Information processing device

Abstract

To enhance a merit of having a plurality of pieces of evolution content branched from common content.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: a content information storage part for storing content information in which a plurality of pieces of evolution content branched from common content are set; a user information storage part for storing user information in which content that a user owns is set; and a privilege imparting part for imparting a privilege to a user who owns two or more pieces of evolution content branched from the common content.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is known a program for causing a computer to execute a game in which a user is made to possess a character as an example of content and the character possessed by the user is further evolved into a stronger character (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a game, there may be a plurality of evolved characters branched from a common character prepared in advance. However, there are few merits in possessing a plurality of evolved characters branched from a common character. Therefore, although a plurality of evolved characters are prepared in advance in this way, users tend not to try to obtain many of them. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to enhance the merits of possessing a plurality of evolved contents branched from a common content.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The main invention of the present invention for solving the above problems is a content information storage unit that stores content information in which a plurality of evolved contents branched from a common content are set, A user information storage unit that stores user information in which the content possessed by the user is set A privilege granting unit that grants privileges to users who possess two or more pieces of evolved content branched from common content An information processing apparatus characterized by comprising the above Other features of the present invention will be clarified by the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0006]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] At least the following matters will become clear from the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings. That is, a content information storage unit that stores content information in which a plurality of evolved contents branched from common content are set, A user information storage unit that stores user information in which the content possessed by the user is set, A privilege granting unit that grants privileges to a user who possesses two or more evolved contents branched from the common content, An information processing apparatus characterized by comprising: According to such an information processing apparatus, a privilege will be given to a user who possesses two or more evolved contents branched from the common content. Thereby, it becomes possible to enhance the merit of possessing a plurality of evolved contents branched from the common content.

[0008] Further, such an information processing apparatus, The privilege granting unit may change, as a privilege for the user, a parameter set for at least one of the two or more evolved contents possessed by the user so as to be advantageous to the user. According to such an information processing apparatus, a user who possesses two or more evolved contents branched from the common content is given the merit of being able to advantageously set a parameter set for at least one of the evolved contents. Thereby, it becomes possible to enhance the merit of possessing a plurality of evolved contents branched from the common content.

[0009] Further, such an information processing apparatus, A combining unit that gradually increases the maximum value of the parameters of each of the combined evolved contents each time the common content that is the branch source is combined for each of the two or more evolved contents possessed by the user, Comprising As a privilege for the user, the privilege granting unit may significantly change, to be more advantageous for the user, the parameters set for at least one of the two or more evolved contents held by the user, such that the higher the frequency of synthesizing the common content that is the branching source, the more significant the change. According to such an information processing apparatus, for a user who holds two or more evolved contents branched from a common content, the more frequently the common content that is the branching source is synthesized for each evolved content, the more advantageous the parameters set for at least one of the evolved contents can be made. This makes it possible to enhance the merit of holding a plurality of evolved contents branched from a common content.

[0010] Also, for such an information processing apparatus, As a privilege for the user, the privilege granting unit may make the parameters set for at least two of the two or more evolved contents held by the user mutually exchangeable. According to such an information processing apparatus, for a user who holds two or more evolved contents branched from a common content, the user is given the merit of being able to exchange the parameters of one evolved content with the parameters of the other evolved content. This makes it possible to enhance the merit of holding a plurality of evolved contents branched from a common content.

[0011] Also, for such an information processing apparatus, an evolution unit that, when the evolution condition is satisfied for the common content that is the branching source held by the user, instead of having the user hold the common content, causes the user to hold any one of the plurality of evolved contents branched from the common content; and The ease of fulfillment of the evolution conditions may be made different depending on whether the user already has at least one of the plurality of evolved contents branched from the common content or the user has not yet possessed any of the plurality of evolved contents branched from the common content. According to such an information processing apparatus, for example, a user who has at least one of the plurality of evolved contents branched from the common content can more easily evolve the common content that is the branch source he or she has into an evolved content than a user who does not yet have an evolved content. As a result, it becomes easier for the user to possess two or more evolved contents branched from the common content.

[0012] Next, the computer is content information storage means for storing content information in which a plurality of evolved contents branched from the common content are set, user information storage means for storing user information in which the content possessed by the user is set, privilege granting means for granting privileges to a user who has two or more evolved contents branched from the common content, a program for causing the above functions. According to such a program, it is possible to enhance the merits of possessing a plurality of evolved contents branched from the common content.

[0013] ===Embodiment=== Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus, a program, and an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Note that the present invention can be widely applied to an information processing apparatus, a program, an information processing system, etc. that employ a game in which the content (for example, a character) possessed by the user is evolved into a stronger content.

[0014] <<System Configuration>> FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, one or more client terminals 10 and a server device 20 are connected via a network N.

[0015] The client terminal 10 is a terminal device such as a smartphone, a tablet, a PC, etc. operated by a user, or a terminal device such as a dedicated game device for home or business use. The server device 20 performs management and control of games performed by the user on the client terminal 10, charging processing within the game, etc. The network N is the Internet or the like and includes a mobile radio base station or the like.

[0016] In addition, the present invention is applicable not only to the client-server type information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1, but also to a single game device (information processing device) by separately providing a mechanism for performing charging processing within the game. The information processing system 1 in FIG. 1 is an example, and it goes without saying that there are various system configuration examples according to the use and purpose. For example, the server device 20 in FIG. 1 may be configured to be distributed among a plurality of computers.

[0017] <<Hardware Configuration>> <Client Terminal and Server Device> FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the computer 50 according to the present embodiment. The client terminal 10 and the server device 20 according to the present embodiment are realized by, for example, a computer 50 having the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2. Note that the computer 50 is an example of an information processing device.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the computer 50 includes a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53, a communication interface 54, an input device 55, a display device 56, an external interface 57, and an HDD 58, etc., and each is mutually connected by a bus line B. In the server device 20, the input device 55 and the display device 56 may be connected and used when necessary.

[0019] The CPU 51 is an arithmetic unit that realizes the control and functions of the entire computer by reading programs and data from storage devices such as the ROM 53 and the HDD 58 onto the RAM 52 and executing various processes based on the read programs and data.

[0020] The RAM 52 is an example of a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) for temporarily holding programs and data, and is also used as a work area when the CPU 51 executes various processes.

[0021] The ROM 53 is an example of a non-volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can hold programs and data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 53 stores programs and data such as the BIOS, OS settings, and network settings that are executed when the computer 50 is started up.

