Method for controlling server device, server device and program

Abstract

To provide a program for improving the convenience of a game, an information processing device and a control method.SOLUTION: A program determines whether a first user is associated with electronic data for a game within an effective period in the case of associating the first user with the electronic data for a game including effective period information showing the effective period to receive a start request of a game from a first terminal device of the first user, associates the first user with a reward game medium of a first value in the case that the first user is associated with the electronic data for a game within the effective period, and associates the first user with a reward game medium of a second value lower than the first value in the case that it is determined that the first user is not associated with the electronic data for a game within the effective period, and the first value is determined according to a progress of a game when the electronic data for a game is associated with the first user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device control method, a server device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a game in which, as a login bonus, the level data of a player who logs into the game is increased by a predetermined amount when the number of logins reaches a predetermined value (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-233388 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above game, the login bonus is controlled by the game operator and is the same for each user, so it does not feel special to each user. Therefore, in the above game, users cannot actively increase the value of the login bonus given to them, which can lead to a decrease in the continuation rate of the game.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a control method, a server device, and a program that can improve the continuation rate of a game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect, a server device that provides a game to a terminal device includes: a step of associating the first user with electronic game data including validity period information indicating a validity period according to progress of the game; 、 The first user From the first terminal device ofA request to start the game Later, When the first user and the electronic game data within the valid period are associated with each other, , which increases as the game progresses The first value Rewards and, when the first user is not associated with the electronic game data within the valid period, the first user is associated with a second value lower than the first value. Rewards and notifying the first terminal device of the validity period at a timing and in a manner determined based on the validity period information; The present invention provides a method for controlling a server device, the method including: Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the control method, server device, and program of one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to improve the continuation rate of a game. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 2 is a functional block diagram of a server device, a first terminal device, and a second terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a structure of an acquired reward game media DB. [Diagram 3] A figure showing an image displayed when a game medium with a validity period is selected. [Figure 4] A figure showing the structure of an acquired game media DB with validity period. [Diagram 5] A figure showing an image displayed after acquisition of a game medium with a validity period has been completed. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the structure of a group DB. [Figure 7] A sequence diagram regarding matching of reward game media. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing a continuation of FIG. 7, and is a sequence diagram during game play. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0010] 1 shows a first terminal device 1, a second terminal device 2, and a server device 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first terminal device 1, the second terminal device 2, and the server device 3 can communicate with each other via a network. The number of the first terminal device 1, the second terminal device 2, and the server device 3 is not limited. The first terminal device 1 and the second terminal device 2 may be a portable terminal or a fixed terminal.

[0011] An overview of a system including a first terminal device 1, a second terminal device 2, and a server device 3 will be described. The server device 3 provides a game to the first terminal device 1 and the second terminal device 2. The game refers to battles, quests, missions, and the like provided by the server device 3. The game medium is electronic data used in the game, and includes, for example, cards, items, characters, avatars, in-game virtual currency, and the like. The game medium is electronic data that can be acquired, held, used, managed, exchanged, synthesized, strengthened, sold, discarded, and / or donated by a user in the game as the game progresses, but the manner of use of the game medium is not limited to those explicitly stated in this specification. The status information inherent to the game medium includes the combat power of the game medium, such as attack power and defense power, combat means, such as attack means and defense means, cost of the game medium, skill information of the game medium, information on the avatar of the game medium, attributes of the game medium, and an index indicating the rarity (scarcity) of the game medium.

[0012] A user can change the status information of a game medium through a battle (a battle with another user or a battle with a character operated by the game system) or a quest, etc. For example, a user can enhance parameters of the game medium, such as attack power, defense power, and skills, by combining game medium acquired in a specific battle or quest with game medium that the user already owns. In addition, a user can enhance parameters of the game medium, such as attack power, defense power, and skills, by using rewards (e.g., experience points, etc.) that can be acquired in a specific battle or quest.

[0013] In addition, the user acquires items as electronic data of tools to be used in the game. The user may use the items to change status information of the game content. For example, the user may use the items to enhance parameters of the game content, such as attack power, defense power, and skills.

[0014] For example, at a predetermined time every day, the server device 3 may hold a battle event with a predetermined enemy character, other users, and / or groups of other users. For example, multiple users may belong to a group determined by user selection or game system selection and participate in a battle with the aim of defeating a raid boss. Also, multiple users may belong to a group determined by user selection or server device 3 selection and battle each other among the groups.

[0015] The functions of the first terminal device 1, the second terminal device 2, and the server device 3 will be described below with reference to the block diagram shown in Fig. 1. Although the functions of the first terminal device 1, the second terminal device 2, and the server device 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described, it should be noted that this is not intended to exclude other functions that they have.

[0016] The first terminal device 1 includes a first control unit 11, a communication unit 12, a display unit 13, and an input detection unit .

