Program and game device

Abstract

We will provide games that enhance entertainment value. [Means for solving the problem] The program makes the computer function as a payment means capable of settling the payment of a price, a game element provider capable of providing a tangible first type of game element and a second type of game element, conditional on the payment of the price, and a benefit provider capable of providing benefits, conditional on the consumption of the second type of game element and the payment of the price.

Description

Technical Field

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and a game device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a game device that provides an article such as a game card to a player after a game is played (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In such a game device, the player not only enjoys a battle play using the article but also has the pleasure of obtaining the article provided together with the battle play.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a highly entertaining game. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the game system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the appearance of the game device 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of a series of games, including competitive games. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the game device 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of server 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an operation flowchart of game device 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the main menu display. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a screen for purchasing additional game cards. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the possession status of the first type of item. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a bonus screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] <First Embodiment> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] <Overall Structure> Figure 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the game system according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the game system is composed of one or more game devices 1 and a server 2. The one or more game devices 1 and the server 2 are connectable to a communication line N and can communicate with each other. The communication line N means a communication path that can transmit data. That is, the communication line N includes not only dedicated lines (dedicated cables) for direct connection and LANs such as Ethernet (registered trademark), but also communication networks such as telephone networks, cable networks, and the Internet, and the communication method can be wired or wireless.

[0013] Game device 1 is a computer capable of executing game programs, and can connect to a communication line N via a wireless communication base station or the like, and communicate data with server 2. Game device 1 can be, for example, a commercial game machine (arcade game machine), a smartphone, a mobile phone, a portable game machine, a home console game machine, a personal computer, a tablet computer, or a controller for a home console game machine. Basically, there are multiple game devices 1, and each is operated by a different player.

[0014] Figure 2 shows an example of the appearance of the game device 1. As shown in Figure 2, the game device 1 includes a display panel 11 on which game-related screens are displayed, an operation touch panel 12 integrated with the display panel 11, operation buttons 13, a first reading unit 14 for acquiring information about the player, a second reading unit 15 configured to allow items to be placed and to read information from the placed items, a coin slot 16 into which coins are inserted, and a coin outlet 17 from which items are discharged.

[0015] Server 2 is a server system composed of one or more server devices, storage devices, etc. Server 2 provides various services for operating the game of this embodiment, manages data necessary for game operation, and distributes game programs and data necessary for executing the game on game device 1. Also, when a player is identified when using game device 1, that is, when the service of the battle game is provided in a state where it is identified which player it is, the information managed for each player is updated based on the usage content (game play history).

[0016] In this embodiment, with such a system configuration, a battle game between players using a plurality of game devices 1 can be realized via server 2 and communication line N, but it is not limited to a battle game between players (person-to-person), and also includes the case where one of the players is a non-player character provided by server 2. Also, the game in which a play experience is provided on game device 1 is not limited to a battle game between players, and may include a game configured for one person.

[0017] In the embodiment described below, as an example of a game device, an example in which the present invention is applied to a game device that executes a battle game in which a screen with game elements arranged on a battle field is displayed and advanced will be described. However, the present invention is applicable to any device capable of executing a game in which a screen with game elements arranged on a battle field is displayed and advanced.

[0018] [Overview of the Game] To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, an overview of the game executed by game device 1 will be described.

[0019] In the game according to this embodiment, multiple game elements appear. The game elements are characters (people, vehicles, items, etc.). The game elements are further distinguished into a first type of game element that is associated with an article (tangible object) and a second type of game element that is not associated with an article (intangible object).

[0020] The first type of game element plays a major role in battles and is indispensable; without it, the battle itself cannot take place. Furthermore, the first type of game element possesses various character information (level, hit points, attack power, defense power, terrain suitability, weapons used, etc.) and can be said to be the main object of player control in battles. Therefore, in order to satisfy the player's desire for ownership, it is preferable to provide the player with a tangible object that is realistically recognizable by the player, rather than a virtual one. An example of a tangible object is a game card, which is an object with physical volume (a real-world object). However, the object is not limited to a game card; it is not limited to a game card as long as it is an object configured in a way that allows the game element associated with the object to be identified. The object may be, for example, a figure or other sculpted object that has the appearance of a game element. Which character a game card is associated with can be identified by the reader unit described later acquiring the identification information (first type of game element ID) attached to the game card to identify the character. The addition of identification information (first-type game element ID) to the game card may be achieved, for example, by printing a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional code obtained by converting the identification information for identifying the first-type game element onto the game card, or by recording it on a tag or IC chip for near-field communication (NFC) embedded in the game card, or by other methods.

