Program and article providing device

Abstract

To enable content in a game created by a user to be effectively utilized.SOLUTION: A computer system having one computer or a plurality of cooperating computers functions as an information management part 231, an order reception part 232, and an order part 234. The information management part 231 manages information for specifying content created in a game program by a user. The order reception part 232 receives a creation request of an article corresponding to the content specified by the information, from another computer or the computer system. The order part 234 orders creation of an article whose creation request is received by the order reception part, to a prescribed order destination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program and an item sales device. [Background technology]

[0002] Among games executed using a computer, there are some that allow a user to obtain a right to acquire a real item corresponding to a virtual item (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-129619 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The example of Patent Document 1 is limited to obtaining a virtual item prepared in advance. For example, if content created within a game can be effectively utilized, the interest of the user will increase.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to making effective use of user-created in-game content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In the first aspect, a computer system having one computer or a plurality of computers working together functions as an information management unit, an order receiving unit, and an ordering unit; the information management unit manages information identifying content created by a user in a game program; The order receiving unit receives a request for production of an item corresponding to the content specified by the information from another computer connected to the computer system or from the computer system itself; The ordering unit is a program that places an order with a predetermined supplier to manufacture the item for which the order receiving unit has accepted a manufacturing request.

[0007] In a first aspect, The information management section may provide an interface to the other computer for viewing the managed information.

[0008] In the above aspect, When the order receiving unit receives the production request, the order receiving unit may send a notification to the user.

[0009] In the above aspect, The ordering unit may transmit data required for producing the item for which the order is placed to the supplier.

[0010] In the above aspect, causing the computer system to function as a payment confirmation unit that confirms payment of the payment for the production request; The order unit may place the order after the consideration confirmation unit confirms that the consideration has been paid.

[0011] In the above aspect, The computer system may function as a remittance unit that remits all or a part of the compensation for the production request to the user by a predetermined method.

[0012] In the above aspect, the program may be implemented as a part of the game program.

[0013] In the above aspect, The game program may be implemented as a part of the program.

[0014] A second aspect is an article providing device in which the program of the above aspect is executed by a computer system having one computer or a plurality of computers working together. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to effectively utilize in-game content created by a user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a game system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the game device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a server device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of each terminal. [Diagram 5] 1 is an example of a creation interface. [Figure 6] 4 is a block diagram showing functions of a control unit in the purchaser terminal. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a block diagram showing the functions of a control unit in the creator terminal. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] [Embodiment] "overview" The item providing device of the present disclosure is realized as a server device 2 (described later). The program of the present disclosure is implemented as a game program executed in a game system 1 (described later). In the game system 1, a game is executed using a computer.

[0018] Game Overview There is no limitation on the type of game that can be executed by the game system 1. As an example, a game based on this game program can be a game in which a player character is made to act in a three-dimensional virtual space (hereinafter referred to as a virtual space VS) in response to a user's operation. For example, in this game, the user operates the player character to defeat enemy characters (non-player characters) such as monsters.

[0019] In a game based on this game program, as will be described in detail later, a user can create content. The content is a virtual medium (virtual content) within the game. The virtual content is, for example, characters (player characters, non-player characters, etc.), virtual objects related to the characters (weapons, armor, etc.), virtual objects placed in the virtual space VS, virtual cards (designed with characters, etc.), etc.

[0020] This game program includes a mechanism for selling (providing) and purchasing real items (hereinafter also referred to as real content) that correspond to virtual content. For example, by using this game program, a user can purchase a figure (real content) that corresponds to a character (virtual content) or a T-shirt (real content) with that character printed on it. Real content that corresponds to a virtual card includes a real card (such as one printed on paper or resin film). With this game program, a user can purchase a real card.

[0021] In the following description, "item" refers to an item in the real world (i.e., real content) unless otherwise specified to be a virtual object in a virtual space. For ease of explanation, the creation of real content may be referred to as "creating real content."

[0022] Overview of Game System 1 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system 1. The game system 1 includes a server device 2, a game device 5, a purchaser terminal 10, and a creator terminal 30. The server device 2, the game device 5, the purchaser terminal 10, and the creator terminal 30 are capable of communicating with each other via a communication network 6.