[0017] The first control unit 11 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls various operations of the first terminal device 1. For example, the first control unit 11 transmits operation information indicating how the user performed the operation to the server device 3 via the communication unit 12. The first control unit 11 also receives a game start request from the first user via the input detection unit 14, for example, and transmits the start request to the server device 3.

[0018] The communication unit 12 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from the server device 3. The communication unit 12 performs communication by at least one of wired and wireless means.

[0019] The display unit 13 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or an inorganic EL display. The display unit 13 may be connected to the first terminal device 1 from outside. The display unit 13 displays display information received from the server device 3, for example.

[0020] The input detection unit 14 is an arbitrary input device including a mechanical push button or a touch sensor. The input detection unit 14 detects an input operation by the first user. The input operation is an operation such as pressing, touching, tapping, contacting, or approaching.

[0021] The second terminal device 2 has a second control unit 21, a communication unit 22, a display unit 23, and an input detection unit 24. The explanation of the functional block diagram of the second terminal device 2 is similar to the explanation of the functional block diagram of the first terminal device 1, and therefore will not be repeated.

[0022] The server device 3 includes a server control unit 31 , a storage unit 32 , and a communication unit 33 .

[0023] The server control unit 31 is a processor such as a CPU that controls various operations of the server device 3. In response to a request to acquire a game medium with a validity period from the first terminal device 1, the server control unit 31 associates the first user of the first terminal device 1 with the game medium with a validity period and stores the associated game medium in the acquired game medium with a validity period DB 32b (it is also said that the first user owns the game medium with a validity period). When the server control unit 31 receives a request to start a game from the first terminal device 1 within a predetermined period (one day in this embodiment) shorter than the validity period (30 days in this embodiment, but may be seven days or one year), the server control unit 31 associates the first user with the reward game medium once (for the first time only) within the predetermined period and stores the associated game medium in the acquired reward game medium DB 32a. Even if the server control unit 31 receives a start request two or more times within the predetermined period, the server control unit 31 associates the reward game medium with the first user only once.

[0024] In this embodiment, as an example, the valid period (30 days) is divided into 30 equal parts along the time axis, and each day after the division is a predetermined period (1 day). In other words, one valid period includes 30 predetermined periods. As an alternative example, a specific time period (18:00 to 22:00) on each day within the valid period (30 days) may be the predetermined period.

[0025] Furthermore, the reward game medium associated by the server control unit 31 to the first user associated with the game medium with a validity period is more valuable than when the first user is not associated with the game medium with a validity period within the validity period. Details will be described later.

[0026] The storage unit 32 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, etc., and stores various DBs and programs for operating the server device 3, and also functions as a work memory. The storage unit 32 has an acquired reward game medium DB 32a, an acquired game medium with a validity period DB 32b, and a group DB 32c. The acquired reward game medium DB 32a stores a user ID in association with an acquired reward game medium and a value. The acquired game medium with a validity period DB 32b stores a user ID in association with an acquired game medium with a validity period and a validity period. The group DB 32c stores a group ID in association with a user ID. Each DB in the storage unit 32 may be located outside the server device 3.

[0027] The communication unit 33 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from the first terminal device 1 or the second terminal device 2. The communication unit 33 performs communication by at least one of wired and wireless means.

[0028] The control method according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0029] In response to a user operation, the first terminal device 1 operated by the first user accesses the server device 3 and makes a request to start a game (a login request).

[0030] The server control unit 31 of the server device 3 that has received the start request grants a reward game medium (login bonus) to the first user as a reward for the first user making the start request. That is, the first user is associated with the reward game medium G010 as shown in the acquired reward game medium DB 32a of FIG. 2. The value of the reward game medium at this time is V2. As an alternative example, the server control unit 31 may request an ID and password along with the game start request, and grant the reward game medium to the first user when they match.

[0031] In this embodiment, the value of the reward game media is represented by V1 to V5, and the magnitude of the value is as follows.

[0032] V1 <V2<V3<V4<V5 That is, the value increases as the value next to V increases. An increase in the value of the reward game media means, for example, that a greater number of reward game media are associated with the user after a start request.

[0033] After logging in, the first user can acquire game media with a validity period in the game. When a screen for acquiring game media with a validity period is requested from the first terminal device 1, the server control unit 31 transmits the acquisition screen shown in FIG.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the first user can acquire (purchase) multiple types of game media with valid periods. That is, the first user who operates the first terminal device 1 can acquire game media with valid periods by paying a price (in-game virtual currency, owned game media, etc.). As an alternative example, game media with valid periods may be acquireable according to progress in the game. For example, game media with valid periods may be acquireable when a tutorial is completed, or when a predetermined stage that appears after the tutorial is completed is cleared. Furthermore, game media with valid periods that are acquireable when a predetermined stage is cleared may be higher in value than reward game media with valid periods that are acquireable when the tutorial is completed.

