Program and information processing system

Abstract

To provide a program configured to enhance the appeal of a service.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer to function as control means. The control means allows, during a period in which a parameter associated with an object is a predetermined value, a predetermined effect to be exerted, prohibits the object for which the parameter has been updated to a specific value, which is different from the predetermined value, from exerting the effect, and allows the object, even during a period after the parameter is updated to the specific value, to be transferred to another user as non-fungible digital assets by blockchain technology. The control means allows the object to be used in the virtual space even during a period after the parameter is updated to the specific value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there has been known a technique that enables the use of objects in a virtual space (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Weblio Dictionary, "Survival Kids", [online], 2024, [Retrieved March 26, 2024], Internet <URL:https: / / www.weblio.jp / wkpja / content / %E3%82%B5%E3%83%90%E3%82%A4%E3%83%90%E3%83%AB%E3%82%AD%E3%83%83%E3%82%BA_%E9%A3%9F%E3%81%B9%E7%89%A9> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention aims to improve the interest of the service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, the program of the present invention causes a computer to function as a control means that enables a predetermined effect to be exerted during a period in which a parameter associated with an object has a predetermined value, prevents the effect from being exerted during a period in which the parameter is updated to a specific value different from the predetermined value, and enables the object to be transferred to other users as a non-fungible digital asset using blockchain technology even during a period in which the parameter has been updated to the specific value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, the interest of the service is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating each configuration of the information processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of an information processing system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the information processing system. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a specific example of a play screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the operation of the information processing system. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the number of excavation times. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a specific example of a selection screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for recovering durability. [Figure 9] 3 is a flowchart of each process in the information processing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining each component of an information processing system 1000. The information processing system 1000 is configured to include a server device 100, a terminal device 200, and a blockchain network 300. As shown in Fig. 1, each of the above components can communicate via a network I. The network I may be, for example, the Internet.

[0009] The server device 100 is managed by a game operator (for example, a company that operates a game) and enables a so-called NFT (Non-Fungible Token) game to be run on the terminal device 200. As will be described in detail later, the NFT game of this embodiment progresses in a virtual space Sv displayed by the terminal device 200. Note that while FIG. 1 shows an example in which the server device 100 is configured from a single server device, the server device 100 may also be configured from a plurality of server devices (systems).

[0010] The terminal device 200 acquires various information from the server device 100 and progresses the NFT game. For example, a personal computer may be used as the terminal device 200. Note that while FIG. 1 illustrates a desktop personal computer as the terminal device 200, a notebook personal computer or a tablet personal computer may also be used as the terminal device 200. Furthermore, a smartphone or a portable game console may also be used as the terminal device 200.

[0011] A display device 201 and an operation device 202 are connected to the terminal device 200. The display device 201 is configured to include, for example, a flat display made up of organic EL (Electro Luminescence). The display device 201 is controlled by the terminal device 200 and displays various images including the virtual space Sv. The operation device 202 is assumed to be, for example, a keyboard and a pointing device (mouse). The user can progress through the NFT game by appropriately operating the operation device 202.

[0012] The blockchain network 300 is configured to include multiple node devices 301. The node devices 301 can communicate with each other using a P2P (Peer to Peer) communication method. Each node device 301 also stores (updates) a common blockchain as a database by running a blockchain protocol. A known protocol can be adopted as the blockchain protocol. For example, the Ethereum protocol can be preferably adopted. The blockchain network 300 is also equipped with a known smart contract function and is configured to be able to automatically complete various transactions.

[0013] In NFT games, various items (digital assets) are granted to users. In this embodiment, an item for which an NFT has been issued may be referred to as an "NFT item." When an NFT is issued, an NFT issuance request is sent to the blockchain system 300 from the wallet of the server device 100 or the terminal device 200. When the NFT issuance request is sent, index data of the item is stored in the blockchain. The index data includes identification information of the index data in the blockchain, the owner (address) of the NFT item, and information indicating the storage location of the metadata of the NFT item.

[0014] The information processing system 1000 (for example, the server device 100) stores image data (content data) representing each item and metadata for the item. The metadata includes, for example, the uniform resource locator (URL) of the image data representing the item, the name, summary, and parameters (features and properties) of the item. Note that, hereinafter, issuing an NFT for an item may be referred to as "converting an item into an NFT."

[0015] The blockchain (index data) is virtually impossible to tamper with. Therefore, an NFT item whose index data is stored in the blockchain functions as a virtually non-fungible digital asset. The server device 100 itself may be configured to function as a node device of the blockchain system 300.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the information processing system 1000. As described above, the information processing system 1000 includes a server device 100, a terminal device 200, and a blockchain system 300. As shown in Fig. 2, the server device 100 includes a processing device 101, a storage device 102, and a communication device 103. Each of the above components is connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a system bus.

[0017] The processing device 101 controls the entire server device 100. The processing device 101 may be configured with one or more processors. Specifically, the processing device 101 may be configured with one or more types of processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0018] The storage device 102 stores various programs including a basic program and an application program. A known storage medium such as a semiconductor storage medium or a magnetic storage medium can be used as the storage device 102. The storage device 102 may be configured with one storage medium or multiple storage media. The application programs stored in the storage device 102 include an application program for implementing the wallet function described above.

[0019] Note that a publicly known application program is appropriately adopted as the application program for realizing the wallet function. The server device 100 uses the wallet function to send each request for updating the above-mentioned blockchain to the blockchain system 300. The communication device 103 communicates with the terminal device 200 and the blockchain system 300 (each node device 301) via the network I.

[0020] The storage device 102 of the server device 100 stores various data used in the NFT game in association with user identification information. For example, various data including items possessed by a user, the level of the user (user character, described below), and parameters of each item are stored in the server device 100. The server device 100 also stores content data (image data) representing the above-mentioned NFT items and metadata for the NFT items.

[0021] However, the data (content data, metadata) of the above NFT items may be stored by something other than the server device 100. For example, the data may be stored in a well-known IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) that is made up of multiple nodes. Also, both or either of the content data and metadata may be stored in the blockchain (node ​​device 301).

[0022] The terminal device 200 includes a processing device 203, a storage device 204, and a communication device 205. The above-described display device 201 and operation device 202 are also connected to the terminal device 200. The processing device 203 of the terminal device 200 controls the entire terminal device 200. For example, the processing device 203 of the terminal device 200 may be configured with one or more processors, similar to the processing device 101 of the above-described server device 100. Specifically, the processing device 203 may be configured with one or more types of processors, such as a CPU, a GPU, a DSP, an FPGA, or an ASIC.

[0023] The storage device 204 stores various programs including a basic program and an application program. For example, the storage unit 204 of the terminal device 200 stores a web browser (application program). The terminal device 200 uses the web browser to obtain various data (HTML files, image data, etc.) for executing the NFT game from the server device 100. The application programs stored in the terminal device 200 (storage device 204) include an application program for implementing the wallet function described above.

[0024] A user can purchase utility tokens at a cryptocurrency exchange using the wallet function of the terminal device 200. The above utility tokens are used, for example, to acquire predetermined NFT items (digging items Gp, described below). The wallet function of the terminal device 200 can change the owner (address) of a utility token on the blockchain to the user himself / herself. For ease of explanation, hereinafter, changing the owner of a utility token on the blockchain to the user may be described as "putting the utility token into the user's wallet," etc.

[0025] Additionally, users can exchange NFT items (gem items Gj and mining items Gp, described below) acquired in NFT games for utility tokens of other users. Specifically, the wallet function of the terminal device 200 can be used to change the owner of an NFT item on the blockchain to another user. Similarly, users can exchange their own utility tokens for NFT items owned by other users. The above-mentioned transactions of NFT items are carried out via the marketplace Mp, described below. For the sake of explanation, hereinafter, changing the owner of an NFT item on the blockchain to another user may be referred to as "putting the NFT item into the user's wallet," etc.

