Game billing system, game billing processing device, terminal, and game billing method

Abstract

This invention provides a game billing system, a game billing processing device, a terminal, and a game billing method that enable a smooth switching of the payment destination for a game's subscription contract from a first server to a second server. [Solution] The game billing processing system includes a first server and a second server capable of accepting payments for a fixed-rate billing contract for the game, and a terminal operated by the user. The first server accepts payments from the user for a fixed-rate billing contract for a first period and controls the terminal to accept cancellation requests for the fixed-rate billing contract during the first period. The second server, when a fixed-rate billing contract is in place on the first server, receives a reservation request from the terminal for a fixed-rate billing contract for a second period following the first period. If the cancellation request is accepted on the first server during the first period and the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server ends during the first period, the second server starts the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game charging processing system, a game charging processing device, a terminal, and a game charging processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in computer games such as communication type (online) games, a fixed usage fee is set at regular intervals, and a fixed charging system that grants various privileges to users who have paid the fixed usage fee during that period, a so-called subscription-based game system, is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a game system that grants a privilege to a player who has paid a subscription-based game fee to try virtual items that the player has not acquired for a predetermined period, and does not grant a privilege to a player who has not paid the game fee.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, even for the same fixed charging contract of a game, depending on the contract partner of the fixed charging contract, a more attractive plan may be provided for the user, such as excellent privilege content. However, even if a new attractive plan is provided, it is often not easy for the user to change the contract partner of the fixed charging contract. Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a game charging processing system, a game charging processing device, a terminal, and a game charging processing method that can easily change the fixed charging contract of a game.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A game billing processing system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first server and a second server capable of accepting payments for a fixed-rate billing contract for a game, and a terminal operated by a user. The first server accepts payments from the user for a fixed-rate billing contract for a first period and controls the terminal to accept cancellation requests for the fixed-rate billing contract during the first period. The second server, when a fixed-rate billing contract is in place on the first server, receives a reservation request from the terminal for a fixed-rate billing contract for a second period following the first period. If the first server accepts a cancellation request during the first period and the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server ends during the first period, the second server starts the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period. If the first server does not accept a cancellation request during the first period and the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server does not end during the first period, the second server does not start the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, after the end of the first period under a fixed-rate billing contract on the first server, a second period of fixed-rate billing can be smoothly initiated on the second server. This makes it possible to easily change the fixed-rate billing contract for a game. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a game billing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram of the period, including the first and second periods. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram of the period, including the first period, the second period, and the third period. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the functions of the first server. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of user information. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of platform information. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the functions of the second server. [Figure 8]It is a diagram showing an example of user information. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of web store information. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory diagram of the functions of the game server. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of user information. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of flat-rate billing contract information. [Figure 13A] It is a diagram showing the game billing processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13B] It is a diagram showing the game billing processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an example of the payment screen of the flat-rate billing contract. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing an example of the reservation request screen of the flat-rate billing contract. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing an example of the cancellation request screen of the flat-rate billing contract. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing an example of the cancellation privilege grant screen of the flat-rate billing contract. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing an example of the cancellation privilege grant screen of the flat-rate billing contract. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing an example of the continuation privilege grant screen of the flat-rate billing contract. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing an example of the startable screen of the flat-rate billing contract. [Figure 21] It is a diagram showing an example of the cancellation promotion notice screen of the flat-rate billing contract. [Figure 22] It is a diagram showing an example of the non-startable screen of the flat-rate billing contract. [Figure 23A] It is a diagram showing another game billing processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23B] It is a diagram showing another game billing processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] <Summary of the Present Invention> The game billing system, game billing processing device, terminal, and game billing method of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings, citing specific embodiments. For convenience of explanation, the following descriptions may sometimes be given from the perspective of a GUI (Graphical User Interface). However, the basic data processing technologies required to realize these technologies (communication / transmission technologies, data acquisition technologies, data recording technologies, data processing / analysis technologies, image processing technologies, and visualization technologies, etc.) are known technologies, and therefore, explanations of these technologies will be omitted.

[0009] (Servers and service providers) The game billing system according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the game billing system S) is a computer system capable of providing game services, that is, an environment for playing games, etc., to users. The environment for playing the game includes managing the account used to play the game, purchasing game objects used in the game, and all other services necessary for playing the game (e.g., subscription contracts).

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the game billing processing system S is a communication system that includes multiple server computers, for example, a first server 10 managed and operated (hereinafter referred to as "management, etc.") by a platform service provider (hereinafter referred to as "business P"), a second server 20 managed (hereinafter referred to as "management, etc.") by a game provider (hereinafter referred to as "business G"), and a game server 30, as well as a user terminal 40 used by the user. In this embodiment, we assume that the game provider G is a separate entity from the platform provider P, which manages the platform and provides platform services. That is, we will explain that each service is provided to the user by servers managed by multiple different entities: the second server 20 and game server 30 managed by G, and the first server 10 managed by P. In the following, when the term "game" is used, it refers to a specific game provided by game server 30.

[0011] The first server 10 is a platform server, and is a server computer that provides an environment for business operator P to sell (including download) various applications, content, and other goods and services (hereinafter referred to as "goods, etc.") including games to users over the internet, to multiple companies and individuals, including business operator G. In other words, the first server 10 provides platform services to users. Furthermore, on Server 10, users can purchase game objects to use in the game and also subscribe to a game subscription service.

[0012] The second server 20 corresponds to the "game billing processing device" of the present invention. The second server 20 is a web store server and is a server computer that sells game objects usable in the game, and other products (including game objects from other games provided by business operator G). In other words, the second server 20 provides web store services to users. Furthermore, users can also subscribe to the game's flat-rate payment plan on Server 20 (Server 2).

[0013] The game server 30 is a server computer that distributes information (game data) necessary for playing the game and provides users with an environment to play the game. In other words, the game server 30 provides game services to users.

[0014] In this embodiment, a user is a person who utilizes the functions of the first server 10, the second server 20, and the game server 30. More specifically, a user is a person who can enjoy the benefits (services) provided by the functions of the first server 10, the second server 20, and the game server 30 by operating a predetermined device. In this embodiment, a user terminal 40 is used as an example of the predetermined device, but the predetermined device may be a device owned by the user, such as the user terminal 40, or it may be a device installed in a store, etc., which is not owned by the user but can be used by entering a PIN or password, or making a deposit, etc., when visiting the store, etc.

[0015] (application) In this embodiment, in order to enjoy the game service, as well as the web store service and platform service, which are non-game services different from the game service, the user installs a dedicated application on the user terminal 40, obtains an account to use each service, and registers as a user (member registration). Specifically, the game can be played on the user terminal 40 by, for example, launching a gameplay application (hereinafter referred to as the game app) installed on the user terminal 40. Note that the game app may also be installed via a platform app. Furthermore, the web store allows users to purchase (including downloads) products on their user terminal 40 by, for example, launching a web store application (hereinafter referred to as the web store app) installed on the user terminal 40. On the other hand, the platform allows users to purchase (including download) various applications, content, and other products available on the platform by, for example, launching a platform application (hereinafter referred to as a platform app) installed on the user terminal 40. Furthermore, the web store and platform may not be limited to use through a dedicated web store app or platform app, but may also be accessible from a general-purpose application with browser functionality via the internet.

[0016] Platform apps, web store apps, and game apps are all different application software, and they are launched individually to perform their own unique functions. Depending on the function of each application, the user terminal 40 can use the platform managed by the first server 10, use the web store managed by the second server 20, and play games provided by the game server 30. Specifically, based on information or data received from the first server 10, the second server 20, or the game server 30, the system displays, plays, or otherwise outputs such information or data to the user terminal 40, allowing the user to purchase goods on the platform while the platform app is running, purchase goods in the web store while the web store app is running, and play games on the game play screen while the game app is running. Services that can be used without using the game app are considered non-game services. For example, web store services that can be used with the web store app, and platform services that can be used with the platform app are included in non-game services.

[0017] In this embodiment, the game application, the web store application, and the platform application can cooperate with each other; in other words, the game playing environment and the web store or platform usage environment can be associated with each other. In this embodiment, in order for users to enjoy the complex services provided by the game billing processing system S, an account acquired for playing the game (hereinafter referred to as a game account), an account acquired for using the web store (hereinafter referred to as a web store account), and an account acquired for using the platform (hereinafter referred to as a platform account) are linked. Account linking can be done at any time, and there are no specific procedures for linking. For example, game accounts, web store accounts, and platform accounts can be linked directly, or they can be linked by associating them with a common account set up for each user. Furthermore, it is not necessary to obtain separate accounts for the game, web store, and platform; a common account can be used as the game account, etc.

[0018] (game) A game is content that a user plays by operating a user terminal 40 while viewing a gameplay screen on the user terminal 40. In this embodiment, it is an online game (electronic game) provided using a game billing system S. Online games include browser games using a web browser, social games provided on SNS (Social Networking Service), games that can be played by downloading dedicated application software such as mobile games, and regularly updated online games such as play-by-web (PBW).

[0019] In this embodiment, when a user performs a game-play operation on the user terminal 40, the user terminal 40 receives game progression data distributed from the game provider's server computer, i.e., the game server 30. The user terminal 40 outputs video and audio corresponding to the received data, and the user proceeds with the game while confirming the outputted video and audio. The user terminal 40 also sends data indicating the user's operations to the game server 30, and the game server 30 sends game progression data corresponding to the user's operations. This data transmission and reception between the game server 30 and the user terminal 40 is repeated until the user finishes playing the game.

[0020] The game of this embodiment is a game in which the user plays by using or consuming (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "using, etc.") game objects (game media) that the user owns as game assets, including events such as gacha and quests, which are one of the constituent units of the game.

[0021] (Game object) Game objects include, for example, characters, items, cards, and avatars used within the game. Game objects also include in-game currencies such as points, coins, gold, or stones, which have value as payment for exchanging other items or characters within the game, or for playing gacha and quests. Furthermore, in-game currencies include paid in-game currencies that can be obtained by purchase, and free in-game currencies that can be obtained without purchase, such as through login bonuses.