[0035] The server control unit 31 may store in the storage unit 32 a game medium with a validity period that has been acquired by paying a fee in such a manner that it can be distinguished from other free game media with a validity period (for example, by using a flag).

[0036] As shown in Fig. 3, the more the first user pays the acquisition consideration, the higher the value of the associated reward game media may be. For example, assume that five reward game media are associated when 120 coins of in-game virtual currency are paid as consideration. Also assume that 150 reward game media are associated when 2000 coins of in-game virtual currency are paid as consideration. In this case, when 3000 coins of in-game virtual currency are paid, 150 reward game media may be associated with the first user at the time of purchase, and five reward game media may be associated with the first user each time a start request is transmitted (however, once within a predetermined period).

[0037] When receiving an acquisition request from the first terminal device 1, the server control unit 31 associates the first user of the first terminal device 1 with the acquired game medium with a validity period and stores the associated game medium in the acquired game medium with a validity period DB 32b shown in FIG.

[0038] After acquisition, the server control unit 31 transmits an acquisition completion image shown in FIG. 5 to the first terminal device 1, and the display unit 13 of the first terminal device 1 displays the acquisition completion image. As shown in FIG. 5, the display unit 23 displays the acquired game medium with a validity period and its validity period. Even after acquisition is complete, the server control unit 31 can notify the first terminal device 1 of the validity period periodically (for example, upon receipt of each start request) or irregularly. At this time, the display unit 13 of the first terminal device 1 can display the notification regardless of whether the first terminal device 1 has started the game (launched the game app) or not.

[0039] The first user continues to play the game and ends the game at any point in time. After that (for example, the next day or later), the first user transmits a start request using the first terminal device 1 to play the game again. That is, in response to an operation by the first user, the first terminal device 1 transmits a game start request to the server device 3.

[0040] The server control unit 31 of the server device 3 that has received the start request refers to the acquired game medium DB 32b and determines whether there is a game medium with a validity period associated with the first user that is within the validity period. When there is a game medium with a validity period associated with the first user and the current time is within the validity period, the server control unit 31 determines the value of the reward game medium.

[0041] The value of the reward game medium associated with the first user associated with the game medium with a validity period is higher than when the first user is not associated with the game medium with a validity period within the validity period. That is, if the value of the reward associated with the first user before acquiring the game medium with a validity period is V2, the value of the reward associated with the first user during the validity period of the game medium with a validity period is V3, V4, or V5. That is, for example, the number of reward game media associated with the first user increases. For example, the value is determined as follows.

[0042] In a first determination method, when the server control unit 31 receives a request from the first terminal device 1 to associate the first user with a game medium with a validity period within a predetermined period, the value is higher than when the server control unit 31 receives a request to associate the first user with a game medium with a validity period outside the predetermined period. For example, when the server control unit 31 receives the request within a predetermined period (a period during which the number of requests to start a game decreases overall, such as a period during the validity period when no events are being held or a weekday morning), the server control unit 31 sets a higher value of the reward game medium that the server control unit 31 associates with the first user than when the server control unit 31 receives the request outside the predetermined period. In this way, it is possible to increase the number of users playing the game during a period in which the number of users playing the game has been small up until now.

[0043] As a second determination method, the value of the reward game medium associated with the first user during the valid period may be higher as the end of the valid period approaches. For example, the value of the reward game medium associated with the first user by the start request is V2 on the 1st to 20th days, V3 on the 21st to 25th days, and V5 on the 26th to 30th days. In this way, the user's continuation rate in playing the game can be improved.

[0044] When the value is determined by the determination method given above as an example, the server control unit 31 associates the first user with the reward game medium and stores the association in the acquired reward game medium DB 32a shown in Fig. 2. At this time, the display unit 13 of the first terminal device 1 displays a message indicating that the reward game medium has been acquired.

[0045] In this embodiment, the server control unit 31 can associate multiple users with one group (e.g., guild, team, friend) in response to a request, and can share a game medium with a valid period among the multiple users. For example, the server control unit 31 stores in the group DB 32c shown in FIG. 6 that the first user who operates the first terminal device 1 and the second user who operates the second terminal device 2 are associated with one group. When the server control unit 31 receives a request to start a game from the second terminal device 2, it determines whether the second user is associated with a game medium with a valid period within the valid period in the acquired game medium with a valid period DB 32b. Even if the second user is not associated, when the first user in the same group as the second user is associated with a game medium with a valid period within the valid period, the server control unit 31 may increase the value of the reward game medium associated with the second user as a compensation for the second user making a request to start a game. In this way, even if the second user does not own a game medium with a valid period, the effect of the game medium with a valid period can be obtained as long as the first user in the same group owns the game medium with a valid period, and therefore the merit of joining a group can be increased. As an alternative, the server control unit 31 may associate a reward game medium with a high value with both the first user and the second user. In this way, even if a user in the group cannot log in, the effect of the game medium with a validity period can be given to the entire group if any user in the group logs in, which can bring about a sense of mutual help within the group and stimulate communication. As another alternative, the server control unit 31 may increase the value of the associated reward game medium as the number of terminals that have transmitted a game start request or the transmission rate of the start request in one group increases. The server control unit 31 may limit the number of users that can be associated with one group. In this way, the more users in the group log in, the more valuable the reward game medium can be obtained, which creates communication within the group to encourage login.

