Program, information processing device, and control method

Abstract

To provide a program, an information processing device, and a control method for improving the convenience of a game.SOLUTION: A program causes information processing devices 11, 12 to execute the steps for: storing the state and holding period of a game part; associating a specific game medium with the game part associated therewith with a user; determining the game part in a first state in the case of being outside the holding period; determining the game part in a second state in the case of being within the holding period; determining the game part in a third state in acquiring a holding request when the game part is in the first state or the second state; and a play step for allowing a user to play the game part on the basis of set information of the game part when the state of the game part is the second state or the third state. In the play step, different set information is used in accordance with the states of the game part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, an information processing apparatus, and a control method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a game executed by an information processing apparatus, a configuration in which game parts such as events in the game are held for a limited period is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a team battle is implemented as a limited-time event in a battle game having two battle modes: a normal battle and a team battle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The limited-time events held in conventional games are not necessarily highly convenient for users. For example, in conventional games, the holding period is predetermined in the game program, or the holding period is determined by a game operator who distributes data necessary for holding the event. Since the thus determined holding period does not take into account the convenience of the user, the user may not be able to play the game during the holding period of the event. Therefore, there has been room for improvement in the convenience of games that hold limited-time events.

[0005] In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a program, an information processing apparatus, and a control method for improving the convenience of games.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the program according to the present invention in an information processing apparatus that controls a game including a game part for a user to play, a step of storing, in a storage unit, the state of the game part and a holding period indicating a predetermined period, in association with the game part; a step of associating a specific game medium associated with the game part with the user; a first step of setting the state of the game part to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited when the current time is outside the holding period; a second step of setting the state of the game part to a second state in which play by the user is permitted when the current time is within the holding period; when a holding request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is acquired while the state of the game part is in the first state or the second state, a third step of setting the state of the game part to a third state in which play by the user is permitted; a play step of causing the user to play the game part based on the setting information of the game part when the state of the game part is in the second state or the third state, In the play step, different setting information is used depending on whether the state of the game part is in the second state or the third state.

[0007] Also, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus that controls a game including a game part for a user to play, comprising a storage unit that stores the state of the game part and a holding period indicating a predetermined period, in association with the game part, and a control unit, The control unit associates a specific game medium associated with the game part with the user, when the current time is outside the holding period, sets the state of the game part to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited, When the current time is within the holding period, set the state of the game part to a second state in which play by the user is permitted. When an information request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is acquired while the state of the game part is in the first state or the second state, set the state of the game part to a third state in which play by the user is permitted. When the state of the game part is in the second state or the third state, perform a play process for playing the game part based on the setting information of the game part. In the play process, different setting information is used according to whether the state of the game part is in the second state or the third state.

[0008] Also, the control method according to the present invention is a control method of a game including a game part for allowing a user to play, which is performed using an information processing apparatus, wherein a control unit of the information processing apparatus stores in a storage unit, in association with the game part, a state of the game part and a holding period indicating a predetermined period; associates a specific game medium associated with the game part with the user; a first step of setting the state of the game part to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited when the current time is outside the holding period; a second step of setting the state of the game part to a second state in which play by the user is permitted when the current time is within the holding period; a third step of setting the state of the game part to a third state in which play by the user is permitted when an information request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is acquired while the state of the game part is in the first state or the second state; and a play step of playing the game part based on the setting information of the game part when the state of the game part is in the second state or the third state. In the play step, different setting information is used according to whether the state of the game part is in the second state or the third state.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the program, information processing apparatus, and control method of the present invention, the convenience of the game is improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0012] First, a game system including a server device and a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a server device 11 and a plurality of terminal devices 12. In FIG. 1, for simplicity, only one terminal device 12 is illustrated.

[0013] The server device 11 is an information processing device such as a server managed by a game operator, and provides a game (game data) to the terminal device 12 owned by each user. The terminal device 12 is an information processing device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PC, or a game device, and executes the game provided by the server device 11. In this way, the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 cooperate to control the game provided to the user of the terminal device 12.

[0014] Here, an outline of the game according to the present embodiment will be described. The game according to the present embodiment is a game in which a user can play various game parts using, for example, a game medium.

[0015] The game medium is electronic data used in the game, and includes any medium such as, for example, cards, items, tickets, characters, and avatars. The game medium is electronic data that can be acquired, owned, used, managed, exchanged, synthesized, strengthened, sold, discarded, or gifted by the user within the game, but the usage mode of the game medium is not limited to those explicitly described in this specification.

[0016] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, "game media owned by a user" refers to game media associated with a user ID of a user. Furthermore, "granting game media to a user" refers to associating the game media with a user ID. Furthermore, "discarding game media owned by a user" refers to dissociating the association between a user ID and the game media. Furthermore, "consuming game media owned by a user" refers to the possibility of causing some effect or influence in the game in response to dissociation of the association between a user ID and the game media. Furthermore, "selling game media owned by a user" refers to dissociating the association between a user ID and the game media, and associating the user ID with other game media (e.g., virtual currency or items, etc.). Furthermore, "transferring game media owned by user A to user B" refers to dissociating the association between user A's user ID and the game media, and associating the game media with user B's user ID.

[0017] Moreover, the game part is a content that the user can play in the game, and includes, for example, quests, missions, mini-games, item acquisition events, dungeon exploration events, and battle events with opponents (for example, other users, enemy characters, enemy buildings, etc.). For example, when it is determined that a predetermined condition (for example, a game task) set for each game part has been successfully achieved, the user may be given a predetermined reward, for example, a game medium and virtual currency. The game task may be any task according to the content of the game part, such as a task of winning a battle against an enemy character or a task of reaching the goal of a dungeon. In the following description, the state in which the user is permitted to play the game part (a second state or a third state described later) is set, which is also referred to as holding a game part. Furthermore, the achievement of a specific task (a clear task) among the game tasks set for a game part is also referred to as clearing the game part. In other words, when it is determined that a clear task has been successfully achieved in the game part, the game part is determined to be cleared, and the game part ends.

[0018] In this embodiment, the game part includes a game part that is held constantly (i.e., playing is constantly permitted) and a game part that is held for a limited period (i.e., playing is permitted only within a predetermined holding period). Hereinafter, the game part that is held for a limited period will be described, and the game part that is held for a limited period will also be simply referred to as the game part.

[0019] Generally, in the game according to this embodiment, a user can acquire a specific game medium, which is a ticket in this embodiment. One or more game parts are associated with the ticket. By consuming the ticket owned in the game, the user can forcibly hold the game part associated with the ticket even outside the holding period.

[0020] (Configuration of Server Device) Next, the configuration of the server device 11 will be described. The server device 11 includes a server communication unit 13, a server storage unit 14, and a server control unit 15.

[0021] The server communication unit 13 is an interface that communicates with an external device wirelessly or wiredly and transmits and receives information. The server communication unit 13 can transmit and receive information to and from the terminal device 12 via a network 16 such as the Internet, for example.

[0022] The server storage unit 14 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device, and can store various information and programs necessary for providing and controlling the game. For example, the server storage unit 14 stores information about each user, such as the user's ID and name, the user's game parameters (for example, parameters used in the game such as the level and stamina described later), and the game medium and virtual currency associated with the user. Hereinafter, the user's ID or name will also be simply referred to as the user. The server storage unit 14 also stores information about the game part, information about the specific game medium, and setting information of the game part.

[0023] (Information about Game Part) First, information regarding the game parts will be described. As shown in, for example, FIG. 2, the information regarding the game parts includes information indicating play conditions, a holding period, a state, and playability, in association with the ID or name of the game parts.

[0024] The ID or name of the game part is information that can uniquely identify the game part. Hereinafter, the ID or name of the game part will also be simply referred to as the game part. In FIG. 2, four game parts GP001 - GP004 are illustrated, but the number of game parts may be arbitrarily determined.

[0025] The play conditions are information used to determine whether to permit playing of the game part. In the present embodiment, in order to permit playing of the game part, it is necessary that both the play conditions are satisfied and, as will be described later, the current time is within the holding period. The play conditions are conditions that can be determined based on arbitrary information unique to the user, such as predetermined parameters such as the user's level or stamina, the achievement level of the game, the play history of the game part, the total play time, and the login history. In FIG. 2, for example, for game part GP001, a play condition of "level 50 or higher" is set. In such a case, in order to permit playing of game part GP001, at least the user's level needs to be 50 or higher. Since the same applies to game parts GP002 - GP004 as to GP001, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0026] Also, as will be described later, a parameter of "cost" is set for each game part, and the above-described play conditions further include a condition that "the current value or maximum value of stamina is equal to or greater than the cost". Here, the current value of the user's stamina increases (recovers), for example, in accordance with the passage of time or the use of a predetermined game medium (for example, an item). Also, the maximum value of the user's stamina increases, for example, in accordance with an increase in the user's level.