[0022] Game objects such as characters and items (excluding in-game currency) each have their own unique characteristics, and each game object has various parameters that indicate its name, attributes, appearance, and abilities (effects in the case of items). These parameters are indicators that affect the progress of the game and include those expressed by numerical values, letters such as "A, B, C...", and indicators such as gauges. Furthermore, some parameters change as the game progresses (including both increases and decreases), while others remain constant and do not change regardless of the game's progress. In addition, some parameters change when certain conditions are met, such as when used in an associated quest.

[0023] Users can acquire and possess these game objects within the game, and use the game objects they own. Specifically, users can use game objects to progress through the game, including playing games such as gacha and quests, as described later. In terms of acquisition, users can obtain game objects as login bonuses when logging into the game, as lottery results when playing gacha in the game, as rewards for completing quests in the game, etc. They can also obtain game objects by purchasing them from the in-game shop (in-game store). Furthermore, users can purchase game objects to use in the game from external web stores or platforms.

[0024] In this embodiment, at least two or more methods (sources of purchase) are provided for users to purchase game objects used in the game. (1) Purchase via the in-game screen (in-game store). Specifically, in a game app, while playing the game, the user selects and purchases a desired game object from an in-game game object purchase screen (not shown). In this case, once payment equivalent to the price of the game object is completed within the game app, or on a platform or payment site linked to the game app (for example, cashless payment using a credit card or QR code, etc., the same applies hereinafter), the specified game object is granted to the user. The user can then use the purchased game object within the game. (2) Purchases are made via a screen displayed outside the game (web store). Specifically, within the web store app, users select and purchase a desired game object on a separate, unillustrated game object purchase screen located outside the game. Once payment for the game object is completed within the web store app or on a linked payment site, the specified game object is granted to the user. The user can then use the purchased game object within the game.

[0025] (Gacha and quests) Gacha is a component of a game, a lottery game in which game objects can be obtained through a random item provision method. Specifically, gacha is a mechanism that uses chance to provide game objects such as characters and items to users, in which a predetermined number of game objects are selected randomly or by predetermined probability from a set to which multiple game objects belong (a table in which multiple game objects are associated with their respective probability of being drawn). The gacha system is implemented during gameplay on a gacha play screen (not shown) in response to user requests for game objects (lottery applications). When making a request, the user may need to consume game objects such as in-game currency or items that are set as play conditions, i.e., in-game currency necessary to play the gacha. Furthermore, the type and amount of parameters that need to be consumed may differ from gacha to gacha. For example, to play gacha A, one item A must be consumed, and to play gacha B, 100 coins (in-game currency) must be consumed.

[0026] A quest is a component of a game, and is played with the objective of completing it (in other words, achieving the completion conditions). For example, a game may have multiple quests, and each quest will have different content (e.g., attributes, difficulty level, enemy characters that appear, play conditions, completion conditions, or completion rewards). During gameplay, users can select a quest on a quest selection screen (not shown) and play the quest by consuming the parameters set as play conditions, i.e., game objects such as in-game currency and items required to play the quest. The type and amount of parameters that need to be consumed may vary from quest to quest. For example, to play quest A, 10 units of item A may be consumed, and to play quest B, 50 coins (in-game currency) may be consumed. Furthermore, when a user completes a quest, they can obtain game objects such as characters or items associated with that quest as a reward, or they can acquire the right to play special quests (for example, quests that cannot be played under normal circumstances).

[0027] In addition, events such as gacha and quests are held according to a predetermined schedule based on time, day of the week, or specific seasons such as spring, summer, autumn, and winter. This also includes limited-time so-called collaboration gacha or collaboration quests (hereinafter referred to as "collaboration events, etc.") that are collaborations with other games, manga, movies, other copyrighted works, other artists, or other companies. In these collaboration events, characters, items, etc., related to the collaborating partner will appear in the game as game objects.

[0028] (Subscription contract) In this embodiment, users can, in principle, enjoy most of the game's features for free when playing. However, users who have subscribed to a fixed-rate payment contract (subscription) for the game provided by service provider G, that is, fixed-rate payment contract users (hereinafter referred to as "contract users") who have entered into a contract with service provider G by paying a predetermined usage fee for the game and have become members of the fixed-rate payment contract, are given an advantage when playing the game compared to non-contract users (non-paying users) who have not paid the predetermined usage fee. In addition, in this case, the use of some functions within the game may be restricted for non-contract users, while contract users may be allowed to use those restricted functions. Here, "charging" refers to a user paying a game usage fee to the game provider using cash, electronic money, credit card, or prepaid card. In a broader sense, charging also includes purchasing in-game currency or other game objects for a fee from in-game stores, web stores, or platforms, in addition to subscribing to a fixed-rate billing agreement.

[0029] In this embodiment, a contract user who has joined a fixed-rate billing contract by paying a predetermined usage fee (for example, 480 yen per month) can obtain advantageous effects when playing the game during the contract period, such as those exemplified below. (1) The number of quests that can be stocked (saved) by consuming parameters set in advance as play conditions will increase. (2) The parameters of the game objects set as conditions for playing the quest are restored (for example, once a day). (3) Game objects are granted free of charge (for example, once a day). (4) You can improve the parameters of game objects (for example, twice a month). (5) The upper limit of the parameters of game objects is increased. (6) The quality or quantity of login bonuses will be improved. (7) The quality or quantity of rewards for completing quests will be improved. (8) When playing the gacha, the probability of winning a rare and valuable game object will be increased. (9) You will be granted the right to play a gacha game in which you have a chance to win rare and valuable game objects that are difficult to obtain. (10) Members will be able to use special titles and backgrounds that are exclusive to them.

[0030] In this embodiment, there are at least 32 different ways to subscribe to (including renew) a game subscription contract. (1) Join via the screen displayed within the game (in-game store). Specifically, in a game app, users subscribe to an unillustrated subscription contract while playing the game via a subscription screen provided within the game. In this case, once payment equivalent to the subscription fee is completed within the game app, or on a platform or payment site linked to the game app, the subscription is completed. As a contracted user, the user can then enjoy the advantageous effects of playing the game as described above. In this embodiment, subscribing via the in-game store is also included in a broader sense as subscribing via the platform from which the game app is downloaded. (2) Join via a screen (platform) displayed outside of the game. Specifically, users subscribe to the subscription service through an unillustrated subscription screen located outside the game within the platform app. In this case, once payment for the subscription fee is completed within the platform app or on a payment site linked to the platform app, the user's subscription is complete. When the user then launches the game app, they will receive the aforementioned advantageous effects as a contracted user. (3) Subscribe via a screen displayed outside the game (web store). Specifically, users subscribe to the subscription service through a separate subscription screen (not shown) located outside the game, within the web store app. In this case, once payment for the subscription service is completed within the web store app or on a payment site linked to the web store app, the user's subscription is complete. When the user then launches the game app, they will receive the aforementioned benefits as a contracted user.

[0031] In this embodiment, when subscribing to (or continuing) a game subscription contract through a web store managed by business operator G, it is possible to subscribe to special plans that are not available when subscribing to (or continuing) a game subscription contract through the in-game store or platform. Special plans offer users even more advantageous benefits than standard plans, which can be subscribed to through the in-game store and platform, that are not available with standard plans. Furthermore, special plans may have more favorable usage fees or contract periods than standard plans.

[0032] In this embodiment, the subscription contract is automatically renewed until the user cancels it. If the user has not completed the cancellation procedure when the contract period ends, the subscription contract will continue as is. In this embodiment, the user can change the provider of the subscription contract when the contract period ends, but they can also reserve a change of provider for the next period while the current contract period is still ongoing. For example, as shown in Figure 2, during the period from March 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025 (hereinafter referred to as the first period), a contract user who has subscribed to a flat-rate game contract through the platform provided by business operator P, that is, a contract user who has subscribed to a flat-rate game contract on the first server 10, can request to switch their flat-rate game contract for the period from April 1, 2025 to April 30, 2025 (hereinafter referred to as the second period) to a flat-rate game contract on the web store provided by business operator G, the game provider, that is, a flat-rate game contract on the second server 20, and continue the contract. When a contract user requests cancellation from the first server 10, and the cancellation procedure for the flat-rate game contract on the first server 10 is completed and the flat-rate game contract on the first server 10 ends with the expiration of the first period, the contract destination for the flat-rate game contract will automatically switch to the second server 20, and the flat-rate game contract will continue on the second server 20 during the second period. Furthermore, the usage fee for the fixed-rate contract for the second period will be paid to the second server 20 within a specified period (for example, within 3 days) after the end of the first period. However, payment will only be possible after the fixed-rate contract for the first server 10 has been terminated and it has been confirmed that the fixed-rate contract for the first server 10 will not continue into the second period.

[0033] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3, if a contracted user makes a reservation request midway through the first period but does not make a cancellation request during the first period and the cancellation procedure on the first server 10 is not completed, the flat-rate subscription contract on the first server 10 will continue into the second period. Even in that case, if the contracted user makes a cancellation request to the first server 10 midway through the second period and the cancellation procedure for the flat-rate subscription contract on the first server 10 is completed during the second period, the contract destination for the flat-rate subscription will automatically switch to the second server 20 for the period after the second period, i.e., the period from May 1, 2025 to May 31, 2025 (hereinafter referred to as the third period), and the flat-rate subscription contract for the game will continue on the second server 20 from the third period onward based on the reservation request made during the first period. Furthermore, the usage fee for the fixed-rate contract for the third period will be paid within a specified period (for example, within 3 days) after the end of the second period. However, payment will only be possible after the fixed-rate contract for the first server 10 has been terminated and it has been confirmed that the fixed-rate contract for the first server 10 will not continue into the third period.

[0034] In this embodiment, a contracted user can directly request cancellation from the first server 10 on the platform application, request cancellation from the first server 10 via the second server 20 on the web store application, and request cancellation from the first server 10 via the game server 30 on the game application. Furthermore, contracted users may submit a cancellation request before submitting a reservation request, or a cancellation request after submitting a reservation request.

