Entertainment execution management system, entertainment execution system and program

Abstract

To provide an entertainment execution management system that can enhance user interest in entertainment by increasing opportunities to acquire rewards while maintaining scarcity. [Solution] The server device 10 of this embodiment sets up and manages reward granting events that have a period during which a given reward is granted to a user (i.e., a period during which the reward can be obtained) when the user is participating in entertainment provided in a virtual space such as a game. It also performs an evaluation of users who do not meet the conditions for obtaining the reward (users who have not received the reward) based on their actions during the period during which the reward can be obtained, and controls the period during which the reward can be obtained for users who have not received the reward according to the evaluation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an entertainment execution management system, an entertainment execution system, a program, and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a system having a function of granting a privilege such as an item to a user when a given acquisition condition, such as a user's game play result or an action result based on participation in an event, is satisfied within a predetermined period in a digital space such as a game or a metaverse.

[0003] In particular, recently, in such a system, even after the elapse of a predetermined period, if the number of logins or the stay time in the digital space (play time in the case of a game) satisfies a certain condition, a system that allows the privilege limitedly provided within the predetermined period to be acquired exceptionally has also appeared (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, the more exceptional acquisition routes exist for the limitedly provided privilege, the more often the interest of acquiring the privilege with reduced rarity is diminished.

[0006] The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide an entertainment execution management system that can increase the opportunities to acquire rewards while maintaining scarcity, thereby improving user interest in entertainment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is An entertainment execution management system for managing the execution of entertainment on a computer, An execution control means for performing the aforementioned control related to entertainment, A period setting means that executes a process to set the period during which a given benefit is granted to a user as the benefit availability period, starting from a given timing, as a benefit availability period setting process, A benefit control means that grants the aforementioned benefit when the given acquisition conditions are met during the benefit acquisition period, An evaluation processing means that performs an evaluation process to evaluate the user based on the user's actions toward the entertainment during the period during which the benefits are available, A period control means that executes a benefit availability period control process to control the benefit availability period in accordance with the evaluation of the evaluation process, It has a configuration that includes the following:

[0008] This configuration allows the present invention to enhance the scarcity of the reward by setting a period during which the reward can be obtained. While maintaining the status quo, it is possible to increase the opportunities for users to obtain rewards and improve their satisfaction with their participation in entertainment by, for example, extending the availability period for users who do not meet the conditions for obtaining rewards (users who have not received rewards) but who are highly rated in terms of their participation in entertainment (e.g., playing games) or enthusiasm, or by setting up a separate bonus period.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention can enhance the enjoyment of users participating in entertainment provided on a computer.

[0010] For example, "entertainment" includes: (A1) Various games, (A2) Performances by characters that perform actions such as acting (specifically, idol-like character objects, etc.) and static objects (specifically, characters that only emit sound, etc.) placed in a virtual space created on a computer, and (A3) Events performed within a virtual space created on a computer (for example, interaction with other users, lottery draws such as gacha, message exchange, collaborative work, or shopping), These include, however, "virtual space created on a computer" may be a spatial entity represented in three dimensions, or a geographical entity represented in two dimensions.

[0011] Furthermore, "given benefits" include, for example, (B1) Characters or items used in entertainment, (B2) Changing the probability of winning in selection processes such as lottery events, (B3) Assignment of parameters such as currency, points, and stamina values ​​that can be used in entertainment. (B4) To reduce the price when purchasing or exchanging a specified character or item. (B5) Making tasks easier or more difficult during event execution. (B6) Reduce the parameters consumed during the event (amount of money spent, points consumed, and character's stamina (energy) value). (B7) Adding or changing the appearance (i.e., looks), abilities, attributes, number, or value (including the selling price when trading in the virtual space and its influence on synthesis materials) of a character or item, or changing the removal of restrictions stipulated for a character or item (such as extending or making the usable time of a character or item unlimited), (B8) Granting or changing trophies, medals, and titles to users or characters. This includes things that give an advantage to the user or the character controlled by that user (for example, an avatar or a player character in a game) or that satisfy the desire to acquire something.

[0012] Furthermore, "a given timing" includes the timing when participation in entertainment such as games begins, as well as the timing when an event starts.

[0013] Furthermore, "acquisition conditions" include, for example, being selected through a selection process such as winning a lottery, and completing a mission set in the entertainment (for example, clearing a task or stage if the entertainment is a game).

[0014] "User-related actions" include, for example, (C1) Number of times or frequency of participation in lottery events (selection control processing) or events such as games (including the number of times or frequency of execution of events held by the user), (C2) Entertainment such as obtaining specific items or completing tasks, including lottery events. The content of an action (hereinafter also referred to as "action content"), which indicates whether or not a given action occurred in the inment, or the type of such action, or the status of an action (i.e., the result of the action (hereinafter also referred to as "action result")), such as the status of item acquisition or the progress of a task. (C3) Items, points, or in-game currency consumed in order to perform the action, or the amount of money paid. (C4) Number of logins to the entertainment (number of logins within a specified period such as one week and total number of logins), total time spent participating in the entertainment within a specified period (for example, the most recent week), (C5) The total time spent participating in entertainment since the first login, and, (C6) the time zone during which the user is logged in (such as morning, daytime, or night), indicates the number, frequency, and extent of actions that the user or the character operated by the user has engaged in regarding participation in entertainment, the content of the actions (including temporal elements such as the time or time zone at which the actions were performed), or the action results.

