Game advertising system

Abstract

The goal is to provide a game advertising system that allows players to enjoy games without having to pay for various benefits that were previously only available through in-game purchases. [Solution] A game advertising system 10 for advertising by attaching a trademark to a character operated by player 4, comprising: a company-side input unit 12 for input by multiple companies 6 that wish to attach their trademarks to characters; a player-side input unit 14 for selecting a trademark from among the trademarks of multiple companies 6 to attach to each character operated by player 4; an advertising fee billing unit 16 that charges advertising fees to the company 6 corresponding to the trademark when the trademark selected by each player 4 is attached to the character; and a benefit granting unit 19 that grants certain benefits when each player 4 attaches a trademark to a character.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game advertising system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, due to the spread of smartphones, tablet terminals, etc. and the improvement of infrastructure technologies such as networks, the number of players enjoying online games has been increasing. Also, in online games, it is necessary to pay to obtain items or view advertisement videos for free play.

[0003] As a technology related to the present invention, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an advertising system that advertises to users who use a game via an online game playable using the Internet, the system having a server connected to the Internet and managing the online game, the server creating a dedicated web page for the user using information registered by the user who plays the game via the Internet with the server, and displaying an advertisement of an advertiser registered as a sponsor from the user on the dedicated web page of the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Charging within a game may sometimes pose a problem that it is difficult to stop players from making payments. Regarding such problems, it is desirable that players of the game can play without making payments themselves and receive various benefits that were conventionally obtained by paying for free.

[0006] The objective of this invention is to provide a game advertising system that allows players to enjoy games without having to pay for various benefits that were previously only available through in-game purchases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The advertising system according to the present invention is a game advertising system for advertising in a game in which multiple players are connected on a network and play together, by attaching a trademark to a character operated by each of the players, and is characterized by comprising: a company-side input unit for multiple companies that wish to attach their trademarks to the characters to input information; a player-side input unit for selecting a trademark from among the trademarks of the multiple companies to attach to each of the characters operated by each of the players; an advertising fee billing unit for billing the company corresponding to the trademark when the trademark selected by each player is attached to the character; and a benefit granting unit for granting certain benefits when each player attaches the trademark to the character.

[0008] Furthermore, in the game advertising system according to the present invention, it is preferable to include a regulatory processing unit that restricts the affixing of the mark to a predetermined part of the character.

[0009] Furthermore, in the game advertising system according to the present invention, it is preferable to include a deprivation processing unit that revokes the mark if a player operating the character bearing the mark engages in play that violates public order and morals. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this invention, players can enjoy games without having to pay for various benefits that were previously only available through in-game purchases, all for free. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows a game advertising system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows how a logo mark is attached to a character controlled by a player in a game advertising system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements in all drawings, and redundant explanations will be omitted. In addition, in the descriptions within the text, reference numerals previously mentioned will be used as necessary.

[0013] Figure 1 shows a game advertising system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a logo mark 9 attached to a character operated by player 4 in the game advertising system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] The game advertising system 10 is a system that allows players 4 to enjoy games without having to pay for various benefits that would normally be obtained through payment, all for free. The game advertising system 10 is a system that has the function of advertising by attaching a mark to the character controlled by each player 4 within a game where multiple players 4 are connected via a network 8 and play together.

[0015] The game advertising system 10 comprises a company-side input unit 12, a player-side input unit 14, an advertising fee billing unit 16, a reward granting unit 18, a regulation processing unit 20, a deprivation processing unit 22, and a storage unit 24. In this system, the game advertising system 10 is connected to an operating company 2, multiple players 4, and multiple companies 6 via a network 8.

[0016] Operating company 2 is a company that operates games where players 4 connect and play together via network 8. Examples of game types include MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) and FPS (First Person Shooters), but of course, this can be applied to other types of games as well.

[0017] Player 4 is a user who plays games operated by Company 2. For example, in an MMORPG game, Player 4 can receive benefits by attaching Company 6's logo 9 to the sword equipped by the character they control.

[0018] Company 6 is an organization that conducts business activities, but wishes to affix its trademark to the character controlled by Player 4 in the game in order to advertise the products and services it sells.

[0019] The corporate input unit 12 has a function for inputting information from multiple companies 6 that wish to affix their company's trademark to the character controlled by the player 4. Here, "trademark" includes various things such as company logos, symbols, and emblems. The objects to which the trademark can be affixed include not only the character's body, but also the equipment the character wears (for example, swords, shields, armor, helmets, clothing, and footwear).

[0020] Companies should preferably be involved in a wide range of industries, including fisheries, agriculture and forestry, and manufacturers such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, stationery, office equipment and interior design, apparel, clothing, accessories and leather goods, printing, automobiles, transportation equipment, machinery, plant engineering, general electrical equipment, medical equipment, precision instruments, heavy electrical equipment and industrial electrical equipment, computers, communication equipment and office equipment, semiconductors, electronic components and others, home appliances and audio equipment, games and amusement equipment, housing, construction, equipment and installation work, building materials and exterior products, textiles, paper and pulp, glass and ceramics, tires and rubber products, petroleum and coal, metal products, non-ferrous metals, iron and steel, mining and cement, agriculture and forestry, and fisheries.