[0035] In this embodiment, when a contract user who has subscribed to a fixed-rate billing contract on the first server 10 requests cancellation of the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server 10, and the cancellation procedure is completed, as a cancellation benefit, shop points that the user can use in the web store, or game objects that can be used in the game, etc., are granted to the contract user free of charge without requiring them to spend any money. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if a user who was subscribed to a flat-rate billing contract on the first server 10 switches their contract to a flat-rate billing contract on the second server 20, and payment for the usage fee of the flat-rate billing contract on the second server 20 is received from that user, as a benefit of continuing the flat-rate billing contract, shop points that the user can use in the web store, or game objects that can be used in the game, etc., will be granted to that user free of charge without requiring them to spend any money. Furthermore, if a user who was subscribed to a subscription plan on Server 10 continues their subscription on Server 10, they will receive game objects and other items usable in the game as a continuation benefit, without having to spend any money. However, the content of the continuation benefits will differ from those received if the user switches to and continues their subscription on Server 20. Specifically, switching to and continuing a subscription plan on Server 20 will grant more advantageous benefits (for example, rare and valuable game objects) and a larger number of benefits than continuing the subscription plan on Server 10.

[0036] <Configuration of the device constituting the game billing processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention> Next, the configuration of the first server 10, second server 20, game server 30, and user terminal 40, which constitute the game billing processing system S according to one embodiment of the present invention, will be described. The first server 10, the second server 20, the game server 30, and the user terminal 40 are examples of computers and are connected to each other via network N, as shown in Figure 1. Network N is a communication network consisting of, for example, the Internet or a mobile communication network, and may include LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), and intranet.

[0037] In the game billing system S of this embodiment, the game progresses through the cooperation of the game server 30 and the user terminal 40 as described above. Specifically, the game server 30 performs some of the game progression processing, while the user terminal 40 performs some of the graphics processing, etc. For example, the game server 30 executes a program that includes certain rules, logic, and algorithms. On the other hand, the user terminal 40 progresses the game in synchronization with the game server 30, using the same rules, logic, and algorithms as the program executed by the game server 30. That is, while playing the game, the user terminal 40 displays the game play screen, which is the display screen of the game, on a display 40e or the like, and also displays the display data sent from the game server 30 as it is received, and displays the images and text information indicated by the display data on the game play screen.

[0038] Furthermore, in the game billing system S of this embodiment, the above configuration enables the first server 10, the second server 20, or the game server 30 to cooperate with the user terminal 40 to initiate or continue a fixed-rate billing contract for a game, or to purchase game objects used in the game. Specifically, the first server 10, the second server 20, or the game server 30 performs part of the fixed-rate billing contract processing for the game, while the user terminal 40 performs part of the graphics processing, etc. Also, the first server 10, the second server 20, or the game server 30 performs part of the game object purchase processing, while the user terminal 40 performs part of the graphics processing, etc.

[0039] (Server 10, Server 20, and Game Server 30) The first server 10, the second server 20, and the game server 30 are computers that perform various information processing related to game progression, such as generating, storing, and transmitting / receiving data necessary for game progression (including the commencement or continuation of a subscription contract). Specifically, these are composed of SNS servers or server computers for cloud services. Server computers for cloud services include server computers for ASP (Application Service Provider), SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service). Furthermore, the first server 10, the second server 20, and the game server 30 may consist of a single computer or multiple computers distributed in parallel. In this embodiment, a series of information processing steps related to game progression (excluding information input and display) are performed by the game server 30, the first server 10, and the second server 20. Therefore, the user terminal 40 only needs to input information to be passed to the first server 10, the second server 20, and the game server 30, and display the information distributed from the first server 10, the second server 20, and the game server 30.

[0040] The first server 10, as hardware equipment, has a processor 10a, memory 10b, communication interface 10c, and storage 10d, as shown in Figure 1, and these devices are electrically connected via a bus 10e. The configuration and functions of each device in the first server 10 are the same as those of the second server 20, which will be described later. Furthermore, the first server 10 has an operating system (OS) and a dedicated program for processing information related to platform services installed as software. Although Figure 1 shows one first server 10, there are actually a number of first servers 10 corresponding to the number of platform service providers, or more precisely, the number of platforms that accept subscription-based game contracts over the internet.

[0041] The second server 20 corresponds to the "game billing processing device" of the present invention and, as hardware equipment, has a processor 20a, memory 20b, communication interface 20c, and storage 20d, as shown in Figure 1, and these devices are electrically connected via a bus 20e. Furthermore, the second server 20 has an operating system (OS) and a dedicated program for processing information related to the web store installed as software. By operating the processor 20a in accordance with the above program, the second server 20 functions as the game billing processing device of the present invention and performs a series of information processing related to, for example, the commencement or continuation of a fixed-rate billing contract.

[0042] The processor 20a may consist of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), MCU (Micro Controller Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc.

[0043] The memory 20b may be composed of semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0044] The communication interface 20c may be configured, for example, by a network interface card or a communication interface board. The data communication standard using the communication interface 20c is not particularly limited and may include wireless LAN communication, 3G to 5G or later generation mobile communication systems, or LTE (Long Term Evolution) based communication.

[0045] The storage 20d only needs to be capable of storing and accumulating various types of information, and may consist of flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), FD (Flexible Disc), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disc), CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card), or USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory), etc. Furthermore, the storage 20d may be built into the second server 20, or it may be attached to the server body as an external device. Additionally, the storage 20d may consist of an external computer (for example, a database server or online storage) that is connected to the server body in a communicative manner. As a technology for recording various types of data, distributed ledger technology such as blockchain may be used to prevent unauthorized data tampering.

[0046] As hardware components, the game server 30 includes a processor 30a, memory 30b, communication interface 30c, and storage 30d, as shown in Figure 1, and these components are electrically connected via a bus 30e. The configuration and functions of each component of the game server 30 are the same as those of the second server 20 described above. Furthermore, the game server 30 has an operating system (OS) and a dedicated program for processing information related to the game installed as software. The processor 30a operates according to the above program, and the game server 30 performs a series of information processing related to the progress of the game.

[0047] (User terminal) The user terminal 40 corresponds to the "terminal" of the present invention and is a client terminal for the user to perform gameplay operations and operations associated with gameplay (such as purchasing game objects and subscribing to, continuing, paying for, reserving, or canceling a subscription contract). The user terminal 40 is composed of, for example, a personal computer, smartphone, mobile phone, tablet device, game console, television receiver capable of information input, and wearable device. As shown in Figure 1, the user terminal 40 has hardware components including a processor 40a, a storage device 40b, a communication interface 40c, an input device 40d, and a display 40e, all of which are electrically connected via a bus 40f. Examples of input devices 40d in the user terminal 40 include a touch panel, touchpad, buttons, a microphone, and various sensors. Although Figure 1 illustrates one user terminal 40, in reality, there are, of course, a number of user terminals 40 corresponding to the number of users.

[0048] The user terminal 40 has an operating system (OS) and applications such as game apps, web store apps, and platform apps installed. While the user is playing the game, the user terminal 40 receives game progress data from the game server 30 and displays the images (videos) indicated by the data on the user terminal 40's display 40e or on a display device such as a TV connected to the user terminal 40 (hereinafter referred to as "display 40e, etc."), and outputs sound from a speaker, etc. Also, while the user is using the platform or web store, the user terminal 40 receives various data from the first server 10 or the second server 20 and displays the images (videos) indicated by the data on the user terminal 40's display 40e, etc., and outputs sound from a speaker, etc. In other words, in this embodiment, the user terminal 40 functions as a display unit and an audio output unit.

[0049] Furthermore, the user terminal 40 receives gameplay operations performed by the user during and before / after gameplay, as well as operations associated with gameplay, and transmits information corresponding to the content of such operations to the first server 10, the second server 20, or the game server 30. For example, the user performs various operations necessary to play the game on the user terminal 40, including payment operations to make payments for a subscription contract, reservation request operations to request a reservation for a subscription contract, and cancellation request operations to request cancellation of a subscription contract, and transmits information based on these operations to the first server 10, the second server 20, or the game server 30. In addition to the operations described above, users may perform any other operations on their user terminal 40 necessary to enjoy the services provided by the game billing system S of this embodiment.

[0050] <Functions of the device constituting the game billing processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention> (Server 1) The configuration of the first server 10, which is one of the devices constituting the game billing processing system S according to this embodiment, will now be explained again in terms of its functionality. As shown in Figure 4, the first server 10 includes a storage unit 11, an information acquisition unit 12, a display control unit 13, a communication control unit 14, and a purchase control unit 15. Of these, the storage unit 11 is implemented by memory 10b or storage 10d, and the other functional units are implemented by the cooperation of the hardware equipment constituting the first server 10 and the programs installed on the first server 10. If the first server 10 is composed of multiple computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the multiple computers performs different functions from one another. The following sections will provide a detailed explanation of each functional component.

[0051] (Storage part) The memory unit 11 stores various information necessary for platform management and other purposes. Specifically, the memory unit 11 stores user information, platform information, and various other information related to platform management. Some of the user information (such as information related to the game) may be stored in the memory unit 31 of the game server 30.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5, user information is stored for each user, with various pieces of information linked to an identification piece (platform user ID) that identifies each user on the platform. For example, user information includes linked game accounts (game user ID), linked web store accounts (web store user ID), the status of game subscription contracts, and usage history of other platforms. Furthermore, the status of game subscription contracts includes information such as the subscription plan, contract period, and payment status. Furthermore, user information may also include other information not mentioned above, such as personal information of the user including contact details, payment information including card information, and access history to the platform.

[0053] Platform information, as shown in Figure 6, is detailed information about the platform and is stored for each platform. For example, platform information includes the name of the platform, the name of the business operator managing the platform, the products handled on the platform, the payment methods available on the platform, and the number of registered users of the platform. If the products handled are subscription contracts for games, information such as the game's identification information (game name), usage fee, and period is included. Furthermore, the products handled include information such as the product identification number (product ID), product name, seller, content, and price. In addition to the subscription contracts for games in this embodiment and game objects usable in the game in this embodiment, the products also include subscription contracts for other games, game objects usable in other games, and information on general products unrelated to games. Furthermore, other information not mentioned above, such as transaction history for each user and statistical information such as sales rankings of products, may also be included in the platform information.

