when the user makes a transaction regarding a product or service associated with the user account by the processing of the processing execution unit 103. For example, the higher the game level, the higher the game difficulty, but the better the benefits described in the first modification may be.

[0110] For example, when a user purchases a product added to a shopping cart, the electronic commerce server 20 transmits a notification to the game server 10 indicating that the user has purchased the product. By receiving the notification, the game server 10 can identify that the user has purchased the product. The level-up unit 107 increases the level of the user stored in the user database DB1. In the fifth modification, the user can play a game according to his / her own level. The data storage unit 100 stores a game program for each level. The game execution unit 101 executes the game based on the game program or game settings according to the user's level. The method of leveling up the game may be a method adopted in known games.

[0111] The game system 1 of the fifth modification example raises the game level when the user makes a transaction related to a product or service associated with the user account. The game system 1 can further increase the user's interest by making the presence or absence of an actual transaction by the user affect the game level. For example, by providing bidirectionality between playing the game and purchasing a product or using a service, the user can be motivated to purchase the product or use the service, which can further expand sales.

[0112] [6-6. Variation 6] For example, the game system 1 may be linked to a plurality of e-commerce systems 2. In the sixth modification, three e-commerce systems are taken as examples: an online shopping e-commerce system 2, an e-commerce system 2 that accepts reservations for facilities such as hotels (hereinafter, the facility reservation e-commerce system 2), and an e-commerce system 2 that accepts reservations for tickets to events and the like (hereinafter, the ticket reservation e-commerce system 2). The number of e-commerce systems 2 linked to the game system 1 is not limited to three, and may be two, four or more.

[0113] The processing of linking between the game system 1 and each of the electronic commerce systems 2 may be similar to that of the embodiment and the modified examples 1 to 5. In the modified example 6, it is assumed that predetermined conditions are set for each of the multiple electronic commerce systems 2 in one game. In the example of the game in Fig. 2, it is assumed that an object O22 for the electronic commerce system 2 for online shopping, an object O22 for the electronic commerce system 2 for facility reservations, and an object O22 for the electronic commerce system 2 for ticket reservations are placed in the game space.

[0114] The determination unit 102 of the sixth modified example determines, based on the game operation, whether or not a predetermined condition for each of the plurality of electronic commerce systems 2 is satisfied. For example, the determination unit 102 determines whether or not each of an object O22 for the online shopping electronic commerce system 2, an object O22 for the facility reservation electronic commerce system 2, and an object O22 for the ticket reservation electronic commerce system 2 has been acquired by the user. The method of determining whether each object O22 has been acquired may be the same as that of the embodiment.

[0115] The process execution unit 103 of the sixth modification executes a process for an e-commerce system 2 for which it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied, among the plurality of e-commerce systems 2. For example, when it is determined that a user has acquired an object O22 for the online shopping e-commerce system 2, the process execution unit 103 executes a process of adding a product associated with the object O22 to a shopping cart for the online shopping e-commerce system 2.

[0116] For example, when it is determined that the user has acquired an object O22 for the facility reservation electronic commerce system 2, the process execution unit 103 executes a process of adding a facility associated with the object O22 to a candidate list of the facility reservation electronic commerce system 2. When it is determined that the user has acquired an object O22 for the ticket reservation electronic commerce system 2, the process execution unit 103 executes a process of adding a ticket associated with the object O22 to a candidate list of the ticket reservation electronic commerce system 2.

[0117] The game system 1 of the sixth modification determines whether or not a predetermined condition of each of the plurality of electronic commerce systems 2 is satisfied based on game operations. The game system 1 executes processing of the electronic commerce system 2 for which it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied among the plurality of electronic commerce systems 2. The game system 1 can increase the interest of users by linking with the plurality of electronic commerce systems 2. The game system 1 can realize sales promotion in more electronic commerce.

[0118] [6-7. Variation 7] For example, in a sixth modification, the game executing unit 101 may display, within the game, information that allows a user to identify an electronic commerce system 2 associated with a predetermined condition among a plurality of electronic commerce systems 2. The information may be information that is visually recognizable by the user. In a seventh modification, the game executing unit 101 allows a user to identify an electronic commerce system 2 corresponding to an object O22 by the color of the object O22.

[0119] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen SC2 of Modification Example 7. For example, as in the game screen SC2 at the upper left of Fig. 15, the game executing unit 101 displays an object O22A associated with a product of the electronic commerce system 2 for online shopping in a first color on the game screen SC2. As in the game screen SC2 at the lower left of Fig. 15, the game executing unit 101 displays an object O22B associated with a service of the electronic commerce system 2 for facility reservation in a second color on the game screen SC2.

[0120] The game executing unit 101 may make the electronic commerce system 2 identifiable by information other than the color of the object O22. For example, the game executing unit 101 may make the electronic commerce system 2 identifiable by the size, shape, surface texture, or effect of the object O22. The game executing unit 101 may make the electronic commerce system 2 identifiable by displaying a mark or a message indicating the electronic commerce system 2 on the game screen SC2, instead of the appearance of the object O22.