[0026] The storage device 204 of the terminal device 200 may be, for example, a known storage medium such as a semiconductor storage medium or a magnetic storage medium. The storage device 204 may be configured with one storage medium or multiple storage media. The communication device 205 communicates with the server device 100 and the blockchain network 300 via the network I.

[0027] As described above, the blockchain network 300 is configured to include a plurality of node devices 301. As described above, each of the node devices 301 can communicate with each other using a P2P communication method. In addition, a common blockchain protocol runs in each node device 301.

[0028] Each of the node devices 301 includes a processing device 302, a storage device 303, and a communication device 304. The processing device 302 of the node device 301 controls the entire node device 301. The processing device 302 can be configured with one or more processors, similar to the processing device 101 of the server device 100 described above.

[0029] The storage device 303 stores various programs including basic programs and application programs. In addition, each storage unit 303 of each node device 301 stores a common blockchain. The blockchain is made up of multiple blocks. Each block of the blockchain contains transaction data such as NFT items, including the index data described above.

[0030] Transaction data is broadcast from the server device 100 or the terminal device 200 to each node device 301. The transaction data includes the signature of the entity that generated the transaction data. The signature in the transaction data is generated using a private key managed by the entity that generated the transaction data. A block generated based on the transaction data is newly added to the blockchain using a publicly known consensus program. The communication device 304 of the node device 301 enables communication with the server device 100, the terminal device 200, and other node devices 301.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of the information processing system 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment is configured to include a management device 10, a terminal device 20, and a blockchain system 30. For example, the above-mentioned server device 100 executes a program to function as the management device 10. Furthermore, the above-mentioned terminal device 200 executes a program to function as the terminal device 20. Similarly, the blockchain system 300 executes a program to function as the blockchain system 30. Each of the above components can communicate via a network I.

[0032] The management device 10 includes an effect determining means 11, a notification control means 12, and a usage limiting means 13. However, the terminal device 20 may be configured to have some or all of the above components (functions).

[0033] The effect determination means 11 determines the degree of effect (number of excavations N) of an object in the virtual space SV based on period information (space number X) associated with the virtual space SV and period information (space number Y) associated with an object (excavation item Gp) used by the user in the virtual space SV. Note that the "period information" of the present invention is not limited to information that directly indicates date and time, as long as it is possible to determine the release time T of the virtual space SV or object. For example, in this embodiment, the release time T of each virtual space SV is determined from the space number X described below. Furthermore, the release time T of each object (excavation item Gp) is determined from the item number Y described below.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the period information (space number X) associated with the virtual space Sv and the period information (item number Y) associated with the object (digging item Gp) used by the user in the virtual space Sv satisfy a predetermined condition (for example, "X=Y"), the object will have an advantageous effect within the virtual space Sv (the number of digging times N described below will be reduced) compared to when this condition is not satisfied.

[0035] Specifically, when the space number X of the virtual space Sv and the item number Y of the excavation item Gp match, it becomes possible to more efficiently excavate a gem item Gj (an item that can be converted into an NFT) compared to when they do not match. In other words, when the excavation item Gp is ​​used in a virtual space Sv released at the same time, it becomes possible to efficiently excavate a gem item Gj. The above configuration will be described in detail later (see FIG. 6(b)). The notification control means 12 makes it possible to notify a virtual space Sv that meets the above-mentioned predetermined conditions (see FIG. 7(a) described later).

[0036] When the period information (space number X) associated with the virtual space Sv is first period information (for example, X=n) and the period information (item number Y) associated with the object is second period information (Y=n-1) that precedes the first period information (when the excavation item Gp is ​​older than the virtual space Sv), the effect of using the object within the virtual space Sv is limited compared to when the period information associated with the virtual space Sv and the period information associated with the object satisfy a predetermined condition (X=Y).

[0037] Specifically, when an excavation item Gp older than the virtual space Sv is used, gem items Gj cannot be excavated as efficiently as when an excavation item Gp released at the same time as the virtual space Sv is used. Furthermore, the greater the time difference between the first period information (release time T of the virtual space Sv) and the second period information (release time T of the excavation item Gp), the more limited the effect that can be achieved (the lower the excavation efficiency). This configuration will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6(b). Furthermore, if the time difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined period, the use restriction means 13 makes the object (excavation item Gp) unusable in the virtual space Sv and notifies the user of this fact. This configuration will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7(b).

[0038] Furthermore, if the period information (space number X) associated with the virtual space Sv is the first period information (for example, X=n) and the period information (item number Y) associated with the object is the third period information (Y=n+1) that is later than the first period information (if the virtual space Sv is older than the excavation item Gp), the object becomes unusable within the virtual space. The above configuration will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 6(a).

[0039] Alternatively to the above configuration, if the period information (space number X) associated with the virtual space Sv is the first period information (for example, X=n) and the period information (item number Y) associated with the object is the third period information (Y=n+1) that is later than the first period information (if the virtual space Sv is older than the excavation item Gp), the effect of using the object in the virtual space may be limited (the number of excavation attempts N is increased) compared to when the period information associated with the virtual space Sv and the period information associated with the object satisfy a predetermined condition (X=Y).

[0040] The status improvement means 14 improves the status of the object (durability of the excavation item Gp) at a predetermined opportunity (use of the gemstone item Gs, consumption of the token T). Specifically, the objects include a first object (excavation item Gpn) and a second object (excavation item Gpn+1) that is released to the user after the first object. The amount of improvement in the status of the first object is more disadvantageous to the user if the opportunity occurs during a period after the second object is released than if the opportunity occurs during a period before the second object is released. The above configuration will be described in detail using FIG. 8(b).

[0041] The object (digging item Gp) is linked to meta-information that indicates the characteristics of the object (for example, total mining volume), and can be traded as a non-fungible digital asset (NFT item) using blockchain technology. When the object is used in a virtual space that was opened at the same time as the object among the sequentially opened virtual spaces, it is easier to improve the meta-information of the object (easier to improve the total mining volume) compared to when the object is used in a virtual space that was opened at a different time. The above configuration will be explained in detail using Figures 7(a) and 7(b) below.

[0042] FIG. 4(a) is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the play screen Mp of this embodiment. A virtual space Sv and a user character Gu are displayed on the play screen Mp. The user character Gu represents a user in the virtual space Sv. As will be described in detail later, the user can select one of multiple types of virtual spaces Sv (see FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) described later). The virtual space Sv selected by the user is displayed on the play screen Mp.

[0043] The play screen Mp is displayed by switching between either a movement mode or an excavation mode. For example, the specific example in FIG. 4(a) assumes the play screen Mp in the movement mode. The user character Gu moves in the virtual space Sv in response to the operation of the operation device 105 (e.g., a keyboard) described above. While the user character Gu moves in the virtual space Sv, the play screen Mp is displayed in the movement mode.

[0044] The virtual space Sv includes a mine object Gm. The above mine object Gm includes a plurality of excavable areas. The excavable areas of the mine object Gm are areas that can be excavated using excavation items Gp. The user can excavate the mine object Gm using the excavation items Gp by moving the user character Gu to one of the excavable areas and performing a predetermined operation (hereinafter referred to as an "excavation operation"). For example, a left click of the mouse (operation device 105) can be used as the above excavation operation.