[0027] The holding period is information used to determine whether to permit the play of the game part, together with the play conditions described above. In the present embodiment, the holding period is, for example, a period arbitrarily determined by the game operator. In FIG. 2, for example, the holding period of the game part GP001 is "2016 / 02 / 29 12:00 - 13:00". In such a case, in order to permit the play of the game part GP001, it is necessary that at least the current time is between 12:00 and 13:00 on February 29, 2016. Since the game parts GP002 - GP004 are the same as GP001, the description thereof is omitted.

[0028] The state is determined based on the play conditions, holding period, and use of a specific game medium (in this embodiment, a ticket) described later, and is stored, for example, for each user. In the present embodiment, there are four states: the first state - the fourth state. Also, whether play is permitted or not indicates permission or prohibition of play determined according to the first state - the fourth state.

[0029] Specifically, the first state indicates a state where the current time is outside the holding period. The game part in the first state is determined to be "Play prohibited (outside the holding period)". Also, the second state indicates a state where the play conditions are satisfied and the current time is within the holding period. The game part in the second state is determined to be "Play permitted". Also, the third state indicates a state where the play conditions are satisfied and the ticket corresponding to the game part has been used. The third state takes precedence over the first state and the second state described above. The game part in the third state is determined to be "Play permitted (ticket used)". Also, the fourth state indicates a state where the play conditions are not satisfied. The game part in the fourth state is determined to be "Play prohibited (play conditions not achieved)".

[0030] (Information regarding the specific game medium) Next, information regarding a specific game medium will be described. Information regarding the specific game medium is stored for each user, for example. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the information regarding the specific game medium includes one or more game parts and a restriction setting, associated with the specific game medium owned by the user, that is, the specific game medium associated with the user.

[0031] In the present embodiment, when a specific game medium is used (for example, as will be described later, when the server device 11 acquires a request to hold a game part from the terminal device 12 and cancels the association between the specific game medium and the user), among the one or more game parts associated with the specific game medium, the state of at least one game part is determined to be a state in which play is permitted (third state). Specific processing of the server device 11 for determining at least one game part to be in the third state will be described later.

[0032] The restriction setting is information set for the game part that has become the third state by using the specific game medium, and indicates the condition for canceling the third state. In the present embodiment, the restriction setting is information indicating the restricted number of times that play or clearance of the game part is permitted, or the restricted time during which play of the game part is permitted. Specifically, when the game part determined to be in the third state is played or cleared the restricted number of times, the game part changes from the third state to another state. Alternatively, when the restricted time has elapsed since the game part was determined to be in the third state, the game part changes from the third state to another state. In the following description, the specific game medium for determining the restricted number of times that play or clearance is permitted is referred to as the first specific game medium or "ticket A", and the specific game medium for determining the restricted time during which play is permitted is also referred to as the second specific game medium or "ticket B".

[0033] For example, in FIG. 3, the game part GP001 is associated with the first specific game medium, the ticket A1, and the limited number of times is "twice". Also, for the ticket A2, which is the first specific game medium, four game parts, GP001 - GP004, are associated with it, and the limited number of times is "once". Further, for the ticket B1, which is the second specific game part, the game part GP003 is associated with it, and the limited time is "30 minutes".

[0034] In the information regarding the specific game medium of the present embodiment, as described above, one limited number of times or one limited time is associated with one specific game medium. However, the configuration of the information regarding the specific game medium is not limited to this. For example, in the information regarding the specific game medium, when a plurality of game parts are associated with one specific game medium, a plurality of limited numbers of times or a plurality of limited times may be respectively associated with the plurality of game parts.

[0035] (Game part setting information) Next, the setting information of the game part will be described. The setting information is information indicating various settings regarding the game part and is stored for each game part. In the present embodiment, for each game part, the setting information corresponding to the second state and the setting information corresponding to the third state are associated. When the game part is executed (for example, when the server device 11 acquires a game part execution request from the terminal device 12 as described later), the setting information corresponding to the state (second state or third state) of the game part is read. Then, based on the read setting information, the game part is executed.

[0036] The setting information includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, cost, information regarding the continuation of play, difficulty, and information regarding rewards.

[0037] Cost is information used to determine the play conditions described above. For example, as described above, the play conditions for each game part include the condition that "the current value or maximum value of stamina is equal to or greater than the cost". As will be described later, when a game part is executed (for example, when the server device 11 acquires a game part execution request from the terminal device 12 as described later), the cost of the game part is subtracted from the user's stamina.

[0038] For example, in FIG. 4, the cost corresponding to the second state is "10", and the cost corresponding to the third state is "1". In this way, the cost corresponding to the second state and the cost corresponding to the third state may be different or the same.

[0039] Preferably, the cost corresponding to the third state is smaller than the cost corresponding to the second state. With such a configuration, for example, when the game part becomes the third state by using the second specific game medium, since the current value of the user's stamina is less than the cost and the game part cannot be executed, the restriction time elapses and the third state is canceled, etc., the occurrence of a situation that can be disadvantageous to the user is suppressed.

[0040] Also, a condition for canceling the state where the cost corresponding to the third state is smaller than the cost corresponding to the second state may be set. Specifically, the cost corresponding to the third state is smaller than the cost corresponding to the second state only until the number of play times or the number of clear times reaches a predetermined number, and increases when the number of play times or the number of clear times exceeds the predetermined number, and may become the same value as the cost corresponding to the second state, for example. Or, the cost corresponding to the third state is smaller than the cost corresponding to the second state only until the elapsed time since the game part was set to the third state reaches a predetermined time, and increases when the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time, and may become the same value as the cost corresponding to the second state, for example. With such a configuration, the occurrence of a situation where the game balance may be disrupted, such as a situation where the cost corresponding to the third state is set to zero or an extremely small value and continues, is suppressed.

[0041] Information regarding continuation of play is information used for processing to continue play (for example, processing for continuation) that can be executed when the play cannot be continued (for example, in a game over state) during play of a game part. For example, when a game over occurs during play of a game part and continuation is executed, the user can continue the game part. On the other hand, when a game over occurs during play of a game part and continuation is not executed, the game over is finalized and the game part ends.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the information regarding continuation of play includes information indicating whether continuation is possible in the case of a game over and information indicating the user resources (for example, a game medium or virtual currency associated with the user, etc.) consumed for continuation, but the information included in the information regarding continuation of play is not limited to these. For example, the information regarding continuation of play may further include information indicating the limited number of times continuation can be executed.

[0043] For example, in FIG. 4, the information regarding continuation of play corresponding to the second state is "Continuation possible (consume 5 virtual currencies)". In such a case, the user can execute continuation even if a game over occurs during play of the game part in the second state by consuming 5 virtual currencies. On the other hand, the information regarding continuation of play corresponding to the third state is "Continuation not possible". In such a case, the user cannot execute continuation even if a game over occurs, for example, during play of the game part in the third state. Thus, the information regarding continuation of play corresponding to the second state and the information regarding continuation of play corresponding to the third state may be different or may be the same.

[0044] The difficulty indicates the difficulty of the game tasks that the user should achieve in the game part. For example, in FIG. 4, the difficulty corresponding to the second state is "high". In such a case, the difficulty of the game tasks in the game part in the second state becomes high. When the difficulty of the game tasks becomes high, for example, the number or strength of enemy characters increases, or the distance to the dungeon goal becomes longer. The difficulty is not limited to "high" or "low", and may include any information related to the difficulty of the game tasks, such as information about enemy characters or dungeon map data.

[0045] The information about the reward is the information about the reward that can be given to the user when a predetermined condition is achieved in the game part. The predetermined condition includes, for example, the game tasks set in the game part, but may be any condition related to the game part. In the present embodiment, the information about the reward includes the information indicating the type, quantity, and probability.

[0046] The type is the information indicating the content of the reward, and indicates, for example, a game medium or virtual currency. For example, in FIG. 4, the type of the reward corresponding to the second state is "Item A", and the type of the reward corresponding to the third state is "Item B". The reward may be one or more types of game media, virtual currency, or a combination thereof. The reward may also include a specific game medium. The reward corresponding to the second state and the reward corresponding to the third state may be different or the same.

[0047] The quantity is the information indicating the number or amount of the reward. For example, in FIG. 4, the quantity of the reward (Item A) corresponding to the second state is "5", and the quantity of the reward (Item B) corresponding to the third state is "10". The quantity corresponding to the second state and the quantity corresponding to the third state may be different or the same.

