Program

Abstract

To improve entertainment for a user with respect to a provided service.SOLUTION: A program is set so as to cause a computer to execute processing of setting a compensation for acquisition of a predetermined item usable in an event as a second compensation different from a first compensation on the basis of satisfying of a predetermined condition during progress of the event.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, as a program for providing a game service, when the days in which a user (player) logs in to a game at least once or more continuously for a predetermined number of days, control is performed so that paid items can be purchased at a price lower than usual (see Patent Document 1). According to this, it is possible to increase the motivation to log in to the game, and thus it is possible to improve the user's interest in the game service.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the program as described above, immediately after starting a new game, only logging in to the game is performed in order to be able to purchase paid items at a low price, and there is a possibility that a situation occurs where the game does not progress, and there has been a risk of causing a decrease in the user's interest in the game service.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve the user's interest in the provided service.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

[0007] The program according to the present invention is configured to cause a computer to execute a process of setting, based on the establishment of a predetermined condition during the progress of an event, the consideration for obtaining a predetermined item that can be used in the event to a second consideration different from the first consideration.

[0008] Further, the program according to the present invention may be configured such that the predetermined condition is that the reserved number of a specific event for which reservation is possible reaches a predetermined value.

[0009] Further, the program according to the present invention may be configured to set the second consideration until a predetermined period elapses after the establishment of the predetermined condition, set the first consideration outside the predetermined period, and control such that the display mode of a predetermined item in a display means for performing a predetermined display is different between within the predetermined period and outside the predetermined period.

[0010] Further, the program according to the present invention may be configured to cause a computer to execute a process of notifying that the consideration for obtaining a predetermined item is set to the second consideration based on the establishment of the predetermined condition.

[0011] Further, the program according to the present invention may be configured to cause a computer to execute a process of displaying a predetermined item and other items in a display means for performing a predetermined display in a predetermined priority order, and control such that the priority order of the display is different between the case where the first consideration is set and the case where the second consideration is set.

[0012] Further, the program according to the present invention may be configured to cause a computer to execute a process different from the case where a predetermined item is obtained at the second consideration when a predetermined condition is established after obtaining a predetermined item at the first consideration.

[0013] Further, the program according to the present invention may be configured to cause a computer to execute a process of changing a predetermined condition according to the established history.

Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the user's interest in the provided service.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely one aspect for explaining the present invention, and the numerical values and the like shown in the present embodiments are also merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Also, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiments are essential constituent elements of the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals as much as possible, and redundant explanations are omitted, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0017] (Configuration of Information Processing System S) As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system S according to the present embodiment is a so-called client-server system constructed by connecting a server 100 and user terminals 200 via a network 300. In the present embodiment, a case where a game is provided by the information processing system S will be described.

[0018] The information processing system S according to the present embodiment functions as an information processing apparatus in which the server 100 and the user terminals 200 cooperate to provide a game. In the server 100 and the user terminals 200, the execution of various functions in the game and the control related to the progress of the game are respectively shared, and various functions and games are executed by the cooperation of the server 100 and the user terminals 200.

[0019] The server 100 is communicably connected to a plurality of user terminals 200 via the network 300. Each user terminal 200 can transmit and receive various information to and from the server 100 via the network 300. In addition, each user terminal 200 can transmit and receive various information to and from other user terminals 200 via the network 300 or the server 100. The server 100 can store various information (for example, player information) for each user (hereinafter also referred to as a player) who plays a game on the user terminal 200, and can also store various information related to the game. Further, the server 100 can execute processes such as updating the stored information and transmitting (downloading) an image and various information to the user terminal 200 based on an input operation by the user terminal 200. Note that each user terminal 200 may be able to directly transmit and receive various information between the user terminals 200 without going through the network 300 or the server 100 by using its own wireless communication function.

[0020] The network 300 is composed of the Internet, a mobile phone network, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a dedicated line, and the like. The server 100 and the user terminals 200 are connected wirelessly or by wire via the network 300.

[0021] (Hardware Configuration of Server 100) As shown in FIG. 2, the server 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, a memory 120, a storage unit 130, a communication unit 140, an input unit 150, an output unit 160, an input / output interface 170, etc. Hereinafter, the CPU 110, the memory 120, the storage unit 130, the communication unit 140, the input unit 150, the output unit 160, and the input / output interface 170 of the server 100 are also referred to as the server CPU 110, the server memory 120, the server storage unit 130, the server communication unit 140, the server input unit 150, the server output unit 160, and the server input / output interface 170, respectively.

[0022] The server CPU 110 performs various processes such as execution of various functions in the game and progress of the game according to programs and data stored in the server memory 120.

[0023] The server memory 120 is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and stores various programs and data used for execution of various functions in the game and processes such as progress of the game. The server CPU 110 and the server memory 120 are connected to each other via a server internal bus (not shown).

[0024] The server storage unit 130 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc., and stores various programs and data. Programs and data stored in the server storage unit 130 are read out (loaded) into the server memory 120 by the server CPU 110.

[0025] The server communication unit 140 is composed of a communication interface and the like, and transmits and receives information such as various data and programs to and from the user terminal 200 via the network 300. In the server 100, various information is received from the user terminal 200 by the server communication unit 140, and the received various information is stored in the server memory 120 or the server storage unit 130. Also, information regarding the results of various processes executed by the server CPU 110 is transmitted to the user terminal 200 by the server communication unit 140.

[0026] The server input unit 150 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. Based on the input operation by the server input unit 150, various processes such as storing various programs and data in the server memory 120 and the server storage unit 130, and updating (updating) the stored various programs and data are executed.

[0027] The server output unit 160 is composed of a display capable of displaying characters, images, etc., a speaker capable of outputting sound, and the like. The contents of various processes executed based on the input operation by the server input unit 150 are output by the server output unit 160.

[0028] And the server storage unit 130, the server communication unit 140, the server input unit 150, and the server output unit 160 are connected to the server input / output interface 170, and the server input / output interface 170 is connected to a server internal bus (not shown).

[0029] (Hardware Configuration of User Terminal 200) Examples of the user terminal 200 include a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a portable game machine, a stationary game machine installed in a store or at home, and the like. In this embodiment, the case where a smartphone is used as the user terminal 200 will be described as an example.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 2, the user terminal 200 has a CPU 210, a memory 220, a storage unit 230, a communication unit 240, an input unit 250, an output unit 260, an input / output interface 270, etc. Hereinafter, the CPU 210, the memory 220, the storage unit 230, the communication unit 240, the input unit 250, the output unit 260, and the input / output interface 270 of the user terminal 200 are also referred to as a terminal CPU 210, a terminal memory 220, a terminal storage unit 230, a terminal communication unit 240, a terminal input unit 250, a terminal output unit 260, and a terminal input / output interface 270, respectively.

[0031] Note that the terminal CPU 210, the terminal memory 220, the terminal storage unit 230, the terminal communication unit 240, the terminal input unit 250, the terminal output unit 260, a terminal internal bus (not shown), and the terminal input / output interface 270 are substantially the same in configuration and function as a server CPU 110, a server memory 120, a server storage unit 130, a server communication unit 140, a server input unit 150, a server output unit 160, a server internal bus 170, and a server input / output interface 170, respectively. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted except for some parts.

[0032] In the user terminal 200, the terminal CPU 210 and the terminal memory 220 are connected to each other via a terminal internal bus (not shown), the terminal storage unit 230, the terminal communication unit 240, the terminal input unit 250, and the terminal output unit 260 are connected to the terminal input / output interface 270, and the terminal input / output interface 270 is connected to a terminal internal bus (not shown). Also in the user terminal 200, various processes such as execution of various functions in the game and progress of the game are performed according to programs and data stored in the terminal memory 220. Further, in the user terminal 200, various information is received from the server 100 by the terminal communication unit 240, and the received various information is stored in the terminal memory 220 or the terminal storage unit 230. Also, information regarding the results of various processes executed by the terminal CPU 210 is transmitted to the server 100 by the terminal communication unit 240.

