Program, information processing method, and information processing device.

Abstract

By imposing certain restrictions on the game medium, we can provide a game system that is easier for users to enjoy. [Solution] The content management means 240 manages the number of NFT event rewards, which are rewards for events, that exist in the game. If the number of NFT event rewards in the game is less than the upper limit, it decides to execute a first event in which NFT event rewards can be obtained. If the number of NFT event rewards in the game is greater than or equal to the upper limit, it decides to execute a second event in which alternative event rewards, which are substitutes for NFT event rewards, can be obtained. The association means 224 associates information about the player ID that identifies the target player with information about the rewards. The NFT request means 226 sends the various information associated by the association means 224 to the NFT management server 3 and requests that an NFT be issued.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the technology of blockchain has advanced, and its application to various fields has been attempted. In this regard, according to Patent Document 1, a technology for improving the interest of players who play games using blockchain technology has been proposed (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, only the conventional technology including the technology described in Patent Document 1 above has only proposed an example of the application of blockchain technology to games, and there is still room for improvement in the application of blockchain technology to games.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and provides a game system that is more user-friendly by adding a predetermined restriction to a game medium.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a computer, a first processing means for associating an identifier for identifying the user with a predetermined game medium according to the result of game processing by the user's operation, a second processing means for executing processing related to a specification that makes it difficult to tamper with information related to the identifier and the game medium associated by the first processing means, A third processing means sets an upper limit on the number of identical game media within the game and performs processing to ensure that the number of identical game media within the game does not exceed the upper limit. This is a program that includes [this feature].

[0007] Furthermore, in the first aspect, The third processing means may perform a process that includes unassociating the user's identifier with the game medium when the in-game character corresponding to the user dies or becomes incapacitated.

[0008] Furthermore, in the first aspect, The third processing means may perform a process that includes unassociating the user's identifier with the game medium if the period during which the user has not played the game exceeds a predetermined period.

[0009] Furthermore, in the first aspect, The third processing means may execute a process that generates a situation in which the game medium can be newly acquired when the association between the user's identifier and the game medium is broken.

[0010] Furthermore, in the first aspect, The third processing means may perform processing that includes notifying the user or other users that the association between the user's identifier and the game medium has been broken.

[0011] Furthermore, in the first aspect, The third processing means may, when the association between the user's identifier and the game medium is broken, perform processing that includes changing the association between the game medium and the identifier to the former owner of the game medium or a predetermined in-game object.

[0012] Furthermore, in the first aspect, The third processing means may execute a process that changes the conditions under which a game medium can be acquired within the game if the number of game mediums of the same type within the game reaches the upper limit.

[0013] Furthermore, in the first aspect, The third processing means may, when the number of identical game media within the game reaches its upper limit, execute a process that grants a user who has met the conditions for acquiring the game media within the game the right to acquire the game media preferentially.

[0014] Furthermore, in the first aspect, The second processing means can perform processing that includes processing related to the NFT relating to the identifier associated by the first processing means and the information relating to the game medium.

[0015] A second aspect of the present invention is, A method of information processing performed by a computer. A first processing step involves associating an identifier that identifies the user with a predetermined game medium, based on the results of the game processing performed by the user. A second processing step performs processing related to specifications that make it difficult to tamper with the identifier and the information about the game medium associated by the first processing step, A third processing step involves setting an upper limit on the number of identical game media within the game and performing a process to ensure that the number of identical game media within the game does not exceed the upper limit. This is an information processing method that includes [something].

[0016] A third aspect of the present invention is, A first processing means associates an identifier that identifies the user with a predetermined game medium, in accordance with the result of the game processing performed by the user's actions. A second processing means for executing a process related to a specification that makes it difficult to tamper with the identifier associated by the first processing means and information regarding the game medium; A third processing means for setting an upper limit on the number of game media of the same type existing in the game and executing a process for preventing the number of game media of the same type in the game from exceeding the upper limit; An information processing apparatus comprising:

[0017] An information processing method and an information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention are also provided as an information processing method or an information processing apparatus corresponding to a program according to an aspect of the present invention.

Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, by adding a predetermined restriction to the game medium, a game system that is more user-friendly can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a player device constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a player device, a game server, and an NFT management server constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of a game image displayed on player device 1 constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of a game image displayed on player device 1 constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing an example different from the example of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining an example of the flow of various processes executed by the player device, game server, and NFT management server in FIG. 3. [Figure 7]This figure shows an example of a game image displayed on a player device 1 that constitutes an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a different example from the examples in Figures 4 and 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] [Embodiment] An information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this system") will be described with reference to the drawings. Before describing specific embodiments, we will briefly explain some terms and underlying technologies related to this system.

[0021] In this embodiment, the game is, for example, an MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) type network game. In such games, a virtual space is generally shared among a large number of information processing terminals connected via a network, and multiple users cooperate to achieve a predetermined objective (hereinafter referred to as "event"), for which rewards are given. Among the rewards given in this way, there may be extremely rare items (hereinafter referred to as "game media") that are not provided in more than a predetermined number within the game. In this embodiment, providing a game medium to a player, or a player owning a game medium, means associating the game medium with identification information that identifies the player (hereinafter referred to as "Player ID").

[0022] Furthermore, technologies that reduce the possibility of information tampering can consist of, for example, blockchain, various distributed ledger technologies, or combinations thereof. In this embodiment, by appropriately applying blockchain technology to various types of information (game media and the player ID of the player who owns it), it becomes easier to prevent information tampering and to guarantee the legitimacy of the game media. Specifically, for example, various pieces of information about item X can function as blocks in a blockchain. That is, for example, the owner information and transaction information of item X in each block include information such as a hash value calculated from the previous block, and each block is stored in various databases in a linked state. This ensures that the owner information and transaction information of item X are not tampered with and that their authenticity is guaranteed. Furthermore, various processes related to the blockchain may be performed by any information processing device, including the NFT management server 3 or the information processing device that constitutes the blockchain network BC, as described later.

[0023] Furthermore, this system can utilize a technology called NFT (Non-Fungible Token) to reduce the possibility of information tampering. By using blockchain technology, NFTs can generate unique, non-fungible (difficult to duplicate) tokens that can be assigned to any target. By linking these to various in-game assets (such as various game media), it is expected that even in-game data can be used as a non-fungible asset, similar to real-world assets. In this system as well, applying NFTs in any way may provide an even more engaging game system.

[0024] <Summary> The specific configuration of this system will be explained with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, this system consists of a player device 1, a game server 2, and an NFT management server 3. The player device 1, game server 2, and NFT management server 3 are interconnected via a predetermined network N, which includes the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), etc. Note that network N is not an essential component, and short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth® may also be used.

[0026] Player device 1 consists of a general-purpose PC (Personal Computer) or game console, and is used by players who play games on this system. Player device 1 stores various programs related to the game and executes various processes necessary for the player to play the game.

[0027] Game Server 2 is composed of a general-purpose PC or similar device and is managed by the system administrator. Game Server 2 provides various game-related information to Player Device 1. Game Server 2 also performs various processes related to the services provided by this system.

[0028] The NFT management server 3 is composed of a general-purpose PC or similar device and is managed by the system administrator. The NFT management server 3 performs various processes and management related to NFTs by participating in a blockchain-sharing network (for example, the blockchain network BC shown in Figure 3).

[0029] <Hardware Configuration> Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a player device that constitutes an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the player device 1 includes a control unit 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0030] The control unit 11 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, GPU, and semiconductor memory, and executes various processes according to the program recorded in the ROM 12 or the program loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13. RAM13 also stores information necessary for the control unit 11 to perform various processes.

[0031] The control unit 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14. An output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

[0032] The output unit 16 outputs image information or audio information to various displays or speakers. The image information and audio information output by the output unit 16 are output from the displays or speakers in a format that can be recognized by humans as images or audio.

[0033] The input unit 17 consists of a keyboard, a game controller, etc., and inputs various information according to the player's input operations.

[0034] The memory unit 18 consists of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores various types of information. For example, the memory unit 18 stores various game programs necessary for game progression, save data, account information, and so on.

[0035] The communications unit 19 controls communications with other hardware, etc., via the network N, including the Internet.

[0036] A drive 20 is provided as needed. A removable media 31, consisting of a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, is appropriately mounted on the drive 20. Programs read from the removable media 31 by the drive 20 are installed in the storage unit 18 as needed. The removable media 31 can also store various types of information stored in the storage unit 18, just like the storage unit 18.

