Program and information processing system

Abstract

To prevent a user from feeling that an item which can be changed into NFT is unused possession.SOLUTION: A program makes a computer be functioned as acquisition means which makes a user acquire an item which can be changed into NFT, and control means which performs a control of not changing the item possessed by the user into NFT but consuming the item to generate an effect advantageous for the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Games that use blockchain have been known for some time (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). Also known as this type of game is a game that allows users to sell NFT-ized items to other users. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] "STEPN: How to get started and its future prospects | How to earn money / how to do it and how much it costs to level up?" [online] [searched October 4, 2023], Internet<https: / / www.caica.jp / media / crypto / stepn-about / > Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In games where users can own NFTized items, the users can, for example, gain satisfaction from owning a one-of-a-kind item by owning the NFTized item, or they can sell the NFTized item and make a profit. On the other hand, even if an NFTable item exists in a game, a user who acquires such an item may not perceive the acquired item as being valuable enough to be converted into an NFT. In such cases, there is a risk that the user may end up with a pile of items that they do not perceive as being valuable enough to be converted into an NFT, and may feel that they are going to waste.

[0005] The present invention aims to prevent users from feeling that NFT-convertible items are going to waste in services that allow them to acquire NFT-convertible items. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment shown in the present disclosure, Computer, An acquisition means for allowing a user to acquire an NFT-enabled item; The system functions as a control means that controls the generation of advantageous effects for the user by consuming the item held by the user without converting it into an NFT. Programs are offered. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent users from feeling that NFT-enabled items are going to waste. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a game system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the game system. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displaying a map. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displaying a list of mountains acquired by a user. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen when mining is performed. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the flow of asset acquisition and consumption. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a timeline for mountain acquisition and mining. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying a list of jewels owned by a user. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying a list of mountains acquired by the user in a state where a beneficial effect is occurring for a specific mountain. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen related to purchasing an ice axe. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing related to the generation of a mountain and the determination of items that can be obtained from the mountain. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process related to mountain acquisition and mining. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for consuming an NFT-convertible item to generate a beneficial effect. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for providing preferential treatment for the purchase of an ice axe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Game system hardware configuration> 1, the game system 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of terminal devices 10, a server 20, and a blockchain system 3. The blockchain system 3 also includes a plurality of node devices 30.

[0011] The terminal device 10, the server 20, and the blockchain system 3 (in other words, the node device 30) are connected to each other via a network 2. The network 2 may be configured, for example, by the Internet, a mobile communication system (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), etc.), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), other communication lines, or a combination of these.

[0012] The server 20 (in other words, a computer, an information processing device) may be, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. The server 20 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage 23, a communication IF (interface) 24, and an input / output IF 25. These components of the server 20 are connected to each other by a communication bus.

[0013] The processor 21 controls the overall operation of the server 20. The processor 21 may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The processor 21 reads a program from the storage 23 and loads it into the memory 22. The processor 21 executes the loaded program.

[0014] The memory 22 is a main storage device. The memory 22 is configured by storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 22 temporarily stores programs and various data that the processor 21 reads from the storage 23, thereby providing a working area for the processor 21. The memory 22 also temporarily stores various data that the processor 21 generates while operating according to the programs.

[0015] In this embodiment, the program may be a program that realizes a game by the terminal device 10. The program may also be a program that realizes the game through cooperation between the terminal device 10 and the server 20. The program may also be a program that realizes the game through cooperation between the terminal device 10, the server 20, and the blockchain system 3. The game may, for example, be a game that is executed on a browser launched on the terminal device 10. The various data may also include, for example, data related to the game, such as user information and game information, and instructions and notifications transmitted and received between devices such as the terminal device 10 and the server 20.

[0016] The storage 23 is an auxiliary storage device. The storage 23 is configured by a storage device such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage 23 stores various data related to the game.

[0017] The communication IF 24 controls the transmission and reception of various data between the server 20 and the terminal device 10, etc. via the network. The communication IF 24 also controls the transmission and reception of various data between the server 20 and the blockchain system 3 (in other words, the node device 30) via the network.

[0018] The input / output IF 25 is an interface through which the server 20 receives input of data and also an interface through which the server 20 outputs data. The input / output IF 25 may include, for example, an input unit which is an information input device such as a mouse or a keyboard, and a display unit which is a device that displays and outputs images.

[0019] The terminal device 10 (in other words, a computer, an information processing device) may be, for example, a smartphone, a feature phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet computer, a personal computer, a wearable terminal, or a game device. The terminal device 10 may be a mobile terminal. The terminal device 10 may be a portable terminal that a user uses when playing a game.

[0020] The terminal device 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, a communication IF 14, an input / output IF 15, an input unit 17, and a display unit 18. These components included in the terminal device 10 are connected to each other by a communication bus.

[0021] The processor 11 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 10. The processor 11 may include a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, etc. The processor 11 reads a program from the storage 13 and loads it into the memory 12. The processor 11 executes the loaded program.

[0022] The memory 12 is a main storage device. The memory 12 is configured by storage devices such as a ROM and a RAM. The memory 12 provides a working area for the processor 11 by temporarily storing the programs and various data that the processor 11 reads from the storage 13. The memory 12 also temporarily stores various data that the processor 11 generates while operating according to the programs.

[0023] The storage 13 is an auxiliary storage device. The storage 13 is configured by a storage device such as a flash memory or a HDD. The storage 13 stores various data related to the game.

[0024] The communication IF 14 controls transmission and reception of various data via a network between the terminal device 10 and the server 20, etc. The communication IF 14 may also control transmission and reception of various data via a network between the terminal device 10 and the blockchain system 3 (in other words, the node device 30).

[0025] The input / output IF 15 is an interface through which the terminal device 10 receives input of data and also an interface through which the terminal device 10 outputs data. The input / output IF 15 may input and output data via, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like. The input / output IF 15 may include an input unit 17, a display unit 18, or the like.

[0026] The input unit 17 accepts input from a user. The input unit 17 may be, for example, a pointing device such as a touchpad or a mouse. The display unit 18 displays images. The display unit 18 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The terminal device 10 may include, for example, a touch screen, which is an electronic component that combines the input unit 17 and the display unit 18. In this case, the input unit 17 may have a function of detecting a position input on the input surface by a user operation (for example, a touch operation, a tap operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, a flick operation, a pinch-in operation, a pinch-out operation, etc.) and transmitting information indicating the detected position as an input signal.

[0027] The input unit 17 may be, for example, a keyboard, various physical buttons, various sensors (for example, an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor), an operation stick, a camera, or a microphone. The display unit 18 may be, for example, a projector.

[0028] In this embodiment, the description will be given assuming that the input unit 17 is a keyboard and a mouse. Note that in this embodiment, operations on various UIs such as buttons may be performed by, for example, placing a mouse cursor on an area on the display unit 18 where the button or the like is displayed and clicking.

[0029] A plurality of node devices 30 constitute a blockchain system 3. Each node device 30 holds a distributed ledger. Each node device 30 stores the same data in the distributed ledger. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, assets held by users are managed in the distributed ledger of the blockchain system 3.

[0030] The node device 30 (in other words, a computer, an information processing device) may be, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. The node device 30 includes a processor 31, a memory 32, a storage 33, a communication IF 34, and an input / output IF 35. These components included in the node device 30 are connected to each other by a communication bus.

[0031] The processor 31 controls the overall operation of the node device 30. The processor 31 may include a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, etc. The processor 31 reads a program from the storage 33 and loads it into the memory 32. The processor 31 executes the loaded program.

[0032] The memory 32 is a main storage device. The memory 32 is configured by storage devices such as a ROM and a RAM. The memory 32 temporarily stores the programs and various data that the processor 31 reads from the storage 33, thereby providing a working area for the processor 31. The memory 32 also temporarily stores various data that the processor 31 generates while operating according to the programs.

[0033] The storage 33 is an auxiliary storage device and is configured by a storage device such as a flash memory or an HDD, for example.

[0034] The communication IF 34 controls transmission and reception of various data between the node device 30 and the server 20 via the network. Note that the communication IF 34 may also control transmission and reception of various data between the node device 30 and the terminal device 10 via the network.

[0035] The input / output IF 35 is an interface through which the node device 30 receives input of data and also an interface through which the node device 30 outputs data. The input / output IF 35 may include, for example, an input unit that is an information input device such as a mouse or a keyboard, and a display unit that is a device that displays and outputs images.

[0036] The server 20 and the terminal device 10 may function as the node device 30. In other words, the blockchain system 3 may include the server 20 and the terminal device 10.

[0037] <Functional configuration of the game system> 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20, the terminal devices 10, and the node devices 30. The server 20 in this embodiment has, for example, a function to provide each terminal device 10 with various data and programs necessary to realize the game, and a function to collect and manage data related to the game from each terminal device 10.

[0038] In this embodiment, the server 20 identifies each user and the terminal device 10 using a user account that is registered in advance for each game. The method of registering an account is not particularly limited. For example, the terminal device 10 or another device such as a personal computer may transmit information required for user account registration to the server 20 based on a user operation, and the server 20 may create and save an account for each user based on the received information.

[0039] 2, the server 20 functions as a control unit 210 and a storage unit 220 through cooperation of a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage 23, a communication IF 24, an input / output IF 25, etc. The storage unit 220 stores various data used by the control unit 210. Examples of the various data include programs, game information, and user information. The programs are programs for realizing games. The game information and user information are data referenced by the control unit 210 when executing the programs.

[0040] The game information includes, for example, information for defining various virtual spaces (in other words, game spaces). A virtual space is a space in which objects such as characters that can be controlled by a user (hereinafter also referred to as "player characters") are placed. The game information also includes, for example, information regarding the placement positions and setting values ​​of various objects such as buildings, trees, stones, and items placed in the virtual space. Hereinafter, character objects placed in the virtual space may also be simply referred to as "characters."

[0041] User information is information managed for each game account. User information includes, for example, information about the player character, information about owned assets, information indicating the progress of the game, and information about mountains (mountains will be described later) acquired by the user (in other words, information about rights related to playing the game in a specific virtual space). Owned assets include tokens, item A, item B, item C, etc., which will be described later. In other words, the storage unit 220 may store information such as tokens and items owned by each user, for example, in association with identification information that can identify each user.

[0042] The control unit 210 controls various processes related to the game by executing programs stored in the storage unit 220. The control unit 210 has a transmission / reception unit 211, a game control unit 212, an asset management unit 213, and a market management unit 214.

[0043] The transmitting / receiving unit 211 transmits or receives various types of data. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 211 receives requests to transmit various types of data and programs, requests for synchronization processing to support the multiplay function, data to be subjected to synchronization processing, etc. from each terminal device 10, and passes them to the game control unit 212, asset management unit 213, market management unit 214, etc. Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 211 transmits various types of data and programs to each terminal device 10 in accordance with the control of the game control unit 212, asset management unit 213, market management unit 214, etc.

[0044] In this embodiment, the multiplay function is a function that synchronizes game processing by multiple accounts. When multiple accounts logged in to the game system 1 participate in the same game, the server 20 and the terminal device 10 of the game system 1 execute various processes to support the multiplay function.

[0045] The game control unit 212 executes arithmetic processing described in a program stored in the storage unit 220 to provide a game to the terminal device 10.

[0046] The game control unit 212 defines the virtual space based on information for defining the virtual space included in the game information. The game control unit 212 places objects in the virtual space based on object setting information included in the game information. The game control unit 212 controls the objects placed in the virtual space. Specifically, the game control unit 212 changes the position, orientation, shape, color, etc. of the objects in the virtual space, and causes the objects to perform predetermined actions.

[0047] The game control unit 212 also places the player character in the virtual space based on the play information transmitted from the terminal device 10. The game control unit 212 also performs various determination processes related to the progress of the game based on the play information transmitted from the terminal device 10. In other words, the game control unit 212 controls objects and performs various determination processes based on the user's input operation. The play information is output in response to the user's input operation. For example, the play information may include, as the operation content of the player character, coordinate information of the player character, information regarding the player character's action, or information indicating a button operated by the user. The play information may also include information regarding the player character's settings. For example, the character's coordinate information is information indicating the character's position in the game space. For example, the action information is information regarding the character's action. For example, the character's action may include the action of swinging a pickaxe, the action of using various items, or a jump, which will be described later. For example, the information regarding the character's settings may include information regarding the character's equipment, appearance, etc. The character's settings may also be changed by the user.

[0048] The game control unit 212 can place the player characters of the multiple players in one virtual space and control the player characters of each player based on play information transmitted from each player's terminal device 10. In other words, the game control unit 212 performs control so that a game space, which is an example of a virtual space, can be shared by multiple users.

[0049] Furthermore, when the game control unit 212 receives, for example, a request for synchronization processing to support the multiplay function or data to be subjected to synchronization processing from the terminal device 10 via the transmission / reception unit 211, the game control unit 212 executes synchronization processing to support the multiplay function. The game control unit 212 also issues a command to the transmission / reception unit 211 to instruct the transmission / reception unit 211 to transmit game information or user information. For example, when the server 20 transmits information to multiple terminal devices 10, the game control unit 212 synchronizes the game progressing among the terminal devices 10 by simultaneously transmitting the information to each terminal device 10. By executing synchronization processing, it becomes possible to simultaneously reflect in-game events resulting from operations input on one terminal device 10 on the other terminal devices 10.

[0050] The asset management unit 213 manages assets held by users. The asset management unit 213 also manages some or all (in other words, at least some) of the assets held by users in a distributed ledger of the blockchain system 3. In other words, the asset management unit 213 may store information about the assets held by users in the storage unit 220, or may store the information in the distributed ledger. Note that, in a configuration in which the server 20 functions as a node device 30, the asset management unit 213 may store information about the assets held in a distributed ledger stored in its own storage unit 220. Also, in a configuration in which the server 20 does not function as a node device 30, the asset management unit 213 may perform control such as sending a request to the blockchain system 3 for storage in the distributed ledger.

[0051] The terminal device 10 has, for example, a function as an input device that accepts input operations from the user, and a function as an output device that outputs images and sounds of the game.