[0033] The terminal input unit 250 is composed of, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, a controller, physical buttons, etc. that can input operations on the user terminal 200, and may be mounted on the user terminal 200 itself or provided separately from the user terminal 200 and connected to the user terminal 200 by a connection cable or the like. Further, the terminal input unit 250 may be a microphone capable of voice input, or an acceleration sensor capable of detecting information such as the tilt, movement, vibration, etc. of the user terminal 200 and inputting the detected information. In the present embodiment, the user terminal 200 includes a touch panel 262 that also serves as both the terminal input unit 250 and the terminal output unit 260.

[0034] (Functional Configuration of Information Processing System S) The game provided by the information processing system S according to this embodiment is a simulation game in which a field constructed within a virtual space (game space) is developed. In this simulation game, for example, the player can obtain a price by selling products within the field, and while obtaining the price, the player can install various facilities with the obtained price or purchase items used for the progress of the game, and proceed with the development of the field. Specifically, within the above field, various facilities such as a product sales facility (such as a store) that can sell products (foodstuffs such as cookies, bread, cakes, etc.) to visitors, a product production facility that can produce products (a café that can produce cookies and cakes, a bakery that can produce bread, etc.), and a raw material production facility that can produce raw materials for products (a farm that can produce grains such as wheat, which are raw materials for cookies, bread, cakes, etc., a ranch that can breed cows and chickens for producing (collecting) milk and eggs, which are raw materials for cakes, etc.) can be installed. By selling the products produced by the product production facility at the product sales facility, currency within the game can be obtained as a price. Then, by paying the obtained currency as a price, development items (such as carpentry tools used for installing facilities) for advancing the development of the field or advantageous items for advancing the game advantageously (advantageous items that produce advantageous effects regarding product production (such as production time reduction tickets that shorten the product production time), advantageous items that produce advantageous effects regarding product sales (such as platinum cards that increase the price when a product is sold)) can be acquired, and the expansion of facilities, etc. can be carried out. Also, in this simulation game, experience points can be obtained based on the execution of actions such as product production, sales, and facility expansion, and the level increases according to the obtained experience points. And as the level increases, the types of each facility that can be installed and the types of products that can be produced also increase. Also, in this simulation game, various events are executed such that it becomes possible to produce special products with a large amount of rewards obtained when sold during a predetermined event period. Furthermore, in this simulation game, in addition to the game for advancing the development of the main field, a predetermined puzzle game can be executed subordinately, and by executing this puzzle game, the above rewards and various items can also be acquired. Next, the functional configuration of the information processing system S that provides the above game will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0035] As described above, in the server memory 120, server storage unit 130 of the server 100, terminal memory 220, and terminal storage unit 230 of the user terminal 200, programs for executing the above game, various information related to the game, information about players, game data, etc. are stored. By executing each stored program, the server CPU 110 of the server 100 causes the server 100 to function as a data transmission / reception unit 182, a storage processing unit 184, and a game control unit 186. Also, by executing each stored program, the terminal CPU 210 of the user terminal 200 causes the user terminal 200 to function as a data transmission / reception unit 280, a storage processing unit 282, an operation control unit 284, a game control unit 286, and a screen control unit 288.

[0036] Note that these are functional units given as an example, and the server 100 and the user terminal 200 have various other functional units in addition to the above. Also, each functional unit may be provided in either the server 100 or the user terminal, or functional units that perform the same role may be provided redundantly in both the server 100 and the user terminal 200. Further, in this embodiment, the game control unit 186 of the server 100 and the game control unit 286 of the user terminal 200 are configured to execute all controls related to the game, but functional units that execute each of the various controls executed during the game separately may be provided, and each functional unit may be configured to execute the corresponding control.

[0037] The data transmission / reception unit 182 of the server 100 and the data transmission / reception unit 280 of the user terminal 200 both transmit and receive various types of information and data between the server 100 and the user terminal 200. For example, when the data transmission / reception unit 182 of the server 100 receives login information for logging in to the game from the user terminal 200 at the time of application startup, it transmits information regarding the player corresponding to the login information (e.g., account name, etc.), information regarding the game (current level, acquired experience points, owned facilities, amount of currency owned, types and quantities of items owned, types and quantities of raw materials owned, types and quantities of items owned, etc., information regarding the execution of events, information regarding the execution of sales described later, information regarding the progress of the game, etc.), and game data (various setting information necessary for constructing a virtual space (game space), installable facilities, producible raw materials and items, data such as items that can be acquired, etc.) to the user terminal 200. Further, when the data transmission / reception unit 182 of the server 100 receives information indicating that an operation for executing a puzzle game has been performed from the user terminal 200, it transmits game data corresponding to the puzzle game to the user terminal 200.

[0038] The storage processing unit 184 of the server 100 stores various types of information and data received from the user terminal 200 in the server storage unit 130.

[0039] The storage processing unit 282 of the user terminal 200 stores various types of information and data received from the server 100 in the terminal memory 220 and the terminal storage unit 230.

[0040] The operation control unit 284 of the user terminal 200 receives and controls the player's operations input by the terminal input unit 250 via the touch panel 262. The operation control unit 284 detects the type of input operation (e.g., touch operation, tap operation, swipe operation, flick operation, pinch-in operation, pinch-out operation, etc.) based on the contact position (operation position) on the touch panel 262 and the moving direction (operation direction) from the contact position.

[0041] The game control unit 186 of the server 100 and the game control unit 286 of the user terminal 200 both control the progress of the entire game. In the following, the control performed by the game control unit 286 of the user terminal 200 will be specifically described. Note that the control performed by the game control unit 286 of the user terminal 200 may also be performed by the game control unit 186 of the server 100.

[0042] Based on the game data transmitted from the server 100, the game control unit 286 of the user terminal 200 constructs a field as a virtual space (game space), and places facility objects (stores (product sales facilities), cafes (product production facilities), ranches and farms (raw material production facilities), etc.), character objects (visitors who visit stores, NPCs (Non Player Characters) such as livestock like cows and chickens raised on ranches to produce raw materials, etc.), product objects (raw materials such as wheat produced on farms, products such as cookies and cakes produced in cafes), etc. within the field. The game control unit 286 controls the field and these objects. For example, it performs controls such as making a character object perform a predetermined action and changing the shape of a product object according to the passage of time (for example, the shape of wheat changes as it grows).

[0043] The game control unit 286 advances the game using the input operation detected by the operation control unit 284 as an instruction from the player. For example, it determines touch operations and tap operations on various icons and various objects as "decision" and "selection" operations, and performs corresponding processing.

[0044] The screen control unit 288 of the user terminal 200 controls various screens displayed on the touch panel 262 based on various data stored in the terminal memory 220 and the terminal storage unit 230. For example, the screen control unit 288 generates an image according to the instruction of the game control unit 286 and displays it on the touch panel 262. Also, the screen control unit 288 displays a UI (User Interface) for use in displaying game operations and game information such as icons, buttons, status displays, and menu screens, superimposed on the visible area.

[0045] (Overview of the Game and Control Provided by the Information Processing System S) Next, the game provided by the information processing system S according to the present embodiment and various controls during the game will be described in more detail.

[0046] When starting to execute the game for the first time, the player installs a dedicated game application in the user terminal 200 in advance and registers the player with the server 100 (for example, registers information such as player ID, player name, etc.). After that, when the above application is launched, the game control unit 286 receives various data stored in the server 100 and instructs the screen control unit 288 to display an image related to the game. The screen control unit 288 receives the instruction from the game control unit 286, generates and displays the corresponding image. When the application is launched, a start screen (not particularly shown) for starting the game is displayed on the touch panel 262. When a start operation for starting the game (for example, a tap operation on the start icon for starting the game) is performed on this start screen, the game starts.