[0054] (Information acquisition department) The information acquisition unit 12 acquires information (data) based on operations performed by the user on the user terminal 40 by communicating with the user terminal 40. The information acquired by the information acquisition unit 12 includes, for example, payment operation information based on a payment operation to make a payment for a fixed-rate billing contract to the first server 10, and cancellation request operation information based on a cancellation request operation to request the cancellation of the fixed-rate billing contract to the first server 10. In addition to the above information, the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 12 includes information based on various selections, specifications, instructions, requests, commands, permissions, denials, registrations, and other input operations performed by the user to the first server 10.

[0055] (Display Control Unit) The display control unit 13 controls the user terminal 40 and causes platform-related information to be displayed on the screen of the user terminal 40, such as the display 40e. Specifically, the display control unit 13 generates display data for displaying the results of information processing by the purchase control unit 15, etc., as described later, and transmits the generated display data to the user terminal 40 via the network N. For example, as a result of information processing by the purchase control unit 15, the display control unit 13 works in cooperation with the purchase control unit 15 to display the payment screen 51 (Figure 14) for the fixed-rate billing contract and the cancellation request screen 53 (Figure 16), etc., on the user terminal 40. In addition, the display control unit 13 also displays input operation screens for various input operations, and notification screens for notifying various information, etc., on the user terminal 40.

[0056] (Communications Control Unit) The communication control unit 14 controls the system to enable communication with external servers, etc. Specifically, it transmits and receives data between the second server 20, the game server 30, and the user terminal 40 via the network N. For example, the communication control unit 14 transmits information regarding the contract status, such as the validity period of the subscription contract for the game on the first server 10 and whether or not the cancellation procedure has been completed, to the second server 20 or the game server 30. In addition, if the second server 20 or the game server 30 receives a cancellation request operation from the user terminal 40 to the first server 10, the communication control unit 14 receives the cancellation request operation information from the second server 20 or the game server 30.

[0057] (Purchasing Control Department) The purchase control unit 15 controls the platform to enable the purchase of goods such as game objects used in the game. The purchase control unit 15 also controls the platform to enable the acceptance of requests from users to subscribe to a game subscription contract, to make payments for a game subscription contract, and to cancel a game subscription contract. Specifically, the purchase control unit 15 settles the payment for the amount equivalent to the price of the game's subscription contract based on the payment operation information obtained from the user by the information acquisition unit 12, and starts the subscription contract for the corresponding period (for example, the first period). It also works with the communication control unit 14 to notify the game server 30 that the subscription contract (for example, the subscription contract for the first period) has started. Furthermore, the purchase control unit 15 terminates the game's subscription contract based on the cancellation request operation information obtained from the user by the information acquisition unit 12, and works with the communication control unit 14 to notify the game server 30, and the second server 20 if necessary, that the game's subscription contract has ended (for example, ended in the first period). The purchase control unit 15 handles payments for subscription contracts and the purchase of game objects, but since the payment processing is based on conventionally known technology, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0058] (Second server) Next, we will explain the configuration of the second server 20, which is one of the devices constituting the game billing processing system S according to this embodiment and corresponds to the "game billing processing device" of the present invention, in terms of its functionality. As shown in Figure 7, the second server 20 includes a storage unit 21, an information acquisition unit 22, a display control unit 23, a communication control unit 24, a purchase control unit 25, and a reward granting unit 26. Of these, the storage unit 21 is implemented by memory 20b or storage 20d, and the other functional units are implemented by the cooperation of the hardware equipment constituting the second server 20 and the program installed on the second server 20. If the second server 20 is composed of multiple computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the multiple computers performs a different function from the others. The following sections will provide a detailed explanation of each functional component.

[0059] (Storage part) The memory unit 21 stores various types of information necessary for managing the web store, etc. Specifically, the memory unit 21 stores user information, web store information, and various other information related to the management of the web store. Note that some of the user information (such as information related to the game) may be stored in the memory unit 31 of the game server 30.

[0060] As shown in Figure 8, user information is stored for each user, with various pieces of information linked to an identification piece (Web Store User ID) that identifies each user on the Web Store. For example, user information includes linked game accounts (game user ID), the status of game subscription contracts (including reservation status), the amount of shop points usable on the web store, and other information such as web store usage history. In addition, the status of game subscription contracts includes information such as the subscription plan, contract period, reservation status, and payment status. Furthermore, user information may also include other information not mentioned above, such as personal information of the user including contact details, payment information including card information, point acquisition and usage history, and access history to the web store.

[0061] Web store information, as shown in Figure 9, is detailed information about a web store and is stored for each web store. For example, web store information includes information such as the name of the web store, the products handled by the web store, the payment methods available on the web store, and the number of registered users of the web store. If the products handled are subscription contracts for games, information such as the game's identification number (game ID), game name, usage fee, and period is included. In addition to the subscription contracts for games in this embodiment and game objects usable in the game in this embodiment, the products also include subscription contracts for other games provided by business operator G, game objects usable in other games provided by business operator G, and information about products provided by business operator G that are unrelated to games. Furthermore, other information not mentioned above, such as transaction history for each user and statistical information such as sales rankings of products, may also be included in the web store information.

[0062] (Information acquisition department) The information acquisition unit 22 acquires information (data) based on operations performed by the user terminal 40 while the user is using the web store by communicating with the user terminal 40. The information acquired by the information acquisition unit 22 includes, for example, reservation request operation information based on a reservation request operation to make a reservation request for a fixed-rate billing contract to the second server 20, and cancellation request operation information based on a cancellation request operation to make a cancellation request for a fixed-rate billing contract to the first server 10 via the second server 20. In addition to the above information, the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 22 includes information based on various selections, specifications, instructions, requests, commands, permissions, denials, registrations, and other input operations performed by the user to the second server 20.

[0063] (Display Control Unit) The display control unit 23 controls the user terminal 40 and causes it to display information related to the web store on the screen of the user terminal 40, such as the display 40e. Specifically, the display control unit 23 generates display data for displaying the results of information processing by the purchase control unit 25, etc., as described later, and transmits the generated display data to the user terminal 40 via the network N. For example, as a result of information processing by the purchase control unit 25, the display control unit 23 works in cooperation with the purchase control unit 25 to display the following on the user terminal 40: a reservation request screen 52 (Figure 14) for a fixed-rate billing contract, a cancellation request screen 53 (Figure 16), a cancellation benefit granting screen 54 (Figure 17), a start-up screen 57 (Figure 20), a start-up-prohibition screen 59 (Figure 22), and a cancellation promotion notification screen 58 (Figure 21). In addition, the display control unit 23 also displays input operation screens for various input operations, and notification screens for various information on the user terminal 40.

[0064] (Communications Control Unit) The communication control unit 24 controls the system to enable communication with external servers, etc. Specifically, it transmits and receives data between the first server 10, the game server 30, and the user terminal 40 via the network N. For example, the communication control unit 24 communicates with the first server 10 or the game server 30 to obtain information regarding the contract status, such as the validity period of the subscription contract for the game on the first server 10 and whether or not the cancellation procedure has been completed. Also, if the communication control unit 24 receives a request from the user terminal 40 to cancel the subscription contract for the first server 10, it transmits the cancellation request operation information to the first server 10. Furthermore, if the communication control unit 24 receives a request from the user terminal 40 to reserve a subscription contract and the subscription contract on the first server 10 has not been terminated, it sends a notification to the user terminal 40 prompting the user to cancel the subscription contract on the first server 10.

[0065] (Purchasing Control Department) The purchase control unit 25 controls the web store to enable the purchase of goods such as game objects used in the game. The purchase control unit 25 also controls the web store to enable the acceptance of requests from users to subscribe to a game subscription contract, reserve a game subscription contract, make payments for a game subscription contract, and cancel a game subscription contract. Specifically, the purchase control unit 25 settles the payment for the amount equivalent to the price of the game's subscription contract based on the payment operation information obtained from the user by the information acquisition unit 22, and starts the subscription contract for the corresponding period (for example, the second period). At the same time, it works in cooperation with the communication control unit 24 to notify the game server 30 that the subscription contract (for example, the subscription contract for the second period) has started. The purchase control unit 25 handles payments for subscription contracts and settlements when purchasing game objects, etc. However, since the settlement process is based on conventionally known technology, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0066] If the purchase control unit 25 receives a request to cancel the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server 10 for the second period during the first period, it controls the system to allow the user to make payments for the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period during a predetermined period (for example, 3 days) after the first period has elapsed and the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server 10 has ended. On the other hand, if the purchase control unit 25 does not receive a request to cancel the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server 10 for the second period during the first period, and the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server 10 continues into the second period, it controls the system to prevent the user from making payments for the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period even after the first period has elapsed.

[0067] For example, if the purchase control unit 25 receives a reservation request from the user terminal 40 for a fixed-rate billing contract for a period after the first period (second period) during the first period for which a fixed-rate billing contract is in place on the first server 10, (1) If a cancellation request for the second period is received on the first server 10 during the first period and the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server 10 ends during the first period, the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period on the second server 20 will be started. (2) If no cancellation request for the second period is received on the first server 10 during the first period and the flat-rate billing contract on the first server 10 has not ended during the first period, the flat-rate billing contract for the second period on the second server 20 will not be started.

[0068] When the purchase control unit 25 receives a reservation request for a subscription contract for the game, it controls the system to allow the user to specify the start date of the subscription contract (for example, the start date of the second period that occurs after the first period) from within the period after the subscription contract on the first server 10 has ended. Furthermore, when the purchase control unit 25 receives a reservation request for a subscription contract for a game, it controls the system to allow the user to select from multiple types of subscription contracts with different conditions (e.g., amount, benefits, and duration).

[0069] If the purchase control unit 25 does not receive a request to terminate the fixed-rate billing contract at the first server 10 for the second period during the first period, and the fixed-rate billing contract at the first server 10 does not end in the first period but continues into the second period, the purchase control unit 25 will start the fixed-rate billing contract at the second server 20 from the period after the termination request is received at the first server 10 (for example, the third period). For example, if the purchase control unit 25 receives a termination request at the first server 10 during the second period, and the fixed-rate billing contract at the first server 10 ends in the second period, the purchase control unit 25 will start the fixed-rate billing contract at the second server 20 for the third period, which follows the second period.