[0023] The server device 2 is a device for providing services such as games. The game device 5 is a device used by a person who plays games and creates content (hereinafter, player U1). The purchaser terminal 10 is a terminal used by a person who wishes to purchase real content (hereinafter, purchaser U2). The creator terminal 30 is a terminal used by a person who creates real content (hereinafter, creator M).

[0024] In the game system 1, there is one server device 2. In Fig. 1, one game device 5 and one purchaser terminal 10 are shown. However, in principle, a plurality of game devices 5 and a plurality of purchaser terminals 10 are included in the game system 1. There may be one creator terminal 30 or there may be a plurality of creator terminals 30.

[0025] Hardware Configuration <Configuration of Game Device 5> 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the game device 5. The game device 5 executes a predetermined game based on a user's operation. The game device 5 has a display 61 (display device), a speaker 62, and a controller 63 either externally connected or built-in.

[0026] The game device 5 may be, for example, a personal computer, PlayStation (registered trademark), XBox (registered trademark), PlayStation Vita (registered trademark), Nintendo Switch (registered trademark), or other commercially available device.

[0027] A game progresses on the basis of the installed game program and game data in the game device 5. The game devices 5 can communicate data with each other using a communication network 6 or a short-range wireless communication device (not shown).

[0028] The game device 5 has a network interface 51, a graphics processing unit 52, an audio processing unit 53, an operation unit 54, a storage unit 55, and a control unit 56. The network interface 51, the graphics processing unit 52, the audio processing unit 53, the operation unit 54, and the storage unit 55 are electrically connected to the control unit 56 via a bus 59.

[0029] The network interface 51 is communicatively connected to a communication network 6 in order to transmit and receive various data to and from other game devices 5 and an external server device 2, for example.

[0030] The graphics processing unit 52 renders game images including the player character and various objects in the virtual space VS in a moving image format according to the game image information output from the control unit 56. The graphics processing unit 52 is connected to a display 61 (e.g., a liquid crystal display). The game images rendered in a moving image format are displayed on the display 61 as a game screen.

[0031] The graphics processing unit 52 displays a predetermined range within the virtual space VS on the display 61. The graphics processing unit 52 determines the display range in response to an instruction from the control unit 56.

[0032] The audio processing unit 53 is connected to the speaker 62. The audio processing unit 53 reproduces digital game sounds in accordance with instructions from the control unit 56. Specifically, the audio processing unit 53 converts the sound data output by the control unit 56 into an analog signal and outputs it to the speaker 62.

[0033] The operation unit 54 is connected to the controller 63. The operation unit 54 transmits and receives signals to and from the controller 63. A user (a game player) operates various operators such as buttons of the controller 63 to input signals (such as commands and data) to the game device 5.

[0034] The storage unit 55 is composed of an HDD, an SSD, a RAM, a ROM, etc. The storage unit 55 stores game data, various programs including a game program (part), etc. Examples of game data include game media and user account information.

[0035] The control unit 56 controls the operation of the game device 5. The control unit 56 includes a CPU (microcomputer) and a semiconductor memory. The semiconductor memory stores programs and data for operating the CPU.

[0036] <Configuration of Server Device 2> The server device 2 is a computer system having one computer or a plurality of computers working together. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the server device 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the server device 2 includes a network interface 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. The network interface 21 and the storage unit 22 are electrically connected to the control unit 23 via a bus 29.

[0037] The network interface 21 is communicably connected to the game device 5 and the like via a communication network 6 such as the Internet or a LAN.

[0038] The storage unit 22 is composed of an HDD, an SSD, a RAM, a ROM, etc. The storage unit 22 stores various programs including game data and a part of the game program.

[0039] The control unit 23 controls the operation of the server device 2. The control unit 23 includes a CPU (microcomputer) and a semiconductor memory (not shown). The semiconductor memory stores a program for operating the CPU (e.g., a part of a game program) and the like.

[0040] <Configuration of various terminals> As described above, the game system 1 includes the purchaser terminal 10 and the creator terminal 30. In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that these terminals 10 and 30 have the same hardware configuration.

[0041] The terminals 10 and 30 may be commercially available devices such as a personal computer, PlayStation®, XBox®, PlayStation Vita®, or Nintendo Switch®.