[0021] On the other hand, the second type of game element is not necessarily required for the game to proceed, but it contains information that affects the first type of game element or player information (level, experience points, etc.). For example, the second type of game element is a secondary game element that, as exemplified by items, has an effect that gives an advantage in the game or grants the player a bonus. Therefore, the second type of game element does not necessarily need to be embodied in a tangible object that the player can actually perceive, and can be provided to the player as intangible information (data). However, this does not preclude the representation of the second type of game element in the form of an object, and it is possible to represent and provide it in the form of an object.

[0022] The game executed by game device 1 consists of a series of processes, including a match, as shown in Figure 3.

[0023] 1. Obtaining player information Game device 1 acquires information about the players using game device 1 (player information). For example, game device 1 acquires player identification information from a recording medium (player card) on which player identification information is recorded using the first reading unit 14, communicates with game server 2, and acquires player information managed by game server 2. Player information is updated according to the progress of the game.

[0024] 2. Payment of the first type of price The game begins when the player pays the first type of price.

[0025] 3. Provision of game cards Game device 1, in exchange for payment of the game fee, enables the player to play a match and provides the player with one game card (first type of game element). Game device 1 then dispenses the game card (item) from the dispenser 17 and provides it to the player.

[0026] 4. Displaying the main menu Game device 1 presents the player with a main menu and accepts selections from the player. The options presented in the main menu include, for example, "Start a match," "Forfeit the match," and "Receive rewards." If "Start a match" is selected, the match process begins. If "Forfeit the match" is selected, the match is skipped without being played. If "Receive rewards" is selected, the game transitions to the rewards screen.

[0027] 5. Play a competitive game Game device 1 performs a game using game cards. Each game card has identification information (first game element ID) attached to it to identify the character it is associated with. During a match, the player reads the first game element IDs from a group of game cards placed in the second reading unit 15, and the group of characters corresponding to the read first game element IDs are registered as playable characters. In a match, the registered group of characters perform battle actions in a designated game field. The progress of the match is controlled based on the input made to the registered characters and the character information (parameters) of those characters. The match ends when a winner is determined between the players.

[0028] 6. Display of the game card purchase screen After a match ends, or if "Forfeit Match" is selected in the main menu, a game card purchase screen is displayed for purchasing additional game cards. In this embodiment, one game card is provided in exchange for payment of the first type of game price. In addition to this one game card, additional game cards are provided upon the player's request, on the condition of further payment. Game device 1 displays a game card purchase screen asking whether the player wishes to receive additional game cards, and accepts the player's selection. If the player indicates that they wish to receive additional cards, game device 1 requests payment of the second type of price from the player. Here, the second type of price is lower than the first type of price. For example, if the first type of price is 300 yen, the second type of price is 100 yen. This is because even if further payment is made, only one game card is provided to the player.

[0029] 7. Payment of the second type of price If a player purchases additional game cards, they pay a second type of price.

[0030] 8. Provision of game cards and the first type of item. Upon detection of payment of the second type of payment, the game device 1 dispenses a game card from the dispenser 17 and provides it to the player. However, in the case of additional game purchases, not only the game card, which is the first type of game element, but also an item, which is the second type of game element, is provided. That is, by paying the second type of payment, both the game card, which is the first type of game element, and the item, which is the second type of game element, are provided. The item provided here is an item used to provide the bonus described later, and is referred to as the first type of item. Furthermore, the first type of item provided is not a tangible object like a game card, but an intangible object called data, which is stored linked to the player information.

[0031] 9. Repeated purchases of game cards The provision of game cards can be repeated a predetermined number of times. For example, after purchasing an additional game card once, the player is asked to choose whether they wish to receive more game cards. If the player wishes to receive more game cards, they will be provided with additional game cards and items of the first type, on the condition that they pay an additional amount of the second type of price. If the player does not wish to receive any more game cards, or if the predetermined number of times additional game cards have been provided on the condition of payment of an additional price has been reached, this process ends.

[0032] 10. Game End Screen Game device 1 displays the game results. The displayed information includes, for example, the match results, the player's experience points updated according to the match results, their level, etc. If the player selects "abandon the match," that is, abandons the match, this process is skipped. Then, game device 1 displays a predetermined ending screen and ends the game, which consists of a series of processes.

