Game device, control method and control program

Abstract

To provide a game device and the like capable of improving motivation of a user who is going to continue using of a game service.SOLUTION: A game device provides a game to a plurality of users who is registered in a game service and comprises: one or more computer processors; and a storage unit. The one or more computer processors store a first privilege in association with the user in the storage unit when a registration state of the user is continued in a prescribed period after registration of the user. In the case that the registration of the user is released in the prescribed period and the user is re-registered before finish of the prescribed period, if the registration state of the user is continued in the prescribed period after the re-registration of the user, the one or more computer processors store the first privilege in association with the user in the storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification relate to a game device, a control method, and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a game system has been known in which a server device that provides a game service grants a predetermined benefit to a terminal device of a user who has applied for the game service.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a game system in which a game device that provides a game service grants a login benefit to the terminal device of a user who logs in to the game service. By paying a game fee for a fixed period (for example, a monthly fee for one month or a flat rate for one week), the user can use the game service for the period for which the game fee has been paid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-89338 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, conventional game systems lack a mechanism for providing flexible and diverse membership services to users, which has resulted in problems with the continuity of game services, as users who have left the game service rarely return to it.

[0006] The disclosed game device, control method, and control program can increase the user's motivation to continue using the game service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The game device is a game device that provides games to multiple users registered with a game service, and includes one or more computer processors and a storage device. If the user remains registered for a predetermined period after the user is registered, the one or more computer processors associate a first benefit with the user and store it in the storage device; if the user is deregistered during the predetermined period and re-registers before the end of the predetermined period, and if the user remains registered for the predetermined period after the user is re-registered, the first benefit is associated with the user and stored in the storage device.

[0008] Furthermore, in the gaming device, it is preferable that the predetermined period is made up of a predetermined number of consecutive first periods, and if after a user is registered, the user is deregistered during one of the predetermined number of consecutive first periods, and a registration request is received from the user during the first period immediately following the first period during which the user was deregistered, the one or more computer processors re-register the user to the gaming service, and when the user's registration continues until the last first period of the predetermined number of consecutive first periods after the user is re-registered, the first benefit is associated with the user and stored in the storage device.

[0009] Furthermore, in the gaming device, if the user is deregistered during a first period after being registered and a registration request is received from the user during the first period during which the registration was deregistered, the one or more computer processors preferably re-register the user to the gaming service, and when the user's registration continues until the last first period of a predetermined number of consecutive first periods after being re-registered, associate the first benefit with the user and store it in the storage device.

[0010] Furthermore, in the game device, it is preferable that the storage device stores information regarding a plurality of consecutive first periods, and when a registration request is received from a user, the one or more computer processors set a first period among the plurality of consecutive first periods that includes the time when the user is registered as a start period, associate a second benefit different from the first benefit with the user and store it in the storage device, and set a predetermined number of first periods that are consecutive from the start period among the plurality of consecutive first periods as predetermined periods.

[0011] In addition, in the game device, it is preferable that one or more computer processors set the last first period of a predetermined number of consecutive first periods as the bonus use period, and when a first bonus is used by a user in the game during the bonus use period, a game effect corresponding to the used first bonus occurs.

[0012] Furthermore, in the game device, it is preferable that one or more computer processors set a predetermined number of consecutive first periods starting from the first period immediately following the bonus use period as the next predetermined period, set the last first period among the next predetermined periods as the next bonus use period, and when the next first bonus corresponding to the next predetermined period is associated with the user and the next first bonus is used by the user in the game during the next bonus use period, a game effect corresponding to the used first bonus is generated.

[0013] In addition, in the gaming device, if the user's registration is cancelled during a predetermined period, it is preferable that the one or more computer processors present the user with information regarding continuing the user's registration in order to be granted the first benefit.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferable that when a first registration request is received from a user in a game device, the user is registered with the game service as a first member, and when a second registration request is received from the user, the user is registered with the game service as a second member, and the first benefit associated with the user who is the first member and the first benefit associated with the user who is the second member are different from each other.

[0015] Furthermore, in a game device, when a user is both a first member and a second member, it is preferable that in associating the first benefit, both the first benefit corresponding to the first member and the first benefit corresponding to the second member are stored in the memory device in association with the user.

[0016] In addition, in a game device, when the benefit usage period of the first benefit corresponding to the first member and the benefit usage period of the first benefit corresponding to the second member are the same period, it is preferable that the benefits corresponding to the first benefit corresponding to the first member and the first benefit corresponding to the second member are stored in a storage device in association with the user.

[0017] The control method is a control method for a game device that has a storage device and provides games to multiple users registered with a game service, and if the user's registration continues for a predetermined period after the user is registered, a first benefit is associated with the user and stored in the storage device, and if the user's registration is canceled during the predetermined period and the user is registered again before the end of the predetermined period, and if the user's registration continues for the predetermined period after the user is registered again, the first benefit is associated with the user and stored in the storage device.

[0018] The control program is a control program for a game device that has one or more computer processors and a storage device and provides games to multiple users registered with a game service, and causes the program to execute the following: if the user's registration continues for a predetermined period after the user is registered, associate a first benefit with the user and store it in the storage device; if the user's registration is canceled during the predetermined period and the user is registered again before the end of the predetermined period, and if the user's registration continues for the predetermined period after the user is registered again, associate the first benefit with the user and store it in the storage device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] The game device, control method, and control program can increase the user's motivation to continue playing the game service. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a game system 1. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an overview of a game system 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an overview of a game system 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a terminal device 2. [Figure 5] 10(a) to 10(d) are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2. FIG. [Figure 6] 10(a) to 10(d) are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2. FIG. [Figure 7] 10(a) to 10(d) are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a server device 3. [Figure 9] 10(a) to 10(c) are diagrams illustrating examples of data structures of various tables. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of the game system 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operational flow of a registration process. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the operation sequence of the game system 1. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of a continuation process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the inventions set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a game system 1. The game system 1 includes terminal devices 2 operated by multiple users, and a server device 3. The terminal devices 2 and the server device 3 are connected to each other via communication networks such as a base station 4, a mobile communication network 5, a gateway 6, and the Internet 7. Communication is carried out between the terminal devices 2 and the server device 3 based on a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).

[0023] The terminal device 2 is an information processing device such as a smartphone. The terminal device 2 may be a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a tablet PC (Personal Computer), an e-book reader, a wearable computer, or the like. The terminal device 2 may be a portable game device, a game console, a notebook PC, or the like. The terminal device 2 may be an information processing device capable of displaying a game screen, a registration screen, or the like based on various data transmitted from the server device 3.

[0024] 1, one server device 3 is illustrated as a component of the game system 1, but the server device 3 may be a collection of multiple physically separate server devices. In this case, each of the multiple server devices may have the same functions, or may have the functions of a single server device 3 in a distributed manner.

[0025] 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams showing an example of an overview of the game system 1. FIG.

[0026] In the game system 1 of this embodiment, a user needs to be registered with a game service in order to receive the game service from the server device 3. For example, the server device 3 stores information indicating the user as a member of the game service, thereby registering the user with the game service.

[0027] In the game system 1, a user may register for one or more types of membership for the game service. If the game system 1 has multiple types of membership, the user may be registered with the game system as all types of membership, or may be registered with the game system as a predetermined number of types of membership (for example, if five types of membership are available, the number of types of membership that a user may simultaneously register for may be up to five, or may be up to three).

[0028] By paying a game fee corresponding to a predetermined usage period, a user can receive game services from the server device 3 as a member for that usage period. For example, a user who pays a game fee for April 2020 can receive game services for April 2020 from the server device 3 from April 1, 2020 to April 30, 2020 ((1) in FIG. 2). In this case, the game fee is paid at the earliest possible time during the usage period. For example, if the game fee is paid by credit card, the operator of the game service will bill the credit card company on April 1, 2020 as the billing date. The game fee may be paid at any time during the usage period.

[0029] A registration benefit is granted to a user who registers for a game service in the game system 1. In the example shown in (1) of FIG. 2, the registration benefit is granted to the user on April 1, 2020.

[0030] In this embodiment, a "benefit" refers to information indicating game content, such as a character or an item, that a user can use in a game. The information indicating game content is not limited to information indicating a character or an item, but may also be information indicating points, virtual currency, tickets, parameters, or the like. The game content may also be level information, status information, parameter information (such as stamina and attack power), and ability information (such as skills, abilities, spells, and jobs). The game content may also be information regarding the display amount of objects or lists to be displayed in the game. The information indicating game content may be any electronic information that can be acquired, possessed, used, managed, exchanged, combined, strengthened, sold, discarded, and / or gifted by a user in the game. The manner in which the game content is used is not limited to that explicitly described in this specification. The "benefit" may also be the execution of a lottery process in which one or more game content from a predetermined group of game content is awarded to a user.

[0031] A different registration benefit may be granted to a user depending on the type of membership of the user registered with the game service. For example, if the registration benefit is information indicating a game medium, the higher the user's membership fee, the more information indicating a rarer game medium is granted to the user as the registration benefit. Also, if the registration benefit is the execution of a lottery process, the higher the user's membership fee, the more game medium selected from a group of rarer game media is granted to the user as the registration benefit.

[0032] If a user registers for a game service during a usage period, by paying a game fee corresponding to the usage period, the user can receive game services for that usage period from the time of registration until the end of the usage period from the server device 3. For example, if the user registered for the game service on April 10, 2020, and paid the game fee for April 2020 on April 10, 2020, the user can receive game services for April 2020 from the server device 3 from April 10, 2020 to April 30, 2020 ((2) in FIG. 2). In this case, the user will receive a registration benefit on April 10, 2020.

[0033] When the usage period corresponding to the paid game fee ends and the next usage period begins, unless the user cancels the registration for the game service, the game fee corresponding to the next usage period will be automatically paid, and the user will be able to receive the game service for the next usage period from the server device 3. For example, if a user who is receiving the game service for April 2020 from the server device 3 does not cancel the registration for the game service, the game fee for May 2020 will be automatically paid on May 1, 2020, and the user will be able to receive the game service for May 2020 from the server device 3 from May 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020 ((3) in FIG. 2).

[0034] When a usage period during which a user was provided with game services (when the user was registered with the game service) ends and the user continues to receive game services for the immediately following usage period by paying the game fee corresponding to the immediately following usage period (when the user's registration with the game service is not canceled for the immediately following usage period), a period benefit is granted to the user. In the example shown in (3) of Figure 2, if a user who received game services for April 2020 receives game services for May 2020, the period benefit is granted to the user on May 1, 2020, and the user can receive game services for May from server device 3 between May 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020. Furthermore, if this user pays the game fee for June 2020 and receives game services for June 2020, a period benefit will be granted to the user on June 1, 2020, and the user will be able to receive game services for June from the server device 3 between June 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020.