[0070] (Benefits Distribution Department) The reward granting unit 26 works in cooperation with the information acquisition unit 22, the display control unit 23, and the communication control unit 24 to grant shop points usable by the user in the web store as a cancellation reward or continuation reward to the user when the first server 10 receives a request to cancel the fixed-rate billing contract, or when the second server 20 receives a payment for the fixed-rate billing contract, without requiring the user to spend any money. Specifically, the reward granting unit 26 updates the user information by associating the shop points granted as rewards with the user.

[0071] (Game Server) Next, we will explain the configuration of the game server 30, which is one of the devices constituting the game billing processing system S according to this embodiment, from a functional standpoint. As shown in Figure 10, the game server 30 includes a storage unit 31, an information acquisition unit 32, a display control unit 33, a communication control unit 34, a purchase control unit 35, a reward granting unit 36, and a game control unit 37. Of these, the storage unit 31 is implemented by memory 30b or storage 30d, and the other functional units are implemented by the cooperation of the hardware equipment constituting the game server 30 and the program installed on the game server 30. If the game server 30 is composed of multiple computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the multiple computers performs different functions from one another. The following sections will provide a detailed explanation of each functional component.

[0072] (Storage part) The memory unit 21 stores various types of information necessary for playing the game. Specifically, the memory unit 21 stores user information, subscription contract information, and various other game-related information (for example, game object information, quest information, and lottery information).

[0073] As shown in Figure 11, user information is stored for each user, with various pieces of information linked to an identification piece (game user ID) that identifies each user in the game. For example, user information includes the game account name (username), linked platform accounts (platform user ID), linked web store accounts (web store user ID), game objects such as characters and items owned as game assets, game play history, and information on the status of the game's subscription contract (including reservation status). In addition, the status of the game's subscription contract includes information such as the subscription plan, contracting party, contract period, reservation status, and payment status. Furthermore, user information may also include other information not mentioned above, such as user rank, personal information of the user such as contact details, and payment history for the game.

[0074] As shown in Figure 12, the subscription contract information is information about the game's subscription contract, and the contract details are stored for each type of subscription contract (plan). For example, subscription contract information includes information such as the providers from whom subscriptions and payments can be made, the amount, the period, the content, and any continuing benefits. Furthermore, other information besides that mentioned above, such as the total number of subscribers, trends in the number of subscribers, and statistical information such as popularity rankings, may also be included in the subscription contract information.

[0075] (Information acquisition department) The information acquisition unit 32 acquires information (data) based on operations performed by the user on the user terminal 40 within the game application by communicating with the user terminal 40. The information acquired by the information acquisition unit 32 includes, for example, game play operations, as well as cancellation request operation information based on a cancellation request operation to send a cancellation request for a fixed-rate billing contract to the first server 10 via the game server 30. In addition to the above information, the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 32 includes information based on various selections, specifications, instructions, requests, commands, permissions, denials, registrations, and other input operations performed by the user in each scene of the game.

[0076] (Display Control Unit) The display control unit 33 controls the user terminal 40 and displays information for game progression on the screen of the user terminal 40, such as the display 40e. Specifically, the display control unit 33 generates display data for displaying the results of information processing by the purchase control unit 35, the reward granting unit 36, and the game control unit 37, etc., which will be described later, and transmits the generated display data to the user terminal 40 via the network N. For example, as a result of information processing by the game control unit 37, the display control unit 33 works in cooperation with the game control unit 37 to display on the user terminal 40 the game screen, such as the game screen for quests and lotteries, as well as the screen for requesting cancellation of the subscription contract 53 (Figure 16), the screen for granting cancellation rewards 55 (Figure 18), the screen for granting continuation rewards 56 (Figure 19), and the screen for notifying cancellation 58 (Figure 21).

[0077] (Communications Control Unit) The communication control unit 34 controls the system to enable communication with external servers, and specifically, it transmits and receives data between the first server 10, the second server 20, and the user terminal 40 via the network N. For example, the communication control unit 34 communicates with the first server 10 and obtains information regarding the contract status, such as the validity period of the subscription contract for the game on the first server 10 and whether or not the cancellation procedure has been completed. The communication control unit 34 also communicates with the second server 20 and obtains information regarding the contract status, such as the validity period of the subscription contract for the game on the second server 20 and whether or not a reservation request or payment has been accepted. Furthermore, if the communication control unit 34 receives a cancellation request for the subscription contract for the first server 10 from the user terminal 40, it transmits the cancellation request operation information to the first server 10. In addition, if the second server 20 receives a reservation request for the subscription contract from the user terminal 40 and the subscription contract on the first server 10 has not been terminated, the communication control unit 34 sends a notification to the user terminal 40 prompting the user to cancel the subscription contract on the first server 10.

[0078] (Purchasing Control Department) When the purchase control unit 35 receives a request from a user to specify a game object to be purchased in the in-game store, it settles the payment for an amount equivalent to the price of the game object and grants the purchased game object to the user. The purchase control unit 35 also controls the in-game store to accept requests from users to subscribe to a game subscription contract, to reserve a game subscription contract, to pay for a game subscription contract, and to cancel a game subscription contract. Specifically, the purchase control unit 35 identifies the game object to be purchased based on the specified information obtained from the user by the information acquisition unit 32, and updates the user information by associating the identified game object with the user. The purchase control unit 35 also settles the payment for the amount equivalent to the price of the game's subscription contract based on the payment operation information obtained from the user by the information acquisition unit 32. The purchase control unit 35 handles payment when a game object is purchased, but since the payment processing is based on conventionally known technology, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0079] (Benefits Distribution Department) The reward granting unit 36 ​​works in cooperation with the information acquisition unit 32, the display control unit 33, and the communication control unit 34 to grant game objects usable by the user in the game as a subscription reward or continuation reward to the user without requiring the user to consume any cost, when the first server 10 receives payment from the user for a fixed-rate subscription contract, or when the second server 20 receives payment from the user for a fixed-rate subscription contract. At this time, if the user switches from a fixed-rate subscription contract on the first server 10 to a fixed-rate subscription contract on the second server 20 and continues using it, the reward granting unit 36 ​​will increase the number of rewards granted or grant more advantageous rewards (for example, hard-to-obtain, high-value game objects) to the user compared to when the user continues using the fixed-rate subscription contract on the first server 10. Furthermore, if a request to cancel a fixed-rate billing contract is received on the first server 10, the reward granting unit 36 ​​grants the user game objects that can be used in the game as a cancellation reward, without requiring the user to spend any money. Specifically, the reward granting unit 26 updates user information by associating the game object granted as a continuation reward or cancellation reward with the user.

[0080] (Game Control Unit) The game control unit 37 performs information processing necessary for the game to progress. Specifically, the game control unit 37 advances the game, such as gacha or quests, based on various information acquired from the user by the information acquisition unit 32. For example, in a quest that the user is playing, the game control unit 37 performs effects such as moving game objects such as characters owned by the user in response to the user's quest play operations, and generates game effects such as changing the parameters of game objects such as characters according to the progress of the game. Furthermore, the game control unit 37 updates user information related to the game play history according to the user's game play status. In addition, the game control unit 37 assigns game objects to the user according to the results of gacha draws or quest play results, etc. That is, it updates user information by associating game objects such as characters and items with the user.

[0081] When a user subscribes to (or renews) a subscription contract on the first server 10 or the second server 20, the game control unit 37 grants the user game effects corresponding to the content of the subscription contract, based on the information regarding the subscription status of the game obtained by the communication control unit 34 from the first server 10 or the second server 20. In other words, it performs processing such as associating game objects such as characters and items with the user and updating the user information.

[0082] The configurations of the first server 10, the second server 20, the game server 30, and the user terminal 40 have been described above. Generally, the first server 10, the second server 20, the game server 30, and the user terminal 40 have various functions other than those described above, but here only the characteristic functions that have an effect in the game billing processing system S of the present invention will be described, and other known functions will not be shown or described.

[0083] <Game billing processing method related to one embodiment of the present invention> Next, the flow of game billing (hereinafter referred to as the game billing flow) executed in the game billing system S having the above configuration will be described. The game billing flow employs the game billing method of the present invention and is realized by using the game billing system S, which functions as a computer system. In other words, each step in the game billing flow corresponds to a component of the game billing method of the present invention. The game billing process flow described below is merely an example, and unnecessary steps may be removed, new steps added, or the order of steps rearranged, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0084] The game billing process flow executed in the game billing processing system S is information processing that begins in the first period (March 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025), and proceeds according to the flow shown in Figure 13, for example. In addition, the screens displayed on the user terminal 40 during each process will also be explained below. For example, Figures 14 to 22 are examples of screens displayed on the display 40e of the user terminal 40. This explanation assumes that the user's game account and web store account are already linked. Furthermore, the explanation uses the example of a user who, during the first period, subscribed to a flat-rate payment contract on Server 10, and intends to switch the payment destination for the flat-rate payment contract from Server 10 to Server 20 starting from the second period (April 1, 2025 to April 30, 2025), which begins after the first period ends.

[0085] As shown in Figure 13, the processor 10a of the first server 10 first displays a payment screen 51 for the fixed-rate billing contract, as shown in Figure 14, on the user terminal 40, obtains payment operation information based on the payment operation performed by the user, and accepts payment from the user for the fixed-rate billing contract for the first period (S101). The payment screen 51 for the fixed-rate billing contract displays information for making a payment to the first server 10 for the fixed-rate billing contract for the first period, that is, information including the payee, period, and amount of the fixed-rate billing contract.

[0086] Next, the processor 20a of the second server 20 displays a fixed-rate billing contract reservation request screen 52, as shown in Figure 15, on the user terminal 40, obtains reservation request operation information based on the reservation request operation performed by the user, and accepts a reservation request for a fixed-rate billing contract for the second period from the user (S102). The fixed-rate billing contract reservation request screen 52 displays information for sending the fixed-rate billing contract reservation request from the second server 20, that is, information including the selectable fixed-rate billing contract plan, period, and amount.

[0087] Next, the processor 10a of the first server 10 obtains cancellation request information based on the user's cancellation request operation from the subscription cancellation request screen 53 shown in Figure 16 displayed on the user terminal 40, either directly or via the second server 20 or the game server 30. When the first server 10 receives a cancellation request from the user for the subscription cancellation contract for the second period and beyond during the first period (S103:YES), it executes the cancellation procedure for the subscription cancellation contract on the first server 10 and notifies the second server 20 and the game server 30 via the network N that the cancellation procedure has been completed (S104). The subscription cancellation request screen 53 displays information for sending the subscription cancellation request on the first server 10.