[0042] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminals 10 and 30. The terminals 10 and 30 each include a display 91, a speaker 92, and a touch pad 93 built therein.

[0043] The terminals 10 and 30 each have a network interface 81, a graphic processing unit 82, an audio processing unit 83, an operation unit 84, a storage unit 85, and a control unit 86. The network interface 81, the graphic processing unit 82, the audio processing unit 83, the operation unit 84, and the storage unit 85 are electrically connected to the control unit 86 via a bus 87.

[0044] The network interface 81 is communicatively connected to the communication network 6 in order to transmit and receive various data. This enables each of the terminals 10 and 30 to communicate with the server device 2.

[0045] The graphic processing unit 82 is connected to a display 91 (for example, a liquid crystal display). The graphic processing unit 82 displays various images on the display 91 according to image information output from the control unit 86.

[0046] The audio processing unit 83 is connected to a speaker 92. The audio processing unit 83 outputs (plays) sound from the speaker 92 in accordance with audio information output from the control unit 86.

[0047] The operation unit 84 is connected to a touch pad 93. In this example, the touch pad 93 is configured integrally with the display 91. An operation signal is input to the operation unit 84 from the user via the touch pad 93.

[0048] A user of the terminal 10, 30 can execute various programs stored in the storage unit 85 by operating the touch pad 93. A user of the terminal 10, 30 can input various information by operating the touch pad 93.

[0049] The storage unit 85 is composed of an HDD, an SSD, a RAM, a ROM, etc. The storage unit 85 stores various programs and the like.

[0050] The control unit 86 controls the terminals 10, 30 to which it belongs. The control unit 86 is equipped with a CPU (microcomputer) and a semiconductor memory (not shown). The semiconductor memory stores programs for operating the CPU, etc. In each of the terminals 10, 30, the control unit 86 performs a predetermined function by installing predetermined software (including a part of the game program).

[0051] <Functional configuration of the control unit in the game device 5> The control unit 56 of the game device 5 functions as a game progression unit 561, a content creation unit 562, an information transmission unit 563 and a first consideration confirmation unit 564 by the CPU executing the game program (see FIG. 2).

[0052] (Game Progression Section 561) The game progression unit 561 progresses the game by moving the player characters, non-player characters, and predetermined objects in the virtual space VS. The game progression unit 561 uses, for example, AI (artificial intelligence) in controlling the movements of the non-player characters.

[0053] The game progression unit 561 controls the movements of the player character in response to instructions from the user (player). The user's instructions are input to the operation unit 54 by the controller 63. The operation unit 54 sends the input (user's instructions) from the controller 63 to the game progression unit 561. For example, the user can operate the controller 63 to instruct the game progression unit 561 to move the player character or attack an enemy.

[0054] (Content Creation Department 562) The content creation unit 562 provides a means for the user of the game device 5 (i.e., the player U1) to create content. Specifically, the content creation unit 562 displays a graphical user interface (hereinafter abbreviated as GUI) for the player U1 to create content on the display 61. The content created via the creation interface G1 may be a three-dimensional object (such as a character) or a two-dimensional object.

[0055] 5 is an example of a GUI for creating content (hereinafter, referred to as a creation interface G1). The creation interface G1 has parts such as a prototype screen S1, an edit screen S2, a read button B1, a save button B2, and an end button B3. These buttons B1, B2, and B3 can be clicked by the controller 63.

[0056] The prototype screen S1 is a screen that displays the prototype content for content creation. The edit screen S2 is a screen that displays the content that is being created (edited).

[0057] The read button B1 is a button for reading information (such as image data) of an object that is a prototype of the content to be created into the storage unit 55 for editing. When the player U1 operates the read button B1 to read information of an object, the read object is displayed on the prototype screen S1 and the editing screen S2.

[0058] 5, a player character PC (a three-dimensional object) is displayed on the original screen S1. The player character PC is also displayed on the editing screen S2.

[0059] The objects displayed on the editing screen S2 can be edited by operating the controller 63. For example, the skin and pose of the player character PC can be changed in the creation interface G1. In the example of Fig. 5, the pose of the player character PC on the editing screen S2 is changed.