[0037] Here, the hardware configurations of game server 2 and NFT management server 3 can be basically the same as those of player device 1, so we will omit the explanation.

[0038] <Functional configuration> Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of a player device, game server, and NFT management server that constitute an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 11 of the player device 1 functions as an input operation receiving means 100, a game processing execution means 102, a game information management means 104, an event management means 106, and an event reward acquisition means 108 by executing various programs. The input operation receiving means 100 of the player device 1 receives game-related input operations from the player.

[0040] The game processing execution means 102 of the player device 1 performs various processes related to the game. Specifically, the game processing execution means 102 executes the game program and generates 2D or 3D images and sounds related to the game, by reading virtual game space objects and textures contained in the game information from a storage unit (not shown) in accordance with various input operations from the player or other users. In other words, the game processing execution means 102 controls the progress of the game by generating and managing the results of the player's operation instructions. Furthermore, the game processing execution means 102 transmits various information related to the game to the game server 2 as appropriate.

[0041] The game information management means 104 of the player device 1 acquires various information (hereinafter referred to as "game information") regarding the progress of the game and events transmitted from the game server 2 via the communication unit 19.

[0042] The event management means 106 of the player device 1 manages the content of a series of in-game performance processes (hereinafter referred to as "events") executed by the player device 1 and the progress of the events by the player, based on the game information acquired by the game information management means 104. Specifically, the event management means 106 determines the content of events to be executed on the player device 1 based on the game information acquired by the game information management means 104, and manages the progress of events by the player. When the player fulfills predetermined conditions for the first event or the second event described later, the event management means 106 transmits information indicating that the player has achieved the conditions for the first event or the second event described later (hereinafter referred to as "event achievement information") to the game server 2.

[0043] The event reward acquisition means 108 of the player device 1 acquires various information regarding event rewards (hereinafter referred to as "event reward information") transmitted from the game server 2 via the communication unit 19.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 200 of the game server 2 functions as a game information management means 220, an event management means 222, an association means 224, an NFT request means 226, and a reward granting means 228 by executing various programs. The game information management means 220 of the game server 2 manages various information necessary for the progress of the game by the player device 1 and executes various processes. Specifically, for example, the game information management means 220 performs authentication of account information transmitted from the player device 1, and delivers game information in response to download requests for various game information from the player device 1.

[0045] The event management means 222 of the game server 2 sets an upper limit on the number of identical game media within the game and executes a process to ensure that the number of identical game media within the game does not exceed the upper limit. Here, the event management means 222 is provided with a content management means 240, an achievement status management means 242, and a reward determination means 244. The content management means 240 of the game server 2 manages the number of game media (hereinafter referred to as "NFT event rewards") that are event rewards and exist within the game, and determines the content of the event to be executed by the player device 1 according to the result. Specifically, the content management means 240 manages the number of NFT event rewards, which are rewards for events, that exist in the game. If the number of NFT event rewards in the game is less than the upper limit, it decides to execute the first event, in which NFT event rewards can be obtained. If the number of NFT event rewards in the game is equal to or greater than the upper limit, it decides to execute the second event, in which a game medium that serves as an alternative to the NFT event rewards (hereinafter referred to as "alternative event rewards") can be obtained. The content management means 240 also transmits information regarding the first or second event that the player device 1 has decided to execute as part of the game information to the player device 1. The achievement status management means 242 acquires event achievement information transmitted from the player device 1 via the communication unit 210. The reward determination means 244 determines the reward to be given to the player who has achieved the event based on the event achievement information obtained by the achievement status management means 242. Specifically, if the first event has been achieved by the player, the reward determination means 244 determines that the reward to be given to the player will be an NFT event reward, and if the second event has been achieved by the player, the reward to be given to the player will be an alternative event reward.

[0046] Here, an NFT event reward is, for example, digital data linked to a designated game medium and information about its owner within the game (such as the player ID described later), with that information managed on the blockchain. Typically, an NFT event reward is a game medium to which an NFT (non-fungible token) is issued when the target game medium and owner information are registered on the blockchain. It has a stronger effect than a regular game medium and is highly scarce because there is a limit to the number that exist in the game. Such NFT event rewards can be sold or transferred within the game, or they can be sold or transferred through, for example, an in-game platform.