[0015] In particular, "actions related to a user" include not only actions related to one user, but also actions in a team composed of a plurality of users.

[0016] "Evaluation in the evaluation process" indicates, for example, the degree of involvement accompanied by user actions in participation in entertainment, and indicates an evaluation using an index (hereinafter also referred to as "degree of involvement") that shows how much the user is involved (how much effort the user is putting in) in participation in entertainment.

[0017] For example, the "evaluation in the evaluation process" may be the degree of involvement itself, may be a stepwise evaluation such as a level or rank calculated from the degree of involvement, may be a numerical evaluation, may be a relative evaluation with other users (or other teams), or may be an absolute evaluation based on a predetermined criterion.

[0018] In particular, the evaluation based on team actions includes (D1) evaluation for the actions of all users belonging to the team, such as whether all users belonging to the team have achieved a condition or the average of evaluations based on all users, (D2) evaluation for the actions of some users (such as the top 5 performers within the team) among the plurality of users belonging to the relevant team, such as whether a predetermined number of users have achieved a condition or the average of evaluations based on the predetermined number of users, and (D3) whether one user belonging to the team has achieved a condition, or an evaluation of the action of the relevant user.

[0019] The "reward availability period control process" is preferably a control process that makes the reward availability period advantageous to the user. For example, the "reward availability period control process" may include extending the reward availability period set by the reward availability period setting process, or setting an additional bonus period (a period that is not temporally continuous with the original period) that is different from the set reward availability period.

[0020] (2) Furthermore, the present invention is The evaluation processing means, The system has a configuration that executes the evaluation process during an evaluation period set within the period during which the aforementioned benefits can be obtained.

[0021] This configuration allows the present invention to control the length of the evaluation period without affecting the benefit availability period by separating the benefit availability period from the evaluation period. It is possible to easily adjust the balance between maintaining the rarity of the rewards and increasing the opportunities to obtain them.

[0022] (3) Furthermore, the present invention is The aforementioned benefit control means As a benefit of the aforementioned, (a) Electronic media having a given value in the entertainment field, (b) Electronic media used in the entertainment that the user does not possess, (c) Electronic media that the user wishes to acquire and that have been registered in advance, (d) Electronic media that are advantageous to the user in the entertainment or electronic media that satisfy the user's desire to acquire The system has a configuration that grants this to the user.

[0023] This configuration allows the present invention to enable users to obtain beneficial perks related to entertainment.

[0024] Furthermore, "electronic media possessing a given value" refers, for example, to electronic media with a high transaction price, or electronic media with high scarcity value such as rarity.

[0025] (4) Furthermore, the present invention is The aforementioned period setting means The system has a configuration in which the period during which the benefits can be obtained is set using the timing given by the user, the timing when the entertainment begins, or the timing when a given event begins.

[0026] This configuration allows the present invention to set the period during which benefits can be obtained from a time that is easy for the user to understand.

[0027] The "given event" includes games, lotteries (selection control processes), tasks, and stages (e.g., games).

[0028] (5) Furthermore, the present invention is The aforementioned benefit control means The aforementioned acquisition condition includes a configuration in which the aforementioned benefit is granted when a given achievement condition is met during the performance of the aforementioned entertainment.

[0029] This configuration allows the present invention to provide a sense of anticipation when winning a prize through a lottery, or to provide a game-like element for winning a prize, thereby improving user interest in entertainment.

[0030] Furthermore, "when selected by a given selection process" includes, for example, cases where the winner is selected through a lottery process, or cases where the winner is selected by a given instruction such as a program or user instruction.

[0031] Furthermore, if "the given conditions for achievement during the performance of entertainment are met," (E1) Acquisition of specific items set in the entertainment section, (E2) Implementing specific enhancements to the character controlled by the user or to the characters of other users related to that user, and (E3) In the case of games, this can be achieved by winning battles against enemy characters, reaching a certain number of battles or victories, completing tasks or missions, or reaching (clearing) a specific game level or game stage. This includes things like:

[0032] (6) Furthermore, the present invention is The evaluation processing means, The evaluation process includes a configuration that performs a tiered evaluation, a numerical evaluation, a relative evaluation with other users, or an absolute evaluation based on predetermined criteria, based on the user's behavior toward the entertainment during the period in which the benefits are available.

[0033] This configuration allows the present invention to set an evaluation method (for example, a method for calculating the degree of involvement) in accordance with the behavior of the user performing the evaluation during the period in which the reward is available, thereby enabling appropriate evaluation of the user's behavior during that period.

[0034] "Gradual evaluation" refers to evaluating user behavior during the period in which benefits are available by categorizing it into low, medium, high, level, or rank.

[0035] Furthermore, "evaluation using numerical values" means that if the evaluation of the amount charged or level is directly expressed numerically, the numerical value itself is used, or the user's actions during the period in which the benefits are available are converted into predetermined parameters, and the evaluation is based on those converted parameters.

[0036] Furthermore, "relative evaluation compared to other users" is an evaluation performed by comparing the user's actions during the reward availability period with the actions of other users during the same period. In this case, the reward availability period control process would, for example, execute a control that makes the reward availability period more favorable to the user if their evaluation is higher than that of other users.

[0037] Furthermore, "absolute evaluation based on predetermined criteria" refers to an evaluation based on whether or not the user's actions during the period in which the reward is available meet predetermined criteria. In this case, the reward availability period control process would, for example, execute a control that makes the reward availability period more favorable to the user if the user's actions meet predetermined criteria.