[0022] The communication interface 54 is an interface for connecting the computer 50 to the network N. Thereby, the computer 50 can perform data communication via the communication interface 54.

[0023] The input device 55 is a device used by a user or an administrator to input various signals. The input device 55 in this embodiment is, for example, an operating device such as a touch panel, operation keys or buttons, a keyboard, or a mouse.

[0024] The display device 56 is a device for displaying various information on a screen for a user or an administrator. The display device 56 in this embodiment is, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal or an organic EL.

[0025] The external interface 57 is an interface for connectably communicating data with an external device. Thereby, the computer 50 can read and / or write to a recording medium via the external interface 57. The external device is, for example, a recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, or a USB memory.

[0026] The HDD 58 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data. The programs and data stored include the OS, which is the basic software that controls the entire computer, and applications that provide various functions on the OS.

[0027] Note that instead of the HDD 58, a drive device that uses flash memory as a storage medium (for example, a solid state drive: SSD) may be used.

[0028] The client terminal 10 and the server device 20 according to the present embodiment can realize various processes as described later by executing a program on the computer 50 having the above-described hardware configuration.

[0029] <<Software Configuration>> <Server Device> FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the server device 20 according to the present embodiment. The server device 20 according to the present embodiment is realized by, for example, the functional blocks shown in FIG. 3.

[0030] The server device 20 according to the present embodiment realizes a server control unit 200, a server storage unit 220, and a server communication unit 240 by executing a program.

[0031] The server control unit 200 has a function of executing various processes in the server device 20. The server control unit 200 in the present embodiment includes a request processing unit 201 and an information management unit 202.

[0032] The request processing unit 201 receives a request from the client terminal 10, performs processing corresponding to the received request, and transmits the processing result or the like to the client terminal 10 as a response.

[0033] The information management unit 202 stores various information of users who have played the game as user information in the user information storage unit 224. Also, the information management unit 202 refers to and updates user information and the like in response to requests from the request processing unit 201.

[0034] The server storage unit 220 has a function of storing various information in the server device 20. The server storage unit 220 in the present embodiment includes a character information storage unit 221, an item information storage unit 222, a quest information storage unit 223, and a user information storage unit 224.

[0035] The character information storage unit 221 is an example of the content information storage unit and stores character information (content information) regarding a character as an example of content. The character information stored in the character information storage unit 221 is composed of the following various data.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing an example of character information. The character information shown in FIG. 4 has, as items, a character ID, a name, a rarity, ability parameters, skills, an evolved character, a lottery probability, and the like. The character ID is information for uniquely identifying various characters. The name is information indicating the character name. The rarity is information indicating the rarity (scarcity value) of the character. Here, any one of multiple classes of rarity is initially set. In the present embodiment, a five-stage setting from rarity "1" to "5" is possible. Note that the class of rarity is not limited to five stages, and may be four stages or less, or six stages or more. The ability parameters are information indicating the abilities of the character. Here, ability values such as attack, defense, and HP are initially set. The skills are information indicating special abilities (such as ultimate skills) of the character. The evolved character is information indicating an evolved character that is stronger than before evolution. In the present embodiment, there may be a case where a non-branching evolved character (a single evolved character) is set, or a case where an evolved character branched from a common pre-evolved character is set. For example, in the case of "Character C", "Character C1", which is a non-branching evolved character, is set. Also, in the case of "Character D", two evolved characters, "Character D1" and "Character D2", branched from the common "Character D" are set. Note that the branching of the evolved character is not limited to two, and may be three or more. The lottery probability is information indicating the probability of a character winning in a lottery game.

[0037] The item information storage unit 222 stores item information regarding items used in the game. The item information stored in the item information storage unit 222 is composed of various data shown below.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an example of item information. The item information shown in FIG. 5 has an item ID, a name, an item effect, etc. as items. The item ID is information for uniquely identifying various items. The name is information indicating the item name. The item effect is information indicating the effect exhibited when the item is used.

[0039] The quest information storage unit 223 stores quest information regarding quests that the user can challenge. The quest information stored in the quest information storage unit 223 is composed of various data shown below.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an example of quest information. The quest information shown in FIG. 6 has a quest ID, a name, required points, enemy characters, acquirable characters, acquirable items, etc. as items. The quest ID is information for uniquely identifying a quest as a play unit. The name is information indicating the quest name. The required points are information indicating the quantity of game points (stamina) required to play that quest. The enemy characters are information indicating the characters that become opponents in that quest among a plurality of characters set in the character information stored in the character information storage unit 221. The acquirable characters are information indicating one or more characters that the user can acquire in that quest among a plurality of characters set in the character information stored in the character information storage unit 221. The acquirable items are information indicating one or more items that the user can acquire in that quest among a plurality of items set in the item information stored in the item information storage unit 222. Note that it is also possible to include quests that can only be challenged by users who possess two or more evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolved character.

[0041] The user information storage unit 224 stores user information regarding the user. The user information stored in the user information storage unit 224 is composed of various data shown below.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an example of user information. The user information shown in FIG. 7 has, as items, a user ID, a name, possessed characters, a party, possessed items, possessed points, play information, etc. The user ID is information for uniquely identifying a user. The name is information indicating the user name. The possessed characters are information indicating one or more characters currently possessed by the user among a plurality of characters set in the character information stored in the character information storage unit 221. Here, as shown in parentheses in the figure, various parameters (level, attack power, defense power, HP, etc.) of the currently possessed characters are also set. In the present embodiment, the number of times (synthesis times) of synthesizing characters that are the same or regarded as the same synthetic material is also set. Further, in the present embodiment, for the characters before evolution among the possessed characters, evolution parameters (current value / maximum value) are also set. The evolution parameter is a parameter indicating a criterion for whether a character before evolution can evolve. For example, when the evolution parameter reaches the maximum value, the character before evolution can evolve. Note that the current value of the evolution parameter increases by a predetermined amount each time the character before evolution is included in a party (also referred to as a "deck" or "team") when actually used in a battle. That is, the more the user uses a character before evolution in a battle, the closer the current value of the evolution parameter approaches the maximum value. Also, the current value of the character before evolution may increase by a predetermined amount only when a quest is cleared. The party is information indicating each character constituting the user's party. In the present embodiment, when the user possesses two or more evolved characters branched from a common character, one of the evolved characters can be included in the party. That is, two or more evolved characters branched from a common character cannot be included in the same party. Note that two or more evolved characters branched from a common character may be allowed to be included in the same party.The items in possession refer to information indicating one or more items that the user currently possesses among the multiple items set in the item information stored in the item information storage unit 222. The points in possession refer to information indicating the quantity of game points that the user currently possesses. The user can play a quest by consuming their own game points by the amount required for the quest.