[0047] The association means 224 of the game server 2 associates an identifier that identifies a user with a predetermined game medium, according to the result of the game processing performed by the user. Specifically, the association means 224 associates information regarding an identifier that identifies the target player (hereinafter referred to as "player ID") with information regarding the reward determined by the reward determination means 244.

[0048] The NFT request means 226 of the game server 2 performs processing related to specifications that make it difficult to tamper with the identifier and information about the game medium associated by the first processing means. Specifically, the NFT request means 226 transmits various information associated by the association means 224 to the NFT management server 3, requesting that information regarding the target game medium and its owner be recorded on the blockchain network BC and that an NFT be issued. When an NFT recording the owner of the game medium is issued by the NFT management server 3, the NFT request means 226 acquires and manages the NFT-related information transmitted from the NFT management server 3 via the communication unit 210.

[0049] The reward distribution means 228 of the game server 2 transmits information regarding the game medium to be awarded as a reward for achieving the event (e.g., NFT event reward or alternative event reward) to the player device 1 as event reward information. Note that the association means 224, the NFT request means 226, etc., do not function when the second event is executed on the player device 1.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 300 of the NFT management server 3 functions as an owner information verification means 330 and an NFT management means 332 by executing various programs. Furthermore, an owner information database 400 is provided in one area of ​​the storage unit 310 of the NFT management server 3. The owner information database 400 stores various information about the various game media on which NFTs were issued, and the owners of each game media. When the NFT management server 3 receives a request from the game server 2 or other information processing device to verify the owner of a game medium on which an NFT has been issued, the NFT management server 3's owner information verification means 330 verifies the owner of the game medium based on various information managed by the blockchain network BC and various information stored in the owner information DB 400. The NFT management server 3's owner information verification means 330 also transmits the result of verifying the owner of the game medium to the various information processing devices that requested the verification.

[0051] When the NFT management server 3 receives a request from the game server 2 to issue an NFT, the NFT management means 332 of the NFT management server 3 obtains information regarding that request via the communication unit 320. The NFT management means 332 then records the target game medium and the player ID of the owner who newly acquires the game medium on the blockchain network BC, and issues an NFT representing this information. The NFT management means 332 also transmits information regarding the issued NFT (hereinafter referred to as "NFT-related information") to the game server 2. Furthermore, if the owner of the game medium that is the target of the NFT changes thereafter, for example, the NFT management means 332 can accurately manage the changes in ownership of the game medium that is the target of the NFT by changing the owner of the game medium and recording that information as ownership transfer information on the blockchain network BC.

[0052] Next, with reference to Figures 4 and 5, we will specifically explain the situation in which a player completes an event and is awarded a reward. Figures 4 and 5 are examples of game images displayed on a player device 1 that constitutes an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] In the example in Figure 4, the player's game character PC and the enemy character S, whose HP (Hit Points) have reached 0 and who is unable to act, are displayed, along with the message, "You have defeated Monster S. You have obtained the Legendary Sword (NFT)." In other words, the example in Figure 4 shows a situation where the player has fulfilled the conditions of the first event (defeating enemy character S) and has been granted the Legendary Sword (NFT), which is the reward for the NFT event.

[0054] In contrast, the example in Figure 5 shows the character PC and enemy character C, whose HP has reached 0 and who is unable to act, along with the message, "You have defeated monster C. Since the number of rewards has exceeded the limit, you have obtained the Legendary Sword (Replica)." In other words, the example in Figure 5 shows a situation where the player has fulfilled the conditions of the second event (defeating enemy character C) and has been granted the Legendary Sword (Replica), which is the alternative event reward.

[0055] Thus, in this embodiment, players can play either the first event or the second event depending on the number of in-game items (NFT event rewards) they possess. Players can then earn rewards according to their progress in each event. In this embodiment, for example, enemy character S in Figure 4 may be set to be more powerful than enemy character C in Figure 5. This system may change the difficulty of events in accordance with the strength, content, rarity, etc., of the rewards.

[0056] Figure 6 illustrates an example of the flow of various processes performed by the player device, game server, and NFT management server shown in Figure 3. For the sake of explanation, the example in Figure 6 is described as the case where the first event is executed.

[0057] In step S1, the content management means 240 of the game server 2 manages the number of NFT event rewards, which are rewards for events, that exist in the game. If the number of NFT event rewards in the game is less than the upper limit, it decides to execute a first event in which NFT event rewards can be obtained. If the number of NFT event rewards in the game is greater than or equal to the upper limit, it decides to execute a second event in which alternative event rewards, which are substitutes for NFT event rewards, can be obtained.