[0035] In game system 1, even if a user cancels their registration for a game service during the usage period, the user can still receive the game service until the end of the usage period (the usage period including the time of cancellation of registration). For example, if a user who was registered for a game service cancels their registration on April 10, 2020, during the usage period from April 1 to April 30, 2020, the user can still receive the game service until April 30, 2020 ((4) in FIG. 2). In this case, unless the user re-registers for the game service, the user will not be able to receive the game service after May 1, 2020.

[0036] In game system 1, if a user cancels registration for a game service during a usage period and then re-registers for the game service before the end of the usage period (the usage period including the time of cancellation), the user can receive the game service until the end of the usage period without paying the game fee corresponding to the usage period. For example, if a user who was registered for a game service cancels registration on April 10, 2020, during the April 2020 usage period (the game fee payment date is April 1, 2020), and then re-registers for the game service on April 20, 2020, the user will not be required to pay the game fee for April 2020 again ((5) in Figure 2). Note that the user can receive the game service from the time of cancellation until re-registration.

[0037] In this case, if the user does not cancel his / her registration for the game service, the game fee for May 2020 will be automatically paid on May 1, 2020, and the user will be able to receive the game service for May 2020 from the server device 3 between May 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020.

[0038] In game system 1, if a user cancels registration for a game service during a usage period and then re-registers for the game service after the usage period (the usage period including the time of cancellation of registration) has ended, the user can receive the game service corresponding to the usage period including the time of re-registration by paying the game fee corresponding to the usage period including the time of re-registration.

[0039] If a user re-registers for the game service during the usage period immediately following the usage period that includes the time when the registration was cancelled, the user will receive game services from the server device 3 for the usage period immediately following the usage period that includes the time when the registration was cancelled, and the user will be granted a period benefit corresponding to the immediately following usage period.

[0040] For example, if a user who was registered with a game service cancels their registration on April 20, 2020, during the April 2020 usage period (the game fee payment date is April 1, 2020), and then re-registers for the game service on May 10, 2020, paying the game fee for May 2020, the user will be granted a period benefit for May 2020 ((6) in Figure 3).

[0041] In the game system 1, when a user receives game services from the server device 3 during a continuous usage period by paying a game fee corresponding to each of the continuous usage periods (hereinafter, the "continuous usage period" may be referred to as the "continuous usage period"), a continuous benefit is granted to the user during the last usage period of the continuous usage period.

[0042] For example, if a user pays game fees for four months from April 2020 to July 2020 and receives game services from the server device 3 continuously for those four months (the user's registration for the game service is not canceled during those four months), the user can receive a continuation benefit corresponding to the continuous registration for those four months between July 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020 ((7) in FIG. 3). In the example of (7) in FIG. 3, the continuation benefit is provided to the user on July 1, 2020. Note that even if the user registered for the game service on, for example, April 15, 2020, by paying game fees for four months from April 2020 to July 2020 and receiving game services from the server device 3 continuously for those four months, the user can receive a continuation benefit corresponding to the continuous registration for those four months between July 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020. If this user continues to pay game fees for the four months from August 2020 to November 2020 and continues to receive game services from the server device 3 for these four months, the user will be granted a continuation benefit corresponding to the continuous registration for these four months between November 1, 2020 and November 30, 2020.

[0043] In addition, if a user cancels their registration for a game service and then re-registers for the game service before the end of the usage period, including the time of cancellation, this usage period may be included in the continued usage period.

[0044] The following describes an example in which a four-month continuation benefit is granted by the server device 3 ((8) in FIG. 3). For example, if a user who has received game services by paying game fees for April 2020 through June 2020 (the game fee payment date is the first day of each month) cancels his / her registration on June 10, 2020, re-registers for the game service on June 20, 2020, and then pays the game fee for July 2020 on July 1, 2020, the server device 3 will grant the user a continuation benefit corresponding to the four-month continuation registration (April 2020 through July 2020) on July 1, 2020. Note that the user can receive game services from the time of cancellation of registration until re-registration.

[0045] In addition, if a user cancels their registration with a game service and then re-registers with the game service before the end of the usage period immediately following the usage period that includes the time of cancellation, both usage periods may be included in the continuous usage period.

[0046] The following describes an example in which a four-month continuation benefit is granted by the server device 3 ((9) and (10) in FIG. 3). For example, if a user who has received game services by paying game fees for April 2020 through May 2020 (the game fee payment date is the first day of each month) cancels his / her registration on May 15, 2020 (note that the user can receive game services from the time of cancellation until May 31, 2020), re-registers for the game service by paying the game fee for June 2020 on June 10, 2020, and then pays the game fee for July 2020 on July 1, 2020, the server device 3 grants the user a continuation benefit corresponding to the four-month (April 2020 through July 2020) continuation registration on July 1, 2020 ((9) in FIG. 3).

[0047] In addition, if a user who has received game services by paying game fees for April 2020 to June 2020 (the game fee payment date is the first day of each month) cancels his / her registration on June 15, 2020 (note that the user can receive game services from the time of cancellation of registration until June 30, 2020), and then re-registers for the game service by paying the game fee for July 2020 on July 10, 2020, the server device 3 will grant the user a continuation benefit corresponding to his / her continued registration for four months (April 2020 to July 2020) on July 10, 2020 ((10) in Figure 3).

[0048] The continuation benefit may be a benefit granted to a user for the usage period immediately following a continuous usage period when the user receives game services from the server device 3 during the continuous usage period by paying game fees corresponding to each of a predetermined number of consecutive usage periods (continuous usage periods) without canceling the user's registration for the game service. For example, if a user pays game fees for four months from April 2020 to July 2020 and receives game services from the server device 3 for these four consecutive months, the user can receive a continuation benefit corresponding to the four-month continuous registration from August 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020 (the usage period immediately following the four consecutive months of usage from April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020). In this case, the user does not need to pay the game fees for August 2020 and not receive the game services for August 2020. If this user continues to pay game fees for the four months from August 2020 to November 2020 and continues to receive game services from the server device 3 for these four months, the user will be granted a continuation benefit corresponding to the continuous registration for these four months between December 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the terminal device 2. As shown in FIG.

[0050] The terminal device 2 connects to the server device 3 via a base station 4, a mobile communication network 5, a gateway 6, and the Internet 7, and communicates with the server device 3. The terminal device 2 generates various requests and the like according to various instructions input by the user and transmits them to the server device 3. The terminal device 2 also receives various data and the like transmitted from the server device 3 and displays various screens. To this end, the terminal device includes a communication I / F 21, a storage device 22, a display device 23, an input device 24, and a processor 25.

[0051] The communication I / F 21 is implemented as hardware, firmware, or communication software such as a TCP / IP driver or a PPP driver, or a combination of these. The terminal device 2 can transmit data to and receive data from other devices via the communication I / F 21.

[0052] The storage device 22 is, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage device 22 stores an operating system program, driver programs, application programs, data, and the like used for processing in the processor 25. The driver programs stored in the storage device 22 include an output device driver program for controlling the display device 23 and an input device driver program for controlling the input device 24. The application programs stored in the storage device 22 include a control program for displaying a game screen, a registration screen, and the like based on display data from the server device 3 and / or various data stored in the storage device 22. The data stored in the storage device 22 include identification information for uniquely identifying a user (e.g., a user ID (identification)), display data for displaying various screens, and the like. The storage device 22 may also temporarily store data related to predetermined processing.

[0053] The display device 23 is a liquid crystal display. However, the display device 23 may be an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display or the like. The display device 23 displays moving images corresponding to moving image data supplied from the processor 25, still images corresponding to still image data, and the like.

[0054] The input device 24 is a pointing device such as a touch panel. The touch panel can detect various touch operations by the user, such as tapping, double-tapping, and dragging. The touch panel may be equipped with a capacitance-type proximity sensor and configured to be able to detect non-contact operations by the user. The input device 24 may also be input keys, etc. The user can use the input device 24 to input letters, numbers, symbols, or positions on the display screen of the display device 23. When operated by the user, the input device 24 generates a signal corresponding to the operation. The input device 24 then supplies the generated signal to the processor 25 as a user instruction.

[0055] The processor 25 is a processing device that loads the operating system program, driver program, and application program stored in the storage device 22 into memory and executes instructions contained in the loaded programs. The processor 25 is, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU, DSP, or GPU, or a combination of various electronic circuits. The processor 25 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC, PLD, FPGA, or MCU. Although the processor 25 is illustrated in FIG. 4 as a single component, the processor 25 may also be a collection of multiple physically separate processors.

[0056] The processor 25 executes various commands included in the control program to function as a display processing unit 251, a transmitting unit 252, a receiving unit 253, and a bonus processing unit 254.

[0057] Below, with reference to Figures 5 to 7, we will explain examples of various screens displayed on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2, as well as examples of the functions of the display processing unit 251, transmission unit 252, reception unit 253, and bonus processing unit 25.

[0058] 5(a) is a diagram showing an example of a game screen 500 displayed on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2. The game screen 500 is displayed, for example, when a control program (e.g., a game application program) stored in the storage device 22 is launched in response to a start instruction input by a user operating the input device 24. The game screen 500 may be displayed when a user instructs the display of the game screen 500 in another game screen, etc. Below, an example of the display process of the game screen 500 when a game application program is launched will be described.

[0059] For example, when a launch icon or the like (not shown) indicating a game application program displayed on display device 23 is designated by a user operating input device 24, a start instruction is input from input device 24 to display processing unit 251. Upon receiving the start instruction from input device 24, display processing unit 251 reads and executes the game application program stored in storage device 22. When the game application program is executed, display processing unit 251 extracts data for displaying various objects stored in storage device 22 in accordance with various commands included in the game application program, and displays game screen 500.

[0060] The game screen 500 is a game screen that is displayed when the user selects the game screen display instruction button described below, and is a game screen that is displayed when the user is not in a situation where the registration benefit described below can be obtained, the period benefit described below can be obtained, or the continuation benefit described below can be obtained.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 5( a ), the game screen 500 includes a game start button 501 and a registration screen display instruction button 502 .

[0062] The game start button 501 is a button object for instructing the start of the game progress. When the display area of the game start button 501 is designated in response to a user's operation of the input device 24, the display processing unit 251 ends the display of the game screen 500 and displays a game progress screen (not shown) on the display device 23 based on the display data stored in the storage device 22 and / or the display data transmitted from the server device 3. Thereafter, the server device 3 provides game services to the user via the game progress screen, and the display processing unit 251 executes various games based on the game services in accordance with various commands included in the game application program.

[0063] The registration screen display instruction button 502 is a button object for instructing the display of a registration screen 510, which will be described later. When a display area for the registration screen display instruction button 502 is designated in response to a user's operation of the input device 24, the display processing unit 251 ends the display of the game screen 500 and displays the registration screen 510 on the display device 23 based on the display data stored in the storage device 22.