[0038] (7) Furthermore, the present invention is The evaluation processing means, The evaluation process includes a configuration that evaluates the user based on whether or not the user or a character controlled by the user took any actions related to participation in the entertainment during the period in which the benefits are available, the number of such actions, the frequency of such actions, the extent of such actions, the content of such actions, or the results of such actions.

[0039] This configuration allows the present invention to set the evaluation target according to the user's behavior during the period in which the evaluation reward is available, thereby enabling appropriate evaluation of the user's behavior.

[0040] (8) Furthermore, the present invention is The aforementioned period control means The system has a configuration that changes the control content of the period during which the benefits can be obtained, according to the evaluation of the evaluation process.

[0041] With this configuration, the present invention, for example, extends the period for obtaining benefits or the bonus period if the evaluation is high, and extends the period for obtaining the benefits or the bonus period if the evaluation is low. The interval can be shortened.

[0042] In other words, the present invention allows for the extension of the period during which the reward can be obtained, or the extension of the bonus period (a period that is temporally discontinuous from the original period), or the number of times it can be set, in accordance with the user's actions during the period during which the reward can be obtained for evaluation. This makes it possible to strongly encourage the user to take actions related to the user being evaluated in the digital space.

[0043] The "control details" include, for example, extending the period during which benefits can be obtained, and extending a bonus period separate from the benefit acquisition period, or the number of such extensions.

[0044] (9) Furthermore, the present invention is The aforementioned period control means The control mechanism for the period during which the benefits can be obtained includes controlling either extending the period during which the benefits can be obtained or controlling the number of times the benefits can be obtained.

[0045] With this configuration, the present invention can change the extension period of the reward availability period, or the extension period or number of times the bonus period is set, in accordance with the user's behavior (e.g., level of involvement) during the reward availability period being evaluated, thereby strongly encouraging the user to take action (i.e., engage in entertainment) during the reward availability period being evaluated in the digital space.

[0046] (10) Furthermore, the present invention is The evaluation processing means, When using an absolute evaluation based on predetermined criteria as part of the evaluation process, the system has a configuration that performs the absolute evaluation based on the user's actions toward the entertainment during the period in which the benefits are available, along with the results of a comparison between the predetermined criteria and user-related information indicating information about the user.

[0047] With this configuration, the present invention evaluates current user behavior in comparison to standard behavior or past user behavior, making it easier to predict user behavior that will result in a high rating and to easily control the period during which rewards can be obtained in a way that is advantageous to the user.

[0048] Furthermore, the "predetermined criteria" may include not only pre-set criteria but also criteria determined based on each user's past behavior.

[0049] (11) Furthermore, the present invention is The evaluation processing means, When the evaluation process uses a relative evaluation with other users, the configuration includes performing the relative evaluation by comparing the user's actions toward the entertainment during the period in which the benefits are available with the actions of other users.

[0050] This configuration allows the present invention to incorporate a game-like element of competition with other users in controlling the period during which rewards can be obtained in a way that is advantageous to the player, thereby improving the user's interest in participating in the entertainment.

[0051] Furthermore, "comparison with the actions of other users" means that the actions of any or specific other user (for example, other users identified by the user) may be compared with the actions of multiple other users. Indicates that the behavior can be compared to that of other users (such as those on the same team or all participants).

[0052] In particular, when comparing the behavior of multiple other users, this includes cases where the user's position is determined within a whole group of other users, such as by using the average or standard score.

[0053] (12) Furthermore, the present invention is The evaluation processing means, For users who do not meet the aforementioned acquisition conditions, the evaluation process involves comparing the user's actions during the period for obtaining the benefits with a given group standard determined within a group composed of multiple users. The aforementioned period control means For users who do not meet the aforementioned acquisition conditions, the system has a configuration that, as part of the evaluation process, executes a benefit availability period control process to control the benefit availability period if the user's actions meet the group criteria.

[0054] With this configuration, the present invention can, for example, control the period for obtaining rewards in a way that is advantageous to the user, even if it is not possible to control the period for obtaining rewards based on an evaluation of the individual's behavior during that period, if the level of engagement in entertainment is high among all participants or within the group to which the individual belongs. This can provide incentives for forming teams or other groups in the digital space, or increase opportunities to give rewards to each user, thereby revitalizing entertainment.

[0055] "Group criteria" refers to, for example, being ranked between the highest and a predetermined rank within the team or among all participants, or possessing a specific item.

[0056] (13) Furthermore, the present invention is The evaluation processing means, For each group composed of multiple users, the evaluation process is executed to evaluate the users as a whole group based on the actions of each user belonging to that group during the period in which the benefits are available. The aforementioned period control means For users who do not meet the aforementioned acquisition conditions, the system has a configuration that, if the evaluation of the entire group to which the user subject to the evaluation process belongs meets a predetermined overall standard, executes the benefit availability period control process to control the benefit availability period.

[0057] With this configuration, the present invention can, for example, control the period during which rewards can be obtained in a way that is advantageous to the player, even if an individual cannot obtain a reward on their own, if the level of involvement in the entertainment is high as a whole participant or as a group to which the individual belongs. This can provide incentives for forming teams or other groups in entertainment, or increase opportunities to give rewards to each user, thereby revitalizing the entertainment.

[0058] Furthermore, "overall group evaluation" may be an evaluation compiled from the evaluations of all users belonging to a predetermined team, regardless of whether they received any rewards, or it may be an evaluation compiled from the evaluations of all users belonging to a team who did not receive any rewards.