[0047] (Main Screen MS) When the game starts, as shown in FIG. 4, the main screen MS of the game is displayed on the touch panel 262. On this main screen MS, a field FD as a virtual space (game space) is displayed, and various facilities (facility objects), NPCs (character objects) such as visitors and livestock, various raw materials (product objects), various icons, etc. are displayed superimposed on this field FD.

[0048] For example, on the field FD in FIG. 4, as facilities owned by the player, there are shown a farm FM (raw material production facility) capable of producing raw materials such as wheat, a bakery BY (product production facility) capable of producing bread as a product, a café CE (product production facility) capable of producing special cookies which are special products handled during the event period, a store SP (product sales facility) for selling products to visitors, as well as an icon I1 for executing a puzzle game, an icon I2 for displaying an item shop screen for purchasing items, an owned currency image CP indicating the amount of currency owned, a level-related image LP indicating the current level and the amount of experience points required to level up to the next level, etc. The owned currency image CP is updated each time currency is obtained, and the level-related image LP is updated each time experience points are acquired or the level is increased. The game control unit 286 controls to display the main screen MS as described above based on information related to the game, game data, etc. received from the server 100.

[0049] Here, in the present embodiment, a product production facility (for example, the bakery BY) capable of producing products other than the above special products (for example, bread) is permanently installed on the field FD once installed, regardless of whether it is the event period or not. In contrast, a product production facility capable of manufacturing the above special products (for example, the café CE, hereinafter also referred to as a special product production facility) can be installed on the field FD only during the event period, and the special product production facility installed during the event period is deleted from the field FD when the event period ends. Thereby, control can be performed to enable the production of special products in the special product production facility only during the event period. In FIG. 4, since the special product production facility is installed, it is shown that it is during the event period. Note that, even after the event period has ended, the special product production facility may be left installed, but after the end of the event period, the production of special products may be controlled to be impossible at the special product production facility. Also, during the event period, instead of installing the special product production facility and making it possible to produce special products only at the special product production facility, it may be controlled to make it possible to produce special products at a product production facility other than the special product production facility without installing the special product production facility.

[0050] And on the main screen MS, the player can produce raw materials such as wheat at the farm FM. In this embodiment, the types of producible raw materials are determined according to the type of raw material production facility (for example, farm, ranch, etc.) and the player's current level. Also, for each raw material, the production time from the start of production to completion is determined. When the player selects a raw material to produce, the production of the raw material starts, and when the determined production time elapses, the raw material is completed, and the player can obtain one unit of the raw material. Specifically, the game control unit 286 controls to display a raw material selection display section (not particularly shown) in response to the farm FM being tapped. Although not particularly shown, the raw material selection display section displays raw material images indicating the raw materials that can be produced at the farm FM according to the player's current level. The game control unit 286 starts counting the production time determined for the target raw material in response to the raw material image being tapped. Thereby, the production of the raw material is started. When the production time elapses, the game control unit 286 increases by one the number of the raw material owned by the player (data stored in the terminal memory 220 and the terminal storage unit 230). Also, the game control unit 286 controls to display a production object related to the raw material at the farm FM with the start of the production of the raw material, and to change the display of the production object so as to indicate that it gradually grows as time passes.

[0051] The game control unit 286 controls to display the in-facility screen of the corresponding facility in response to a tap operation on the bakery BY, café CE, or store SP among the facilities displayed on the field FD. Although details will be described later, by performing a predetermined input operation on the in-facility screen of the bakery BY or the in-facility screen of the café CE, products can be produced. Also, by performing a predetermined input operation on the in-facility screen of the store SP, products can be sold to the visitors to the store SP.

[0052] In response to a tap operation on the icon I1 displayed on the field FD, the game control unit 286 transmits information indicating that an operation for executing a puzzle game has been performed to the server 100. When receiving game data corresponding to the puzzle game from the server 100 that has received the information, the game control unit 286 controls to execute the puzzle game. Although the description of the content of the puzzle game is omitted, depending on the play result of the puzzle game, a predetermined reward (a predetermined amount of currency, a predetermined number of predetermined items, etc.) can be obtained. The game control unit 286 determines the play result when the play of the puzzle game ends and grants a reward corresponding to the play result. For example, when granting 100 pieces of currency as a reward, the amount of currency owned by the player (data stored in the terminal memory 220 or the terminal storage unit 230) is increased by 100. Also, for example, when granting 10 carpentry tools (development items) used for facility installation as a reward, the number of carpentry tools owned by the player (data stored in the terminal memory 220 or the terminal storage unit 230) is increased by 10. Note that the rewards granted by the execution of the puzzle game are not limited to these, and both currency and items may be obtained as rewards in one execution of the puzzle game.

[0053] Also, in the present embodiment, in the terminal memory 220 or the terminal storage unit 230 (or the server memory 120 or the server storage unit 130), as history information regarding the execution of the puzzle game for each player, the total number of times the puzzle game has been executed since the first login, the total amount of currency obtained, the types and total numbers of items obtained, etc. are stored. Each time the puzzle game is executed, the game control unit 286 determines the details of the rewards given and updates the above-mentioned history information.

[0054] In response to the icon I2 displayed on the field FD being tapped, the game control unit 286 controls to display an item shop screen IS for purchasing various items. Although details will be described later, various items can be purchased by performing a predetermined input operation on the item shop screen IS.

[0055] (Facility interior screen of the product production facility) As described above, when the bakery BY or the café CE displayed on the field FD of the main screen MS is tapped, the facility interior screen of these product production facilities is displayed. In the present embodiment, since the facility interior screens of all product production facilities have substantially the same configuration, here, the facility interior screen of the café CE, which is a special product production facility that can be installed only during the event period (hereinafter also referred to as the café facility interior screen CS), will be described as an example, and the description of the facility interior screen of the bakery BY will be omitted.

[0056] In the in-café facility screen CS, players can produce special items such as special cookies that can be produced during the event period. In this embodiment, the types of producible items are determined according to the type of item production facility (for example, special item production facilities (café CE), item production facilities other than special item production facilities (bakery BY), etc.) and the player's current level. Also, for each item, the production time from the start of production to completion is determined. When an operation for producing an item is performed by the player, the production of that item starts, and when the determined production time has elapsed, the item is completed and the player can obtain one such item.

[0057] Also, in this embodiment, in any item production facility, it is not possible to produce multiple items simultaneously, and items are set to be produced one by one. That is, during the production of an item (until the production time has elapsed), it is not possible to start the production of a new item, and when the production of an item ends, it becomes possible to start the production of a new item. Here, in this embodiment, up to a predetermined number (2 in this embodiment), it is possible to reserve the production of an item to be performed after the completion of the current production during the production of an item. If the production of an item is reserved, then immediately after the completion of the previously ongoing item production, the production of the reserved item automatically starts. As a result, each time the production of one item ends, there is no need to perform an operation to produce the next item, and if reservations for production are made up to the predetermined number, then until the production of the predetermined number of items is completed, it is possible to specialize in actions other than item production, such as the production of raw materials in the farm FM or the sale of items in the store SP, so it becomes possible to improve the play efficiency of the game and increase the player's interest.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 5, on the in-café facility screen CS, an in-facility image FP showing equipment, store clerks, etc. arranged in the café CE is displayed. Also, on the in-café facility screen CS, there are provided a product display section MD for displaying a list of product images MP representing products that can be produced in the café CE, and a production status display section PD for displaying products being produced or products for which production is reserved. As shown in FIG. 5, the production status display section PD is provided with one in-production product display area PD1 for displaying the product image MP of the product being produced, and the above-mentioned predetermined number (i.e., two) of in-reservation product display areas PD2 and PD3 for displaying the product images MP of the products for which production is reserved. Further, on the in-café facility screen CS, an icon I3 for displaying the above item shop screen IS is also displayed.