[0043] The server communication unit 240 has a function of communicating with the client terminal 10 via the network N.

[0044] <Client Terminal> FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment. The client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment is realized by, for example, the functional blocks shown in FIG. 8.

[0045] The client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment realizes a client control unit 100, a client storage unit 120, a client communication unit 140, an operation input reception unit 150, and a screen display unit 160 by executing a program.

[0046] The client control unit 100 has a function of executing various processes in the client terminal 10. This client control unit 100 includes a game progress unit 101, a server access unit 102, and a display control unit 103.

[0047] The game progress unit 101 controls the progress of various games. The game progress unit 101 according to the present embodiment advances a battle game, a lottery game, a synthesis game, etc., which will be described later, based on the game operations received by the client terminal 10 from the user. This game progress unit 101 includes a battle unit 101A, a privilege granting unit 101B, a character granting unit 101C, an evolution unit 101D, a synthesis unit 101E, and a selling unit 101F.

[0048] The battle unit 101A controls the battles between characters that are opponents of each other. The battle unit 101A according to the present embodiment determines the outcome of the battles between characters that are opponents of each other based on various parameters and the like that each character included in the party has.

[0049] The privilege granting unit 101B grants privileges to a user who has two or more evolved characters branched from a common character. The privilege granting unit 101B according to the present embodiment changes the parameters of at least one of the evolved characters so as to be advantageous to the user when the user has two or more evolved characters branched from a common character.

[0050] The character granting unit 101C grants to the user the characters set in the character information stored in the character information storage unit 221. The character granting unit 101C according to the present embodiment grants one or more characters to the user via a battle game, a lottery game, or the like.

[0051] The evolution unit 101D evolves the characters possessed by the user into stronger characters. The evolution unit 101D according to the present embodiment, when the evolution condition is satisfied for the pre-evolution character possessed by the user, instead of making the user not possess (non-possess) the pre-evolution character, makes the user possess the post-evolution character. The evolution condition according to the present embodiment is, for example, that the evolution parameter set for the pre-evolution character has reached the maximum value. Note that the evolution condition is not limited to this, and for example, all the characters that are preset synthetic materials may be obtained in a battle game or a lottery game and all of them may be synthesized with the pre-evolution character (the character serving as the synthesis source).

[0052] The synthesis unit 101E strengthens one character by synthesizing other characters for one character among the multiple characters possessed by the user, instead of sacrificing (making non-owned) the other characters. The synthesis unit 101E according to the present embodiment, for example, gradually increases the maximum value of the parameters set for the character serving as the synthesis source each time a character identical to the character serving as the synthesis source is synthesized with the character serving as the synthesis material. At this time, the character serving as the synthesis material becomes a character not possessed by the user (that is, a sacrifice). Also, when the user possesses two or more evolved characters branched from a common character (pre-evolution character) serving as the branch source, each time the common character (pre-evolution character) serving as the branch source is synthesized for each of the evolved characters, the maximum value of the parameters of each of the synthesized evolved characters is gradually increased. At this time, the common character (pre-evolution character) serving as the branch source becomes a non-owned character (that is, a sacrifice). In addition to this, when one evolved character is synthesized with another evolved character among the multiple evolved characters branched from the common character, the maximum value of the parameters of the synthesized one evolved character may also be increased to the next level. At this time, the other evolved characters become non-owned characters.

[0053] The selling unit 101F gives a consideration to the user instead of making the character possessed by the user non-owned (not possessed) by selling the character possessed by the user. The selling unit 101F according to the present embodiment gives game points, as an example of the consideration, to the user each time the user's own character is sold.

[0054] The server access unit 102 transmits various processing requests to the server device 20 and receives processing results and the like from the server device 20 as a response when access to the server device 20 is required during the process of various processes executed by the game progress unit 101.

[0055] The display control unit 103 controls the screen display of the client terminal 10 according to the progress of various games and the like. The display control unit 103 according to the present embodiment controls the screen display of the client terminal 10 by generating data of various screens according to, for example, the progress of a battle game or a lottery game controlled by the game progress unit 101.

[0056] The operation input reception unit 150 receives operation inputs from a user who operates the client terminal 10. The client storage unit 120 stores installed applications (such as game applications), various programs and various data required in the client terminal 10 (for example, character information, item information, quest information, user information, etc., similar to the server device 20). The client communication unit 140 communicates with the server device 20. The screen display unit 160 performs screen display of the client terminal 10 according to the control from the display control unit 103.

[0057] Note that, as described above, in the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, game progress and display control are performed in the client terminal 10, but they may be performed by the server device 20. Specifically, at least one of the game progress unit and the display control unit may not be provided in the client control unit 100 of the client terminal 10, but may be provided in the server control unit 200 of the server device 20.

[0058] In addition, the client control unit 100 of the client terminal 10 has a browser type that receives page data described in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) or the like and scripts included in the page data from the server device 20 and performs processing related to the game. In addition, the client control unit 100 of the client terminal 10 has an application type that performs processing related to the game based on the installed application. FIG. 8 shows an example of the application type.

[0059] <<System Overview>> Here, the outline of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment will be described. The information processing system 1 in this embodiment includes at least a battle game, a lottery game, and a synthesis game.

[0060] The battle game in this embodiment is a game in which enemy characters appear against a party composed of a plurality of characters, and each character constituting the party battles against the appeared enemy characters.

[0061] In this battle game, a plurality of quests aimed at defeating enemy characters and the like are set according to the difficulty level. The user can form a party (also referred to as "formation") using the characters and the like he or she possesses, select any quest, and challenge a battle against enemy characters. In that battle, characters and items that are set to be obtainable in the selected quest may be given to the user.

[0062] The lottery game in this embodiment is a game in which the characters given to the user are determined by lottery on the condition that items such as paid items and free items are used (also referred to as "consumed"). In this lottery game, when the user performs a lottery operation, one of the plurality of characters as lottery candidates is determined based on the lottery probability of each character, and the determined character is given to the user.

[0063] The synthesis game in this embodiment is a game in which, among the plurality of characters possessed by the user, a character serving as a synthesis material (synthesis material character) is combined with a character serving as a synthesis source (synthesis source character), and instead of losing the synthesis material character, the synthesis source character is strengthened.