[0052] The terminal device 10 functions as a control unit 110 and a storage unit 120 through cooperation of the processor 11, memory 12, storage 13, communication IF 14, input / output IF 15, etc. The storage unit 120 stores various data used by the control unit 110. The various data include, for example, programs, game information, and user information. The programs are programs for realizing games on the terminal device 10 side. The game information and user information are data referenced by the control unit 110 when executing the programs. The game information and user information stored in the storage unit 120 may include information similar to the game information and user information stored in the storage unit 220.

[0053] The control unit 110 executes a program stored in the storage unit 120 to control various processes related to the game executed on the terminal device 10. The control unit 110 includes, for example, an operation reception unit 111, a transmission / reception unit 112, a device processing unit 113, and a display control unit 114.

[0054] The operation reception unit 111 receives operations (hereinafter also referred to as "input operations") input by the user via the input unit 17. Specifically, the operation reception unit 111 detects input operations on a mouse or a keyboard serving as the input unit 17. Note that the input operations are not limited to operations that involve physical contact with the input unit 17, but may also include non-contact operations. Note that the operation reception unit 111 can also receive input operations performed using an operating device connected via the input / output IF 15 in the same way as input operations on the input unit 17.

[0055] The transmitting / receiving unit 112 transmits or receives various types of data. The transmitting / receiving unit 112 transmits, for example, various types of data and various requests to the server 20. As an example, the data transmitted by the transmitting / receiving unit 112 to the server may include play information, game information, and user information. In other words, the transmitting / receiving unit 112 transmits information regarding the input operation received by the operation receiving unit 111 to the server 20.

[0056] The transmitting / receiving unit 112 also receives various data, programs, and various requests from the server. As an example, the data that the transmitting / receiving unit 112 receives from the server 20 may include the type of object (e.g., character or item) to be placed in the game space, object coordinate information, character action information, information related to character settings, and other information. As another example, the data that the transmitting / receiving unit 112 receives from the server may include synchronization data to support a multi-play function. The synchronization data may include, for example, data to be synchronized, the type of data, and data for specifying the time to synchronize.

[0057] The device processing unit 113 executes various processes related to the progress of the game. The device processing unit 113 identifies the user's instruction content based on the user's input operation detected by the operation reception unit 111. The device processing unit 113 also executes various determination processes related to the progress of the game based on the identified instruction content, etc. The device processing unit 113 also progresses the game while communicating with the server 20 based on the results of the determination processes, etc.

[0058] The device processing unit 113 defines a virtual camera for specifying an area of ​​the virtual space to be presented to the user. The device processing unit 113 places the virtual camera in the virtual space by defining the position and orientation of the virtual camera within the virtual space. The device processing unit 113 instructs the display control unit 114 to generate an image depicting the field of view defined by the virtual camera and the objects located in this field of view. In other words, the device processing unit 113 instructs the display control unit 114 to display an image corresponding to the progress of the game on the display unit 18.

[0059] The position and orientation of the virtual camera can be determined appropriately for each virtual space. For example, the device processing unit 113 uses the position and orientation of a specific object as a reference and positions the virtual camera so that the specific object is located at the center of the field of view in a specific orientation. In this case, the device processing unit 113 adjusts the position and orientation of the virtual camera using the direction, distance, and angle relative to the specific object. The specific object may be, for example, a dynamic object such as a player character or a non-player character, or a static object such as a building, tree, or stone. Dynamic objects include player characters that act based on the operation of each user and non-player characters that act based on a program.

[0060] The display control unit 114 displays images relating to the game on the display unit 18. A specific example will be described below.

[0061] The display control unit 114 generates an image depicting the area of ​​the field of view of the virtual camera defined by the device processing unit 113 in the virtual space and objects present in that area, and causes the image to be displayed on the display unit 18. The display control unit 114 can superimpose and draw objects related to a UI (User Interface) required for various game operations, such as icons, buttons, and menus showing various parameters, on the image to be displayed on the display unit 18.

[0062] The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may arrange objects in the virtual space based on object data sent from the server 20, information indicating the positions of various objects in the virtual space, and the like, and display a predetermined area of ​​the virtual space on the display unit 18. The control unit 210 of the server 20 may also arrange objects in the virtual space and control the virtual camera, generate an image to be displayed on the display unit 18, and transmit it to the terminal device 10, and the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may display the image on the display unit 18. In other words, various processes related to control of objects based on user input operations, control of the virtual camera, generation of images to be displayed on the display unit 18, and the like may be performed by the server 20 or the terminal device 10.

[0063] The node device 30 functions as a control unit 310 and a storage unit 320 through cooperation of a processor 31, a memory 32, a storage 33, a communication IF 34, an input / output IF 35, etc. The storage unit 320 stores programs including part of a game program, a distributed ledger used in the blockchain system 3, etc.

[0064] The control unit 310 controls the operation of the node device 30 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 320 .

[0065] When a user acquires various items (including specific tokens described later) (for example, from another user or from the administrator (for example, through mining described later)), the control unit 310 receives a request to register information related to the possession of the item, transmitted from the server 20, and registers the information in the distributed ledger. The control unit 310 may register transaction history information for each item in the distributed ledger, for example, based on information related to item transactions (in other words, transfers) transmitted from the server 20 or the terminal device 10. Specifically, the distributed ledger stores multiple blocks containing hash values ​​and transaction data. The transaction data may be, for example, information indicating the details of an item transaction. The transaction data includes, for example, input information indicating the transfer source and output information indicating the transfer destination. The hash value is calculated from information contained in the previous block, and the distributed ledger stores the transaction history of each item, with each block linked like a chain by the hash value. By managing such item transaction history in a distributed ledger of each node device 30, information indicating which user owns which item can be stored on the blockchain. Note that, instead of the item transaction history, information regarding each user's item ownership status can be managed in a distributed ledger, thereby storing information indicating which user owns which item on the blockchain. In this way, in the game of this embodiment, item ownership information is stored on the blockchain. Note that there may be items whose ownership information is not stored on the blockchain.

[0066] The functions of the terminal device 10, the server 20, and the node device 30 shown in FIG. 2 are merely examples. Each of the terminal device 10, the server 20, and the node device 30 may have at least some of the functions of the other devices. In other words, the server 20 or the node device 30 may have some or all of the functional blocks of the terminal device 10 in this embodiment, the terminal device 10 or the node device 30 may have some or all of the functional blocks of the server 20, or the terminal device 10 or the server 20 may have some or all of the functional blocks of the node device 30. Furthermore, each of the devices, such as the terminal device 10, the server 20, and the node device 30, does not have to be realized by an integrated device, and may be realized by, for example, multiple devices connected via a network or the like. Furthermore, the game system 1 may not include, for example, the terminal device 10, the server 20, or the node device 30.

[0067] <Processing according to this embodiment> Next, the processing according to this embodiment will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the processor 11 of the terminal device 10, the processor 21 of the server 20, or the processor 31 of the node device 30 executes a program stored in the game system 1 to perform each of the processes described below. However, at least a portion of the processing performed by the processor 11, which is described below, may be executed by a processor other than the processor 11 (e.g., the processor 21 or the processor 31). Also, at least a portion of the processing performed by the processor 21, which is described below, may be executed by a processor other than the processor 21 (e.g., the processor 11 or the processor 31). Also, at least a portion of the processing performed by the processor 31, which is described below, may be executed by a processor other than the processor 31 (e.g., the processor 11 or the processor 21). In other words, the computer that executes the program in this embodiment may be any of the terminal device 10, the server 20, and the node device 30, or may be realized by a combination of multiple devices. Also, some or all of the various processes may be executed on a blockchain.

[0068] Here, an overview of the game of this embodiment will be described. In the game of this embodiment, there is a map 40 that is common to multiple users (specifically, all users) participating in the game. An example of the map 40 is shown in FIG. 3. Multiple mountains are arranged on the map 40. In the map 40 shown in FIG. 3, the positions of the mountains are indicated by triangular symbols.

[0069] The user acquires (in other words, selects) a mountain from the map 40 where the user will mine (in other words, a virtual space in which the game will be played). Acquisition of a mountain is performed, for example, as follows. For example, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a map 40 (in other words, a list of mountains that the user can acquire) as shown in FIG. 3 based on a predetermined input operation by the user. Then, the user can acquire a specific mountain by selecting the specific mountain on the map 40 displayed on the display unit 18 (for example, by clicking on the specific displayed mountain). Specifically, for example, when an operation to select a specific mountain from the mountains displayed on the map 40 is performed, the display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display an acquire button 41 that accepts an operation to acquire the selected mountain. Then, the game control unit 212 causes the user to acquire the mountain selected by the user based on the operation (for example, a click operation) on the acquire button 41.

[0070] Furthermore, the user is able to mine for predetermined items in the mountain that the user has acquired. In other words, once the user has acquired a mountain, the user is able to play a game in which the user mines in the acquired mountain. That is, in this embodiment, "acquiring a specific mountain" can be rephrased as "acquiring the right to mine in a specific mountain," and further, as "acquiring the right to play a game in a specific virtual space." Note that the system may be configured so that the user can mine in a mountain without acquiring the mountain (in other words, without acquiring the right to mine).

[0071] In the game of this embodiment, item A is provided, which is used for mining in the mountain. To mine, the user must have item A. In other words, item A is an item required to participate in the game. In this embodiment, item A is a pickaxe. It may be configured so that a user without item A cannot acquire the mountain. In the game of this embodiment, multiple types of item A with different characteristics are provided. Item A can be converted into an NFT (Non-Fungible Token). The NFT state refers to a state in which information proving that item A is unique is stored on a blockchain. In other words, the NFT state refers to a state in which an NFT corresponding to item A is issued and managed on a blockchain. Hereinafter, digital assets such as items for which a corresponding NFT has been issued are also referred to as NFTs. In this embodiment, the conversion of item A into an NFT (in other words, the generation of item A) is performed by the game operator, and cannot be performed by users (in other words, minting by users). In other words, in the game of this embodiment, the user cannot obtain item A in a state where it has not been converted into an NFT. However, the user may be able to convert item A into an NFT.

[0072] Furthermore, in the game of this embodiment, users can acquire items B and C through mining. As will be described in detail later, item B is an item that can be converted into an NFT. Item C is an item that can be exchanged for a specific token. Hereinafter, a token that can be acquired in exchange for item C will be referred to as a "specific token."

[0073] Furthermore, in the game of this embodiment, there are multiple types of item B, which are collectible items. Specifically, item B is a gem that the user collects. Item C is a mineral (hereinafter referred to as "pyroxene") that is different from gems. In other words, the game of this embodiment has the gameplay of mining in the mountains using a pickaxe as item A to obtain gems as item B and pyroxene as item C.

[0074] Furthermore, the specific token that can be acquired by exchanging it for item C is a crypto asset (for example, virtual currency). In the game of this embodiment, the specific token can be used to level up item A, repair item A (in other words, fix it), and turn item B into an NFT, etc.

[0075] Regardless of whether they have been converted into NFTs or not, assets such as Item A, Item B, or Item C held by each user may be managed on a blockchain (in other words, a distributed ledger).

[0076] Mining a mountain as a predetermined event is performed, for example, as follows. For example, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a home screen 42, as illustrated in FIG. 4, based on a predetermined input operation by the user. The home screen 42 displays a start mining button 43 that accepts an operation related to starting mining in the mountain acquired by the user. Then, the game control unit 212 starts mining in the mountain acquired by the user based on an operation (e.g., a click operation) on the start mining button 43. The home screen 42 is initially displayed, for example, when the game (in other words, an application related to a predetermined service) is launched on the terminal device 10. Note that "first displayed when launched" here includes the case where the home screen 42 is displayed after various displays related to the launch (e.g., a title display, a load display, etc.) are displayed. Note that the home screen 42 is not limited to being displayed at the time of launch, but may be displayed at a predetermined opportunity. For example, the home screen 42 may be displayed when a home button 94, which will be described later, is operated, or when in-game mining in the mountain is completed. Furthermore, a plurality of menu items related to the game may be displayed on the home screen 42. Specifically, various UIs (e.g., a mine button 91, a gem button 92, a shop button 93, a home button 94, etc., which will be described later) that accept operations related to the display of various screens may be displayed on the home screen 42. Furthermore, a predetermined background image (e.g., a background image including a player character, etc.) may be displayed on the home screen 42.

[0077] The mountain where the user will mine is determined, for example, as follows. For example, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a list 44 of mountains acquired by the user, as shown in FIG. 5, based on a predetermined input operation by the user. The list 44 of mountains may be a list of mountains acquired by the user on a map 40 displayed on the display unit 18. When an operation to select a specific mountain from the mountains acquired by the user (in other words, the listed mountains) displayed on the display unit 18 (for example, a click operation on the specific mountain) is performed, the display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display a mining target determination button 46 that accepts an operation to determine the selected mountain as the mountain where mining will be performed. Furthermore, the game control unit 212 sets the mountain selected by the user as the mountain where mining will be performed based on an operation (for example, a click operation) on the mining target determination button 46. When the start mining button 43 is operated, mining begins on the mountain that was set as the mountain where mining will be performed by operating the mining target determination button 46. That is, in this embodiment, the user can select (in other words, change) the mountain to be mined by selecting the mountain to be mined from the list of mountains 44 acquired by the user and operating the mining target selection button 46. When the user selects a specific mountain from the list of mountains 44 acquired by the user, a start mining button 43 may be displayed instead of or in addition to the select mining target button 46 (see FIG. 5 ), and operating the start mining button 43 may start mining in the specific mountain. As shown in FIG. 4 , the home screen 42 (in other words, the screen that accepts operations related to the start of mining) may display a display 48 that allows the user to identify the mountain set as the mountain to be mined (in other words, the mountain from which mining will begin upon an operation to start mining). The home screen 42 may also display a display 49 that allows the user to identify the pickaxe set as the pickaxe to be used for mining (in other words, the pickaxe to be equipped on the player character).