[0021] Also, as service infrastructure, there are travel, hotels, leisure and amusement, pachinko, entertainment and art, sports, fitness and health-related facilities, education, real estate, public corporations and government offices, aviation and airports, railways, maritime transportation, land transportation, taxis, buses, and sightseeing buses, warehouses, electricity and power, energy, gas and water supply, eating out, restaurants and food services, human resources services (recruitment and dispatch of human resources), consultants and specialized consultants, construction consultants, think tanks, medical-related and medical institutions, welfare and nursing care, bridal and wedding, funerals and memorial services, esthetics, hair styling and beauty, associations and federations, architectural design, security, safety, maintenance and cleaning, and mechanical design.

[0022] As trading companies (general and specialized), there are general trading companies, food products, chemical products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, textile products, apparel, clothing accessories, and precious metals, interior, sports goods, education, machinery, medical equipment, automobiles and transportation equipment, office equipment, electrical, electronics and semiconductors, metals, building materials and exteriors, paper, and petroleum products. Also, as banks, securities, insurance and finance, there are city banks and trust banks, regional banks, credit unions, labor unions, mutual aid associations, foreign-funded finance, government-related and affiliated financial institutions, life insurance, property insurance, securities, credit and credit sales, leasing and rental, and consumer finance.

[0023] Furthermore, as information (advertising, communication and mass media), there are advertising, publishing and magazines, broadcasting, television and radio, newspapers, and communication. Also, as department stores, specialty stores, distribution and retail, there are department stores, department stores, and complex commercial facilities, supermarkets, convenience stores, home centers, consumer cooperatives, music, books and interior, fashion, clothing accessories and textiles, drugstores, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and dispensing pharmacies, sports goods, automobiles and transportation equipment, home appliances, office equipment and cameras, glasses, contact lenses and medical equipment. And, as IT, software and information processing, there are information processing, software, Internet, web and smartphone apps, and game software.

[0024] The player-side input unit 14 has the function of selecting a trademark from among the trademarks of multiple companies 6 to be attached to each character controlled by each player 4. As described above, the game advertising system 10 has a wide variety of companies 6 participating, so player 4 can choose their favorite company 6 or a company 6 they want to support.

[0025] For example, you can choose your favorite apparel brand (company 6), your favorite car manufacturer (company 6), or the home improvement store you usually use. Furthermore, you can choose not only your favorite companies (company 6), but also companies you want to support, such as those actively promoting disability employment or SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) (company 6).

[0026] The advertising fee billing unit 16 has the function of billing the company 6 corresponding to the mark selected by each player 4 when that mark is attached to the character. For example, in an MMORPG, when the character controlled by player 4 selects a weapon with the logo mark 9 of the company 6 that the player supports, resulting in a character like the one shown in Figure 2, the company 6 corresponding to the logo mark 9 will be billed.

[0027] While this explanation assumes the logo is attached to a weapon, it can also be attached to the character's body, or to armor instead of weapons, and can be applied to various types of equipment.

[0028] The reward granting unit 18 has the function of granting certain rewards when each player 4 attaches the mark to their character. This means that the rewards that player 4 would have traditionally paid for themselves within the online game are now displayed on the character controlled by player 4, and it appears as if company 6 is paying advertising fees to the operating company 2 on behalf of player 4.

[0029] As a bonus, in MMORPGs, attaching Logo Mark 9 to clothing and weapons, or directly to your character (avatar), can increase your attack power by a few percent, your defense power by a few percent, increase the number of dropped items when you win battles, or grant you special items. Also, in MMORPGs, attaching Logo Mark 9 to means of transportation such as carriages can make you travel faster or increase (or decrease) the chance of encountering enemies.

[0030] In shooting games, having the logo mark 9 can grant bonuses such as extra lives, temporary invincibility, or increased bullet rate. Additionally, attaching it to buildings can provide various benefits, such as faster life recovery, unlock premium buildings in sandbox games, or access services like rental servers.

[0031] The regulatory processing unit 20 has the function of restricting the placement of trademarks on designated parts of the character. Multiple companies 6 that wish to place their trademarks on the character controlled by the player 4 can restrict the placement of the trademarks based on their own policies, etc. Here, the placement of the trademarks is described as being set by the companies 6, but it may also be set by the operating company 2.

[0032] For example, the regulatory processing unit 20 can prohibit things like affixing a trademark to a character's crotch area. Also, for example, a manufacturer selling infant products could regulate weapons used for attacks, such as swords, if it believes they might damage the company's image.

[0033] The deprivation processing unit 22 has the function of depriving a player 4 who is operating a character bearing the trademark of the trademark if the player engages in play that violates public order and morals. The operating company 2 can, for example, set the system to revoke the trademark if the player cheats in the game or engages in play that harms public order or morals, as this could damage the company's image.