[0088] When the processor 20a of the second server 20 receives the above notification from the first server 10 and confirms that the fixed-rate billing contract at the first server 10 will not continue into the second period but will end in the first period, it displays the fixed-rate billing contract cancellation benefit granting screen 54, as shown in Figure 17, on the user terminal 40 when the user launches the store app and logs into the web store (for example, as a pop-up display), and grants the user shop points that can be used in the web store service provided by the second server 20 as a cancellation benefit (S105). The fixed-rate billing contract cancellation benefit granting screen 54 displays information including the details of the shop points to be granted to the user. Furthermore, if a user cancels a subscription contract on the web store app, i.e., via the second server 20 to the first server 10, the processor 20a of the second server 20 may, upon receiving the cancellation request information, display a screen 54 granting benefits for canceling a subscription contract, as shown in Figure 17, on the user terminal 40. Alternatively, the screen 54 granting benefits for canceling a subscription contract may be displayed on the user terminal 40 when the user launches a game app and logs into the game.

[0089] Meanwhile, when the processor 30a of the game server 30 receives the above notification from the first server 10 and confirms that the subscription contract with the first server 10 will not continue into the second period but will end in the first period, it displays a subscription contract termination benefit granting screen 55, as shown in Figure 18, on the user terminal 40 when the user launches the game application and logs into the game (for example, as a pop-up display), and grants the user game objects that can be used in the game provided by the game server 30 as a termination benefit (S106). The subscription contract termination benefit granting screen 55 displays information including the content of the game objects to be granted to the user. Furthermore, if a user cancels a subscription contract with the first server 10 via the game application, i.e., through the game server 30, the processor 30a of the game server 30 may, upon receiving the cancellation request information, display a screen 55 showing the benefits of canceling the subscription contract, as shown in Figure 18, on the user terminal 40.

[0090] Then, within a predetermined period (for example, within 3 days after the end of the first period), the processor 20a of the second server 20 obtains payment operation information based on the payment operation performed by the user from the payment screen of the fixed-rate billing contract (not shown) displayed on the user terminal 40, and when it accepts payment from the user for the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period (S107:YES), it notifies the game server 30 via the network N that the user's payment for the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period has been completed (S108).

[0091] When the processor 30a of the game server 30 receives the above notification from the second server 20 and confirms that payment for the subscription contract on the second server 20 for the second period has been completed, it displays the subscription contract continuation benefit granting screen 56, as shown in Figure 19, on the user terminal 40 when the user launches the game application and logs into the game (for example, as a pop-up display), and grants the user game objects that can be used in the game provided by the game server 30 as continuation benefits (S109). The subscription contract continuation benefit granting screen 56 displays information including the content of the game objects to be granted to the user. Furthermore, if a user makes a payment for a subscription contract through the game app, that is, via the game server 30 to the second server 20, the system may display a screen 56 showing the continuation benefits of the subscription contract, as shown in Figure 19, on the user terminal 40 when it receives the payment information.

[0092] Then, the processor 20a of the second server 20 displays the screen 57, which indicates that the second period of the fixed-rate billing contract can be started, as shown in Figure 20, on the user terminal 40 (for example, as a pop-up display) when the user is in a waiting state where neither the web store app nor the game app is running, when the user launches the store app and logs into the web store, or when the user launches the game app and logs into the game, and starts the second period of the fixed-rate billing contract (S110), and then terminates the process. The screen 57, which indicates that the fixed-rate billing contract can be started, displays information including a notification that the second server 20 will start the fixed-rate billing contract.

[0093] On the other hand, if the processor 10a of the first server 10 has not received a request from the user to cancel the subscription contract for the second period or later during the first period (S103: NO), that is, if the processor 20a of the second server 20 has not received notification from the first server 10 that the cancellation procedure for the subscription contract has been completed, the processor 20a of the second server 20 will display a notification screen 58 prompting the user to cancel the subscription contract, as shown in Figure 21, on the user terminal 40 (for example, as a pop-up) (S111) when the user is on the waiting screen when neither the web store app nor the game app is running, when the user launches the store app and logs into the web store, or when the user launches the game app and logs into the game, prompting the user to proceed with the cancellation procedure for the subscription contract on the first server 10. Furthermore, when the processor 20a of the second server 20 receives reservation request operation information from the user, it may display a notification screen 58 prompting cancellation of the fixed-rate billing contract, as shown in Figure 21, on the user terminal 40.

[0094] Subsequently, or if payment for the second period's fixed-rate contract has not yet been received from the user (S107: NO), the processor 10a of the first server 10 will continue the fixed-rate contract on the first server 10 for the second period as well, if the first period has elapsed without any cancellation procedures being taken for the fixed-rate contract on the first server 10 (S113). Furthermore, if the first period has not yet ended (S112:NO), that is, if the cancellation procedure has not been performed for the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server 10 but the first period has not yet elapsed, the processor 10a of the first server 10 proceeds to the process in S103 above.

[0095] Meanwhile, the processor 20a of the second server 20 displays a screen 59 showing that the subscription contract cannot be started, as shown in Figure 22, on the user terminal 40 (for example, as a pop-up) when the user is in a waiting state and neither the web store app nor the game app is running, when the user starts the store app and logs into the web store, or when the user starts the game app and logs into the game, and terminates processing without starting the subscription contract for the second period (S114). The screen 59 showing that the subscription contract cannot be started includes information such as a notification that the subscription contract will not be started on the second server 20. The above is an example of a game billing process flow.

[0096] Next, as another example of the game billing processing flow, we will explain a case where, during the first period, the second server 20 received a reservation request from the user, but the first server 10 did not receive a cancellation request from the user during the first period, and the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server 10 continues into the second period. The following game billing processing flow is information processing that starts in the second period (April 1, 2025 to April 30, 2025), and is the information processing that is executed when the processing ends without starting the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period in the game billing processing flow shown in Figure 13, and proceeds, for example, according to the flow shown in Figure 23.

[0097] As shown in Figure 23, the processor 10a of the first server 10 first obtains cancellation request information based on the user's cancellation request operation from the cancellation request screen 53 of the fixed-rate billing contract shown in Figure 16, displayed on the user terminal 40, either directly or via the second server 20 or the game server 30. When the processor 10a receives a cancellation request from the user for the fixed-rate billing contract from the third period (May 1, 2025 to May 31, 2025) onwards during the second period (S201:YES), it executes the cancellation procedure for the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server 10 and notifies the second server 20 and the game server 30 via the network N that the cancellation procedure has been completed (S202).

[0098] When the processor 20a of the second server 20 receives the above notification from the first server 10 and confirms that the fixed-rate billing contract at the first server 10 will not continue into the third period but will end in the second period, it displays a screen 54 granting cancellation benefits for the fixed-rate billing contract, as shown in Figure 17, on the user terminal 40 when the user launches the store app and logs into the web store, and grants the user shop points that can be used in the web store service provided by the second server 20 as a cancellation benefit (S203).

[0099] Meanwhile, when the processor 30a of the game server 30 receives the above notification from the first server 10 and confirms that the fixed-rate billing contract at the first server 10 will not continue into the third period but will end in the second period, it displays a screen 55 granting cancellation benefits for the fixed-rate billing contract, as shown in Figure 18, on the user terminal 40 when the user launches the game application and logs into the game, and grants the user game objects that can be used in the game provided by the game server 30 as cancellation benefits (S204).

[0100] Then, within a predetermined period (for example, within 3 days after the end of the second period), the processor 20a of the second server 20 obtains payment operation information based on the payment operation performed by the user from the payment screen of the fixed-rate billing contract (not shown) displayed on the user terminal 40, and when it receives payment from the user for the fixed-rate billing contract for the third period (S205:YES), it notifies the game server 30 via the network N that the user's payment for the fixed-rate billing contract for the third period has been completed (S206).

[0101] When the processor 30a of the game server 30 receives the above notification from the second server 20 and confirms that payment for the fixed-rate subscription contract on the second server 20 for the third period has been completed, it displays a screen 56 granting continuous benefits for the fixed-rate subscription contract, as shown in Figure 19, on the user terminal 40 when the user launches the game application and logs into the game, and grants the user game objects that can be used in the game provided by the game server 30 as continuous benefits (S207).

[0102] Then, the processor 20a of the second server 20 displays the screen 57, which indicates that the third-period flat-rate billing contract can be started, as shown in Figure 20, on the user terminal 40 (for example, as a pop-up) when the user is in a waiting state where neither the web store app nor the game app is running, when the user launches the store app and logs into the web store, or when the user launches the game app and logs into the game, and starts the third-period flat-rate billing contract (S208), and then terminates the process. In other words, even if the procedure for canceling the flat-rate billing contract on the first server 10 has not been completed during the first period, the second server 20 starts the third-period flat-rate billing contract on the second server 20 based on the reservation request received from the user on the second server 20 during the first period.

[0103] On the other hand, if the processor 10a of the first server 10 has not received a request from the user to cancel the subscription contract for the third period or beyond during the second period (S201: NO), that is, if the processor 20a of the second server 20 has not received notification from the first server 10 that the cancellation procedure for the subscription contract has been completed, the processor 20a of the second server 20 will display a notification screen 58 prompting the user to cancel the subscription contract, as shown in Figure 21, on the user terminal 40 (for example, as a pop-up) (S209) when the user is on the waiting screen when neither the web store app nor the game app is running, when the user launches the store app and logs into the web store, or when the user launches the game app and logs into the game, prompting the user to proceed with the cancellation procedure for the subscription contract on the first server 10.

[0104] Subsequently, or if payment for the third term's fixed-rate contract has not yet been received from the user (S205: NO), the processor 10a of the first server 10 will, upon the end of the second term (S210: YES), that is, if the second term has elapsed without any cancellation procedures being taken for the fixed-rate contract on the first server 10, continue the fixed-rate contract on the first server 10 in the third term as well (S211). Furthermore, if the second period has not yet ended (S210:NO), that is, if the cancellation procedure has not been performed for the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server 10 but the second period has not yet elapsed, the processor 10a of the first server 10 proceeds to the process described in S201 above.