[0046] When it is detected that the first user has satisfied a predetermined condition in the game within the validity period, the server control unit 31 may extend the validity period of the game medium with a validity period associated with the first user. At this time, the server control unit 31 may extend the validity period stored in the acquired game medium with a validity period DB 32b longer as the difficulty level of the predetermined condition becomes higher. The predetermined condition is a condition related to the progress of the game, for example, clearing a stage, acquiring a predetermined item, purchasing a predetermined number of items, interacting with other users a predetermined number of times (sending messages or points), defeating an enemy with a predetermined attribute, defeating a predetermined enemy, defeating a predetermined number of enemies, defeating an enemy using a predetermined card, etc. As an alternative example, when it is detected that the first user has satisfied a predetermined condition in the game within the validity period, the server control unit 31 may lower the acquisition price of an additional game medium with a validity period, which will be described later. In this way, the activity of the user in the game can be made more active.

[0047] The server control unit 31 may notify the first terminal device 1 that a start request should be sent when the number of times that the first user is associated with the reward game medium within the valid period is less than a predetermined value. The number of times that the first user can be associated with the reward game medium within the predetermined period is one. For example, when the predetermined period is one day and the valid period is 30 days, there are 30 predetermined periods within the valid period (i.e., the first day, the second day, ..., the 30th day), so there are 30 opportunities for the first user to be associated with the reward game medium within the valid period. Therefore, when the number of times that the first user is associated with the reward game medium is less than five times, for example, the server control unit 31 notifies the first terminal device 1 that a start request should be sent to the server device 3. In this way, a user who is not making use of the game medium with a valid period is notified of this fact, so that it is possible to encourage the user to return to the game and improve the continuation rate.

[0048] The first terminal device 1 and the second terminal device 2 operated by the first user and the second user associated with one group, respectively, can notify each other to send a game start request to the server device 3. For example, this function is effective when the first user cannot send a start request due to other plans, or when the first user wants to increase the value of the reward game medium associated with the first user by having the second user send a start request in addition to the first user (the first user). At this time, in response to a request from the first terminal device 1, the server control unit 31 notifies the second terminal device 2 that it should send a start request to the server device 3.

[0049] When the server control unit 31 receives a start request from the first terminal device 1 and the second terminal device 2 in a predetermined order for each predetermined period within the valid period, the server control unit 31 may associate the first user and the second user with the reward game medium. For example, an attribute is associated with the game medium with a valid period associated with the first terminal device 1 or the second terminal device 2, and attributes A001 to A007 are assigned to Sunday to Saturday, respectively. In the same group, the terminal device of the user associated with the attribute of each day of the week transmits a game start request in turn, such as the terminal device of the user associated with the attribute A001 on Sunday, the terminal device of the user associated with the attribute A002 on Monday, etc. When such transmission continues for a predetermined period (for example, one week), the server control unit 31 may further associate another reward game medium with all users associated with the same group, or only with the user of the terminal device that transmitted the game start request. In this way, roles and responsibilities are given to the users in the group, and therefore a sense of solidarity between the users in the group can be enhanced.

[0050] The server control unit 31 may periodically or irregularly refer to the acquired game media with validity period DB 32b, determine whether the current time is a reference time before the end of the validity period, and if so, notify the first terminal device 1 of the validity period. For example, the server control unit 31 may determine whether the current time is three days, two days, or one day before the end of the validity period, and if so, notify the first terminal device 1 of the validity period and that the validity period is approaching. As an alternative example, the server control unit 31 may notify the remaining time until the end of the validity period instead of the validity period.

[0051] When receiving, in response to the notification or spontaneously from the first terminal device 1, a request (i.e., an acquisition request) to associate an additional game medium with a validity period with the first user during the validity period of the acquired game medium with a validity period, the server control unit 31 may make the value of the reward game medium associated with the first user during the validity period of the additional game medium with a validity period higher than the value of the reward game medium associated with the first user during the validity period of the acquired game medium with a validity period. For example, it is assumed that the validity period of the acquired game medium with a validity period is from November 1 to November 30, 2015, and the validity period of the additional game medium with a validity period is consecutively from December 1 to December 30, 2015. If the value of the reward game media associated with the period from November 1 to November 30, 2015 is V2, the server control unit 31 may set the value of the reward game media associated with the period from December 1 to December 30, 2015 as V3 (for example, the number of reward game media is changed from 5 to 10). In this way, the user is encouraged to acquire additional game media with valid periods, and the continuation rate of the game can be further improved. As an alternative example, when the value of the reward game media associated with the period from November 1 to November 30, 2015 fluctuates as described above (for example, when the value of the reward game media increases as the end of the valid period approaches), the value of the reward game media associated with the period from December 1 to December 30, 2015 may always exceed the maximum value of the value at the time of the fluctuating value.