[0034] This means that Player 4 is expected to be aware that they are using Company 6's logo 9 and to play in accordance with the rules.

[0035] The memory unit 24 can store information such as that entered into or set in the company-side input unit 12, the player-side input unit 14, the advertising fee billing unit 16, the benefit granting unit 18, the regulation processing unit 20, and the deprivation processing unit 22.

[0036] Each function of the game advertising system 10 can be implemented through either a hardware configuration or a software configuration. For example, when implemented through software, these functions can be implemented by application software stored on a recording medium such as RAM, ROM, or hard disk, running on a server device that is actually configured with a CPU or MPU, RAM, ROM, etc.

[0037] Next, the operation of the game advertising system 10 with the above configuration will be explained. In the game advertising system 10, companies 6 that wish to have their company's mark (logo mark 9, etc.) attached to the character controlled by the player 4 input it using the company input unit 12. Since it is preferable for the player 4 to select the company they want to support, it is preferable that the industries of the multiple companies 6 include a wide variety of sectors.

[0038] When Player 4 joins the game, Player 4 can choose whether or not to display the Company 6 emblem on their character. For example, in an MMORPG, when entering a weapons shop, Player 4 can freely choose between weapons with the Company 6 emblem (logo mark 9, etc.) and weapons without the emblem. While a weapons shop is used as an example here, this choice could also be made available when entering other shops or booths. Although this explanation assumes that the emblem is already attached to the weapon, Player 4 can freely decide where to attach the emblem.

[0039] When selecting weapons bearing the logo of Company 6, Player 4 can choose a Company 6 they want to support (for example, a manufacturer of products they use regularly or a company promoting SDGs). It is preferable that Company 6 includes a wide variety of industries, but once Player 4 has made a selection, the system may prioritize displaying Player 4's preferred Company 6.

[0040] When the logo mark 9 of company 6, selected by player 4, is displayed in a manner such as shown in Figure 2, it is as if a sponsorship agreement has been made between player 4 and company 6 of the logo mark 9, and advertising fees are paid to the operating company 2.

[0041] The advertising fees that Company 6 pays to Operating Company 2 are used to cover the costs of perks that Player 4 would have previously had to pay for themselves, allowing Player 4 to receive those perks for free. Examples of perks include increasing the number of lives in shooting games, becoming invincible for a certain period, or having more bullets fired for a certain period. In MMORPGs, players may also receive increased attack power or defense, or special items. Additionally, during combat, Company 6's logo 9 may be displayed during effects, to the extent that it does not disrupt the game balance.

[0042] Furthermore, while Player 4 can freely decide where to place Company 6's logo on the character, Company 6 can restrict the areas where the logo can be placed. For example, this is to prevent damage to the company's image if Company 6's logo is placed on the character's groin.

[0043] If Player 4 uses a character to perform obscene or discriminatory acts, or engages in any other act that violates public order and morals, the company 6 may revoke its trademark in order to prevent damage to the company's image.

[0044] Player 4 will appear to have a sponsorship agreement with Company 6, and will feel a sense of representing Company 6, which is expected to motivate them to strive for better gameplay. In open-world games, for example, it is expected that a sense of solidarity will be fostered when players find other game users using the same logo 9.

[0045] In this way, since the logo mark 9 and other marks can be seen on many players 4 participating in the game, it serves as advertising for company 6 and allows players 4 to show their support for and endorsement of company 6's CSR initiatives. Furthermore, company 6 may promote its company information and product information through in-game announcement emails, etc.

[0046] In this explanation, we have assumed that Player 4's sponsor is Company 6, but it does not have to be an organization; it could be an individual. For example, in an election, a company, organization, or individual supporting a candidate may become a sponsor, provided they comply with the laws of the country in question, and may display small items such as charms, bracelets, or handkerchiefs instead of a trademark. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 2 Operating company, 4 Players, 6 Companies, 8 Network, 9 Logo, 10 Game advertising system, 12 Company-side input section, 14 Player-side input section, 16 Advertising fee billing section, 18 Reward granting section, 20 Regulation processing section, 22 Deprivation processing section, 24 Memory section.

Claims

1. A game advertising system for advertising in a game where multiple players connect via a network and play together, by attaching a trademark to the character controlled by each of the aforementioned players, A corporate input section where multiple companies wishing to affix their respective trademarks to the aforementioned character enter their information, A player-side input unit for selecting the trademarks from among the trademarks of the aforementioned multiple companies to be attached to each of the characters operated by each player, An advertising fee billing unit that charges advertising fees to the company corresponding to the mark selected by each player when the mark is attached to the character, A reward granting unit that grants certain benefits when each of the aforementioned players affixes the aforementioned mark to the aforementioned character, A game advertising system characterized by having the following features.

2. In the game advertising system described in claim 1, A game advertising system characterized by comprising a regulatory processing unit that restricts the affixing of the mark to a predetermined part of the character.

3. In the game advertising system described in claim 1, A game advertising system characterized by comprising a deprivation processing unit that revokes the mark if a player operating the character bearing the mark engages in play that violates public order and morals.

Images