[0078] When the mining start button 43 is operated, the game control unit 212 places the player character 35 in the mountain 34, which is a virtual space where mining is to be performed, as shown in FIG. 6 . The game control unit 212 then moves the player character 35 based on the user's input operation. That is, the mountain 34 is a virtual space in which the user can operate the player character 35 to play a predetermined game (specifically, a mining game, in other words, a predetermined in-game) (in other words, to execute a predetermined event). That is, the start of mining in a specific mountain 34 can be considered the start of playing a game in a specific virtual space, or entering a specific virtual space. Based on the user's input operation, the game control unit 212 moves the player character 35 within the virtual space and causes the player character 35 to perform an action using the pickaxe 36 (specifically, swinging the pickaxe 36). The method of operating the player character 35 within the virtual space can be similar to that of a conventional action game, but may also be, for example, as follows. The game control unit 212 may move the player character 35 within the mountain 34 based on an operation of the "W," "A," "S," or "D" keys on the keyboard. The game control unit 212 may also cause the player character 35 to jump based on an operation of the space bar on the keyboard. The game control unit 212 may also cause the player character 35 to perform a mining action of swinging the pickaxe 36 and digging in the mountain 34 based on a left-click operation of the mouse.

[0079] Gems and pyroxenes are buried (in other words, arranged) in the mountain 34. The user can acquire the gems and pyroxenes that he or she digs up (in other words, discovers). That is, when the player character 35 operated by the user digs up an item such as a gem or pyroxene, the game control unit 212 grants (in other words, allows the user to acquire) the excavated item.

[0080] Note that mining can be interrupted midway. For example, the game control unit 212 causes the player character 35 to exit the mountain 34 (in other words, ends mining) based on the user's operation to open a predetermined menu screen and an operation on the menu screen to instruct the player character 35 to exit the mountain 34. At this time, the game control unit 212 stores the progress of the mining in the storage unit 220. Then, when mining in the same mountain 34 is started next time, the game control unit 212 reads out the stored progress and resumes the mining from where it left off. That is, when mining is resumed, the previously excavated portion of the mountain 34 is in a completed state, and the gems, etc. buried in the mountain 34 that were previously dug up are in a completed state. In other words, when the player exits and re-enters the mountain 34 as a specific virtual space, the mountain 34 is in a state that reflects the changes made by the user when the player last entered the specific virtual space. In other words, in this embodiment, it is possible to interrupt a game in a specific virtual space and resume it from where it left off.

[0081] Furthermore, the user can dispose of the mountains that he or she has acquired at will. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when an operation is performed to select a specific mountain from the mountains acquired by the user and displayed on the display unit 18 (in other words, the mountains displayed in a list), the display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display a disposal button 47 that accepts an operation related to disposing of the selected mountain. Then, based on an operation (e.g., a click operation) on the disposal button 47, the game control unit 212 disposes of the selected mountain (in other words, cancels the user's acquisition of the selected mountain). The disposed mountain disappears from the list 44 of mountains acquired by the user, and mining at that mountain becomes impossible.

[0082] In this embodiment, the pickaxe to be used in mining is selected before mining begins by operating the mining start button 43. The operation for selecting such a pickaxe can be the same as the operation for selecting the weapon to be used (in other words, equipped to the player character 35) in conventional games. The pickaxe to be used may be changeable while mining is in progress.

[0083] Pickaxes used for mining have a durability value set, and the durability value decreases as they are used for mining (for example, from a durability value of "100" to a durability value of "0"). When the durability value reaches a predetermined value (for example, a durability value of "0"), the pickaxe becomes unusable. In other words, it is not possible to mine using a pickaxe whose durability value has reached the predetermined value.

[0084] Furthermore, the operation receiving unit 111 receives an operation by the user instructing recovery of the durability value of the pickaxe (in other words, repairing item A). Then, the game control unit 212 performs processing to recover the durability value of the pickaxe based on the operation. Furthermore, a predetermined amount of specific tokens is required to recover the durability value of the pickaxe, and when the durability value of the pickaxe is recovered by the operation, the predetermined amount of specific tokens is consumed.

[0085] A level is set for the pickaxe. The operation receiving unit 111 receives an operation to instruct the leveling of the pickaxe. The game control unit 212 then controls the leveling of the pickaxe based on the operation. A predetermined number of specific tokens is required to level up the pickaxe, and the predetermined number of specific tokens is consumed when the level of the pickaxe is increased by the operation. As the level of the pickaxe increases, predetermined parameters of the pickaxe change. Specifically, as the level of the pickaxe increases, predetermined parameters that affect the ease of obtaining gems and gemstones (in other words, the efficiency of mining) change. More specifically, as the level of the pickaxe increases, parameters related to the swinging speed of the pickaxe change, and the swinging speed of the pickaxe increases. This increases the speed of mining, thereby increasing the efficiency of mining. As the level of the pickaxe increases, the maximum durability value also increases. This extends the time that mining can be continued without the durability value recovering, thereby increasing the efficiency of mining. Furthermore, as the level of the pickaxe increases, the power of the pickaxe increases, and the amount of material that can be dug with one swing (in other words, the amount of impact that one operation has on the mountain) may also increase. This increases the speed of mining, and therefore the efficiency of mining.

[0086] In the game of this embodiment, items that can be obtained through acquisition routes different from item A, item B, and item C may be prepared. For example, there may be items (e.g., items that can be equipped by a player character) that can be purchased in the game using in-game currency that is not a crypto asset (e.g., assets held by a user that are not managed by a blockchain but are managed in the storage unit 220, etc.). The in-game currency may be one that can be purchased using legal currency, etc.

[0087] Furthermore, various items in this embodiment (for example, item A, item B, and item C) may be read as objects. Objects include characters, items, etc. In other words, item B and item C, which are acquired by playing a game (in other words, executing an event) in a mountain as a specific virtual space, may be characters, etc.

[0088] In this embodiment, the map is updated (in other words, newly generated) at predetermined intervals (specifically, once a day). In addition, in conjunction with the map updates, the acquireable mountains are also updated (in other words, newly generated) at predetermined intervals (specifically, once a day). Furthermore, only one user can acquire a mountain, and once a user acquires a mountain (in other words, the right to mine that mountain), other users cannot acquire that mountain. In other words, mountain acquisition is on a first-come, first-served basis. Note that updates to the map and acquireable mountains may involve completely renewing past maps and mountains (in other words, new maps and mountains are generated, and past maps disappear or past mountains become unacquirable), or may involve expanding past maps or adding new mountains to mountains that were previously generated (in other words, increasing the number of acquireable mountains).

[0089] Here, the flow of asset acquisition and consumption in the game of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0090] As described above, in the game of this embodiment, a user must have a pickaxe to participate in the game. In this embodiment, the pickaxe can be purchased in the in-game marketplace, and the user purchases the pickaxe from the marketplace. The pickaxe can be purchased with a predetermined cryptocurrency. The predetermined cryptocurrency may be a specific token that can be acquired in exchange for gemstones, or may be other cryptocurrency. Transactions in the marketplace are managed by the market management unit 214. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 111 of the terminal device 10 receives an operation by the user to select an item that the user wishes to purchase. Information regarding the operation is then sent to the market management unit 214 of the server 20 via the transmission / reception units 112, 211. Based on the operation, the market management unit 214 transfers the item selected by the user to the user and transfers the payment from the user to the seller of the item.

[0091] The user then uses the pickaxe to mine in the mountains, obtaining a variety of items including gems and gemstones.

[0092] The pyroxene acquired by the user can be exchanged for a specific token. The exchange of the pyroxene for the specific token may be performed automatically or based on an operation by the user instructing the exchange. That is, for example, the pyroxene may be automatically exchanged for the specific token at a specific timing, such as when the user leaves the mountain. In this embodiment, the pyroxene is granted to the user through mining in the mountain, and the pyroxene is exchanged for the specific token. However, the specific token may be granted directly to the user in place of or in addition to the pyroxene through mining in the mountain.

[0093] Furthermore, the specific token acquired in exchange for pyroxene is a utility token. The specific token may be a token that can be exchanged for other crypto assets (e.g., virtual currency) at a predetermined exchange (e.g., a decentralized exchange). The specific token may be a unique token related to the game of this embodiment, a token with an issuance limit set, or a virtual currency that can be used outside the game.

[0094] Furthermore, gems acquired by a user can be converted into NFTs by satisfying certain conditions. That is, in this embodiment, an NFT corresponding to the gem can be issued and managed on a blockchain. Specifically, for example, after a user acquires a gem, the process of converting the gem into an NFT may be initiated in response to a user operation on the acquired gem, or the process of converting the gem into an NFT may be initiated automatically without any user operation on the acquired gem. For example, the operation receiving unit 111 of the terminal device 10 may receive an operation by the user to select a gem to be converted into an NFT in the game. Information regarding the operation may then be sent via the transmission / reception units 112, 211 to the asset management unit 213 of the server 20, and the asset management unit 213 may convert the selected gem into an NFT based on the operation. Furthermore, NFT conversion requires a fee (e.g., a predetermined amount of specific tokens), and when converting a gem into an NFT through the operation, the fee may be consumed from the user's assets. Furthermore, NFT-converted gems may be traded on an in-game marketplace, etc. In other words, converting an item into an NFT can be considered as making the item available for buying and selling on a marketplace. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 111 of the terminal device 10 may receive an operation in which a user selects gems they want to sell (specifically, NFT-ed gems). Information regarding the operation is then sent to the market management unit 214 of the server 20 via the transmission / reception units 112, 211, and the market management unit 214 may then put the gems selected by the user up for sale based on the operation. If there is another user who wishes to purchase the gems, the market management unit 214 may then transfer the gems to the other user and transfer the payment from the other user to the user who sold the gems. In other words, the NFT-ed item B may be tradeable with other users.

[0095] Furthermore, gems may be exchangeable for specific tokens. Specifically, the operation receiving unit 111 of the terminal device 10 may receive an operation by the user to select gems that the user wishes to exchange for specific tokens in the game. Information regarding the operation is then sent to the server 20 via the transmission / reception units 112, 211, and the asset management unit 213 may grant the specific tokens to the user in exchange for the selected gems based on the operation. In other words, gems may be items that can be converted into NFTs and exchanged for specific tokens. Note that the exchange of gems for specific tokens may be performed either before or after the gems are converted into NFTs, or may be performed both ways.

[0096] The game control unit 212 controls the game played by the user. The game control unit 212 has a virtual space management unit 231 and a reward granting unit 233. The virtual space management unit 231 also executes a map creation process for creating a map, an item overview determination process for determining the overview of items that can be obtained in each mountain (in other words, items to be placed in each virtual space), a virtual space creation process for creating mountains, and an item detail determination process for determining the details of items that can be obtained in each mountain.

[0097] Furthermore, among the various processes in this embodiment, there is a process with randomness. In this embodiment, the process with randomness is realized by performing an operation using a predetermined seed. The predetermined seed includes a seed using a blockchain (for example, the Bitcoin blockchain) and a seed using a virtual space ID, which will be described later, but it may also include only one of them. Specifically, in this embodiment, two types of seeds using blockchain (hereinafter, referred to as "seed") are used. hlast "," "seed hfirst ") and one type of seed using a virtual space ID (hereinafter referred to as "seed mdid ") is available.

[0098] More specifically, a seed related to the hash of a blockchain (specifically, for example, the Bitcoin blockchain) as a seed using a blockchain and a seed related to a virtual space ID are used to achieve randomness. In this embodiment, the hash value is the last hash (in other words, the hash value of the last generated block) for an arbitrary period (for example, one day). last_yyyymmdd and hash last_yyyymmdd hash, which is the first hash of the day after the block was generated (in other words, the hash value of the first generated block) first_yyyymmdd+2 is used as a seed for hashing. In this embodiment, the virtual space ID is used as a seed for the virtual space ID. hlast =hash last_yyyymmdd and seed hfirst =hash first_yyyymmdd+2 and seed mdid =Virtual space ID.

[0099] In this embodiment, items that can be obtained on the map and in each mountain are randomly determined based on various seeds, but since the method of randomly determining specific items such as the map and various objects based on a certain seed is well known, explanation will be omitted.

[0100] In the map creation process, the virtual space management unit 231 creates a map. Specifically, as part of the map creation process, the virtual space management unit 231 performs a process of determining the topography of a map (in other words, a virtual world) on which multiple mountains are arranged, and a process of determining the arrangement of each mountain on the map. Furthermore, in the map creation process, the virtual space management unit 231 assigns an ID (in other words, identification information; hereinafter, referred to as a "virtual space ID") to each mountain in the map to be created, allowing the mountain to be identified. In other words, each mountain in the map to be created is assigned a unique virtual space ID. Note that the virtual space ID may be composed of one or more numbers, and for example, consecutive numbers starting from 1 may be assigned to each mountain.

[0101] In this embodiment, the map is created randomly. In other words, the map creation process is random. Specifically, the virtual space management unit 231 generates random numbers by performing calculations using a predetermined seed (hereinafter referred to as a "map creation seed"), and determines the topography of the map and the placement of each mountain on the map based on the random numbers. The map creation seed includes the following: hlast In other words, the virtual space management unit 231 includes the seed hlast The virtual space management unit 231 creates a map using a function with the seed specified as an argument. hlast (in other words, the hash of the blockchain)

[0102] In the item summary determination process, the virtual space management unit 231 determines a summary of the obtainable items for each mountain (in other words, the items to be placed in each virtual space). Specifically, as part of the item summary determination process, the virtual space management unit 231 determines the number of items B buried in each mountain and a summary of the size of each item B (for example, a rough size such as small, medium, or large). That is, in the item summary determination process, for example, the number of gems buried in each mountain and that can be obtained by mining that mountain is determined to be one large gem and two small gems. Note that the item summary determination process may also determine the number of pyroxenes buried in each mountain, etc.

[0103] In this embodiment, the outline of an obtainable item (specifically, the number and size of item B) is determined randomly. In other words, the determination of the outline of an obtainable item is random. Specifically, the virtual space management unit 231 generates a random number by performing a calculation using a predetermined seed (hereinafter referred to as a "seed for determining an outline"), and determines the outline of an obtainable item based on the random number. The seed for determining an outline includes the following: seed hlast and seed mdid In other words, the virtual space management unit 231 includes the seed hlast and seed mdidThe virtual space management unit 231 determines the outline of the obtainable items using a function with the seed and the hlast and seed mdid When determining the outline of the items that can be acquired for a certain mountain, the virtual space management unit 231 uses the virtual space ID of the certain mountain as a seed. mdid That is, the virtual space management unit 231 uses the seed hlast (In other words, the hash of the blockchain) and the virtual space ID of each mountain, a summary of the items that can be obtained is determined.