[0058] In step S2, the content management means 240 of the game server 2 transmits to the player device 1 information regarding the first or second event that the player device 1 has decided to execute, as part of the game information.

[0059] In step S21, the game information management means 104 of the player device 1 acquires game information, including information about the first or second event transmitted from the game server 2, via the communication unit 19.

[0060] In step S22, the event management means 106 determines the content of the events to be executed by the player device 1 based on the game information acquired by the game information management means 104, and manages the progress of the events by the player.

[0061] In step S23, if the player device 1 meets predetermined conditions for the first or second event, the event management means 106 of the player device 1 sends event completion information to the game server 2 indicating that the player has achieved the conditions for the first or second event.

[0062] In step S3, the achievement status management means 242 of the game server 2 acquires event achievement information transmitted from the player device 1 via the communication unit 210.

[0063] In step S4, the reward determination means 244 of the game server 2 determines the reward to be given to the player who has achieved the event, based on the event achievement information obtained by the achievement status management means 242.

[0064] In step S5, the association means 224 of the game server 2 associates information regarding the player ID of the target player with information regarding the reward determined by the reward determination means 244.

[0065] In step S6, the NFT request means 226 of the game server 2 transmits the various information associated by the association means 224 to the NFT management server 3, requesting that the information regarding the target game medium and its owner be recorded on the blockchain network BC and that an NFT be issued.

[0066] In step S41, when the NFT management means 332 of the NFT management server 3 receives a request from the game server 2 to issue an NFT, it obtains information regarding that request via the communication unit 320.

[0067] In step S42, the NFT management means 332 of the NFT management server 3 records the target game medium and the player ID of the owner who newly acquires the game medium on the blockchain network BC, and issues an NFT representing this information.

[0068] In step S43, the NFT management means 332 of the NFT management server 3 transmits NFT-related information regarding the issued NFT to the game server 2.

[0069] In step S7, the NFT request means 226 of the game server 2 acquires and manages NFT-related information transmitted from the NFT management server 3 via the communication unit 210.

[0070] In step S8, the reward distribution means 228 of the game server 2 transmits event reward information relating to the game medium to be awarded as a reward for achieving the event to the player device 1.

[0071] In step S24, event reward information regarding event rewards sent from game server 2 is obtained via communication unit 19.

[0072] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and any modifications, improvements, etc. that can achieve the objectives of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0073] <Other Embodiments> Here, we will describe one application example of another embodiment in which the player is rewarded. In the example in Figure 7, the game character PC and enemy character S, whose HP (Hit Points) have reached 0 and who is unable to act, are displayed, along with the message, "You have defeated monster S. You have received a priority exchange ticket (NFT) because the number of rewards has exceeded the limit." In other words, in the example in Figure 7, the first event is executed as in the example in Figure 4, and the event is completed by the player, but because the number of NFT event rewards has exceeded the limit, the player is given a priority exchange ticket (NFT) that will allow them to obtain NFT event rewards preferentially in the future. This priority exchange ticket (NFT) can be used to obtain NFT event rewards if the number of NFT event rewards decreases due to some factor, such as the owner not having played the game. Thus, if the number of NFT event rewards exceeds the limit, this system does not necessarily need to execute a second event; for example, the first event may be executed in this manner.