[0059] Furthermore, "overall criteria" refers to, for example, the overall ranking of the group to which a user belongs when there are multiple groups, or the average rating of all participants. The value indicated by 'k' represents a predetermined value in the standard score (for example, the median).

[0060] (14) Furthermore, the present invention is In the entertainment execution management system according to claim 1, The aforementioned benefit control means The system has a configuration in which the conditions for obtaining the reward during the reward availability period controlled by the reward availability period control process are changed according to the evaluation of the evaluation process, and the reward is granted when the changed conditions for obtaining the reward are met during the controlled reward availability period.

[0061] This configuration allows users to easily acquire rewards, thereby enhancing the interest of users participating in entertainment provided in the digital space.

[0062] (15) Furthermore, the present invention is The evaluation processing means, The system has a configuration that executes the evaluation process at the end of the evaluation period.

[0063] This configuration allows the present invention to ensure a sufficient evaluation period and, in the case of relative evaluation, to perform an appropriate evaluation.

[0064] (16) Furthermore, the present invention is The evaluation processing means, The system has a configuration that executes the evaluation process at a time prior to the end of the evaluation period.

[0065] With this configuration, the present invention can improve user convenience by allowing users to acquire benefits in advance during a controlled benefit acquisition period if they receive a high evaluation in the evaluation process during the evaluation period.

[0066] (17) Furthermore, the present invention is The evaluation processing means, The system has a configuration that executes the evaluation process at the end of the period during which the aforementioned benefits can be obtained.

[0067] This configuration allows the present invention to extend the period for obtaining rewards at the end of the reward acquisition period, or to set a bonus period. This prevents the activation of relief measures at an early stage, stimulates a sense of urgency about not being able to obtain the rewards, and promotes and enhances the execution of a thrilling entertainment experience.

[0068] (18) In addition, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention is A program that manages the execution of entertainment on a computer, An execution control that performs control related to entertainment within the aforementioned digital space, The process of setting the period during which a given benefit is granted to a user as the benefit availability period, starting from a given time, is executed as the benefit availability period setting process, and A benefit control means that grants the aforementioned benefit when the given acquisition conditions are met during the benefit acquisition period. An evaluation processing means that performs an evaluation process to evaluate the user based on the user's actions during the period in which the benefits can be obtained within the digital space, and A period control means that executes a benefit availability period control process to control the benefit availability period in accordance with the evaluation of the evaluation process, It has a configuration that allows it to function as a computer.

[0069] With this configuration, the present invention can maintain the scarcity of rewards by setting a period during which rewards can be obtained, while also increasing the opportunities for users to obtain rewards and improving their satisfaction with their participation in entertainment by, for example, extending the period for users who do not meet the conditions for obtaining rewards (users who have not obtained rewards) and who are highly rated in terms of their participation in entertainment (e.g., playing games) or enthusiasm, or by providing a separate bonus period.

[0070] Therefore, the present invention can enhance the enjoyment of users participating in entertainment provided on a computer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0071] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a system configuration illustrating the configuration of a virtual space service system in one embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the functional block of a server device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the functional block of a terminal device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates a reward granting event management process, including a user behavior evaluation process, in one embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of bonus information stored in the game data storage unit of one embodiment. [Figure 6]This figure illustrates the process of controlling the period during which benefits can be obtained, which is performed by a server device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates the process of controlling the period during which benefits can be obtained, which is performed by a server device according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the system configuration of a standalone system in a modified example 8 of one embodiment. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows the operation of a reward granting event management process, which includes a user behavior evaluation process that evaluates user behavior performed by a server device according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0072] The following describes this embodiment. Note that the embodiment described below does not unduly limit the scope of the present invention as described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in this embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the entertainment performed on a computer will be described using virtual space services that provide entertainment performed in a virtual space, such as games performed in a virtual space.

[0074] [1] Virtual Space Service System First, we will describe the overview and general configuration of the virtual space service system 1 of this embodiment using Figure 1.

[0075] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration illustrating the configuration of the virtual space service system 1 of this embodiment.

[0076] As shown in Figure 1, the virtual space service system 1 of this embodiment is configured such that a server device 10 that provides a virtual space such as a metaverse and terminal devices 20 (for example, terminal devices 20A, 20B, 20C) can connect to the internet (an example of a network).

[0077] The user accesses the server device 10 from the terminal device 20, thereby enabling internet access. Users can participate in the virtual space transmitted from the server device 10 via the terminal device 20. Furthermore, users can communicate with other users by accessing the server device 10 from the terminal device 20.

[0078] The server device 10 is an information processing device that can provide a service (hereinafter referred to as the "virtual space provision service") that allows users to participate in a virtual space using terminal devices 20 connected via the Internet.

[0079] Furthermore, the server device 10 may function as an SNS server that provides communication-type services. Here, the SNS server may be an information processing device that provides services capable of facilitating communication among multiple users.

[0080] In particular, the server device 10 is capable of providing a virtual space on the web browser of the terminal device 20, using browsers created in various languages ​​such as HTML, FLASH®, CGI, PHP, Shockwave, Java® applets, and JavaScript®.

[0081] On the other hand, the server device 10 may consist of one (device, processor) or multiple (devices, processors).

[0082] Furthermore, the billing information stored in the storage area of ​​the server device 10 (storage unit 140 described later) and the information necessary to allow users to participate in the virtual space may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (intranet or internet). Alternatively, when functioning as an SNS server, the user-related information storage unit 146 and other information stored in the storage area may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (intranet or internet).