[0045] By digging the mine object Gm, an ore object Go (see FIG. 4(b) described later) may be excavated. Note that an excavable area in the mine object Gm may be notified in response to an operation of the operation device 105 (for example, a right click of the mouse). When an excavation operation is performed during a period in which the play screen Mp is displayed in the movement mode, the play screen Mp switches to the excavation mode.

[0046] FIG. 4(b) is a specific example of the play screen Mp in excavation mode. On the play screen Mp in excavation mode, the mine object Gm is displayed in an enlarged scale compared to the play screen Mp in the movement mode described above. As described above, when an excavation operation is performed during the period when the play screen Mp in excavation mode is displayed, the mine object Gm is excavated. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4(b), an excavation position P is set on the play screen Mp in excavation mode. When an excavation operation is performed, a portion of the excavable area located at the excavation position P is excavated (collapsed) by the excavation item Gp.

[0047] The user can excavate the entire excavable area by repeatedly performing excavation operations on the excavable area. Note that, as will be described in detail later, depending on the relationship between the release time T (space number X) of the virtual space Sv (mine object Gm) and the release time T (item number Y) of the excavation item Gp, the mine object Gm may not be excavated (will not collapse) in a single excavation operation. In such cases, the number of excavation operations required to excavate the entire excavable area will be greater than when the mine object Gm can be excavated in a single excavation operation.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4(b), an ore object Go may be excavated from within the excavable area of ​​the mine object Gm. However, depending on the excavable area, an ore object Go may not be excavated. When excavation in the excavable area is completed, the user moves the user character Gu to excavate another excavable area. In this embodiment, approximately 30 ore objects Go can be excavated from one virtual space Sv.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4(b), either a pyroxene item Gs or a gem item Gj is hidden inside the ore object G0. With the above configuration, when the ore object G0 is discovered, it is possible to conceal from the user whether the ore object G0 contains a pyroxene item Gs or a gem item Gj.

[0050] By digging the ore object Go, the user can obtain a pyroxene item Gs or a gem item Gj from the ore object Go. The ore object Go is displayed in a manner that allows it to be distinguished from the mine object Gm. For example, the mine object Gm is colored the same as natural rock or soil (brown), while the ore object Go is colored blue.

[0051] Gemstone items Gj are items that can be converted into NFTs. After being converted into NFTs, the above-mentioned gemstone items Gj can be exchanged for utility tokens of other users in the marketplace Mp described below. As described above, approximately 30 ore objects G0 are excavated from one virtual space Sv. In this embodiment, of the approximately 30 ore objects G0, approximately three ore objects G0 contain gemstone objects Gj, and the remaining ore objects G0 contain pyroxene items Gs. In other words, gemstone items Gj are rarer items than pyroxene items Gs.

[0052] The pyroxene items Gs can be exchanged for a predetermined utility token (hereinafter referred to as "token T"). Specifically, at a predetermined time (for example, 3:00 PM), tokens T corresponding to the number of pyroxene items Gs possessed by the user are sent to the user's wallet. Note that instead of a configuration in which tokens T are automatically sent to the wallet in exchange for pyroxene items Gs, a configuration in which the user can manually exchange pyroxene items Gs for tokens T at any time may be adopted. Furthermore, although the present embodiment employs a configuration in which pyroxene items Gs cannot be converted into NFTs, a configuration in which pyroxene items Gs can be converted into NFTs may also be adopted.

[0053] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the transaction flow of NFT items (Gp, Gj) and tokens T in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, a virtual space Sv and excavation items Gp are provided (released) to each user by a game operator Mc (S1 in Figure 5). Specifically, the virtual space Sv and excavation items Gp are released to each user at predetermined intervals (for example, approximately every six months).

[0054] User Ua can exchange tokens T in his / her wallet Wa for excavation items Gp (S2 and S3 in FIG. 5). As described above, users can obtain tokens T in exchange for pyroxene items Gs. However, tokens T can also be obtained at publicly known cryptocurrency exchanges. For example, a user who first starts the NFT game of this embodiment does not have pyroxene items Gs, so he / she obtains tokens T using legal tender at an exchange and then obtains excavation items Gp in exchange for the tokens T.

[0055] A user Ua who possesses an excavation item Gp can play the game in the virtual space Sv (S4 in FIG. 5). That is, by acquiring the excavation item Gp, the user can participate in mining for gem items Gj. In the virtual space Sv, a mine object Gm is excavated using the excavation item Gp, and gem items Gj and pyroxene items Gs are obtained (S5 in FIG. 5).

[0056] In this embodiment, when a gem item Gj is acquired, the gem item Gj has not yet been converted into an NFT. After acquiring the gem item Gj, the user can execute a procedure to convert the gem item Gj into an NFT (S6 in FIG. 5). For example, the gem item Gj is converted into an NFT when it is put up for sale on the marketplace Mp. When the gem item Gj is converted into an NFT, the gem item Gj is sent to the user's wallet W.

[0057] NFT items acquired in the virtual space Sv (including items converted into NFTs after acquisition) can be put up for sale on the marketplace Mp. When putting up an item for sale on the marketplace Mp, users can set the number of tokens T that can be exchanged for the NFT item (they can set a price). However, the number of tokens T that can be exchanged for the NFT item may be variable using an auction system. The marketplace Mp is managed by the game operator Mc. However, the marketplace Mp may also be configured so that NFT items can be put up for sale on publicly known marketplaces managed by parties other than the game operator Mc.

[0058] For example, in the specific example of FIG. 5, it is assumed that user Ua puts up a gem item Gj on marketplace Mp (S7 in FIG. 5). It is also assumed that another user Ub purchases user Ua's gem item Gj. In the above case, the gem item Gj is sent from user Ua's wallet Wa to user Ub's wallet Wb (S8 in FIG. 5). Furthermore, tokens T are sent from user Ub's wallet Wb to user Ua's wallet Wa (S9 in FIG. 5). When an NFT item is resold to another user, a predetermined number of tokens T are sent to game operator Mc's wallet. In other words, when an NFT item is resold, game operator Mc receives royalties.

[0059] In the NFT game of this embodiment, multiple types of gem items Gj with different features (color, shape, size) are acquired. Furthermore, the total number of gem items Gj that can be excavated from the virtual space Sv may differ depending on the type of gem item Gj. That is, each gem item Gj has a different rarity. Therefore, some gem items Gj (for example, rare gem items Gj with beautiful colors) may be traded for more tokens T than other gem items Gj. Note that the gem items Gj may be converted into NFTs at the time of acquisition and sent to the user's wallet W.

[0060] Excavation items Gp, like gem items Gj, can be traded with other users in the marketplace Mp. Specifically, there is an upper limit on the number of excavation items Gp released by the game operator Mc in one release period T. Therefore, excavation items Gp released by the game operator Mc may sell out. However, even after the excavation items Gp at the game operator Mc are sold out, excavation items Gp can still be acquired from other users in exchange for tokens T in the marketplace Mp.

[0061] Each excavation item Gp released at the same time is assigned a common item number Y. Also, there is a limit to the number of virtual spaces Sv that can be released at one release time T. Each user acquires the right to excavate gem items Gj in the virtual space Sv in exchange for tokens T. Each virtual space Sv released at the same time is assigned a common space number X.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, even users who do not use excavation items Gp (for example, users who do not have the right to excavate virtual spaces Sv) may be able to resell excavation items Gp to other users by purchasing them from the game operator Mc. This may create an incentive to purchase excavation items Gp for speculative purposes. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an upper limit is set on the number of virtual spaces Sv that can be supplied, so that a practical upper limit can be set on the number of gem items Gj that can be excavated. The above-described configuration makes it easier to maintain the value of gem items Gj as NFT items.