[0059] For example, on the in-café facility screen CS in FIG. 5, the product image MP of a special cookie is displayed in the product display section MD. That is, it is shown that at this point, the only product that can be produced in the café CE is the special cookie. Although not particularly shown, when there are multiple producible products (for example, special cookies, special cakes), the product images MP of these products (that is, the product image MP of the special cookie, the product image MP of the special cake) are displayed in a list in the product display section MD.

[0060] Then, when the production of a product is not being carried out, the game control unit 286 controls to display the owned raw material display section OD and the produced product content display section CD in response to a tap operation on the product image MP displayed in the product display section MD. As shown in FIG. 6, in the owned raw material display section OD, a raw material image RMP indicating the raw materials owned by the player and the quantity of ownership of the raw material are displayed. As shown in FIG. 6, in the produced product content display section CD, the name, production time, raw materials required for production, and the required quantity of the raw material of the product that is the target of the tap operation are displayed, and a production icon I4 for executing the production of the product is also displayed.

[0061] For example, when the product image MP of the special cookie is tapped, in the owned raw material display section OD of FIG. 6, the raw material image RMP of wheat and the fact that the owned quantity of wheat is 6 are displayed, the raw material image RMP of eggs and the fact that the owned quantity of eggs is 5 are displayed, and the raw material image RMP of milk and the fact that the owned quantity of milk is 3 are displayed. That is, it is shown that the player owns 6 wheat, 5 eggs, and 3 milk. Also, in the produced product content display section CD of FIG. 6, the name of the product called special cookie, the fact that the production time of the special cookie is 2 minutes, the fact that the raw material required for the production of the special cookie is wheat and the required quantity is 1 are displayed.

[0062] Then, when the player owns the required quantity of raw materials for producing the target product, in response to the production icon I4 displayed in the produced product content display section CD being tapped, the game control unit 286 starts counting the production time determined for the target product and controls to display the product image MP of the product whose production has started in the production-in-progress product display area PD1 of the production status display section PD. With the start of counting the production time, the production of the product has started. For example, in the production-in-progress product display area PD1 of the production status display section PD in FIG. 7, the product image MP of the special cookie is displayed. That is, it is shown that the special cookie is being produced. Note that when the player does not own the required quantity of raw materials for producing the target product and the production icon I4 is tapped, the above control is not performed. Also, when the production of the product starts, the game control unit 286 reduces the quantity of the above raw materials owned by the player (data stored in the terminal memory 220 and the terminal storage unit 230) by the required quantity.

[0063] In addition, when the production-in-progress product display area PD1 is tapped while the production time is being counted (that is, during the production of the product), the game control unit 286 controls to display the remaining time until the production time elapses in this production-in-progress product display area PD1. Thereby, the remaining time until the production of the product is completed is displayed in the production-in-progress product display area PD1 (see FIG. 7).

[0064] Also, even when the production time is being measured, the game control unit 286 controls to display the owned raw material display unit OD and the produced product content display unit CD in response to a tap operation on the product image MP displayed on the product display unit MD. As shown in FIG. 8, also in this case, similar to the case where a tap operation is performed when the product is not being produced, the owned raw material display unit OD displays the raw material image RMP indicating the raw materials owned by the player and the number of owned raw materials, and the produced product content display unit CD displays the name of the product that is the target of the tap operation, the production time, the raw materials required for production, and the required number of the raw materials. However, different from the case where a tap operation is performed when the product is not being produced, instead of the production icon I4, a reservation icon I5 for executing a reservation for the production of the product is displayed.

[0065] Then, in response to a tap operation on the reservation icon I5 displayed on the produced product content display unit CD, when the product image MP is not displayed in either of the reserved product display areas PD2 and PD3 of the production status display unit PD (that is, when the number of reserved products for production is 0), the game control unit 286 displays it in the reserved product display area PD2, and when the product image MP is displayed in the reserved product display area PD2 and the product image MP is not displayed in the reserved product display area PD3 (that is, when the number of reserved products for production is 1), it controls to display the tapped product image MP (that is, the product image MP of the product that is the target of the production reservation) in the reserved product display area PD3. When the product image MP is displayed in both the reserved display areas PD2 and PD3 (that is, when the number of reserved products for production is 2 (predetermined number)), the game control unit 286 controls not to display the product image MP (that is, not to execute the reservation for the production of the product). For example, in the production status display unit PD of FIG. 9, the in-production product display area PD1 and the reserved product display area PD2 are displayed. That is, it is shown that one reservation for the production of a new special cookie has been made during the production of the special cookie.

[0066] In addition, when the production time elapses for the products being produced, the game control unit 286 increases by one the number of such products owned by the player (data stored in the terminal memory 220 and the terminal storage unit 230). When the production of a product has been reserved, the game control unit 286 starts measuring the production time of the product, and controls to display the product image MP of the product whose production has started in the production-in-progress product display area PD1 of the production status display unit PD. Further, when the main screen MS is being displayed when the production time has elapsed for the product being produced, the game control unit 286 controls to display a product completion notification image FNP indicating that the production of the target product has been completed for the product production facility where the target product was produced. For example, in the main screen MS of FIG. 10, the product image MP of the special cookie is displayed near the café CE which is a special product production facility. That is, it is indicated that the production of the special cookie has been completed at the café CE.

[0067] In addition, when the icon I3 displayed on the café facility screen CS is tapped, the game control unit 286 controls to display the item shop screen IS.

[0068] (In-facility screen of the store SP (product sales facility)) As described above, when the store SP displayed on the field FD of the main screen MS is tapped, the in-facility screen of the store SP (hereinafter also referred to as the store in-facility screen SS) is displayed.

[0069] On the in-store screen SS of the store facility, the player can sell the products ordered by the visiting customers who come to the store. As shown in FIG. 11, on the in-store screen SS of the store facility, an in-store image FP showing the facilities and store clerks arranged in the store SP, and a visitor image VP showing the visitor if there is a visitor are displayed. Further, along with the display of the visitor image VP, a product order image OP showing the type of product ordered by the visitor and the consideration obtained from the sale of the product is displayed. When the player owns the ordered product, a product provision image PP indicating that the player provides the product is displayed. Although not particularly shown, when the player does not own the ordered product, a product shortage image indicating that the player does not own the product (i.e., there is no stock) is displayed.

[0070] When the player owns the ordered product, in response to the tap operation on the product provision image PP showing the product, the game control unit 286 decreases the number of the above products owned by the player (data stored in the terminal memory 220 and the terminal storage unit 230) by one, and increases the currency owned by the player (data stored in the terminal memory 220 and the terminal storage unit 230) by an amount corresponding to the above consideration. As a result, the sale of the product ordered by the visitor is executed.

[0071] (Item Shop Screen IS) As described above, when the icon I2 displayed on the field FD of the main screen MS or the icon I3 displayed on the in-café facility screen CS is tapped, an item shop screen IS for purchasing various items is displayed.

[0072] On the item shop screen IS, the player can purchase various items. In the present embodiment, advantageous items for favorably advancing the above-described game can be purchased on the item shop screen IS. The purchasable advantageous items are classified into categories such as puzzle items for favorably advancing the puzzle game (for example, retry tickets that enable retries during the puzzle game), special items that produce advantageous effects regarding the sale of goods and the installation of facilities (for example, platinum cards that increase the consideration when selling goods), and production time reduction tickets that produce advantageous effects regarding the production of goods, and each category includes one or more items.

