Information processing device, program and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device that facilitates a determination as to whether or not to invest a cost for acquiring a character that a player does not own.SOLUTION: An information processing device comprises a game control unit for controlling a game that a player plays using characters, and a trial providing unit for providing a specific character that the player does not own for a trial of the player. The game control unit controls the use of the specific character by the player in the game based on usage restrictions set for the specific character.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for providing a game in which a player can use characters owned by other players. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-164218 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the game provision system of Patent Document 1, characters that are not owned by other players, such as new characters that have just been released, cannot be used, and the usefulness of the character cannot be confirmed, making it difficult to determine whether or not it is necessary to incur costs to acquire the character.

[0005] The present invention provides an information processing device, a program, and an information processing method that make it easy for a player to decide whether or not to spend the cost to acquire a character that the player does not own. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device is provided, comprising: a game control unit that controls a game played by a player using a character; and a trial provision unit that provides a specific character that the player does not own for trial use by the player, wherein the game control unit controls the use of the specific character by the player in the game based on a use restriction set for the specific character.

[0007] With this configuration, a player who does not own a specific character can try out the character under the usage restrictions set for that character. This allows the player to check the usefulness of the specific character in the game before owning it, making it easier for the player to decide whether or not to spend money to acquire the specific character. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a game providing system 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a server 10 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal 20 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a quest selection screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a character selection screen. [Figure 7] Fig. 7A shows an example in which the trial period of a character coincides with the period of a lottery event. Fig. 7B shows an example in which the number of days for the trial period of a character is set. Fig. 7C shows an example in which the trial period of a character ends when another character's lottery event begins. [Figure 8] 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of processing in the game providing system 1. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the provision availability determination process (step S300). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the provision availability determination process (step S300) in the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other. Furthermore, each feature can be an invention independently.

[0010] 1. First Embodiment (1-1. Game provision system 1) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a server 10 that constitutes a part of a game providing system 1 as shown in Fig. 1. The game providing system 1 includes the server 10 and a user terminal 20.

[0011] The server 10 is configured to be able to communicate with the user terminal 20 via a communication line 5, and provides the user terminal 20 with a game in which the user terminal 20 plays using a character. The server 10 also provides the player P with a specific character that the player does not own for trial use. This allows the player to confirm the usefulness of the specific character in the game before owning the specific character, making it easier for the player to decide whether or not to spend money to acquire the specific character. Each component will be described below.

[0012] (1-2. Hardware configuration of game provision system 1) The hardware configuration of the game providing system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] (1-2-1. Hardware configuration of Server 10) 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of server 10 according to this embodiment. Server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. Server 10 may also include an operation input unit 14 configured with a keyboard, a mouse, etc., for accepting input of various operations, and a monitor 15, such as a liquid crystal display device, for displaying various images.

[0014] The control unit 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like, and controls the overall operation of the server 10.

[0015] A part of the storage unit 12 is configured with, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the control unit 11 executes processes based on various programs. In addition, a part of the storage unit 12 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various data and programs used in the processing of the control unit 11.

[0016] The programs stored in the memory unit 12 include, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of the server 10, drivers for controlling various hardware, programs for realizing various functions, etc., and include the computer program related to this embodiment.

[0017] The communication unit 13 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) and has a function of connecting to the communication line 5. Note that the communication unit 13 may have, instead of or together with the NIC, a function of connecting to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a function of connecting to a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network), a function of enabling short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication, etc. The server 10 is connected to other information processing devices such as user terminals 20 via the communication line 5, and can transmit and receive various data to and from the other information processing devices, etc.

[0018] The control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, operation input unit 14, and monitor 15 are electrically connected to one another via a system bus 16. Therefore, the control unit 11 can access the storage unit 12, display images on the monitor 15, grasp the operation state of the user (player) on the operation input unit 14, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 13.

[0019] (1-2-2. Hardware Configuration of User Terminal 20) 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal 20 according to this embodiment. The user terminal 20 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, and includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The user terminal 20 may also include a display unit 24 such as a touch panel display that can display images and receive operations, a speaker 25 that outputs sound, a microphone 26 that inputs sound, a camera 27 that captures an image of a subject, and operation buttons 28. The following description will focus on the differences from the server 10.

[0020] The operation buttons 28 are provided on the side of the user terminal 20, and include a power button for starting or stopping the user terminal 20, a button for adjusting the volume of the sound output by the speaker 25, and the like.