[0063] Incidentally, even in conventional games that do not provide NFT items, new items may be released periodically (similar to the excavation item Gp of this embodiment). In the conventional technology described above, the performance of a newly released item (for example, the attack power of a weapon item) may be improved compared to older items that have already been released. The above configuration can increase users' motivation to acquire newly released items. However, when the above configuration is adopted, new items with improved performance compared to older items are continually released, so the utility value of older items in the game continues to decline.

[0064] However, there are circumstances in which NFT items are purchased for speculative purposes in the hope that their value will increase in the future. Let us assume a configuration in which the utility value of excavation items Gp, which are NFT items, in a game continues to decrease with each release of a new excavation item Gp. This configuration may cause the inconvenience of making it difficult for excavation items Gp to be purchased for speculative purposes. Taking the above circumstances into consideration, this embodiment employs a configuration capable of suppressing the above inconvenience.

[0065] 6(a) and 6(b) are diagrams for explaining a specific example of a configuration for maintaining the value of an excavation item Gp, which is an NFT item. As described above, the virtual space Sv and the excavation item Gp are released at predetermined intervals (for example, approximately every six months). Specifically, when a new virtual space Sv is released (at the same time), a new excavation item Gp is ​​released.

[0066] In this embodiment, a space number X is assigned to each virtual space SV. The space number X of a virtual space SV indicates the order in which the virtual space SV was released. For example, the first virtual space SV released is assigned the space number "1" (X=1). An item number Y is assigned to each excavation item GP. The item number Y of the excavation item GP is the same as the space number X of a virtual space SV released at the same time as the excavation item GP. For example, an excavation item GP released at the same time as a virtual space SV with space number "n" (n is a positive integer) is assigned the item number "n" (X=Y=n). However, the space number X of a virtual space SV is not limited to the above example, as long as it is possible to determine the release time T of the virtual space SV. The same applies to the item number Y of the excavation item GP.

[0067] 6(a) shows a specific example of a virtual space Sv and a release time T for an excavation item Gp. The specific example in FIG. 6(a) assumes that the (n-1)th virtual space Svn-1 (X=n-1) is released at release time Tn-1. It also assumes that an excavation item Gpn-1 (Y=n-1) is released at the same time as the virtual space Svn-1.

[0068] 6(a), it is assumed that the nth virtual space Svn (X=n) and excavation item Gpn (Y=n) are released at release time Tn after release period Tn-1. It is also assumed that the n+1th virtual space Svn+1 (X=n+1) and excavation item Gpn+1 (Y=n+1) are released at release time Tn+1 after release period Tn.

[0069] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6(a), there are virtual spaces Sv in which the use of some excavation items Gp is ​​prohibited. Specifically, an excavation item Gp can be used in virtual spaces Sv released at the same time as the excavation item Gp and in virtual spaces Sv released after the excavation item Gp (newer than the excavation item Gp). On the other hand, an excavation item Gp cannot be used in virtual spaces Sv released before the excavation item Gp (older than the excavation item Gp).

[0070] For example, in the specific example of Figure 6(a), an excavation item Gpn released at release time Tn can be used in a virtual space Svn released at the same release time Tn, and in a virtual space Svn+1 released at release time Tn+1, which is later than release time Tn. On the other hand, an excavation item Gpn released at release time Tn cannot be used in a virtual space Svn-1 released at release time Tn-1, which is earlier than release time Tn. Similarly, an excavation item Gpn+1 released at release time Tn+1 cannot be used in a virtual space Svn-1 released at release time Tn-1, which is earlier than release time Tn+1, or in a virtual space Svn released at release time Tn.

[0071] As described above, the excavation items Gp are used in the virtual space Sv to excavate the mine object Gm. Specifically, the mine object Gm is destroyed by the excavation items Gp in response to the user's excavation operations (mouse clicks). Hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, the number of excavation operations required to destroy the mine object Gm once may be referred to as the "excavation count N." The above excavation count N may change depending on the virtual space Sv in which the excavation items Gp are used.

[0072] For example, if the number of digging times N is 1, the mine object Gm will collapse with each digging operation. On the other hand, if the number of digging times N is 2, the mine object Gm will not collapse with the first digging operation, but will collapse with the second digging operation. For example, assume that the mine object Gm needs to be dismantled M times (M is a natural number) before a gem item Gj (ore object Gо) is excavated. In the above case, if the number of digging times N is 1, the gem item Gj can be excavated with M digging operations. On the other hand, if the number of digging times N is 2, twice as many digging operations (M × 2) will be required. As can be understood from the above explanation, the fewer the number of digging times N, the more efficiently the gem item Gj can be excavated.

[0073] As described above, an excavation item Gp can also be used in a newer (later released) virtual space Sv. However, let us assume a configuration (hereinafter referred to as a "comparison") in which the number of excavation times N is the same when excavating with an excavation item Gp older than the virtual space Sv and when excavating with an excavation item Gp released at the same time as the virtual space Sv. In the comparison, the efficiency of the gem item Gj excavation work does not change when a new excavation item Gp is ​​used and when an old excavation item Gp is ​​used. Therefore, some users may not feel the need for a new excavation item Gp, which may cause the inconvenience of not trying to obtain a new excavation item Gp. This embodiment employs a configuration that can mitigate the above inconvenience. The above configuration will be described in detail below.

[0074] FIG. 6(b) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the number of times N excavation has been performed. In this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the number of times N excavation has been performed changes depending on the combination of the space number X of the virtual space Sv and the item number Y of the excavation item Gp. Specifically, the number of times N excavation has been performed is determined using the formula "N=X-Y+1". "X" in the above formula refers to the space number X of the virtual space Sv. Furthermore, "Y" in the formula refers to the item number Y of the excavation item Gp used in the virtual space Sv.

[0075] As mentioned above, an excavation item Gp cannot be used in a virtual space Sv that was released before the excavation item Gp. In other words, the space number X in the above formula is equal to or greater than the item number Y (X≧Y). In the above configuration, the number of times N an excavation item Gp has been excavated is smallest (1 time) in a virtual space Sv (X=Y) that was released at the same time as the excavation item Gp. On the other hand, the number of times N an excavation item Gp has been excavated increases in virtual spaces Sv that were released later than the excavation item Gp.

[0076] For example, the number of excavation times N for an excavation item Gpn-1 (Y=n-1) with item number "n-1" is "1" in the virtual space Svn-1 (X=n-1) with space number "n-1" that was released at the same time (N=(n-1)-(n-1)+1=1). On the other hand, in the virtual space Svn (X=n) that was released one release time T after the excavation item Gpn-1, if the excavation item Gpn-1 (Y=n-1) is used, the number of excavation times N will be "2" (N=(n)-(n-1)+1=2). In the above virtual space Svn, if the excavation item Gpn (Y=n) released at the same time (release time Tn) is used, the number of excavation times N will be "1" (N=n-n+1=1).

[0077] Similarly, in virtual space Svn+1 (X=n+1), whose release time T is two times later than excavation item Gpn-1, the number of excavations N will be "3 times" if excavation item Gpn-1 is used. In the above virtual space Svn+1, using excavation item Gpn+1 (Y=n+1) will make the number of excavations N "1 time." Also, in virtual space Svn+1, using excavation item Gpn (Y=n) will make the number of excavations N "2 times."

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, each time a virtual space Sv is released, the user's motivation to obtain a new excavation item Gp (an excavation item Gp with the smallest number of excavation times N) released at the same time can be increased. Furthermore, as described above, in the virtual space Sv, excavation items Gp released at a later time T than the virtual space Sv cannot be used. With the above configuration, even after other excavation items Gp are newly released, each excavation item Gp maintains its status as an item that can most efficiently excavate treasure items Gp in virtual spaces Sv released at the same time as the excavation item Gp. Therefore, there is an advantage in that the above-described inconvenience of excavation items Gp being difficult to purchase for speculative reasons is suppressed.