[0073] Here, the production time reduction ticket is a beneficial item that can be used during the event period. When used, it shortens the production time of all special products that can be produced at a predetermined special product production facility during the event period, and also increases the predetermined number of production reservations available at the special product production facility. In this embodiment, there are provided a plurality of types of production time reduction tickets with different periods during which the effect occurs and different amounts of currency required for purchase (purchase consideration). Specifically, there are three types: a production time reduction ticket (hereinafter also referred to as ticket A) with an effect occurrence period of 1 day (i.e., the effect expires 1 day after use starts) and a purchase currency amount of 500; a production time reduction ticket (hereinafter also referred to as ticket B) with an effect occurrence period of 6 days (i.e., the effect expires 6 days after use starts) and a purchase currency amount of 1000; and a production time reduction ticket (hereinafter also referred to as ticket C) with an effect occurrence period of 12 days (i.e., the effect expires 12 days after use starts) and a purchase currency amount of 2000. Note that any of the production time reduction tickets can be used in an event targeted at Café CE. When used, it halves the production time of all special products that can be produced at Café CE and increases the predetermined number of production reservations available by 3 (i.e., the upper limit of production reservations becomes 5). Also, in this embodiment, during the use of any production time reduction ticket (i.e., from the start of use until the effect occurrence period has elapsed), new production time reduction tickets cannot be purchased. Further, the production time reduction tickets can be purchased not only during the event period but also outside the event period.

[0074] On the item shop screen IS, as shown in FIG. 12, there is a tab display section TD in which a tab T1 indicating the category of puzzle items, a tab T2 indicating the category of special items, and a tab T3 indicating the category of production time reduction tickets are displayed selectably, and an item display section ID in which purchase images IP of items included in the category corresponding to the selected tab are displayed in a list. The game control unit 286 controls to display the purchase images IP of items included in the category corresponding to the tab on the item display section ID in response to a tap operation on any of the tabs displayed on the tab display section TD.

[0075] For example, when the tab T3 corresponding to the production time reduction ticket is tapped, as shown in FIG. 12, the purchase image IP1 of ticket A, the purchase image IP2 of ticket B, and the purchase image IP3 of ticket C are displayed side by side on the item display section ID. All of these purchase images IP include the period during which the effect occurs (1 day for ticket A, 6 days for ticket B, 12 days for ticket C), an image indicating the type of special product production facility to which it applies (both are the café CE), and the amount of currency required for purchase (500 for ticket A, 1000 for ticket B, 2000 for ticket C). Thus, it becomes possible to grasp each of the above information only by visually recognizing each purchase image IP. Also, since the effects that occur when any of the production time reduction tickets are used are the same, the description of the effect is not included separately in each purchase image IP, and the description of the effect is displayed only at the upper part of the purchase images IP displayed side by side (see FIG. 12). This prevents the display of the item display section ID from becoming redundant and makes it possible to improve visibility.

[0076] In addition, when none of the production time reduction tickets are being used, a tap operation on the purchase image IP displayed on the item display unit ID is detected, and based on the detection of this tap operation, the corresponding production time reduction ticket can be purchased. However, when any of the production time reduction tickets are being used, a tap operation on the purchase image IP displayed on the item display unit ID is not detected, and it is controlled so that the production time reduction ticket cannot be purchased. Also, when any of the production time reduction tickets are being used, all the purchase image IPs on the item display unit ID are grayed out, and a display indicating that it is in use is made for the purchase image IP of the production time reduction ticket in use (see Fig. 16). As a result, the player can grasp that the target production time reduction ticket is being used and that it is not possible to newly purchase a production time reduction ticket.

[0077] Then, in response to the detection of a tap operation on any of the purchase image IPs, the game control unit 286 stores information indicating that the corresponding production time reduction ticket has been purchased in the terminal memory 220 and the terminal storage unit 230, and reduces the currency owned by the player by an amount corresponding to the amount of currency required for the above purchase. As a result, the target production time reduction ticket is considered to have been purchased. Also, the game control unit 286 controls to display a usage confirmation screen US for confirming whether to start using the purchased production time reduction ticket.

[0078] On the usage confirmation screen US, as shown in FIG. 13, the purchase image IP of the purchased production time reduction ticket is displayed, and an inquiry display is made to ask the player whether to start using the production time reduction ticket. Also, on the usage confirmation screen US, a start icon I6 for inputting to start using the production time reduction ticket and a non-start icon I7 for inputting not to start using the production time reduction ticket are also displayed. Although not particularly shown, when a production time reduction ticket is purchased during the event period and the remaining period until the end of the event period is shorter than the occurrence period of the effect defined for the production time reduction ticket, this fact is displayed on the usage confirmation screen US.

[0079] Then, in response to the non-start icon I7 displayed on the usage confirmation screen US being tapped, the game control unit 286 controls to display a caution screen HS (see FIG. 14) that gives a caution about using the production time reduction ticket within the event period. This makes it possible to prevent a situation where the player's interest declines due to the end of the event period without the hard-purchased production time reduction ticket being used. Although not particularly shown, for the production time reduction ticket that has not been started to be used at this point, it can be started to be used by performing a predetermined operation (such as a tap operation on the image indicating the production time reduction ticket) on the owned item display screen where the items owned by the player can be displayed.

[0080] On the other hand, in response to the start icon I6 displayed on the usage confirmation screen US being tapped, the game control unit 286 stores information indicating that the use of the purchased production time reduction ticket has started in the terminal memory 220 and the terminal storage unit 230, starts counting the occurrence period of the effect, and controls to execute an effect activation display SD (see FIG. 15) indicating that the effects of shortening the production time and increasing the number of producible reservations based on the use of the target production time reduction ticket have been activated. This makes it possible to visually grasp that the effect of using the production time reduction ticket has occurred.

[0081] Also, when the use of the above production time reduction ticket is started, in the item display section ID that is displayed when the tab T3 corresponding to the production time reduction ticket is tapped on the item shop screen IS, as described above, all purchase images IP are grayed out, and the use of the target production time reduction ticket is displayed (see Fig. 16). Also, on the main screen MS, a predetermined effect display ED (for example, a display such that the special product production facility (café CE) is lit up (see Fig. 17)) is performed on the special product production facility where the effect of the production time reduction ticket is occurring. Also, on the facility interior screen (café facility interior screen CS) of the above special product production facility, a display indicating that the production time has been halved is performed in the product display section MD, and additional displays of the reserved product display areas PD4, PD5, and PD6 and a countdown display of the remaining time until the effect of the production time reduction ticket ends are performed in the production status display section PD (see Fig. 18). As a result, on various screens, it is possible to grasp that the effect of using the production time reduction ticket is occurring, and it becomes possible to enhance the player's interest. Note that the additionally displayed reserved product display areas PD4, PD5, and PD6 are displayed in a manner different from the reserved product display areas PD2 and PD3 so as to be distinguishable from the reserved product display areas PD2 and PD3 that are initially displayed (see Fig. 18).

[0082] Also, although not particularly illustrated, when purchasing and starting to use a production time reduction ticket, if the target special product production facility is not installed in the field FD, an installation display prompting the player to install the special product production facility is executed. At this time, the effect activation display SD executed based on starting the use of the production time reduction ticket is not executed, and after the special product production facility is installed, the execution of the displays on the various screens described above is started.

[0083] Then, in response to the expiration of the effect occurrence period, the game control unit 286 clears the information indicating that the use of the production time-saving ticket has started, which is stored in the terminal memory 220 and the terminal storage unit 230, and controls to execute an end display EFD (see FIG. 19) indicating that the effect of the used production time-saving ticket has expired. Thereby, it becomes possible to visually recognize that the effect by using the production time-saving ticket has expired. Also, after the expiration of the effect occurrence period, the above-described various displays performed on various screens during the effect occurrence period are no longer executed.

[0084] (Special Sale) In the present embodiment, when a predetermined condition is satisfied when the effect of a predetermined advantageous item does not occur during the event period, a special sale is executed for a predetermined period for the advantageous item that produces the same kind of effect. During the execution of the special sale, the price (the amount of currency required for purchase) for purchasing the advantageous item is set to be different from the price (the amount of currency required for purchase) for purchasing the advantageous item when the special sale is not being executed. On the other hand, even if a predetermined condition is satisfied when the effect of the advantageous item is occurring, a special sale for the advantageous item that produces the same kind of effect is not executed, and the above-described setting is not performed for the price (the amount of currency required for purchase) of the advantageous item.