[0064] 5(b) is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen 510 displayed on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2. The registration screen 510 includes first member information 511, a first member registration button 512, second member information 513, a second member registration button 514, and a game screen display instruction button 515.

[0065] 5(b) is a screen for registering a user to the game service as at least one of a first member and a second member. A user registered as a first member can continue to use the game service by paying a game fee of 1,200 yen for each usage period of the game service (e.g., one month or one week), and a user registered as a second member can continue to use the game service by paying a game fee of 300 yen for each usage period of the service.

[0066] The first member information 511 is text information indicating the user's registration status as a first member. The first member information 511 may also be an image, mark, or the like indicating the user's registration status as a first member. In the example shown in FIG. 5(b), the first member information 511 indicates that the user is not registered with the game service as a first member.

[0067] The first member registration button 512 is a button object for transmitting a registration request to the server device 3 to register the user as a first member in the game service. For example, when a display area of the first member registration button 512 is designated in response to a user's operation of the input device 24, the transmission unit 252 extracts the user ID stored in the storage device 22 and creates membership type information indicating the first member. Next, the transmission unit 252 transmits a registration request including the extracted user ID and the created membership type information to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21. Note that if only one type of membership is provided in the game system 1, the registration request does not need to include the membership type information.

[0068] Note that first member registration button 512 may be a button object for instructing the display of payment information input screen 520, which will be described later, for the procedure of registering the user as a first member in the game service. In this case, when a display area for first member registration button 512 is designated in response to a user's operation of input device 24, display processing unit 251 displays payment information input screen 520 on display device 23 based on display data stored in storage device 22.

[0069] The second member information 513 is text information indicating the user's second member registration status. The second member information 513 may be an image, mark, or the like indicating the user's second member registration status. In the example shown in FIG. 5(b), the second member information 513 indicates that the user is not registered with the game service as a second member.

[0070] The second member registration button 514 is a button object for transmitting a registration request to the server device 3 to register the user as a second member in the game service. For example, when the display area of the second member registration button 514 is designated in response to a user's operation of the input device 24, the transmission unit 252 extracts the user ID stored in the storage device 22 and creates membership type information indicating the second member. Next, the transmission unit 252 transmits a registration request including the extracted user ID and the created membership type information to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21.

[0071] Note that second member registration button 514 may be a button object for instructing the display of payment information input screen 520, which will be described later, for the procedure of registering the user as a second member in the game service. In this case, when the display area for second member registration button 514 is designated in response to the user's operation of input device 24, display processing unit 251 displays payment information input screen 520 on display device 23 based on the display data stored in storage device 22.

[0072] The game screen display instruction button 515 is a button object for instructing the display of the game screen 500. When a display area for the game screen display instruction button 515 is designated in response to a user's operation of the input device 24, the display processing unit 251 ends the display of the registration screen 510 and displays the game screen 500 on the display device 23 based on the display data stored in the storage device 22.

[0073] An example in which payment information input screen 520 is displayed when first member registration button 512 or second member registration button 514 is selected will be described below.

[0074] 5(c) is a diagram showing an example of a payment information input screen 520 displayed on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2. The payment information input screen 520 includes a credit card input object 521 and a registration request button 522.

[0075] The credit card input object 521 is an input object (such as a text box and a drop-down list) for inputting information about the user's credit card used when the user pays the game fee. The credit card input object 521 displays various pieces of information about the credit card input to the credit card input object 321 in response to the user's operation of the input device 24.

[0076] The registration request button 522 is a button object for transmitting a registration request to the server device 3 to request the user to register in the game service. For example, when a display area of the registration request button 522 is designated in response to a user's operation of the input device 24, the transmission unit 252 extracts the user ID stored in the storage device 22 and extracts various information related to the credit card entered in the credit card input object 521. Next, if the payment information input screen 520 is displayed in response to the designation of the first membership registration button 512, the transmission unit 252 creates membership type information indicating the first member. If the payment information input screen 520 is displayed in response to the designation of the second membership registration button 514, the transmission unit 252 creates membership type information indicating the second member. Then, the transmission unit 252 transmits a registration request including the extracted user ID, the created membership type information, and various information related to the extracted credit card to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21. Note that if only one type of membership is provided in the game system 1, the registration request does not need to include the membership type information.

[0077] The registration screen 510 and the payment information input screen 520 may be configured as a single registration screen. Also, various information related to the user's credit card may be transmitted in advance to the server device 3. In this case, the registration request does not include various information related to the credit card.

[0078] 5(d) is a diagram showing an example of a registration completion screen 530 displayed on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2. The registration completion screen 530 is a screen based on registration completion data transmitted when the user is registered for the game service in the server device 3 based on a registration request from the terminal device 2. For example, when the receiving unit 253 receives registration completion data indicating that the user has been registered for the game service from the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21, the display processing unit 251 displays the registration completion screen 530 on the display device 23 based on the display data and registration completion data stored in the storage device 22. Details of the registration process and the registration completion data by the server device 3 will be described later.

[0079] The registration completion screen 530 includes registration information 531 and a game screen display instruction button 532. The registration information 531 is text information indicating that the user has registered with the game service. The registration information 531 may also be an image, mark, or the like indicating that the user has registered with the game service. In the example shown in FIG. 5(d), the registration information 531 indicating that the user has registered with the game service as a first member is displayed.

[0080] The game screen display instruction button 532 is a button object for instructing the display of a game screen 600, which will be described later. When a display area for the game screen display instruction button 532 is designated in response to a user's operation of the input device 24, the display processing unit 251 ends the display of the registration completion screen 530 and displays the game screen 600 on the display device 23 based on the display data stored in the storage device 22.

[0081] 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of a game screen 600 displayed on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2. The game screen 600 includes a game start button 501, a registration screen display instruction button 502, and a registration bonus button 601.

[0082] The game start button 501 included in the game screen 600 has the same function as the game start button 501 included in the game screen 500 .

[0083] The registration screen display instruction button 502 is a button object for instructing the display of a registration screen 610, which will be described later. When a display area of the registration screen display instruction button 502 is designated in response to an operation of the input device 24 by a user who is registered with the game service as a first member, the display processing unit 251 ends the display of the game screen 600 and displays the registration screen 610 on the display device 23 based on the display data stored in the storage device 22.

[0084] The registration bonus button 601 is a button object for acquiring a registration bonus granted to the user. When the user designates the display area of the registration bonus button 601 in response to operation of the input device 24, the bonus processing unit 254 stores the registration bonus (the registration bonus granted to the user) included in the registration completion data so that the user can use it in the game. Hereinafter, the storage process of the registration bonus in response to operation of the registration bonus button will be described. Note that the storage process of the period bonus in response to operation of the period bonus button and the storage process of the continuation bonus in response to operation of the continuation bonus button, which will be described later, are also executed in the same manner as the granting of the registration bonus in response to operation of the registration bonus button. Note that the registration bonus button 601 may be a button object for causing the user to perform a predetermined action related to the granting of the registration bonus. For example, when the registration bonus button 601 is designated by the user, the bonus processing unit 254 displays a page corresponding to predetermined link information associated with the registration bonus button 601, thereby storing the registration bonus in the storage device 22 so that the user can use it in the game.

[0085] An example of a process for storing registration benefits in storage device 22 so that the user can use them in the game will now be described.

[0086] For example, if the registration benefit is information indicating a game medium, the benefit processing unit 254 stores information indicating the game medium (such as a game medium ID) granted to the user as the registration benefit as information usable in the game in the storage device 22. Then, when the user operates the input device 24 to use the registration benefit while the game is being played, the information indicating the game medium granted to the user as the registration benefit is extracted from the storage device 22, and the user can use the extracted game medium in the game.

[0087] Furthermore, if the registration benefit is ability information (for example, information indicating a skill), the benefit processing unit 254 stores information indicating the skill (such as a skill ID) granted to the user as the registration benefit as information usable in the game in the storage device 22. Then, when the user operates the input device 24 to use the registration benefit while the game is being played, the ability information granted to the user as the registration benefit is extracted from the storage device 22, and the ability (such as a skill) is used in the game, thereby generating a predetermined game effect.

[0088] Furthermore, if the registration benefit is the execution of a lottery process, the benefit processing unit 254 randomly or in a predetermined order extracts information indicating one or more game media from the plurality of game media (group of game media) included in the registration completion data, and stores the information indicating the extracted one or more game media as usable in the game in the storage device 22. Then, when the game is played and the user operates the input device 24 to use the registration benefit, information indicating the game media that have been selected by lottery and granted to the user as the registration benefit is extracted from the storage device 22, and the user can use the extracted game media in the game.

[0089] When the display area of the registration benefit button 601 is designated by the user's operation of the input device 24, the display of the registration benefit button 601 on the game screen 600 is terminated. This allows the user to obtain the registration benefit only once each time they register as a member of the game service.

[0090] 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen 610 displayed on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2. The registration screen 610 includes first member information 611, a first member registration cancellation button 612, second member information 513, a second member registration button 514, and a game screen display instruction button 515.

[0091] Similar to first member information 511, first member information 611 is text information indicating the user's registration status as a first member. First member information 611 may also be an image, mark, or the like indicating the user's registration status as a first member. In the example shown in FIG. 6(b), first member information 611 indicating that the user is registered with the game service as a first member is displayed.

[0092] The first member registration cancellation button 612 is a button object for instructing the display of a cancellation screen 620, which will be described later, for the procedure of canceling the registration of a user who has registered with the game service as a first member. When a display area for the first member registration cancellation button 612 is designated in response to a user's operation of the input device 24, the display processing unit 251 displays the cancellation screen 620 on the display device 23 based on the display data stored in the storage device 22.

[0093] The second member information 513, second member registration button 514, and game screen display instruction button 515 included in the registration screen 610 have the same functions as the second member information 513, second member registration button 514, and game screen display instruction button 515 included in the registration screen 510. When the display area of the game screen display instruction button 515 is specified in response to the user's operation of the input device 24, if a registration benefit has already been granted to the user, the game screen 500 that does not include the registration benefit button 601 is displayed.

[0094] 6(c) is a diagram showing an example of a release screen 620 displayed on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2. The release screen 620 includes benefit information 621, a release request button 622, and a game screen display command button 623.

[0095] The reward information 621 is text information that explains the periodic reward and the continuous reward that will be granted later if the user cancels the game service registration but continues the registration. In the example shown in FIG. 6(c), the reward information 621 displays information about the time until the next periodic reward and the time until the next continuous reward are granted to the user. The reward information 621 may be an image, a mark, or the like that indicates the time until the next periodic reward and the time until the next continuous reward are granted to the user. Note that if the usage period in which the cancellation screen 620 is displayed is the usage period in which the continuous reward was granted, the reward information 621 does not need to include information about the next continuous reward.