[0079] 7(a) and 7(b) are schematic diagrams of specific examples of the selection screen Ms. The user can select a virtual space Sv in which to excavate a treasure item Gj from the selection screen Ms. Specifically, the selection screen Ms provides a selection area R corresponding to each virtual space Sv for which the user has acquired the right to excavate. When a selection area R is selected, mining can begin in the virtual space Sv corresponding to the selection area R.

[0080] The specific example in Figure 7(a) assumes that selection area Rn-1, selection area Rn, and selection area Rn+1 are displayed. Selection area Rn-1 corresponds to virtual space Svn-1 with space number "n-1." Similarly, selection area Rn corresponds to virtual space Svn with space number "n," and selection area Rn+1 corresponds to virtual space Svn+1 with space number "n+1." The same applies to Figure 7(b), which will be described later.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 7(a), the selection area R displays the "name" and "hardness" of the virtual space Sv corresponding to the selection area R. The hardness of the virtual space Sv is displayed according to the space number X (release time T) of the virtual space Sv. Specifically, the larger the space number X of the virtual space Sv, the greater the hardness of the virtual space Sv. In other words, the more recent the release time T of the virtual space Sv, the greater the hardness. The hardness of the virtual space Sv described above serves as an indication of the release time (new or old) of the virtual space Sv.

[0082] In addition to the selection area R, the selection area R displays the excavation item Gp that the user plans to use. The user can select the excavation item Gp that they plan to use in the virtual space Sv by appropriately operating the terminal device 20. In the specific example of FIG. 7(a), it is assumed that an excavation item Gpn with item number "n" is selected from among the excavation items Gp. In the above case, the excavation item Gpn is set as the excavation item Gp that can be used in the virtual space Sv.

[0083] The selection screen Ms displays the "mining power" and "durability" of the excavation item Gp selected by the user. The "durability" of the excavation item Gp decreases each time an excavation operation is performed in the virtual space Sv. Specifically, when the excavation item Gp hits a mine object Gm, the durability of the excavation item Gp decreases regardless of whether the mine object Gm collapses or not.

[0084] When the durability of the excavation item Gp is ​​reduced to the value "0", the excavation item Gp is ​​destroyed and it becomes impossible to excavate the mine object Gm. As will be described in detail later, the durability of the excavation item Gp can be restored before it is destroyed (see FIG. 8(a)).

[0085] The "mining power" of an excavation item Gp is ​​displayed according to the item number Y (release time T) of the excavation item Gp. Specifically, the mining power of an excavation item Gp is ​​equal to or greater than the hardness of a virtual space Sv released at the same time as the excavation item Gp, but is less than the hardness of a virtual space Sv released after the excavation item Gp. For example, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the mining power (2000) of an excavation item Gpn selected by a user is equal to or greater than the hardness (2000) of a virtual space Svn released at the same time, but is less than the hardness (3000) of a virtual space Svn+1 released later.

[0086] As described above, the number of times N that an excavation item Gp has been excavated is the smallest (1 time) among virtual spaces Sv released around the same time, and is higher for virtual spaces Sv released later than the excavation item Gp. In the present embodiment described above, the number of times N that an excavation item Gp has been excavated is the smallest (1 time) in a virtual space Sv whose hardness is equal to or less than the excavation power of the excavation item Gp. Therefore, the user can identify the virtual space Sv with the smallest number of times N that an excavation item Gp has been excavated by comparing the excavation power of the excavation item Gp displayed on the selection screen Ms with the hardness of the virtual space Sv.

[0087] Furthermore, as described above, an excavation item Gp cannot be used in a virtual space Sv whose release time T is older than that of the excavation item Gp. Taking the above into consideration, on the selection screen Ms, in the selection area R corresponding to a virtual space Sv that is older than the excavation item Gp selected by the user, the string "Not playable" is displayed instead of the hardness of that virtual space Sv.

[0088] For example, in the specific example of FIG. 7(a), it is assumed that the user selects the excavation item Gpn released at release time Tn. In this case, the virtual space Svn-1 released at release time Tn-1, which is prior to release time Tn, cannot be selected. In the specific example of FIG. 7(a), the selection area Rn-1 corresponding to the virtual space Svn-1 displays the text "Not playable." This configuration has the advantage of making it easy to identify the virtual spaces Sv that cannot be selected.

[0089] The selection screen Ms may be configured to display the item number Y of the excavation item Gp instead of the digging power, and the space number X of the virtual space Sv directly instead of the hardness. Even with the above configuration, it is possible to grasp from the selection screen Ms the virtual space Sv in which the number of excavation attempts N is minimum (the virtual space Sv in which the item number Y of the excavation item Gp used matches the space number X). However, with the above configuration, some users may find the selection screen Ms less interesting. According to this embodiment, the interest of the selection screen Ms can be improved compared to a configuration in which the space number X and item number Y are directly displayed.

[0090] As shown in Figure 7(a), the selection screen Ms has a button Bx and a button By. When the button Bx is selected, the selected excavation item Gp is ​​put up for sale on the marketplace Mp. When the button By is selected, the selected excavation item Gp can be changed to another excavation item Gp.

[0091] The selection screen Ms also displays the "total mining volume" of the selected excavation item Gp. The total mining volume of the excavation item Gp increases the more times the mine object Gm is broken down with that excavation item Gp. In other words, the total mining volume of the excavation item Gp is ​​added each time the excavation operation reaches the number of excavation times N. In this embodiment, in addition to the type of excavation item Gp, the item number Y, mining power, current durability, and total mining volume of that excavation item Gp are stored as the above-mentioned metadata.

[0092] In the Marketplace MP, users can check the metadata of the mining item GP before purchasing it. For example, a mining item GP with the highest total mining volume ever may be traded at a high price regardless of its utility in the NFT game.

[0093] As described above, in this embodiment, when an excavation item Gp is ​​used in a virtual space Sv released at the same time as the excavation item Gp, it is easier to efficiently destroy the mine object Gm compared to when the excavation item Gp is ​​used in a virtual space Sv released at a different time from the excavation item Gp. In other words, when the excavation item Gp is ​​used in a virtual space Sv released at the same time as the excavation item Gp, it is easier to increase the total mining volume. The above configuration can also be said to make it easier to increase the value of the excavation item Gp as an NFT item when the excavation item Gp is ​​used in a virtual space Sv released at the same time as the excavation item Gp. However, the total mining volume may not be included in the metadata.

[0094] Even excavation items GP with reduced durability can be traded on the marketplace MP. However, excavation items GP with no reduced durability are more likely to be valued as NFT items than excavation items GP with reduced durability.

[0095] Even if the excavation item Gp is ​​broken and its durability is set to "0", it can be traded in the marketplace Mp. Furthermore, even if the excavation item Gp is ​​broken, it can be used (wielded) by the user character Gu in the virtual space Sv. However, if the excavation item Gp is ​​broken, it cannot be used to excavate the mine object Gm.

[0096] FIG. 7(b) is a diagram illustrating another specific example of the selection screen Ms. As described above, the older the excavation item Gp is ​​relative to the virtual space Sv, the greater the number of excavation times N in that virtual space Sv. The number of excavation times N is determined using the formula "N=X-Y+1." In other words, the greater the difference (XY) between the space number X and the item number Y, the greater the number of excavation times N.