[0033] 11. Display of the rewards offer screen If the rewards screen is selected from the main menu, the rewards screen will be displayed. The rewards screen will show the number of Type 1 items the player possesses and will also show that rewards will be provided on the condition that a certain number of Type 1 items are consumed and a Type 2 price is paid.

[0034] 12. Consumption of the first item and payment of the second type of price If a player wishes to receive a reward, they must consume a predetermined number of Type 1 items and pay a price of Type 2.

[0035] 13. Provision of benefits Game device 1 offers a reward upon the consumption of a certain number of first-type items and payment of a second-type price. The rewards may include the following: • Items usable in competitive games Unlike the first type of item, the bonus item is an item that can be used in the game and will give you an advantage in competitive games. This item will be referred to as the second type of item. Game card The game cards offered as bonuses are of high rarity, including high-ranking game cards and cards that are only available for a limited time. This is to increase the value of the bonus. • Two types of items and game cards As a bonus, you may offer both the second type of item and a game card.

[0036] Once the bonus offer ends, the game will transition to the end screen.

[0037] The above is a description of the sequence of processes performed by game device 1.

[0038] [Configuration of Game Device 1] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the game device 1.

[0039] The game device 1 includes a display panel 11, an operation touch panel 12 integrated with the display panel 11, operation buttons 13, a first reading unit 14 for acquiring information about the player, a second reading unit 15 configured to allow items to be placed and to read information from the placed items, a coin slot 16 for inserting coins, a coin outlet 17 for ejecting items, a processing unit 18, a storage unit 19, a sound output unit 20, and a communication unit 21.

[0040] The display panel 11 displays various game screens based on image signals output from the processing unit 20. The functions of the display panel 11 can be realized by a display device such as a flat panel display like an LCD, a projector, or a head-mounted display.

[0041] The operation touch panel 12 is used by the player to input various operations related to the game, and outputs an operation input signal to the processing unit 20 according to the operation input.

[0042] The first reading unit 14 and the second reading unit 15 are readers.

[0043] The processing unit 18 comprehensively controls the operation of the game device 1 based on programs and data stored in the memory unit 19, the operation touch panel 12, the operation buttons 13, the input signals from the first reading unit 14 and the second reading unit 15, etc. The functions of the processing unit 18 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, or an IC memory. The processing unit 18 mainly includes a user information management unit 100, a game card reading unit 101, a price detection unit 102, a game execution unit 103, a game card provision unit 104, an item provision unit 105, and a bonus provision unit 106.

[0044] The user information management unit 100 controls a reader (first reading unit 14) that reads a player card (recording medium) on which player identification information (player ID) is recorded, and obtains the player ID from the recording medium on which the player ID is recorded. In this embodiment, the recording medium on which the player ID is recorded is a tag or IC chip embedded in a game card. Based on the read player ID, information such as player information, the type and number of items owned is obtained from the game server 2.

[0045] The game card reader 101 controls a reader (second reader 15) that reads the game card held by the player, and obtains identification information (first game element ID) of the character to appear in the game from the game card. For example, if a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional code encoding the first game element ID is printed on the game card, the reader reads that code to obtain the first game element ID. Also, if a short-range communication tag or IC chip containing the first game element ID is embedded in the game card, the reader obtains the first game element ID from the tag or IC chip.

[0046] The payment detection unit 102 detects that payment has been made in the game device 1. Payment may be determined, for example, by detecting that a predetermined amount of coins or equivalent coins have been inserted into the input slot 16 of the game device 1, or by detecting the completion of settlement processing based on communication with a chip related to a predetermined electronic money. The game device 1 in this embodiment will be described as starting a series of processes related to the game, including a match, based on the payment of the game. Furthermore, the payment can be detected even after the start of the series of processes related to the game.

[0047] When the game execution unit 103 detects that the payment of the first type of price at the start of the game has been made by the price detection unit 102, it instructs the game card provision unit 104 to provide the game card.

[0048] Once the game card provision unit 104 has finished providing the game card, the game execution unit 103 displays the main menu on the display panel 11. The options presented in the main menu include, for example, "Execute a match," "Forfeit a match," and "Receive rewards." If "Execute a match" is selected, the game execution unit 103 executes the match process. In the match process, a match is executed against another player or a non-player character by communicating with the game server 2. If "Forfeit a match" is selected in the main menu, the game execution unit 103 notifies the game card provision unit 104 and the item provision unit 105 that the match has been forfeited. It also sends information to the game server 2 indicating that the match has been forfeited by the player. If "Receive rewards" is selected in the main menu, the game execution unit 103 notifies the reward provision unit 106 that "Receive rewards" has been selected. The game card provision unit 104 and the item provision unit 105 are also notified if the match process is completed and continuous purchase of game cards is selected.