[0121] The game system 1 of the seventh modification displays, within the game, information that can identify an electronic commerce system 2 associated with a predetermined condition among a plurality of electronic commerce systems 2. The game system 1 makes it easy to understand the relationship between the predetermined condition and the electronic commerce system 2 within the game, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0122] [6-8. Variation 8] For example, in variants 6 and 7, a case where multiple electronic commerce systems 2 are mixed within one game has been given as an example, but a game or game part may be prepared for each electronic commerce system 2. A game part is a part of a game. For example, if multiple routes are defined within a game, each route corresponds to a game part. If multiple stories are defined within a game, each story corresponds to a game part. As another example, if a game has multiple stages, each stage corresponds to a game part.

[0123] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a game executed in Modification 8. For example, the game executing unit 101 executes a game or game part selected by a user from among the games or game parts of the multiple electronic commerce systems 2. In the example of FIG. 16, multiple routes (an example of a game part) are defined in one game. The user selects one of the multiple routes by selecting one of the buttons B11A to B11C. The game executing unit 101 places an object O22 of the electronic commerce system 2 corresponding to the route selected by the user in the game space.

[0124] For example, when the user selects the route of the online shopping electronic commerce system 2 by selecting the button B11A, the game execution unit 101 places in the game space an object O22 of the online shopping electronic commerce system 2. In this case, the object O22 of the facility reservation electronic commerce system 2 and the object O22 of the ticket reservation electronic commerce system 2 are not placed in the game space.

[0125] For example, if the user selects the route of the facility reservation electronic commerce system 2 by selecting button B11B, the game execution unit 101 places in the game space an object O22 of the facility reservation electronic commerce system 2. In this case, the object O22 of the online shopping electronic commerce system 2 and the object O22 of the ticket reservation electronic commerce system 2 are not placed in the game space.

[0126] For example, when the user selects the route of the ticket reservation electronic commerce system 2 by selecting the button B11C, the game execution unit 101 places in the game space an object O22 of the ticket reservation electronic commerce system 2. In this case, the object O22 of the online shopping electronic commerce system 2 and the object O22 of the facility reservation electronic commerce system 2 are not placed in the game space.

[0127] Note that the user may select a game instead of a game part. For example, if the user selects a game in the online shopping e-commerce system 2 (for example, a puzzle game in which the player completes a product puzzle), the game execution unit 101 executes the game. If the user selects a game in the facility reservation e-commerce system 2 (for example, a quiz game related to hotels), the game execution unit 101 executes the game. If the user selects a game in the ticket reservation e-commerce system 2 (for example, an action game set in an event venue), the game execution unit 101 executes the game.

[0128] The determination unit 102 of the modification 8 determines whether or not a predetermined condition of the game or game part selected by the user is satisfied based on the game operation in the game or game part selected by the user. In the modification 8, it is assumed that a predetermined condition is set for each game or game part. Although it differs from the embodiment in that the game or game part selected by the user is the target, the determination method of the determination unit 102 itself is the same as the embodiment.

[0129] The process execution unit 103 of the modification 8 executes the process of the electronic commerce system 2 corresponding to the game or game part selected by the user from among the multiple electronic commerce systems 2. Although it differs from the embodiment in that the game or game part selected by the user is the target, the process itself executed by the process execution unit 103 is the same as the embodiment or the modification 7.

[0130] The game system 1 of the eighth modification executes a game or game part selected by a user from among the games or game parts of the multiple electronic commerce systems 2. The game system 1 determines whether or not a predetermined condition of the game or game part selected by the user is satisfied based on a game operation in the game or game part selected by the user. The game system 1 executes processing of the electronic commerce system 2 corresponding to the game or game part selected by the user from among the multiple electronic commerce systems 2. The game system 1 can further increase the interest of users by linking with the multiple electronic commerce systems 2. Furthermore, the game system 1 can further increase convenience for users by associating the game or game part with the electronic commerce system 2, making it easier to understand the relationship between them.

[0131] [6-9. Other Modifications] For example, the above modifications may be combined.

[0132] For example, in the embodiment, a case has been described in which the main processing is executed by the game server 10, but the processing described as being executed by the game server 10 may be executed by the electronic commerce server 20. In this case, the game system 1 may not exist, and the electronic commerce system 2 may correspond to the system according to the present disclosure. The electronic commerce system 2 has both a game function and an electronic commerce function. The system according to the present disclosure may be a system other than the game system 1 and the electronic commerce system 2. The processing described as being executed by the game server 10 may be executed by the user terminal 30 or another computer, or may be shared among multiple computers.