[0096] The cancellation request button 622 is a button object for transmitting a cancellation request to the server device 3 to cancel the user's registration with the game service. For example, when a display area for the cancellation request button 622 is designated in response to a user's operation of the input device 24, the transmission unit 252 extracts the user ID stored in the storage device 22. Next, because the cancellation screen 620 was displayed in response to the designation of the first membership cancellation button 612, the transmission unit 252 creates membership type information indicating the first member. Then, the transmission unit 252 transmits a cancellation request including the extracted user ID and the created membership type information to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21. Note that if only one type of membership is provided in the game system 1, the cancellation request does not need to include the membership type information.

[0097] The game screen display instruction button 623 is a button object for instructing the display of one of the game screens 500, 600, and the game screens 700 and 710 described below. When a display area of the game screen display instruction button 623 is designated in response to a user's operation of the input device 24, the display processing unit 251 ends the display of the release screen 620 and displays the game screen on the display device 23 based on the display data stored in the storage device 22.

[0098] 6(d) is a diagram showing an example of a cancellation completion screen 630 displayed on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2. The cancellation completion screen 630 is a screen based on cancellation completion data transmitted when the user's registration with the game service is cancelled in the server device 3 based on a cancellation request from the terminal device 2. For example, when the receiving unit 253 receives cancellation completion data indicating that the user's registration with the game service has been cancelled from the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21, the display processing unit 251 displays the cancellation completion screen 630 on the display device 23 based on the display data and cancellation completion data stored in the storage device 22.

[0099] The cancellation completion screen 630 includes cancellation information 631 and a game screen display instruction button 632. The cancellation information 631 is text information indicating that the user's registration with the game service has been cancelled. The cancellation information 631 may also be an image, a mark, or the like indicating that the user's registration with the game service has been cancelled. In the example shown in FIG. 6(d), cancellation information 631 regarding the cancellation of the user's registration is displayed.

[0100] The cancellation information 631 describes the type of membership of the cancelled user. The cancellation information 631 also describes that the user can receive game services until the end of the current usage period. The cancellation information 631 also describes that if the user re-registers for the game as a cancelled type of membership before the end of the current usage period, the user will not be required to pay game fees for the current usage period. The cancellation information 631 may also display information such as, if the user re-registers for the game as a cancelled type of membership after the end of the current usage period, the user will be required to pay game fees for the usage period including the time of re-registration. The cancellation information 631 may also display information regarding the time until the next periodic benefit is granted to the user (e.g., "You will receive the periodic benefit in x days," "You will receive the periodic benefit in x months," etc.) and / or information regarding the time until the next continuous benefit is granted to the user (e.g., "You will receive the continuous benefit in x days," "You will receive the continuous benefit in x months," etc.). The cancellation information 631 may also display information regarding the current duration (e.g., "You have been registered as a first member for x months since registration"). Furthermore, information regarding the content of the periodic benefit and / or the continuation benefit corresponding to the type of membership of the canceled user (such as the name of the benefit) may be displayed as the cancellation information 631. In this case, the display processing unit 251 creates the cancellation information 631 based on the cancellation completion data, which will be described later. The cancellation completion data includes the membership type information included in the cancellation request and the continuation period information for the canceled user, which is read from the membership table for the type of membership indicated by the membership type information. Based on the membership type information and continuation period information included in the cancellation completion data, the display processing unit 251 displays, as the cancellation information 631, information regarding the type of membership that has been canceled, information regarding various benefits corresponding to the continuation period, continuation period information, and / or information calculated based on the continuation period information.The information calculated based on the duration information is, for example, information indicating the remainder ("2") when an integer value ("3") is calculated by dividing the duration indicated by the duration information by the continuous usage period, in which case the duration is 14 months and the continuous usage period is 4 months. This information is used as the number of months until the continuous benefit is acquired, and for example, the display processing unit 251 may display information (including information calculated based on the duration information) such as "You will be able to acquire the continuous benefit in '2 months'" as the release information 631.

[0101] The game screen display instruction button 632 is a button object for instructing the display of one of the game screens 500, 600, and the game screens 700 and 710 described below. When a display area for the game screen display instruction button 623 is designated in response to a user's operation of the input device 24, the display processing unit 251 ends the display of the release completion screen 630 and displays the game screen on the display device 23 based on the display data stored in the storage device 22.

[0102] 7(a) is a diagram showing an example of a game screen 700 displayed on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2. The game screen 700 includes a game start button 501, a registration screen display instruction button 502, and a period benefit button 701.

[0103] The game start button 501 and registration screen display instruction button 502 included in the game screen 700 have the same functions as the game start button 501 and registration screen display instruction button 502 included in the game screen 500 .

[0104] The periodic bonus button 701 is a button object for acquiring a periodic bonus granted to the user. When the display area of the periodic bonus button 701 is designated by the user's operation of the input device 24, the bonus processing unit 254 stores the periodic bonus (periodic bonus granted to the user) included in the continuation completion data in the storage device 22 so that the user can use it in the game. Note that the periodic bonus button 701 may also be a button object for causing the user to perform a predetermined action related to the granting of the periodic bonus. For example, when the periodic bonus button 701 is designated by the user, the bonus processing unit 254 stores the periodic bonus in the storage device 22 by displaying a page corresponding to predetermined link information associated with the periodic bonus button 701.

[0105] The game screen 700 is a game screen that is displayed when the game screen display command button is selected by the user, and is a game screen that is displayed after the period benefit has been granted to the user and until the period benefit is used by the user.

[0106] 7(b) is a diagram showing an example of a game screen 710 displayed on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2. The game screen 710 includes a game start button 501, a registration screen display instruction button 502, a period benefit button 701, and a continuation benefit button 711.

[0107] The game start button 501, registration screen display instruction button 502, and period benefit button 701 included in the game screen 710 have the same functions as the game start button 501, registration screen display instruction button 502, and period benefit button 701 included in the game screen 700.

[0108] The continuation bonus button 711 is a button object for acquiring a continuation bonus granted to the user. When a display area of the continuation bonus button 711 is designated by a user operating the input device 24, the bonus processing unit 254 stores the continuation bonus (continuation bonus granted to the user) included in the continuation completion data in the storage device 22 so that the user can use it in the game. Note that the continuation bonus button 711 may be a button object for causing the user to perform a predetermined action related to the granting of the continuation bonus. For example, when the continuation bonus button 711 is designated by the user, the bonus processing unit 254 stores the continuation bonus in the storage device 22 by displaying a page corresponding to predetermined link information associated with the continuation bonus button 711.

[0109] Note that game screen 710 is the game screen that is displayed when the game screen display instruction button is selected by the user, and is the game screen that is displayed after the registration benefits and period benefits have been granted to the user and until the registration benefits and period benefits are used by the user.

[0110] 7(c) is a diagram showing an example of a registration completion screen 720 displayed on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2. The registration completion screen 720 is a screen based on registration completion data transmitted when the user is registered for the game service in the server device 3 based on a registration request from the terminal device 2. For example, when the receiving unit 253 receives registration completion data indicating that the user has been registered for the game service from the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21, the display processing unit 251 displays the registration completion screen 720 on the display device 23 based on the display data and registration completion data stored in the storage device 22.

[0111] The registration completion data used to display the registration completion screen 720 is data transmitted from the server device 3 in response to a registration request transmitted to the server device 3 as a result of a user who has already registered as a first member operating the input device 24 to specify the display area of the second member registration button 514 included in the registration screen 510. Alternatively, the registration completion data used to display the registration completion screen 720 may be data transmitted from the server device 3 in response to a registration request transmitted to the server device 3 as a result of a user who has already registered as a first member operating the input device 24 to specify the display area of the second member registration button 514 included in the registration screen 610 and then specifying the display area of the registration request button 522 included in the payment information input screen 520 displayed in response to this specification.

[0112] The registration completion screen 720 includes registration information 721 and a game screen display button 722. The registration information 721 is text information indicating that the user has been registered with the game service. The registration information 721 may also be an image, mark, or the like indicating that the user has been registered with the game service. In the example shown in FIG. 7(c), registration information 721 is displayed indicating that a user who has already been registered with the game service as a first member has now been registered with the game service as a second member.

[0113] The game screen display instruction button 722 is a button object for instructing the display of any one of the game screens 500, 600, 700, and 710. When a display area for the game screen display instruction button 722 is designated in response to a user's operation of the input device 24, the display processing unit 251 ends the display of the registration completion screen 720 and displays the game screen on the display device 23 based on the display data stored in the storage device 22.

[0114] 7(d) is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen 730 displayed on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2. The registration screen 730 includes first member information 611, a first member registration cancellation button 612, second member information 731, a second member registration cancellation button 732, and a game screen display instruction button 515.

[0115] The first member information 611 is text information indicating the user's registration status as a first member. The first member information 611 may be an image, mark, or the like indicating the user's registration status as a first member. In the example shown in FIG. 7(d), the first member information 611 indicating that the user is registered with the game service as a first member is displayed.

[0116] The first member registration cancellation button 612 is the same as the first member registration cancellation button 612 shown in FIG. 6(b).

[0117] The second member information 731 is text information indicating the user's second member registration status. The second member information 731 may be an image, mark, or the like indicating the user's second member registration status. In the example shown in FIG. 7(d), the second member information 731 indicates that the user is registered with the game service as a second member.

[0118] The second member registration cancellation button 732 is a button object for instructing the display of the cancellation screen 620 to cancel the registration of a user who has registered with the game service as a second member. When a display area for the second member registration cancellation button 732 is designated in response to a user's operation of the input device 24, the display processing unit 251 displays the cancellation screen 620 on the display device 23 based on display data stored in the storage device 22. In this case, when the user designates the cancellation request button 622 on the cancellation screen 620, the transmission unit 252 extracts the user ID stored in the storage device 22, creates membership type information indicating the second member, and transmits a cancellation request including the extracted user ID and the created membership type information to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21.

[0119] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the server device 3. As shown in FIG.

[0120] The server device 3 has a function of registering the user of the terminal device 2 to the game service in response to a registration request from the terminal device 2, canceling the user's registration to the game service in response to a cancellation request from the terminal device 2, and granting various benefits to the user registered to the game service. To this end, the server device 3 includes a communication interface 31, a storage device 32, and a processor 33.

[0121] The communication I / F 31 is implemented as hardware, firmware, or communication software such as a TCP / IP driver or a PPP driver, or a combination of these. The server device 3 can transmit data to other devices and receive data from other devices via the communication I / F 31.

