Information processing device, information processing program and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a technique of making users further enjoy a game by billing and motivating the users to participate in a group in the game played by a plurality of people.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a billing reception section for receiving a billing request from a user's terminal device, and an assignment section for assigning a privilege to a user requesting the billing. In a case where the user belongs to any of groups, the assignment section assigns an advantageous privilege more than a case where the user does not belong to any group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, communication terminals with touch panel displays such as smartphones have become widespread, and each user has his or her own communication terminal. In this context, a service that provides users with community-type services on the Internet, that is, a social networking service (hereinafter referred to as "SNS"), is known. One such SNS provides online games (social games) to users.

[0003] As a technology related to such games, for example, technology has been disclosed that makes it possible to make games even more enjoyable by implementing measures that are devised to provide actual users playing the game with an opportunity to progress in the game at an advantage (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses that a game server that provides a game to a terminal connected via a communication network includes an operation data receiving unit that receives, from the terminal, operation data for operating a virtual user formed in a virtual space; a game progression unit that determines game progress content in which the virtual user will act in accordance with the received operation data; a preferential treatment request receiving unit that receives a preferential treatment request from the terminal requesting preferential treatment in game progress in accordance with payment of cash currency or virtual currency; a preferential treatment period setting unit that sets a preferential treatment period for preferential treatment in game progress when a settlement process for cash currency or virtual currency is executed in accordance with the received preferential treatment request; and a progress content changing unit that changes the game progress content in which the virtual users will act during the preferential treatment period to game progress content different from that during a period in which the preferential period is not set, and the game progress unit has a collective behavior realization unit that realizes collective behavior by having the virtual users act in the same group as other virtual users, and further includes a collective behavior content changing unit that changes the behavior content of the group that satisfies the condition that the number or ratio of virtual users in the group for which a preferential treatment period is set is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, and changes the behavior content of the group that satisfies the condition to behavior content different from that when the condition is not satisfied. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5990827 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In online games, by paying a fee within the game, players can acquire items and characters that allow them to progress through the game more advantageously, and can continue playing the game even if the player's character runs out of life points, etc. In this way, paying a fee can broaden the scope of game enjoyment.

[0006] Also, among online games, there are games in which multiple players can play in groups. Although it depends on the type of game, the advantage of playing in groups with multiple players is, for example, that by playing cooperatively with the members of the group, the player characters operated by the members can use cooperative techniques, the abilities of each player character can be improved, and stronger enemy characters can be defeated by adjusting the formation and battle arrangement according to the individuality and abilities of the player characters. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that attack power increases when acting in a group compared to when acting alone.

[0007] In this way, when playing in a group with multiple people, the variety of things you can play and accomplish increases compared to playing alone, increasing the scope of how you can enjoy the game.

[0008] However, for example, a player who has never formed a group may not form a group because he or she has no motivation to do so, and therefore cannot be said to be enjoying the game as much as a player who has formed a group.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention provides a technique for charging users and motivating them to join a group in a game that can be played by multiple people, so that users can enjoy the game more. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a charge receiving unit that receives a charge request from a user's terminal device, and an awarding unit that awards a benefit to the user who made the charge request, and when the user belongs to any group, the awarding unit awards a more advantageous benefit than when the user does not belong to any group. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, in a game that can be played by multiple people, it is possible to charge a fee and provide an incentive for users to join a group so that the users can enjoy the game more. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration of the game system according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of a game system 11 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of a database managed by a server 15 in this embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence diagram for performing billing in the game system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart of a privilege granting process by the server 15 in the example 1 of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart of a privilege granting process by the server 15 in Example 2 of this embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart of a privilege granting process by the server 15 in Example 3 of the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart of a privilege granting process by the server 15 in Example 4 of the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart of a privilege granting process by the server 15 in Example 5 of the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 23 is a flowchart of a privilege granting process by the server 15 in Example 6 of the present embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart of a privilege granting process by the server 15 in Example 7 of the present embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a hardware environment of a computer that executes a program according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an information processing device in this embodiment. The information processing device 1 includes a charge acceptance unit 2 and an allocation unit 3. An example of the information processing device 1 is a server 15 described later.

[0014] The charge reception unit 2 receives a charge request from a user's terminal device. The charge request may be a request for charging each time as necessary (individual charging), or a request for periodic charging in which a predetermined amount is charged at regular intervals. An example of the charge reception unit 2 is the reception unit 33 described later.

[0015] The granting unit 3 grants a privilege to a user who has requested payment. When the user belongs to any group, the granting unit 3 grants a privilege that is more advantageous than a privilege (normal privilege) that is granted when the user does not belong to any group as a group affiliation privilege. The group affiliation privilege refers to, for example, a privilege that is qualitatively or quantitatively advantageous than a normal privilege. A privilege that is qualitatively advantageous than a normal privilege may be, for example, an item or character object that is rarer, an item or character object that is more valuable, or an item or character object that has a higher parameter of a specific attribute, such as a higher attack power or a higher defense power, than an item granted as a normal privilege. A privilege that is quantitatively advantageous than a normal privilege may be, for example, more in-game currency (including points) or trial consumable items than the in-game currency (including points) or trial consumable items granted as a normal privilege. A trial consumable item refers to an item that is necessary as a compensation when a user tries to do something in a game. For example, when objects such as characters and items that appear in a game are provided by lottery, a required number of trial consumable items are paid (consumed) as a compensation for conducting the lottery. An example of the attachment unit 3 is an attachment unit 35, which will be described later.

[0016] With this configuration, in a game that can be played by multiple people, it is possible to charge a fee and motivate users to join a group so that they can enjoy the game more. This makes it possible to motivate users to form groups in a game that can be played by multiple people, thereby increasing their willingness to participate in the game. In addition, advantageous benefits can be provided to users who form groups, giving them an opportunity to gain an advantage in the game progress, thereby increasing their willingness to participate in the game.

[0017] The granting unit 3 may grant more advantageous privileges to multiple users belonging to the same group when the timings of the billing requests of the multiple users are close to each other than when the timings of the billing requests are far apart. In other words, the privilege granted when the timings of the billing requests of the multiple users are close to each other may be more advantageous than the privilege granted when the timings of the billing requests of the multiple users are far apart.