[0104] In the virtual space creation process, the virtual space management unit 231 creates a mountain as a three-dimensional virtual space where the item determined in the item summary determination process can be obtained (in other words, where the item is placed). In this embodiment, the mountain is created randomly. In other words, the virtual space creation process has randomness. For example, the topography of the mountain and the location where each item is buried in the mountain may be determined randomly. The virtual space management unit 231 generates a random number by performing a calculation using a predetermined seed (hereinafter referred to as a "virtual space creation seed"), and creates a mountain based on the random number. The virtual space creation seed includes the following: hlast and seed mdid The virtual space management unit 231 then hlast and seed mdid The virtual space management unit 231 creates a mountain using a function in which the outline of the obtainable item determined in the item outline determination process is specified as an argument. hlast and seed mdid When creating a mountain, the virtual space management unit 231 creates a mountain by performing a predetermined lottery using the above. mdid When creating a mountain, the virtual space management unit 231 uses the outline of the obtainable items determined for the mountain as an argument. That is, the virtual space management unit 231 determines whether each mountain is a seed.hlast (In other words, the hash of the blockchain), the virtual space ID of each mountain, and the summary of the obtainable items for each mountain determined in the item summary determination process are used to create the mountain.

[0105] In the item detail determination process, the virtual space management unit 231 determines details of the items obtainable from each mountain determined in the item summary determination process. Specifically, the virtual space management unit 231 determines the type, detailed size, shape, or quality of Item B obtainable from each mountain determined in the item summary determination process. More specifically, for example, if the outline of obtainable items is determined as two small gems and one large gem, as described above, the virtual space management unit 231 determines the type of each small gem and large gem, such as diamond, aquamarine, red spinel, etc. The virtual space management unit 231 also determines the quality of each small gem and large gem, such as low quality, medium quality, or fine quality. The virtual space management unit 231 also determines the size details of each small gem and large gem, such as 0.2 carats or 6.4 carats. Note that the quality of gems may also be determined taking into account their carat weight. For example, the higher the carat weight, the higher the gem's quality.

[0106] In this embodiment, the details of the obtainable item (specifically, the type, quality, and detailed size of item B) are determined randomly. In other words, the determination of the reward details is random. Specifically, the virtual space management unit 231 generates a random number by performing a calculation using a predetermined seed (hereinafter referred to as a "detail determination seed"), and determines the details of the obtainable item based on the random number. The detail determination seed includes the following: hfirst and seed mdid The virtual space management unit 231 then hfirst and seed mdid The virtual space management unit 231 determines the details of the obtainable item using a function that has the outline of the obtainable item determined in the item outline determination process and the outline of the obtainable item as arguments.hfirst and seed mdid When determining the details of the items that can be acquired for a certain mountain, the virtual space management unit 231 uses the virtual space ID of the certain mountain as a seed. mdid When determining details of obtainable items for a certain mountain, the virtual space management unit 231 uses the outline of obtainable items determined for that mountain as an argument. That is, the virtual space management unit 231 uses the seed hfirst (In other words, the hash of the blockchain), the virtual space ID of each mountain, and the summary of the obtainable items for each mountain determined in the item summary determination process are used to determine the details of the obtainable items.

[0107] In this way, in this embodiment, details of gems that can be obtained through mining (for example, some details such as type, quality, or detailed size) are not determined until the item details determination process is executed.

[0108] The timeline for acquiring and mining the mountain is now explained with reference to Figure 8. Here, we consider the last generated hash on May 29, 2022, as last_20220529 seed hlast It is used as the hash of the first generated hash on May 31, 2022. first_20220531 seed hfirst This will be explained using an example where it is used to generate maps and mountains, determine obtainable items, etc.

[0109] First, the virtual space management unit 231 performs a map creation process using the last hash of May 29, 2022, to create a map. Here, the last hash of May 29 (in other words, the last block) is confirmed after the fact when the date of the timestamp included in the block of the blockchain changes to May 30. In other words, the seed hlastis determined when the first hash (in other words, the first block) is generated on May 30, 2022. Therefore, in this embodiment, the virtual space management unit 231 determines the hash last_20220529 Create a map using the following.

[0110] The virtual space management unit 231 also performs an item summary determination process using the last hash on May 29, 2022, to determine a summary of the items that can be acquired for each mountain. The virtual space management unit 231 also performs a virtual space creation process using the last hash on May 29, 2022, to create a mountain in which the items whose summary has been determined in the item summary determination process are placed. In this embodiment, the virtual space management unit 231 creates a hash at the timing when the first hash on May 30 is generated (in other words, after the hash is generated). last_20220529 The virtual space management unit 231 determines an overview of the items that can be obtained from each mountain using the hash value. last_20220529 Create a mountain using

[0111] In addition, the virtual space management unit 231 controls to limit the period during which the mountain can be acquired. In this embodiment, the period during which the mountain can be acquired is determined based on the first hash generated on that day (the seed related to the last hash of the previous day). hlast is confirmed), the first hash is generated the next day (the seed for that hash) hfirst In other words, the virtual space management unit 231 last_20220529The acquisition period of a mountain created using the above method is controlled so that it is the period until the details of the items that can be acquired from that mountain are determined. In other words, once a mountain (or map) is created, the created mountain can be acquired until the next mountain (or map) is created. Note that the acquisition period of a mountain may be set, for example, from the generation of the first hash of the day until the end of that day (or the day the mountain was created).

[0112] In addition, the virtual space management unit 231 performs item detail determination processing using the first hash on May 31, 2022, and determines details for items whose overviews were determined using the last hash on May 29, 2022. In this embodiment, the virtual space management unit 231 performs item detail determination processing using the first hash on May 31 (in other words, after the hash is generated), first_20220531 The virtual space management unit 231 determines details of obtainable items using the above. That is, after the obtainable period for a mountain has elapsed, the virtual space management unit 231 determines details of obtainable items for that mountain. In other words, the virtual space management unit 231 controls so that a mountain cannot be obtained after the details of obtainable items have been determined.

[0113] The mountain (in other words, the right to mine the mountain), in which the overview and details of the items that can be obtained are determined in this way, is acquired by the user based on the user's operations, and items can be obtained through mining.

[0114] When a user performs an operation to select a mountain to acquire, the virtual space management unit 231 grants the selected mountain to the user based on the operation. In other words, the virtual space management unit 231 grants the user the right to mine the mountain selected by the user (in other words, the right to play a game in the selected virtual space).

[0115] When receiving an operation to select a mountain to acquire, the display control unit 114 displays detailed information 50 about the mountains available to the user on the display unit 18, as shown in FIG. 3 . For example, when the user selects a specific mountain on the map 40 that displays the mountains available to the user, the display control unit 114 displays detailed information 50 about the specific mountain on the display unit 18. In this embodiment, information about gems available to the specific mountain is displayed as the detailed information 50. In other words, the detailed information 50 displays a display about the expected reward for the specific mountain. Specifically, the device processing unit 113 receives information about an overview of the items available to the specific mountain from the virtual space management unit 231, and based on the information, displays on the display unit 18 the number of gems available to acquire when mining the mountain, an overview of the size of each gem, and the like. This allows the user to view the detailed information 50 and decide whether or not to acquire the specific mountain. That is, in this embodiment, before the user acquires the right to play a game in the virtual space, the virtual space management unit 231 can present the user with information regarding the rewards that can be obtained by playing the game (in other words, detailed information 50), and the information is displayed on the display unit 18. In this embodiment, the number of gems that can be obtained in the mountain and an outline of the size of each gem are presented as detailed information 50, and it is possible to always obtain the presented number of gems and gems of a size corresponding to the presented size, but it is also possible that the number and size of gems presented as detailed information 50 are only a guide, and there may be cases where it is not possible to obtain the number of gems presented as detailed information 50 or gems of a size corresponding to the presented size (in other words, the rewards as shown in detailed information 50).

[0116] Furthermore, the virtual space management unit 231 stores information indicating the mountains acquired by the user on a blockchain (e.g., the Ethereum blockchain). Specifically, when a user acquires a mountain, the virtual space management unit 231 stores information indicating that the user has acquired the mountain on the blockchain. That is, in this embodiment, a history of users' mountain acquisitions is stored on the blockchain. In other words, in this embodiment, information regarding rights to play games in a specific virtual space is stored on the blockchain. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the acquisition of mountains, items, etc. by fraudulent means. That is, in this embodiment, the right to acquire a specific item is acquired by acquiring a mountain that has a limited acquisition period, and information indicating the mountains acquired by the user is stored on the blockchain, which is difficult to tamper with. Therefore, with this configuration, even if a user acquires an item (specifically, a gem) by fraudulent means, it is possible to confirm that the user does not have acquisition information for a mountain that can acquire the item, making it possible to prove the user's fraud. In addition, in this embodiment, mountain acquisition information is stored on a blockchain that is difficult to rewrite, and the details of acquireable items are determined after the period during which the mountain can be acquired has elapsed, thereby more firmly preventing the fraudulent acquisition of items.

[0117] The game control unit 212 starts mining in the mountain acquired by the user based on an operation by the user to instruct the start of mining in the mountain. In the game of this embodiment, mining in the mountain is possible from the timing after the outline of the obtainable items is determined and the mountain is created, and it is also possible to start mining before the details of the obtainable items are determined. It is also possible to start mining in the mountain after the details of the obtainable items have been determined.

[0118] The reward granting unit 233 grants items to the user based on the results of mining in the mountain. Specifically, in this embodiment, gems and pyroxenes discovered through mining are granted to the user.

[0119] Here, the timing at which the grant of an item based on mining in a mountain is determined can be either before or after the details of the item are determined. In other words, there may be cases where the details of the item have not yet been determined when the grant of the item is determined. Specifically, in this embodiment, a state may exist in which a gem is discovered through mining in a mountain (in other words, the grant of the gem is determined), but the details of the discovered gem have not yet been determined. In other words, in this embodiment, the details of the gem are determined after a predetermined period during which the mountain can be acquired (in other words, the period during which the right to play a game in a specific virtual space can be acquired) has elapsed. Furthermore, mining in the mountain is possible during the period during which the mountain can be acquired, and a situation may arise in which mining in the mountain is performed and gems are acquired during the period during which the mountain can be acquired. The user can check the gems they have acquired on a predetermined screen, such as a screen displaying a list of the user's items (for example, a screen that can be opened after leaving the mountain). However, after the user acquires a gem, only an overview of the gem is displayed on the predetermined screen until the details of the gem are determined. Once the details have been decided, the details of the jewel can be confirmed on the specified screen.

[0120] In this embodiment, map creation, mountain creation (i.e., virtual space creation), determination of an overview of obtainable items for each mountain, and determination of details of obtainable items are performed every day, and the map and obtainable mountains are updated daily. That is, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the map creation process, item overview determination process, and virtual space creation process are performed using the last hash of May 30, and for items whose overviews are determined in the item overview determination process, the item detail determination process is performed using the first hash of June 1. In this embodiment, the next map update and obtainable mountain update are performed after the mountain acquisition period ends, but the next map update and obtainable mountain update may also be performed during the mountain acquisition period. In other words, the hash used to create the map, create the mountains, determine the overview of obtainable items for each mountain, or determine details of obtainable items does not have to be the last hash or the first hash of the day.

[0121] In this embodiment, the map and mountains are created and the outline of obtainable items is determined using the hash generated at the end of the day. However, the hash generated at the end of the day (i.e., the last block of the day) is determined after the first hash of the next day (i.e., the first block of the next day) is generated. Therefore, the map and mountains are created and the outline of obtainable items is determined after the first hash of the next day is generated. Therefore, it is possible to create the map and mountains and determine the outline of obtainable items using the first hash of the next day. However, in this embodiment, the map and mountains are created and the outline of obtainable items is determined using the hash generated at the end of the day. This allows the map and mountains to be created and the outline of obtainable items to be determined based on different hashes, and the details of obtainable items to be determined based on different hashes. In other words, when processes related to the creation of the map and mountains and the determination of obtainable items are performed every day, the hash used to determine the details of the items whose outlines were determined the previous day is not the same as the hash used to determine the item outlines of the current day. In other words, in this embodiment, the game control unit 212 determines the details of an item using a specific hash within a recurring arbitrary period (specifically, the first hash of the day), and determines an overview of the item using a hash different from the specific hash (specifically, the last hash of the day). Also, while a blockchain can branch, in this embodiment, when the first hash of the next day is generated, the map and mountains are created and an overview of obtainable items is determined using the hash generated at the end of the day, making it possible to perform processing using hashes (in other words, blocks) that are likely to be adopted.

[0122] In the game of this embodiment, the lottery logic for jewels as item B is stored and published on the blockchain. Specifically, the logic for the item summary determination process and the item detail determination process is published as a smart contract. hlast The logic for determining the reward summary using the above will be published as a smart contract. hfirst The logic for determining the reward details using the seed will be published as a smart contract. hlast and seed hfirstis a blockchain hash and is a publicly available seed. In other words, in this embodiment, the overview of items obtainable at each mountain is determined by a predetermined logic using a predetermined seed. The predetermined seed and the predetermined logic are publicly available, allowing each user to verify whether or not any fraudulent activity has occurred in determining the item overview using the publicly available seed and the predetermined logic. In addition, in this embodiment, the details of items obtainable at each mountain are determined by a predetermined logic using a predetermined seed. The predetermined seed and the predetermined logic are publicly available, allowing each user to verify whether or not any fraudulent activity has occurred in determining the item details using the publicly available seed and the predetermined logic. This configuration provides a highly transparent system that prevents the operator from interfering with the allocation of items and clearly presents this information to users. Furthermore, by using a blockchain hash as the seed, the seed can be made unpredictable even to the operator and unchanging and clear to anyone. In other words, in this embodiment, the allocation of items cannot be controlled by even the operator, and users can verify the allocation using publicly available logic, making it impossible to predict in advance. This prevents fraudulent item allocation and damage to the value of the system. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the random numbers used to determine the outline and details of an item are determined based on the hash of the blockchain, making the random numbers identifiable. This makes it possible to detect fraudulent manipulation of random numbers and prevent fraud such as manipulating random numbers to fraudulently cause a specific object to appear. The logic of the virtual space creation process may also be stored on the blockchain and made public, or may not be stored on the blockchain and kept private.