[0122] The storage device 32 is, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a ROM or RAM. The storage device 32 may be, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or any other storage device capable of storing data. The storage device 32 stores an operating system program, a driver program, an application program, data, etc. used for processing by the processor 33. The storage device 32 stores, as data, information regarding registration benefits, information regarding period benefits, and information regarding continuing benefits. The storage device 32 also stores a user table T1, a first member table T2, and a second member table T3, which will be described later.

[0123] The processor 33 is a processing device that loads the operating system program, driver programs, and application programs stored in the storage device 32 into memory and executes instructions contained in the loaded programs. The processor 33 is, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU, MPU, DSP, or GPU, or a combination of various electronic circuits. The processor 33 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC, PLD, FPGA, or MCU. Although the processor 33 is illustrated in FIG. 8 as a single component, the processor 33 may also be a collection of multiple physically separate processors.

[0124] The processor 33 functions as a server receiving unit 331, a server transmitting unit 332, a registration processing unit 333, a cancellation processing unit 334, a continuation processing unit 335, and a bonus granting unit 336 by executing various instructions contained in an application program (control program) stored in the memory device 32.

[0125] An example of the data structure of each table stored in the server storage unit 32 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0126] 9(a) shows a user table T1 that manages various data related to users registered with the game service. In the user table T1, the user ID, name, card information, etc. are stored for each user in association with each other.

[0127] The user ID is an example of identification data for uniquely identifying each user. The name is an example of data indicating the name of each user. The card information includes various information related to a credit card registered in advance by the user or various information related to a credit card entered by the user on the payment information input screen 520. The various information related to a credit card is, for example, information indicating the card brand, information indicating the card number, information indicating the expiration date, and information indicating the security code of the credit card used by the user to pay the game fee.

[0128] 9(b) shows a first member table T2 that manages various data related to the membership registration of users who have registered with the game service as first members. In the first member table T2, the user ID, first registration time, first duration, first cancellation time, etc. are stored in association with each other for each user.

[0129] The first registration time is information relating to the time when the server device 3 received a registration request including membership type information indicating the first member from the user's terminal device 2. For example, the first registration time is information indicating the date on which the registration request including membership type information indicating the first member was received. The first registration time may also be information indicating the date and time on which the registration request including membership type information indicating the first member was received.

[0130] The first continuous period count is information indicating the number of usage periods during which the user has continuously received game services from the usage period including the time when the registration request including the membership type information indicating the first member was received. For example, if the usage period is in monthly units, the first continuous period count is the number of consecutive months. Note that if the usage period is in monthly units, the first continuous period count may be the cumulative number of consecutive days. For example, if the user has received game services during the usage period including the time when the registration request was received and the usage period following that time, the first continuous period count is "2." The first continuous period count may be changed to "0" by the cancellation processing unit 334 (described later) upon the end of the usage period following the usage period when the cancellation request including the membership type information indicating the first member was received. Note that the timing at which the first continuous period count is changed to "0" is not limited to the end of the usage period following the usage period when the cancellation request was received. The first continuous period count may be changed to "0" at any time after the end of the usage period following the usage period when the cancellation request was received and before the user re-registers as the first member.

[0131] The first cancellation time is information relating to the time when the server device 3 received a cancellation request including membership type information indicating the first member from the user's terminal device 2. For example, the first cancellation time is information indicating the date on which the cancellation request including membership type information indicating the first member was received. The first cancellation time may also be information indicating the date and time on which the cancellation request including membership type information indicating the first member was received.

[0132] 9(c) shows a second member table T3 that manages various data related to the membership registration of users who have registered with the game service as second members. In the second member table T3, the user ID, second registration time, second duration, second cancellation time, etc. are stored in association with each other for each user.

[0133] The second registration time is information relating to the time when the server device 3 received a registration request including membership type information indicating the second member from the user's terminal device 2. For example, the second registration time is information indicating the date on which the registration request including membership type information indicating the second member was received. The second registration time may also be information indicating the date and time on which the registration request including membership type information indicating the second member was received.

[0134] The second number of continuous periods is information indicating the number of usage periods during which the user has continued to receive the game service from the usage period including the time when the registration request including the membership type information indicating the second membership was received. For example, if the usage period is in monthly units, the second number of continuous periods is the number of continuous months. Note that if the usage period is in monthly units, the second number of continuous periods may be the cumulative value of the number of continuous days. The second number of continuous periods may be changed to "0" by the cancellation processing unit 334 (described later) upon the end of the usage period following the usage period when the cancellation request including the membership type information indicating the second membership was received. Note that the timing at which the second number of continuous periods is changed to "0" is not limited to the end of the usage period following the usage period when the cancellation request was received. The timing at which the second number of continuous periods is changed to "0" may be any time after the end of the usage period following the usage period when the cancellation request was received until the user re-registers as a second member.

[0135] The second cancellation time is information relating to the time when the server device 3 received a cancellation request including membership type information indicating the second member from the user's terminal device 2. For example, the second cancellation time is information indicating the date on which the cancellation request including membership type information indicating the second member was received. The second cancellation time may also be information indicating the date and time on which the cancellation request including membership type information indicating the second member was received.

[0136] The functions of the server receiving unit 331, the server transmitting unit 332, the registration processing unit 333, the cancellation processing unit 334, the continuation processing unit 335, and the benefit granting unit 336 will be described below.

[0137] The server receiving unit 331 receives the registration request and the cancellation request transmitted from the terminal device 2 via the communication I / F 31.

[0138] The server transmitting unit 332 transmits the registration completion data, the cancellation completion data indicating that the cancellation process has been executed by the cancellation processing unit 333, and the continuation completion data to the terminal device 2 via the communication I / F 31. The registration completion data may include information on the registration privilege granted to the user by the privilege granting unit 336, information on the periodic privilege, or information on the periodic privilege and the continuation privilege. The continuation completion data includes information on the periodic privilege granted to the user by the privilege granting unit 336, or information on the periodic privilege and the continuation privilege.

[0139] The registration processing unit 333 acquires the registration request received by the server receiving unit 331 and extracts the user ID, membership type information, and various information related to the credit card included in the registration request. If the extracted membership type information indicates a first member, the registration processing unit 333 reads out the first member table T2 stored in the storage device 32, and if the extracted membership type information indicates a second member, the registration processing unit 333 reads out the second member table T3 stored in the storage device 32.

[0140] An example of the function of the registration processing unit 333 when the extracted membership type information indicates a first member will be described below.

[0141] If the first registration time corresponding to the extracted user ID is not stored in the read first member table T2 (in the case of a new registration), the registration processing unit 333 stores the date (or date and time) when the registration request was received as the first registration time in the first member table T2, in association with the extracted user ID. Next, the registration processing unit 333 stores "1" as the first duration number in the first member table T2, in association with the extracted user ID. Then, the registration processing unit 333 instructs the benefit granting unit 336 to grant a registration benefit to the user.

[0142] If the time when the registration request was received is within the usage period including the first release time associated with the extracted user ID in the read first member table T2, the registration processing unit 333 deletes the information stored as the first release time.

[0143] If the time when the registration request was received is within the usage period immediately following the usage period including the first release time associated with the extracted user ID in the read first member table T2, the registration processing unit 333 deletes the information stored as the first release time associated with the extracted user ID. Next, the registration processing unit 333 adds "1" to the first continuous period count associated with the user's user ID stored in the first member table T2, and stores the added first continuous period count in the first member table T2 in association with the user's user ID. Then, the registration processing unit 333 instructs the benefit granting unit 336 to grant the period benefit and continuous benefit to the user.

[0144] If the time when the registration request is received has passed the usage period immediately following the usage period including the first release time associated with the extracted user ID, the registration processing unit 333 deletes the information stored as the first release time associated with the extracted user ID. Next, the registration processing unit 333 stores the date (or date and time) when the registration request was received as the first registration time in the first member table T2 in association with the extracted user ID. Next, the registration processing unit 333 stores "1" as the first duration number in the first member table T2 in association with the extracted user ID. Then, the registration processing unit 333 instructs the benefit granting unit 336 to grant the registration benefit to the user.

[0145] The cancellation processing unit 334 executes the cancellation process when a cancellation request is received by the server receiving unit 331. An example of the cancellation process will be described below. First, the cancellation processing unit 334 acquires the cancellation request from the server receiving unit 331 and extracts the user ID and membership type information included in the cancellation request. If the extracted membership type information indicates a first member, the cancellation processing unit 334 reads out the first member table T2 stored in the storage device 32, and if the extracted membership type information indicates a second member, the cancellation processing unit 334 reads out the second member table T3 stored in the storage device 32. If the extracted membership type information indicates a first member, the cancellation processing unit 334 stores the date (or date and time) when the cancellation request was received as the first cancellation time in the first member table T2 in association with the extracted user ID, and then ends the cancellation process. Furthermore, if the extracted membership type information indicates a second member, the cancellation processing unit 334 stores the date (or date and time) on which the cancellation request was received as the second cancellation time in association with the extracted user ID in the second member table T3, and terminates the cancellation process.

[0146] The continuation processing unit 335 executes the continuation processing each time the usage period ends. An example of the continuation processing will be described below. First, the continuation processing unit 335 reads the first member table T2 and the second member table T3 to determine whether the user is registered as a first member and whether the user is registered as a second member.

[0147] If the first release time is not stored in association with the user's user ID in the first member table T2, the continuation processing unit 335 determines that the user is registered as a first member, and if the first release time is stored in association with the user's user ID, the continuation processing unit 335 determines that the user is not registered as a first member.

[0148] If the second release time is not stored in association with the user's user ID in the second member table T3, the continuation processing unit 335 determines that the user is registered as a second member, and if the second release time is stored in association with the user's user ID, the continuation processing unit 335 determines that the user is not registered as a second member.

[0149] If the continuation processing unit 335 determines that the user is registered as a first member, it adds "1" to the number of first continuation periods associated with the user's user ID stored in the first member table T2, and stores the incremented number of first continuation periods in the first member table T2 in association with the user's user ID. Next, the continuation processing unit 335 executes a process of billing a credit card company or the like for the game fee for the user's first membership corresponding to the usage period following the ended usage period, based on various information related to the credit card. Then, the continuation processing unit 335 instructs the benefit granting unit 336 to execute a process of granting a period benefit and a continuation benefit, and ends the continuation process.

[0150] If the continuation processing unit 335 determines that the user is registered as a second member, it adds "1" to the number of second continuation periods associated with the user's user ID stored in the second member table T3, and stores the incremented number of second continuation periods in the second member table T3 in association with the user's user ID. Next, the continuation processing unit 335 executes a process of billing a credit card company or the like for the game fee for the user's second membership corresponding to the usage period following the ended usage period, based on various information related to the credit card. Then, the continuation processing unit 335 instructs the benefit granting unit 336 to execute a process of granting a period benefit and a continuation benefit, and ends the continuation process.