[0097] Now, let us assume a configuration in which the use of an excavation item Gp with an excessively large number of excavation times N is permitted. In such a configuration, the inconvenience of unnecessarily wasting the user's time may occur. In consideration of the above circumstances, in this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the virtual space Sv in which the number of excavation times N is greater than a predetermined number (for example, 5 times) cannot be selected.

[0098] In the specific example of Figure 7(b), it is assumed that the user has selected an excavation item Gpn-m (m is an integer greater than or equal to 4). The above excavation item Gpn-m has the item number "nm". Therefore, if the excavation item Gpn-m is available in the virtual space Svn+1, the number of excavations N will be 6 or more (N = (n+1) - (nm) + 1 = m+2 ≧ 6). In this embodiment, virtual spaces Sv where the number of excavations N is greater than 5 are configured to be unselectable. Therefore, in the specific example of Figure 7(b), because the excavation item Gpn-m has been selected, a message is displayed indicating that the virtual space Svn+1 is unselectable.

[0099] In this embodiment, the excavation item Gpn used in the virtual space Sv cannot be changed while the virtual space Sv is displayed on the play screen Mp and the game is progressing. However, the excavation item Gpn used may be changed while the game is progressing in the virtual space Sv. In the above configuration, it is preferable that the excavation item Gpn be prohibited from being changed to a newer excavation item Gpn than that in the virtual space Sv even while the game is progressing in the virtual space Sv. It is also preferable that the excavation item Gpn be prohibited from being changed to a newer excavation item Gpn than that in the virtual space Sv even while the game is progressing in the virtual space Sv.

[0100] FIG. 8(a) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of changes (consumption, recovery) in the durability of an excavation item Gpn. As described above, in this embodiment, the durability of an excavation item Gp decreases each time an excavation item Gp is ​​used (each time an excavation operation is performed). Specifically, the maximum value (initial value) of the durability of an excavation item Gp is ​​the same (numeric value "100") regardless of the type of excavation item Gp. When an excavation operation is performed, a mine parameter is subtracted from the durability of the excavation item Gp.

[0101] The above mining parameters are set variably for each virtual space SV. In other words, the number of excavation operations until an excavation item GP breaks may differ for each virtual space SV. For example, in a virtual space SV with a large mining parameter, the excavation item GP is more likely to break. The above configuration can also be said to mean that in a virtual space SV with a large mining parameter, many excavation items GP may be required to obtain a gem item Gj. However, as mentioned above, there is an upper limit to the number of excavation items GP that can be supplied. In the above configuration, an excavation item GP with the smallest number of excavation times N in a virtual space SV with a large mining parameter will be in higher demand than other excavation items GP, and will likely have a higher value as an NFT item.

[0102] As described above, the durability of an excavation item Gp can be restored by consuming a predetermined number of tokens T. Note that instead of (or in addition to) consuming tokens T, the durability of an excavation item Gp may be restored at predetermined intervals (for example, once a day). Also, a gemstone item Gp may be used as an item to restore the durability of an excavation item Gp. However, as will be described in detail later, the amount of restoration of the durability of an excavation item Gp varies depending on the newness of the excavation item Gp. If the excavation item Gp is ​​old, its durability may not be restored to its maximum value in one go.

[0103] FIG. 8(a) shows the durability (0 to 100) of the excavation item Gp at each time point (step S). As shown in FIG. 8(a), when an excavation operation is performed to excavate a gem item Gj, the durability of the excavation item Gp decreases (S1 in FIG. 8(a)). Furthermore, when an excavation operation is performed in the virtual space Sv, a pyroxene object Gs may be discovered in addition to the treasure item Gj (S2 in FIG. 8(a)). As described above, the pyroxene object Gs is exchanged for a token T (S3 in FIG. 8(a)). The user can restore the durability of the excavation item Gp by using the token T obtained in exchange for the pyroxene object Gs (S4 in FIG. 8(a)). By restoring the durability of the excavation item Gp, the user can continue the excavation work of the gem item Gj in the virtual space Sv (return to S1).

[0104] However, in a configuration in which the durability of an excavation item Gp can be restored with a token T, some users may use the token T only to restore the excavation item Gp and not use the token T to purchase a new excavation item Gp. Therefore, even if a new excavation item Gp is ​​released, it may be difficult to purchase the excavation item Gp. In consideration of the above circumstances, this embodiment employs a configuration that can suppress the above inconvenience. The above configuration will be described in detail using FIG. 8(b).

[0105] FIG. 8(b) is a conceptual diagram of a recovery amount table. As described above, a combination of a virtual space Sv and an excavation item Gp is ​​released at each release time T. For the sake of explanation, the period from the nth release time Tn to the n+1th release time Tn+1 may be referred to as the "nth season." The latest season may also be referred to as the "current season." For example, if the current season is the nth season, the excavation item Gpn with item number "n" is the latest excavation item Gp.

[0106] In this embodiment, the older the excavation item Gp, the smaller the recovery amount of that excavation item Gp, even if the same number of tokens T are consumed. For example, when the current season is the n-1st season (when the excavation item Gpn-1 is the latest excavation item Gp), the durability of the excavation item Gpn-1 with item number "n-1" is recovered by a value of "100" all at once. In other words, the durability is fully recovered. Note that even if the value obtained by adding the recovery amount exceeds the maximum value of the durability, the durability will not exceed the maximum value.

[0107] On the other hand, if the current season is the nth season (if the excavation item Gpn-1 is not the latest excavation item Gp), as shown in Figure 6(b), the recovery amount of the excavation item Gpn-1 will be the value "50". Therefore, if the durability of the excavation item Gpn-1 is less than the value "50", in order to fully restore its durability, it is necessary to consume tokens T twice to restore its durability. In other words, compared to fully restoring the latest excavation item Gpn, fully restoring an excavation item Gp from the season one season before (older) than the current season may require twice as many tokens T. Also, as can be seen from Figure 6(b), the durability of an excavation item Gp from two seasons before the current season will only be restored by the value "30" even if tokens T are consumed.

[0108] As described above, in this embodiment, the older the excavation item Gp, the less durability it can recover, so the number of times it needs to be recovered must be increased to fully recover its durability. Therefore, the older the excavation item Gp, the more tokens T it will take to fully recover its durability. In the above configuration, some users may think it is better to spend tokens T to purchase a new excavation item Gp than to spend many tokens T to fully recover an old excavation item Gp. Therefore, even if the configuration allows the durability of excavation items Gp to be restored, the inconvenience of making it difficult to purchase new excavation items Gp is ​​suppressed.

[0109] Fig. 9(a) is a flowchart of the process executed by the management device 10. For example, when an operation for displaying the above-mentioned selection screen Ms (see Figs. 7(a) and 7(b)) is executed on the terminal device 20 side, the management device 10 starts the process shown in Fig. 9(a). Note that each step of the above process may be executed by the management device 10 and the terminal device 20 in cooperation with each other, or may be executed by the terminal device 20. The same applies to the process shown in Fig. 9(b) described below.

[0110] Specifically, when displaying the selection screen Ms, the management device 10 calculates the number of excavations N (N=X-Y+1) for each virtual space Sv to be displayed on the selection screen Ms (S101). Furthermore, for each virtual space Sv, it is determined whether the calculation result in step S101 exceeds a predetermined number (e.g., 5 times) (S102). If there is a virtual space Sv for which the number of excavations N exceeds 5 (S102: Yes), it is determined that the selection area R corresponding to that virtual space Sv is to be displayed in an unplayable mode (S103), and the process proceeds to step S104. As described above, the character string "UNPLAYABLE" is displayed in the unplayable selection area R (see FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) above). On the other hand, if there is no virtual space Sv for which the number of excavations N exceeds 5 (S102: No), step S103 is omitted and the process proceeds to step S104.