[0049] The game execution unit 103 performs the process of displaying the game results. The displayed game results include information such as the match results, player ratings, and updates to experience points and levels. The game execution unit 103 communicates with the game server 2 at predetermined timings during the game to obtain information related to the game results.

[0050] The game card supply unit 104 receives instructions from the game execution unit 103 and performs the following processing.

[0051] (1) At the start of the game The game card supply unit 104, at the start of the game, performs the normal game card supply process after detecting the first type of payment. The normal game card supply process involves randomly selecting one game card from among multiple rarities of game cards and providing it.

[0052] (2) In the case of additional or consecutive purchases of game cards The game card dispensing unit 104 performs the normal game card dispensing process after detecting the second type of payment in the case of additional or consecutive purchases of game cards. The normal game card dispensing process involves randomly selecting one game card from among multiple rarities of game cards and providing it.

[0053] The item supply unit 105, upon receiving instructions from the game execution unit 103, performs the following processing when adding or continuously purchasing game cards.

[0054] After detecting the second type of payment, the first type of item is provided. The number of first type items provided varies depending on the number of times the game card has been provided. For example: From the 1st to the 9th time the game card has been provided, one first type item is provided per session. From the 10th to the 19th time the game card has been provided, two first type items are provided per session. From the 20th to the 29th time the game card has been provided, three first type items are provided per session. If the game card has been provided more than 30 times, four first type items are provided per session. This is just an example, and the number of items provided may be changed as needed. However, the number of items provided should increase as the number of sessions increases. Furthermore, a predetermined number of first type items may be provided as a bonus each time the number of times the game card has been provided reaches a predetermined number. For example, every 10 times the game card has been provided, one item may be added to the usual number of items provided.

[0055] The reward provision unit 106 receives instructions from the game execution unit 103 to provide rewards and performs the following processing. First, it determines whether the number of Type 1 items held by the player meets the required number for providing a reward. If so, the reward provision unit 106 consumes the required number of Type 1 items and, upon detecting the Type 2 price, provides the reward. The reward provided consists of a game card prepared specifically for the reward and a Type 2 item. The game card prepared for the reward is of a higher rarity than the game cards normally provided. The Type 2 item is different from the Type 1 item and may be an item that can be used in a competitive game or an item that increases the player's experience points.

[0056] The storage unit 19 is a data-retaining recording device, such as a non-volatile memory or an HDD. The storage unit 19 stores not only the operating programs for each part of the game device 1, but also information on parameters necessary for the operation of each part, and various graphics data used in the games executed by the game device 1.

[0057] The sound output unit 20 is a speaker or the like that outputs sound effects related to the game based on the sound signal output from the processing unit 18.

[0058] The communication unit 21 is a communication interface with an external device. The communication unit 21 can connect to an external device via a communication line N (whether wired or wireless) and enable the transmission and reception of data. For example, the communication unit 21 converts information input as data to be transmitted into a predetermined format and transmits it to an external device such as a game server 2 via the communication line N. The communication unit 21 also receives information from an external device via the communication line N.

[0059] Next, we will describe Server 2 according to this embodiment.

[0060] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The server 2 comprises a processing unit 30, a storage unit 31, and a communication unit 32.

[0061] The processing unit 30 is, for example, a CPU, and controls the operation of each block in the server 2. Specifically, the processing unit 30 controls the operation of each block by, for example, reading the operation program of each block recorded in the recording unit 31, loading it into memory, and executing it. The processing unit 20 includes, as its main functional units, a player information management unit 301, a game execution management unit 302, and a matching unit 303.

[0062] The Player Information Management Unit 301 manages player information using the player database. The player database is a database that manages player information associated with each player for games that are provided as play experiences on the game device 1. Player information is stored in association with each player's identification information. The player information is updated sequentially according to the play results using the player card on the game device 1, using the player's identification information obtained from that player card. Player information includes the number of times a game card has been provided to the player, the number of Type 1 items the player possesses, etc.

[0063] When the player information management unit 301 receives a request for player information from the game device 1, it transmits player information linked to the player's identification information to the game device 1.

[0064] The game execution management unit 302 manages the execution of the entire game, including sending and receiving data for the execution of matches on the game device 1, and the rewards obtained from the matches.