[0064] In this synthesis game, basically, every time a character identical to the original synthesis character is combined as a synthesis material character, the maximum value of the parameters set for the original synthesis character can be gradually increased. Exceptionally, when the user has two or more evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character, every time the pre-evolution character that is the branch source is used as a synthesis material for each of the evolved characters and synthesized, the maximum value of the parameters for each of the synthesized evolved characters can be gradually increased. That is, the pre-evolution character that is the branch source and the evolved characters that are the branch destinations are treated as the same character. Note that there is an upper limit to the increase in the maximum value. For example, the maximum value can be increased by up to four levels (that is, the maximum value can be increased until the maximum number of syntheses reaches four times).

[0065] Also, in the information processing system 1 in this embodiment, the user can evolve the characters they possess into stronger characters or grant privileges to users who have two or more evolved characters branched from a common character.

[0066] In the evolution of characters in this embodiment, when the user has a pre-evolution character (pre-evolution character), that pre-evolution character can be exchanged for a stronger post-evolution character (evolved character). Specifically, when the evolution condition is met for the pre-evolution character possessed by the user, the user can possess the evolved character instead of losing the pre-evolution character. However, for multiple evolved characters branched from a common character rather than a non-branching evolved character, when the evolution condition is met for the pre-evolution character possessed by the user (that is, the common character that is the branch source), the user can possess any one of the evolved characters selected by the user from among the multiple evolved characters that are the branch destinations instead of losing the pre-evolution character.

[0067] The privilege of the user in this embodiment is given to a user who possesses two or more evolved characters branched from a common character. Specifically, when a user possesses two or more evolved characters branched from a common character, the user is given the right to advantageously change the parameters of at least one of the evolved characters. For example, when a user possesses two evolved characters branched from a common character, if the user forms a party including one of the evolved characters and challenges a quest, in that quest, one of the evolved characters included in the party has an increased ability parameter compared to when there is no privilege. As a result, the user can fight advantageously in that quest by taking advantage of the merit of possessing a plurality of evolved characters branched from a common character. If the user disposes of (no longer possesses) the other remaining evolved character by synthesis or sale, the user no longer possesses two or more evolved characters branched from the common character, so the user loses that privilege. Therefore, even if one evolved character is included in the party, its ability parameter does not increase, so the user cannot fight advantageously in the quest.

[0068] In this way, in order for the user to receive benefits such as being able to fight advantageously in the quest, the user will actively collect more evolved characters branched from the common character. As a result, it becomes possible to enhance the merit of possessing a plurality of evolved characters branched from the common character.

[0069] <<System Operation>> <Evolution of Character> FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example regarding the evolution of a character in this embodiment.

[0070] When the user performs a selection operation regarding the evolution of a character on the menu screen, the client terminal 10 causes the owned character screen on which the character owned by the user is arranged to be displayed on the screen display unit 160 (step S11).

[0071] Specifically, when the user performs a selection operation on the menu screen, the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 requests the server access unit 102 to execute character evolution processing. When the server access unit 102 of the client terminal 10 is requested to execute character evolution processing by the evolution unit 101D, it transmits a request regarding the evolution of the character to the server device 20 together with the user ID.

[0072] When the request processing unit 201 of the server device 20 receives the request, it requests the information management unit 202 to execute data acquisition processing. When the information management unit 202 of the server device 20 is requested to execute data acquisition processing by the request processing unit 201, it refers to the user information stored in the user information storage unit 224, acquires the user information of the user corresponding to the transmitted user ID, and acquires the character information stored in the character information storage unit 221. The request processing unit 201 transmits the user information and character information acquired by the information management unit 202 to the client terminal 10.

[0073] Thereafter, when the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 receives the information transmitted from the server device 20, it requests the display control unit 103 to execute screen display processing. When the display control unit 103 of the client terminal 10 is requested to execute screen display processing by the evolution unit 101D, it generates an owned character screen based on the user information and the like transmitted from the server device 20 and displays it on the screen display unit 160.

[0074] When the character possession screen is displayed on the screen display unit 160 of the client terminal 10, the user can perform an operation on the client terminal 10 to specify any one of the possessed characters among the plurality of possessed characters. The evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines whether it has received an input specifying any one of the possessed characters by the user's operation (step S12).

[0075] When the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines that it has not yet received an input specifying any one of the possessed characters (step S12: "NO"), it waits until there is a specified input from the user. On the other hand, when it determines that it has received an input specifying any one of the possessed characters (step S12: "YES"), the process proceeds to the next step S13.

[0076] Next, when the user performs an operation to specify any one of the possessed characters, the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines whether the possessed character specified by the user is a pre-evolution character (pre-evolution character) based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20 (step S13).

[0077] When the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines that it is not a pre-evolution character (step S13: "NO"), it returns to the process of step S11 described above. Since the possessed character specified by the user is already an evolved character, after notifying the user to that effect, it causes the user to specify a character again on the character possession screen. On the other hand, when it determines that it is a pre-evolution character (step S13: "YES"), the process proceeds to the next step S14.

[0078] Next, when the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines that the character in possession specified by the user is the pre-evolution character, it determines whether the specified pre-evolution character in possession is the pre-evolution character of an evolution character without branches based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20 (step S14).

[0079] When the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines that it is not the pre-evolution character of an evolution character without branches (step S14: "NO"), it proceeds to step S16 described later. In contrast, when it determines that it is the pre-evolution character of an evolution character without branches (step S14: "YES"), it proceeds to the next step S15.

[0080] Next, when the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines that it is the pre-evolution character of an evolution character without branches, it determines whether the evolution conditions are satisfied for the specified pre-evolution character in possession (step S15).

[0081] Specifically, the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines whether the evolution parameter of the pre-evolution character in possession specified by the user is the maximum value based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20. And when the evolution parameter of the pre-evolution character in possession is the maximum value, it is determined that the evolution conditions are satisfied.

[0082] When the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines that the evolution conditions are satisfied for the specified pre-evolution character in possession (step S15: "YES"), it proceeds to step S20 described later. In contrast, when it determines that the evolution conditions are not satisfied for the specified pre-evolution character in possession (step S15: "NO"), the processing related to this character evolution is terminated.

[0083] Next, in the process of step S14 described above, when the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines that the pre-evolution character of the evolution character without a branch is not the pre-evolution character (that is, when it is the pre-evolution character of the evolution character that is the branch destination), based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20, it determines whether the user has at least one evolution character that is the branch destination of the designated pre-evolution possessed character (step S16).