[0021] The control unit 21, memory unit 22, communication unit 23, display unit 24, speaker 25, microphone 26, camera 27, and operation buttons 28 are electrically connected to one another via a system bus 29. Therefore, the control unit 21 can access the memory unit 22, display images on the display unit 24, grasp the operation state of the touch panel display (display unit 24) and operation buttons 28 by the user, input sound to the microphone 26, output sound from the speaker 25, control the camera 27, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 23.

[0022] (1-3. Functional configuration of server 10) As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 11 of the server 10 includes a game control unit 11a, a trial providing unit 11b, a designation receiving unit 11c, a programming unit 11d, a lottery unit 11e, and a lottery guide unit 11f.

[0023] The game control unit 11a controls the game in which the player plays using a character. The trial provision unit 11b provides a specific character (hereinafter also referred to as a specific character) that the player does not own for trial use by the player. Here, "provision for trial use" means making the specific character available to the player under predetermined usage restrictions so that the player can consider acquiring the specific character. Here, "acquisition" refers to obtaining a target object (e.g., a game character) by spending a predetermined cost, and specifically includes obtaining the object in exchange for a predetermined game item (i.e., exchange for value such as in-game currency or real currency), obtaining the object through a lottery conducted by consuming a predetermined game item, obtaining the object as a reward based on the results of playing a predetermined game, etc.

[0024] "Use restrictions" refer to restrictions on at least one of the duration, number of times, and target game (quest) of game play using a specific character, for example. Here, "use restrictions" are set specifically for a specific character provided for trial use, and for example, when a player acquires a specific character and owns it, the use restrictions on the specific character that the player owns are no longer applied. In other words, the use restrictions on the specific character are lifted. Note that a specific character provided for trial use may be usable in the game (more specifically, in the quests described in detail below) in the same way as characters owned by the player.

[0025] The specification receiving unit 11c receives a specification of a quest to be played by the player from among multiple quests included in the game. A quest is a collection of one or more tasks given in the game. For example, a task included in a quest may include defeating a specific monster or collecting a specific item. Note that a character corresponding to the quest can be acquired as a reward for clearing the quest. The composition unit 11d composes a deck for playing the game based on a specified character from among the characters owned by the player.

[0026] A deck is a group consisting of one or more characters. A deck may be configured to include at least one of the characters owned by a player. Here, a character owned by a player may be a character identified by character identification information stored in association with the player's identification information. Furthermore, a character owned by a player may be able to be eliminated or changed by selling, combining, evolving, or the like, based on the player's operation.

[0027] In contrast, for certain characters provided for trial use, if you do not own them, you cannot delete or change them. In the game of this embodiment, you can organize a deck for each specified quest.

[0028] The lottery unit 11e provides the player with a character selected from a plurality of characters in response to a player's request. Note that a specific character may be included in the plurality of characters that can be selected by the lottery unit 11e. The lottery guide unit 11f guides the player to the execution of a lottery by the lottery unit 11e at a predetermined timing. Details of each function will be described later.

[0029] The above-described functional configuration may be realized by software (including so-called applications) appropriately installed on the server 10, or may be realized by hardware. When realized by software, the control unit 11 can realize various functions by executing programs that constitute the software.

[0030] When the functions are realized by executing a program, the program may be stored in the memory unit 12 built into the server 10, or may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. Alternatively, the functions may be realized by reading out a program stored in an external storage device, using so-called cloud computing. Alternatively, when the functions are realized by hardware, they may be realized by various circuits such as ASIC, SOC, FPGA, or DRP. Furthermore, some of the above-described functional configurations may be processed by software or hardware in the user terminal 20, etc.

[0031] (1-4. Game flow)

[0032] The flow of the game in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The player specifies the quest to play on a quest selection screen 30 shown in Figure 5. The quest selection screen 30 includes a quest list area 31, quest icons 32, a scroller 38, and a back button 39.

[0033] A plurality of quest icons 32 representing quests are displayed in the quest list area 31. A player specifies a quest to play by selecting a quest icon 32. When the player specifies a quest, the specification receiving unit 11c of the control unit 11 receives the quest specification.

[0034] The scroller 38 can be operated by the player to display a plurality of quest icons 32 in the quest list area 31. The back button 39 is a button for transitioning to the previous screen.

[0035] The player who has specified a quest creates a deck for playing the specified quest on a character selection screen 40 shown in Fig. 6. The character selection screen 40 includes a deck creation area 41, an owned character area 43, a trial character area 45, a scroller 48, and a back button 49.