[0083] Specifically, the server device 10 of this embodiment receives input information based on the operation of the user of the terminal device 20 (i.e., a participant joining the virtual space), and performs an action control process (i.e., an action control process using an avatar character that is the target of the user's operation (hereinafter simply referred to as "avatar")) that controls the actions of the avatar in the virtual space (a so-called digital space formed on a computer) based on the received input information.

[0084] The server device 10 then transmits the behavior control processing results to the terminal device 20, and the terminal device 20 performs various processes to provide the behavior control processing results received from the server device 10 to the terminal device 20 in a viewable format for the user.

[0085] The terminal device 20 is an information processing device such as a smartphone, mobile phone, PHS, computer, game device, PDA, portable game console, or image generation device, and is capable of connecting to the server device 10 via a network such as the Internet (WAN) or LAN. The communication line between the terminal device 20 and the server device 10 may be wired or wireless.

[0086] Furthermore, the terminal device 20 is equipped with a web browser capable of viewing web pages (data in HTML format).

[0087] In other words, the terminal device 20 is equipped with a communication control function for communicating with the server device 10, a web browser function that controls the display using data received from the server device 10 (such as web data and data created in HTML format), and sends user operation data to the server device 10, and displays information about the avatar's actions in the virtual space. The terminal device 20 performs various processes provided to the server device 10, allowing the user to control the avatar's actions within the virtual space. However, the terminal device 20 may also acquire various information provided by the server device 10, perform predetermined action control processes, and then perform action control of the avatar within the virtual space based on those action control processes.

[0088] Specifically, when terminal device 20 requests server device 10 to participate in the virtual space, it connects to the site that server device 10 provides the virtual space, and control of the avatar's actions within the virtual space begins.

[0089] In particular, the terminal device 20 has a configuration that, by using an API as needed, causes the server device 10, which functions as an SNS server, to perform predetermined processing, or to obtain the user-related information storage unit 146 managed by the server device 10, which functions as an SNS server, in order to perform avatar-based behavior control within the imaginary space.

[0090] [2] Server equipment Next, the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the functional blocks of the server device 10 of this embodiment. Furthermore, the server device 10 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each part) in Figure 2 are omitted.

[0091] The server device 10 includes an input unit 120 for use by administrators and others, a display unit 130 for displaying predetermined information, an information storage medium 180 in which predetermined information is stored, a communication unit 196 for communicating with terminal devices 20 and others, a processing unit 100 that mainly performs processing related to avatars in the virtual space provided, and a storage unit 140 that mainly stores various data for forming the virtual space and executing various events.

[0092] The input unit 120 is used by system administrators and others to configure settings related to the virtual space and other necessary settings and input data. For example, the input unit 120 in this embodiment is composed of a mouse, keyboard, etc.

[0093] The display unit 130 displays an operation screen for the system administrator. For example, the display unit 130 in this embodiment is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like.

[0094] The information storage medium 180 (a medium readable by a computer) stores programs, data, etc., and its function is comprised of optical discs (CDs, DVDs), magneto-optical discs (MOs), magnetic discs, hard disks, magnetic tapes, or memory (ROMs).

[0095] The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with external parties (e.g., terminals, other servers, or other network systems), and its functions are comprised of hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, as well as programs.

[0096] The memory unit 140 serves as the work area for the processing unit 100 and the communication unit 196, and its functions are comprised of RAM (VRAM), etc. The information stored in the memory unit 140 may be managed by a database.

[0097] Furthermore, in addition to the main memory unit 142, the storage unit 140 of this embodiment includes a virtual space data storage unit 144 and a user-related information storage unit 146, which store data for forming a virtual space and operating a virtual world (virtual society) formed within that virtual space (hereinafter referred to as "virtual space data").

[0098] The virtual space data storage unit 144 stores virtual space data in order to perform processing related to the formation of a virtual space and the operation of the virtual world formed within that virtual space.

[0099] In particular, the virtual space data storage unit 144 stores information (hereinafter referred to as "reward granting event") related to events that grant rewards for a predetermined period (reward acquisition period described later) while playing entertainment such as games (hereinafter referred to as "reward event-related information"), and information about the rewards granted to the user (hereinafter referred to as "reward information").

[0100] The user-related information storage unit 146 stores information about each user and information about each user's avatar or character (hereinafter collectively referred to as "user-related information").

[0101] In particular, user-related information is associated with a user ID for each user. (A1) User information such as name, age, gender, and account information for payment processing, and (A2) Information relating to avatars or characters (hereinafter collectively referred to as "avatar information"), These are some of the things that are stored in memory.

[0102] The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main memory unit 142 within the storage unit 140 as the work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.) or by programs.

[0103] The processing unit 100 performs various processes of this embodiment based on the program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores programs that cause the computer to function as each part of this embodiment (programs that cause the computer to execute the processing of each part).

[0104] For example, the processing unit 100 (processor) controls the entire server device 10 based on the program stored in the information storage medium, and also performs various processes such as controlling the transfer of data between each part.

[0105] Specifically, the processing unit 100 of this embodiment includes at least a communication control unit 101, a Web processing unit 102, a virtual space management unit 103, a user management unit 104, a reward granting event management unit 105, an evaluation processing unit 106, a reward control unit 107, a timer management unit 110, and an information provision unit 111.