[0065] The matching unit 303 matches the two game machines 1 to be used. The matching method involves matching game machines 1 that have submitted matching requests containing the same matching number, for example, matching game machines 1 that have submitted matching requests containing the same matching number.

[0066] The recording unit 31 is a data-retaining recording device, such as a non-volatile memory or HDD. The recording unit 31 stores the operation programs for each block of the server 2, as well as information such as parameters necessary for the operation of each block. The recording unit 31 also stores the player database.

[0067] The communication unit 32 is a communication interface with an external device. The communication unit 32 can connect to an external device via a communication line N (whether wired or wireless) and enable the transmission and reception of data. For example, the communication unit 32 converts information input as data to be transmitted into a predetermined format and transmits it to an external device such as the game device 1 via the communication line N. The communication unit 32 also receives information from an external device via the communication line N.

[0068] <Operation of Game Device 1> The operation of game device 1 will be explained. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the operation of game device 1.

[0069] The user information reading unit 100 obtains the player's identification information from a recording medium (player card) on which the player's identification information is recorded using the first reading unit 14, communicates with the game server 2, and obtains the player information managed by the game server 2 (Step 100). The player information obtained includes the number of times the player has been provided with a game card and the number of first-type items the player possesses.

[0070] When the game execution unit 103 detects the first type of payment (Step 101), it instructs the game card provision unit 104, which then provides a game card (Step 102). The game card provision involves randomly selecting one game card from among multiple rarities and providing it.

[0071] Once the game card distribution unit 104 has finished distributing the game cards, the game execution unit 103 displays the main menu (Step 103). Figure 7 shows an example of the main menu display. The main menu in Figure 7 includes "Execute a versus game," "Skip a versus game," and "Provide bonuses."

[0072] When "Execute competitive game" is selected (Step 104), the game execution unit 103 executes the competitive game (Step 105).

[0073] When a competitive game ends, the game execution unit 103 displays a screen for purchasing additional game cards (Step 106). Figure 8 shows an example of the screen for purchasing additional game cards.

[0074] When an additional purchase is selected (Step 107) and a second type of price is detected (Step 108), the game execution unit 103 issues instructions to the game card supply unit 104 and the item supply unit 105. The item supply unit 105 obtains the number of times the player's game cards have been provided from the player information and determines the number of first type items to be provided according to the number of times the game cards have been provided (Step 109).

[0075] The game card supply unit 104 provides one game card, and the item supply unit 105 provides a number of first-type items corresponding to the number of game cards provided (Step 110). Then, the user information management unit 100 updates the number of game cards provided and the number of first-type items held in the player information and sends it to the game server 2 (Step 111).

[0076] The game execution unit 103 determines whether the player wants to make further purchases (Step 112), and if the player wishes to make further consecutive purchases (Step 113), it returns to Step 108 and repeats the process. On the other hand, the game execution unit 103 determines whether the player wants to make further purchases (Step 112), and if the player does not wish to make further consecutive purchases (Step 113), it displays the game end screen (Step 114). At this time, the game execution unit 103 may also display the ownership status of the first type of item. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the ownership status of the first type of item. In the example in Figure 9, the number of items owned is shown by a gauge from 0 to 100.

[0077] Furthermore, if "Skip the versus game" is selected, the game execution unit 103 proceeds to Step 106 and continues processing.

[0078] Furthermore, if "Provide a reward" is selected, the game execution unit 103 displays the reward provision screen (Step 116) and issues instructions to the reward provision unit 106. Figure 10 is an example of a reward screen. In the example in Figure 10, the player possesses 30 items of type 1, and it is shown that by consuming 20 items of type 1 and the price of type 2, a type 2 item and a game card will be provided. A button to execute the reward provision and a button to return to the main menu are also displayed.

[0079] The reward provision unit 106, upon receiving instructions from the game execution unit 103 to provide rewards, determines whether the number of Type 1 items held by the player meets the required number for providing the rewards (Step 117). If the required number is met (Step 118) and a Type 2 price is detected (Step 119), the reward provision unit 106 consumes the required number of Type 1 items and provides the rewards (Step 120). The rewards provided consist of a game card prepared specifically for rewards and a Type 2 item. The game card prepared for rewards is of a higher rarity than the game cards normally provided. The Type 2 item is different from the Type 1 item and can be used in competitive games or to increase the player's experience points. The user information management unit 100 then updates the number of times the game card has been provided and the number of Type 1 items held in the player information and sends it to the game server 2 (Step 121). Finally, it returns to displaying the main menu.