[0052] As described above, additional game media with validity periods can be acquired, but multiple game media with validity periods that at least partially overlap cannot be associated with the same user. That is, the server control unit 31 may reject an acquisition request when the validity period of the additional game media with validity periods requested to be acquired at least partially overlaps with the validity period of the game media with validity periods that have already been acquired.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the value of the reward game media increases when the number of reward game media associated with the user increases. However, as an alternative example, the value of the reward game media increases when the in-game parameters of the reward game media become advantageous. Examples of advantageous in-game parameters include the following. · The rarity (scarcity value) of the reward game media increases (this allows you to progress through the game more advantageously) -Stamina recovery time is reduced (so you can play more games) - Synthesis effects are doubled (so you can develop stronger cards in less time) Cards sell for twice the price (so you get more in-game currency to grow your cards) - User icon frames become more luxurious (so you can show off your status to other users) Increases the chance of getting rare items in gacha (this allows for more efficient item collection) - The appearance time of the weekday dungeon will be extended (so that even if a user is unable to participate in the weekday dungeon, they will have another chance to challenge the weekday dungeon) - The postcards (images used to post on SNS (Social Networking Service)) awarded when a stage is cleared will be more luxurious (so you can show off your status to other users) FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram relating to matching of reward game media.

[0054] The first terminal device 1 transmits a game start request to the server device 3 based on an operation by the first user (step S1). The server control unit 31 stores a reward game medium in the acquired reward game medium DB 32a in association with the first user as a reward for transmitting the start request (step S2). After the game starts, the first control unit 11 transmits an acquisition request for a game medium with a validity period based on an operation by the first user (step S3). The server control unit 31 that has received the acquisition request stores the game medium with a validity period in the acquired game medium DB 32b in association with the first user (step S4). The server control unit 31 determines whether the game has ended (step S5). Specifically, the server control unit 31 determines that the game has ended based on a logout operation, no operation for a predetermined period, the browser being closed, or the like. If the answer is Yes in step S5, the server control unit 31 proceeds to step S6, and if the answer is No in step S5, the server control unit 31 repeats step S5.

[0055] After the game ends, the first user transmits a start request using the first control unit 11 to play the game again (step S6). When the start request is received, the server control unit 31 determines whether the start request is the first start request within a predetermined period (step S7). If the result in step S7 is No, the server control unit 31 executes step S21 shown in FIG. 8.

[0056] If the answer is Yes in step S7, the server control unit 31 refers to the acquired game medium with validity period DB 32b and determines whether the first user is associated with a game medium with a validity period within the validity period (step S8). If the answer is Yes in step S8, the server control unit 31 determines the value of the reward game medium to be associated with the first user (step S9). For example, the value is high when the start request is within a predetermined period or when the start request is near the end of the end period. Next, the server control unit 31 associates the reward game medium of the determined value with the first user and stores it in the acquired reward game medium DB 32a (step S10).

[0057] If the answer is No in step S8, the server control unit 31 refers to the acquired game medium with validity period DB 32b and the group DB 32c to determine whether the game medium with validity period associated with another user (e.g., the second user) in the same group is within the validity period (step S11). If the answer is Yes in step S11, the server control unit 31 executes step S9. If the answer is No in step S11, the server control unit 31 determines the value of the reward game medium to be associated with the first user (step S12), associates the reward game medium of the determined value with the first user, and stores it in the acquired reward game medium DB 32a (step S13). The value determined by the server control unit 31 in step S12 is the value of the reward game medium associated when the first user is not associated with a game medium with validity period, and is lower than the value of the reward game medium associated in step S10. Note that step S11 is not essential. If the server control unit 31 does not execute step S11, the server control unit 31 executes step S12 when the answer is No in step S8.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing a continuation of FIG. 7, and is a sequence diagram during game play.

[0059] During the game, the first control unit 11 transmits game play information to the server device 3 (step S21). The server control unit 31 determines whether the first user has satisfied a predetermined condition in the game based on the play information (step S22). The predetermined condition is a condition related to the progress of the game, etc. If the answer is Yes in step S22, the server control unit 31 refers to the acquired game medium with validity period DB 32b and extends the validity period of the game medium with validity period associated with the first user (step S23). If the answer is No in step S22, the server control unit 31 executes step S24.