[0123] Note that detailed information 50 about a mountain may be displayed not only when the user acquires a mountain, but also when the user selects a mountain to mine from the acquired mountains, when the user starts mining in a mountain, etc. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , when a list 44 of mountains acquired by the user is displayed on the display unit 18 and an operation to select a specific mountain is performed, the display control unit 114 causes detailed information 50 about the specific mountain to be displayed on the display unit 18. For example, information about gems that can be acquired in the specific mountain (e.g., the number of gems and an outline of the size of each gem) is displayed as detailed information 50. In other words, detailed information 50 displays an indication of the expected reward for the specific mountain. This allows the user to view detailed information 50 and then decide whether or not to mine in the specific mountain. Furthermore, detailed information 50 may also display the progress of mining. Specifically, detailed information 50 may display, for example, how many gems have been discovered, what percentage of the gem reserves have been discovered, how many pyroxenes have been discovered, what percentage of the pyroxene reserves have been discovered, or the degree of mining progress for the mountain (in other words, the degree of progress in the game for that mountain) calculated based on the amount of gems discovered, etc.

[0124] Note that item A owned by a user may be available for lending to other users. Specifically, when a user lends item A to another user, the operation receiving unit 111 of the terminal device 10 of the other user may receive an operation by the other user instructing the other user to start mining in a mountain acquired by the other user. Information regarding the operation may then be sent to the game control unit 212 via the transmission / reception units 112, 211, and the game control unit 212 may cause the other user to start mining in the mountain based on the operation by the other user. In other words, even if the other user does not own a pickaxe, the other user may be able to borrow a pickaxe and play the game. In this case, the game play of the other user may be performed in a mountain acquired by the pickaxe lender. Furthermore, the pickaxe lender and borrower may be able to enter the same mountain and mine together. In other words, the pickaxe lender and borrower may be able to play multiplayer games in the same virtual space (e.g., a mountain acquired by the pickaxe lender).

[0125] (Beneficial effect) As described above, in this embodiment, the reward granting unit 233 allows the user to acquire gems by mining in the mountains. Furthermore, gems are items that can be converted into NFTs. Furthermore, gems are items that can generate beneficial effects for the user by consuming them without converting them into NFTs.

[0126] In this embodiment, consuming non-NFT gems provides an effect related to the accumulation of a predetermined amount of experience points. Specifically, consuming non-NFT gems provides an effect of making it easier to accumulate experience points related to increasing the player character's level (hereinafter referred to as "player character's experience points").

[0127] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the accumulation of a predetermined experience value increases a predetermined rank, thereby increasing mining efficiency. Specifically, in this embodiment, the player character accumulates experience value, and when the accumulated amount of experience value reaches a predetermined amount, the player character's level increases by one. Furthermore, the higher the player character's level, the higher the mining efficiency. Specifically, as the player character's level increases, predetermined parameters of the player character change. Specifically, as the player character's level increases, predetermined parameters that affect the ease of obtaining gems and gemstones (in other words, the mining efficiency) change. More specifically, as the player character's level increases, a parameter related to the pickaxe swing speed changes, and the pickaxe swing speed increases. This increases the mining speed, thereby increasing mining efficiency. Furthermore, as the player character's level increases, the player character's power increases, and the amount that can be dug with one swing (in other words, the impact that one operation has on the mountain) and the like may also increase. This increases the mining speed, and therefore the efficiency of mining. Furthermore, as the player character's level increases, the number of usable special items also increases. Here, special items are items that increase the efficiency of mining. Specifically, special items such as bombs and ladders are provided. Using a bomb allows the player to destroy the ground (in other words, rocks) and dig into mountains. Using (or placing) a ladder allows the player to move to higher or lower places. Note that special items can be used, for example, by performing a predetermined operation (for example, scrolling the mouse wheel or operating a specific keyboard key) to change the item held by the player character from a pickaxe to a specific special item, and then left-clicking the mouse.

[0128] The player character's experience points can be accumulated by mining. In other words, a predetermined experience point is granted at a predetermined trigger while mining in the mountains (i.e., while playing a game in the mountains). Specifically, the game control unit 212 grants a predetermined experience point to a user (specifically, the user's player character) based on, for example, the user using a pickaxe to destroy the ground surface (i.e., rocks). Furthermore, during mining, a special stone may be found. The game control unit 212 grants a predetermined experience point to a user based on, for example, the user using a pickaxe to destroy the special stone. Note that the experience point earned by destroying the special stone may be greater than the experience point earned by normal destruction of the ground surface. The game control unit 212 grants a predetermined experience point to a user based on, for example, the user using a pickaxe to dig up pyroxene. Note that the experience point earned by digging up pyroxene may be greater than the experience point earned by normal destruction of the ground surface.

[0129] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the display control unit 114 may cause the display unit 18 to display the player character's experience value 38 as a predetermined experience value, the player character's level 39 as a predetermined rank that increases with the accumulation of the predetermined experience value, and the like, during mining (in other words, game play in the mountain).

[0130] As described above, in this embodiment, the consumption of non-NFT gemstones provides an effect related to the accumulation of predetermined experience points. Specifically, in this embodiment, an effect is obtained in which the amount of predetermined experience points provided by a predetermined trigger during mountain mining (in other words, mountain gameplay) is increased. Specifically, an effect is obtained in which the amount of experience points obtained by destroying the surface, destroying special stones, and digging up pyroxene is increased. Specifically, an effect is obtained in which the amount of experience points obtained by each trigger is increased by 100% (in other words, doubled), 50% (in other words, 1.5 times), or 20% (in other words, 1.2 times).

[0131] In this embodiment, the effect associated with accumulating a predetermined amount of experience points through the consumption of non-NFT gems is obtained through the exchange of non-NFT gems for a specific item. In this embodiment, the specific item is a specific ticket (hereinafter referred to as an "experience point ticket").

[0132] Here, we will explain the process of exchanging non-NFT gems for experience tickets and obtaining effects related to the accumulation of a certain amount of experience points.

[0133] In this embodiment, the experience point tickets provided are a 100% boost ticket, which increases the amount of experience points obtained by 100%, a 50% boost ticket, which increases the amount of experience points obtained by 50%, and a 20% boost ticket, which increases the amount of experience points obtained by 20%.

[0134] In this embodiment, it is possible to acquire one experience ticket by consuming ten gems that have not been converted into NFTs. Specifically, one 100% boost ticket can be acquired by consuming ten diamonds. Furthermore, one 50% boost ticket can be acquired by consuming ten red spinels. Furthermore, one 20% boost ticket can be acquired by consuming ten aquamarines. That is, in this embodiment, the type of ticket that can be acquired varies depending on the type of gem consumed. In other words, the advantageous effect (specifically, the effect related to the accumulation of a predetermined amount of experience points) obtained by consuming gems without converting them into NFTs varies depending on the type of gem consumed. In other words, the game control unit 212 varies the advantageous effect that is generated depending on the type of gem consumed without converting them into NFTs. Note that the game control unit 212 may vary the advantageous effect that is generated depending on at least one of the type, number, rank (in other words, quality, carat weight, etc.), and rarity of the gems consumed without converting them into NFTs. Specifically, the game control unit 212 may vary the degree of advantage of the beneficial effect (in other words, the degree of impact on the virtual space (specifically, the mountain), for example, the increase in experience points) depending on at least one of the type, number, rank, and rarity of the gems consumed without being converted into NFTs. Note that rarity here can also be considered the difficulty of acquisition, and may be, for example, the probability of being placed on the mountain. For example, if a high-quality diamond has a lower probability of being selected as a result of the item summary determination process and the item detail determination process compared to low-quality diamonds and low-quality aquamarine, then the high-quality diamond can be said to be more difficult to obtain and rarer than low-quality diamonds and low-quality aquamarine. Furthermore, the higher the rarity of the gems consumed, the greater the increase in experience points.

[0135] The game control unit 212 exchanges non-NFT gems held by the user for experience point tickets based on a predetermined operation by the user. For example, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 displays a list of gems held by the user (in other words, gems acquired through mining) on ​​the display unit 18 based on a predetermined operation by the user, as shown in FIG. 9. The operation accepting unit 111 also accepts an operation to select gems to exchange for experience point tickets from the listed gems. For example, the operation accepting unit 111 accepts an operation to select gems one by one from the listed gems (e.g., by clicking each gem) to select a total of 10 gems as an operation to select gems to exchange for experience point tickets. At this time, for the second and subsequent gems selected, the operation accepting unit 111 only accepts an operation to select gems of the same type as the first gem, and does not accept an operation to select gems of a different type from the first gem. In other words, it is not possible to select gems of a different type from the gem initially selected. Furthermore, when the first gem is selected, the display control unit 114 darkens any gems displayed in the list that are different in type from the first gem, indicating to the user that they cannot be selected. Note that a gem selected by clicking can be deselected by clicking again.

[0136] Furthermore, when gems are selected, the display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display, for each selected gem, a display indicating that the gem has been selected and a display indicating the order in which the gems were selected. In the screen illustrated in FIG. 9 , the color of a round field 60 displayed in the upper right corner of each gem's image changes to indicate that the gem has been selected, and the number displayed in the round field 60 indicates that the gem has been selected. Furthermore, from the time the first gem is selected until the time the tenth gem is selected, the display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display a display 61 indicating the effect obtained by consuming the selected gems (specifically, the amount of increase in experience points; in other words, the type of experience point ticket obtained by exchanging the selected gems) and a display 62 indicating the number of gems currently selected. Furthermore, when the tenth gem is selected, the display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display a dialog 63 for confirming whether to exchange the selected gems (specifically, ten gems) for experience point tickets. The dialog 63 includes an execute button 64 for accepting an operation related to executing the exchange and a cancel button 65 for accepting an operation related to canceling the exchange. When the execute button 64 is operated (e.g., clicked), the control unit 110 of the terminal device requests the server 20 to exchange the selected gem for an experience value ticket, and the game control unit 212 of the server 20 exchanges the selected gem for the corresponding experience value ticket based on the request. In other words, gems owned by the user are consumed, and the experience value ticket is granted to the user. Note that when the cancel button 65 is operated (e.g., clicked), the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 cancels the selection state of the last (in other words, the tenth) selected gem, and performs control to return to a state in which the nine gems selected up to that point are selected.

[0137] In addition, when a gem exceeding a predetermined standard (for example, a gem of 1 carat or more) is selected as a gem to be exchanged for an experience point ticket, the display control unit 114 may cause the display unit 18 to display a message confirming whether the gem exceeding the predetermined standard can be used to exchange for an experience point ticket.

[0138] In this embodiment, experience point tickets acquired by consuming gems can be used on mountains. Using an experience point ticket on a specific mountain has the effect of increasing the amount of predetermined experience points granted at a predetermined trigger for mining on that specific mountain (in other words, game play in a specific virtual space). In other words, a mountain that generates advantageous effects by consuming gems will have a greater amount of predetermined experience points granted at a predetermined trigger than a mountain that does not generate advantageous effects by consuming gems. Specifically, a mountain on which a 100% boost ticket is used will have a 100% increase in the amount of experience points granted at a predetermined trigger. Furthermore, a mountain on which a 50% boost ticket is used will have a 50% increase in the amount of experience points granted at a predetermined trigger. Furthermore, a mountain on which a 20% boost ticket is used will have a 20% increase in the amount of experience points granted at a predetermined trigger.

[0139] The game control unit 212, based on a predetermined operation by the user, causes the display unit 18 to display a list 44 of mountains acquired by the user, as shown in FIG. 5 . Furthermore, when an operation (e.g., a click operation on a specific mountain) is performed to select a specific mountain from the mountains acquired by the user (in other words, the listed mountains) displayed on the display unit 18, the display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display an experience point boost button 70 as a UI for accepting an operation related to the use of an experience point ticket for the selected mountain. Furthermore, when an operation (e.g., a click operation) is performed on the experience point boost button 70, the display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display a ticket selection window 71 as a UI for selecting the experience point ticket to be used. The ticket selection window 71 displays the number of experience point tickets possessed for each type of experience point ticket. Furthermore, while the ticket selection window 71 is displayed, an operation to select the type of experience point ticket to be used (e.g., a click operation on a button corresponding to each type of experience point ticket included in the ticket selection window 71) is accepted, and the type of ticket selected by this operation is used for the specific selected mountain.

[0140] Furthermore, when an experience point ticket is used on a specific mountain, the display control unit 114 displays, in a list 44 of mountains acquired by the user, a display that indicates that a predetermined effect has occurred on the specific mountain as a result of the use of the experience point ticket on the specific mountain, and that enables the user to recognize the type of effect occurring on the specific mountain, as shown in FIG. 10 . Specifically, the display control unit 114 distinguishably displays, in the list of mountains acquired by the user, mountains for which an experience point ticket has been used (in other words, mountains for which a predetermined effect has occurred due to the use of gems that have not been converted into NFTs) from mountains for which no experience point ticket has been used (in other words, mountains for which no predetermined effect has occurred). More specifically, the display control unit 114 differentiates the display form between an icon 75 for a mountain for which an experience point ticket has been used and an icon 76 for a mountain for which no experience point ticket has been used. Furthermore, the display control unit 114 distinguishably displays, in the list 44 of mountains acquired by the user, the type of effect occurring for each mountain for which an experience point ticket has been used (in other words, the type of experience point ticket used). More specifically, the display control unit 114 displays the amount of increase in experience points for each mountain for which an experience point ticket has been used. In Fig. 10, the words "50% boost" are displayed for a mountain for which a 50% boost ticket has been used.

[0141] In this embodiment, it is possible to use experience tickets (in other words, consume gems that are not converted into NFTs to generate a predetermined effect) on both mountains that the user has acquired, whether they have not yet been mined or have been mined (in other words, mountains that are in the process of being mined). However, it may be possible to restrict the use of experience tickets on either mountains that have not yet been mined or mountains that have been mined.