[0074] In managing the number of game media related to NFTs, including games using this system (hereinafter referred to as "NFT items"), there is a possibility that a particular player may continue to possess an NFT item, preventing other players from acquiring it, due to factors such as the NFT item disappearing because the player possessing it is incapacitated in battle, or the player possessing it becoming inactive for an extended period (not logging in). Therefore, this system may incorporate a mechanism to facilitate the circulation of NFT items within the game (including transactions outside the game) by employing methods such as the following: (1) This system may, for example, set the initial owner of an NFT item to an NPC or the administrator of this system. (2) This system may include, for example, a mechanism to allow and assist in the buying, selling, and transfer of NFT items between game players. (3) This system may, for example, allow the buying and selling of NFT items on platforms outside the game. In this case, the system may send information about the buying and selling of NFT items outside the game to the NFT management server 3 or the game server 2, thereby changing the ownership of the NFT items within the game. (4) The system may include a mechanism to unlink the NFT item from the player ID, for example, if a player who possesses an NFT item does not play the game for a certain period of time (for example, if they do not log in or have no history of accessing the game). (5) The system may include a mechanism to unlink the NFT item from the player ID when a character who owns an NFT item meets certain conditions (for example, death or becoming incapacitated). (6) The system may include a mechanism to set up a new situation in which the NFT item can be newly acquired (for example, an event in the above embodiment) if the association between the NFT item and the player ID is broken due to any reason. (7) The system may include a mechanism to change the owner of an NFT item to the previous owner of the NFT item, a designated in-game character (such as an NPC), or the administrator of the system if the association between the NFT item and the player ID is broken for any reason. (8) The system may include, for example, a mechanism to change the conditions or content under which NFT items can be acquired in the game when the number of NFT items reaches the upper limit, as in the embodiments described above (see the embodiments in Figures 4, 5, and 7). This system incorporates all or some of these mechanisms to promote the circulation of NFT items and to manage the number of NFT items present in the game more naturally.

[0075] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment assumes that the player obtains an NFT-converted game medium (e.g., an NFT event reward) as an event reward, it is not limited to this. For example, the system may include a specification that grants a regular game medium as a reward for an event, and then converts it into an NFT based on the player's instructions.

[0076] Furthermore, although not explained in the embodiments described above, this system may also have specifications that, for example, allow a regular game medium (that has not been converted into an NFT) to be used as a regular game medium within the game, even though it cannot be bought or sold on marketplaces that handle NFT-converted game mediums.

[0077] Furthermore, although not explained in the above embodiment, this system may have a specification that prohibits the direct use of NFT-enabled game media obtained from a marketplace or the like, and that allows it to be used in the game only after processing the NFT-enabled game media to be used as a regular game media.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it was explained that if the number of NFT-converted game media (e.g., NFT event rewards) reaches its limit, an alternative event will occur and event rewards (e.g., replica items or priority exchange tickets) can be obtained. However, the system is not limited to this. For example, if the number of NFT-converted game media (e.g., NFT event rewards) reaches its limit, the system may employ a specification that prevents the occurrence of an event in which event rewards can be obtained.

[0079] Furthermore, although not described in the embodiments described above, the system may also include a mechanism that allows the owner of an NFT item to create a non-NFT game medium (hereinafter referred to as a "replica item") by imitating the shape and performance of the NFT item. This allows the system to further enhance the value of NFT items and to make the differences between NFT items and replica items clearer.

[0080] Furthermore, if this system allows the existence of replica items within the game, it may or may not limit the number of replica items in the game. Also, if this system limits the number of replica items, it may treat the limit on the number of NFT items and the limit on the number of replica items as equivalent, or it may set separate, independent limits on the number of replica items.

[0081] Furthermore, if the holder of an NFT item loses the item for any reason, this system may not revert the NFT item to the original owner (an NPC) or the system administrator, but rather revert it to the previous owner or an earlier past owner based on the ownership history of the blockchain network BC.

[0082] Furthermore, although not described in the above embodiment, the system may include a mechanism to notify the player or other players when the number of NFT items reaches its limit. The system may also include a mechanism to notify the player or other players when there is available space in the NFT item limit. Furthermore, this system could, for example, send the aforementioned notification only to players who do not own NFT items, or only to players who have owned NFT items in the past.

[0083] Furthermore, although not explained in the embodiments described above, this system may change the upper limit on the number of NFT items by taking into account the rarity (difficulty of acquisition) of each game medium and the effect (strength of the item) within the game. For example, this system may set a lower limit on NFT items that have powerful effects within the game.

[0084] Furthermore, while the above embodiments described NFT items as being obtainable upon achieving a predetermined event, they are not limited to this. NFT items may, for example, be purchased or transferred from other players within the game, or purchased through external platforms.

[0085] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, NFT event rewards and alternative event rewards were explained as being game media, i.e., in-game weapons and items, but are not limited to these. For example, NFT event rewards and alternative event rewards may include in-game characters, skins (specifications related to in-game appearance), in-game background images, and gameplay videos.