[0018] When the timing of billing requests from multiple users (multiple members) belonging to the same group is close, it means, for example, that the time between billing by the first or most recent member in the group and billing by the user who is currently billing is within a predetermined time T1. When the timing of billing requests from multiple users belonging to the same group is far apart, it means, for example, that the time between billing by the first or most recent member in the group and billing by the user who is currently billing is longer than the predetermined time T1. The predetermined time T1 may be, for example, 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, ..., 24 hours, 3 days, 1 week, etc.

[0019] Furthermore, the privilege granted when the timings of the billing requests of the multiple users belonging to the same group are close may be, for example, a privilege that is qualitatively or quantitatively more advantageous than the privilege granted when the timings of the billing requests of the multiple users belonging to the same group are far apart. The privilege that is qualitatively more advantageous than the privilege granted when the timings of the billing requests of the multiple users belonging to the same group are far apart may be, for example, a rarer item or character object, a more valuable item or character object, or an item or character object with a higher parameter of a specific attribute such as a higher attack power or a higher defense power than an item granted as a normal privilege. The privilege that is quantitatively more advantageous than the privilege granted when the timings of the billing requests of the multiple users belonging to the same group are far apart may be, for example, an in-game currency (including points) or a trial consumable item that is more than the in-game currency (including points) or the trial consumable item granted as a normal privilege. A trial consumable item is an item that is required as payment when attempting to do something in a game. For example, when objects such as characters or items that appear in the game are provided through a lottery, the required number of trial consumable items are paid (consumed) as payment for conducting the lottery.

[0020] As a reward, for example, when a charge is requested, a trial consumable item may be purchased through a charge, and the number of trial consumable items may be increased. Also, as a reward, for example, when a lottery is held in exchange for the trial consumable item after the trial consumable item is purchased through a charge, the number of lottery draws may be increased from 10 to 11.

[0021] By configuring in this way, as the number of people who pay within a group increases, a special benefit is given, and more advantageous benefits are given to users in a group who pay closer to each other in timing, so that it is expected that billing will be carried out in a chain reaction in a short period of time.

[0022] When the granting unit 3 receives a billing request from a terminal device of a first user belonging to one of the groups within a first predetermined period (e.g., the same day, one week, etc.) after receiving a billing request from a terminal device of a second user belonging to one of the groups, the granting unit 3 may grant an advantageous benefit as a chain benefit to at least one user included in one of the groups. Here, the chain benefit refers to a benefit in which a reward is granted each time the number of people who pay increases, or in which a larger reward is granted as the number of people who pay increases.

[0023] By configuring in this way, a time limit is imposed on the timing of billing by members of a group, which induces the members to try to make a payment by that time, thereby promoting a chain reaction of billing.

[0024] Furthermore, the granting unit 3 may extend the first predetermined time period if a billing request is received from a terminal device of any of the users belonging to any of the groups within the first predetermined time period.

[0025] By configuring in this way, on the premise that there is a time limit on the timing of charging, the time limit can be extended, so that a situation in which charging becomes impossible can be avoided, and even if charging cannot be performed within the time limit before the extension, an opportunity for charging for a member can be secured by extending the time limit.

[0026] When the granting unit 3 receives a billing request from a terminal device of a first user belonging to one of the groups, it may notify terminal devices of other users other than the first user who belong to one of the groups that the first user has billed.

[0027] With this configuration, when a member in a group has made a payment, the other members can be notified that a payment has been made by the member in the group.

[0028] When the granting unit 3 receives a billing request from a terminal device of a third user among the other users within a second predetermined period (e.g., the same day, one week, etc.) after information related to the notification is displayed on the terminal device of the third user, the granting unit 3 may grant an advantageous benefit to at least one user included in any of the groups as a benefit (chain benefit) that promotes a chain of billing.

[0029] With this configuration, it is possible to provide an opportunity for charging to a third user in the group who does not log in to a terminal device within the first predetermined period and receives a notice that the first user in the group has been charged after the first predetermined time has elapsed. In addition, since the second predetermined time is counted from the time the notice is opened, the second predetermined time is secured for each user and the end time of the second predetermined time differs. In addition, it is possible to continue a chain of charges.

[0030] The granting unit 3 may grant a privilege to at least one user included in any one of the groups according to the total amount of charges made by the users while they belong to any one of the groups for each predetermined period (e.g., one day, three days, one week, etc.). For example, the granting unit 3 may grant a first privilege to at least one member of the members belonging to the group when the total amount is equal to or less than a threshold TH1 (e.g., 5,000 yen), grant a second privilege to at least one member of the members belonging to the group when the total amount is greater than the threshold TH1 and equal to or less than a threshold TH2 (e.g., 10,000 yen), and grant a third privilege to at least one member of the members belonging to the group when the total amount is greater than the threshold TH2. The first privilege may be the above-mentioned normal privilege, or may be a privilege that is qualitatively or quantitatively more advantageous than the normal privilege. The second privilege may be a privilege that is qualitatively or quantitatively more advantageous than the first privilege. The third privilege may be a privilege that is qualitatively or quantitatively more advantageous than the second privilege.

[0031] By configuring in this way, it is expected that each member will develop an awareness of increasing the group's total billing amount in order to receive more advantageous benefits, which will lead to an increase in the amount or number of billings by each member.

[0032] The charge acceptance unit 2 may accept periodic charge requests from the terminal devices of a plurality of users, each of which periodically requests charging. In this case, the granting unit 3 may grant a privilege to the user who has made the periodic charge request, depending on the period during which the user belongs to any one of the groups.

[0033] With this configuration, if a user pays a regular fee before joining a group and then joins the group before the next regular fee, benefits can be granted according to the period of time the user belonged to the group from the time the user joined until the next fee. This provides an incentive for users who belong to a group to remain in the group for a long time, and prevents them from leaving the group.

[0034] When a new user belongs to any one of the groups, the granting unit 3 may grant a more advantageous privilege to the users who already belong to the group than to the new user.

[0035] Such a configuration can motivate users who belong to a group to remain in the group for a long time, and can also prevent users from leaving the group.

[0036] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration of a game system in this embodiment. The game system 11 includes one or more terminal devices 12, a server device (hereinafter referred to as a "server") 15, and a communication network 16. The terminal devices 12 and the server 15 are connected to each other via the communication network 16 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0037] The terminal device 12 is a portable electronic terminal device having a communication function that can be connected to a communication network, such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or mobile phone carried by a user. The terminal device 12 has an operation display unit 13, a microphone for inputting sound, a speaker for outputting sound, and the like. The operation display unit 13 is a device that allows input operations to be performed on a screen 14 and displays images on the screen 14, and is, for example, a touch panel display. The terminal device 12 may be a so-called personal computer.