[0151] When the server receiving unit 331 receives a registration request including membership type information indicating a first member and "1" is stored as the first continuous period number corresponding to the user ID in the first member table T2, the privilege granting unit 336 grants the user the registration privilege of a first member by storing information regarding the registration privilege of being a first member in the memory device 32 in association with the user ID of the user who is the first member, in accordance with the instructions of the registration processing unit 333.

[0152] When the server receiving unit 331 receives a registration request including membership type information indicating a second member and "1" is stored as the second duration number corresponding to the user ID in the second member table T3, the privilege granting unit 336 grants the user the registration privilege of a second member by storing information regarding the registration privilege of being a second member in the memory device 32 in association with the user ID of the user who is a second member, in accordance with the instructions of the registration processing unit 333.

[0153] When the server receiving unit 331 receives a registration request including membership type information indicating a first member and the time at which the registration request is received has passed the usage period immediately following the usage period including the first release time associated with the user ID of the user who is the first member, the privilege granting unit 336 grants the user the registration privilege of a first member by storing information regarding the registration privileges as a first member in the storage device 32 in association with the user's user ID in accordance with the instructions of the registration processing unit 333.

[0154] When the server receiving unit 331 receives a registration request including membership type information indicating a second member and the time at which the registration request is received has passed the usage period immediately following the usage period including the second release time associated with the user ID of the user who is the second member, the privilege granting unit 336 grants the user the registration privilege of a second member by storing information regarding the registration privileges as a second member in the storage device 32 in association with the user's user ID in accordance with the instructions of the registration processing unit 333.

[0155] When the server receiving unit 331 receives a registration request including membership type information indicating the first member and the time the registration request is received is within the usage period immediately following the usage period including the first release time associated with the user ID of the user who is the first member, the privilege granting unit 336 grants the user a periodic privilege of the first member by storing information about the periodic privilege of the first member in the storage device 32 in association with the user ID, in accordance with an instruction from the registration processing unit 333. In this case, when a continuation privilege condition is satisfied, the privilege granting unit 336 grants the user a periodic privilege of the first member by storing information about the periodic privilege of the first member in association with the user ID in the storage device 32. The continuation privilege condition is that the first continuation period number is "kn" (k is a natural number equal to or greater than 2, and n is a natural number). For example, when k=4, the continuation privilege condition is that the first continuation period number is 4, 8, 12, . . . Furthermore, when k=6, the continuation benefit condition is that the first continuation period number is 6, 12, 18, . . .

[0156] When the server receiving unit 331 receives a registration request including membership type information indicating a second membership and the time the registration request is received is within the usage period immediately following the usage period including the second release time associated with the user ID of the user who is the second member, the privilege granting unit 336 grants the user a periodic privilege of the second membership by storing information about the periodic privilege of the second membership in the storage device 32 in association with the user ID, in accordance with an instruction from the registration processing unit 333. In this case, when a continuation privilege condition is satisfied, the privilege granting unit 336 grants the user a periodic privilege of the second membership to the user by storing information about the periodic privilege of the second membership in association with the user ID in the storage device 32. The continuation privilege condition is that the number of second continuation periods is "kn" (k is a natural number equal to or greater than 2, and n is a natural number). For example, when k=4, the continuation privilege condition is that the number of second continuation periods is 4, 8, 12, . . . Furthermore, when k=6, the continuation benefit condition is that the second continuation period number is 6, 12, 18, . . .

[0157] When the benefit granting unit 336 receives an instruction to grant a period benefit and a continuation benefit from the continuation processing unit 335, the benefit granting unit 336 grants the period benefit of the first member to the user by storing information about the period benefit as the first member in the storage device 32 in association with the user ID of the user who is the first member. In this case, when the continuation benefit condition is satisfied, the benefit granting unit 336 grants the period benefit of the first member to the user by storing information about the continuation benefit as the first member in association with the user ID of the user in the storage device 32.

[0158] When the benefit granting unit 336 receives an instruction to grant a period benefit and a continuation benefit from the continuation processing unit 335, the benefit granting unit 336 grants the period benefit of the second member to the user by storing information about the period benefit as the second member in the storage device 32 in association with the user ID of the user who is the second member. In this case, when the continuation benefit condition is satisfied, the benefit granting unit 336 grants the period benefit of the second member to the user by storing information about the continuation benefit as the second member in association with the user ID of the user in the storage device 32.

[0159] 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of the game system 1. This operation sequence is executed mainly by the processors 25 and 33 in cooperation with the elements of the terminal device 2 and the server device 3, based on programs stored in advance in the storage devices 22 and 32.

[0160] First, when the registration request button 522 is designated in response to a user's operation of the input device 24, the transmitting unit 252 of the terminal device 2 transmits a registration request to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21 (step S101).

[0161] Next, the server receiving unit 331 of the server device 3 receives the registration request transmitted from the terminal device 2 via the communication I / F 31. Next, the registration processing unit 333 and the benefit granting unit 336 execute the registration process (step S102). The registration process will be described in detail later.

[0162] Next, the server transmitting unit 332 transmits registration completion data including information about the registration benefit given to the user in the registration process to the terminal device 2 via the communication I / F 31 (step S103).

[0163] Next, the receiving unit 253 of the terminal device 2 receives, via the communication I / F, the registration completion data transmitted from the server device 3. Then, the display processing unit 251 displays the registration completion screen 530 on the display device 23 based on the display data stored in the storage device 22 and the registration completion data received by the receiving unit 253 (step S104).

[0164] Next, when the user operates the input device 24 to designate the release request button 622, the transmitting unit 252 of the terminal device 2 transmits a release request to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21 (step S105).

[0165] Next, the server receiving unit 331 of the server device 3 receives the cancellation request transmitted from the terminal device 2 via the communication I / F 31. Next, the registration processing unit 333 executes cancellation processing (step S106).

[0166] Next, the server transmitting unit 332 transmits cancellation completion data including membership type information indicating the type of membership cancelled in the cancellation process to the terminal device 2 via the communication I / F 31 (step S107).

[0167] Next, the receiving unit 253 of the terminal device 2 receives, via the communication I / F, the release completion data transmitted from the server device 3. Then, the display processing unit 251 displays the release completion screen 630 on the display device 23 based on the display data stored in the storage device 22 and the release completion data received by the receiving unit 253 (step S108).

[0168] First, when the registration request button 522 is designated again in response to a user's operation of the input device 24, the transmitting unit 252 of the terminal device 2 transmits a registration request to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21 (step S109).

[0169] Next, the server receiving unit 331 of the server device 3 receives the registration request transmitted from the terminal device 2 via the communication I / F 31. Next, the registration processing unit 333 and the benefit granting unit 336 execute the registration process (step S110). The registration process will be described in detail later.

[0170] Next, the server transmitting unit 332 transmits the registration completion data to the terminal device 2 via the communication I / F 31 (step S111). The registration completion data may include information on the registration benefit, information on the period benefit, or information on the period benefit and the continuation benefit, which are granted to the user in the registration process.

[0171] Next, the receiving unit 253 of the terminal device 2 receives, via the communication I / F, the registration completion data transmitted from the server device 3. Then, the display processing unit 251 displays the registration completion screen 530 on the display device 23 based on the display data stored in the storage device 22 and the registration completion data received by the receiving unit 253 (step S112).

[0172] 11 is a diagram showing an example of an operational flow of the registration process by the registration processing unit 333 and the benefit granting unit 336 of the server device 3. The registration process shown in FIG. 11 is executed in steps S102 and S110 of FIG.

[0173] First, the registration processing unit 333 acquires the registration request received by the server receiving unit 331 and extracts various information related to the user ID, membership type information, and credit card included in the registration request (step S201). Hereinafter, the first member table T2 and the second member table T3 will be collectively referred to as the member table, the first registration time and the second registration time will be collectively referred to as the registration time, the first number of continuation periods and the second number of continuation periods will be collectively referred to as the number of continuation periods, and the first release time and the second release time will be collectively referred to as the release time. The registration processing unit 333 will also use the member table corresponding to the extracted membership type information.

[0174] Next, the registration processing unit 333 determines whether the user is newly registered (whether the registration time corresponding to the extracted user ID is stored in the member table) (step S202).

[0175] If it is determined that the user is a new user (step S202-Yes), the registration processing unit 333 proceeds to step S206. If it is determined that the user is not a new user (step S202-No), the registration processing unit 333 deletes the information stored as the cancellation time from the member table (step S203).

[0176] Next, the registration processing unit 333 determines whether the time when the registration request is received by the server receiving unit 331 is within the usage period including the release time deleted in step S203 (step S204).

[0177] If it is determined that the time when the registration request is received is within the usage period including the cancellation time (step S204-Yes), the registration process ends.

[0178] If it is determined that the time when the registration request was received is not within the usage period including the release time (step S204-No), the registration processing unit 333 determines whether the time when the registration request was received by the server receiving unit 331 is within the usage period immediately following the usage period including the release time deleted in step S203 (step S205).

[0179] In step S205, if it is determined that the time when the registration request was received is not within the usage period immediately following the usage period including the cancellation time (the time when the registration request was received is past the usage period immediately following the usage period including the cancellation time) (step S205-No), the registration processing unit 333 stores the time when the registration request was received (date, or date and time) in the member table as the registration time, associated with the extracted user ID (step S206).

[0180] Next, the registration processing unit 333 stores "1" as the number of continuation periods in the member table in association with the extracted user ID (step S207).

[0181] Next, the benefit granting unit 336 stores information about the registration benefit corresponding to the extracted membership type information in association with the extracted user ID in the storage device 32 (step S208), and the registration process ends.

[0182] In step S205, if it is determined that the time when the registration request was received is within the usage period immediately following the usage period including the cancellation time (step S205-Yes), the registration processing unit 333 adds "1" to the number of continuous periods associated with the extracted user ID stored in the member table, and stores the added number of continuous periods in the member table in association with the extracted user ID (step S209).

[0183] Next, the benefit granting unit 336 stores information about the period benefit according to the extracted membership type information in association with the extracted user ID in the storage device 32 (step S210).

[0184] Next, the benefit providing unit 336 determines whether or not the benefit continuation condition is satisfied (step S211).

[0185] If the benefit granting unit 336 determines that the continuation benefit conditions are not met (step S211-No), the registration process ends; if it determines that the continuation benefit conditions are met (step S211-Yes), the benefit granting unit 336 stores information regarding the continuation benefit corresponding to the extracted membership type information in association with the extracted user ID in the storage device 32 (step S212), and the registration process ends.

[0186] 12 is a diagram showing another example of an operation sequence of the game system 1. This operation sequence is executed mainly by the processors 25 and 33 in cooperation with the elements of the terminal device 2 and the server device 3, based on programs stored in advance in the storage devices 22 and 32.