[0048] Probability is information indicating the probability that a reward will be given to the user when a predetermined condition, for example, the achievement of a game task, is successful. For example, in FIG. 4, the probability corresponding to the second state is "10%", and the probability corresponding to the third state is "100%". The probability corresponding to the second state and the probability corresponding to the third state may be different or the same.

[0049] Preferably, the setting information corresponding to the second state and the setting information corresponding to the third state are different. With such a configuration, the user can change the setting information of a game part, which is the second state where play is permitted, by using a specific game medium. Therefore, the merit of using a specific game medium corresponding to the game part in the second state is formed, and the user can be encouraged to use the specific game medium. In addition, since the user can play the same game part with different settings, the variations of the game part increase, and the adjustment of the game balance becomes easy.

[0050] The server control unit 15 (see FIG. 1) is a CPU that realizes a specific function by, for example, loading a specific program. The server control unit 15 controls the operation of the entire server device 11. For example, the server control unit 15 transmits and receives information via the server communication unit 13. In addition, the server control unit 15 stores the information related to the game part, the information related to the specific game medium, and the setting information of the game part in the server storage unit 14.

[0051] In addition, the server control unit 15 performs various processes related to the game part.

[0052] For example, the server control unit 15 cooperates with the terminal device 12 to perform a process for allowing the user to play a game part in the second state.

[0053] Specifically, the server control unit 15 acquires from the terminal device 12 a display request for a first specific screen on which one or more game parts in the second state are displayed in a selectable manner. Subsequently, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a display instruction for the first specific screen to the terminal device 12. In other words, the server control unit 15 causes the terminal device 12 to display the first specific screen by transmitting the display instruction. Here, the display instruction for the first specific screen includes information necessary for displaying the first specific screen, for example, information on one or more game parts in the second state.

[0054] Subsequently, the server control unit 15 acquires from the terminal device 12 an execution request for a game part in the second state selected in response to a user operation on the first specific screen. Subsequently, the server control unit 15 reads the setting information corresponding to the second state of the game part. Subsequently, the server control unit 15 transmits an execution instruction for the game part including the read setting information to the terminal device 12. In other words, the server control unit 15 causes the terminal device 12 to execute the game part and allows the user to play the game part by transmitting the execution instruction. The execution instruction for the game part may include any information necessary for executing the game part in addition to the read setting information.

[0055] Details of the processing related to the game part executed by the server control unit 15 will be described later in addition to the above-described processing.

[0056] (Configuration of the Terminal Device) Next, the terminal device 12 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 12 includes a terminal communication unit 17, a terminal storage unit 18, a display unit 19, an input unit 20, and a terminal control unit 21.

[0057] The terminal communication unit 17 is an interface that communicates with an external device wirelessly or by wire and transmits and receives information. The terminal communication unit 17 transmits and receives information to and from the server device 11 via the network 16.

[0058] The terminal storage unit 18 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device, and can store various information and programs necessary for the processing of games provided by the server device 11. For example, the terminal storage unit 18 may store information regarding the game parts described above, information regarding specific game media, and part or all of the setting information of the game parts. Part or all of this information is acquired from the server device 11 during the execution of the game by, for example, the terminal control unit 21.

[0059] The display unit 19 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and can display various screens.

[0060] The input unit 20 is an input interface including, for example, a touch panel provided integrally with the display unit 19, and can receive user input to the terminal device 12.

[0061] The terminal control unit 21 is a processor that realizes specific functions by, for example, loading a specific program, and controls the operation of the entire terminal device 12. For example, the terminal control unit 21 transmits and receives information via the terminal communication unit 17. Also, the terminal control unit 21 executes (starts) a game application according to the user's operation. Further, when the terminal control unit 21 acquires an instruction to display a screen from the server device 11 via the terminal communication unit 17, it causes the display unit 19 to display the screen or update the screen based on the instruction. Also, the terminal control unit 21 transmits information based on the user input received via the input unit 20 to the server device 11 via the terminal communication unit 17.

[0062] Also, the terminal control unit 21 performs various processes regarding the game parts.

[0063] For example, as described above, the terminal control unit 21 cooperates with the server device 11 to perform processes for executing the game part in the second state.

[0064] Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a display request for the above-described first specific screen in which one or more game parts in the second state are displayed in a selectable manner to the server device 11. Subsequently, when the terminal control unit 21 acquires a display instruction for the first specific screen from the server device 11, it causes the display unit 19 to display the first specific screen. Subsequently, the terminal control unit 21 acquires an execution request for the selected game part in the second state in response to a user operation on the first specific screen. Subsequently, the terminal control unit 21 transmits the execution request for the game part to the server device 11. Then, when the terminal control unit 21 acquires an execution instruction for the game part from the server device 11, it executes the game part based on the setting information included in the execution instruction. In other words, the terminal control unit 21 causes the user to play the game part by executing the game part.

[0065] In addition to the above-described processing, details of the processing related to the game part executed by the terminal control unit 21 will be described later.

[0066] Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9, various screens displayed on the terminal device 12 and the operations of the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 will be described.

[0067] First, the operations of the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 for displaying various screens will be described. In the present embodiment, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 transmits a display request for a desired screen to the server device 11. Next, the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 transmits a display instruction for the screen to the terminal device 12 in response to the acquisition of the display request. Then, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display the screen in response to the acquisition of the display instruction. Here, the display instruction for the screen may include information necessary for displaying the screen.

[0068] (First Screen) Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the first screen will be described. The first screen is a screen in which one or more specific game media are displayed in a selectable manner. In the present embodiment, one or more selection buttons 22 are displayed in a selectable manner on the first screen.

[0069] The selection button 22 is provided corresponding to a specific game medium and functions as an interface for receiving a user operation to select the specific game medium. One selection button 22 may be provided corresponding to a plurality of specific game media.

[0070] In the present embodiment, when the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 receives a user operation on the selection button 22, it selects (identifies) the specific game medium corresponding to the selection button 22. Then, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a display request for a second screen corresponding to the selected specific game medium to the server device 11. The second screen will be described later.

[0071] Also, information regarding the corresponding specific game medium is displayed on the selection button 22. Alternatively, information regarding the specific game medium may be displayed corresponding to the selection button 22 at an arbitrary position on the first screen instead of on the selection button 22. In the present embodiment, on the selection button 22, as information regarding the specific game medium, an icon 23, the ID or name of the specific game medium, the ID or name of the corresponding game part, the number of holdings (i.e., the quantity of the specific game medium associated with the user), the resources required for obtaining the specific game medium (i.e., the game medium or virtual currency etc. consumed for obtaining the specific game medium), and the remaining time until it can be reacquired may be displayed.

[0072] The appearance of the icon 23 is different depending on whether the corresponding specific game medium is a first specific game medium or a second specific game medium. Specifically, the icon 23 corresponding to the first specific game medium includes a first image (for example, a heart-shaped image), and the icon 23 corresponding to the second specific game medium includes a second image (for example, a clock image) different from the first image. With such a configuration, a user who visually recognizes the icon 23 can immediately grasp whether the specific game medium corresponding to each selection button 22 displayed on the first screen is a first specific game medium or a second specific game medium.

[0073] Preferably, the icon 23 corresponding to the first specific game medium includes a first image and information indicating the limited number of times (see FIG. 3) set for the corresponding first specific game medium. Also preferably, the icon 23 corresponding to the second specific game medium includes a second image and information indicating the limited time (see FIG. 3) set for the corresponding second specific game medium. With such a configuration, the user can easily grasp the limited number of times or the limited time set for the specific game medium corresponding to each selection button 22 displayed on the first screen.

[0074] The remaining time until it can be reacquired is the time required from when the specific game medium is associated with the user in response to a user operation on the second screen described later until the operation on the selection button 22 can be accepted again. That is, in the present embodiment, the acceptance of the operation on the selection button 22 is prohibited until the remaining time until it can be reacquired becomes zero. The details of the process for determining the remaining time until it can be reacquired will be described later. Preferably, the selection button 22 is displayed in a display mode different from normal, such as being grayed out, until the remaining time until it can be reacquired elapses. Alternatively, the selection button 22 may be hidden until the remaining time until it can be reacquired elapses.

[0075] For example, in FIG. 5, three selection buttons 22 (22a, 22b, 22c) are displayed on the first screen.

[0076] The selection button 22a corresponds to ticket A1, which is the first specific game medium. The icon 23a corresponding to the selection button 22a includes a first image and information indicating the limited number of times (2 times). Also, on the selection button 22a, as information regarding the specific game medium, the game part "GP001" corresponding to ticket A1, the number of holdings "0 pieces", and the resource "virtual currency × 50 pieces" are displayed.