[0084] When the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines that it does not yet possess the evolution character that is the branch destination of the designated pre-evolution possessed character (step S16: "NO"), similar to the process of step S15 described above, it determines whether the evolution condition is satisfied for the designated pre-evolution possessed character (step S17). On the other hand, when it is determined that the user has at least one evolution character that is the branch destination of the designated pre-evolution possessed character (step S16: "YES"), the process proceeds to the next step S18 without determining whether the evolution condition is satisfied. In this way, if the user has at least one evolution character that is the branch destination of the pre-evolution possessed character, it is regarded that the evolution condition for the pre-evolution possessed character has already been satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to immediately evolve the pre-evolution possessed character into one of the evolution characters without going through the determination process of whether the evolution condition is satisfied.

[0085] Next, if the user possesses at least one evolved character to which the specified pre-evolved character will branch (step S16: "YES"), or if the evolution conditions for the specified pre-evolved character are met (step S17: "YES"), the display control unit 103 of the client terminal 10 generates an evolution selection screen 500 for allowing the user to select an evolved character to which the specified pre-evolved character will branch based on the user information and character information sent from the server device 20, and displays the screen display unit 160 (step S18).

[0086] 10 is an image diagram showing an example of an evolution destination selection screen 500. This evolution destination selection screen 500 includes a pre-evolution character display area 501 that displays a possessed character before evolution specified by the user, a branch destination evolved character display area 502 that displays an evolved character that is a branch destination of the specified possessed character before evolution, and an operation button 503 for starting evolution.

[0087] When the evolution destination selection screen 500 is displayed on the screen display unit 160 of the client terminal 10, the user selects one of the evolved characters from the branch destination evolved character display area 502, and then performs an operation on the client terminal 10 to select the operation button 503. When the user performs a selection operation to start evolution into one of the evolved characters, the operation input receiving unit 150 of the client terminal 10 receives an operation input based on the user's selection operation. If the user already owns any of the evolved characters, a warning message may be displayed on the evolution destination selection screen 500 to prevent the user from accidentally evolving into the same evolved character as the one already owned (to prevent the user from choosing the wrong branch destination). If the user owns all of the branch destination evolved characters, the user may be allowed to select the same evolved character as the one already owned.

[0088] Next, returning to FIG. 9, when the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 receives the user's operation input in this way, it determines whether the operation button 503 for starting the evolution is selected by the user on the evolution destination selection screen 500 shown in FIG. 10 (step S19).

[0089] When the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines that the operation button 503 for starting the evolution is not selected by the user (step S19: "NO"), it waits until there is a selection input from the user. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation button 503 for starting the evolution is selected by the user (step S19: "YES"), the process proceeds to the next step S20.

[0090] Next, when the operation button 503 for starting the evolution is selected by the user, the display control unit 103 of the client terminal 10 generates an evolution screen 550 for evolving the specified pre-evolution possessed character based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20 and displays it on the screen display unit 160 (step S20).

[0091] FIG. 11 is an image diagram showing an example of the evolution screen 550. On this evolution screen 550, there are a pre-evolution character display area 551 where the pre-evolution possessed character specified by the user is displayed, an evolution character display area 552 where the evolution character of the specified pre-evolution possessed character is displayed, an operation button 553 for finalizing the evolution, and an operation button 554 for canceling the evolution and transitioning to the menu screen.

[0092] When a user wishes to confirm the evolution, the user performs an operation of selecting the operation button 553 on the client terminal 10 when the evolution screen 550 is displayed on the screen display unit 160 of the client terminal 10. On the other hand, when a user wishes to cancel the evolution, the user performs an operation of selecting the operation button 554 on the client terminal 10 when the evolution screen 550 is displayed on the screen display unit 160 of the client terminal 10. When the operation input reception unit 150 of the client terminal 10 receives a selection operation for confirming the evolution or a selection operation for canceling the evolution by the user, it receives an operation input based on the selection operation of the user.

[0093] Next, returning to FIG. 9, when the operation input reception unit 150 of the client terminal 10 receives the user's operation input in this way, the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines whether or not the operation button 553 for confirming the evolution is selected by the user in the evolution screen 550 shown in FIG. 11 (step S21).

[0094] When the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines that the operation button 553 for confirming the evolution is not selected by the user, that is, when the operation button 554 for canceling the evolution is selected (step S21: "NO"), the process regarding this character evolution is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation button 553 for confirming the evolution is selected by the user (step S21: "YES"), the process proceeds to the next step S22.

[0095] Next, when the operation button 553 for confirming the evolution is selected by the user, the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 evolves the pre-evolution possessed character designated by the user based on the user information and the character information transmitted from the server device 20 (step S22).

[0096] Specifically, instead of having the user possess the specified pre-evolution owned character of the client terminal 10, the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 updates the user information of the user so that the user possesses the evolved character that is the evolution of the specified pre-evolution owned character. Then, when the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 evolves the specified pre-evolution owned character designated by the user, it requests the server access unit 102 to execute the update process of the user information. When the server access unit 102 of the client terminal 10 is requested to execute the update process of the user information from the evolution unit 101D, it sends a request regarding the update process to the server device 20 together with the user ID and the character ID. After that, when the request processing unit 201 of the server device 20 receives the request, it requests the information management unit 202 to execute the data update process. When the information management unit 202 of the server device 20 is requested to execute the data update process from the request processing unit 201, it refers to the user information stored in the user information storage unit 224, identifies the user information of the user corresponding to the sent user ID, and updates the owned character of the user based on the sent character ID.

[0097] When the character evolves in this way, if the user has the pre-evolution character of the non-branching evolving character, and the evolution conditions are met for that pre-evolution character, instead of losing the pre-evolution character, the user can obtain the non-branching evolving character. On the other hand, if the user has the pre-evolution character of the evolving character that is the branch destination, and the evolution conditions are met for that pre-evolution character, instead of losing the pre-evolution character, the user can obtain any one of the multiple evolving characters that are the branch destinations, which the user selects himself. However, at this time, if the user has at least one evolving character that is the branch destination of the pre-evolution possessed character, it is regarded that the evolution conditions for that pre-evolution character have already been met. Therefore, no determination is made on whether the evolution conditions are met, and immediately, instead of losing the pre-evolution character, the user can obtain any one of the evolving characters that are the branch destinations, which the user selects himself.

[0098] <Character synthesis> FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation example related to character synthesis in the present embodiment.