[0111] In step S104, it is determined whether or not there exists a virtual space Sv for which the calculation result in step S101 is equal to or less than the numerical value "0." In the above step S104, if a virtual space Sv older than the excavation item Gp selected by the user is displayed on the selection screen Ms, the determination is "Yes."

[0112] If a virtual space Sv older than the excavation item Gp selected by the user is displayed on the selection screen Ms, it is determined that the selection area R corresponding to the virtual space Sv is displayed in an unplayable mode (S105), and the process shown in Figure 9(a) ends. On the other hand, if a virtual space Sv older than the excavation item Gp selected by the user is not displayed on the selection screen Ms (S104: No), step S105 is omitted, and the process shown in Figure 9(a) ends.

[0113] Fig. 9(b) is a flowchart of another process executed by the management device 10. The management device 10 executes the process shown in Fig. 9(b) when a game (mining) is started in the virtual space Sv. Specifically, when a selection operation is performed on the selection area R on the selection screen Ms, the process shown in Fig. 9(b) is executed.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 9(b), when the game (mining) starts in the virtual space Sv, an effect determination process (S201) is executed. In the effect determination process described above, the number of times N to excavate is determined based on the space number X of the virtual space Sv where the game starts and the item number Y of the excavation item Gp used in the virtual space Sv. After the number of times N to excavate is determined, excavation can be started (302), and the process shown in FIG. 9(b) ends. Specifically, a play screen Mp displaying the virtual space Sv and the user character Gu begins to be displayed, and the game can proceed in the virtual space Sv.

[0115] <Modification> The above embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments selected from the following examples can be combined as appropriate.

[0116] (1) In each embodiment, a level may be set for the user character Gu. For example, by excavating a mine object Gm, the user character Gu is granted experience points. When the total experience points reach a predetermined threshold, the level of the user character Gu may be increased. Also, when a special object is discovered in the mine object Gm, a large amount of experience points may be granted to the user character Gu.

[0117] As the level of the user character Gu increases, the time interval between hitting the mine object Gm with the excavation item Gp (the time interval between excavation operations) may be shortened. Also, as the level of the user character Gu increases, items other than the excavation item Gp may be available in the virtual space Sv. As such an item, an item (dynamite) that can destroy a wider area of ​​the mine object Gm at once than the excavation item Gp (pickaxe) may be adopted.

[0118] (2) In each embodiment, the durability of the excavation item Gp may decrease when the mine object Gm is excavated, but the durability of the excavation item Gp may not decrease when the ore object Go (see FIG. 4(a) above) is excavated. Let us assume a configuration in which the durability of the excavation item Gp decreases when the ore object Go is excavated. In this configuration, a situation may arise in which the excavation item Gp breaks just when it is close to obtaining a gem item Gj or a gemstone item Gs. By adopting a configuration in which the durability of the excavation item Gp does not decrease when the ore object Go is excavated, the above situation can be prevented.

[0119] In addition, in each embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the older the excavation item Gp, the greater the number of excavation operations N (the number of excavation operations required to excavate the mine object Gm). In the above configuration, the number of excavation operations required to excavate a gem item Gj or a pyroxene item Gs from the ore object Go may be configured to be constant (for example, one time) regardless of the number of excavation operations N required to excavate the mine object Gm. In the above configuration, the durability of the excavation item Gp may also be configured not to decrease when excavating the ore object Go.

[0120] (3) In each embodiment, an "excavation item Gp" is given as an example of an "object" of the present invention, but the "object" of the present invention is not limited to the above example. For example, consider a game in which monsters appear in a virtual space and a user character defeats the monsters. In the above game, a weapon item used to attack the monster may be adopted as an "object" of the present invention.

[0121] Specifically, in the above games, for example, if the virtual space is released after the weapon item, the attack power of the weapon item in the virtual space may be reduced compared to when the virtual space and the weapon item are released at the same time. Furthermore, a recovery item that recovers the hit points of a user character may be used as the "object" of the present invention. For example, if the virtual space is released after the recovery item, the amount of recovery when the recovery item is used in the virtual space may be reduced compared to when the virtual space and the recovery item are released at the same time. Furthermore, the user character itself may be tradable as an NFT.

[0122] (4) In each embodiment, the status of the excavation item Gp may be improved. For example, a user can improve the maximum durability value (an example of a status) of the excavation item Gp in exchange for a predetermined number of tokens T. In the above configuration, it is preferable that the maximum durability value of the excavation item Gp is ​​stored in the metadata (data linked to the blockchain) of the excavation item Gp.

[0123] According to the above configuration, the value of the excavation item Gp as an NFT item can be increased. However, in the above modified example, it is preferable that the number of times N the excavation item Gp can be excavated cannot be reduced even when using tokens T. The same applies to the other embodiments. Note that a configuration may also be adopted in which a special item that increases the maximum value of the excavation item Gp can be acquired by progressing through the NFT game.

[0124] (5) In each embodiment, multiple blockchains generated by multiple types of blockchain protocols may be used. For example, a blockchain on which index data of the mining item Gp among NFT items is registered and a blockchain on which index data of the gem item Gj is registered may be separately provided. In the above configuration, the index data of the token T may be registered in one of the above blockchains, or may be registered in a different blockchain.

[0125] (6) In each embodiment, the type of gem item Gj excavated in each virtual space Sv can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, even if the type of gem item Gj is the same, the probability of excavation (the number of gem items Gj hidden) may be different for each virtual space Sv. For example, a virtual space Sv may be provided in which rare gem items Gj are relatively easy to excavate (including a virtual space Sv in which the gem item Gj is the only item excavated). In the above configuration, the excavation item Gp with the smallest number of excavation times N in the virtual space Sv will have a high value as an NFT item.

[0126] (7) In each form, a configuration may be adopted in which the excavation item Gp is ​​granted in a non-NFT state. For example, a user converts the excavation item Gp into an NFT when listing it on the marketplace MP. The excavation item Gp is ​​listed on the marketplace MP, with its status (such as durability) at the time of NFT as metadata. In the above configuration, the NFTed excavation item Gp may be configured to be unusable in the game.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the excavation item Gp may be configured to be NFT-enabled when predetermined conditions are met. For example, assume a configuration in which an in-game token that is not NFT-enabled is provided. In the above configuration, the excavation item Gp may be configured to be NFT-enabled by consuming a predetermined number of in-game tokens. Furthermore, when the status of the excavation item Gp is ​​strengthened by consuming a predetermined number of tokens T or in-game tokens, the excavation item Gp may be configured to be NFT-enabled.

[0128] Let's assume a configuration in which excavation items Gp are distributed free of charge. In this configuration, even users who do not participate in the NFT game at all can conceivably acquire tokens T by reselling the excavation items Gp distributed free of charge. The advantage of adopting a configuration in which excavation items Gp can be converted into NFTs on the condition that a predetermined number of tokens T are consumed is that the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suppressed.

[0129] The excavation item Gp may be configured to be converted into an NFT on the condition that a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 days) has passed since the excavation item Gp was granted. Also, the excavation item Gp may be configured to be resold on the condition that a predetermined period of time has passed since the excavation item Gp was converted into an NFT. With the above configuration, the inconvenience of excavation items Gp distributed free of charge being resold without being used at all in the virtual space Sv is suppressed.

[0130] In the above configuration, the (paid) excavation items Gp acquired in exchange for the tokens T may be immediately resold, while the excavation items Gp acquired free of charge may not be resold until a predetermined period has passed. Similarly, the gem items Gj may be granted in a non-NFT state, and may be converted into NFTs if the above conditions are met.