[0077] The selection button 22b corresponds to the ticket B1 which is the second specific game medium. The icon 23b corresponding to the selection button 22b includes the second image and information indicating the time limit (30 minutes). Further, on the selection button 22b, as information regarding the specific game medium, the game part "GP001" corresponding to the ticket B1, the number of holdings "1 piece", and the remaining time "57 minutes" until it can be reacquired are displayed. Also, until the remaining time until it can be reacquired elapses, the reception of operations on the selection button 22b is prohibited, and it is displayed in a grayed-out state.

[0078] The selection button 22c corresponds to the ticket A2 which is the first specific game medium. The icon 23c corresponding to the selection button 22c includes the first image and information indicating the number of times of limitation (1 time). Further, on the selection button 22c, as information regarding the specific game medium, the four game parts "GP001 - GP004" corresponding to the ticket A2, the number of holdings "0 pieces", and the resource "100 virtual currencies" are displayed.

[0079] (Second screen) Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 6, the second screen will be described. The second screen is displayed in response to an operation on the selection button 22 displayed on the first screen as described above. The second screen is a screen for transmitting a request to acquire the specific game medium selected via the selection button 22 on the first screen, that is, a request to associate the specific game medium with the user, from the terminal device 12 to the server device 11. In the present embodiment, on the second screen, an information display area 24, a back button 25, and an acquisition button 26 are displayed.

[0080] The information display area 24 is an area where information about a specific game medium is displayed. In the information display area 24, for example, an icon 23, the ID or name of the specific game medium, the restriction settings, the resources required for obtaining the specific game medium, and the ID or name of the game part corresponding to the specific game medium are displayed. The information displayed in the information display area 24 and the information displayed on the selection button 22 on the first screen described above may be different or the same. Preferably, an explanation about the specific game medium is displayed in the information display area 24. The explanation about the specific game medium includes, for example, an explanation that suggests to the user a game part that does not satisfy the play conditions among the game parts corresponding to the specific game medium.

[0081] Preferably, when the game part displayed in the information display area 24 is in the fourth state, that is, the play conditions have not been achieved, information indicating that the game part is in the fourth state is further displayed in the information display area 24. With such a configuration, for example, a situation that may be disadvantageous to the user, such as the user obtaining a specific game medium without noticing that the play conditions of the game part have not been achieved, is suppressed.

[0082] The return button 25 functions as an interface that receives a user operation requesting the display of the first screen.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 obtains a display request for the first screen in response to a user operation on the return button 25. Then, the terminal control unit 21 transmits the display request for the first screen to the server device 11.

[0084] The acquisition button 26 functions as an interface that receives a user operation requesting the acquisition of a specific game medium.

[0085] In this embodiment, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 acquires an acquisition request for a specific game medium according to a user operation on the acquisition button 26. Subsequently, the terminal control unit 21 transmits the acquisition request for the specific game medium to the server device 11. Next, when the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 acquires the acquisition request for the specific game medium, it cancels the association between the resource (such as a game medium or virtual currency, etc.) corresponding to the specific game medium and the user, and associates the specific game medium with the user. Subsequently, the server control unit 15 starts measuring the remaining time until the specific game medium can be reacquired. The initial value of the remaining time is, for example, 24 hours, but it may be arbitrarily set by the game operator for each specific game medium.

[0086] For example, FIG. 6 shows an example of a second screen corresponding to ticket A2, which is the first specific game medium. In FIG. 6, in the information display area 24, an icon 23c, the name of the specific game medium "ticket A2", the restriction setting "once", the resource "100 virtual currencies", and the game part "GP001 - GP004" are displayed. Also, in the information display area 24, information "The play conditions are not met" indicating that the game part "GP004" is in the fourth state is displayed.

[0087] As described above, through the processing related to the first screen and the second screen executed by the server device 11 and the terminal device 12, a specific game medium is granted to the user.

[0088] (Third screen) Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 7, the third screen will be described. The third screen is a screen on which the tickets owned by the user, that is, the specific game media associated with the user, and the game parts in the third state are selectively displayed. In this embodiment, on the third screen, an execution request button 27 for the game part and a selection button 28 for the specific game medium may be displayed.

[0089] The execution request button 27 is provided corresponding to the game part in the third state and functions as an interface for receiving a user operation to execute the game part.

[0090] In this embodiment, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 acquires a request to execute a game part in the third state in response to a user operation on the execution request button 27. Subsequently, the terminal control unit 21 transmits the request to execute the game part in the third state to the server device 11. Next, when the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 acquires the request to execute the game part in the third state, for example, it subtracts the cost of the game part from the user's stamina. The server control unit 15 also reads the setting information corresponding to the third state of the game part. Subsequently, the server control unit 15 transmits an execution instruction for the game part including the read setting information to the terminal device 12.

[0091] Here, for example, when the number of permitted plays is set for the game part, the server control unit 15 increments the number of plays and stores it in the server storage unit 14. When the number of plays is equal to the number of restrictions, the server control unit 15 cancels the third state of the game part.

[0092] Subsequently, when the terminal control unit 21 acquires the execution instruction for the game part, it executes the game part based on the setting information included in the execution instruction. Subsequently, when the game part ends, for example, due to clearing the game part or game over, the terminal control unit 21 transmits information indicating the execution result of the game part to the server device 11. The information indicating the execution result of the game part may include any information obtained by executing the game part, such as whether the game task was achieved, the score, the play time, the number of continuations, and the parameters of the game medium used for executing the game part. Then, the server control unit 15 acquires the information indicating the execution result of the game part.

[0093] Here, for example, when the number of permitted clearances is set for the game part, if the information indicating the execution result of the acquired game part indicates the clearance of the game part, the server control unit 15 increments the number of clearances and stores it in the server storage unit 14. Further, when the number of clearances is equal to the number of restrictions, the server control unit 15 cancels the third state of the game part.

[0094] Also, information regarding the game part is displayed on the execution request button 27. Alternatively, the information regarding the game part may be displayed at an arbitrary position on the third screen instead of on the execution request button 27, corresponding to the execution request button 27. In the present embodiment, as information regarding the game part, an icon 23, the ID or name of the specific game medium used to put the game part in the third state, the ID or name of the game part, the number of possessions of the specific game medium, and information regarding the restriction setting may be displayed on the execution request button 27.

[0095] The information regarding the restriction setting includes, for example, information indicating the remaining time until the expiration of the restriction time when a restriction time is set for the game part. Also, the information regarding the restriction setting includes, for example, information indicating the remaining number of times until the number of restrictions when the number of restrictions is set for the game part.

[0096] The selection button 28 is provided corresponding to the ticket owned by the user, that is, the specific game medium associated with the user, and functions as an interface for receiving a user operation for selecting the specific game medium.

[0097] In the present embodiment, when the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 receives a user operation on the selection button 28, it selects (identifies) the specific game medium corresponding to the selection button 28. Then, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a display request for the fourth screen corresponding to the selected specific game medium to the server device 11. The fourth screen will be described later.

[0098] Further, information regarding the corresponding specific game medium is displayed on the selection button 28. Alternatively, the information regarding the specific game medium may be displayed at an arbitrary position on the first screen instead of on the selection button 22, corresponding to the selection button 22. In the present embodiment, on the selection button 28, as information regarding the specific game medium, an icon 23, the ID or name of the specific game medium, the ID or name of the corresponding game part, and the number of holdings (i.e., the quantity of the specific game medium associated with the user) are displayed.

[0099] For example, in FIG. 7, one execution request button 27 and one selection button 28 are displayed.

[0100] On the execution request button 27 shown in FIG. 7, an icon 23b, the specific game medium "Ticket B1" used to set the game part to the third state, the game part "GP003", the number of holdings "1 piece", and information regarding the limit setting "remaining time: 28 minutes" are displayed.

[0101] Also, on the selection button 28 shown in FIG. 7, an icon 23c, the specific game medium "Ticket A2", the game parts "GP001 - GP004", and the number of holdings "1 piece" are displayed.

[0102] (Fourth Screen) Subsequently, referring to FIG. 8, the fourth screen will be described. The fourth screen is displayed in response to an operation on the selection button 28 displayed on the third screen as described above. The fourth screen is a screen for transmitting a request to hold a predetermined number of game parts out of one or more game parts associated with the specific game medium selected via the selection button 28 on the third screen, that is, a request to set the state of the predetermined number of game parts to the third state, from the terminal device 12 to the server device 11. The predetermined number is, for example, 1, but may be any number of 2 or more. In the present embodiment, on the fourth screen, one or more holding buttons 29 are displayed so as to be selectable.