[0038] The terminal device 12 can download and install a game application program purchased from an application program sales site on the Internet. This allows a user to play a game of the application program by performing an input operation on the operation display unit 13 of the terminal device 12. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a game application program that allows each user (player) to play in a group with player characters selected by the user is installed in the terminal device 12. This game application program is referred to as a program according to this embodiment.

[0039] The game may be of any genre, such as a puzzle game, a sitting game, an action game, a role-playing game (RPG), a simulation game, an adventure game, a racing game, a board game, a music game, a sports game, an open-world game, etc.

[0040] In the following, the terminal device 12 used by the first user is referred to as the terminal device 12a, and the operation display unit 13 and screen 14 of the terminal device 12a are referred to as the operation display unit 13a and screen 14a, respectively. The terminal device 12 used by the second user is referred to as the terminal device 12b, and the operation display unit 13 and screen 14 of the terminal device 12b are referred to as the operation display unit 13b and screen 14b, respectively.

[0041] In the following, the terminal device 12 used by the first user, its components, functions, etc. will be described with the suffix a. The terminal device 12 used by the second user, its components, functions, etc. will be described with the suffix b. However, the suffixes a and b will not be used in the description shared between the terminal devices 12 (12a, 12b).

[0042] The server 15 is an information processing device that manages the application program according to this embodiment installed in the terminal device 12. For example, the server 15 manages information about users who use game application programs (e.g., play content, status information of the playing character, point information, etc.) and manages information about billing.

[0043] The server 15 may be a server system made up of one or more physical information processing devices, or may be a virtual server system made up of one or more virtual server devices.

[0044] 3 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of the game system 11 in this embodiment. Each of the terminal devices 12 includes an operation display unit 13, a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, and a storage unit .

[0045] The operation display unit 13 is a touch panel display that can receive input from a user's input operation and can also display information. The operation display unit 13 accepts touch operations input to the screen 14. Note that, in this embodiment, a touch panel display is used as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the input unit and the display unit may be independent of each other.

[0046] The communication unit 21 is an interface that enables communication with devices connected to the communication network 16. Here, the communication unit 21 communicates with the server 15 via the communication network 16.

[0047] The control unit 22 is a calculation device (processor) that controls the overall operation of the terminal device 12. The control unit 22 executes the game application program 24 installed in the storage unit 23, thereby starting up the game application program 24.

[0048] The storage unit 23 stores installed game application programs 24, game element data 25, and various other data, etc. The game element data 25 includes, for example, background data, character data, item data, effect data, sound data, etc.

[0049] The background data includes, for example, data relating to a field area, an off-field area, and a field area, etc. The character data includes character object data such as a player character, a non-player character, etc.

[0050] The item data includes data on item objects stored in treasure chests and the like arranged in the field area. When a player character acquires an item during the game, the player character's attack power, defense power, stamina, or a specified status parameter increases temporarily or permanently. Items include, for example, objects such as swords, guns, bows, and magic wands, recovery items for recovering stamina parameters, and parameter-increasing items for temporarily or permanently increasing attack power, maintenance power, and the like.

[0051] In addition, when the player character obtains a treasure chest during the game or uses an obtained treasure chest, a random effect may be imparted. For example, when the player character obtains a treasure chest and hits an ally, an effect equivalent to a combination technique may be activated, or a predetermined status parameter (for example, a parameter such as attack power, defense power, or stamina) may be increased.

[0052] The effect data is data relating to, for example, effect images relating to attacks when knocking away enemy player objects, combination techniques, etc. The sound data is data relating to music played during game play and sound effects used in various scenes.

[0053] In addition, there is a lobby screen (not shown) as a precursor to the screen on which the game is played. On the lobby screen, for example, it may be possible to select equipment for the player character, check the equipment and status, invite other player characters, organize members to form a group, select an opponent group, select a battle stage, etc. Organizing members to form a group includes joining a group, leaving a group, etc.

[0054] The server 15 includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, and a storage unit 41. The communication unit 31 is an interface that enables communication with devices connected to the communication network 16. Here, the communication unit 31 communicates with each terminal device 12 via the communication network 16.

[0055] The control unit 32 controls the operation of the entire server 15, executes processes in response to requests from the terminal device 12, returns execution results to the terminal device 12, relays transmission information to other terminal devices, etc. For example, the control unit 32 authenticates users who play the game, shares screen information used by users when multiple people play, manages the play content on the terminal device 12, manages billing, etc.

[0056] The control unit 32 reads out the program according to this embodiment from the storage unit 41 and executes it, thereby functioning as a reception unit 33, a group management unit 34, an assignment unit 35, and a billing processing unit 36.

[0057] The reception unit 33 receives requests and data transmitted from the terminal device 12. The requests include, for example, a billing request, a group participation request, and the like. The billing request may be a request for billing (individual billing) in which billing is performed each time as necessary, or a request for periodic billing in which a predetermined amount is charged at regular intervals. The group participation request is a request for a user to join a group.

[0058] For example, in response to a group join request from the terminal device 12, the group management unit 34 allows the user of the terminal device 12 to join a target group, determines whether the user belongs to a group, and manages the charges for users (members) who belong to the group.

[0059] The granting unit 35 reads the privilege data 45 from the storage unit 41, and grants a privilege to the user depending on whether or not a billing request has been made and whether or not the user belongs to a group. The privilege includes, for example, a normal privilege, an advantageous privilege, and the like.

[0060] A normal benefit is a benefit that is granted even if this embodiment is not applied, that is, a benefit that is granted under normal circumstances, and includes, for example, items, character objects, in-game currency, paid or free points, trial consumable items, etc. A trial consumable item is an item that is required as a payment when a user tries to do something in the game. For example, when objects such as characters and items that appear in the game are provided by lottery, the user needs to pay the required number of trial consumable items as a payment for conducting the lottery (that number of trial consumable items is consumed).

[0061] The advantageous privilege is a privilege that is qualitatively or quantitatively more advantageous than other privileges (e.g., normal privileges, etc.), and is a privilege that is granted by applying this embodiment. A privilege that is qualitatively more advantageous than other privileges may be, for example, an item or character object that is rarer than an item granted as another privilege, an item or character object that is more valuable, or an item or character object that has a higher parameter of a specific attribute, such as attack power, defense power, or recovery power, than other privileges. A privilege that is qualitatively more advantageous than other privileges may be, for example, more in-game currency, paid or free points, or trial consumable items than the in-game currency, paid or free points, or trial consumable items granted as other privileges.