[0036] The deck organization area 41 is an area that shows characters selected for deck organization, and includes a character setting area 42. The owned character area 43 displays character icons 44 that show characters owned by the player. The trial character area 45 displays character icons 44 that show specific characters that the player does not own and are provided for trial use. The scroller 48 and back button 49 function in the same way as the scroller 38 and back button 39 on the quest selection screen described above.

[0037] The player can organize a deck to play a quest by moving a character icon 44 in the owned character area 43 or the trial character area 45 to the character setting area 42 in the deck organization area 41. In the example shown in Figure 6, four characters can be set in one deck.

[0038] In this way, once the deck for playing the quest specified by the player has been organized, the player plays the quest. Then, only when the player has cleared the quest using a specific trial character, the lottery guide unit 11f guides the player to a lottery in which the specific character can be acquired. In this way, a player who has cleared the quest and realized the usefulness of a specific character can be encouraged to acquire the character.

[0039] Here, the trial providing unit 11b may provide a specific character in the trial character area 45 with a more advantageous ability value (a parameter that increases as the game progresses) than the specific character that can be acquired by lottery by the lottery unit 11e. By allowing the player to try out the specific character with a high ability value, the player can more easily recognize the usefulness of the specific character. This can increase the player's desire to acquire the specific character.

[0040] Alternatively, a deck may be compiled in advance by selecting a second predetermined number of characters, which is smaller than the first predetermined number, from among the first predetermined number of characters that make up the deck from characters owned by the player, and then a quest may be selected. Furthermore, in the character selection screen 40 of Fig. 6, the trial character area 45 may display characters owned by other players with whom the player has built a predetermined friendship (hereinafter also referred to as friends).

[0041] In this case, as an example, the player first selects three characters, which is the second predetermined number, from the four characters, which is the first predetermined number, that make up the deck from the owned character area 43 on the character selection screen 40, and then organizes the deck.

[0042] Next, the player specifies the quest to play on the quest selection screen 30. After that, the player selects a fourth character (hereinafter also referred to as a friend frame character) from among the characters owned by friends displayed in the trial character area 45 on the character selection screen 40. Here, a specific character not owned by a friend but provided for trial purposes may also be displayed in the trial character area 45 and made selectable by the player as a friend frame character.

[0043] (1-5. Usage restrictions) The trial use restrictions for specific characters will be described with reference to Figure 7. As an example of the use restrictions for specific characters provided for trial use, a trial period is set for each specific character. The trial providing unit 11b provides the specific character for trial use by the player for a predetermined period set for the specific character.

[0044] In the example shown in FIG. 7A, a specific character can be trialed during a period when the specific character can be acquired by lottery (a lottery event period for the specific character). This allows the player to try out the specific character once and then encourage the player to enter the lottery. In addition, if the lottery probability for the specific character can vary between a first value and a second value greater than the first value, the specific character may be trialed during a period when the lottery probability for the specific character is the second value (a special event period).

[0045] In this case, the trial providing unit 11b may provide the player with a specific character for trial use during a period in which a character that can grow into a specific character can be selected by lottery. Here, character growth is a concept that includes character evolution and synthesis. Character evolution refers to the transformation of a character into one with higher ability values ​​and skills (a series of commands that bring about a predetermined effect in the progress of the game). Character synthesis refers to the fusion of two or more characters into one character with higher ability values ​​and skills.

[0046] Alternatively, as shown in the example of FIG. 7B, a specific character may be available for trial use only for a portion of the lottery event period for that specific character (e.g., one week). By limiting the trial period in this manner, players can be encouraged to try out the specific character. In particular, by providing a trial period for the specific character for a predetermined period (e.g., one week) from the start of the lottery event for the specific character, players can confirm the usefulness of the specific character early in the lottery event, which can increase their desire to acquire the specific character early on.

[0047] 7C, the first specific character may be available for trial use during the period from the start of a first lottery event in which the first specific character can be drawn to the start of a second lottery event in which the second specific character can be drawn. By doing so, only the character most recently selected for the lottery event can be trialed, which can draw the player's attention to the character that can be acquired in the most recent lottery event.

[0048] As another example of usage restrictions, an upper limit may be set on the number of times a player can try out a specific character. In this case, the game control unit 11a disables the use of a specific character when the number of times a player has used that specific character in the game reaches the upper limit set for that character. This prevents players from trying out a specific character indefinitely, and by limiting the number of tries, it is possible to increase players' motivation to acquire a specific character. Here, the number of tries refers to, for example, the number of times a player has played a quest using a deck containing a specific character.