[0060] For ease of explanation, the information identifying the content created by the content creating unit 562 will be referred to as content identifying information below. In this example, the content identifying information includes information for reproducing the content (e.g., image data, hereinafter referred to as content reproduction information) and information identifying the player U1 who created the content (e.g., a user ID).

[0061] The save button B2 is a button for saving the content specification information. When the save button B2 is clicked, the content specification information of the content being created is saved in the storage unit 55.

[0062] The end button B3 is a button for ending the content creation. When the end button B3 is clicked, the creation interface G1 is hidden.

[0063] (Information transmitting unit 563) The information transmitting unit 563 provides the player U1 with a means for transmitting the content identifying information to the server device 2. Hereinafter, transmitting the content identifying information to the server device 2 is referred to as uploading. In this game program, uploading is treated as the player U1 expressing his / her willingness to sell goods related to the content (real content).

[0064] An instruction to upload is input from the player U1 via a GUI. This GUI may be configured as a part of the GUI for content creation, or a dedicated GUI may be provided.

[0065] (First consideration confirmation unit 564) The first consideration confirmation unit 564 confirms the payment of the consideration for the sale of real content (the consideration received by the player U1). When implementing the game program, there is no limitation on the form of the consideration handled by the first consideration confirmation unit 564. For example, the consideration may be in various forms such as crypto assets, real currency, in-game currency, in-game billing, and in-game items.

[0066] The first consideration confirmation unit 564 selects a confirmation method for the payment of the consideration depending on the type of the consideration. The first consideration confirmation unit 564, for example, confirms with the server device 2 the amount of in-game currency managed by the server device 2.

[0067] The first consideration confirmation unit 564 notifies the player U1 of the confirmation result. This notification can be made in various ways. For example, the notification can be made by displaying the result on the display 61 or by e-mail.

[0068] <Functional configuration of the control unit in the server device 2> The control unit 23 of the server device 2 functions as an information management unit 231, an order receiving unit 232, a second consideration confirmation unit 233, an order placing unit 234 and a remittance unit 235 by the CPU executing the game program (see FIG. 3).

[0069] (Information Management Department 231) The information management unit 231 manages the content identification information uploaded to the server device 2. That is, the information management unit 231 manages information that identifies the content created by the user in the game program. In this game program, the information management unit 231 manages a database in which multiple pieces of content identification information are stored.

[0070] The information management unit 231 provides the purchaser terminal 10 with a GUI (hereinafter, referred to as a viewing interface G2) for viewing the content specific information in the database (not shown). In the viewing interface G2, the content related to the content specific information can be confirmed as an image. In the viewing interface G2, the content can be searched for by various methods.

[0071] (Order Department 232) The order receiving unit 232 receives a request for production of an item (i.e., real content) corresponding to the content specified by the content specification information from another computer connected to the game system 1. Here, the "other computer" is the purchaser terminal 10. That is, a request for production of an item (hereinafter also referred to as an order) is input by the purchaser U2 via the purchaser terminal 10. Examples of real content that can be ordered include, for example, a T-shirt with a character (content) printed on it, a character figure, and the like.

[0072] The order receiving unit 232 provides a GUI (hereinafter, referred to as an order interface G3) for the purchaser U2 to place an order to the purchaser terminal 10 (not shown). In the order interface G3, the purchaser U2 can select real content that he or she wishes to purchase (i.e., create).

[0073] When the order is received, the order receiving unit 232 notifies the player U1 of the fact that the order has been received. There is no limitation on the method of notification when implementing the game program. Possible notification methods include, for example, display on the display 61 of the game device 5, e-mail, etc.

[0074] The order receiving unit 232 provides a GUI (hereinafter, a payment interface G4) for paying the payment for the purchase of real content to the purchaser terminal 10 (not shown). When implementing the game program, there is no limitation on the form of the payment handled by the order receiving unit 232.

[0075] In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the consideration can be received via the communication network 6. The order receiving unit 232 receives the consideration paid via a consideration interface G4.

[0076] (Second consideration confirmation unit 233) Second consideration confirmation unit 233 confirms the payment of the consideration related to the real content production request. Specifically, second consideration confirmation unit 233 determines whether the payment is appropriate by comparing the amount of the consideration received by order receiving unit 232 with the amount of the consideration set for the real content. If the payment of the consideration is appropriate, second consideration confirmation unit 233 notifies order placing unit 234 to that effect.