[0187] The operation sequence shown in FIG. 12 is executed in parallel with the operation sequence shown in FIG.

[0188] First, the continuation processing unit 335 and the benefit granting unit 336 of the server device 3 execute the continuation processing (step S301). The continuation processing will be described in detail later.

[0189] Next, the server transmitting unit 332 transmits the continuation completion data to the terminal device 2 via the communication I / F 31 (step S302). The continuation completion data may include information on the periodic benefit granted to the user in the continuation process, or information on the periodic benefit and the continuation benefit.

[0190] Next, the receiving unit 253 of the terminal device 2 receives, via the communication I / F, the continuation completion data transmitted from the server device 3. Then, the display processing unit 251 displays the game screen 700, the game screen 710, or the like on the display device 23 based on the display data stored in the storage device 22 and the continuation completion data received by the receiving unit 253 (step S303).

[0191] 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operational flow of the continuation process by the continuation processing unit 335 and the benefit granting unit 336 of the server device 3. The continuation process shown in FIG. 13 is executed in step S301 of FIG.

[0192] First, the continuation processing unit 335 determines whether the usage period has expired (step S401).

[0193] If it is determined that the usage period has not expired (step S401-No), the continuation processing unit 335 waits until the usage period expires.

[0194] If the continuation processing unit 335 determines that the usage period has ended (step S401-Yes), the continuation processing unit 335 reads the membership table and determines whether the user is registered as a member of the game service (whether the cancellation time is stored in association with the user's user ID in the membership table) (step S402).

[0195] If the continuation processing unit 335 determines that the user is not registered as a member of the game service (the cancellation time is stored in the member table in association with the user's user ID) (step S402-No), the continuation processing ends.

[0196] If the continuation processing unit 335 determines that the user is registered as a member of the game service (the cancellation time is not stored in the member table in association with the user's user ID) (step S402-Yes), it adds "1" to the number of continuation periods associated with the user's user ID stored in the member table, and stores the added number of continuation periods in the member table in association with the user's user ID (step S403).

[0197] Next, the continuation processing unit 335 executes a process for billing the game fee (step S404).

[0198] Next, the benefit granting unit 336 stores information about the period benefit according to the membership type information of the user in association with the user ID of the user in the storage device 32 (step S405).

[0199] Next, the benefit providing unit 336 determines whether or not the benefit continuation condition is satisfied (step S406).

[0200] If the benefit granting unit 336 determines that the continuation benefit conditions are not met (step S406-No), the continuation processing ends; if it determines that the continuation benefit conditions are met (step S406-Yes), the benefit granting unit 336 stores information regarding the continuation benefit corresponding to the extracted membership type information in association with the extracted user ID in the storage device 32 (step S407), and the continuation processing ends.

[0201] As described above in detail, the game system 1 of this embodiment provides a benefit to a user who has registered with a game service and then subsequently canceled the registration for the game service by re-registering with the game service. Conventional game systems have not provided a mechanism for providing an incentive to a user who has requested termination of the game service to encourage the user to start the game service again. As a result, users who have once left a game service rarely return to the game service, creating problems with the continuity of the game service. The game system 1 of this embodiment makes it possible to increase the motivation of users who have registered with a game service to continue using the game service.

[0202] (Variation 1) However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, if a user is registered with a game service as both a first member and a second member, and the usage period for which the first member's renewal benefits are granted to the user is the same as the usage period for which the second member's renewal benefits are granted to the user, the user may be granted a combined benefit based on the first member's renewal benefits and the second member's renewal benefits, instead of the first member's renewal benefits and the second member's renewal benefits.

[0203] If the first membership renewal benefit and the second membership renewal benefit are a predetermined number of game effects, the combined benefit may be a total number of game effects obtained by combining the predetermined number of times for the first membership renewal benefit and the predetermined number of times for the second membership renewal benefit. For example, if the first membership renewal benefit is the ability to execute a lottery process eight times to award the user with one or more game media from a predetermined group of game media, and the second membership renewal benefit is the ability to execute a lottery process two times to award the user with one or more game media from a predetermined group of game media, and if the usage period for the first membership renewal benefit and the usage period for the second membership renewal benefit are the same, the user may be granted a benefit of the ability to execute a lottery process ten times to award the user with one or more game media from a predetermined group of game media, instead of the first membership renewal benefit and the second membership renewal benefit. In addition, if the first member's continuation benefit and the second member's continuation benefit are the number of times the user performs actions and / or skills, etc. in the game, the combined number of executions (of actions and / or skills, etc.) of the first member's continuation benefit and the second member's continuation benefit may be added together to the number of executions (of actions and / or skills, etc.), or the combined number of executions (of actions and / or skills, etc.) of the first member's continuation benefit plus a predetermined number, or the combined number of executions (of actions and / or skills, etc.) of the second member's continuation benefit plus a predetermined number may be added to the user's number of executions or set as the user's number of executions as a combined benefit.

[0204] Furthermore, if the first member's renewal benefit and the second member's renewal benefit are increases relative to various upper limits set in the game, the combined benefit may be the sum of the increases related to the first member's renewal benefit and the increases related to the second member's renewal benefit (relative to the various upper limits). Furthermore, if the first member's renewal benefit and the second member's renewal benefit are new upper limits that replace the various upper limits set in the game, the combined benefit may be the sum of the new upper limits related to the first member's renewal benefit and the new upper limits related to the second member's renewal benefit (replaces the various upper limits). Various upper limits set in the game include the maximum number of display objects (e.g., comments from other users) displayed on the game progression screen, the maximum number of game media that a user can acquire in events, the maximum number of game media that a user can acquire through lottery, the maximum number of game media that a user can use in battles, the maximum number of game media that a user can use in events, and the maximum number of game media that a user can own in the game. For example, if the first member's continuing benefit is to set the maximum number of display objects (e.g., comments from other users) displayed on the game progress screen to 40, and the second member's continuing benefit is to set the maximum number of display objects (e.g., comments from other users) displayed on the game progress screen to 10, and the usage period for which the first member's continuing benefit is granted to the user is the same as the usage period for which the second member's continuing benefit is granted to the user, the user may be granted a combined benefit in place of the first member's continuing benefit and the second member's continuing benefit, in which the maximum number of display objects (e.g., comments from other users) displayed on the game progress screen is set to 50.

[0205] Furthermore, if the first member's renewal benefit and the second member's renewal benefit are increased values relative to various set values set in the game, the combined benefit may be an increased value (relative to the various set values) obtained by adding together the increased value related to the first member's renewal benefit and the increased value related to the second member's renewal benefit. Furthermore, if the first member's renewal benefit and the second member's renewal benefit are new set values that replace various set values set in the game, the combined benefit may be a new set value (replacing the various set values) obtained by adding together the new set values related to the first member's renewal benefit and the new set values related to the second member's renewal benefit. The various set values set in the game include values indicating the rarity of obtainable game media, the user's or the user's character's experience points, the user's parameter value (HP (Hit Point), etc.), etc. For example, if the first member's renewal benefit is a game medium with a predetermined rarity of 4 and the second member's renewal benefit is a game medium with a predetermined rarity of 1, and the usage period for which the first member's renewal benefit is granted to the user is the same as the usage period for which the second member's renewal benefit is granted to the user, the user may be granted a game medium with a predetermined rarity of 5 as a combined benefit in place of the first member's renewal benefit and the second member's renewal benefit.

[0206] In addition, if the usage period for which the first member's continuation benefits are granted to the user is the same as the usage period for which the second member's continuation benefits are granted to the user, the user may be granted further benefits in addition to the first member's continuation benefits and the second member's continuation benefits.

[0207] In addition, if a user is registered in the game system as three or more types of members at the same time and the usage period for which the continued benefits of the three or more types of members are granted to the user is the same, the user may be granted a combined benefit based on the continued benefits of the three or more types of members instead of the continued benefits of the three or more types of members.

[0208] As described above, when a user registers multiple types of memberships and receives different benefits depending on the combination, the user can select more flexible and diverse membership services depending on the situation, compared to when the user does not register multiple types of memberships. That is, the number of types of benefits provided to a user by combining n types of members is (2n-1) (for example, if there are three types of memberships, namely, Member A, Member B, and Member C, there are seven types of benefits: Member A's benefits, Member B's benefits, Member C's benefits, the combined benefits of Member A and Member B, the combined benefits of Member A and Member C, the combined benefits of Member B and Member C, and the combined benefits of Member A, Member B, and Member C). By configuring the system so that combined benefits based on multiple types of memberships are provided to the user, as described above, simply by setting up n types of members, the user can be provided with as many as (2n-1) types of benefits. This reduces the management burden of the multiple types of members registered by the user and also prevents storage capacity from becoming congested due to registration information and / or the information processing complexity of the server device 3.

[0209] (Variation 2) The first membership renewal benefit and the second membership renewal benefit may be different benefits. For example, if the first membership renewal benefit is the ability to execute a first lottery process to award the user with one or more game media from a predetermined group of game media that includes a first rarity level, the second membership renewal benefit may be the ability to execute a second lottery process to award the user with one or more game media from a predetermined group of game media that includes a second rarity level that is lower than the first rarity level.

[0210] Furthermore, the second member's continuing privilege may be a part of the first member's continuing privilege. For example, if the first member's continuing privilege is the ability to execute the first lottery process described above and the second lottery process described above, the second member's continuing privilege is the ability to execute the second lottery process described above. Furthermore, the first member's continuing privilege may be a part of the second member's continuing privilege.

[0211] (Variation 3) The continuation benefit and the fixed-term benefit may be different benefits, or the fixed-term benefit may be a part of the continuation benefit. For example, if the continuation benefit is the ability to execute a lottery process eight times to award one or more game media from a predetermined group of game media to the user, the fixed-term benefit is the ability to execute a lottery process two times to award one or more game media from a predetermined group of game media. Also, if the continuation benefit is the ability to execute a lottery process to award one or more game media from a predetermined group of game media including a first rarity level to the user and the ability to execute a lottery process to award one or more game media from a predetermined group of game media including a second rarity level lower than the first rarity level to the user, the fixed-term benefit is the ability to execute a lottery process to award one or more game media from a predetermined group of game media including the second rarity level to the user.

[0212] (Variation 4) The continuation benefit and the registration benefit may be different benefits, or the registration benefit may be part of the continuation benefit. For example, if the continuation benefit is the ability to execute a lottery process eight times to award one or more game media from a predetermined group of game media to the user, the registration benefit is the ability to execute a lottery process four times to award one or more game media from a predetermined group of game media. If the continuation benefit is the ability to execute a lottery process to award one or more game media from a predetermined group of game media including a first rarity level to the user and the ability to execute a lottery process to award one or more game media from a predetermined group of game media including a second rarity level lower than the first rarity level to the user, the registration benefit is the ability to execute a lottery process to award one or more game media from a predetermined group of game media including the second rarity level to the user. The continuation benefit may be part of the registration benefit.