[0085] Specifically, in this embodiment, when none of the production time-saving tickets are used during the event period, if either of the following predetermined conditions is met: (1) the total number of reservations for the production of special items during the event period reaches a predetermined value (e.g., 500), or (2) the total number of executions of the puzzle game during the event period reaches a predetermined value (e.g., 100 times), a special sale is executed for 3 hours from the establishment of the predetermined condition, and the amount of currency required to purchase Ticket B among the production time-saving tickets is changed from 1000 to 350. That is, when the special sale is executed, it becomes possible to purchase production time-saving tickets with less currency than when the special sale is not executed. Thus, more players can be given the opportunity to use the production time-saving tickets, and it becomes possible to improve the players' interest.

[0086] When the predetermined condition (1) or (2) is met while no production time-saving tickets are being used during the event period, the game control unit 286 sets the amount of currency required to purchase Ticket B to 350 and controls the execution of a sale start display SSD (see FIG. 20) indicating that the special sale has started across the entire touch panel 262. As a result, the special sale is started and the amount of currency required to purchase Ticket B is changed. Also, players can visually recognize that the special sale has started.

[0087] After that, the game control unit 286 controls to display a purchase screen PS at the start of the sale for purchasing ticket B which is the target of the special sale. As shown in FIG. 21, on the purchase screen PS at the start of the sale, a "in progress" display ISD indicating that the special sale is in progress, and a purchase image IP of ticket B which is the target of the special sale are displayed. In addition, a purchase icon I8 for inputting an intention to purchase ticket B and a non-purchase icon I9 for inputting an intention not to purchase ticket B are displayed. Further, the purchase image IP displayed on the purchase screen PS at the start of the sale includes the occurrence period of the effect (6 days), an image indicating the type of the special commodity production facility to be used (café CE), and the amount of currency required for the purchase during the special sale (350). Also, this purchase screen PS at the start of the sale is a screen that is automatically displayed in response to the above-mentioned predetermined conditions being satisfied, and it is possible to purchase ticket B without displaying the above-mentioned item shop screen IS. Therefore, the operation from the start of the special sale to the purchase of ticket B does not become complicated, and it is possible to smoothly let the player purchase ticket B.

[0088] Then, in response to the non-purchase icon I9 displayed on the purchase screen PS at the start of the sale being tapped, if it is during the special sale, the game control unit 286 controls to display a purchase suggestion screen PSD (see FIG. 22) suggesting that it is possible to purchase ticket B from the item shop screen IS. Thereby, it becomes possible to make the player recognize that the opportunity to purchase ticket B during the special sale has not been lost.

[0089] On the other hand, in response to the purchase icon I8 displayed on the purchase screen PS at the start of the sale being tapped, the game control unit 286 stores information indicating that the ticket B has been purchased in the terminal memory 220 and the terminal storage unit 230, and reduces the currency owned by the player by an amount corresponding to the amount of currency (350) required for the purchase during the special sale. As a result, the ticket B that is the target of the special sale is purchased. Further, the game control unit 286 controls to display a use confirmation screen SUS at the start of the sale for confirming whether to start using the purchased ticket B.

[0090] The use confirmation screen SUS at the start of the sale has substantially the same configuration as the above-described use confirmation screen US. On the use confirmation screen SUS at the start of the sale, as shown in FIG. 23, a running display ISD indicating that the special sale is in progress is performed, and a purchase image IP of the purchased ticket B is displayed. Also, similar to the above-described use confirmation screen US, an inquiry display for asking the player whether to start using the ticket B is performed, and a start icon I6 for inputting to start using the ticket B and a non-start icon I7 for inputting not to start using the ticket B are also displayed. Further, when the remaining period until the end of the event period is shorter than the occurrence period (6 days) of the effect defined for the ticket B, this fact is also displayed.

[0091] Also, when the non-start icon I7 is tapped, the above-described caution screen HS (see FIG. 14) is displayed.

[0092] On the other hand, when the start icon I6 is tapped, information indicating that the use of the purchased ticket B has started is stored in the terminal memory 220 and the terminal storage unit 230, the timing of the effective period of the ticket B is started, and an effect activation display SD (see FIG. 15) indicating that the effects of shortening the production time and increasing the number of producible reservations based on the use of the ticket B have been activated is executed. Further, when the use of the ticket B is started, on the item shop screen IS, the main screen MS, the in-café facility screen CS, etc., various displays similar to those when the production-time reduction ticket is purchased from the item shop screen IS are performed (see FIGS. 16 to 18). Explanation of the various displays will be omitted.

[0093] Also, when the ticket B is not purchased on the purchase screen PS at the start of the above-described sale, during the period when the special sale is in progress and the ticket B has not been purchased (that is, the period from the start of the special sale until the ticket B is purchased), on the main screen MS, a sale-in-progress suggestion display SGD indicating that the special sale is in progress is performed for the icon I2 for displaying the item shop screen IS (see FIG. 24), and on the in-café facility screen CS, a sale-in-progress suggestion display SGD is performed for the icon I3 for displaying the item shop screen IS (see FIG. 25).

[0094] Also, during the above period, on the item shop screen IS, when the tab T3 corresponding to the production time reduction ticket is tapped, above the item display section ID that is displayed, the purchase image IP2 of ticket B, which is the target of the special sale, is displayed alone, and at the same time, a display indicating that it is during the special sale and a display explaining the effects produced by using ticket B are made. Below the item display section ID, the purchase image IP1 of ticket A and the purchase image IP3 of ticket C, which are not the targets of the special sale, are displayed side by side (see Fig. 26). That is, unlike when it is not during the special sale, the item display section ID is not displayed with the purchase image IP1 of ticket A, the purchase image IP2 of ticket B, and the purchase image IP3 of ticket C side by side. Instead, the display of the item display section ID is performed in a manner different from outside the special sale period, that is, in a manner that makes it easier to focus on ticket B, which is the target of the special sale. In other words, when it is not during the special sale (when the price of purchasing ticket B has not been changed), ticket B and other production time reduction tickets (tickets A and C) are displayed side by side, so although the display priority order of any production time reduction ticket is the same, during the special sale (when the price of purchasing ticket B has been changed), ticket B is displayed above other production time reduction tickets (tickets A and C), so the display priority order of ticket B is higher than that of other production time reduction tickets. This can make it easier to increase the willingness to purchase ticket B during the special sale and improve the player's interest. Note that during the special sale, it may be set so that the display priority order of ticket B becomes lower than that of other production time reduction tickets (for example, other production time reduction tickets are displayed above ticket B).

[0095] Also, during the above period, on the tab display section TD, a countdown display of the remaining period until the special sale ends is also performed (see Fig. 26). This makes it possible to ensure that the player grasps the remaining period.

[0096] (Processing of the information processing system S) Next, an example of the processing of the information processing system S will be described. Here, among the processes executed on the user terminal 200, the process related to the execution of the special sale will be mainly described, and the description of other processes will be omitted.

[0097] First, the special sale execution process regarding the determination and start of the execution of the special sale will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 27.

[0098] The game control unit 286 determines whether it is during the event period (step 100). If it is during the event period (Y in step 100), it determines whether the production time reduction ticket is in use (step 101). If the production time reduction ticket is not in use (N in step 101), it determines whether a predetermined condition for executing the special sale is satisfied (step 102). If the predetermined condition is satisfied (Y in step 102), it stores in the terminal memory 220 and the terminal storage unit 230 that the special sale has started (step 103), changes the currency required to purchase ticket B to 350 (step 104), and controls the execution of the sale start display SSD and the display of the purchase screen PS at the start of the sale (steps 105 and 106). Then, the special sale execution process ends. On the other hand, if it is not during the event period (N in step 100), if the production time reduction ticket is not in use (Y in step 101), and if the predetermined condition is not satisfied (N in step 102), the game control unit 286 ends the special sale execution process.

[0099] Next, the process during the display of the purchase screen PS at the start of the sale will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 28.