[0106] The communication control unit 101 performs processing to send and receive data with the terminal device 20 via the network. In other words, the server device 10 performs various processing based on the information received from the terminal device 20, etc., by the communication control unit 101.

[0107] In particular, the communication control unit 101 of this embodiment performs the process of transmitting a given screen relating to the virtual space to the user's terminal device 20 based on a request from the user's terminal device 20.

[0108] Furthermore, the communication control unit 101 performs various processes to receive user instructions input into the terminal device 20.

[0109] The Web processing unit 102 functions as a Web server. For example, the Web processing unit 102 processes data to be sent via a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) in response to a request from a Web browser 211 installed on the terminal device 20, and the data is transmitted by the Web browser 211 on the terminal device 20. The system performs processing to receive the data.

[0110] In this embodiment, we will describe the case where the server device 10 also functions as an SNS server, but the server device 10 may be configured separately as a server for providing virtual space and a server for SNS.

[0111] Furthermore, the processing related to the formation of the virtual space and the operation of the virtual world (virtual society) formed within the virtual space in this embodiment may be partially or entirely performed by the server device 10, or partially performed by the terminal device 20.

[0112] The virtual space management unit 103 works in conjunction with the terminal device 20 to construct a virtual space and performs processing related to the formation of the virtual space and the operation of the virtual world formed within that virtual space.

[0113] In particular, the virtual space management unit 103 performs various processes related to communication among multiple users, implementation of various events, formation of communities within the virtual space, and management of said communities, based on user operations entered via the terminal device 20.

[0114] Furthermore, the virtual space management unit 103 executes various behavioral control processes related to the avatar in question based on the user's operation instructions transmitted from the terminal device 20.

[0115] In particular, the virtual space management unit 103 controls the movement, participation in events, communication with other users, and operation of various communities of the avatar controlled by each user in response to user input entered into the terminal device 20, while also controlling the movements and actions of other related characters and objects.

[0116] The user management unit 104 registers and manages items owned by the user and rewards acquired by the user as user-related information in the user-related information storage unit 146, and also manages the avatars that the user controls.

[0117] The reward granting event management unit 105 manages the period during which rewards can be obtained while entertainment such as games are being played (hereinafter referred to as the "reward acquisition period"), and manages reward granting events that grant predetermined rewards.

[0118] In particular, the reward granting event management unit 105 sets and manages the period during which rewards can be obtained, sets the rewards to be granted during the said period, and sets the conditions required of users to obtain the rewards during the said period (hereinafter referred to as "reward acquisition conditions").

[0119] The evaluation processing unit 106 performs a process to evaluate the behavior of users participating in entertainment such as games (hereinafter referred to as "user behavior evaluation processing").

[0120] The reward control unit 107 grants the corresponding reward (the reward registered in association with the corresponding reward granting event) when the given acquisition conditions (i.e., the reward acquisition conditions set by the reward granting event management unit 105 as described above) are met during the period in which the reward can be obtained.

[0121] The timer management unit 110 has a timer function and is used to manage time within the virtual space. In particular, the timer management unit 110 works in conjunction with the virtual space management unit 103 and outputs the current time and a preset time to each unit. The timer management unit 110 is also used to synchronize with each terminal device 20.

[0122] The information provision unit 111 generates various types of information within the virtual space using terminal devices 20 and provides them to the corresponding terminal devices 20.

[0123] [3] Terminal device Next, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment will be described using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the functional blocks of the terminal device 20 of this embodiment. Furthermore, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each part) of Figure 2 are omitted.

[0124] The input unit 260 is a device for receiving input information from the user and outputs the user's input information to the processing unit 200.

[0125] The input unit 260 of this embodiment includes a detection unit 262 that detects user input information (input signal).

[0126] For example, the input unit 260 consists of levers, buttons, a steering wheel, a microphone, a touch panel display, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

[0127] The memory unit 270 serves as the work area for the processing unit 200 and the communication unit 296, and its functions can be realized by RAM (VRAM) or the like. In this embodiment, the memory unit 270 includes a main memory unit 271 used as the work area and an image buffer 272 where the final display image and the like are stored. Note that some of these components may be omitted.

[0128] The information storage medium 280 (a medium readable by a computer) stores programs, data, etc., and its function can be realized by optical discs (CDs, DVDs), magneto-optical discs (MOs), magnetic discs, hard disks, magnetic tapes, or memory (ROMs).

[0129] The processing unit 200 performs various processes of this embodiment based on the program (data) stored in the information storage medium 280. The information storage medium 280 can store programs for causing the computer to function as each part of this embodiment (programs for causing the computer to execute the processing of each part).

[0130] In this embodiment, the server device 10 receives programs and various data for making the computer function as each part of this embodiment, which are stored in the information storage medium 180 and the storage unit 140, via the network, and stores the received programs and data in the information storage medium 280.

[0131] The program and data received from the server device 10 may be stored in the storage unit 270. The case where the network system functions by receiving such programs and data is also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0132] The display unit 290 outputs the image generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, or HMD (head-mounted display), etc.

[0133] The sound output unit 292 outputs the sound generated by this embodiment, and this function can be realized by a speaker or headphones, etc.

[0134] The communication unit 296 controls various functions for communicating with external devices (e.g., other terminals, servers). This function can be implemented using hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, or through programs.

[0135] The processing unit 200 (processor) performs processing such as display control, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on various information obtained from the server device 10 via the communication unit 296, input information from the acquired input unit 260, or programs.

[0136] This processing unit 200 performs various processes using the main memory unit 271 within the storage unit 270 as the work area. The functions of the processing unit 200 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), or by programs.