[0062] In addition, as a bonus, for example, when a charge is requested, a trial consumable item may be purchased through a charge, and the number of trial consumable items may be increased. In addition, as a bonus, for example, when a lottery is held in exchange for the trial consumable item after the trial consumable item is purchased through a charge, the number of lottery draws may be increased from 10 to 11.

[0063] In response to a billing request received from the terminal device 12, the billing processing unit 36 ​​performs settlement processing for the billing, and registers the processing result in the billing management database 44.

[0064] The storage unit 41 stores a user management database 42, a user belonging group management database 43, a charge management database 44, bonus data 45, an application program interface (API), a program according to this embodiment, and the like. The databases are hereinafter referred to as "DB." The user management DB 42 is a database related to the user (player) who has installed the game. The user belonging group management DB 43 is a database for managing the group to which the user belongs. The charge management DB 44 is a database for managing charges within the game. The bonus data 45 is data related to bonuses given to the user. The API is an application program interface used by the program according to this embodiment installed in the terminal device 12.

[0065] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a database managed by the server 15 in this embodiment. Below, each record in the user management DB 42 may be referred to as user information. Each record in the user group management DB 43 may be referred to as user group information. Each record in the billing management DB 44 may be referred to as billing information.

[0066] The user management DB 42 includes data items such as "user ID", "user name", etc. The item "user ID" stores information (user ID) that identifies a user (player). The items "user name", etc. store the name of the user.

[0067] The user group management DB43 includes data items of "user ID", "group ID", "joining date and time", "withdrawal date and time", and "belonging time". The "user ID" item stores the user ID of a user (player) who belongs to a group. The "group ID" item stores identification information (group ID) that specifies the group to which the user specified by the user ID belongs. The "joining date and time" item stores the date and time when the user joined the group. The "withdrawal date and time" item stores the date and time when the user left the group, if the user left the group. The "belonging time" item stores the time of belonging to the group from the joining date and time to the present, and if the user left the group, stores the belonging time from the joining date and time to the withdrawal date and time.

[0068] The billing management DB44 includes data items such as "user ID," "billing type," "billing date and time," and "billing amount." The "user ID" item stores information (user ID) that identifies the user. The "billing type" item stores the type of billing method, either individual billing, in which billing is done individually each time as needed, or periodic billing. Periodic billing is a billing method in which a fixed amount is charged, for example, weekly, monthly, three-monthly, six-monthly, or yearly. The "billing date and time" item stores the date and time when billing was done. The "billing amount" item stores the amount of billing.

[0069] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence diagram when charging in the game system of this embodiment. First, the user starts the game application program 24 installed in the terminal device 12a. Then, the terminal device 12a makes a login request to the server 15. The server 15 responds with permission to the login request, and the connection between the terminal device 12a and the server 15 is completed.

[0070] The first user performs an operation to join a group he / she wishes to join on, for example, the above-mentioned lobby screen, using the operation display unit 13a of the terminal device 12a. Then, the terminal device 12a transmits a group join request (including the group ID and user ID of the target group) to the server 15 (S1).

[0071] The server 15 receives the group participation request transmitted from the terminal device 12a. The server 15 then generates user group information from the user ID and group ID included in the group participation request and the system date and time (current date and time), and registers the generated user group information in the user group management DB 43.

[0072] After registering the user group information, the server 15 transmits notification information to the other member users of the group that the first user has joined the target group (S2). The server 15 transmits a response to the terminal device 12a that the registration for participation in the target group has been completed (S3).

[0073] Then, the first user operates the operation display unit 13a to perform a billing operation, for example, to purchase an item, in-game virtual currency (points), etc. Then, the terminal device 12a transmits a billing request to the server 15 in response to the billing operation (S4).

[0074] When the server 15 receives the billing request transmitted from the terminal device 12a, the server 15 performs a payment process for the billing and responds to the terminal device 12a with a notice of completion of the payment (S5). The server 15 also grants a benefit to the first user as a reward for the billing (S6). When granting a benefit for the billing, the server 15 may grant a more advantageous benefit to the first user if the first user belongs to any group than if the first user does not belong to any group.

[0075] In addition, when granting a benefit, the server 15 may grant the benefit not only to the first user who made the charge, but also to one or more members of a group to which the first user belongs (excluding the first user) or to all members other than the first user (S7).

[0076] 6 is a flowchart of the privilege granting process by the server 15 in Example 1 of this embodiment. The control unit 32 reads out the program according to this embodiment from the storage unit 41 and executes it, thereby functioning as the reception unit 33, the group management unit 34, the granting unit 35, and the billing processing unit 36. This initial operation is the same in the following examples.

[0077] The reception unit 33 receives a billing request (including a user ID, a billing type, and a billing amount) from the terminal device 12a operated by the first user (S11). The billing processing unit 36 ​​then performs a settlement process for the billing in response to the received billing request (S12) and registers the processing result in the billing management DB 44.

[0078] The group management unit 34 refers to the user group management DB 43 and determines whether the first user corresponding to the user ID included in the billing request belongs to any group. (S13). If it is determined that the first user corresponding to the user ID included in the billing request does not belong to any group (NO in S13), the granting unit 35 grants a normal benefit to the user corresponding to the user ID (S15). Here, the normal benefit may be, for example, a predetermined item or in-game currency (or points).

[0079] When it is determined that the first user corresponding to the user ID included in the billing request belongs to any group (YES in S13), the granting unit 35 grants a privilege more advantageous than a normal privilege to the first user corresponding to the user ID (S14). The privilege more advantageous than a normal privilege may be, for example, a privilege that is qualitatively or quantitatively advantageous than a normal privilege. The privilege that is qualitatively advantageous than a normal privilege may be, for example, an item that is rarer or more valuable than an item granted as a normal privilege, or an item with a higher parameter of a specific attribute such as a higher attack power or a higher defense power. The privilege that is quantitatively advantageous than a normal privilege may be, for example, more in-game currency (including points) or trial consumable items than the in-game currency (including points) or trial consumable items granted as a normal privilege. The trial consumable items are items required as a price when attempting to do something in a game. For example, when objects such as characters and items appearing in a game are provided by lottery, a required number of trial consumable items are paid (consumed) as a price for conducting the lottery.