[0213] (Variation 5) When the first member registration cancellation button 612 is selected by a user, if the user is not registered with the game service as a second member, the cancellation screen 620 may include a second member registration button 514 as shown in FIG. 6(b).

[0214] For example, in the example shown in Figure 6(b), to register with the game service as a first member, a game fee of 1,200 yen must be paid for each usage period, and to register with the game service as a second member, a game fee of 300 yen must be paid for each usage period. In this way, the first member is a member with four times the monetary value of the second member.

[0215] In this case, for example, a user who registered with the game service as a first member in April 2020 can be considered to have registered with the game service as a second member from April 2020 to July 2020. For this reason, for example, if a predetermined membership type change condition is met, the cancellation screen 620 may include a second membership registration button 514, and may also include information indicating that the user will be registered with the game service as a second member free of charge for a predetermined number of usage periods including the usage period.

[0216] The predetermined change number is the value obtained by dividing the "game fee for the first member" by the "game fee for the second member" (if this value is not an integer, the value is rounded down to the nearest integer). The membership type change condition is, for example, that the user has not used any of the various benefits granted during the usage period including the time when the first member registration cancellation button 612 was selected by the user (the user has not selected any of the registration benefit button, period benefit button, or continuation benefit button).

[0217] In this case, when the user selects the second membership registration button 514 included in the cancellation screen 620, the user's registration as a first member is cancelled, and the user is registered with the game service as a second member for a predetermined number of usage periods without paying a game fee. The user will then no longer be able to enjoy the various benefits of the first member. For example, when the second membership registration button 514 is selected by the user, the transmission unit 252 of the terminal device 2 transmits to the server device 3 a cancellation request including the user ID and membership type information indicating the first member, and a registration request including at least the user ID and membership type information indicating the second member. When the server receiving unit 331 receives the cancellation request and the registration request, the cancellation processing unit 334 of the server device 3 reads the first member table T2 related to the first member included in the cancellation request. The cancellation processing unit 334 stores the date (or date and time) on which the cancellation request was received as the first cancellation time in the first member table T2, in association with the user ID included in the cancellation request. The registration processes (1) to (3) will be described below. (1) If the second member table T3 does not store the second registration time corresponding to the user ID included in the registration request (in the case of a new registration), the registration processing unit 333 stores the date (or date and time) on which the registration request was received as the first registration time in the second member table T3 in association with the user ID included in the registration request. In this case, the registration processing unit 333 stores "1" as the second duration number in the second member table T3 in association with the user ID included in the registration request. Then, the registration processing unit 333 instructs the benefit granting unit 336 to grant a registration benefit to the user associated with the user ID included in the registration request. (2) If the time on which the registration request was received is within the usage period including the second release time associated with the user ID included in the registration request in the read second member table T3, the registration processing unit 333 deletes the information stored as the second release time. In addition, the registration processing unit 333 deletes the information stored in the second member table T3 as the second release time associated with the user ID included in the registration request if the time at which the registration request is received is within the usage period immediately following the usage period including the second release time associated with the user ID included in the registration request.After deleting the information stored as the second release time, the registration processing unit 333 adds "1" to the second continuous period count associated with the user ID included in the registration request stored in the second member table T3, and stores the resulting second continuous period count in the second member table T3 in association with the user ID of the user. The registration processing unit 333 then instructs the benefit granting unit 336 to grant a period benefit and / or a continuous benefit to the user associated with the user ID included in the registration request. (3) If the time at which the registration request is received has passed the usage period immediately following the usage period including the second release time associated with the user ID included in the registration request, the registration processing unit 333 deletes the information stored as the second release time associated with the extracted user ID. Next, the registration processing unit 333 stores the date (or date and time) on which the registration request was received as the second registration time in association with the extracted user ID in the second member table T3. The registration processing unit 333 then stores "1" as the second continuous period count in association with the extracted user ID in the second member table T3. Then, the registration processing unit 333 instructs the benefit providing unit 336 to provide a registration benefit to the user associated with the user ID included in the registration request.

[0218] Even if the membership type change conditions are not met, the cancellation screen 620 may include a second membership registration button 514. In this case, the cancellation screen 620 may include information indicating that the user can receive game services as a second member for a predetermined number of usage periods at the game fee of the first member. When the second membership registration button 514 included in this cancellation screen 620 is selected by the user, the user's registration as a first member is canceled, and by paying the game fee for the second member, the user is registered for the game service as a second member.

[0219] (Variation 6) Some of the functions of the server processing unit 33 described above may be implemented by the device processing unit 25 of the terminal device 2. In this case, if various tables are stored in the device storage unit 22, it is not necessary to communicate with the server device 3 each time processing is performed, and the above functions can be implemented by the terminal device 2 alone. The game executed on the terminal device 2 may be a hybrid game in which the server device 3 and the terminal device 2 each perform part of the processing. In this case, for example, each game screen related to the progress of the game is displayed as a web screen on the terminal device 2 based on display data generated by the server device 3, and other screens such as menu screens are displayed as native screens by a native application installed on the terminal device 2. This reduces the information processing load on the server device 3 and prevents unstable communication between the server device 3 and the terminal device 2. Furthermore, the game system 1 prevents malfunctions in multiplayer games and encourages players to continue playing the game.

[0220] (Variation 7) Alternatively, the game system 1 may be configured to include only a plurality of terminal devices 2 operated by a plurality of players, respectively. Each of the plurality of terminal devices 2 performs wireless communication with the other terminal devices 2 using a wireless communication method conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard, and an ad-hoc network is formed by the plurality of terminal devices 2. In this case, a specific terminal device 2 among the plurality of terminal devices 2 functions as a host and executes each function of the server device 3 described above. The terminal devices 2 other than the specific terminal device 2 among the plurality of terminal devices 2 communicate with the specific terminal device 2 that executes each function of the server device 3, thereby executing the above-described game. Note that the specific terminal device 2 that functions as a host executes both the functions of the server device 3 and the functions of the terminal devices 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0221] 1. Game System 2. Terminal Device 21 Communication I / F 22 Storage device 23 Display device 24 Input Devices 25 processors 251 Display processing unit 252 Transmitter 253 Receiving Unit 254 Bonus Processing Unit 3. Server equipment 31 Communication I / F 32 Storage device 33 processors 331 Server Receiving Unit 332 Server transmission unit 333 Registration Processing Unit 334 Release processing unit 335 Continuation Processing Unit 336 Benefits Granting Department 4 base station 5. Mobile communication networks 6 Gateway 7. Internet

Claims

1. A game device that provides games to a plurality of users registered with a game service, one or more computer processors; A storage device; Equipped with The one or more computer processors: registering the user with the game service as at least one type of member among a plurality of types of members in response to a registration request from the user; If the user continues to be registered for a predetermined period of time after the user is registered, a first benefit corresponding to the type of membership registered to the user is stored in the storage device in association with the user; In associating the first benefit, the one or more computer processors: When the user is registered as two or more types of members among the plurality of types of members, a second benefit corresponding to a combination of the two or more types of members registered to the user is stored in the storage device in association with the user. A game device characterized by:

2. In registering the user, the one or more computer processors: When a first fee is paid by the user, register the user as a first member among the plurality of types of members; When the second fee is paid by the user, the user is registered as a second member among the plurality of types of members; The gaming device according to claim 1 , wherein the first fee is higher than the second fee.

3. the predetermined period is divided into a predetermined number of consecutive first periods; 3. The game device of claim 2, wherein the first fee and the second fee are usage fees for using the game service during the first period, and when the first fee and the second fee are paid, the game service for the first period, including the time when the user was registered, is provided to the user.

4. A game device as described in claim 3, wherein when the registration of a user registered as the first member is changed from the first member to the second member, the usage fee for the user to use the game service as the second member during the first period for which the usage fee has already been paid is free of charge.

5. the storage device stores information relating to a plurality of consecutive first periods; The one or more computer processors: When the registration request from the user is received, a first period including the time point at which the user is registered among the plurality of consecutive first periods is set as a start period, and a benefit different from the first benefit is associated with the user and stored in the storage device; 5. The game device according to claim 3, wherein a predetermined number of first periods consecutive from the start period among the plurality of consecutive first periods are set as the predetermined period.

6. the one or more computer processors set a last first period of the predetermined number of consecutive first periods as a bonus use period; The game device according to claim 5 , wherein when the first benefit is used by the user in the game during the benefit use period, a game effect corresponding to the used first benefit occurs.

7. The one or more computer processors: setting a predetermined number of consecutive first periods from the first period immediately following the privilege use period as the next predetermined period; setting the last first period of the next predetermined period as the next benefit use period; A game device as described in claim 6, wherein a next first benefit corresponding to the next specified period is associated with the user as a result of the user's continued registration during the next specified period, and when the user uses the next first benefit in the game during the next benefit usage period, the game effect corresponding to the next first benefit used occurs.

8. A game device described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein one or more of the computer processors present to the user information regarding the continuation of the user's registration in order to be granted the first benefit if the user's registration is terminated during the specified period.

9. the last first period among the predetermined number of consecutive first periods constituting the predetermined period is a privilege use period; A game device described in any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein when the benefit usage period of the first benefit corresponding to the first member and the benefit usage period of the first benefit corresponding to the second member are the same period, benefits corresponding to the first benefit corresponding to the first member and the first benefit corresponding to the second member are stored in the memory device in association with the user.

10. 1. A method for controlling a gaming device that includes one or more computer processors and storage devices and that provides games to multiple users registered with a gaming service, comprising: one or more of the computer processors: registering the user with the game service as at least one type of member among a plurality of types of members in response to a registration request from the user; If the user continues to be registered for a predetermined period of time after the user is registered, a first benefit corresponding to the type of membership registered to the user is stored in the storage device in association with the user; Including, In associating the first benefit, the one or more computer processors: When the user is registered as two or more types of members among the plurality of types of members, a second benefit corresponding to a combination of the two or more types of members registered to the user is stored in the storage device in association with the user. A control method comprising:

11. A control program for a game device that includes one or more computer processors and a storage device and provides games to multiple users registered with a game service, the control program comprising: one or more of said computer processors; registering the user with the game service as at least one type of member among a plurality of types of members in response to a registration request from the user; If the user continues to be registered for a predetermined period of time after the user is registered, a first benefit corresponding to the type of membership registered to the user is stored in the storage device in association with the user; Execute In associating the first benefit, the one or more computer processors: When the user is registered as two or more types of members among the plurality of types of members, a second benefit corresponding to a combination of the two or more types of members registered to the user is stored in the storage device in association with the user. A control program characterized by causing the program to execute the above.

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