[0086] Here, I'd like to add some information about blockchain technology. Blockchain is a database that stores data by structuring it into units called blocks, which are linked together like a chain, or a general term for various related technologies. Each block contains a hash, timestamp, and transaction information linked to the previous block, allowing for the efficient and verifiable recording of transactions between the parties involved. Furthermore, these blockchains are typically managed by decentralized networks such as P2P (Peer to Peer), and cannot be retrospectively altered unless all subsequent blocks are modified. Therefore, while tampering with information stored in a blockchain is not impossible, it is considered extremely difficult in practice. For further details on technologies such as blockchain and Bitcoin systems, please refer to Non-Patent Document 1 below. [Non-patent document 1] Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin: A peer-to-peer electronic cash system,2008

[0087] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment explains that blockchain-related technologies are used as measures to reduce the possibility of fraud, it is not limited to this. In other words, measures to reduce the possibility of fraud can include, for example, distributed ledgers or any technology that may be newly developed in the future to reduce the possibility of information tampering. Furthermore, while the above embodiment described the use of NFT-related technology as a technique for generating non-fungible (difficult to duplicate) tokens, it is not limited to this. Any technology that attempts to express non-fungibility by utilizing measures to reduce the possibility of information tampering, etc., is included, not limited to NFT-related technology. In this specification, technologies that reduce the possibility of information tampering include not only the technologies themselves, such as blockchain and various distributed ledgers, but also various technologies that utilize the aforementioned properties. Specifically, for example, technologies that focus on non-fungibility, such as NFTs, are also included in technologies that reduce the possibility of information tampering.

[0088] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment explains the application of blockchain technology (assignment of NFTs) to the target game medium and the owner's player ID, it is not limited to this. For example, this system may apply blockchain technology to other game information, etc.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, we focused on the aspect of reducing the possibility of information tampering based on the distributed storage of information, which is one of the characteristics of blockchain-related technologies, but the explanation is not limited to this. In other words, this system can also utilize other characteristics of blockchain-related technologies, such as consensus methods (e.g., Proof of Work), methods of confirmation processing by distinctive miners, and methods for determining the total amount of circulating currency.

[0090] Furthermore, although not explained in the embodiments described above, the games related to this system may be run on any hardware, such as a home game console like PlayStation®, a portable game console like Nintendo Switch®, various game consoles designed for commercial use, or electronic devices such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet.

[0091] Furthermore, although not explained in the embodiments described above, the content of the games covered by this system is not limited. This system may be applied to any game, such as FPS (First Person Shooter), TPS (Third Person Shooter), RPG (Role Playing Game), action games, simulation games, sports games, card games, battle royale (symmetrical and asymmetrical), MOBA (Multiplayer online battle arena), music games, fighting games, quiz games, and so on.

[0092] Furthermore, the series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or by software. In other words, the functional configurations shown in Figure 3 are merely examples and are not particularly limiting. In other words, it is sufficient for the information processing system to have a function that can execute the series of processes described above as a whole, and the type of functional block used to realize this function is not limited to the examples shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, the location of the functional block is not limited to the examples shown in Figure 3, and can be arbitrary. Furthermore, a single functional block may consist of hardware alone, software alone, or a combination of both.

[0093] Furthermore, the number and users of the various hardware components that make up this system are arbitrary, and it may also include other hardware components.

[0094] Furthermore, when a series of processes are executed by software, the programs that make up that software are installed on a computer or other device from a network or storage medium.

[0095] Furthermore, the computer may be a computer built into dedicated hardware. Also, the computer may be a computer capable of performing various functions by installing various programs. In other words, for example, any computer, any mobile device such as a smartphone, any game console, etc., may be freely used as the various hardware in the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, any combination of types and contents of various input and output units may be adopted.

[0096] Furthermore, such a recording medium containing a program may consist not only of a removable medium (not shown) provided separately from the main unit of the device to provide the program to a player or the like, but may also consist of a recording medium that is pre-installed in the main unit of the device and provided to the player.

[0097] In this specification, the step of describing a program to be recorded on a recording medium includes not only processes that are performed chronologically in that order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically, but are executed in parallel or individually.

[0098] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "system" refers to an overall system composed of multiple devices, means, etc.

[0099] The effects and advantages of this embodiment will also be achieved when these other embodiments are adopted. Furthermore, it is possible to combine this embodiment with other embodiments, and other embodiments with each other, as appropriate.