[0103] The start button 29 is provided corresponding to each of one or more game parts associated with a specific game medium, and functions as an interface that receives a user operation requesting the start of a game part.

[0104] In the present embodiment, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 acquires a game part start request according to a user operation on the start button 29. Here, the start request includes information indicating a specific game medium selected via the selection button 28 on the third screen, and information indicating a predetermined number of game parts selected based on a user operation on the start button 29 on the fourth screen among one or more game parts associated with the specific game medium. Subsequently, the terminal control unit 21 transmits the game part start request to the server device 11. Next, when the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 acquires the game part start request, it cancels the association between the user and the specific game medium, and determines the state of the game part to be the third state. Here, for example, when the server control unit 15 sets a permitted play time limit for the game part, it starts measuring the elapsed time since the game part entered the third state. And when the elapsed time is equal to the time limit, the server control unit 15 cancels the third state of the game part.

[0105] In addition, information regarding the corresponding game part is displayed on the start button 29. Alternatively, the information regarding the game part may be displayed corresponding to the start button 29 at an arbitrary position on the fourth screen instead of on the start button 29. In the present embodiment, the start button 29 may display the ID or name of the game part and information regarding the state of the game part as information regarding the game part.

[0106] The information regarding the state of the game part includes different information according to the state of the game part. In the present embodiment, when the game part is in the first state (i.e., outside the start period), the information regarding the state of the game part may include information prompting the start of the game part, such as a message saying "Start the game part".

[0107] In addition, the information regarding the state of the game part may include, for example, information indicating that the game part is in the second state (i.e., during the holding period and the play conditions are satisfied), and information indicating the remaining time until the end of the holding period, when the game part is in the second state.

[0108] In addition, the information regarding the state of the game part may include, for example, information indicating that the game part is in the third state (i.e., the state where play is permitted by using a specific game medium), and information regarding the restriction settings, when the game part is in the third state. The information regarding the restriction settings is, for example, information indicating the remaining number of times until the restricted number of times or the remaining time until the expiration of the restricted time.

[0109] In addition, the information regarding the state of the game part may include, for example, information indicating that the game part is in the fourth state (i.e., the play conditions are not satisfied), when the game part is in the fourth state.

[0110] Preferably, the start button 29 corresponding to the game part in the third state or the fourth state is displayed in a display mode different from normal, such as being grayed out, and the reception of an operation on the start button 29 is prohibited. Alternatively, the selection button 22 may be such that the start button 29 corresponding to the game part in the fourth state is not displayed. With such a configuration, for example, even though the game part is already in the third state, a specific game medium is used to make the game part in the third state, or a specific game medium is used to make a game part in which the play conditions are not satisfied, for example, a game part with a difficulty level too high in view of the user's level, into the third state, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a situation that may be disadvantageous to the user.

[0111] For example, FIG. 8 shows an example of the fourth screen corresponding to the ticket A2 which is the first specific game medium. In FIG. 8, four start buttons 29 (29a, 29b, 29c, 29d) corresponding to the four game parts "GP001 - GP004" corresponding to the ticket A2 are displayed.

[0112] The game part "GP001" corresponding to the start button 29a is in the first state (see FIG. 2). Therefore, a message "Start GP001" is displayed on the start button 29a.

[0113] Also, the game part "GP002" corresponding to the start button 29b is in the second state (see FIG. 2). Therefore, a message "In progress" and the remaining time "48 hours" until the end of the event period are displayed on the start button 29b.

[0114] Also, the game part "GP003" corresponding to the start button 29c is in the third state (see FIG. 2). Therefore, a message "In progress" and the remaining time "28 minutes" until the expiration of the time limit are displayed on the start button 29c.

[0115] Also, the game part "GP004" corresponding to the start button 29d is in the fourth state (see FIG. 2). Therefore, a message "The play conditions are not met" is displayed on the start button 29d. Also, the start button 29d is prohibited from accepting operations on the start button 29d and is displayed in a grayed-out state.

[0116] Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9, the processing related to the above-described first screen and second screen executed by the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 will be specifically described.

[0117] Step S100: First, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 transmits a display request for the first screen to the server device 11.

[0118] Step S101: Next, when the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 acquires a display request for the first screen from the terminal device 12, it causes the terminal device 12 to display one or more specific game media in a selectable manner. Specifically, the server control unit 15 transmits a display instruction for the first screen to the terminal device 12.

[0119] Step S102: Next, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display the one or more specific game media in a selectable manner based on the display instruction acquired from the server device 11. Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display the first screen.

[0120] Step S103: Subsequently, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a display request for the second screen corresponding to the specific game media selected on the first screen to the server device 11.

[0121] Step S104: Next, when the server control unit 15 acquires a display request for the second screen from the terminal device 12, the server control unit 15 causes the terminal device 12 to display the second screen corresponding to the specific game media. Specifically, the server control unit 15 transmits a display instruction for the second screen corresponding to the specific game media to the terminal device 12.

[0122] Step S105: Next, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display the second screen corresponding to the specific game media based on the display instruction acquired from the server device 11.

[0123] Step S106: Subsequently, the terminal control unit 21 transmits an acquisition request for the specific game media acquired in response to an operation on the second screen to the server device 11.

[0124] Step S107: Next, when the server control unit 15 acquires the acquisition request for the specific game media, the server control unit 15 cancels the association between the resource (for example, game media or virtual currency, etc.) corresponding to the specific game media and the user. In this way, the user's resources are used (consumed).

[0125] Step S108: Subsequently, the server control unit 15 associates the specific game media with the user. In this way, the specific game media is granted to the user.

[0126] Step S109: Then, the server control unit 15 starts measuring the remaining time until the specific game media can be reacquired.

[0127] Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10, the processes related to the above-described third screen and fourth screen executed by the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 will be specifically described. Here, among the processes related to the third screen and the fourth screen, the process of changing the state of the game part will be described later, and the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0128] Step S200: First, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 transmits a display request for the third screen to the server device 11.

[0129] Step S201: Next, the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 identifies the specific game medium associated with the user and the game part in the third state based on the information related to the game part (see FIG. 2) and the information related to the specific game medium (see FIG. 3).

[0130] Step S202: Subsequently, the server control unit 15 causes the terminal device 12 to display the specific game medium and the game part identified in Step S201 in a selectable manner. Specifically, the server control unit 15 transmits a display instruction for the third screen to the terminal device 12.

[0131] Step S203: Next, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display the specific game medium and the game part identified in Step S201 in a selectable manner based on the display instruction acquired from the server device 11. Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 causes the third screen to be displayed on the display unit 19.

[0132] Step S204: Subsequently, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a holding request for the game part selected on the third screen or a display request for the fourth screen corresponding to the specific game medium selected on the third screen to the server device 11. Here, the description will be made assuming that the display request for the fourth screen is transmitted.

[0133] Step S205: Next, when the server control unit 15 acquires a display request for the fourth screen from the terminal device 12, it causes the terminal device 12 to display in a selectable manner the game part corresponding to the specific game medium selected in step S204. Specifically, the server control unit 15 transmits a display instruction for the fourth screen to the terminal device 12.

[0134] Step S206: Next, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display in a selectable manner the game part corresponding to the specific game medium selected in step S204 based on the display instruction acquired from the server device 11. Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 causes the fourth screen to be displayed on the display unit 19.

[0135] Step S207: Subsequently, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a game part holding request acquired in response to an operation on the fourth screen to the server device 11.

[0136] Step S208: Then, when the server control unit 15 acquires a game part holding request from the terminal device 12, it cancels the association between the specific game medium corresponding to the fourth screen and the user.

[0137] Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11, the operation of the server device 11 for determining (changing) the state of the game part will be specifically described. This operation is performed for each user for each game part.

[0138] Step S300: First, the server control unit 15 determines whether the play conditions of the game part (see FIG. 2) are satisfied. If it is determined that the play conditions are not satisfied (step S300 - No), the process proceeds to step S301. On the other hand, if it is determined that the play conditions are satisfied (step S300 - Yes), the process proceeds to step S302.

[0139] Step S301: If it is determined in step S300 that the play conditions are not satisfied (step S300 - No), the server control unit 15 determines the state of the game part to be the fourth state. Then, the process returns to step S300.

[0140] Step S302: When it is determined in step S300 that the play conditions are satisfied (step S300 - Yes), the server control unit 15 determines whether the current time is within the holding period (see FIG. 2). If it is determined that the current time is within the holding period (step S302 - Yes), the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current time is outside the holding period (step S302 - No), the process proceeds to step S304.