[0080] 7 is a flowchart of a privilege granting process by the server 15 in Example 2 of the present embodiment. In Example 2, a privilege is granted to members of a group whose billing timing is closer, thereby promoting a chain reaction of billing.

[0081] The reception unit 33 receives a billing request (including a user ID, a billing type, and a billing amount) from the terminal device 12a operated by the first user (S21). The billing processing unit 36 ​​then performs a settlement process for the billing in response to the received billing request (S22) and registers the processing result in the billing management DB 44.

[0082] The group management unit 34 refers to the user group management DB 43 and determines whether the first user corresponding to the user ID included in the billing request belongs to any group. (S23).

[0083] If it is determined that the first user corresponding to the user ID included in the billing request does not belong to any group (NO in S23), the granting unit 35 grants a normal privilege to the first user corresponding to the user ID (S29). Here, the normal privilege is as described above. After the process of S29, this flow ends.

[0084] If it is determined that the first user corresponding to the user ID included in the billing request belongs to any group (YES in S23), the group management unit 34 refers to the user group management DB 43 and the billing management DB 44 to determine whether any of the other members of the group other than the first user have already been billed (S24).

[0085] If it is determined that there is no member who has already paid the fee among the members of the group other than the first user (NO in S24), the granting unit 35 grants the normal privilege to the first user corresponding to the user ID (S25). Here, the normal privilege is as described above.

[0086] If it is determined that there are other members of the group other than the first user who have already been charged (YES in S24), the allocation unit 35 refers to the user group management DB 43 and the charge management DB 44, and calculates the time from the first or most recent charge made to another member to the current charge made by the first user (S26).

[0087] The granting unit 35 grants advantageous privileges to members (including the first user) in the group who have already been charged, according to the length of time calculated in S26 (S27). That is, the granting unit 35 can grant more advantageous privileges according to the timing of the charge requests of multiple users belonging to the same group. For example, the granting unit 35 grants more advantageous privileges to multiple users when the charge requests of multiple users belonging to the same group are close to each other than when the timings are far apart.

[0088] The timing of billing requests from multiple users belonging to the same group is close, for example, when the time from the first or most recent billing member to the current billing of the first user is within a predetermined time T1. The timing of billing requests from multiple users belonging to the same group is far apart, for example, when the time from the first or most recent billing member to the current billing of the first user is longer than the predetermined time T1. The predetermined time T1 may be, for example, 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, ..., 24 hours, 3 days, 1 week, etc.

[0089] Furthermore, the privilege granted when the timings of the billing requests of the multiple users belonging to the same group are close may be, for example, a privilege that is qualitatively or quantitatively more advantageous than the privilege granted when the timings of the billing requests of the multiple users belonging to the same group are far apart. The privilege that is qualitatively more advantageous than the privilege granted when the timings of the billing requests of the multiple users belonging to the same group are far apart may be, for example, an item that is rarer, more valuable, or has a higher parameter of a specific attribute such as a higher attack power or a higher defense power than an item granted to a privilege that is qualitatively more advantageous than the privilege granted when the timings of the billing requests of the multiple users belonging to the same group are far apart. The privilege that is quantitatively more advantageous than the privilege granted when the timings of the billing requests of the multiple users belonging to the same group are far apart may be, for example, more in-game currency (including points) or trial consumable items than the in-game currency (including points) or trial consumable items granted as a privilege granted when the timings are far apart. A trial consumable item is an item that is required as payment when attempting to do something in a game. For example, when objects such as characters or items that appear in the game are provided through a lottery, the required number of trial consumable items are paid (consumed) as payment for conducting the lottery.

[0090] After the process of S25 or S27, the group management unit 34 judges whether or not all members in the group have been charged (S28). If it is judged that all members in the group have not been charged (NO in S28), the process returns to S21. If it is judged that all members in the group have been charged (YES in S28), this flow ends.

[0091] According to the second embodiment, as the number of people who make a payment within a group increases, a reward is given, and more advantageous benefits are given to users in the group who make their payments closer together, so that it is expected that charges will be made in a chain reaction in a short period of time.

[0092] 8 is a flowchart of a privilege granting process by the server 15 in Example 3 of the present embodiment. In Example 3, a time limit is imposed on the timing of billing by members of a group, thereby promoting a chain reaction of billing.

[0093] The reception unit 33 acquires a billing request (including a user ID, a billing type, and a billing amount) from the terminal device 12a operated by the first user (S31). The billing processing unit 36 ​​then performs a settlement process for the billing in response to the acquired billing request (S32) and registers the processing result in the billing management DB 44.

[0094] The group management unit 34 refers to the user group management DB 43 to determine whether the user ID included in the billing request belongs to any group (S33).

[0095] If it is determined that the user ID included in the billing request does not belong to any group (NO in S33), the granting unit 35 grants a normal privilege to the user corresponding to that user ID (S38). Here, the normal privilege is as described above.

[0096] If the user ID included in the billing request is determined to belong to any group If the answer is YES in S33, the group management unit 34 refers to the user group management DB 43 and the billing management DB 44 to determine whether the billing request was received within a predetermined time T2 from the first or most recent member (excluding the first user) who made the billing request (S33). The predetermined time T2 may be, for example, the same day, three days, one week, etc.

[0097] If it is determined that the billing request was received after a predetermined time T2 had elapsed since the first or most recent billing request was received from the member who made the first or most recent billing request (NO in S34), the granting unit 35 grants the normal privilege to the user corresponding to that user ID (S36).

[0098] If it is determined that the billing request was received within a predetermined time T2 after the billing request was received from the first or most recent billing member (YES in S34), the granting unit 35 grants a privilege more advantageous than a normal privilege to at least one user included in the group (S35). The privilege more advantageous than a normal privilege is as described above. After the processing of S34, the granting unit 35 extends the predetermined time T2 (S36).

[0099] The granting unit 35 transmits a notification that the first user has made a charge to the terminal devices 12 of all other members of the group to which the user corresponding to the user ID (first user) belongs (S37). The notification may be, for example, a push notification.

[0100] According to the third embodiment, by imposing a time limit on the timing of charging by the members of the group, the members are motivated to charge by that time, and so they move on to charging behavior, which can promote a chain reaction of charging. Also, on the premise that there is a time limit on the timing of charging, the time limit can be extended, so that even if charging is not possible within the limit before the extension, a situation in which charging is not possible can be avoided, and by extending the time limit, an opportunity for the members to charge can be secured. Also, when charging is performed by a member of the group, it is possible to notify other members that charging has been performed by a member of the group.