[0142] In this manner, in this embodiment, by consuming gems that have not been converted into NFTs, an effect related to the accumulation of predetermined experience points is obtained. The predetermined experience points are, for example, experience points related to an increase in a predetermined rank (in other words, level) related to the user. Note that the predetermined experience points do not have to be experience points related to an increase in the level of the player character. For example, the predetermined experience points may be experience points related to an increase in the level of a pickaxe. In other words, the predetermined experience points may be experience points related to an increase in the level of an object (e.g., the player character or pickaxe) owned by the user. The predetermined experience points may also be experience points related to an increase in the user's own level. Furthermore, the accumulation of the predetermined experience points may increase the predetermined rank, thereby increasing mining efficiency.

[0143] Furthermore, the effect associated with the accumulation of predetermined experience points obtained by consuming non-NFT gems need not necessarily increase the experience points obtained through a predetermined opportunity. For example, the effect may increase the number of predetermined opportunities. In other words, the consumption of non-NFT gems may increase the opportunities for acquiring experience points. Furthermore, the consumption of non-NFT gems may grant experience points themselves. Furthermore, the consumption of non-NFT gems may increase the rank that increases with the accumulation of experience points.

[0144] Furthermore, advantageous effects for users obtained by consuming non-NFT gems may be as follows. That is, for example, the advantageous effect may be an effect that makes it easier to dig into a mountain. Specifically, for example, the advantageous effect may be an effect that reduces the number of swings of the pickaxe required to dig the same amount of mountain. More specifically, the mountain (specifically, the rocks on the mountain) may become softer, so that a mountain that normally requires N swings to break can be broken in fewer than N swings. In other words, the advantageous effect may be an effect that makes it easier to deform the virtual space. Furthermore, an advantageous effect for users may be an effect that increases the types and number of times the aforementioned special items can be used on a mountain where an advantageous effect is occurring (e.g., a mountain on which a ticket obtained in exchange for gems has been used), compared to a mountain where an advantageous effect is not occurring. Note that here, an increase in the number of times a special item can be used includes, for example, an increase in the number of specific special items (e.g., bombs) that can be brought into a mountain where an advantageous effect is occurring.

[0145] In this way, the generation of an effect beneficial to the user by consuming non-NFT gems may be the imparting of a predetermined influence on the virtual space in which gems can be obtained. The predetermined influence may be, for example, an effect related to the accumulation of experience points (e.g., an effect beneficial to the accumulation of experience points) or an effect that makes it easier to dig in a mountain. Note that the generation of an effect beneficial to the user by consuming non-NFT gems may be the imparting of a predetermined influence on a pickaxe, which is an item used to obtain gems. Also, for example, experience point tickets, etc., as items obtained by exchanging for gems may be used on the pickaxe or the player character, rather than on the mountain. Specifically, for example, the consumption of non-NFT gems (e.g., by using experience point tickets exchanged for gems on a pickaxe) may have a beneficial effect on the accumulation of experience points for the pickaxe. Specifically, for example, using an experience point ticket on a pickaxe may increase the amount of experience points obtained by using the pickaxe (e.g., experience points obtained when breaking the surface using the pickaxe).

[0146] The occurrence of an advantageous effect for the user by consuming non-NFT gems can also be said to create an advantageous state for the user. In other words, the occurrence of an advantageous effect can be said to apply a predetermined buff that is advantageous to the user.

[0147] Note that the beneficial effect for a user generated in a specific virtual space by consuming non-NFT gems may have a permanent effect on the specific virtual space, or may have a time-limited effect. For example, when an experience point ticket is used on a specific mountain, the effect of increasing experience points may disappear after entering the specific mountain a predetermined number of times (in other words, after entering and exiting the specific mountain a predetermined number of times). Also, for example, when an experience point ticket is used on a specific mountain, the effect of increasing experience points may disappear after performing mining work (in other words, gameplay) on the specific mountain for a predetermined period of time. Also, for example, when an experience point ticket is used on a specific mountain, the effect of increasing experience points may not disappear no matter how many times the specific mountain is entered. In other words, the effect may not disappear based on the time or number of times mining work is performed on the specific mountain, but may continue until the specific mountain is disposed of.

[0148] Furthermore, the effect advantageous to the user obtained by consuming non-NFT gems may be obtained without exchanging the gems for a specific item (e.g., experience point tickets). For example, when the experience point boost button 70 (see FIG. 5) is operated, a UI for selecting the gems to consume (e.g., a screen displaying a list of gems as exemplified in FIG. 9) is displayed on the display unit 18, and when an operation for selecting the gems to consume is performed on the UI (e.g., an operation similar to the operation for selecting gems to exchange for experience point tickets from the gems held by the user, as described with reference to FIG. 9), the selected gems may be consumed to impart a predetermined effect advantageous to the user to a specific mountain.

[0149] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game control unit 212 exerts a predetermined effect on a virtual space in which gems can be obtained by consuming gems that are not converted into NFTs and that are held by the user. Specifically, the game control unit 212 exerts a predetermined effect on a mountain (in other words, the second virtual space) different from the mountain from which the consumed gems were obtained (in other words, the first virtual space). However, it may also be possible to exert a predetermined effect on the mountain from which the consumed gems were obtained (in other words, the first virtual space). Specifically, for example, when mining in a certain mountain and digging up gems, using the gems on that mountain may have the effect of making it easier to accumulate a predetermined amount of experience points for that mountain.

[0150] In this embodiment, the term "second virtual space different from the first virtual space" may include the following. That is, if the first virtual space is a virtual space (i.e., a mountain) where gems can be obtained, the second virtual space does not have to be a virtual space where gems can be obtained. For example, the second virtual space may be a virtual space where a second game other than a mining game that can be played in the first virtual space can be played. Furthermore, for example, the second virtual space may be a virtual space where users can interact with other users, such as in a lobby in an online game. Furthermore, the first virtual space and the second virtual space may be seamlessly connected to each other. Specifically, for example, a specific mountain in the first virtual space and another mountain in the second virtual space may be seamlessly connected like separate mountains in a so-called open world, and the player character may be able to walk from the first virtual space to the second virtual space through a virtual space including the first virtual space and the second virtual space. The second virtual space may also be a virtual space within a second service (in other words, another game, another application) different from the first service in which mining can be performed. Furthermore, if the first virtual space is a virtual space within a first service (for example, a game) operated by a first operating company, the second virtual space may be a virtual space within a second service (for example, a game) operated by a second operating company.

[0151] In this embodiment, consuming non-NFT gems generates advantageous effects for the user, but it may also be possible to consume NFT gems in the same way to generate similar advantageous effects. Furthermore, it may also be possible to prevent NFT gems from being consumed in the same way to generate similar advantageous effects. That is, for example, NFT gems may or may not be exchangeable for experience tickets in the same way as non-NFT gems.

[0152] Furthermore, the NFTed gem may be able to be equipped to a character used (in other words, operated) by a user. In other words, the NFTed gem may be able to be worn by a character used by a user as equipment (in other words, an ornament). Here, the character that can be equipped with the gem may be a player character that mines in the mountains, or may be a different character. In other words, the character that can be equipped with the gem may be a character used by a user in a first virtual space where the gem was obtained, or may be a player character used by a user in a second virtual space different from the first virtual space. That is, for example, a gem (specifically, an NFTed gem) obtained in a virtual space (specifically, a mountain) within a first service may be usable within a second service. In other words, the control unit 210 may perform control to enable gems acquired by a user in a first game (specifically, a game in which mining is performed, in other words, the first application) and converted into NFTs to be used in a second game (in other words, the second application), thereby enabling the user to equip their own player character in the second game with the NFTed gems. Note that the NFTed gems may be able to be equipped to a character used by the user in the second game (in other words, the second virtual space), but may not be equipped to a character used by the user in the first game (in other words, the first virtual space). In other words, the NFTed gems may not be equipped to the character used to acquire the gems (in other words, the player character performing mining), but may be equipped to another character. Note that the "character used by the user" includes the user's avatar.

[0153] According to the configuration of this embodiment, a user can choose whether to convert a gemstone, which is an NFT-eligible item B, into an NFT or to use it to generate a predetermined effect in the game that is advantageous to the user. By converting item B into an NFT and giving it unique value, the user can feel satisfied by owning item B and enjoy trading while monitoring the market price. Meanwhile, NFT conversion typically incurs fees, and there is a risk that items B that do not merit NFT conversion will gradually accumulate. However, according to the configuration of this embodiment, item B can be used to generate a predetermined effect without being converted into an NFT, preventing the user from feeling that items B are accumulating and going to waste. Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, consuming items B that do not merit NFT conversion leads to more efficient discovery of new items B and makes it easier to discover better items B, thereby improving motivation for searching for NFT-eligible items (in other words, playing the game).

[0154] (Special offers for purchasing items) As described above, pickaxes can be purchased on the in-game marketplace. A pickaxe is purchased, for example, as follows. For example, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a shop screen 80, as illustrated in FIG. 11 , based on a predetermined input operation by the user. A list of pickaxes available for purchase is displayed on the shop screen 80. The operation accepting unit 111 also accepts an operation to select a pickaxe to purchase from the list of pickaxes displayed (for example, a click operation on a specific displayed pickaxe). When the pickaxe to purchase is selected, the display control unit 114 also displays a dialog (not shown) on the display unit 18 to confirm whether to purchase the selected pickaxe. The dialog includes an execute button for accepting an operation to execute the purchase and a cancel button for accepting an operation to cancel the purchase. When an operation (e.g., a click operation) is performed on the execute button, the control unit 110 of the terminal device requests the server 20 to purchase the selected ice axe, and based on the request, the market management unit 214 of the server 20 grants the selected ice axe to the user and receives the purchase price from the user's assets (in other words, reduces the user's assets by the amount of the price).

[0155] In addition, when a specific ice axe is displayed as an available ice axe on a terminal device 10 of a certain user, the specific ice axe is also said to be on display in the shop of the certain user.

[0156] The display control unit 114 displays, for each ice axe, the price 81 of the ice axe, an ID (in other words, identification information) 82 that can uniquely identify each ice axe, and the like on the shop screen 80.

[0157] The market management unit 214 controls the purchase of a pickaxe (in other words, item A) according to the user's possession of gems (in other words, item B). In this embodiment, the market management unit 214 controls the purchase of a pickaxe by preferentially presenting pickaxes that are available for purchase to the user. In other words, the market management unit 214 controls the purchase of a pickaxe by making it possible to purchase a specific pickaxe earlier than if no preferential treatment were given.

[0158] In this embodiment, the market management unit 214 controls whether a user is given preferential treatment for purchasing a pickaxe depending on the possession status of gems that meet predetermined criteria. Specifically, the market management unit 214 controls whether a user is given preferential treatment for purchasing a pickaxe depending on the amount of gems that are not converted into NFTs and that meet predetermined conditions that the user possesses.

[0159] Each user is assigned a rank related to preferential treatment (hereinafter referred to as "preferential treatment rank") according to the amount of non-NFT gemstones they possess that meet certain conditions. Here, we will explain that there are multiple preferential treatment ranks, including rank 0, rank 1, rank 2, and rank 3. The higher the rank number, the higher the rank and the greater the degree of preferential treatment. Furthermore, if the preferential treatment rank is rank 0, no preferential treatment will be available.

[0160] The control unit 210 sets the preferential rank to rank 1 for users who possess a total of 20 or more gems that fall into any of the following categories. The control unit 210 also sets the preferential rank to rank 2 for users who possess a total of 40 or more gems that fall into any of the following categories. The control unit 210 also sets the preferential rank to rank 3 for users who possess a total of 250 or more gems that fall into any of the following categories. The control unit 210 also sets the preferential rank to rank 0 for users who possess a total of less than 20 gems that fall into any of the following categories. A high-quality diamond of 10 carats or more A medium-quality diamond over 20 carats Low-quality diamonds over 30 carats High-quality red spinel over 15 carats Medium-quality red spinel over 30 carats Low-quality red spinel over 60 carats High-quality aquamarine over 30 carats Medium-quality aquamarines over 45 carats Low-quality aquamarines over 90 carats

[0161] For example, if a user owns three high-quality diamonds of 10 carats or more, six medium-quality diamonds of 20 carats or more, four medium-quality red spinels of 30 carats or more, ten low-quality red spinels of 60 carats or more, ten high-quality aquamarines of 30 carats or more, seven medium-quality aquamarines of 45 carats or more, and five low-quality aquamarines of 90 carats or more, the user's preferential rank will be set to rank 2 based on the user owning a total of 45 gemstones that meet the specified conditions (i.e., more than 40 and less than 250).

[0162] In this embodiment, the conditions imposed on gems are the same regardless of rank, and the preferred rank is determined according to the number of gems possessed that satisfy the conditions. However, the conditions imposed on gems may differ depending on rank. Also, for example, no conditions may be imposed on gems, and the preferred rank may be determined simply according to the number of gems possessed.

[0163] Among the ice axes sold on the marketplace, there are ice axes (hereinafter referred to as "preferential products") that are presented to users according to their preferential rank. The higher the preferential product's rank, the earlier it is displayed on the shop screen 80. For example, the market management unit 214 controls the display of specific preferential products at a first timing in the shop of a user with the highest preferential rank (e.g., a user with rank 3) among all active users from a predetermined reference time up to one week ago (e.g., if the reference time is Monday at midnight, from Monday at midnight of the previous week to Monday at midnight of the current week). The market management unit 214 also controls the display of specific preferential products at a second timing later than the first timing (e.g., eight hours after the first timing) in the shop of a user with the second highest rank (e.g., a user with rank 2) among all active users within one week from the predetermined reference time. Furthermore, the market management unit 214 controls the shop of the user with the third highest rank among all active users within one week from a predetermined reference time (e.g., a user with rank 1) so that the specific preferential product is displayed at a third timing later than the second timing (e.g., eight hours after the second timing). That is, the market management unit 214 controls the shop so that the higher the preferential rank, the earlier the specific preferential product is displayed in the shop, and the specific preferential product is displayed eight hours later for each rank step down. In this embodiment, the specific preferential product is displayed eight hours later in the shop of a user with a preferential rank of 0 than in the shop of a user with a rank of 1. However, the specific preferential product may not be displayed in the shop of a user with a rank of 0 even after time has passed (in other words, a user with a rank of 0 may not have the opportunity to purchase the specific preferential product). In other words, the preferential product may be an item that cannot be purchased by users who do not receive preferential treatment.