[0141] Step S303: When it is determined in step S302 that the current time is within the holding period (step S302 - Yes), the server control unit 15 determines the state of the game part to be the first state. Then, the process proceeds to step S305.

[0142] Step S304: When it is determined in step S302 that the current time is outside the holding period (step S302 - No), the server control unit 15 determines the state of the game part to be the second state. Then, the process proceeds to step S305.

[0143] Step S305: After step S303 or step S304, the server control unit 15 determines whether a holding request for the game part has been acquired from the terminal device 12. If it is determined that the holding request has been acquired (step S305 - Yes), the process proceeds to step S306. On the other hand, if it is determined that the holding request has not been acquired (step S305 - No), the process returns to step S300.

[0144] Step S306: When it is determined in step S305 that the holding request has been acquired (step S305 - Yes), the server control unit 15 determines the state of the game part to be the third state. Here, the server control unit 15 sets the restriction settings included in the information regarding the specific game medium (see FIG. 3) for the game part. Specifically, the server control unit 15 sets the restricted number of times or the restricted time for the game part.

[0145] Step S307: Then, the server control unit 15 determines whether to cancel the third state of the game part. For example, when the restricted number of times set in step S306 is equal to the number of play times or the number of clear times, or when the restricted time set in step S306 has elapsed, the server control unit 15 determines to cancel the third state. When it is determined to cancel the third state (step S307 - Yes), the server control unit 15 cancels the third state. Then, it returns to step S300. On the other hand, when it is determined not to cancel the third state (step S307 - No), step S307 is repeated.

[0146] Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12, the operations of the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 that allow the user to play the game part will be specifically described.

[0147] Step S400: First, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 transmits a request to execute the game part in the second state or the third state to the server device 11. Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a request to execute the game part in the second state selected according to the user operation on the first specific screen described above. Alternatively, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a request to execute the game part in the third state selected according to the user operation on the third screen described above.

[0148] Step S401: Next, when the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 acquires the execution request from the terminal device 12, it determines whether the state of the game part related to the execution request is the second state or the third state. When it is determined that the state of the game part is the second state (step S401 - Yes), it proceeds to step S402. On the other hand, when it is determined that the state of the game part is the third state (step S401 - No), it proceeds to step S403.

[0149] Step S402: When it is determined in step S401 that the state of the game part is the second state (step S401 - Yes), the server control unit 15 reads the setting information corresponding to the second state of the game part (see FIG. 4). Then, it proceeds to step S404.

[0150] Step S403: When it is determined in step S401 that the state of the game part is the third state (step S401 - No), the server control unit 15 reads the setting information (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the third state of the game part.

[0151] Step S404: After step S402 or step S403, the server control unit 15 transmits an execution instruction for the game part including the setting information read in step S402 or step S403 to the terminal device 12.

[0152] Step S405: Then, when the terminal control unit 21 acquires the execution instruction in step S404, it executes the game part based on the setting information included in the execution instruction.

[0153] In this embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which part or all of the operations and processes executed by the server device 11 are executed by the terminal device 12. Similarly, a configuration may be adopted in which part of the operations executed by the terminal device 12 are executed by the server device 11.

[0154] As described above, when the server device 11 (or the terminal device 12) according to this embodiment acquires a holding request for a game part associated with a specific game medium, it determines the state of the game part to be the third state in which play by the user is permitted. With such a configuration, the user can forcibly hold the game part at a desired timing, so the convenience of the game is improved. Further, the server device 11 (or the terminal device 12) causes the user to play the game part based on different setting information according to whether the state of the game part is the second state or the third state. With such a configuration, when the user plays the game part, the user can play the game part based on the desired setting information out of two different pieces of setting information. Therefore, for example, compared with a configuration in which the user cannot freely switch the setting information, the convenience of the game is further improved.

[0155] Further, a plurality of game parts may be associated with one specific game medium, and the server device 11 (or the terminal device 12) may set a predetermined number of game parts among the plurality of game parts to a third state. With such a configuration, the user can select a game part to be compulsorily held among the plurality of game parts by using one specific game medium. Therefore, for example, compared with a configuration in which one game part is associated with one specific game medium, the range of the user's selection is expanded, and thus the convenience of the game is further improved.

[0156] Further, play conditions for permitting play of each of the plurality of game parts may be defined. With such a configuration, for example, a situation that may be disadvantageous to the user, such as forcibly holding a game part that is too difficult in view of the user's level and substantially wasting the specific game medium, is suppressed.

[0157] Further, when the first specific game medium is used, a limited number of times for permitting play or clearing of a game part may be defined, and when the second specific game medium is used, a limited time for permitting play of a game part may be defined. With such a configuration, the user can vary the limit settings set for the game part according to the type of the specific game medium to be used, and thus the convenience of the game is further improved.

[0158] Although the present invention has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and corrections are included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the functions included in each means, each step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and a plurality of means, steps, etc. can be combined into one or divided.

[0159] For example, in the above-described embodiment, two types of acquisition methods for a specific game medium were described. Specifically, in the above-described embodiment, in response to an acquisition request for a specific game medium and in response to the achievement of a game task in a game part, the first specific game medium or the second specific game medium is given to the user. However, depending on the acquisition method of the specific game medium, the type of the specific game medium given to the user may be varied.

[0160] For example, when the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 acquires an acquisition request for a specific game medium from the terminal device 12, it associates the first specific game medium (or the second specific game medium) with the user. On the other hand, when the server control unit 15 succeeds in achieving a game task, it associates the second specific game medium (or the first specific game medium) with the user (without acquiring an acquisition request for a game medium). Here, the game task may include, in addition to a task that can be achieved during the play of a game part, for example, a task of logging in to the game system 10. With such a configuration, the user can acquire a desired type of specific game medium according to the acquisition method of the specific game medium, and the convenience of the game is further improved.

[0161] Also, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which one or more specific game media are displayed selectably on the first screen was described, but on the first screen, one or more specific game media that satisfy a predetermined condition may be preferentially or selectively displayed. This will be specifically described below.

[0162] First, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 acquires a search request according to a user operation. Here, the search request may include any information related to a game medium, such as information indicating a game medium, or information indicating the name, type, or attribute of the game medium. Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 acquires information related to the game medium directly input by the user operation as a search request. Alternatively, in a configuration where the correspondence between one game medium (for example, a character) and one or more other game mediums (for example, items necessary to strengthen or evolve the character) is stored in the terminal storage unit 18, the terminal control unit 21 may acquire information indicating one or more other game mediums associated with the game medium selected according to the user operation as a search request. Subsequently, the terminal control unit 21 transmits the search request to the server device 11.

[0163] Next, when the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 acquires a search request from the terminal device 12, it identifies a game part associated with a game medium that matches the search request among a plurality of game parts. Here, the game medium that matches the search request may be, for example, the game medium indicated by the search request, or may be a game medium that includes the name, type, or attribute indicated by the search request. Specifically, the server control unit 15 identifies one or more game parts in which the game medium that matches the search request is defined as a reward in the setting information corresponding to the third state of each of the plurality of game parts. For example, when the search request indicates the game medium "Item A", one or more game parts in which "Item A" is defined as a reward in the setting information corresponding to the third state are identified.

[0164] Subsequently, the server control unit 15 identifies one or more specific game media to which at least one game part identified as described above among the plurality of specific game media is associated. Subsequently, the server control unit 15 transmits an instruction to display a first screen on which the identified one or more specific game media are preferentially or selectively displayed to the terminal device 12. Then, based on the display instruction acquired from the server device 11, the terminal control unit 21 preferentially or selectively causes the display unit 19 to display the one or more specific game media. Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display a first screen on which the identified one or more specific game media are preferentially or selectively displayed.

[0165] In this way, with the configuration in which one or more specific game media satisfying a predetermined condition are preferentially or selectively displayed on the first screen, the user can easily find, on the first screen, a specific game media that can force the holding of a game part from which a game media that the user desires to obtain (for example, item A) can be obtained as a reward. For this reason, the convenience of the game is further improved.

[0166] Preferably, the server control unit 15 sets a priority for each of the one or more game parts identified in response to the acquisition of the search request. For example, the higher the quantity, probability, or expected value of the quantity (that is, the product of the quantity and the probability) of the game media that matches the search request and is given to the user as a reward, the higher the priority that can be set. Subsequently, the server control unit 15 transmits an instruction to display a first screen on which a specific game media to which a game part with a high priority is associated among the identified one or more specific game media is preferentially displayed to the terminal device 12. With such a configuration, the user can easily find, on the first screen, a specific game media that can force the holding of a game part from which the quantity, probability, or expected value of the game media that matches the search request and can be obtained as a reward is high. For this reason, the convenience of the game is further improved.