[0101] 9 is a flowchart of a privilege granting process by the server 15 in Example 4 of this embodiment. Example 4 realizes that when another member who has received the notification in Example 3 displays the notification and makes a payment within a predetermined time T3 (for example, 6 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, 1 week, 10 days, 1 month, etc.), an advantageous privilege is granted. In the following, the terminal device 12 used by the second user, its components, functions, etc. will be described with the suffix c.

[0102] 8, another member (third user) who received the notification performs an operation to display a screen corresponding to the received notification using the operation display unit 13c of the terminal device 12c. Then, the terminal device 12 transmits an opened notification to the server 15, indicating that a screen corresponding to the notification has been displayed (the received notification has been opened).

[0103] The reception unit 33 acquires an open notification (including the user ID and group ID) from the terminal device 12c operated by the third user (S41).

[0104] Thereafter, the reception unit 33 acquires a billing request (including a user ID, a billing type, and a billing amount) from the terminal device 12c operated by the third user (S42). The billing processing unit 36 ​​then performs a settlement process for the billing in response to the acquired billing request (S43), and registers the processing result in the billing management DB 44.

[0105] The group management unit 34 judges whether the billing request is received within a predetermined time T3 after the display request of S41 is received (S44). If it is judged that the billing request is received after the predetermined time T3 has elapsed since the display request of S41 was received (NO in S44), the granting unit 35 grants a normal privilege to the user corresponding to that user ID (S47). Then, this flow ends. The normal privilege is as described above.

[0106] If it is determined that the accounting request was received within a predetermined time T3 after receiving the display request in S41 (YES in S44), the group management unit 34 refers to the user group management DB 43 and determines whether the user ID included in the accounting request belongs to any group (S45).

[0107] If it is determined that the user ID included in the billing request does not belong to any group (NO in S45), the granting unit 35 grants a normal privilege to the user corresponding to that user ID (S58). The normal privilege is as described above. After that, this flow ends.

[0108] If the user ID included in the billing request is determined to belong to any group If the answer is YES in S45, the granting unit 35 grants the user corresponding to the user ID a privilege that is more advantageous than a normal privilege (S46). The privilege that is more advantageous than a normal privilege is as described above. After that, this flow ends.

[0109] According to the fourth embodiment, if other members who received the notification in the third embodiment make a payment within the predetermined time T3, they will be given advantageous benefits, and other members will be motivated to make a payment. Also, in the third embodiment (FIG. 8), a user who does not log in to the terminal device 12 within the predetermined time T2 and receives the notification of S36 after the predetermined time T2 has elapsed can be provided with an opportunity to make a payment. Also, since the predetermined time T3 is counted from the time the notification is opened, the end time of the predetermined time T3 differs depending on the user. Also, according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to continue the chain of payments from the third embodiment (FIG. 8).

[0110] Fig. 10 is a flowchart of a privilege granting process by the server 15 in Example 5 of this embodiment. Example 5 realizes granting a privilege to at least one member included in a group at every predetermined time T4 according to the total amount of charges made by the members while they belong to the group. The flow of Fig. 10 is repeated at every predetermined time T4 (for example, 6 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, 1 week, 10 days, 1 month, etc.).

[0111] During game play, the group management unit 34 identifies the users belonging to each group (S51). The group management unit 34 calculates the total amount of money charged by the users of each group during a predetermined time period T4 while they belonged to the group (S52).

[0112] The granting unit 35 grants a privilege to at least one member of the group according to the total amount (S53). For example, the granting unit 35 may grant a first privilege to at least one member of the group when the total amount is equal to or less than a threshold TH1, grant a second privilege to at least one member of the group when the total amount is greater than the threshold TH1 and equal to or less than a threshold TH2, and grant a third privilege to at least one member of the group when the total amount is greater than the threshold TH2. Here, the threshold TH1 is smaller than the threshold TH2.

[0113] "At least one member of the group" may refer to some of the members of the group, or may refer to all of the members of the group. The first privilege may be the normal privilege described above, or may be a privilege that is qualitatively or quantitatively more advantageous than the normal privilege. The second privilege may be a privilege that is qualitatively or quantitatively more advantageous than the first privilege. The third privilege may be a privilege that is qualitatively or quantitatively more advantageous than the second privilege.

[0114] According to the fifth embodiment, it is expected that each member will develop a desire to increase the total amount charged to the group in order to receive more advantageous benefits, which will lead to an increase in the amount or number of charges made by each member.

[0115] 11 is a flowchart of a privilege granting process by the server 15 in Example 6 of the present embodiment. Example 6 realizes granting of privileges according to the time that a user who performs periodical charging belongs to a group.

[0116] The reception unit 33 receives a periodic charging request (including a user ID, a charging type, and a charging amount) from the terminal device 12a operated by the first user, which requests periodic charging of a predetermined amount for a certain period (for example, one month, three months, six months, one year, etc.) (S61). Then, the charging processing unit 36 ​​performs a settlement process for the charge in response to the received charging request. (S62) The processing result is registered in the billing management DB44.

[0117] The group management unit 34 refers to the user group management DB 43 to determine whether the user ID included in the billing request belongs to any group (S63).

[0118] If it is determined that the user ID included in the billing request does not belong to any group (NO in S63), the granting unit 35 grants a normal privilege to the user corresponding to the user ID (S65). The normal privilege is as described above.

[0119] If the user ID included in the billing request is determined to belong to any group If the determination is YES in S63, the granting unit 35 refers to the user belonging group management DB 43 and grants the user corresponding to the user ID a privilege that is more advantageous than a normal privilege depending on the period of membership in the group (S64).

[0120] The granting unit 35 may grant the first privilege to the first user when the affiliation time is within a predetermined time T5, grant the second privilege to the first user when the affiliation time is longer than the predetermined time T5 and within a predetermined time T6, and grant the third privilege to the first user when the affiliation time is longer than the predetermined time T6. Here, the predetermined time T5 is, for example, one day, one week, ten days, one month, six months, or twelve months, and the predetermined time T5<the predetermined time T6. The first privilege, the second privilege, and the third privilege are as described above.