[0131] (8) In each of the above embodiments, a configuration may be adopted in which users are encouraged to consume gemstone items GS or tokens T in order to appropriately control the total amount of tokens T circulating in the market. For example, if a token T is consumed to restore the durability of an excavation item GP, the token T will no longer be circulated in the market. In consideration of the above, a configuration may be adopted in which the amount of restoration of the durability of an excavation item GP can be changed even when the same number of tokens T are used. For example, by reducing the amount of restoration when a token T is used, the number of tokens T required to fully restore the durability of an excavation item GP increases. Therefore, by reducing the amount of restoration when a token T is used, it is expected that more tokens T circulating in the market will be consumed. Similarly, a configuration may be adopted in which the amount of restoration when a gemstone item GS is used can be changed.

[0132] (9) In each embodiment, the “total mining volume” is used as the “metadata” of the object that is easy to improve when the object is used in a virtual space opened at the same time, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples.

[0133] For example, consider a game in which a user character defeats an enemy character. In the above game, each time an enemy character is defeated, the user character is granted experience points, and when the total experience points reach a predetermined value, the user character's level increases. As the user character's level increases, stronger enemy characters can be defeated. In the above variants, the user character may be configured to be tradeable as an NFT item. Furthermore, the level of the user character may be included as metadata associated with the user character. In other words, the "user character's level" may be adopted as the "meta information" of the present invention.

[0134] (10) In each embodiment, as a specific example of the configuration in which "the improvement amount of the first object's status is more disadvantageous to the user when the trigger occurs in the period after the second object is released than when the trigger occurs in the period before the second object is released," a configuration in which the recovery amount of an excavation item Gp released in an older season is smaller has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above specific example. For example, the older the season in which the weapon item was released, the smaller the improvement amount of the weapon item's status (level, durability).

[0135] (11) In each form, a scholarship system may be adopted. Specifically, a configuration may be adopted in which a user (owner) who owns an excavation item GP can lend the excavation item GP to another user (scholar). During the period in which the excavation item GP is lent to the scholar, the owner cannot use the excavation item GP. In the above configuration, when a scholar acquires tokens T, a portion of the tokens T (e.g., approximately 30 percent) is distributed to the scholar, and the remaining tokens (70 percent) are distributed to the owner.

[0136] In the above-described modified example, the number of times N of digging of the digging item Gp lent to the scalar changes depending on the virtual space Sv, as in the case where the digging item Gp is ​​used by the owner (see FIG. 6(b) of the first embodiment). Also, the recovery amount of the durability of the digging item Gp lent to the scalar changes depending on the current season (see FIG. 8(b) of the first embodiment).

[0137] (12) In each embodiment, a specific example of the present invention applied to an NFT game has been described. However, the present invention may be applied to games other than NFT games. For example, the present invention may be applied to games that do not include NFT items.

[0138] (13) In each embodiment, the means for notifying the virtual space Sv where the effect of the object is increased (the number of excavation times N is reduced) is not limited to an image display device. For example, the virtual space Sv where the effect of the object is increased may be notified by a speaker capable of outputting voice and sound. Furthermore, a head-mounted display may be adopted as the display device 201.

[0139] <Summary of the functions and effects of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention> <First aspect> The program of this aspect causes a computer (the management device 20 or the terminal device 20, or a combination of the above components) to function as an effect determination means (11) that determines the degree of effect of the object in the virtual space (the number of times N of excavation) based on period information associated with the virtual space (Sv) and period information associated with the object (excavation item Gp) used by the user in the virtual space. According to this aspect, the entertainment value of the service is improved.

[0140] <Second mode> In the second aspect of the program, when the period information associated with the virtual space and the period information associated with the object used by the user in the virtual space satisfy a predetermined condition (X=Y), the object exerts an advantageous effect in the virtual space (the number of excavation times N is minimized) compared to when the predetermined condition is not satisfied.

[0141] <Third and Fourth Aspects> The program of the third aspect further causes the computer to function as notification control means (12) that can notify the virtual space Sv that satisfies a predetermined condition in the above-described second aspect. Furthermore, the program of the fourth aspect limits the effect of using the object in the virtual space (increases the number of excavation times N; see FIG. 6(b)) when the period information associated with the virtual space Sv is first period information and the period information associated with the object is second period information that precedes the first period information, compared to when the period information associated with the virtual space and the period information associated with the object satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0142] <Fifth and Sixth Aspects> The program of the fifth aspect functions as the fourth aspect, in that the greater the time difference between the first period information and the second period information, the more restricted the effect that can be exerted. The program of the sixth aspect functions as the fifth aspect, in that if the time difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined period, the program functions as a use restriction means (13) that makes the object unusable in the virtual space and can notify the user of this fact.

[0143] <Seventh aspect> In this embodiment of the program, when the period information associated with the virtual space Sv is first period information and the period information associated with the object is third period information that comes after the first period information, the effect of using the object in the virtual space is limited (the number of excavation times N is increased) compared to when the period information associated with the virtual space and the period information associated with the object satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0144] <Eighth aspect> In this embodiment, if the period information associated with the virtual space Sv is first period information and the period information associated with the object is third period information that comes after the first period information, the program makes the object unusable within the virtual space (see Figure 6(a)).

[0145] <Ninth aspect> The program of this embodiment causes a computer to function as a status improvement means (14) that improves the status of an object (durability of an excavation item Gp) at a predetermined trigger, and the objects include a first object and a second object that is released to the user after the first object, and the amount of improvement in the status of the first object is more disadvantageous to the user if the trigger occurs in a period after the second object is released than if the trigger occurs in a period before the second object is released (see Figure 8(b)).

[0146] <Tenth aspect> The information processing system (1) of this aspect includes an effect determination means (11) that determines the degree of effect of the object in the virtual space based on period information associated with the virtual space Sv and period information associated with the object used by the user in the virtual space. According to this aspect, the same effects as those of the first aspect described above can be achieved.

[0147] The problem-solving means configured by the above-mentioned program (for example, each configuration described in the appendix) can be appropriately diverted to an apparatus, a system, a method, an information recording medium, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1...information processing system, 10...management device, 11...effect determination means, 12...notification control means, 13...usage restriction means, 14...status improvement means, 20...terminal device

Claims

1. A parameter associated with the object can exert a predetermined effect during a period of time in which the parameter is a predetermined value; The effect cannot be exerted during a period after the parameter is updated to a specific value different from the predetermined value, Even after the parameter has been updated to the specific value, the object can be transferred to other users as a non-fungible digital asset using blockchain technology. A program that makes a computer function as a control means.

2. The control means displays and enables the object in the virtual space for use even after the parameter has been updated to the specific value. The program according to claim 1.

3. the control means improves the parameter at a predetermined specific opportunity, The objects include a first object and a second object that is released to the user after the first object; The improvement amount of the parameter of the first object is more disadvantageous to the user when the specific opportunity occurs in a period after the second object is released than when the specific opportunity occurs in a period before the second object is released. The program according to claim 1.

4. The control means When the effect is achieved, an object that can be converted into a non-fungible digital asset using blockchain technology can be granted to the user, The number of times the effect can be exerted before the parameter reaches the specific value is extended in exchange for non-fungible digital assets using blockchain technology. The program according to claim 1.

5. A parameter associated with the object can exert a predetermined effect during a period of time in which the parameter is a predetermined value; The effect cannot be exerted during a period after the parameter is updated to a specific value different from the predetermined value, Even after the parameter has been updated to the specific value, the object can be transferred to other users as a non-fungible digital asset using blockchain technology. An information processing system having a control means.

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