[0167] In addition, the terminal control unit 21 may acquire a search request automatically determined based on information about the user. For example, the terminal control unit 21 identifies a game medium that the user does not own based on information about the user, and automatically determines a search request indicating the identified game medium. Alternatively, the terminal control unit 21 identifies, based on information about the user, a game medium among the game media owned by the user that satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, a condition that the level, skill level, synthesis times, number of owned items, or total acquisition times of the game medium is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold). Then, the terminal control unit 21 automatically determines a search request indicating a game medium other than the identified game medium. With such a configuration, the user can easily find, on the first screen, a specific game medium that can force the holding of a game part for obtaining, as a reward, a game medium that the user does not own or a game medium with a small total acquisition times or the like. Therefore, the convenience of the game is further improved.

[0168] Also, in the above-described embodiment, for example, when both the first specific game medium and the second game medium associated with the same game part are used, both a limited number of times and a limited time can be set for the game part defined in the third state. Here, when the server control unit 15 acquires a request to hold the game part from the terminal device 12, it may stop incrementing the number of play times or the number of clear times of the game part while the limited time has not elapsed. With such a configuration, the occurrence of a situation that may be disadvantageous to the user, such as a decrease in the number of playable times compared to the limited number of times even within the limited time, is suppressed.

[0169] Also, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the holding button 29 corresponding to the game part in the third state or the fourth state, which is displayed on the fourth screen, is displayed in a display mode different from normal, and the reception of an operation on the holding button 29 is prohibited. Here, similarly, the holding button 29 corresponding to the game part in the second state, that is, the game part within the holding period and for which the play conditions have been satisfied, may also be displayed in a display mode different from normal, and the reception of an operation on the holding button 29 may be prohibited. Alternatively, the holding button 29 corresponding to the game part in the second state may be made non-displayed. With such a configuration, for example, even if a desired game part is being held, a situation that may be disadvantageous to the user, such as a user who mistakenly recognizes that the game part is outside the holding period and uses a specific game part for the purpose of holding the game part, is suppressed from occurring.

[0170] Here, for example, after the state of a desired game part is determined to change from the first state to the third state, that is, after a specific game medium is used outside the holding period of the game part and the game part is forcibly held, and then the current time becomes within the holding period as time elapses, the state of the game part may be determined to be the second state preferentially over the third state.

[0171] Specifically, when the server control unit 15 acquires a holding request including information indicating a game part in the first state from the terminal device 12, it determines the state of the game part to change from the first state to the third state. Subsequently, when the current time is within the holding period of the game part, the server control unit 15 temporarily determines the state of the game part to change from the third state to the second state until the holding period ends. Then, when the holding period ends, the server control unit 15 determines the state of the game part to change from the second state to the third state.

[0172] Preferably, when the server control unit 15 temporarily determines the state of the game part to be the second state from the third state, the server control unit 15 stores the number of play times or clear times in the third state, or the elapsed time since the third state was determined, in the server storage unit 14. Also, while the state of the game part is temporarily determined to be the second state, the server control unit 15 stops incrementing the number of play times or clear times, or stops measuring the elapsed time since the game part was determined to be in the third state. Then, when the server control unit 15 determines the state of the game part to be the third state in response to the end of the holding period, the server control unit 15 releases the stop of incrementing the number of play times or clear times, or releases the stop of measuring the elapsed time since the game part was determined to be in the third state. Alternatively, when a time limit is set for the game part in the third state, instead of stopping the measurement of the elapsed time, the time limit may be extended for the duration of the holding period.

[0173] With such a configuration, for example, even within the holding period during which the game could originally be played without using a specific game medium, situations that could be disadvantageous to the user, such as incrementing the number of play times or clear times of the game part, or measuring the elapsed time since the third state was determined, are suppressed.

[0174] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the terminal control unit 21 selects a specific game medium in response to a user operation on the third screen and transmits a holding request for the selected game part to the server device 11 in response to a user operation on the fourth screen has been described. However, the configuration for transmitting a holding request for the game part is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the user selects a desired game part, further selects a specific game medium associated with the selected game part, and uses the selected specific game medium.

[0175] Specifically, the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 transmits an instruction to display a screen (fifth screen) on the terminal device 12 that can selectively display one or more game parts, preferably one or more game parts associated with one or more specific game media associated with the user.

[0176] Next, the terminal control unit 21 identifies one or more specific game media associated with the game part selected according to the user operation on the fifth screen displayed on the display unit 19 and associated with the user. Subsequently, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a display request for a screen (sixth screen) that displays the identified one or more specific game media in a selectable manner to the server device 11.

[0177] Next, based on the display request acquired from the terminal device 12, the server control unit 15 transmits a display instruction for the sixth screen to the terminal device 12.

[0178] Next, the terminal control unit 21 acquires a holding request for the game part according to the user operation on the sixth screen displayed on the display unit 19. Here, the holding request includes information indicating one or more specific game media selected according to the user operation on the sixth screen and information indicating the game part selected according to the user operation on the fifth screen as described above. Then, the terminal control unit 21 transmits the holding request for the game part to the server device 11.

[0179] With such a configuration, the user can first select a desired game part on the fifth screen and then use the specific game media selected on the sixth screen. In this way, since the user can select the desired game part first, for example, a user who owns a large number of specific game media does not need to search for the specific game media corresponding to the desired game part, and the convenience of the game is further improved.

[0180] Preferably, each game part displayed on the fifth screen is provided with an upper limit number of times that can be selected on the fifth screen. With such a configuration, the upper limit number of times that can be forced by the user to hold by using a specific game medium can be determined for each game part, and it becomes easy to adjust the game balance. Here, the server control unit 15 may determine to decrease or set to zero the number of times of selecting a game part by the user according to the passage of time. With such a configuration, the user can hold again the game part that has been held up to the upper limit number of times due to the passage of time, and the convenience of the game is further improved.

[0181] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, a specific game medium for holding a desired game part from among one or more game parts has been described. However, there may be a specific game medium that can hold a desired game part from among all game parts held for a limited period. Specifically, there may be a specific game medium associated with all game parts. By using such a specific game medium, the user can hold a desired game part from among all game parts, and the convenience of the game is further improved. Alternatively, there may be a specific game medium that is not associated with any game part. A specific game medium that is not associated with any game part functions in the same manner as the specific game medium associated with all the above-described game parts.

[0182] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which one specific game medium is required to set a game part to the third state has been described. However, a plurality of specific game media may be required. Also, for each game part, the number of specific game media required to set the game part to the third state may be set. With such a configuration, for each game part, it is possible to set the user resources required to set to the third state, and it becomes easy to adjust the game balance.

[0183] In the above-described embodiments, a part of various game screens may be web-displayed on the terminal device 12 based on data generated by the server device 11, and a part of the game screen (for example, a header area and a footer area where menu buttons are arranged) may be native-displayed by a native app installed on the terminal device 12. Thus, the game according to the above-described embodiments can also be a hybrid game in which each of the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 undertakes a part of the processing.