[0121] According to the sixth embodiment, a user who pays periodical charges can be given a privilege according to the time that the user belongs to the group. Therefore, the user who belongs to the group is motivated to remain in the group for a long time, and the user is prevented from leaving the group.

[0122] 12 is a flowchart of a privilege granting process by the server 15 in Example 7 of this embodiment. In Example 7, when a new user joins a group of users who are periodically billed, a privilege that is more advantageous than the new user is granted to the existing users according to the period of membership.

[0123] The reception unit 33 acquires from the terminal device 12a a periodic charging request (including a user ID, a charging type, and a charging amount) requesting periodic charging of a predetermined amount for a certain period (for example, monthly, quarterly, six-monthly, annually, etc.) (S71). The charging processing unit 36 ​​performs charging processing as periodic charging based on the acquired periodic charging request, and registers the processing result in the charging management DB 44 (S72).

[0124] After that, the first user performs an operation to join the group he / she wishes to join on, for example, the above-mentioned lobby screen, using the operation display unit 13. Then, the terminal device 12a transmits a group join request (including the group ID and user ID of the target group) to the server 15.

[0125] The reception unit 33 receives the group participation request transmitted from the terminal device 12a (S73). The group management unit 34 generates user-belonging group information from the user ID and group ID included in the group participation request and the system date and time (current date and time), and registers the generated user-belonging group information in the user-belonging group management DB 43 (S74).

[0126] After registering the user group information, the group management unit 34 identifies the group to which the join request is addressed based on the group ID (S75), and identifies existing members of that group, excluding the first user, by referring to the user group management DB 43 (S76).

[0127] The granting unit 35 grants a fourth privilege to the first user who is a new member (S77). The granting unit 35 grants a fifth privilege to each existing member according to the membership time of the existing members of the group (S78). The fourth privilege may be the normal privilege described above, or may be a privilege that is qualitatively or quantitatively more advantageous than the normal privilege. The fifth privilege may be a privilege that is qualitatively or quantitatively more advantageous than the fourth privilege.

[0128] According to the seventh embodiment, when a new user joins a group of users who pay periodical fees, the existing users can be given more advantageous benefits according to the length of time they have been in the group than the new user. This motivates the users to stay in the group for a long time and prevents them from leaving the group.

[0129] 13 is an example of a configuration block diagram of a hardware environment of a computer that executes a program in this embodiment. A computer 51 functions as the terminal device 12 and the server 15. The computer 51 is composed of a CPU 52, a ROM 53, a RAM 54, a storage device 55, an input I / F 56, an output I / F 57, a communication I / F 58, a reading device 59, and a bus 60.

[0130] Here, CPU indicates a central processing unit. ROM indicates a read-only memory. RAM indicates a random access memory. I / F indicates an interface. A CPU 52, a ROM 53, a RAM 54, a storage device 55, an input I / F 56, an output I / F 57, a communication I / F 58, and a reading device 59 as necessary are connected to a bus 60.

[0131] When the computer 51 is the server 15, the CPU 52 reads out the program according to this embodiment from the storage device 55, and functions as the reception unit 33, the group management unit 34, the granting unit 35, and the billing processing unit 36. The ROM 53 indicates a read-only memory. The RAM 54 is a memory for temporary storage.

[0132] The storage device 55 is a device that stores a large amount of information. As the storage device 55, various types of storage devices such as a hard disk, a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory card, etc. are usable. The storage device 55 stores a program according to the embodiment of the present invention and various data stored in the storage unit 41.

[0133] The input I / F 56 can be connected to input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, an electronic camera, a web camera, a microphone, a scanner, a sensor, a tablet, a touch panel display, an information reading device, etc. The output I / F 57 can be connected to output devices such as a display, a touch panel, a projector, a printer, a speaker, etc.

[0134] The communication I / F 58 is an interface such as a port for connecting to a communication network and communicating with other devices. The communication network may be the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a dedicated line, a wired line, a wireless line, etc. The reading device 59 is a device for reading out a portable recording medium.

[0135] The program for realizing the process described in the above embodiment may be stored in, for example, the storage device 55 via the communication network and the communication I / F 58 from the program provider. The program for realizing the process described in the above embodiment may be stored in a portable storage medium that is commercially available and distributed. In this case, the portable storage medium may be set in the reading device 59, and the program may be read and executed by the CPU 52. As the portable storage medium, various types of storage media such as CD-ROM, flexible disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, IC card, USB memory device, and semiconductor memory card can be used. The program stored in such a storage medium is read by the reading device 59.

[0136] The program may be installed on a stand-alone computer, or may be installed by a cloud computer to provide only the functions to the user. In the present embodiment, an application program capable of communicating with the server 15 is installed on the terminal device 12 to control the game system 11 in the present embodiment, but this is not limiting. For example, a web browser installed on the terminal device 12 may be used to access the server 15 and use the system according to the present embodiment operated on the server 15 side.

[0137] According to this embodiment, in a game that can be played by multiple people, it is possible to charge a fee and provide an incentive for users to join a group so that the users can enjoy the game more.

[0138] The number of privileges granted may increase or the quality of the privileges granted may improve according to the number of users (members) participating in the group. In other words, the more users (members) participating in the group, the more privileges granted may increase or the quality of the privileges granted may improve.

[0139] Furthermore, the amount (individual charge unit price) required to purchase in-game items that are subject to charges, trial consumable items, etc., and the unit price of regular charges may be reduced in accordance with an increase in the number of users (members) participating in a group. For example, the individual charge unit price and the unit price of regular charges may be discounted by 10% each time a group member is added. In other words, a 10% discount may be applied when one member is added to a group, and a 20% discount may be applied when two members are added to a group.

[0140] Also, if there is only one user in the group who has paid, the bonus given to the user may not increase, and if there are two or more users in the group who have paid, a bonus may be given to the user.

[0141] Also, an upper limit may be set on the number of users that can belong to a group. For example, the upper limit on the number of users that can belong to a group may be four. In this case, a privilege may be given if at least two of the users in the group have paid a fee. Also, when a fifth person attempts to join the group, the group may be automatically divided into two groups, for example, a group of two people and a group of three people, within the upper limit on the number of people for each group.

[0142] Also, for example, if a user who is about to join group A previously belonged to group B for a long period of time, the period of time that the user belonged to group B may be multiplied by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, etc.) to calculate the period of time that the user belonged to group A, and a privilege may be given according to the calculated period of time. As a result, for example, if group B is dissolved due to unavoidable circumstances such as all members of group B leaving or withdrawing from the game, and the period of time that the group belonged to is reset, it becomes difficult to move to another group, but if part of the period of time that the user belonged to can be carried over to the next group to join, it becomes possible to move to another group. This can provide an incentive for users who have belonged to a group for a long period of time to move to another group and make a payment.