[0099] When the user performs a selection operation related to character synthesis on the menu screen, the client terminal 10 causes the screen display unit 160 to display the possessed character screen on which the characters possessed by the user are arranged (step S31).

[0100] Specifically, when the user performs a selection operation on the menu screen, the synthesis unit 101E of the client terminal 10 requests the server access unit 102 to execute character synthesis processing. When the server access unit 102 of the client terminal 10 is requested to execute character synthesis processing by the synthesis unit 101E, it transmits a request related to character synthesis to the server device 20 together with the user ID.

[0101] When the request processing unit 201 of the server device 20 receives the request, it requests the information management unit 202 to execute data acquisition processing. When the information management unit 202 of the server device 20 is requested by the request processing unit 201 to execute data acquisition processing, it refers to the user information stored in the user information storage unit 224, acquires the user information of the user corresponding to the transmitted user ID, and acquires the character information stored in the character information storage unit 221. The request processing unit 201 transmits the user information and character information acquired by the information management unit 202 to the client terminal 10.

[0102] After that, when the composition unit 101E of the client terminal 10 receives the information transmitted from the server device 20, it requests the display control unit 103 to execute screen display processing. When the display control unit 103 of the client terminal 10 is requested by the composition unit 101E to execute screen display processing, it generates a possessed character screen based on the user information and the like transmitted from the server device 20 and displays it on the screen display unit 160.

[0103] When the possessed character screen is displayed on the screen display unit 160 of the client terminal 10, the user can perform an operation on the client terminal 10 to specify a character to be a synthesis source (synthesis source character) from among a plurality of possessed characters. The composition unit 101E of the client terminal 10 determines whether it has received an input specifying any one of the synthesis source characters by the user's operation (step S32).

[0104] When the composition unit 101E of the client terminal 10 determines that it has not yet received an input specifying any one of the synthesis source characters (step S32: "NO"), it waits until there is a designation input from the user. On the other hand, when it is determined that an input specifying any one of the possessed characters has been received (step S32: "YES"), the process proceeds to the next step S33.

[0105] Next, when the user performs an operation to specify any of the source characters for synthesis, the synthesis unit 101E of the client terminal 10 determines whether the number of synthesis times of the source character specified by the user has reached the maximum number of synthesis times (here, it is assumed that the maximum number of synthesis times is 4) based on the user information transmitted from the server device 20 (step S33).

[0106] When the synthesis unit 101E of the client terminal 10 determines that the number of synthesis times of the specified source character has reached the maximum number of synthesis times (step S33: "YES"), it returns to the process of step S31 described above. Since the number of synthesis times of the source character specified by the user has already reached the maximum number of synthesis times, after notifying the user to that effect, the user is again made to specify a character on the owned character screen. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of synthesis times of the source character has not yet reached the maximum number of synthesis times (step S33: "NO"), the process proceeds to the next step S34.

[0107] Next, when the number of synthesis times of the source character specified by the user has not yet reached the maximum number of synthesis times, the synthesis unit 101E of the client terminal 10 determines whether the user owns a character (synthesis material character) that is the same as or can be regarded as the same as the source character specified by the user as a synthesis material based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20 (step S34).

[0108] Specifically, the composition unit 101E of the client terminal 10 refers to the user information and character information of the user, and determines whether the user has a character (composition material character) identical to the designated composition source character. Further, in the present embodiment, the evolved character that is the branch destination and the pre-evolution character that is the branch source are treated as the same character. Therefore, for example, when the designated composition source character is the evolved character that is the branch destination, it is also determined whether the user has the pre-evolution character that can be regarded as the same as the branch source.

[0109] When the composition unit 101E of the client terminal 10 determines that it does not have a composition material character identical or regarded as identical to the designated composition source character (step S34: "NO"), it returns to the process of step S31 described above. Since the composition of the composition source character cannot be performed, after notifying the user to that effect, the user is again allowed to specify a character on the owned character screen. On the other hand, when it is determined that the user has a composition material character identical or regarded as identical to the designated composition source character (step S34: "YES"), the process proceeds to the next step S35.

[0110] Next, when the display control unit 103 of the client terminal 10 has a composition material character identical or regarded as identical to the composition source character designated by the user, based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20, a composition screen 600 for the designated composition source character is generated and displayed on the screen display unit 160 (step S35).

[0111] FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing an example of the composite screen 600. On this composite screen 600, there are a composite source character display area 601 where the composite source character specified by the user is displayed, a composite material character display area 602 where the composite material characters of the composite source character are displayed, an operation button 603 for finalizing the composition, and an operation button 604 for canceling the composition and transitioning to the menu screen. Note that in the composite material character display area 602 in this embodiment, there may be a case where a plurality of composite material characters of the composite source character are displayed. In this case, the user can select a desired composite material character.

[0112] A user who wishes to finalize the composition performs an operation of selecting the operation button 603 on the client terminal 10 when the composite screen 600 is displayed on the screen display unit 160 of the client terminal 10. On the other hand, a user who wishes to cancel the composition performs an operation of selecting the operation button 604 on the client terminal 10 when the composite screen 600 is displayed on the screen display unit 160 of the client terminal 10. When a selection operation for finalizing the composition or a selection operation for canceling the composition is performed by the user, the operation input reception unit 150 of the client terminal 10 receives the operation input based on the user's selection operation.

[0113] Next, returning to FIG. 12, when the operation input reception unit 150 receives the user's operation input in this way, the composition unit 101E of the client terminal 10 determines whether or not the operation button 603 for finalizing the composition in the composite screen 600 shown in FIG. 13 has been selected by the user (step S36).

[0114] If the composition unit 101E of the client terminal 10 determines that the operation button 603 for finalizing the composition has not been selected by the user, that is, if the operation button 604 for canceling the composition has been selected (step S36: "NO"), the process related to this character composition is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation button 603 for finalizing the composition has been selected by the user (step S36: "YES"), the process proceeds to the next step S37.

[0115] Next, when the operation button 603 for finalizing the composition is selected by the user, the composition unit 101E of the client terminal 10 performs the composition of the source character specified by the user based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20 (step S37).

[0116] Specifically, instead of having the user possess a composition material character that is the same as or can be regarded as the same as the specified source character for composition, the composition unit 101E of the client terminal 10 updates the user information of the user so that the user directly possesses the specified source character for composition. In addition, the maximum values of various parameters (attack, defense, HP, etc.) set for the specified source character for composition are increased by one level.