[0184] In order to function as the server device 11 or the terminal device 12 according to the above-described embodiments, an information processing device such as a computer or a mobile phone can be preferably used. Such an information processing device can be realized by storing a program describing the processing content for realizing each function of the server device 11 or the terminal device 12 according to the embodiments in the storage unit of the information processing device and reading out and executing the program by the CPU of the information processing device. [Supplementary Note] The invention described in the claims of the original application of the present application is appended below. [1] In an information processing device that controls a game including a game part for a user to play, storing, in a storage unit, in association with the game part, a state of the game part and a holding period indicating a predetermined period; associating a specific game medium associated with the game part with the user; when the current time is outside the holding period, a first step of determining the state of the game part to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited; when the current time is within the holding period, a second step of determining the state of the game part to a second state in which play by the user is permitted; when an information acquisition request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is acquired while the state of the game part is in the first state or the second state, a third step of determining the state of the game part to a third state in which play by the user is permitted; When the state of the game part is the second state or the third state, a play step of causing the user to play the game part based on the setting information of the game part; to execute, In the play step, a program in which the setting information used when the state of the game part is the second state is different from the setting information used when the state of the game part is the third state. [2] The program according to claim 1, The setting information of the game part includes at least one of information indicating a value of a predetermined parameter used when the game part is executed, information regarding continuation of play in the game part, information indicating the difficulty of the game part, and information indicating the type, quantity, or probability that the game medium can be associated with the user by executing the game part. A program. [3] The program according to claim 1 or 2, A plurality of game parts are associated with the specific game medium, The holding request includes the information indicating the specific game medium and the information indicating a predetermined number of game parts in the first state or the second state among the plurality of game parts associated with the specific game medium. In the third step, a program for determining the state of the predetermined number of game parts indicated by the acquired holding request to be the third state. [4] The program according to claim 3, For each of the plurality of game parts associated with the specific game medium, play conditions for permitting play of the game part are defined. The holding request includes the information indicating the specific game medium and the information indicating a predetermined number of game parts in the first state or the second state and satisfying the play conditions among the plurality of game parts associated with the specific game medium. A program. [5] The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Each of the plurality of game parts is associated with a game medium that can be associated with the user according to the play of the game part. When the information processing apparatus acquires a search request, a first identification step of identifying a game part associated with a game medium that matches the search request among the plurality of game parts; A step of identifying a specific game medium associated with the game part identified in the first identification step among the plurality of specific game media; A program that further causes the above to be executed. [6] The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, When the third step acquires a holding request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part when the current time is an arbitrary time in at least one of outside and inside the holding period, the state of the game part is set to a third state in which play by the user is permitted. A program. [7] An information processing apparatus for controlling a game including a game part for a user to play, A storage unit that stores, in association with a game part, the state of the game part and a holding period indicating a predetermined period; A control unit, The control unit Associates the specific game medium associated with the game part with the user, When the current time is outside the holding period, sets the state of the game part to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited, When the current time is within the holding period, sets the state of the game part to a second state in which play by the user is permitted, When the state of the game part is in the first state or the second state, and a holding request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is acquired, the state of the game part is set to a third state in which play by the user is permitted. When the state of the game part is the second state or the third state, perform a play process for playing the game part based on the setting information of the game part. An information processing apparatus, wherein in the play process, the setting information used when the state of the game part is the second state is different from the setting information used when the state of the game part is the third state. [8] A control method for a game including a game part for allowing a user to play, using an information processing apparatus, wherein a control unit of the information processing apparatus stores, in a storage unit, a state of a game part and a holding period indicating a predetermined period, in association with the game part; associates a specific game medium associated with the game part with the user; a first step of setting the state of the game part to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited when the current time is outside the holding period; a second step of setting the state of the game part to a second state in which play by the user is permitted when the current time is within the holding period; a third step of setting the state of the game part to a third state in which play by the user is permitted when a holding request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is acquired while the state of the game part is the first state or the second state; a play step of playing the game part based on the setting information of the game part when the state of the game part is the second state or the third state; including a control method, wherein in the play step, the setting information used when the state of the game part is the second state is different from the setting information used when the state of the game part is the third state.

Explanation of Signs

[0185] 10 Game system 11 Server device 12 Terminal device 13 Server communication unit 14 Server memory unit 15 Server control unit 16 Network 17 Terminal communication unit 18 Terminal memory unit 19 Display unit 20 Input unit 21 Terminal control unit 22, 22a, 22b, 22c Selection buttons 23, 23a, 23b, 23c Icons 24 Information display area 25 Back button 26 Acquisition button 27 Execution request button 28 Selection button 29, 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d Holding buttons

Claims

1. An information processing device for controlling a game including a game part for a user to play, a first step of setting a state of the game part to a first state in which the user is prohibited from playing the game part when the current time is outside the period during which the game part is being held; a second step of setting a state of the game part to a second state in which the user is permitted to play the game part if the current time is within a period during which the game part is being held; a third step of setting a state of the game part to a third state in which the user is permitted to play the game part when a request for holding the game part is received, the third step being a step in which the user is permitted to play the game part and the request for holding the game part includes information indicating the game part and information indicating a specific game medium associated with the user, when the current time is outside a period during which the game part is held; canceling the association between the user and the specific game medium; Run the command, The program further includes restriction setting information associated with the specific game medium indicating the conditions under which the third state of the game part is eliminated, the restriction setting information being for setting a limited number of times or a limited time for which the game part is permitted to be played or cleared.

2. The information processing device further includes: A step of outputting a predetermined screen on which the game part is displayed. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the program

3. The information processing device further includes: The program according to claim 1 , further comprising a step of associating the specific game medium with the user.

4. The information processing device further includes: outputting a first screen on which a selection button corresponding to the specific game medium is selectably displayed; outputting a second screen displaying a game part associated with a specific game medium corresponding to the selection button selected by the user on the first screen, the game part having a duration set therefor, and an acquisition button for transmitting an acquisition request for the specific game medium to a server device; Run the command, The program described in claim 3, characterized in that the step of associating the specific game medium with the user associates the specific game medium to which the game part is associated with the user when the acquisition button is selected by the user.

5. The information processing device further includes: outputting a third screen on which a specific game medium associated with the user is selectably displayed; The program described in claim 2, characterized in that the specified screen displays a game part that corresponds to a specific game medium selected by the user on the third screen and has a set event period.

6. The game part further includes a play condition. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the play conditions are conditions that can be determined based on at least one of information regarding predetermined parameters including a level or stamina associated with the user, game achievement, game part play history, total play time, and login history.

7. The program according to claim 6, characterized in that, in the step of outputting the specified screen, game parts that satisfy the play conditions are displayed in a selectable manner, and game parts that do not satisfy the play conditions are displayed as hidden or unselectable.

8. The information processing device further includes: executing a step of having the user play the game part; The program described in claim 1, characterized in that the step of having the user play the game part comprises having the user play the game part based on setting information for the game part when the game part in the third state is selected by the user.

9. 9. The program according to claim 8, wherein the setting information of the game part determined to be in the third state is changed from the setting information when the current time is within the event period.

10. When the current time changes from outside a period during which the game part is being played to within the period during which the game part is being played, 2. The program according to claim 1, further causing the information processing device to execute a step of stopping changes to values ​​related to the play of the game part until a period during which the game part is held ends.

11. When a holding request is acquired for a game part already set to the third state, the holding request further includes information indicating another specific game medium to which the game part is associated and information indicating the game part, The information processing device further includes: a step of stopping a change in a value related to play of the game part based on the other specific game medium until a period during which the game part based on the specific game medium is held ends; a step of starting to change a value related to play of the game part based on the other specific game medium when a period during which the game part based on the specific game medium is held ends; 2. The program according to claim 1, further comprising:

12. 12. The program according to claim 10, wherein the value relating to the play of the game part includes the number of times the game part has been played, the number of times it has been cleared, and / or the elapsed time.

13. The program described in claim 8, characterized in that the setting information for the game part includes at least one of the following information: information indicating the value of a predetermined parameter used when the game part is executed, information regarding the continuation of play in the game part, information indicating the difficulty level of the game part, and information indicating the type, quantity, or probability that the game medium will be associated with the user by execution of the game part.

14. a game content that can be associated with the user in response to a play of each of the plurality of game parts is associated with the game content; The information processing device includes: a first identification step of identifying, when a search request is received, a game part associated with a game content that matches the search request from among the plurality of game parts; identifying a specific game medium associated with the game part identified in the first identification step, from among a plurality of specific game media; 2. The program according to claim 1, further comprising:

15. An information processing device including a control unit for controlling a game including a game part for a user to play, The control unit, If the current time is outside the period during which the game part is being held, the state of the game part is set to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited; If the current time is within a period during which the game part is being held, the state of the game part is set to a second state in which the user is permitted to play; when the current time is outside a period during which the game part is being held, and an opening request including information indicating the game part and information indicating a specific game medium associated with the user is acquired, the state of the game part is set to a third state in which play by the user is permitted; cancelling the association between the user and the specific game medium, and the specific game medium is further associated with restriction setting information indicating a condition under which the third state of the game part is cancelled, the restriction setting information being for setting a limited number of times or a limited time for which the game part is permitted to be played or cleared. Information processing device.

16. A method for controlling a game including a game part for a user to play, the method comprising the steps of: A control unit of the information processing device, a first step of setting a state of the game part to a first state in which the user is prohibited from playing the game part when the current time is outside the period during which the game part is being held; a second step of setting a state of the game part to a second state in which the user is permitted to play the game part if the current time is within a period during which the game part is being held; a third step of setting a state of the game part to a third state in which the user is permitted to play the game part when a request for holding the game part is received, the third step being a step in which the user is permitted to play the game part and the request for holding the game part includes information indicating the game part and information indicating a specific game medium associated with the user, when the current time is outside a period during which the game part is held; canceling the association between the user and the specific game medium; Run the command, A control method in which the specific game medium is further associated with restriction setting information indicating the conditions under which the third state of the game part is eliminated, the restriction setting information being for setting a limited number of times or a limited time for which the game part is permitted to be played or cleared.

Images