[0100] The game control unit 286 determines whether the purchase screen PS at the start of the sale is being displayed (step 200). If the screen is being displayed (Y in step 200), it determines whether the purchase icon I8 has been tapped (step 201). If the purchase icon I8 has been tapped (Y in step 201), it executes various processes related to the purchase of the ticket B (step 202) and controls to display the usage confirmation screen SUS at the start of the sale (step 203). Then, the process during the display of the purchase screen at the start of the sale ends. On the other hand, if the purchase icon I8 has not been tapped (N in step 201), the game control unit 286 determines whether the non-purchase icon I9 has been tapped (step 204). If the non-purchase icon I9 has been tapped (Y in step 204), it controls to display the purchase suggestion screen PSD (step 205). Then, the process during the display of the purchase screen at the start of the sale ends. Also, if the purchase screen PS at the start of the sale is not being displayed (N in step 200) and the non-purchase icon I9 has not been tapped (N in step 204), the game control unit 286 ends the process during the display of the purchase screen at the start of the sale.

[0101] Next, the process during the display of the usage confirmation screen SUS at the start of the sale will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 29.

[0102] The game control unit 286 determines whether or not the use confirmation screen SUS at the start of the sale is being displayed (step 300). If the screen is being displayed (Y in step 300), it determines whether or not the start icon I6 has been tapped (step 301). If the start icon I6 has been tapped (Y in step 301), it executes various processes related to the start of using the ticket B (step 302), and controls to execute various displays based on the start of using the ticket B on various screens (step 303). Then, it ends the process during the display of the use confirmation screen at the start of the sale. On the other hand, if the start icon I6 has not been tapped (N in step 301), the game control unit 286 determines whether or not the non-start icon I7 has been tapped (step 304). If the non-start icon I7 has been tapped (Y in step 304), it controls to display the caution screen HS (step 305). Then, it ends the process during the display of the use confirmation screen at the start of the sale. Also, if the game control unit 286 is not displaying the use confirmation screen SUS at the start of the sale (N in step 300), and the non-start icon I7 has not been tapped (N in step 304), it ends the process during the display of the use confirmation screen at the start of the sale.

[0103] Next, the non-purchase period process during the special sale when the ticket B has not been purchased will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 30.

[0104] The game control unit 286 determines whether or not it is during the special sale (step 400). If it is during the special sale (Y in step 400), it determines whether or not the ticket B has been purchased (step 401). If the ticket B has not been purchased (N in step 401), it controls to execute various displays on various screens based on the fact that the ticket B has not been purchased although it is during the special sale (step 402). Then, it ends the non-purchase period process during the sale. On the other hand, if it is not during the special sale (N in step 400), and the ticket B has been purchased (Y in step 401), it ends the non-purchase period process during the sale.

[0105] (Modification example) As described above, one aspect of the embodiment according to the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist thereof.

[0106] (1) In the above embodiment, as predetermined conditions for executing a special sale in which the price for purchasing a predetermined advantageous item (production-time short ticket) is changed, it was determined that the total number of reservations for the production of special items made during the event period reaches a predetermined value, and the total number of times the puzzle game was executed during the event period reaches a predetermined value. However, the predetermined conditions are not limited to these. For example, the situation where the player will desire the advantageous item (for example, when a mission with a clear condition that the production quantity of special items reaches a predetermined number during the event period, the remaining time of the event period is a predetermined time or less, and the remaining production quantity until reaching the predetermined number is a specific number or more, the number of visitors who could not purchase special items due to stock shortage reaches a predetermined number or more, etc.) may be determined. Further, the predetermined conditions may be changed to different contents (for example, conditions with a high degree of difficulty of establishment, conditions with a low degree of difficulty of establishment) according to a predetermined history related to the game becoming predetermined contents (for example, the number of logins reaches a predetermined value, the number of installations of facilities reaches a predetermined value, etc.). Even in the case as described above, the same operational effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained, and the willingness to purchase the advantageous item can be further enhanced.

[0107] (2) In the above embodiment, the advantageous item subject to special sale (change in the consideration for purchase when predetermined conditions are met) was defined as ticket B among the production-time short tickets, but it is not limited to this. For example, production-time short tickets other than ticket B may be made the above subject, or advantageous items other than production-time short tickets may be made the above subject. Also, each time a predetermined condition is met, the advantageous item to be the above subject may be randomly selected, or the advantageous item to be the above subject may vary according to the established predetermined conditions (for example, the advantageous item to be the above subject changes according to the difficulty level of the established predetermined condition (the higher the difficulty level of the established predetermined condition, the higher the advantageous item with a higher advantageous degree becomes the above subject, etc.)). Even in the case of the above, the same operational effects as in the above embodiment can be achieved, and the variations in the setting of the advantageous item subject to special sale can be enriched.

[0108] (3) In the above embodiment, when a predetermined condition was met, the consideration for the purchase of the advantageous item to be the subject was changed, but the content of the change is not limited to this. For example, the effect that occurs when the advantageous item to be the subject is used is changed (for example, when the advantageous item to be the subject is a production-time short ticket, the effect of "the production time is halved" is changed to the effect of "the production time is reduced to 1 / 4", the effect of "being able to produce a plurality of products simultaneously" is set, etc.), the purchasable quantity of the advantageous item to be the subject is changed, etc. Even in the case of the above, the same operational effects as in the above embodiment can be achieved, and the variations in the change when a predetermined condition is met can be enriched.

[0109] Before using the purchased advantageous item, if a special sale is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied and the consideration for the purchase of the advantageous item is changed, measures may be taken so as not to give the player a sense of loss. For example, currency corresponding to the difference in the consideration for the purchase may be added to the currency owned by the player (i.e., cashback corresponding to the difference), or the consideration for the purchase may be further reduced compared to the consideration for the purchase in the special sale when the advantageous item has not been purchased in advance, or the number of purchasable advantageous items may be increased, or the content of the predetermined condition under which the consideration for the purchase will be changed may be changed (for example, as a predetermined condition, one with a lower difficulty of satisfaction is added, etc.). Also, the content of the above measures may change according to the length of the period from when the advantageous item is purchased until the special sale is executed (for example, the shorter the period from when the advantageous item is purchased until the special sale is executed, the larger the amount of currency cashbacked to the player). Even in the case of the above, the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and the player's sense of loss can be reduced.

[0110] (5) In the above-described embodiment, the production-time short ticket could be acquired by paying a predetermined consideration, but it is not limited thereto. For example, when predetermined acquisition conditions (e.g., achieving a predetermined play result in a puzzle game, the total play time of the game reaching a predetermined time, the total production quantity of a predetermined product reaching a predetermined number, etc.) are satisfied, the production-time short ticket may be acquired without paying a consideration. And when the production-time short ticket is acquired without paying a consideration, the effect may be activated such that the use is automatically started at the time of acquisition without performing an operation for starting the use. Also, during the use of the owned production-time short ticket, if the above-described predetermined acquisition conditions are satisfied and the production-time short ticket is acquired without paying a consideration, the effect of the production-time short ticket may be activated at the time of this acquisition. For example, the occurrence period of the effect may be extended or the content of the effect may be changed (e.g., the production time is shortened to 1 / 4, 6 is added to the upper limit number of production reservations, etc.) by the amount of the newly activated production-time short ticket. Even in the case of the above, the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and the degree of advantage of the production-time short ticket can be further enhanced.

[0111] (6) In the above-described embodiment, the consideration for purchasing the target advantageous item is changed only when predetermined conditions are satisfied within the event period, but it is not limited thereto. For example, even outside the event period, when predetermined conditions are satisfied, the consideration for purchasing the target advantageous item may be changed. Also, in such a case, the predetermined conditions outside the event period and the predetermined conditions within the event period may have the same content or different contents. Further, the difficulty level of satisfying the predetermined conditions may be different between outside the event period and within the event period (e.g., setting a predetermined condition with a higher (or lower) difficulty level of satisfaction outside the event period than within the event period). Even in the case of the above, the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and the interest in the execution of the special sale can be further improved.