[0105] Meanwhile, the processor 20a of the second server 20 displays a screen 59 indicating that the fixed-rate billing contract cannot be started, as shown in Figure 22, on the user terminal 40 (for example, as a pop-up) when the user is in a waiting state and neither the web store app nor the game app is running, when the user launches the store app and logs into the web store, or when the user launches the game app and logs into the game, and terminates processing without starting the fixed-rate billing contract for the third period (S212). The above is another example of a game billing process flow.

[0106] <Other Embodiments> Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely examples given to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. In other words, the present invention can be modified or improved from the above embodiments without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0107] For example, the screen examples shown in the drawings referenced in the above embodiment are merely examples, and the screen configuration, the content of the displayed information, and the GUI (Graphical User Interface) can be freely designed and modified according to the system design specifications and user preferences.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the modes of displaying an image on the user terminal 40 include displaying it on a display (display 40e) built into the terminal itself, and displaying it on a display connected to the terminal by wire or wirelessly. Similarly, the modes of emitting sound or music from the user terminal 40 include emitting it from a player (speaker) built into the terminal itself, and emitting it from an audio device connected to the terminal by wire or wirelessly. Note that the display or audio device connected to the user terminal 40 may include not only general stationary disuser speakers, but also HMDs (Head Mounted Displays) such as VR goggles.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, all or part of the functions of the first server 10, the second server 20, or the game server 30 may be provided on other servers or the user terminal 40. For example, all or part of the functions of the second server 20 as a game billing processing device may be provided on the game server 30 or the user terminal 40.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, information regarding the user's gameplay is stored in the game server 30 along with the game account, and information regarding the user's use of the web store is stored in the second server 20 along with the web store account, but this is not limited to this. For example, an account management server (not shown) that stores and manages game accounts, web store accounts, or common accounts may be provided. Alternatively, a separate database server (not shown) may be provided to store, in addition to user information stored in a distributed manner on each server, web store information, and subscription contract information, etc., all in one place on that database server. In the above case, the account management server or database server will also constitute the game billing processing system S of the present invention.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the payment processing performed on the first server 10, second server 20, or game server 30 when a fixed-rate subscription is paid or a game object is purchased is described using conventionally known payment processing methods used in normal commercial transactions (credit cards, or cashless payment processing using QR codes, etc.), with each server performing the payment processing accordingly. However, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, information may be sent and received with an external payment server (not shown) managed by a partner payment processing company, and the payment processing may be performed on that external payment server. In the above case, the external payment server will also constitute the game billing processing system S of the present invention.

[0112] Furthermore, although the above embodiments do not specifically describe the genre or content of the game, the genre and content of the game are not particularly limited and can be applied to any game. For example, it can be applied to action games, word games, fighting games, sports games, shooting games, racing games, puzzle games, card games, board games, role-playing games, or simulation games. The game may be a free-for-all or a team competition. Furthermore, it may be a competition between human users, or between a human and a computer (e.g., AI or a robot).

[0113] Furthermore, although the above embodiment does not specifically describe the game's play style, for example, quests can be played by a single user, or multiple users can operate their respective user terminals 40 to play a common quest simultaneously in so-called multiplayer (hereinafter referred to as cooperative play). In cooperative play, users can cooperate with participating users such as friends to progress through quests, or borrow characters owned by participating users or characters used in quests. Cooperative play is conducted through the communication function of each user's user terminal 40, and once a cooperative relationship is formed, the progress of the game is synchronized among the users playing cooperatively. Cooperative play may be of either type: a cooperative game in which multiple users cooperate, or a competitive game in which users compete against each other.

[0114] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the user will play events such as quests using game objects such as specified characters. However, when playing a quest, the user may also specify two or more characters from the characters available for quest play that the user owns as game assets, and form a deck that includes these specified characters. The deck is a team or group consisting of N characters specified by the user before the start of the quest.

[0115] Furthermore, the above embodiment described a subscription contract for games. However, the scope of subscription contracts is not limited to games. For example, the game billing processing system S of the present invention can be applied to any other service for which a subscription contract is possible, such as (1) paid applications other than games that can be used on terminals such as personal computers, smartphones, or mobile phones; (2) digital content services such as e-books, video distribution, or music distribution; (3) rental services for cars, clothes, furniture, or toys; (4) gift services such as food and beverages, cosmetics, or flowers; (5) transportation services such as taxis, trains, or airplanes; and (6) store services such as hotels, restaurants, beauty salons, or hair salons.

[0116] <Summary> [General tasks] One of the objectives of this invention is to make it easy to change the recurring billing contract for a service. One of the objectives of this invention is to make it possible to easily change the subscription contract for games. One of the objectives of this invention is to make it possible to change the payment recipient for a subscription-based game contract. One of the objectives of the present invention is to smoothly switch the payment destination for a game's subscription contract from the service provider corresponding to the first server to the service provider corresponding to the second server.

[0117] Issues related to [Appendix 1] One of the objectives of the present invention is to enable the smooth commencement of a second fixed-rate billing contract on the second server after the end of the first fixed-rate billing contract period on the first server. [Note 1] A game billing system comprising a first server and a second server capable of accepting payments for a game subscription contract, and a terminal operated by a user, wherein the first server accepts payments from the user for a subscription contract for the first period and controls the terminal to accept cancellation requests for the subscription contract during the first period, and the second server, when a subscription contract is in effect on the first server and a reservation request for a subscription contract for the second period following the first period is received from the terminal, starts the subscription contract for the second period if the cancellation request is received on the first server during the first period and the subscription contract on the first server ends during the first period, and does not start the subscription contract for the second period if the cancellation request is not received on the first server during the first period and the subscription contract on the first server does not end during the first period. According to the above game billing processing system, during the first period in which a fixed-rate billing contract is in place on the first server, the second server accepts a reservation request for a fixed-rate billing contract for the second period following the first period. If the first server accepts a cancellation request during the first period and the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server ends during the first period, the second server starts the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period. Therefore, after the end of the first period in which a fixed-rate billing contract is in place on the first server, the second period's fixed-rate billing contract can be smoothly started on the second server.

[0118] Issues related to [Appendix 2] One of the objectives of this invention is to prevent double payment for a fixed-rate subscription contract. [Note 2] The second server is a game billing system as described in Appendix 1, which, if a cancellation request is received by the first server during the first period, accepts payment from the user for the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period during a predetermined period after the first period has elapsed. According to the above game billing system, after confirming that the subscription contract for the first period on the first server has been terminated, payment for the subscription contract for the second period on the second server is accepted, thus preventing duplicate payments for subscription contracts.

[0119] Issues related to [Appendix 3] One of the objectives of the present invention is to allow the user to arbitrarily specify the start date of the second period. [Note 3] The second server is the game billing processing system described in Appendix 1, which accepts the user's specification of the start date of the second period in the reservation request. According to the above game billing system, the reservation request accepts the user's specification of the start date of the second period's fixed-rate billing contract, so the user can arbitrarily specify the start date of the second period.

[0120] Issues related to [Appendix 4] One of the objectives of the present invention is to incentivize users to switch the payment destination of their fixed-rate billing contract from the first server to the second server and continue using it. [Note 4] The game billing processing system described in Appendix 1 further comprises a game server that provides the game, wherein, within a predetermined period after the first period has elapsed, if the second server receives payment from the user for the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period, the second server grants the user benefits that can be used in the game. According to the above game billing system, when the second server receives payment from a user for the second period of the subscription contract, it grants the user in-game benefits, thereby incentivizing the user to switch their subscription payment destination from the first server to the second server and continue the subscription.

[0121] Issues related to [Appendix 5] One of the objectives of the present invention is to incentivize users to switch the payment destination of their fixed-rate billing contract from the first server to the second server and continue using it. [Note 5] The game server, during a predetermined period after the first period has elapsed, even if the first server receives payment from the user for the fixed-rate subscription contract for the second period, grants the user benefits that can be used in the game, and if the user switches from the first server to the second server and continues the fixed-rate subscription contract for the second period, grants the user more favorable benefits than if the fixed-rate subscription contract for the second period had been continued on the first server, as described in Appendix 4 of the game billing processing system. According to the above game billing system, if a user switches the payment destination for their subscription contract for the second period to the second server, they will be given more favorable benefits than if they continued the subscription contract on the first server. Therefore, it is possible to incentivize users to switch their subscription contract payments from the first server to the second server and continue with that plan.

[0122] Issues related to [Appendix 6] One of the objectives of the present invention is to enable the smooth commencement of a fixed-rate billing contract on the second server, even if the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server cannot be terminated. [Note 6] The second server is a game billing processing system as described in Appendix 1, which, even if the first server does not accept a cancellation request during the first period and the subscription contract on the first server has not ended during the first period, will initiate a subscription contract for the third period following the second period if the first server accepts a cancellation request during the second period and the subscription contract on the first server has ended during the second period. According to the above game billing processing system, even if a cancellation request is not accepted on the first server during the first period, if a cancellation request is accepted on the first server during the second period and the subscription contract on the first server ends during the second period, the subscription contract for the third period following the second period will be started on the second server. Therefore, even if the subscription contract on the first server cannot be canceled, the subscription contract on the second server can be started smoothly afterward.

[0123] Issues related to [Appendix 7] One of the objectives of this invention is to prevent users from forgetting to cancel their subscription contracts on the first server. [Note 7] The second server is a game billing system as described in Appendix 1, which, when it receives a reservation request, notifies the user to cancel the subscription contract on the first server if the first server did not accept a cancellation request during the first period and the subscription contract on the first server has not ended during the first period. According to the above game billing system, a notification is sent to the user prompting them to cancel their subscription on the first server, thus preventing users from forgetting to cancel their subscription on the first server.

[0124] Issues related to [Appendix 8] One of the objectives of the present invention is to incentivize users to cancel their subscription contracts on the first server. [Note 8] The second server is a game billing system as described in Appendix 1, which, if a cancellation request is received by the first server during the first period, grants the user cancellation benefits that can be used for services provided by the second server. According to the above game billing system, when a cancellation request is received for a subscription contract on the first server, the user is granted a cancellation benefit that can be used for services provided by the second server, thereby incentivizing the user to cancel their subscription contract on the first server.