[0137] The processing unit 200 includes a communication control unit 210, a web browser 211, a display control unit 213, a drawing unit 220, and a sound processing unit 230. Note that some of these components may be omitted.

[0138] The communication control unit 210 performs data transmission and reception with each of the server devices 10. The communication control unit 210 also performs data storage in the storage unit 270, data analysis, and other control processing related to data transmission and reception.

[0139] Furthermore, the communication control unit 210 may store and manage the server's destination information (IP address, port number) in the information storage medium 280. The communication control unit 210 may also initiate communication with the server device 10 upon receiving communication initiation input from the user.

[0140] In particular, the communication control unit 210 transmits user identification information and operation information to the server device 10, and processes information regarding the avatar used for actions within the virtual space and information regarding the results of those actions from the server device 10.

[0141] The communication control unit 210 may perform data transmission and reception with the server device 10 at predetermined intervals, or it may perform data transmission and reception with the server device 10 when it receives input information from the input unit 260. In particular, the communication control unit 210 in this embodiment performs processing to receive a screen related to the virtual space avatar from the server device 10.

[0142] The web browser 211 is an application program for viewing web pages (screens related to avatars in a virtual space). It downloads HTML files, image files, etc., from the web server (server device 10), analyzes the layout, and controls the display. The web browser 211 also sends data to the web server (server device 10) using input forms (links, buttons, text boxes, etc.).

[0143] The Web browser 211 in this embodiment may execute programs written in JavaScript®, FLASH, Java®, etc., that are received from a Web server (server device 10).

[0144] The terminal device 20 can display information from a web server specified by a URL via the internet using its web browser 211. For example, the terminal device 20 can display a screen (data such as HTML) related to a virtual space received from the server device 10 using its web browser 211.

[0145] The display control unit 213 performs various calculations related to various characters, including avatars in the virtual space (including items owned by each character).

[0146] Furthermore, the display control unit 213 may perform the process of arranging and setting various objects (objects composed of primitives such as polygons, freeform surfaces, or subdivision surfaces) that represent display items such as various characters including avatars, items, buildings, stadiums, cars, trees, pillars, walls, and maps (terrain) in the object space.

[0147] Here, object space refers to a virtual space that includes both 2D and 3D spaces. 2D space is, for example, the space in which objects are placed in 2D coordinates (X,Y), while 3D space is, for example, the space in which objects are placed in 3D coordinates (X,Y,Z).

[0148] Furthermore, the display control unit 213 performs the processing to display on the display unit 290. For example, the display control unit 213 may use a web browser 211 for display.

[0149] The drawing unit 220 performs drawing processing based on various processes (for example, display control processing) performed by the processing unit 200, thereby generating an image, which is then output to the display unit 290 by the display control unit 213. The image generated by the drawing unit 220 may be a so-called two-dimensional image or a so-called three-dimensional image.

[0150] The sound processing unit 230 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 200, generates various sounds such as background music, sound effects, or voices, and outputs them to the sound output unit 292.

[0151] [4] The method of this embodiment [4.1] Overview Next, we will explain the outline of the method of this embodiment (including a user behavior evaluation process that evaluates user behavior, and a reward granting event management process) using Figure 4.

[0152] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the reward granting event management process, including the user behavior evaluation process, in this embodiment.

[0153] The server device 10 of this embodiment works in conjunction with a terminal device 20 connected via a network, and provides the terminal device 20 with control data such as avatars and other characters, a virtual space and a part thereof, various parameters, background music, and event execution (for example, game control information in the case of a game) for each user, thereby configuring a server system that realizes the actions of multiple users in the virtual space using given characters such as avatars (player characters in the case of a game).

[0154] In particular, the server device 10 of this embodiment has a configuration for controlling the movement of characters such as avatars or player characters (in the case of a game) in the virtual space based on the operations of each user input via the terminal device 20, and for executing processes related to the formation of the virtual space and the operation of the virtual world (virtual society) formed within the virtual space (in the case of a game, game control processes).

[0155] Furthermore, the server device 10 of this embodiment has a configuration that, when participating in entertainment provided in a virtual space such as a game, sets up and manages reward granting events that have a period during which a given reward is granted to the user (i.e., a period during which the reward can be obtained), and evaluates users based on their actions during the period during which the reward can be obtained, and controls the period during which the reward can be obtained for users who have not obtained the reward according to the evaluation.

[0156] Specifically, the server device 10 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, is a device that manages the execution of entertainment (specifically, games) on a computer, (A1) Perform controls related to entertainment, (A2) The process of setting the period during which a given benefit is granted to a user as the benefit availability period, starting from a given time, is executed as the benefit availability period setting process. (A3) During the period in which the reward can be obtained, if the given conditions for obtaining the reward are met, the process of granting the reward (hereinafter referred to as "reward control process") will be executed. (A4) Based on the user's behavior towards entertainment during the period in which the benefits are available, an evaluation process (hereinafter referred to as the "user behavior evaluation process") is performed to evaluate the user. (A5) Based on the evaluation of the user behavior evaluation process, execute a reward availability period control process to control the period during which users can obtain the reward for those who have not received the reward. It has a structure.

[0157] Furthermore, the server device 10 of this embodiment has a configuration that, when performing user behavior evaluation processing, uses an index (hereinafter also referred to as "degree of involvement") that indicates how much the user was involved (made an effort) to participate in entertainment, which is, for example, the degree of the user's action involved in participating in entertainment.