[0143] Also, if a user belonging to a group stops regular billing midway and a predetermined period (for example, one month, three months, six months, etc.) has passed, the user may be automatically removed from the group.

[0144] Also, users who have just started playing the game (beginners) may be invited to join the group and be given special benefits. This allows beginners to enjoy the benefits of participating in a group. Also, each member of the group may be charged on a regular basis and then be able to charge individually.

[0145] Although the present aspect has been described above based on the embodiment and modified examples, the above-mentioned embodiment of the aspect is intended to facilitate understanding of the present aspect and does not limit the present aspect. The present aspect may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and equivalents are included in the present aspect. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it may be deleted as appropriate.

[0146] In addition to the above embodiment, the following is further noted. (Appendix 1) a billing reception unit that receives a billing request from a user's terminal device; a granting unit that grants a privilege to the user who has made the billing request, The granting unit grants a more advantageous benefit to a user who belongs to any one of the groups than to a user who does not belong to any one of the groups. Information processing device. By configuring in this way, in a game that can be played by multiple people, it is possible to charge a fee and provide an incentive for users to join a group so that they can enjoy the game more. (Appendix 2) The granting unit grants the privilege to the users more advantageously when the timings of the billing requests of the users belonging to the same group are close to each other than when the timings are far apart. 2. An information processing device as described in claim 1. By configuring in this way, as the number of people who pay within a group increases, a special benefit is given, and more advantageous benefits are given to users in a group who pay closer to each other in timing, so that it is expected that billing will be carried out in a chain reaction in a short period of time. (Appendix 3) When the granting unit receives the billing request from a terminal device of a second user belonging to any of the groups within a first predetermined period after receiving the billing request from a terminal device of a first user belonging to any of the groups, the granting unit grants the advantageous privilege to at least one user included in any of the groups. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2. By configuring in this way, a time limit is imposed on the timing of billing by members of a group, which induces the members to try to make a payment by that time, thereby promoting a chain reaction of billing. (Appendix 4) the granting unit extends the first predetermined time period when the charging request is received from a terminal device of any of the users belonging to any of the groups within the first predetermined time period. 4. The information processing device according to claim 3. By configuring in this way, on the premise that there is a time limit on the timing of charging, the time limit can be extended, so that a situation in which charging becomes impossible can be avoided, and even if charging cannot be performed within the time limit before the extension, an opportunity for charging for a member can be secured by extending the time limit. (Appendix 5) When the granting unit receives the billing request from a terminal device of a first user belonging to any one of the groups, the granting unit notifies terminal devices of users other than the first user belonging to any one of the groups that the first user has billed. 3. An information processing device according to claim 1 or 2. With this configuration, when a member in a group has made a payment, the other members can be notified that a payment has been made by the member in the group. (Appendix 6) When the granting unit receives the billing request from a terminal device of a third user among the other users within a second predetermined period after the information related to the notification is displayed on the terminal device of the third user, the granting unit grants the advantageous privilege to at least one user included in any one of the groups. 6. The information processing device according to claim 5. With this configuration, it is possible to provide an opportunity for charging to a third user in the group who does not log in to a terminal device within the first predetermined period and receives a notice that the first user in the group has been charged after the first predetermined time has elapsed. In addition, since the second predetermined time is counted from the time the notice is opened, the second predetermined time is secured for each user and the end time of the second predetermined time differs. In addition, it is possible to continue a chain of charges. (Appendix 7) The granting unit grants the privilege to at least one user included in any one of the groups in accordance with a total billing amount of the users who have been billed while belonging to any one of the groups for each predetermined period. 2. An information processing device as described in claim 1. By configuring in this way, it is expected that each member will develop an awareness of increasing the group's total billing amount in order to receive more advantageous benefits, which will lead to an increase in the amount or number of billings by each member. (Appendix 8) the accounting reception unit receives a periodic accounting request for periodically making an accounting request from each of the terminal devices of the plurality of users; The granting unit grants the privilege to the user who has made the periodic charging request according to a period during which the user who has made the periodic charging request belongs to any one of the groups. 2. An information processing device as described in claim 1. By configuring in this way, if a user pays a regular fee before joining a group and then joins the group before the next regular fee, a privilege can be given according to the period of time the user belonged to the group from the time the user joined until the next fee. (Appendix 9) When a new user belongs to any one of the groups, the granting unit grants the privilege that is more advantageous to the user already belonging to the group than to the new user. 9. The information processing device according to claim 8. Such a configuration can motivate users who belong to a group to remain in the group for a long time, and can also prevent users from leaving the group. (Appendix 10) On the computer, a charge acceptance process for accepting a charge request from a user's terminal device; and executing a granting process for granting a privilege to the user who has made the billing request. The granting process grants a more advantageous benefit to a user who belongs to any one of the groups than to a user who does not belong to any one of the groups. Information processing program. By configuring in this way, in a game that can be played by multiple people, it is possible to charge a fee and provide an incentive for users to join a group so that they can enjoy the game more. (Appendix 11) The computer receives a billing request from the user's terminal device, The computer grants a privilege to the user who has made the billing request, When granting the privilege to the user who has made the billing request, if the user belongs to any one of the groups, a more advantageous privilege is granted than if the user does not belong to any group. Information processing methods. By configuring in this way, in a game that can be played by multiple people, it is possible to charge a fee and provide an incentive for users to join a group so that they can enjoy the game more. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 1. Information processing device 2. Billing reception desk 3. Granting Section 11 Game System 12 Terminal Equipment 13 Operation display section 14 screens 15 Server 16 Communication Networks 21 Communications Department 22 Control section 23 Memory section 31 Communications Department 32 Control section 33 Reception 34 Group Management Department 35 Granting Department 36 Billing Processing Unit 41 Storage section 42 User Management DB 43 User Group Management DB 44 Billing Management DB 45 Bonus Data

Claims

[Claim 1] a billing reception unit that receives a billing request from a user's terminal device; a granting unit that grants a privilege to the user who has made the billing request, The granting unit grants a more advantageous benefit to a user who belongs to any one of the groups than to a user who does not belong to any one of the groups. Information processing device.

Images