[0125] Issues related to [Appendix 9] One of the objectives of the present invention is to incentivize users to cancel their subscription contracts on the first server. [Note 9] The game billing system described in Appendix 1 further includes a game server that provides the game, and if a cancellation request is received on the first server during the first period, the game server grants the user a cancellation benefit that can be used in the game. According to the above game billing system, when a cancellation request is received for a subscription contract on the first server, the user is given a cancellation reward that can be used in the game, thus incentivizing them to cancel their subscription contract on the first server.

[0126] Issues related to [Appendix 10] One of the objectives of the present invention is to incentivize users to switch the payment destination of their fixed-rate billing contract from the first server to the second server and continue using it. [Note 10] The second server is the game billing processing system described in Appendix 1, which accepts user selections from multiple types of fixed-rate billing contracts in reservation requests. According to the above game billing system, when reserving a subscription contract on the second server, users can choose any plan from several types of subscription contracts that are not available on the first server. This incentivizes users to switch their subscription payments from the first server to the second server and continue using the service.

[0127] Issues related to [Appendix 11] One of the objectives of the present invention is to enable the smooth commencement of a second fixed-rate billing contract after the end of the first fixed-rate billing contract period on the first server. [Note 11] A game billing processing device that is communicatively connected to a terminal operated by a user and capable of accepting payments for a game subscription contract, wherein when a subscription contract is in effect on a first server that has received payment from the user for a subscription contract for a first period, and the terminal requests the reservation of a subscription contract for a second period following the first period, the game billing processing device shall commence the subscription contract for the second period if the first server accepts a request to terminate the subscription contract for the first period and the subscription contract on the first server has ended in the first period, and shall not commence the subscription contract for the second period if the first server does not accept a request to terminate the subscription contract for the first period and the subscription contract on the first server has not ended in the first period. According to the above game billing processing device, during the first period in which a fixed-rate billing contract is in place on the first server, a reservation request for a fixed-rate billing contract for the second period following the first period is accepted. If a cancellation request is accepted on the first server during the first period and the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server ends during the first period, the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period is started. Therefore, after the end of the first period in which a fixed-rate billing contract is in place on the first server, the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period can be started smoothly.

[0128] Issues related to [Appendix 12] One of the objectives of the present invention is to enable the smooth commencement of a second fixed-rate billing contract on the second server after the end of the first fixed-rate billing contract period on the first server. [Note 12] A terminal operated by a user, which is connected to a first server and a second server capable of accepting payments for a game's subscription contract, and which displays information to the first server for making a payment for the first period of the subscription contract, displays information for sending a request to cancel the subscription contract on the first server during the first period, displays information for sending a request to reserve the second period of the subscription contract on the second server after the first period when the subscription contract is in effect on the first server, displays information to initiate the second period of the subscription contract on the second server when the cancellation request is accepted on the first server during the first period and the subscription contract on the first server ends during the first period, and does not display information to initiate the second period of the subscription contract on the second server when the cancellation request is not accepted on the first server during the first period and the subscription contract on the first server does not end during the first period. According to the above terminal, during the first period in which a fixed-rate billing contract is in place on the first server, information for sending a reservation request for a fixed-rate billing contract for the second period following the first period, and information for sending a request to cancel the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server are displayed. If the cancellation request is accepted on the first server during the first period and the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server ends during the first period, the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period is started on the second server. Therefore, after the end of the first period in which a fixed-rate billing contract is in place on the first server, the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period can be smoothly started on the second server.

[0129] Issues related to [Appendix 13] One of the objectives of the present invention is to enable the smooth commencement of a second fixed-rate billing contract on the second server after the end of the first fixed-rate billing contract period on the first server. [Note 13] A game billing processing method comprising: a processor receiving payment from a user for a subscription contract for the first period of the game on the first server; a processor receiving a request to cancel the subscription contract on the first server from a terminal operated by the user during the first period; a processor receiving a request to reserve a subscription contract for the second period following the first period on the second server from the terminal during the first period; if the processor receives a reservation request and also receives a cancellation request, it terminates the subscription contract on the first server during the first period and starts the subscription contract for the second period on the second server; and if the processor receives a reservation request and does not receive a cancellation request, it does not terminate the subscription contract on the first server during the first period and does not start the subscription contract for the second period on the second server. According to the above game billing processing method, during the first period in which a fixed-rate billing contract is in place on the first server, the second server accepts a reservation request for a fixed-rate billing contract for the second period following the first period. If the first server accepts a cancellation request during the first period and the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server ends during the first period, the second server starts the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period. Therefore, after the end of the first period in which a fixed-rate billing contract is in place on the first server, the second period's fixed-rate billing contract can be smoothly started on the second server. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0130] 10. Server 1 10a processor 10b memory 10c communication interface 10d storage 10e bus 11 Storage section 12 Information acquisition department 13 Display Control Unit 14. Communication Control Unit 15 Purchase Control Unit 20 Second Server 20a Processor 20b memory 20c communication interface 20d storage 20e bus 21 Memory section 22 Information Acquisition Department 23 Display Control Unit 24 Communication Control Unit 25 Purchase Control Unit 26. Special Offer Section 30 game servers 30a Processor 30b memory 30c communication interface 30d storage 30e bus 31 Storage section 32 Information Acquisition Department 33 Display Control Unit 34 Communication Control Unit 35. Purchase Control Unit 36. Special Offer Section 37 Game Control Unit 40 User terminals 40a Processor 40b Storage device 40c communication interface 40d Input device 40e Display 40f bus 51 Payment screen 52 Reservation Request Screen 53 Cancellation request screen 54. Screen showing cancellation benefits. 55. Screen showing cancellation benefits. 56 Screen for granting continuous benefits 57 Ready to start screen 58 Cancellation promotion notification screen 59 Unable to start screen N Network S Game Billing Processing System

Claims

1. This includes a first server and a second server capable of accepting payments for a game subscription contract, and a terminal operated by the user. The first server is, The system accepts payments from the user for the fixed-rate subscription contract for the first period, and controls the system to allow the terminal to accept cancellation requests for the fixed-rate subscription contract during the first period. The second server is, When a flat-rate billing contract is in place on the first server, and the terminal receives a reservation request for a flat-rate billing contract for a second period following the first period, If the cancellation request is received by the first server during the first period, and the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server ends during the first period, the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period is initiated. If the cancellation request is not accepted by the first server during the first period, and the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server has not ended during the first period, the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period will not be initiated. Game billing system.

2. The second server is, If the cancellation request is received by the first server during the first period, the server will accept payment from the user for the fixed-rate contract for the second period during a predetermined period after the first period has elapsed. The game billing processing system according to claim 1.

3. The second server is, In the aforementioned reservation request, the user specifies the start date of the second period. The game billing processing system according to claim 1.

4. Furthermore, with the addition of game servers to provide games, The aforementioned game server If, during a predetermined period following the expiration of the first period, the second server receives payment from the user for the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period, it grants the user a benefit that can be used in the game. The game billing processing system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned game server Even if the first server receives payment from the user for the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period during a predetermined period following the expiration of the first period, the server will grant the user benefits that can be used in the game. When the user switches from the first server to the second server and continues the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period, the user is given more favorable benefits than when the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period was continued on the first server. The game billing processing system according to claim 4.

6. The second server is, Even if the cancellation request is not accepted by the first server during the first period and the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server does not terminate during the first period, if the cancellation request is accepted by the first server during the second period and the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server terminates during the second period, the fixed-rate billing contract for the third period following the second period will be initiated. The game billing processing system according to claim 1.

7. The second server is, If the reservation request is accepted, and the cancellation request is not accepted by the first server during the first period, and the fixed-rate billing contract with the first server has not ended during the first period, the first server will notify the user to cancel the fixed-rate billing contract. The game billing processing system according to claim 1.

8. The second server is, If the cancellation request is received by the first server during the first period, the second server grants the user a cancellation benefit that can be used with the services provided by the second server. The game billing processing system according to claim 1.

9. Furthermore, with the addition of game servers to provide games, The aforementioned game server If the cancellation request is received by the first server during the first period, the user will be granted a cancellation benefit that can be used in the game. The game billing processing system according to claim 1.

10. The second server is, In the aforementioned reservation request, the user is allowed to select from several types of fixed-rate billing contracts. The game billing processing system according to claim 1.

11. A game billing processing device that is connected to a user's terminal in a communicative manner and is capable of accepting payments for a game's subscription contract, When a fixed-rate billing contract is in place on the first server that has received payment from the user for the fixed-rate billing contract for the first period, and the terminal receives a reservation request for a fixed-rate billing contract for the second period following the first period, If the first server receives a request to terminate the fixed-rate billing contract during the first period, and the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server terminates during the first period, the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period is initiated. If the cancellation request is not accepted by the first server during the first period, and the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server has not ended during the first period, the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period will not be initiated. Game billing processing device.

12. A terminal operated by a user, which is connected to a first server and a second server capable of accepting payments for a game subscription contract, and is capable of communication with these servers. The first server is instructed to display information for making a payment for the fixed-rate billing contract for the first period. During the first period, the server displays information for sending a request to cancel the subscription contract. When a fixed-rate billing contract is in place on the first server, the second server displays information for sending a reservation request for a fixed-rate billing contract for the second period following the first period during the first period. If the cancellation request is received on the first server during the first period, and the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server ends during the first period, the second server displays information to initiate the fixed-rate billing contract for the second period. If the cancellation request is not accepted on the first server during the first period, and the subscription contract on the first server has not ended during the first period, the information to initiate the subscription contract for the second period on the second server will not be displayed. Terminal.

13. The processor receives payment from the user for the subscription contract for the first period of the game on the first server. The processor receives a request from a terminal operated by the user during the first period to cancel the flat-rate billing contract on the first server. The processor receives a reservation request from the terminal during the first period for a fixed-rate billing contract for the second period following the first period at the second server. When the processor receives the reservation request and the cancellation request, it terminates the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server for the first period and starts the fixed-rate billing contract on the second server for the second period. If the processor accepts the reservation request but does not accept the cancellation request, it will not terminate the fixed-rate billing contract on the first server during the first period, nor will it initiate the fixed-rate billing contract on the second server during the second period. How in-game payment processing works.

Images