[0077] (Ordering Department 234) The ordering unit 234 places an order with a predetermined supplier to create the ordered real content. Here, the supplier is the user (creator M) of the creator terminal 30. There is no limitation on the method of ordering when implementing the game program. The ordering method may be various methods, such as a notification to the creator terminal 30 or an email to the creator M.

[0078] In this game program, the ordering unit 234 places an order after being notified by the second consideration confirmation unit 233 that the payment of the consideration was appropriate. That is, the ordering unit 234 places the order after the second consideration confirmation unit 233 confirms that the consideration has been paid.

[0079] The order unit 234 provides a GUI (hereinafter, data acquisition interface G5) for confirming the order contents and acquiring data to the creator terminal 30 (not shown). The data acquisition interface G5 allows the user to confirm the order contents.

[0080] The ordering unit 234 transmits data necessary for producing the ordered item to the supplier. Specifically, the ordering unit 234 transmits content reproduction information (data) necessary for producing the item in response to the creator M's operation of the data acquisition interface G5. The creator M can obtain (download) the content reproduction information necessary for making the real content via the data acquisition interface G5.

[0081] (Remittance Department 235) The remittance unit 235 transmits the compensation received by the order receiving unit 232 to the person who is to receive the compensation. In implementing the game program, there is no limitation on the form of the compensation to be transmitted to the player U1. Hereinafter, the transmission of the compensation will be referred to as a remittance, regardless of the form of the compensation.

[0082] The remittance unit 235 performs remittance in response to an order placed by the ordering unit 234. Specifically, the remittance unit 235 performs remittance when the ordering unit 234 places an order.

[0083] The remittance unit 235 selects a remittance method depending on the type of the consideration. For example, when the type of the consideration is cryptocurrency or in-game currency, the remittance unit 235 remits the consideration to the game device 5 (first consideration confirmation unit 564) via a network. In this embodiment, the remittance unit 235 remits the consideration in a form that can be confirmed by the first consideration confirmation unit 564 (described later) and the third consideration confirmation unit 302 (described later).

[0084] In this game program, the remittance unit 235 remits a portion of the consideration paid by the purchaser U2 to the player U1 by a predetermined method. The remittance unit 235 remits a portion of the consideration to the creator M by a predetermined method. In some cases, a portion of the consideration is remitted to the operator of the game system 1. Also, depending on the implementation of the program, the entire consideration paid (full amount) may be sent to the player U1.

[0085] <Functional configuration of the control unit in the purchaser terminal 10> 6 is a block diagram showing the functions of the control unit 86 in the purchaser terminal 10. The control unit 86 of the purchaser terminal 10 functions as a viewing unit 101, a purchasing unit 102, and a payment unit 103 by the CPU executing a game program.

[0086] (Viewing section 101) The viewing unit 101 provides the purchaser U2 with a means for checking real content that can be purchased (requested for creation). The viewing unit 101 displays a viewing interface G2 provided by the server device 2 (information management unit 231) on the display 91 of the purchaser terminal 10.

[0087] The purchaser U2 can check the real content available for purchase on the display 91 of the purchaser terminal 10 through the viewing interface G2. The viewing unit 101 also provides an input means for the viewing interface G2, which allows the purchaser U2 to input search conditions for the content.

[0088] (Purchase Part 102) The purchasing unit 102 provides the purchaser U2 with a means for purchasing real content. The purchasing unit 102 displays an order interface G3 provided by the server device 2 (order receiving unit 232) on the display 91 of the purchaser terminal 10. The purchasing unit 102 provides the purchaser U2 with an input means for the order interface G3. This allows the purchaser U2 to order the desired real content.

[0089] (Payment Department 103) The payment unit 103 provides the purchaser U2 with a means for paying the price for the purchase of real content. The payment unit 103 displays a price interface G4 provided by the server device 2 (order receiving unit 232) on the display 91 of the purchaser terminal 10.