[0049] In this case, the lottery notification unit 11f may notify the player of a lottery to be held by the lottery unit 11e when the player has used a specific character a predetermined number of times or more. By doing so, by notifying the player of a lottery in which a specific character can be acquired when the number of trial uses reaches an upper limit, it becomes possible to encourage the player to consider holding a lottery in which a specific character can be acquired at a time when the player's desire to acquire a specific character is heightened.

[0050] In addition, both the trial period and the number of trial uses may be set as usage restrictions. For example, in the case where a specific character can be tried out for only one week after the lottery for that specific character starts as shown in Fig. 7B, the number of trial uses per day (for example, three times) may be further set.

[0051] (1-6. Processing flow by game provision system 1) An example of the flow of processing by the game providing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0052] In step S110, the user terminal 20 organizes a deck with three characters selected from the characters owned by the player P through operation of the character selection screen 40. In step S120, the server 10 accepts the organization of the deck.

[0053] In step S210, the user terminal 20 specifies a quest to be played by the player P through an operation on the quest selection screen 30 by the player P. In step S220, the server 10 accepts the specification of the quest.

[0054] In step S300, the server 10 performs an offer possibility determination process to determine whether or not a specific character can be offered for trial use. The offer possibility determination process will be described in detail later.

[0055] In step S410, the server 10 provides a friend slot character. Here, if it is determined in the provision availability determination process in step S300 that a specific character can be provided for trial use, the character owned by the friend and the specific character for trial use are provided as friend slot characters. On the other hand, if it is determined in the provision availability determination process that a specific character cannot be provided for trial use, the character owned by the friend is provided as the friend slot character. In step S420, the user terminal 20 displays the friend slot character in the trial character area 45 of the character selection screen 40.

[0056] In step S430, the player P selects a friend character on the character selection screen 40. In step S440, the server 10 accepts the player P's selection of the friend character.

[0057] In step S510, the server 10 provides the specified quest. In step S520, the player P plays the specified quest by operating the user terminal 20. Here, if a specific character provided for trial by the player P has been selected as a friend slot character, the player P plays the quest using the specific character.

[0058] The provision availability determination process (step S300) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 9. The provision availability determination process is performed for each specific character that is available for trial use by player P. In step S310, server 10 determines whether or not the specific character that is available for trial use is included in the characters owned by player P. If the specific character is included in the characters owned by player P (YES in step S310), step S390 is performed. On the other hand, if the specific character is not included in the characters owned by player P (NO in step S310), step S320 is performed.

[0059] In step S320, the server 10 determines whether or not the trial number of the specific character remains. If the trial number remains (YES in step S320), step S380 is performed. On the other hand, if the trial number does not remain (NO in step S320), step S390 is performed.

[0060] In step S380, the server 10 determines that the specific character is available for trial use. In step S390, the server 10 determines that the specific character is unavailable for trial use.

[0061] <2. Modifications> Various modifications of the game providing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below. The modifications described below can be combined with each other.

[0062] (2.1. Variation 1) In Variation 1, the trial providing unit 11b controls whether or not to provide a specific character to the player depending on the characters organized in the deck. More specifically, the trial providing unit 11b controls the character selection screen 40 in Fig. 6 so that only characters that are compatible with the character already selected by the player (i.e., the character icon 44 in the deck organization area 41, hereinafter also referred to as deck character) are selectable in the trial character area 45.

[0063] The character compatibility here refers to the fact that combining specific characters increases the ability values ​​of the combined characters or enables the use of special skills. By doing so, the possibility of clearing a quest increases when using a specific trial character, making it easier for players to recognize the usefulness of a specific character.

[0064] (2.2. Variation 2) In a second modification, the trial providing unit 11b controls whether or not to provide a specific character to the player in accordance with the specified quest. More specifically, the trial providing unit 11b controls the character selection screen 40 in Fig. 6 so that only characters that are compatible with the specified quest are selectable in the trial character area 45.

[0065] Compatibility with a quest here refers to cases where a skill that a specific character can use has an advantageous effect within the quest, or where a specific character has an advantageous attribute (a classification assigned to each character) against the most difficult monster to defeat within the quest (a so-called boss character), making it easier to defeat the monster. By doing this, the possibility of clearing the quest increases when using a specific trial character, making it easier for players to recognize the usefulness of a specific character.