[0164] In other words, the market management unit 214 determines users to whom preferentially present the preferential product (in other words, a specific pickaxe available for purchase) based on the non-NFT gem possession status of each of the multiple users. Specifically, among the multiple users (e.g., active users), users with a relatively high preferential rank are determined as users to whom preferential products are preferentially presented, compared to users with a relatively low preferential rank. The market management unit 214 then presents the preferential product to users with a relatively high preferential rank earlier than users with a relatively low preferential rank. In other words, the market management unit 214 controls the display of the preferential product on the shop screen 80 of a user with a relatively high preferential rank earlier than on the shop screen 80 of a user with a relatively low preferential rank. For example, first, the operation reception unit 111 of each user's terminal device 10 receives an operation to display the shop screen 80. Furthermore, when an operation to display the shop screen 80 is performed, the terminal device 10 requests the server 20 to transmit information about the ice axe to be displayed on the shop screen 80. Furthermore, the market management unit 214 of the server 20 determines, based on the request, the ice axe to be displayed on the shop screen 80 of the terminal device 10 that made the request, and transmits an instruction to the terminal device 10 to display the determined ice axe on the shop screen 80. Based on the instruction, the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display the shop screen 80, on which the ice axe determined by the market management unit 214 as the ice axe to be displayed on the shop screen 80 is displayed. When determining the ice axe to be displayed on the shop screen 80, the market management unit 214 determines the ice axe to display so that preferential products are displayed on the shop screen 80 earlier for users with a relatively high preferential rank than for users with a low preferential rank. As a result, preferential products are lined up earlier in the shop of a user with a relatively high preferential rank than in the shop of a user with a relatively low preferential rank.

[0165] Furthermore, the display control unit 114 causes the shop screen 80 to display a display 84 informing the user (in other words, the user himself / herself) of the preferential treatment rank.

[0166] The display control unit 114 also displays a special offer notification 85 on the shop screen 80, indicating that the special offer item is a special offer item. The special offer notification 85 can be seen as a display that enables the user to recognize which ice axes, among those lined up on the shop screen 80, are special offer items. In other words, the display control unit 114 presents the user with information indicating that ice axes that can be purchased through special offers (in other words, special offer items) are special offer items. The special offer notification 85 may be, for example, a display of text attached to an image of the special offer item (e.g., the text "Special Offer Item" in FIG. 11 ), a display of a specific frame surrounding the image of the special offer item, or a display in which the background of the image of the special offer item is different from the background of the image of the ice axes that are not special offer items. The special offer notification 85 may also include a display indicating which special offer rank users the special offer item is intended for (e.g., a display indicating that the ice axes are preferentially presented to users of rank 2 or higher).

[0167] The preferential treatment notice display 85 may be displayed only during a period when the first user is given preferential treatment for preferential products compared to other users. That is, for example, during a period when preferential products are lined up in the shop of a first user whose preferential rank is rank 1 and preferential products are not lined up in the shop of a second user whose preferential rank is rank 0, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 of the first user may display the preferential treatment notice display 85 for the preferential products on the shop screen 80, and thereafter, when preferential products are lined up in the shop of the second user whose preferential rank is rank 0 (in other words, when preferential products are presented regardless of preferential rank), the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 of the first user may not display the preferential treatment notice display 85 for the preferential products on the shop screen 80. Furthermore, even if preferential products are lined up in the shop of the second user whose preferential rank is rank 0 (in other words, even if preferential products are presented regardless of preferential rank), the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 of the first user may display a preferential notification display 85 for the preferential products on the shop screen 80.

[0168] The display control unit 114 may also display a UI (for example, a check box 87 in FIG. 11 ) for accepting an operation to display only the special offer items on the shop screen 80. When an operation (for example, a click operation) is performed on the check box 87, the display control unit 114 may also display only the special offer items on the shop screen 80 out of the multiple ice axes that are available for purchase.

[0169] In this embodiment, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since a preferential product was displayed on the shop screen 80 of a user with a relatively high preferential rank, the preferential product is displayed on the shop screen 80 of a user with a relatively low preferential rank, and the preferential product is not displayed on the shop screen 80 of the user with a relatively low preferential rank during this predetermined period. However, the preferential product may also be displayed on the shop screen 80 of the user with a relatively low preferential rank during this predetermined period. In this case, the operation accepting unit 111 of the terminal device 10 of the user with a relatively low preferential rank may not accept an operation to purchase the preferential product during this predetermined period, thereby preventing the user with a relatively low preferential rank from purchasing the preferential product. In this case, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 of the user with a relatively low preferential rank may darken the preferential product on the shop screen 80 to inform the user that the preferential product is not available for purchase. In this case, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 of the user with a relatively low preferential rank may display a preferential notice display 85 for the preferential product on the shop screen 80. In other words, the preferential notice display 85 may function as a display indicating that the product to which the preferential notice display 85 is attached (in other words, the preferential product) cannot be purchased without a preferential treatment.

[0170] Note that control to present preferential products to users with a relatively high preferential rank earlier than to users with a relatively low preferential rank may be executed in the terminal device 10. For example, the market management unit 214 may send the same information indicating ice axes currently for sale (in other words, ice axes that can be displayed on the shop screen 80) to all users' terminal devices 10, regardless of the user's preferential rank, and the control unit 110 of each user's terminal device 10 may determine which ice axes to display on the shop screen 80 from among the ice axes currently for sale, depending on the user's preferential rank.

[0171] In this embodiment, preferential treatment for the purchase of a pickaxe is provided according to the gem possession status, and here, "gem possession status" may refer to possession of only non-NFT gems, possession of only NFT gems, or possession of both non-NFT gems and NFT gems. That is, for example, the preferential rank may be set to rank 1 when 20 or more non-NFT gems that meet certain conditions are possessed, or when 20 or more NFT gems that meet certain conditions are possessed, or when a total of 20 or more non-NFT gems that meet certain conditions and NFT gems that meet certain conditions are possessed, the preferential rank may be set to rank 1.

[0172] Note that the control of giving preferential treatment for purchasing a pickaxe does not have to be a control of preferentially presenting pickaxes that are available for purchase or a control of making pickaxes available for purchase early. For example, the control of giving preferential treatment for purchasing a pickaxe may be a control of making pickaxes available for purchase at a low price, a control of giving a predetermined benefit (e.g., a predetermined item) to a user in addition to the purchased pickaxe when purchasing a pickaxe, or a control of increasing the amount of predetermined points given in a configuration in which predetermined points are given for purchasing a pickaxe. Furthermore, the control of giving preferential treatment for purchasing a pickaxe may be a control of making it possible to enter a place where a pickaxe can be purchased (in other words, a shop in a virtual space) that would be inaccessible if the preferential treatment was not given.

[0173] In addition, the market management unit 214 may, in addition to or instead of providing preferential treatment for the purchase of a pickaxe, control preferential treatment for the purchase of gems (for example, the purchase of NFT-converted gems in the marketplace) using a method similar to that control, depending on the user's gem holdings.

[0174] In this embodiment, since the pickaxe is an NFTed item, no other identical pickaxes exist, and once a user acquires (in other words, purchases) a specific pickaxe, other users cannot acquire the same pickaxe as that specific pickaxe. In other words, the preferential product is an item that is sold out due to purchase by other users and cannot be purchased. Note that the item that can be purchased with the preferential treatment may be an item that multiple users can acquire the same item.

[0175] As mentioned above, there is a risk that items B (e.g., gems) that do not even require NFT conversion will gradually accumulate. However, according to the configuration of this embodiment, preferential treatment is provided for the purchase of item A (e.g., a pickaxe) depending on the possession status of non-NFTed items B, preventing the user from feeling that items B are accumulating and going to waste. Furthermore, in this embodiment, preferential treatment is provided for the possession of item B that meets higher standards than items B whose consumption can generate advantageous effects for the user (e.g., low-quality diamonds under 30 carats), thereby providing additional uses (in other words, added value) for items B that meet the predetermined standards. It is possible that users may not perceive NFTed items B (e.g., gems) as being very valuable (e.g., the value perceived by the user decreases as the game progresses). However, according to the configuration of this embodiment, preferential treatment is provided for the purchase of item A (e.g., a pickaxe) depending on the possession status of NFTed items B, preventing the user from feeling that items B are accumulating and going to waste.

[0176] In this embodiment, the screen displaying the map 40 illustrated in FIG. 3, the home screen 42 illustrated in FIG. 4, the screen displaying a list 44 of mountains acquired by the user illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 10, the screen displaying a list of gems owned by the user illustrated in FIG. 9, or the shop screen 80 illustrated in FIG. 11 may be displayed, for example, by clicking a predetermined button such as a tab displayed while these various screens are displayed (in other words, displayed on the game screen). That is, for example, a screen displaying the map 40 or a screen displaying a list 44 of acquired mountains may be displayed based on an operation on the mine button 91 illustrated in FIG. 4. A screen displaying a list of owned gems may be displayed based on an operation on the gem button 92 illustrated in FIG. 4. The shop screen 80 may be displayed based on an operation on the shop button 93 illustrated in FIG. 4. The home screen 42 may be displayed based on an operation on the home button 94 illustrated in FIG. 4. In addition, based on the operation of the map display button 95 and the my mine display button 96 shown in Figures 3 and 4, respectively, the screen may be switched between displaying the map 40 (in other words, a list of mountains that can be acquired) and displaying a list 44 of acquired mountains.

[0177] (Processing flow) Next, an example of processing executed by the game system 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart. First, an example of processing related to mountain generation and determination of items that can be acquired from the mountain will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0178] The virtual space management unit 231 acquires the hash generated at the end of the day from a specific blockchain (step S1). Next, the virtual space management unit 231 uses the acquired hash as a seed (specifically, a seed hlast ) to perform calculations and create a map (step S2). Specifically, the virtual space management unit 231 determines the topography of the map and the placement of mountains on the map, and assigns a virtual space ID to each mountain in the map so that the mountain can be identified.

[0179] Next, the virtual space management unit 231 determines an overview of obtainable items for each mountain on the map created in step S2 (step S3). Specifically, the virtual space management unit 231 uses the hash obtained in step S1 and the virtual space ID of each dungeon as a seed (specifically, seed hlast , seed mdid ) to determine the number of obtainable items for each pile and the approximate size of each item.

[0180] Next, the virtual space management unit 231 creates a pile where the items whose outlines were determined in step S3 can be obtained (in other words, where the items are arranged) (step S4). Specifically, the virtual space management unit 231 creates a seed (specifically, a seed hlast , seed mdid ) to perform calculations and create mountains.

[0181] Next, the virtual space management unit 231 acquires the first hash generated two days after the day the hash acquired in step S1 was generated (step S5). Next, the virtual space management unit 231 determines the details of the reward for each mountain on the map created in step S2 (step S6). Specifically, the virtual space management unit 231 uses the hash acquired in step S5 and the virtual space ID of each mountain as a seed (specifically, seed hfirst , seed mdid ) to perform calculations to determine the type, size details, shape, or quality of item B as an item obtainable from each mountain.

[0182] Next, an example of processing related to mountain acquisition and mountain mining will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0183] The operation reception unit 111 of the terminal device 10 receives an operation to acquire a mountain to be mined from among a plurality of mountains within a map (step S11). In other words, the operation reception unit 111 receives an operation to select a specific mountain from among a plurality of mountains. In yet other words, the operation reception unit 111 receives an operation related to the acquisition of rights to play a game in a specific virtual space.

[0184] When an operation to acquire a mountain for mining is performed, the game control unit 212 grants the specific mountain to the user based on the operation (step S12). In other words, the game control unit 212 grants the user the right to play a game in a specific virtual space based on the user's operation.

[0185] Furthermore, the operation receiving unit 111 receives an operation to instruct the user to start mining in the mountain acquired by the user (step S13). In other words, the operation receiving unit 111 receives an operation by the user to instruct the user to start playing a game in a virtual space in which the user has the right to play the game.

[0186] Furthermore, the game control unit 212 starts mining based on an operation by the user instructing the start of mining in the mountain (step S14). In other words, the game control unit 212 starts playing a game in a specific virtual space based on an operation by the user instructing the start of playing a game in the specific virtual space. The started game may be one in which the user manually operates a player character or the like, or may be one in which the game control unit 212 automatically progresses without user operation. Specifically, for example, the player character may automatically perform mining, and gems or the like excavated by the player character may be given to the user as a reward. Furthermore, the user may be able to select whether to progress the game manually or automatically.

[0187] Next, the reward granting unit 233 grants a reward to the user based on the mining in the mountain (step S15). In other words, the reward granting unit 233 grants a reward to the user based on playing a game in a specific virtual space. Specifically, the reward granting unit 233 grants gems or pyroxene to the user based on the mining in the mountain.

[0188] Next, an example of a process for generating beneficial effects for a user by consuming an NFT-convertible item without converting it to NFT will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 14.

[0189] The operation reception unit 111 of the terminal device 10 receives an operation to select gems to be consumed to generate an advantageous effect from among the gems that are not converted into NFTs and that the user owns (step S21). Specifically, the operation reception unit 111 receives an operation to select 10 gems to be used in exchange for experience point tickets.

[0190] Next, when an operation to select gems to consume is performed, the game control unit 212 consumes the selected gems and grants the user experience point tickets corresponding to the consumed gems (step S22). In other words, the game control unit 212 consumes the selected non-NFT item and grants the user a specific item that can produce an effect advantageous to the user.

[0191] Next, the operation acceptance unit 111 of the terminal device 10 accepts an operation to select a mountain on which to use the experience point ticket (step S23). In other words, the operation acceptance unit 111 accepts an operation to select a virtual space that will generate an advantageous effect.

[0192] Next, when an operation to select a mountain on which to use the experience point ticket is performed, the game control unit 212 consumes the experience point ticket for the selected mountain to generate an effect advantageous to the user (step S24). Specifically, the game control unit 212 performs control to increase the experience points granted at a predetermined opportunity for game play on the selected mountain (in other words, the user's actions on the selected mountain) by an amount corresponding to the type of experience point ticket consumed. In other words, the game control unit 212 uses a specific item to generate an effect advantageous to the user in the selected virtual space.