[0060] The server control unit 31 determines whether the number of times the first user has been associated with the reward game medium during the validity period is less than a predetermined value (step S24). If the result of step S24 is Yes, the server control unit 31 notifies the first terminal device 1 that a start request should be sent (step S25).

[0061] The server control unit 31 determines whether or not a game start request has been received from the first terminal device 1 and the second terminal device 2 in a predetermined order (step S26). If the answer is Yes in step S26, the server control unit 31 associates the first user and the second user with the reward game medium and stores them in the acquired reward game medium DB 32a (step S27). If the answer is No in step S26, the server control unit 31 executes step S28.

[0062] The server control unit 31 determines whether the current time is a reference time before the end of the valid period (step S28). If the result in step S28 is Yes, the server control unit 31 notifies the valid period (step S29). If the result in step S28 is No, the server control unit 31 proceeds to step S30.

[0063] When the server control unit 31 receives a request to acquire additional game media with a validity period from the first terminal device 1 (step S30), it determines whether the validity period of the additional game media with a validity period overlaps at least partially with the validity period of the game media with a validity period currently associated with the first user (step S31). If the answer is No in step S31, the server control unit 31 associates the additional game media with a validity period with the first user and stores it in the acquired game media with a validity period DB 32b (step S32). If the answer is Yes in step S31, the server control unit 31 proceeds to step S33.

[0064] The first terminal device 1 determines whether the game has ended (step S33). If the result of step S33 is Yes, the server control unit 31 determines whether a game start request has been received (step S34). If the result of step S33 is No, the server control unit 31 proceeds to step S21.

[0065] If the answer is Yes in step S34, the server control unit 31 executes step S7. If the answer is No in step S34, the server control unit 31 repeats step S34.

[0066] According to this embodiment, the server control unit 31 associates the first user of the first terminal device 1 with the game medium with a valid period in response to a request from the first terminal device 1, and associates the first user with the reward game medium once within the predetermined period when a request to start a game is received from the first terminal device 1 within a predetermined period shorter than the valid period. In addition, the reward game medium associated with the first user associated with the game medium with a valid period has a higher value than when the first user is not associated with the game medium with a valid period within the valid period. In other words, the reward game medium is associated only once within a predetermined period, but if the first user starts a game within each predetermined period, a reward game medium with a high value is associated with the first user. Therefore, the first user is motivated to start a game many times over the valid period, and the continuation rate of the game can be improved.

[0067] According to this embodiment, when the number of times that the first user is associated with the reward game medium within the validity period is less than a predetermined value, the server control unit 31 notifies the first terminal device 1 that a start request should be transmitted. Therefore, a user who has forgotten to transmit a start request can be prompted to transmit the request.

[0068] According to this embodiment, the value becomes higher as the valid period approaches the end, which can motivate the first user to start the game as the valid period approaches the end, thereby preventing the first user from playing the game only immediately after the valid period begins.

[0069] According to this embodiment, when the current time is before the reference time from the expiration of the valid period, the server control unit 31 notifies the first terminal device 1 of the valid period. This allows the first user to know that the valid period will soon expire, and can motivate the first user to acquire additional game media with a valid period.

[0070] According to this embodiment, the server control unit 31 receives a request from the first terminal device 1 within the validity period to associate an additional game medium with a validity period with the first user. After receiving the request, the server control unit 31 sets the value of the reward game medium associated with the first user within the validity period of the additional game medium with a validity period to be higher than the value of the reward game medium associated with the first user within the validity period of the game medium with a validity period. This can provide an incentive to acquire the next game medium with a validity period within the validity period of the game medium with a validity period that has already been acquired, and can stimulate the desire to acquire the game medium with a validity period.

[0071] According to this embodiment, it is impossible to associate multiple game media with valid periods that overlap at least partially with the same user. Therefore, instead of acquiring multiple game media with valid periods with overlapping valid periods in a short period of time, it is possible to motivate the first user to acquire game media with valid periods one by one over a long period of time, thereby making it possible to establish the first user as a long-term user.

[0072] According to this embodiment, when the first user satisfies a predetermined condition in the game within the valid period, the server control unit 31 extends the valid period. This can motivate the first user to play the game more actively.

[0073] According to this embodiment, the first user and the second user are associated with one group, which can encourage interaction between users.

[0074] According to this embodiment, when the server control unit 31 receives a request to start a game from the second terminal device 2 of the second user who is not associated with a game medium with a valid period, the server control unit 31 stores the second user in association with the reward game medium, and the associated reward game medium is higher than when the second user is not associated with a game medium with a valid period. Therefore, even if the second user is not associated with a game medium with a valid period, the second user can obtain a reward game medium with a high value by starting a game, which can motivate the second user to start a game, thereby improving the game continuation rate of the second user.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the first terminal device 1 and the second terminal device 2 can notify each other to send a game start request to the server device 3. Therefore, even when the first user operating the first terminal device 1 is unable to play the game for some reason, the first user can request the second user operating the second terminal device 2 to play the game, which can also improve the game continuation rate of the second user operating the second terminal device 2.