[0066] (2.3. Flow of provision availability determination process in modified example) The flow of the provision availability determination process (step S300) when the first and second modifications are combined will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0067] If the number of trials for the specific character remains (YES in step S320), step S330 is performed. In step S330, the server 10 determines the compatibility between the specific character and the quest. If the compatibility between the specific character and the quest is good (YES in step S330), step S340 is performed. On the other hand, if the compatibility between the specific character and the quest is not good (NO in step S330), step S390 is performed.

[0068] In step S340, the server 10 determines the compatibility between the specific character and the deck character. If the compatibility between the specific character and the deck character is good (YES in step S340), step S380 is performed. On the other hand, if the compatibility between the specific character and the deck character is not good (NO in step S340), step S390 is performed. <3. Other embodiments> Although the embodiment and its modifications of the present invention have been described above, the application of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described contents.

[0069] For example, in the above embodiment, the acquisition process is performed by lottery, such as acquiring one or more characters from a plurality of characters, but is not limited to this example. For example, it may be possible for the player to select one or more characters from a plurality of characters and acquire them.

[0070] Furthermore, the usage restrictions set for a specific trial character may be set to be changeable. For example, if a player executes a lottery notified by the lottery notification unit 11f but does not win a specific character, the usage restrictions for the specific character may be relaxed. Specifically, the trial period for the specific character may be extended, or the number of trial uses may be increased.

[0071] In addition, in the above embodiment, the configuration was described in which each function is mainly provided by the server 10, but it is also possible to configure the configuration in which some functions are provided by the user terminal 20, or both the server 10 and the user terminal 20 are provided with some functions.

[0072] Furthermore, an information processing device such as the server 10 may not only be a device that is physically composed of a single device, but may also include multiple devices that are connected to each other via wired or wireless communication and function essentially as a single information processing device.

[0073] Furthermore, each step described in the above embodiment as being executed by the server 10 may be implemented in a manner in which it is executed by the user terminal 20.

[0074] Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized as a program that causes a game providing system to function in order to realize the above-mentioned system.

[0075] Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium storing the above-mentioned program.

[0076] Various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such embodiments and modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0077] <4. Features of the embodiment> The features of the embodiments of the present invention are summarized below.

[0078] One aspect of the present invention includes a game control unit 11a that controls a game played by a player using characters, and a trial provision unit 11b that provides a specific character that the player does not own for trial use by the player. The game control unit 11a controls the use of the specific character by the player in the game based on use restrictions set for the specific character, and a server 10 is provided as an information processing device.

[0079] With this configuration, a player who does not own a specific character can try out the character under the usage restrictions set for that character. This allows the player to check the usefulness of the specific character in the game before owning it, making it easier for the player to decide whether or not to spend money to acquire the specific character.

[0080] The trial providing unit 11b provides a specific character for trial use by a player for a predetermined period of time determined for the specific character.

[0081] By providing such a configuration, it is possible to limit the trial period of a specific character, thereby increasing the player's motivation to acquire the specific character during the trial period and after the trial period has ended.

[0082] When the number of times that a player has used a particular character in the game reaches an upper limit set for the particular character, the game control unit 11a disables the use of the particular character in the game.

[0083] With this configuration, by limiting the number of trials of a specific character, it is possible to increase the user's motivation to acquire the specific character after the trial number has reached the upper limit.

[0084] The server 10 further includes a lottery section 11e that provides the player with a character selected by lottery from among a plurality of characters in response to a request from the player, and the trial providing section 11b provides the player with the specific character for trial use during a period when the lottery section 11e can select a specific character or a character that can grow into a specific character.

[0085] By providing such a configuration, it is possible to make a specific character available for trial use during the period in which it can be acquired by lottery, thereby increasing the user's motivation to acquire the specific character by lottery.

[0086] The server 10 further includes a lottery guide unit that guides the player to the execution of a lottery by the lottery unit 11e when the number of times that a player has used a specific character in the game is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times.

[0087] With this configuration, when the player reaches a certain number of uses of a specific character and becomes more motivated to acquire the specific character, the player is notified of a lottery in which the specific character can be acquired, thereby increasing the possibility that the player will enter a lottery in which the specific character can be acquired.

[0088] The specific character provided by the trial providing unit 11b has more advantageous values ​​in parameters representing the character's abilities than the specific character that can be selected by the lottery unit.

[0089] With this configuration, by having the player try out a specific character when the ability value of the specific character is high, the player can easily recognize the usefulness of the specific character, thereby increasing the player's motivation to acquire the specific character.