[0117] For example, when the user possesses not only the evolved character branched from a common character (pre-evolution character) but also the common character (pre-evolution character) that is the branching source, and performs composition by designating the evolved character that is the branching destination as the source character for composition, the common character (pre-evolution character) that is the branching source can be used as a composition material. As a result of this composition, for the evolved character that is the branching destination designated as the source character for composition, the maximum value of ability parameters and the like can be increased by one level.

[0118] Then, when the composition unit 101E of the client terminal 10 finishes composing the source character specified by the user, it requests the server access unit 102 to execute the update process of the user information. When the server access unit 102 of the client terminal 10 is requested to execute the update process of the user information by the composition unit 101E, it sends a request regarding the update process to the server device 20 together with the user ID and the character ID. After that, when the request processing unit 201 of the server device 20 receives the request, it requests the information management unit 202 to execute the data update process. When the information management unit 202 of the server device 20 is requested to execute the data update process by the request processing unit 201, it refers to the user information stored in the user information storage unit 224, identifies the user information of the user corresponding to the transmitted user ID, and updates the characters possessed by the user based on the transmitted character ID.

[0119] When character composition is performed in this way, when the user possesses not only the source character but also a composition material character that is the same as or can be regarded as the same as the source character, instead of losing the composition material character, the user can gradually increase the maximum value of various parameters set for the source character.

[0120] <Grant of Privilege> FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation example regarding the grant of privilege in the present embodiment.

[0121] When the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 determines whether the user has a new evolved character based on the character information when the user information is updated as a result of the evolution of the character specified by the user as described above (step S51).

[0122] When the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 determines that the user does not possess a new evolved character (step S51: "NO"), it ends the process related to this privilege granting. On the other hand, when it determines that the user possesses a new evolved character (step S51: "YES"), the process proceeds to the next step S52.

[0123] Next, when the user of the client terminal 10 possesses a new evolved character, the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 determines whether the newly possessed evolved character by the user is a non-branching evolved character based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20 (step S52).

[0124] When the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 determines that the newly possessed evolved character by the user is a non-branching evolved character (step S52: "YES"), it ends the process related to this privilege granting. On the other hand, when it determines that the newly possessed evolved character by the user is not a non-branching evolved character, that is, it is a branching evolved character (step S52: "NO"), the process proceeds to the next step S53.

[0125] Next, when the newly possessed evolved character by the user is not a non-branching evolved character, that is, it is a branching evolved character, the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 determines whether the user possesses two or more common evolved characters between the new evolved character and the pre-evolution character of the branching origin based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20 (step S53).

[0126] For example, when "Character D1" and "Character D2" are set as evolved characters branched from the common pre-evolution "Character D", if a user who previously owned "Character D1" newly acquires "Character D2", the pre-evolution character at the branching point will have two or more common evolved characters, so such a determination process will result in an affirmative decision.

[0127] When the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 determines that the pre-evolution character at the branching point does not have two or more common evolved characters (step S53: "NO"), it ends the process related to this privilege granting. On the other hand, when it determines that the pre-evolution character at the branching point has two or more common evolved characters (step S53: "YES"), it proceeds to the next step S54.

[0128] Next, when the user has two or more common evolved characters with the pre-evolution character at the branching point, the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 grants a privilege to that user (step S54).

[0129] Specifically, the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10, as a privilege for the user, changes the parameters of at least one of two or more evolved characters common to the pre-evolution character at the branch source in a manner advantageous to the user. In the present embodiment, as a privilege for the user, various parameters (attack, defense, HP, etc.) set for at least one of the evolved characters are increased (the maximum value of the various parameters is increased). For example, when the user possesses all two evolved characters common to the pre-evolution character at the branch source, if the user forms a party including one of the evolved characters and challenges a quest, in that quest, one of the evolved characters included in the party can have increased ability parameters (attack, defense, HP, etc.) compared to when there is no privilege. Therefore, the user can take advantage of the merit of possessing a plurality of evolved characters branched from a common character and fight advantageously in that quest. Regarding the other evolved character not included in the party, the various parameters may be increased in the same way as one of the evolved characters, or may not be increased unlike one of the evolved characters.

[0130] Then, the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 significantly changes the parameters set for at least one of the two or more evolved characters so that they are more advantageous for the user, with the frequency of synthesizing the pre-evolution character at the branching point (i.e., the more synthesis times, the higher the frequency) as the synthesis material for each of the two or more evolved characters that share the pre-evolution character at the branching point. In this embodiment, various parameters (such as attack, defense, HP, etc.) set for at least one of the evolved characters are significantly increased (the maximum values of various parameters are significantly increased). For example, when the user possesses all two evolved characters that share the pre-evolution character at the branching point, if the number of synthesis times of the pre-evolution character that is the branching point for one of the evolved characters is "1 time" and the number of synthesis times of the pre-evolution character that is the branching point for the other evolved character is "1 time", then the total number of these synthesis times is "2 times". And when the total number of these synthesis times is "2 times", if the user forms a party including one of the evolved characters and challenges a quest, then the ability parameters (such as attack, defense, HP, etc.) of one of the evolved characters included in the party will be "1.2 times" that without privilege. Also, for example, when the total number of synthesis times obtained in this way is "4 times", the ability parameters (such as attack, defense, HP, etc.) of one of the evolved characters included in the party will be "1.4 times" that without privilege. Also, for example, when the total number of synthesis times obtained in this way is "8 times", the ability parameters (such as attack, defense, HP, etc.) of one of the evolved characters included in the party will be "1.8 times" that without privilege.

[0131] By granting privileges to users who have two or more evolved characters in common with the pre-evolution character at the branching point in this way, each user will actively collect many evolved characters branched from the common pre-evolution character in order to receive benefits such as being able to fight advantageously in quests. As a result, it becomes possible to enhance the merit of having a plurality of evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character.

[0132] ===Other Embodiments=== The above-described embodiments are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from its gist, and equivalents thereof are also included in the present invention. In particular, the following-described embodiments are also included in the present invention.

[0133] <Conditions for Granting Privileges> In the above-described embodiments, the case of granting privileges to users who have two or more evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character has been described as an example. However, privileges may be granted to users who have two or more evolved characters with different branching destinations from each other, or privileges may be granted to users who have two or more evolved characters with the same branching destination from each other. For example, when two evolved characters, "Character D1" and "Character D2", are set as two evolved characters branched from the common pre-evolution "Character D", privileges may be granted to users who have "Character D1" and "Character D2", which are evolved characters with different branching destinations from each other, or privileges may be granted to users who have two "Character D1"s (or two "Character D2"s), which are evolved characters with the same branching destination from each other.