[0133] [7. Notes] For example, the system can be configured as follows: (1) a game execution unit that executes a game based on a game operation by a user; a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined condition associated with a product or service in electronic commerce is satisfied based on the game operation; a processing execution unit that executes a process for associating the product or service with a candidate list of the user's user account in the electronic commerce when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied; A system including: (2) the determination unit determines whether the predetermined condition is satisfied by determining whether the user has acquired an object in the game that is associated with the product or the service, based on the game operation; 1. The system described in (1). (3) The system further includes a reward providing unit that provides the user with a reward related to the product or the service based on the game operation. The system described in (1) or (2). (4) the process execution unit executes the process for adding the product or the service to a shopping cart of the user account when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied. A system according to any one of (1) to (3). (5) The system further includes a necessity selection unit that allows the user to select, in the game, whether or not to associate the user account with the product or the service when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the process execution unit executes the process based on a result of the necessity selection made in the game. A system according to any one of (1) to (4). (6) the system further includes a necessity selection unit that allows the user to select whether or not to associate the user account with the product or the service after the game ends when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the process execution unit executes the process based on a result of the necessity selection made after the end of the game. A system according to any one of (1) to (5). (7) the system further includes a guide unit that guides the user to a screen of the electronic commerce transaction related to the product or the service associated with the user account by the process after the game is completed. A system according to any one of (1) to (6). (8) The system further includes a level-up unit that increases a level of the game when the user makes a transaction related to the product or service associated with the user account by the process. A system according to any one of (1) to (7). (9) the determination unit determines whether or not the predetermined condition for each of a plurality of electronic commerce systems is satisfied based on the game operation; the processing execution unit executes the processing of one of the electronic commerce systems for which it has been determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, among the plurality of electronic commerce systems. A system described in any one of (1) to (8). (10) the game execution unit displays, within the game, information capable of identifying the electronic commerce system associated with the predetermined condition among the plurality of electronic commerce systems. (9) The system described in (9). (11) the game execution unit executes the game or game part selected by the user from among the games or game parts of each of the plurality of electronic commerce systems; the determination unit determines whether or not the predetermined condition of the game or game part selected by the user is satisfied, based on the game operation in the game or game part selected by the user; the processing execution unit executes the processing of the electronic commerce system corresponding to the game or game part selected by the user from among the plurality of electronic commerce systems. A system according to any one of (1) to (10). [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1 game system, 2 electronic commerce system, N network, 10 game server, 11, 21, 31 control unit, 12, 22, 32 memory unit, 13, 23, 33 communication unit, 20 electronic commerce server, 30 user terminal, 34 operation unit, 35 display unit, 100 data storage unit, 101 game execution unit, 102 judgment unit, 103 processing execution unit, 104 bonus granting unit, 105 necessity selection unit, 106 guidance unit, 107 level-up unit, 200 data storage unit, 201 linkage unit, 202 provision unit, 300 data storage unit, 301 operation reception unit, 302 display control unit, DB1 user database, DB2 condition database, DB3 user database, DB4 product database, SC1 top screen, SC2 game screen, SC3 end screen, SC4 shopping cart screen.

Claims

1. a game execution unit that executes a game based on a game operation by a user; a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined condition associated with a product or service in electronic commerce is satisfied based on the game operation; a processing execution unit that executes a process for associating the product or service with a candidate list of the user's user account in the electronic commerce when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied; A system including:

2. the determination unit determines whether the predetermined condition is satisfied by determining whether the user has acquired an object in the game that is associated with the product or the service, based on the game operation; The system of claim 1 .

3. The system further includes a reward providing unit that provides the user with a reward related to the product or the service based on the game operation.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the process execution unit executes the process for adding the product or the service to a shopping cart of the user account when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The system further includes a necessity selection unit that allows the user to select, in the game, whether or not to associate the user account with the product or the service when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the process execution unit executes the process based on a result of the necessity selection made in the game.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the system further includes a necessity selection unit that allows the user to select whether or not to associate the user account with the product or the service after the game ends when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the process execution unit executes the process based on a result of the necessity selection made after the end of the game.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the system further includes a guide unit that guides the user to a screen of the electronic commerce transaction related to the product or the service associated with the user account by the process after the game is completed.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The system further includes a level-up unit that increases a level of the game when the user makes a transaction related to the product or service associated with the user account by the process.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the determination unit determines whether or not the predetermined condition for each of a plurality of electronic commerce systems is satisfied based on the game operation; the processing execution unit executes the processing of one of the electronic commerce systems for which it has been determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, among the plurality of electronic commerce systems.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. the game execution unit displays, within the game, information capable of identifying the electronic commerce system associated with the predetermined condition among the plurality of electronic commerce systems. The system of claim 8.

11. the game execution unit executes the game or game part selected by the user from among the games or game parts of each of the plurality of electronic commerce systems; the determination unit determines whether or not the predetermined condition of the game or game part selected by the user is satisfied, based on the game operation in the game or game part selected by the user; the processing execution unit executes the processing of the electronic commerce system corresponding to the game or game part selected by the user from among the plurality of electronic commerce systems.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2.

12. a game execution step of executing a game based on a game operation of a user; a determining step of determining whether or not a predetermined condition associated with a product or service in electronic commerce is satisfied based on the game operation; a process execution step of executing a process for associating the product or service with a candidate list of a user account of the user in the electronic commerce when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied; The method includes:

13. a game execution unit that executes a game based on a user's game operation; a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined condition associated with a product or service in electronic commerce is satisfied based on the game operation; a processing execution unit that executes a process for associating the product or service with a candidate list of a user account of the user in the electronic commerce when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied; A program that makes a computer function as a

Images