[0090] The server 10 has an organizing unit that organizes a deck for playing the game based on a character designated from among the characters owned by the player, and the trial providing unit 11b controls whether or not to provide a specific character to the player depending on the characters organized in the deck.

[0091] This configuration allows a player to try out a specific character when it is compatible with other characters in the player's deck, making it easier for the player to recognize the usefulness of the specific character, thereby increasing the player's desire to acquire the specific character.

[0092] The server 10 includes a specification receiving unit 11c that receives a specification of a quest to be played by the player from among a plurality of quests included in the game, and the trial providing unit 11b controls whether or not to provide a specific character to the player according to the specified quest.

[0093] With this configuration, a specific character can be tried out when it is compatible with a quest specified by the player, making it easier for the player to recognize the usefulness of the specific character, thereby increasing the player's desire to acquire the specific character.

[0094] Another aspect of the present invention provides a computer program that causes a computer to execute a game control step and a trial provision step, wherein in the game control step, the computer controls a game played by a player using a character, and in the trial provision step, the computer provides a specific character that the player does not own for trial use by the player, and in the game control step, the computer further controls the use of the specific character by the player in the game based on use restrictions set for the specific character.

[0095] As yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method including a game control step and a trial provision step, in which in the game control step, a computer controls a game played by a player using a character, in which in the trial provision step, the computer provides a specific character not owned by the player for trial use by the player, and in the game control step, the computer further controls the use of the specific character by the player in the game based on use restrictions set for the specific character. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1: Game providing system, 5: Communication line, 10: Server, 11: Control unit, 11a: Game control unit, 11b: Trial providing unit, 11c: Designation reception unit, 11d: Organization unit, 11e: Lottery unit, 11f: Lottery information unit, 12: Memory unit, 13: Communication unit, 14: Operation input unit, 15: Monitor, 16: System bus, 20: User terminal, 21: Control unit, 22: Memory unit, 23: Communication unit, 24: Display unit, 25: Speaker, 26: Microphone, 27: Camera, 28: Operation button, 29: System bus, 30: Quest selection screen, 31: Quest list area, 32: Quest icon, 38: Scroller, 39: Button, 40: Character selection screen, 41: Deck organization area, 42: Character setting area, 43: Owned character area, 44: Character icon, 45: Character area, 48: Scroller, 49: Button.

Claims

1. a game control unit that controls a game played by a player using a character; a trial providing unit that provides a specific character that the player does not own for trial use by the player; The game control unit controls the use of the specific character by the player in the game based on a use restriction set for the specific character.

2. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, The trial provision unit provides the specific character for trial use by the player for a predetermined period of time determined for the specific character.

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, The game control unit of the information processing device disables the use of the specific character in the game when the number of times the player has used the specific character in the game reaches an upper limit set for the specific character.

4. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a lottery unit that provides the player with a character selected by lottery from a plurality of characters in response to a request from the player; The information processing device wherein the trial providing unit provides the specific character for trial use to the player during a period during which the specific character or a character that can grow into the specific character can be selected by lottery in the lottery unit.

5. 5. The information processing device according to claim 4, The information processing device further comprises a lottery guide unit that guides the player to hold a lottery by the lottery unit when the number of times the player has used the specific character in the game is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times.

6. 6. The information processing device according to claim 4 or claim 5, An information processing device, wherein the specific character provided by the trial providing unit has more advantageous values ​​in parameters representing character abilities than the specific character that can be selected by the lottery unit.

7. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a compilation unit that compiles a deck for playing the game based on a character designated from among characters owned by the player; The trial provision unit controls whether or not to provide the specific character to the player depending on the characters organized in the deck.

8. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a designation receiving unit that receives designation of a quest to be played by the player from among a plurality of quests included in the game; The trial provision unit controls whether or not to provide the specific character to the player in accordance with the specified quest.

9. A computer program causing a computer to execute a game control step and a trial provision step, In the game control step, the computer controls a game played by a player using a character; In the trial providing step, the computer provides a specific character that the player does not own for trial use by the player; In the game control step, the computer further controls the use of the specific character by the player in the game based on use restrictions set for the specific character.

10. An information processing method, comprising: A game control step and a trial providing step are included, In the game control step, a computer controls a game played by a player using a character; In the trial providing step, the computer provides a specific character that the player does not own for trial use by the player; In the game control step, the computer further controls the use of the specific character by the player in the game based on a use restriction set for the specific character.

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