[0100] In summary, the program to which the present invention is applied can take various forms having the following configurations. In other words, the program to which the present invention applies is: Computers, A first processing means (e.g., association means 224) associates an identifier that identifies the user with a predetermined game medium in accordance with the results of the game processing performed by the user, A second processing means (for example, an NFT request means 226) performs processing related to specifications that make it difficult to tamper with the identifier associated by the first processing means and the information about the game medium, Within the game, a third processing means (for example, an event management means 222) sets an upper limit on the number of identical game media within the game and performs processing to ensure that the number of identical game media within the game does not exceed the upper limit. Any program that has this feature will suffice.

[0101] <Effects> This allows players to enjoy the game more by effectively utilizing game elements that have a limited number of occurrences within the game. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 1 Player device 11 Control Unit 100 Input operation receiving means 102 Game Processing Execution Means 104 Game Information Management Methods 106 Event Management Methods 108 Event Reward Acquisition Methods 2 Game Servers 200 Control Unit 220 Game Information Management Methods 222 Event Management Methods 240 Content management means 242 Achievement Status Management Methods 244 Remuneration determining means 224 Association means 226 NFT request means 228 Reward Granting Methods 3 NFT Management Server 300 Control Unit 330 Owner information confirmation method 332 NFT management means 400 Owner information DB BC Blockchain Network

Claims

1. Computers, A first processing means associates an identifier that identifies a user with a predetermined game medium, in accordance with the results of game processing performed by the user. A second processing means performs processing related to an NFT that is difficult to tamper with regarding the identifier associated by the first processing means and the information regarding the game medium, A third processing means sets an upper limit on the number of identical game media within the game and performs processing to ensure that the number of identical game media within the game does not exceed the upper limit. Equipped with, The third processing means, in the game, if the number of identical game media within the game is less than the upper limit, provides the user who meets the predetermined conditions with the game media on which the NFT processing has been performed; and if the number of identical game media is equal to or greater than the upper limit, provides the user who meets the predetermined conditions with a predetermined game media that serves as a substitute for the game media on which the NFT processing has been performed. program.

2. The third processing means executes a process that includes unassociating the user's identifier with the game medium when the in-game character corresponding to the user dies or becomes incapacitated. The program according to claim 1.

3. The third processing means executes a process that includes unassociating the user's identifier with the game medium if the period during which the user has not played the game exceeds a predetermined period. The program according to claim 1.

4. The third processing means executes a process that includes generating a situation in which the game medium can be newly acquired when the association between the user's identifier and the game medium is broken. The program according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The third processing means, when the association between the user's identifier and the game medium is broken, executes a process that includes notifying the user or other users that the association has been broken. The program according to claim 2 or 3.

6. The third processing means, when the association between the user's identifier and the game medium is broken, executes a process that includes changing the association between the game medium and the identifier to the past owner of the game medium or a predetermined in-game object. The program according to claim 2 or 3.

7. A method of information processing performed by a computer. A first processing step involves associating an identifier that identifies the user with a predetermined game medium, based on the results of the game processing performed by the user. A second processing step performs processing related to an NFT that is difficult to tamper with regarding the identifier associated by the first processing step and the information regarding the game medium, A third processing step involves setting an upper limit on the number of identical game media within the game, and executing a process to ensure that the number of identical game media within the game does not exceed the upper limit. Includes, The third processing step, if the number of identical game media within the game is less than the upper limit, grants the game media on which the NFT processing has been performed to the user who meets the predetermined conditions; if the number of identical game media is equal to or greater than the upper limit, grants the user who meets the predetermined conditions a predetermined game media that serves as a substitute for the game media on which the NFT processing has been performed. Information processing methods.

8. A first processing means associates an identifier that identifies a user with a predetermined game medium, in accordance with the results of game processing performed by the user. A second processing means performs processing related to an NFT that is difficult to tamper with regarding the identifier associated by the first processing means and the information regarding the game medium, A third processing means sets an upper limit on the number of identical game media within the game and performs processing to ensure that the number of identical game media within the game does not exceed the upper limit. Equipped with, The third processing means, in the game, if the number of identical game media within the game is less than the upper limit, provides the user who meets the predetermined conditions with the game media on which the NFT processing has been performed; and if the number of identical game media is equal to or greater than the upper limit, provides the user who meets the predetermined conditions with a predetermined game media that serves as a substitute for the game media on which the NFT processing has been performed. Information processing device.

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