[0090] The payment unit 103 remits the consideration to the payment target in response to the payment by the purchaser U2. The payment unit 103 selects a method of remittance of the consideration depending on the type of the consideration. For example, if the type of the consideration is cryptocurrency or in-game currency, the payment unit 103 remits the consideration to the server device 2 (order receiving unit 232) via a network. In this embodiment, the payment unit 103 remits the consideration to the order receiving unit 232 in a form that the order receiving unit 232 can receive.

[0091] <Functional configuration of the control unit in the creator terminal 30> 7 is a block diagram showing the functions of the control unit 86 in the creator terminal 30. The control unit 86 of the creator terminal 30 functions as an assignment acceptance unit 301 and a third consideration confirmation unit 302 by the CPU executing a game program.

[0092] (Reception Department 301) The order acceptance unit 301 provides the creator M with a means for confirming the order contents and acquiring data. The order acceptance unit 301 displays the data acquisition interface G5 provided by the server device 2 (ordering unit 234) on the display 91 of the creator terminal 30.

[0093] The creator M can confirm the order details by operating the data acquisition interface G5 displayed on the display 91. The creator M can download the content reproduction information to the creator terminal 30 by operating the data acquisition interface G5.

[0094] The creator M can create real content by using the downloaded content reproduction information (e.g., image data). The creator M sends the created real content to the purchaser U2. The creator M may also send the created real content to the purchaser U2 via the administrator of the game system 1.

[0095] (Third consideration confirmation unit 302) The third consideration confirmation unit 302 confirms the payment of the consideration for the creation of real content. When implementing a game program, there is no limitation on the form of the consideration handled by the third consideration confirmation unit 302. For example, the consideration may be in various forms such as crypto assets, real currency, in-game currency, in-game billing, etc.

[0096] For example, if the payment method is a bank transfer, the third payment confirmation unit 302 accesses a specified bank account via the network interface 81 to confirm the status of the transfer. The data acquisition interface G5 may be equipped with a function to display the confirmation result. The creator M can start creating the product after confirming that the payment has been received.

[0097] Example of operation The player U1 is able to create content when the game program is executed in the game device 5. When the player U1 performs a predetermined operation using the controller 63, a creation interface G1 is displayed on the display 61.

[0098] When the player U1 operates the creation interface G1 using the controller 63, content is created. Here, it is assumed that the player U1 uploads the created content to the server device 2. After the content is uploaded, the information management unit 231 manages the uploaded content identification information.

[0099] The purchaser U2 can view real content available for purchase by operating the purchaser terminal 10 (viewing interface G2). The purchaser U2 can order real content via the order interface G3. Here, it is assumed that the purchaser U2 has ordered a T-shirt (real content) printed with content created by a certain player U1. It is also assumed that the purchaser U2 has paid the price for the T-shirt.

[0100] The order of the purchaser U2 is received by the order receiving unit 232. The order receiving unit 232 notifies the player U1 of the fact that the order has been received. The order receiving unit 232 receives the price paid by the purchaser U2.

[0101] The second consideration confirmation unit 233 confirms whether the amount of the consideration received by the order receiving unit 232 is appropriate. If the payment of the consideration is appropriate, the second consideration confirmation unit 233 notifies the order placing unit 234 to that effect.

[0102] When the payment of the price is appropriate, the ordering unit 234 orders the ordered item (here, a T-shirt). For example, the ordering unit 234 notifies the producer terminal 30 of the vendor (producer M) in charge of producing the ordered item. The remittance unit 235 remits the price to the player U1 and the producer M in response to the order by the ordering unit 234.

[0103] When the order is notified, it becomes an opportunity for the creator M to check the order details. The creator M can check the order details and the status of payment transfer by using the creator terminal 30. After checking these, the creator M creates the item and ships (deliveries) the item.

[0104] Through the above operations, in the game system 1, the player U1 can turn the content he / she created into real content and sell (provide) the real content. The purchaser U2 can purchase the real content. The player U1 and the creator M can receive compensation for turning the content into real content. The operator of the game system 1 may also receive revenue for mediating the sale of the real content.

[0105] To summarize the above, the present embodiment is a program that causes a computer system (server device 2) having one computer or multiple computers working together to function as an information management unit 231, an order receiving unit 232, and an ordering unit 234, the information management unit 231 managing information identifying content created by a user in a game program, the order receiving unit 232 receiving a request for production of an item corresponding to the content identified by the information from another computer connected to the computer system, and the ordering unit 234 placing an order with a specified supplier for the production of the item for which the order receiving unit 232 has received a production request.