[0076] According to this embodiment, the server control unit 31 associates the first user and the second user with the reward game media when it receives a start request in a predetermined order for each predetermined period within the valid period from the first terminal device 1 and the second terminal device 2. This encourages cooperation between the first user and the second user, stimulates interaction between the users, and improves the game continuation rate of both the first user and the second user.

[0077] According to this embodiment, when the server control unit 31 receives a request from the first terminal device 1 to associate the first user with the game medium with a validity period within a predetermined period, the value is higher than when the server control unit 31 receives a request to associate the first user with the game medium with a validity period outside the predetermined period. This can motivate the first user to obtain the game medium with a validity period within the predetermined period, thereby improving the game continuation rate.

[0078] As in the above embodiment, when the server device 3 is connected to the first terminal device 1 (similarly to the second terminal device 2) via a network, the game progress screen can be a web display screen displayed by the first terminal device 1 based on data generated by the server device 3. In this case, the game according to the above embodiment of the present invention can be a hybrid game in which each of the server device 3 and the first terminal device 1 is responsible for part of the processing, for example, by making other menu screens and the like natively displayed by a native app installed in the first terminal device 1. In addition, the game according to the above embodiment can be a native game by executing part or all of the processing performed by the server device 3 by a native app installed in the first terminal device 1. For example, the native app may perform the processing performed by the server control unit 31 in the above embodiment (for example, a process of extending the valid period if the first user meets a predetermined condition in the game, a process of notifying if the current time is before the reference time from the end of the valid period, etc.).

[0079] When at least one of the server control unit 31 and the first control unit 11 (similar to the second control unit 21) according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured with a computer, a program describing the processing contents for realizing each function can be stored in an internal or external storage unit of the computer, and the program can be read and executed by the central processing unit (CPU) of the computer to realize the functions. Furthermore, such a program can be distributed by selling, transferring, lending, etc., portable recording media such as DVDs or CD-ROMs, and such a program can also be stored in the storage unit of a server on a network, for example. The program can be distributed by storing the program in a portable recording medium and transferring the program from the server to other computers via a network. A computer that executes such a program can temporarily store the program recorded on a portable recording medium or transferred from the server in its own storage unit. As another embodiment of the program, the computer may read the program directly from the portable recording medium and execute processing according to the program, or each time a program is transferred from the server to the computer, the computer may execute processing according to the received program.

[0080] Although the present invention has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and corrections are included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the functions included in each functional unit, each step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and multiple functional units, steps, etc. can be combined into one or divided. The invention described in the claims of the original application of this application is appended below.

[0081] [Appendix 1] A method for controlling a server device that provides a game to a first terminal device, comprising the steps of: In response to a request from the first terminal device, a step of associating a first user of the first terminal device with a game medium with a validity period; When a request to start the game is received from the first terminal device within a predetermined period that is shorter than the validity period, the first user is associated with the reward game medium once within the predetermined period; having A control method, wherein the reward game medium associated with the first user associated with the validity period-limited game medium is more valuable than when the first user is not associated with the validity period-limited game medium within the validity period. [Appendix 2] In the control method according to claim 1, The control method further includes a step of notifying the first terminal device that the start request should be sent when the number of times the first user is associated with the reward game medium within the validity period is less than a predetermined value. [Appendix 3] In the control method according to claim 1 or 2, The value is higher as the validity period approaches its end. [Appendix 4] In the control method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, The control method further comprises a step of notifying the first terminal device of the validity period when the current time is before a reference time from the end of the validity period. [Appendix 5] In the control method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, The control method further includes a step of, when a request to associate an additional game medium with a validity period with the first user is received from the first terminal device within the validity period, making the value of the reward game medium associated with the first user within the validity period of the additional game medium with a validity period higher than the value of the reward game medium associated with the first user within the validity period of the game medium with a validity period. [Appendix 6] In the control method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, A control method in which it is impossible to associate multiple game media with validity periods that have at least some overlap with each other with the same user. [Appendix 7] In the control method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, The control method further comprises a step of extending the valid period when the first user satisfies a predetermined condition in the game within the valid period. [Appendix 8] In the control method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, The first user is associated with a group together with a second user. [Appendix 9] 9. The control method according to claim 8, The control method further includes a step of storing a reward game medium in association with the second user when a request to start the game is received from a second terminal device of the second user that is not associated with a game medium with a validity period, the reward game medium being higher than when the second user is not associated with the game medium with a validity period. [Appendix 10] In the control method according to claim 8 or 9, A control method, wherein the first terminal device and the second terminal device are capable of notifying each other to transmit a request to start the game to the server device. [Appendix 11] In the control method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 8 to 10, The control method further includes a step of associating the first user and the second user with reward game media when the start request is received from the first terminal device and the second terminal device in a predetermined order for each predetermined period within the validity period. [Appendix 12] In the control method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 11, A control method in which, when a request to associate the first user with a game medium with a validity period is received from the first terminal device within a specified period, the value is higher than when a request to associate the first user with a game medium with a validity period is received outside the specified period. [Appendix 13] A server device that provides a game to a first terminal device, In response to a request from the first terminal device, a first user of the first terminal device is associated with a game medium with a validity period; when a request to start the game is received from the first terminal device within a predetermined period that is shorter than the validity period, the first user is associated with the reward game medium once within the predetermined period; A server control unit is provided. A server device, wherein the reward game medium associated with the first user associated with the game medium with a validity period is more valuable than when the first user is not associated with the game medium with a validity period within the validity period. [Appendix 14] A computer that provides a game to a first terminal device, In response to a request from the first terminal device, a step of associating a first user of the first terminal device with a game medium with a validity period; When a request to start the game is received from the first terminal device within a predetermined period that is shorter than the validity period, the first user is associated with the reward game medium once within the predetermined period; Run the command, The reward game medium associated with the first user who is associated with the game medium with a validity period is more valuable than when the first user is not associated with the game medium with a validity period within the validity period. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1. First terminal device 11 First Control Section 12 Communications Department 13 Display section 14 Input detection section 2. Second terminal device 21 Second Control Section 22 Communications Department 23 Display section 24 Input detection section 3. Server equipment 31 Server control unit 32 Storage section 32a Acquired reward game media DB 32b Game media DB with validity period acquired 32c Group DB 33 Communications Department