[0080] This concludes the explanation of the operation.

[0081] In this embodiment, when a game card is provided, a first type of item is also provided, and by consuming this first type of item, the player can receive a bonus. In this way, since the bonus can be obtained not only with a single provision but also by consuming the provided item, the player's motivation to purchase game cards is increased.

[0082] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following.

[0083] [Note 1] Computers, A means of payment that can settle the payment of the price. A game element providing means capable of providing a first type of game element in the form of a tangible object and a second type of game element, subject to the settlement of payment of the aforementioned price. A means of providing benefits that can offer benefits on the condition of consuming the second type of game element and paying a price, A program that makes it function as such.

[0084] [Note 2] The aforementioned means of providing the bonus provides a third type of game element that is different from the second type of game element. The program described in Appendix 1.

[0085] [Note 3] The aforementioned reward-providing means provides the first type of game element and the third type of game element as the reward. The program described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0086] [Note 4] The aforementioned game element providing means provides the second type of game element as an intangible object, The aforementioned means of providing the bonus provides the third type of game element as an intangible object. The program described in any of the appendices 1 through 3.

[0087] [Note 5] The aforementioned first type of game element has multiple rarities, The first type of game element provided as the aforementioned bonus is a first type of game element of a predetermined rarity or higher. The program described in any of the appendices 1 through 4.

[0088] [Note 6] The aforementioned reward provision means provides a reward within a predetermined period, on the condition that the second type of game element is consumed and a price is paid. The program described in any of the appendices 1 through 5.

[0089] [Note 7] The computer functions as a readable means capable of reading player information recorded on a recording medium. The game element providing means links the information relating to the provided second type of game element and the third type of game element to the player information. The program described in any of the appendices 1 through 6.

[0090] [Note 8] The aforementioned reward provision means provides a reward on the condition that a predetermined number of the second type of game elements are consumed and a price is paid. The program described in any of the appendices 1 through 7.

[0091] [Note 9] The computer is made to function as a game execution means for registering the first type of game elements and controlling the registered first type of game elements so that they can be used in a game. The program described in any of the appendices 1 through 8.

[0092] [Note 10] The aforementioned reward provision means is capable of providing the reward without performing a competitive game. The program described in any of the appendices 1 through 9.

[0093] [Note 11] A means of payment that can settle the payment of the price, A game element providing means capable of providing a first type of game element and a second type of game element, subject to the settlement of payment of the aforementioned price, A means of providing benefits that can offer benefits on the condition of consuming the second type of game element and paying a price, A game device equipped with the following features.

[0094] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiments and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of its technical concept. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 1 Game device 2 servers 2

Claims

1. Computers, A means of payment that can settle the payment of the price. A game element providing means capable of providing a first type of game element and a second type of game element, subject to the settlement of payment of the aforementioned price. A means of providing benefits that can offer benefits on the condition of consuming the second type of game element and paying a price, A program that makes it function as such.

2. The aforementioned means of providing the bonus provides a third type of game element that is different from the second type of game element. The program according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned bonus provision means provides the first type of game element and the third type of game element as the bonus. The program according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The aforementioned game element providing means provides the second type of game element as an intangible object, The aforementioned means of providing the bonus provides the third type of game element as an intangible object. The program according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned first type of game element has multiple rarities, The first type of game element provided as the aforementioned bonus is a first type of game element of a predetermined rarity or higher. The program according to claim 3.

6. The aforementioned reward provision means provides a reward within a predetermined period, on the condition that the second type of game element is consumed and a price is paid. The program according to claim 3.

7. The computer functions as a readable means capable of reading player information recorded on a recording medium. The game element providing means links the information relating to the provided second type of game element and the third type of game element to the player information. The program according to claim 3.

8. The aforementioned reward provision means provides a reward on the condition that a predetermined number of the second type of game elements are consumed and a price is paid. The program according to claim 3.

9. The computer is made to function as a game execution means for registering the first type of game elements and controlling the registered first type of game elements so that they can be used in a game. The program according to claim 3.

10. The aforementioned reward provision means is capable of providing the reward without performing a competitive game. The program according to claim 3.

11. A means of payment that can settle the payment of the price, A game element providing means capable of providing a first type of game element and a second type of game element, subject to the settlement of payment of the aforementioned price. A means of providing benefits that can offer benefits on the condition of consuming the second type of game element and paying a price, A game device equipped with the following features.

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