[0106] Effects of this embodiment As described above, according to this embodiment, the in-game content is used to create real content and sell (provide) the real content. In other words, according to this embodiment, the in-game content created by the user can be effectively utilized.

[0107] [Other embodiments] The created real content may include an embedded NFC (near field communication) chip or a two-dimensional code. The contents of the chip or two-dimensional code may be read into a game program and used in the game.

[0108] A program may be implemented so that permission or disallowance of making the created content into real content can be set.

[0109] The created real content may also be sent to the creator of the content (player U1).

[0110] A program may be implemented so that a ranking of the number of times that content has been made into real content can be viewed in a list.

[0111] A mechanism for investigating the relationship between created content and existing copyrights may be implemented in a program. For example, AI could be used to investigate the relationship between created content and existing copyrights.

[0112] The program disclosed herein may be implemented as a program that provides services such as the sale of real content in a virtual space, and the game execution function may be implemented as one of those services.

[0113] The program of the present disclosure may be implemented as a program independent of a game program.

[0114] The functions of the purchaser terminal 10 (the viewing unit 101, the purchasing unit 102, and the payment unit 103) may be implemented in the game device 5.

[0115] The content is not limited to having a prototype. The content may be original content created by the user within the game.

[0116] The ordering method is not limited to the above example, and the ordering unit 234 can place an order in various ways.

[0117] The timing of remittance by the remittance unit 235 is not limited to the illustrated timing (at the time of ordering). For example, remittance by the remittance unit 235 may be performed after the creator M delivers the real content.

[0118] A program may be implemented so that the purchaser U2 pays the fee after the real content is delivered.

[0119] The program may be implemented so as to be executed by multiple computers (e.g., a server and a client) working together. For example, the program may be implemented as a game program for an online game. When the program is executed by the server and the client, the processing that was previously performed by the client-side control unit may be performed by the server instead, or the processing may be shared between the server and the client (game device 5, purchaser terminal 10, creator terminal 30).

[0120] For example, the game device 5 (an example of a computer system) may be provided with the functions of an order receiving unit 232 and an order placing unit 234. Let us assume that the game device 5 having these functions is provided with a card printing function. In this case, in the game device 5 (computer system), the order receiving unit 232 may receive a card printing request (a request to create real content) in response to an operation by the player U1, and the order placing unit 234 may give instructions to print.

[0121] Even when these other embodiments are adopted, the effects of the present aspect are exhibited. In addition, this embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments, and other embodiments can be appropriately combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 2. Server device (item providing device) 231 Information Management Department 232 Order Department 233 Second consideration confirmation unit (Consideration confirmation unit) 234 Ordering Department 235 Remittance Department U1 Player (User)

Claims

1. A computer system having one computer or a plurality of computers working together functions as an information management section, an order receiving section, and an order placing section; the information management unit manages information identifying content created by a user in a game program; The order receiving unit receives a request for production of an item corresponding to the content specified by the information from another computer connected to the computer system or from the computer system itself; The ordering unit issues an order to a predetermined supplier for the manufacture of the item for which the order receiving unit has accepted a manufacture request. program.

2. In the program of claim 1, The information management unit provides an interface to the other computer for browsing the managed information. program.

3. In the program of claim 1 or 2, When the order receiving unit receives the production request, it sends a notification to the user. program.

4. In the program of claim 1 or 2, The ordering unit transmits data necessary for manufacturing the item related to the order to the supplier. program.

5. In the program of claim 1 or 2, causing the computer system to function as a payment confirmation unit that confirms payment of the payment for the production request; The ordering unit places the order after the consideration confirmation unit confirms that the consideration has been paid. program.

6. In the program of claim 1 or 2, The computer system is made to function as a remittance unit that remits a part or all of the consideration for the production request to the user by a predetermined method. program.

7. The program of claim 1 or 2, A program implemented as part of the game program.

8. The program of claim 1 or 2, A program in which the game program is implemented as a part of the program.

9. 3. An article providing apparatus which executes the program of claim 1 or 2 by a computer system having one computer or a plurality of computers working together.

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