Claims

1. A server device that provides a game to a terminal device, a step of associating the first user with electronic game data including validity period information indicating a validity period according to a progress of the game; a step of associating the first user with a reward of a first value that increases according to progress of the game, when the first user is associated with the electronic game data within the valid period after a request to start the game from the first terminal device of the first user, and associating the first user with a reward of a second value that is lower than the first value, when the first user is not associated with the electronic game data within the valid period; notifying the first terminal device of the validity period at a timing and in a manner determined based on the validity period information.

2. A control method for a server device as described in claim 1, wherein the validity period is notified in a manner indicating that the current time is a reference time before the end of the validity period, and / or in a manner indicating the remaining time until the end of the validity period.

3. A method for controlling a server device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the value of the reward is higher after a request to start the game within a specified period during which the number of requests to start the game decreases overall within the validity period than after a request to start the game outside the specified period.

4. A method for controlling a server device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, when additional game electronic data within a valid period is associated with the first user during the validity period of the game electronic data already associated with the first user, the value of the reward associated with the first user during the validity period of the game electronic data additionally associated with the first user is higher than the value of the reward associated with the first user during the validity period of the game electronic data already associated with the first user.

5. A method for controlling a server device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, including an aspect in which the value of the reward increases in accordance with the progress of the game by increasing the number of rewards associated with the first user after a request to start the game.

6. A method for controlling a server device described in any one of claims 1 to 5, including an embodiment in which the reward is a reward game medium.

7. A system including a server device that provides a game to a terminal device, The server device includes: a function of associating the first user with electronic game data including validity period information indicating a validity period according to progress of the game; a function of associating the first user with a reward of a first value that increases according to progress of the game, when the first user is associated with the electronic game data within the valid period after a request to start the game from the first terminal device of the first user, and associating the first user with a reward of a second value lower than the first value, when the first user is not associated with the electronic game data within the valid period; A system having a server control unit that realizes a function of notifying the first terminal device of the validity period at a timing and in a manner determined based on the validity period information.

8. A terminal device that receives a game from a server device via a communication unit, a first terminal device having a first control unit that realizes a function of associating a first user with electronic game data including validity period information indicating a validity period according to progress of the game; in the first control unit of the first terminal device of the first user, after a request to start the game from the first terminal device, when the first user is associated with the electronic game data within the valid period, the first user is associated with a reward of a first value that increases according to progress of the game, and when the first user is not associated with the electronic game data within the valid period, the first user is associated with a reward of a second value that is lower than the first value; A terminal device, wherein the validity period is displayed on a display unit of the first terminal device at a timing and in a manner determined based on the validity period information.

9. A computer of a terminal device that receives a game from the server device realizing a function of associating a first user with electronic game data including validity period information indicating a validity period according to progress of the game; in a first terminal device of the first user, after a request to start the game from the first terminal device, when the first user is associated with the electronic game data within the valid period, the first user is associated with a reward of a first value that increases according to progress of the game, and when the first user is not associated with the electronic game data within the valid period, the first user is associated with a reward of a second value that is lower than the first value; A program for a terminal device, the program causing the validity period to be displayed on a display unit of the first terminal device at a timing and in a manner determined based on the validity period information.

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