[0112] (7) In the above-described embodiment, during the activation of the production time reduction ticket effect, it was not possible to newly purchase a production time reduction ticket (a beneficial item that produces the same kind of effect). However, it is not limited to this. Even during the activation of the production time reduction ticket effect, it may be possible to newly purchase a production time reduction ticket, and multiple production time reduction tickets may be used repeatedly. Even in such a case, the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and the interest in the production time reduction ticket can be further improved.

[0113] (8) If a predetermined period has elapsed since the purchase of the purchased production time reduction ticket without it being used, the production time reduction ticket may be forced to be used. Even in such a case, the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and a situation where the event period ends without the production time reduction ticket being used can be prevented.

[0114] (9) In the above-described embodiment, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the price of purchasing a predetermined beneficial item is changed to be lower (cheaper). However, it is not limited to this. For example, when it is determined that the progress of the game is relatively fast at the start of the event (for example, the level is higher than a predetermined value above the average of all users, the currency, facilities, items, etc. owned are more than a predetermined value above the average of all users, etc.), the price of purchasing a predetermined beneficial item may be changed to be higher to reduce the user's willingness to purchase the beneficial item. Also, when a predetermined illegal operation (for example, illegally modifying the data stored in the terminal memory 220 or the terminal storage unit 230) is performed during the event period, the price of purchasing a predetermined beneficial item may also be changed to be higher. In such a case, the averaging of the game progress and the prevention of illegal operations by users can be achieved.

[0115] (10) In the above embodiment, when it is not during the special sale, ticket B and other production-time-shortening tickets are displayed side by side, and during the special sale, ticket B is displayed above other production-time-shortening tickets, so that the display priority of the production-time-shortening tickets is made different between when it is not during the special sale and when it is during the special sale. However, the display mode for making the priorities different is not limited to this. For example, the size of the area where ticket B is displayed may be made larger than the area where other production-time-shortening tickets are displayed. Also, ticket B may be displayed over other production-time-shortening tickets. Further, a special effect display may be performed only on the display area of ticket B. Even in the case of the above, the same operational effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved, and the variations in the display of the production-time-shortening tickets can be enriched.

[0116] (11) Each process in the above embodiment may be executed by at least one of the server 100 and the user terminal 200, and the execution timing and the device for execution are not particularly limited. Also, the functions of the server 100 may be provided by a single server 100, or may be distributed and provided by a plurality of servers 100. Even in the case of the above, the same operational effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved.

[0117] (12) In the above embodiment, a smartphone is used as the user terminal 200, and the game can be executed by a dedicated application installed in the user terminal 200. However, the type of the user terminal 200 and the tool for executing the game are not limited to this. For example, a personal computer may be used as the user terminal 200, or the game may be made executable by a general web browser. Also, in this case, the game may be made progressable by a drag operation or a click operation using a mouse. Even in the case of the above, the same operational effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved.

[0118] (13) Although the information processing system S of the above embodiment provides games, the processing and control as in the above embodiment may be executed in an information processing system S that provides general services other than games, such as online shopping. For example, in an information processing system S that provides an online shopping service, when the number of visits to a shopping site or the number of purchases during a predetermined period reaches a specific value, processing may be executed such that the purchase price of a predetermined product is changed. Even in the case as described above, similar to the above embodiment, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the user's interest in the provided service.

[0119] (14) The program for executing the processing in the above embodiment may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and provided as the storage medium. Further, the above embodiment may be an information processing apparatus that stores the above program and can execute the same processing as the information processing system S alone, or may be an information processing method for realizing each function and the steps shown in the flowchart.

[0120] Note that the consideration for purchases outside the special sale in the above embodiment corresponds to an example of the first consideration of the present invention. The ticket B in the above embodiment corresponds to an example of a predetermined item of the present invention. The consideration for purchases within the special sale in the above embodiment corresponds to an example of the second consideration of the present invention. The production of special products in the above embodiment corresponds to an example of a specific event in which a reservation for execution of the present invention is possible. The item display section ID on the item shop screen IS in the above embodiment corresponds to an example of the display means of the ticket of the above embodiment. The tickets A and C in the above embodiment correspond to examples of other items of the present invention.

[0121] (Supplementary Note) Hereinafter, some of the features of the present invention will be described.

[0122] <Problem> For example, improve the user's interest in the provided service. <Solution> (1) A program that causes a computer to execute a process of setting, based on a predetermined condition being satisfied during the progress of an event, the consideration for obtaining a predetermined item usable in the event to a second consideration different from a first consideration. (2) A program according to (1), wherein the predetermined condition is that the number of reservations for a specific event for which reservation is possible reaches a predetermined value. (3) A program according to (1) or (2) that sets the second consideration until a predetermined period elapses after the predetermined condition is satisfied, sets the first consideration outside the predetermined period, and controls so that the display mode of a predetermined item in a display means for performing a predetermined display is different between within the predetermined period and outside the predetermined period. (4) A program according to (1) that causes a computer to execute a process of notifying that, based on a predetermined condition being satisfied, the consideration for obtaining a predetermined item is set to the second consideration. (5) A program according to (1) that causes a computer to execute a process of displaying a predetermined item and other items in a predetermined priority order in a display means for performing a predetermined display, and controls so that the priority order of the display is different between when the first consideration is set and when the second consideration is set. (6) A program according to (1) that causes a computer to execute a process different from when obtaining a predetermined item at the second consideration when a predetermined condition is satisfied after obtaining a predetermined item at the first consideration. (7) A program according to (1) that causes a computer to execute a process of changing a predetermined condition according to the history of satisfaction. Note that the solution means configured by the above program may be appropriately applied to the fields of devices, systems, methods, and media. <Effect> According to the program of (1) above, for example, the user's interest in the provided service can be improved. According to the program of (2) above, for example, the consideration for obtaining an item can be changed according to the number of reservations for a specific event. According to the program of (3) above, for example, it is possible to determine whether it is within a predetermined period or outside the predetermined period based on the display mode of the item. According to the program in (4) above, for example, it is possible to surely grasp the setting of consideration based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions. According to the program in (5) above, for example, it is possible to more strongly emphasize that the second consideration is set. According to the program in (6) above, for example, it is possible to make the processing when a predetermined item is acquired rich in variations. According to the program in (7) above, for example, it is possible to make the opportunity for setting the second consideration rich in variations.

Explanation of Signs

[0123] S Information processing system MS Main screen CS In-café facility screen IS Item shop screen 100 Server 200 User terminal 262 Touch panel 284 Operation control unit 286 Game control unit 288 Screen control unit

Claims

1. A program that causes a computer to execute a process of setting, based on a predetermined condition being satisfied during the progress of an event, the consideration for obtaining a predetermined item that can be used in the event to a second consideration different from a first consideration.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the number of reservations for a specific event for which reservation is possible reaches a predetermined value.

3. Set the second consideration until a predetermined period elapses after the predetermined condition is satisfied, and set the first consideration outside the predetermined period, The program according to claim 1 or 2, which controls so that the display mode of a predetermined item in a display means for performing a predetermined display is different between within the predetermined period and outside the predetermined period.

4. The program according to claim 1, which causes a computer to execute a process of notifying that, based on a predetermined condition being satisfied, the consideration for obtaining a predetermined item is set to the second consideration.

5. Causes a computer to execute a process of displaying a predetermined item and other items in a predetermined display means in a predetermined priority order, The program according to claim 1, which controls so that the priority order of the display is different between when the first consideration is set and when the second consideration is set.

6. The program according to claim 1, which causes a computer to execute a process different from when a predetermined item is obtained at the second consideration when a predetermined condition is satisfied after obtaining a predetermined item at the first consideration.

7. The program according to claim 1, which causes a computer to execute a process of changing a predetermined condition according to the established history.

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