[0193] Next, an example of a process for providing preferential treatment to a user when purchasing an ice axe will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0194] The operation accepting unit 111 of the terminal device 10 accepts an operation for displaying the shop screen 80 (step S31).

[0195] Next, when an operation to display the shop screen 80 is performed, the transmitting / receiving unit 112 of the terminal device 10 requests the server 20 for instructions regarding the ice axe to be displayed on the shop screen 80 (step S32).

[0196] Next, upon receiving the request, the market management unit 214 of the server 20 determines the ice axes to be displayed on the shop screen 80 based on the user's preferential rank (step S33). Specifically, the market management unit 214 determines the ice axes that the user can purchase, which are determined according to the preferential rank, as the ice axes to be displayed on the shop screen 80. For example, for a specific preferential product, if the user's preferential rank is rank 3, the product can be purchased at a first timing; if the user's preferential rank is rank 2, the product can be purchased at a second timing eight hours after the first timing; if the user's preferential rank is rank 1, the product can be purchased at a third timing eight hours after the second timing; and if the user's preferential rank is rank 0, the product can be purchased at a fourth timing eight hours after the third timing. In this case, if the user's preferential rank is rank 3 and the request was received after the first timing, the market management unit 214 determines the pickaxe to be displayed on the shop screen 80 so that the specific preferential product is included in the pickaxe displayed on the shop screen 80. Also, if the user's preferential rank is rank 2 and the request was received before the second timing, the market management unit 214 determines the pickaxe to be displayed on the shop screen 80 so that the specific preferential product is not included in the pickaxe displayed on the shop screen 80. On the other hand, if the user's preferential rank is rank 2 and the request was received after the second timing, the market management unit 214 determines the pickaxe to be displayed on the shop screen 80 so that the specific preferential product is included in the pickaxe displayed on the shop screen 80. The same applies to cases where the user's preferential rank is rank 1 or rank 0. In addition, if another user has already purchased the specific preferential product, the specific preferential product cannot be purchased by any user other than the other user, so the pickaxe to be displayed on the shop screen 80 is determined so that the specific preferential product is not included in the pickaxe to be displayed on the shop screen 80.

[0197] Next, the market management unit 214 transmits to the terminal device 10 an instruction to display on the shop screen 80 the ice axe determined as the ice axe to be displayed on the shop screen 80 (step S34).

[0198] Next, based on the instruction, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display the shop screen 80, which displays the ice axe that the market management unit 214 has determined to be the ice axe to be displayed on the shop screen 80 (step S35).

[0199] In this embodiment, the items, tokens, and various logics (in other words, smart contracts) managed on the blockchain are managed on the same blockchain, but some may be managed on different blockchains. The hashes used for various processes may be hashes from the same blockchain or from another blockchain. Existing blockchains such as Ethereum and Bitcoin may be used. NFTs corresponding to item A and item B (in other words, NFTed item A and item B) may be able to be bridged from the blockchain on which they were issued to another blockchain.

[0200] Note that each configuration according to this embodiment can also be applied to content (in other words, services) other than the game according to this embodiment.

[0201] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Within the scope of the present invention, the components can be freely combined, any component can be modified, or any component can be omitted. Furthermore, the processing flow described in this specification is merely an example, and the order and configuration of each process may be different.

[0202] <Additional Notes> The matters described in the above embodiment can also be described as follows:

[0203] (Appendix 1-1) Computer, An acquisition means (e.g., a reward granting unit 233) that allows a user to acquire an NFT-transformable item; The system functions as a control means (for example, a game control unit 212) that performs control to generate advantageous effects for the user by consuming the item held by the user without converting it into an NFT. program. With this configuration, users can acquire NFT-convertible items, which gives users the satisfaction of converting items into NFTs and possessing the NFT-converted items, and allows them to enjoy trading NFT-converted items while checking market prices. On the other hand, there may be cases where users who acquire NFT-convertible items do not feel that the acquired items are valuable enough to be converted into NFTs. However, with this configuration, NFT-convertible items can be used to generate a specified effect without being converted into NFTs, preventing users from feeling like their NFT-convertible items are accumulating and going to waste.

[0204] (Appendix 1-2) The control means exerts a predetermined effect that is advantageous to the user on a virtual space in which the item can be acquired by consuming the item held by the user without converting it into an NFT. The program described in Appendix 1-1. With this configuration, consuming items that are not NFTized leads to beneficial effects on the virtual space in which those items can be acquired, giving users the enjoyment of going through the cycle of acquiring and consuming items.

[0205] (Appendix 1-3) the advantageous effect is an effect related to the accumulation of a predetermined amount of experience points; Accumulation of the predetermined experience points increases a predetermined rank associated with the user. The program according to claim 1-1. With this configuration, consuming non-NFT items can lead to easier accumulation of a predetermined amount of experience points, making it easier to progress through the game.

[0206] (Appendix 1-4) The control means varies the advantageous effect to be generated depending on at least one of the type, number, rank, or rarity of the item consumed without being converted into an NFT. The program described in Appendix 1-1. With this configuration, the effects that occur can be made different depending on the type of item consumed, thereby diversifying the relationship between the consumption of items and the occurrence of effects and increasing the interest of the service.

[0207] (Appendix 1-5) The items are buried in the virtual space and can be obtained by the user through mining. The program described in Appendix 1-1. This configuration makes it possible to realize unprecedented gameplay, in which players mine items buried in a virtual space, enjoy converting the mined items into NFTs, or use them to generate advantageous effects without converting them into NFTs.

[0208] (Appendix 1-6) The control means, by consuming the item held by the user without converting it into an NFT, exerts a predetermined effect that is advantageous to the user in a second virtual space that is different from the first virtual space in which the consumed item was acquired. The program described in Appendix 1-1. With this configuration, consuming non-NFT items leads to an impact on a virtual space different from the virtual space in which the consumed item was obtained, and therefore consuming non-NFT items leads to the enjoyment of playing in a virtual space different from the virtual space in which the consumed item was obtained, motivating people to play in a variety of virtual spaces.

[0209] (Appendix 1-7) The NFTed item can be equipped to the character used by the user. The program described in Appendix 1-1. With this configuration, it is possible to provide an additional way to enjoy items that can be converted into NFTs, by converting them into NFTs and equipping them to characters. Furthermore, for such items that are not deemed worth equipping to characters, it is possible to provide another use for them by consuming them without converting them into NFTs and using them to generate a predetermined effect.

[0210] (Appendix 1-8) An acquisition means (e.g., a reward granting unit 233) that allows a user to acquire an NFT-transformable item; and a control means (for example, a game control unit 212) that performs control to generate an advantageous effect for the user by consuming the item held by the user without converting it into an NFT. Information processing system. According to this configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the program described in Supplementary Note 1-1.

[0211] (Appendix 2-1) Computer, acquisition means (e.g., a reward granting unit 233) for allowing a user to acquire a first item; and functioning as an influence imparting means (for example, a game control unit 212) that, by consuming the first item held by the user, imparts a predetermined influence to a second virtual space that is different from the first virtual space in which the consumed first item was acquired. program. This configuration allows for a new use of the consumable item, which can affect a virtual space different from the virtual space in which the first item was acquired, thereby broadening the scope of the game.

[0212] (Appendix 2-2) The influence applying means applies an influence to the second virtual space that makes it easier to acquire the first item by consuming the first item held by the user. The program described in Appendix 2-1. With this configuration, consuming a first item acquired in a first virtual space makes it easier to acquire the first item in a second virtual space different from the first virtual space, and the acquired first item can be used to acquire a better first item in another virtual space, thereby providing the user with the enjoyment of repeating the cycle of acquiring and consuming items.

[0213] (Appendix 2-3) The first item can be obtained by an operation by the user that changes the topography of the first virtual space. The program described in Appendix 2-1 or Appendix 2-2. With this configuration, it is possible to realize unprecedented gameplay, in which the terrain of a first virtual space is changed to obtain a first item, and the obtained first item is then used to affect another virtual space.

[0214] (Appendix 2-4) The first item can be obtained by changing the topography of the first virtual space using a second item held by the user. The program described in Appendix 2-3. With this configuration, it is possible to realize unprecedented gameplay in which a user uses a second item they possess to change the terrain of a first virtual space, thereby acquiring a first item, and then using the acquired first item to affect another virtual space.

[0215] (Appendix 2-5) acquisition means (e.g., a reward granting unit 233) for allowing a user to acquire a first item; and an influence imparting means (for example, a game control unit 212) that, by consuming the first item held by the user, imparts a predetermined influence to a second virtual space that is different from the first virtual space in which the consumed first item was obtained. Information processing system. According to this configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the program described in Supplementary Note 2-1.

[0216] (Appendix 3-1) Computer, Function as a control means (e.g., market management unit 214) that controls preferential treatment for the purchase of a second item in a virtual space depending on the user's possession of a first item that can be converted into an NFT. program. In games where users can own NFTed items, for example, owning an NFTed item can give users the satisfaction of owning a one-of-a-kind item, or they can sell the NFTed item and make a profit. On the other hand, when NFTable items exist in a game, it is conceivable that a user may own an NFTable item that they do not perceive as having much value. In such cases, the user may feel that the items they perceive as having little value are accumulating and going to waste. However, with this configuration, it is possible to create the effect that by owning a first NFTable item, a user can receive preferential treatment when purchasing a second item, thereby preventing the user from feeling that the NFTable items are accumulating and going to waste.

[0217] (Appendix 3-2) The control means determines a user to whom the second item available for purchase is to be preferentially presented based on the possession status of the first item of each of a plurality of users. The program described in Appendix 3-1. This configuration makes it possible to provide preferential treatment by preferentially presenting second items to some users based on the ownership status of each of the first items held by multiple users. This can provide special benefits to the accumulated NFT-convertible items, preventing users from feeling that the items are accumulating and going to waste.

[0218] (Appendix 3-3) The control of providing preferential treatment for the purchase of the second item is control that allows the second item to be purchased earlier than in a case where the preferential treatment is not provided. The program described in Appendix 3-1. This configuration allows users to purchase a second item early depending on the status of the first item they own. This can provide special benefits to the accumulated NFT-convertible items, preventing users from feeling that the items are accumulating and going to waste.

[0219] (Appendix 3-4) Computer, With regard to the second item that can be purchased with the special offer, the device functions as an information presenting means (for example, the display control unit 114) that presents to the user information indicating that the item is related to the special offer. The program described in Appendix 3-1. This configuration allows the user to recognize that the second item that can be purchased with the preferential treatment is an item related to the preferential treatment, thereby making the user feel special by receiving the preferential treatment and realizing the value of owning the first item.

[0220] (Appendix 3-5) The first item is an item that can be extracted in a virtual space using the second item. The program described in Appendix 3-1. With this configuration, the user can enjoy the cycle of extracting a first item using a second item, receiving preferential treatment for the purchase of the second item by possessing the extracted first item, purchasing a new second item, and then using the purchased second item to extract the first item.

[0221] (Appendix 3-6) The second item is an NFT item. A program described in any one of Appendices 3-1 to 3-5. While NFTed items are unique, there is a risk that they may become unavailable for purchase if another user purchases them, etc. In this configuration, preferential treatment is available for the second item, which is an NFTed item, depending on the possession status of the first item, thereby providing an incentive to possess the first item.

[0222] (Appendix 3-7) The control means controls the user to receive preferential treatment for the purchase of the second item depending on the amount of the first item that has not been converted into an NFT and that satisfies a predetermined condition. A program described in any one of Appendices 3-1 to 3-5. With this configuration, it is possible to provide special value (specifically, the value of receiving a special offer) for a first item that satisfies a predetermined condition, and also to set conditions for the amount of the first item that must be possessed in order to receive the special offer, thereby providing motivation for acquiring the first item.

[0223] (Appendix 3-8) The system includes a control means (e.g., a market management unit 214) that controls preferential treatment for the purchase of a second item in a virtual space depending on the user's possession of a first item that can be converted into an NFT. Information processing system. According to this configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the program described in Supplementary Note 3-1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0224] 1 Game system, 3 Blockchain system, 10 Terminal device, 11 Processor, 12 Memory, 13 Storage, 14 Communication IF, 15 Input / output IF, 17 Input unit, 18 Display unit, 20 Server, 21 Processor, 22 Memory, 23 Storage, 24 Communication IF, 25 Input / output IF, 30 Node device, 31 Processor, 32 Memory, 33 Storage, 34 Communication IF, 35 Input / output IF, 110 Control unit, 111 Operation acceptance unit, 112 Transmission / reception unit, 113 Terminal processing unit, 114 Display control unit, 120 Memory unit, 210 Control unit, 211 Transmission / reception unit, 212 Game control unit, 213 Asset management unit, 214 Market management unit, 220 Memory unit, 231 Virtual space management unit, 233 Reward granting unit, 310 Control unit, 320 Memory unit

Claims

1. Computer, An acquisition means for allowing a user to acquire an NFT-enabled item; The device functions as a control means for controlling the generation of advantageous effects for the user by consuming the item held by the user without converting it into an NFT. program.

2. The control means exerts a predetermined effect that is advantageous to the user on a virtual space in which the item can be acquired by consuming the item held by the user without converting the item into an NFT. The program according to claim 1.

3. the advantageous effect is an effect related to the accumulation of a predetermined amount of experience points; Accumulation of the predetermined experience points increases a predetermined rank associated with the user. The program according to claim 1.

4. The control means varies the advantageous effect to be generated depending on at least one of the type, number, rank, and rarity of the item consumed without being converted into an NFT. The program according to claim 1.

5. The items are buried in the virtual space and can be obtained by the user through mining. The program according to claim 1.

6. The control means, by consuming the item held by the user without converting it into an NFT, exerts a predetermined effect that is advantageous to the user in a second virtual space that is different from a first virtual space in which the consumed item was acquired. The program according to claim 1.

7. The NFT-converted item can be equipped to the character used by the user. The program according to claim 1.

8. An acquisition means for allowing a user to acquire an NFT-enabled item; and a control means for performing control to generate an advantageous effect for the user by consuming the item held by the user without converting it into an NFT. Information processing system.

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