[0134] In the above-described embodiment, the case where privileges are granted to a user who currently possesses two or more evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character has been described as an example. However, privileges may be granted to a user who has ever possessed two or more evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character, including in the past.

[0135] In the above-described embodiment, the case where privileges are granted to a user for possessing two or more evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character has been described as an example. However, not only possessing two or more evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character, but also, by including any one of the evolved characters in a party used for battle, privileges may be granted to the user. Also, by including each evolved character in a party used for battle, privileges may be granted to the user.

[0136] In the above-described embodiment, the case where privileges are automatically granted to a user for possessing two or more evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character has been described as an example. However, privileges may be granted only after a predetermined operation is performed by the user after possessing two or more evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character.

[0137] <Specific examples of privileges> In the above-described embodiment, the case where the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 advantageously changes the parameters of the evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character as a privilege given to the user has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0138] For example, as a privilege given by the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 to the user, parameters set for at least two of two or more evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character may be made mutually exchangeable. Specifically, when a user with the privilege possesses all two evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character, the ability value of one of the evolved characters can be exchanged with the ability value of the other evolved character. At this time, it is also possible to make them mutually exchangeable on the condition that the user uses a predetermined item.

[0139] Also for example, as a privilege given by the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 to the user, character designs (such as clothing, hairstyles, equipment, etc.) set for at least two of two or more evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character may be made mutually exchangeable. Specifically, when a user with the privilege possesses all two evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character, the clothing of one of the evolved characters can be changed to the clothing of the other evolved character. At this time, it is also possible to make them mutually exchangeable on the condition that the user uses a predetermined item.

[0140] Also for example, as a privilege given by the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 to the user, the most advantageous parameters for the user among two or more evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character may be set as the parameters of each evolved character.

[0141] Also for example, as a privilege given by the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 to the user, it is also possible to set the amount of game points consumed when playing a quest to be less than when there is no privilege.

[0142] <Special Evolution> In the foregoing embodiments, when the user obtains all of a plurality of evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character, it may be possible to obtain a special evolved character that has further evolved from the evolved character. Note that although this special evolved character is prepared in advance in the character information, it may be kept in a secret state in the initial setting and set to a released state when the user obtains all of the evolved characters.

[0143] <Evolution conditions> In the foregoing embodiments, it is also possible to make the ease of satisfying the evolution conditions different depending on whether the user already possesses at least one of a plurality of evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character or the user does not yet possess any of the plurality of evolved characters branched from the common pre-evolution character. For example, even if the user already possesses at least one of a plurality of evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character, when the evolution condition is that the evolution parameter of the common pre-evolution character reaches the maximum value, the maximum value may be set lower for a user who already possesses one of the evolved characters branched from the common pre-evolution character than for a user who does not yet possess any.

[0144] <Evolution from an evolved character> In the foregoing embodiments, it has been described that the pre-evolution character can evolve when the user selects any one of a plurality of evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character. However, in case the user accidentally selects an evolved character that they already possess, it may be possible to evolve alternately from one evolved character to another among the plurality of evolved characters. At this time, it is also possible to enable the exchange on the condition that the user uses a predetermined item.

[0145] <Content> In the above embodiment, it was the character set in the character information, but the content is not limited to this. For example, the content may be an item, a card, a figure, an avatar, an icon, etc.

Explanation of Signs

[0146] 1 Information processing system 10 Client terminal 20 Server device 50 Computer 51 CPU 52 RAM 53 ROM 54 Communication interface 55 Input device 56 Display device 57 External interface 58 HDD 100 Client control unit 101 Game progress unit 101A Battle unit 101B Privilege granting unit 101C Character granting unit 101D Evolution unit 101E Synthesis unit 101F Selling unit 102 Server access unit 103 Display control unit 120 Client storage unit 140 Client communication unit 150 Operation input reception unit 160 Screen display unit 200 Server control unit 201 Request processing unit 202 Information management unit 220 Server storage unit 221 Character information storage unit 222 Item information storage unit 223 Quest information storage unit 224 User information storage unit 240 Server communication unit 500 Evolution destination selection screen 501 Pre-evolution Character Display Area 502 Branch Destination Evolution Character Display Area 503 Operation Button 550 Evolution Screen 551 Pre-evolution Character Display Area 552 Evolution Character Display Area 553 Operation Button 554 Operation Button 600 Synthesis Screen 601 Synthesis Source Character Display Area 602 Synthesis Material Character Display Area 603 Operation Button 604 Operation Button B Bus Line N Network

Claims

1. A content information storage unit that stores content information in which a plurality of evolved contents branched from common content are set; A user information storage unit that stores user information in which the content possessed by the user is set; A privilege granting unit that grants privileges to a user who possesses two or more evolved contents branched from common content; An information processing apparatus comprising the above.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the privilege granting unit changes, as a privilege for the user, a parameter set for at least one of the two or more evolved contents possessed by the user so as to be advantageous to the user. An information processing apparatus characterized by the above.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, a combining unit that gradually increases the maximum value of the parameters of each of the evolved contents combined each time the common content that is the branching source is combined for each of the two or more evolved contents possessed by the user; comprising; wherein the privilege granting unit changes, as a privilege for the user, a parameter set for at least one of the two or more evolved contents possessed by the user so as to be more advantageous to the user as the frequency of combining the common content that is the branching source is higher. An information processing apparatus characterized by the above.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the privilege granting unit makes the parameters set for at least two of the two or more evolved contents possessed by the user mutually exchangeable as a privilege for the user. An information processing apparatus characterized by the above.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, an evolution unit that, when the evolution condition is satisfied for the common content that is the branching source possessed by the user, causes the user to possess any one of the evolved contents selected by the user from among the plurality of evolved contents branched from the common content instead of causing the user to possess the common content; comprising; The ease of fulfillment of the evolution conditions is made different depending on whether the user already has at least one of the plurality of evolved contents branched from the common content, and whether the user has not yet possessed any of the plurality of evolved contents branched from the common content. An information processing apparatus characterized by the above.

6. A computer, Content information storage means for storing content information in which a plurality of evolved contents branched from common content are set, User information storage means for storing user information in which the content possessed by the user is set, Privilege granting means for granting privileges to users who possess two or more evolved contents branched from common content, A program for causing it to function as.

Images