[0158] Figure 4 shows a scenario where the execution of entertainment such as games is controlled based on user instructions. (B1) When an event granting rewards is instructed to be executed, the reward availability period is set and registered by the reward availability period setting process. (B2) When the conditions for obtaining the reward are met, the reward information stored in the memory unit 140 is referenced and the corresponding reward is granted, and the granted reward is registered in association with the user. (B3) Based on the user's behavior towards entertainment during the period in which the reward can be obtained, a user behavior evaluation process is executed, and a reward availability period control process is executed to control the period in which the reward can be obtained (for example, by changing or adding to the period length) for users who do not meet the conditions for obtaining the reward (users who have not received the reward) according to the evaluation of the user behavior evaluation process. An example of the case is given.

[0159] Figure 4 also shows that, in addition to the above processing, control data for outputting images and sounds generated by entertainment execution control, including the reward granting event management processing, is provided to the terminal device 20 as a provisioning process.

[0160] With this configuration, the server device 10 or virtual space service system 1 of this embodiment can maintain the rarity of rewards by setting a period during which rewards can be obtained, while also increasing the opportunities for users to obtain rewards and improving their satisfaction with participating in entertainment. This can be achieved, for example, by extending the period during which rewards can be obtained for users who do not meet the conditions for obtaining rewards (users who have not yet obtained rewards) and who have a high rating, or by providing a separate bonus period.

[0161] Furthermore, the server device 10 or virtual space service system 1 of this embodiment is designed to enhance the enjoyment of users participating in entertainment provided in the virtual space.

[0162] In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the entertainment service provided using a virtual space (virtual space service) will be described using a game service that provides games, or the game itself.

[0163] [4.2] Information related to special events and special offers Next, the bonus event-related information and bonuses of this embodiment will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of bonus information stored in the virtual space data storage unit 144 of this embodiment.

[0164] (Information related to special events) The reward event-related information of this embodiment is information for defining reward-granting events that primarily involve obtaining rewards, such as seasonal events like Christmas events or New Year's events, or events specific to particular games like racing game month, and is stored in the virtual space data storage unit 144.

[0165] In particular, information related to special events specifies details such as the decoration of the game space as a virtual environment, the type of game being played, the type of enemy character to be defeated, or the type of reward to be obtained.

[0166] (Bonus Information) The benefit information of this embodiment specifies information about a benefit that a user will acquire in a benefit granting event, provided that the given conditions for obtaining the benefit are met.

[0167] For example, the bonus information includes, as shown in Figure 5, (A1) Bonus ID, (A2) Content information indicating the details of the bonus (for example, text information to notify the player, image information to form objects related to the bonus in the game, etc.), (A3) Benefit control information for providing benefits (for example, in the case of a benefit that changes the item being used, the item ID of the item being used and the control information for controlling said change), and (A4) The event ID of the event in which the benefit will be granted, It includes.

[0168] Furthermore, the benefits of this embodiment include: (B1) Electronic media having a given value within a virtual space, (B2) Electronic media used within a virtual space that the user does not possess, or (B3) This includes electronic media that the user has requested to acquire and that have been registered in advance.

[0169] In particular, the benefits of this embodiment include those that give the user or the character controlled by the user (e.g., an avatar or a player character in a game) an advantage in the virtual space or that satisfy the desire to acquire something.

[0170] For example, the benefits of this embodiment include: (C1) Characters or items used within the virtual space, (C2) Changing the probability of winning in selection processes such as lottery events, (C3) Assignment of parameters such as virtual space currency, points, and stamina values. (C4) To reduce the price when purchasing or exchanging a specified character or item. (C5) Making tasks easier or harder while an event is running. (C6) Reduce the parameters consumed during the event (amount of money spent, points consumed, and character's stamina (energy) value). (C7) Adding or altering the appearance (i.e., looks), abilities, attributes, number, or value (including the selling price when trading in the virtual space and its influence on synthesis materials) of a character or item, or removing any restrictions imposed on a character or item. Changing the duration of a character or item's usable time (such as making it longer or unlimited), (C8) Granting or changing trophies, medals, or titles to users or characters. This includes things like:

[0171] [4.3] Games (Entertainment) Next, we will describe the processing related to games executed as entertainment by the server device 10 of this embodiment.

[0172] The virtual space management unit 103 performs control over games as entertainment within the virtual space.

[0173] In particular, the virtual space management unit 103 constructs a game space as a virtual space and, based on player operations input via the terminal device 20, manages various games and processes related to various competitive games such as battle games, action games, racing games, RPGs, music games, and sports games in which one or more players compete against each other in combat or fighting.

[0174] Furthermore, the virtual space management unit 103 performs processes such as logging into the game, registering players in the game, registering information necessary for players to run the game, starting the game, ending the game, making contact with other players (such as chatting), and registering relationships such as friends, followers, and following with those other players.

[0175] Furthermore, the virtual space management unit 103 may, as entertainment, instead of games, perform various control processes for performances by characters that are placed in the virtual space to perform actions such as acting (specifically, idol-like character objects) or static objects (specifically, characters that only emit sound), or for events that are carried out in the virtual space (for example, interaction with other users, lotteries such as gacha, message exchange, cooperative work, or shopping).

[0176] [4.4] Event setup and reward availability period setting process Next, we will describe the reward granting event executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment and the reward availability period setting process executed when the reward granting event is being held.

[0177] The reward-granting event management unit 105 sets up events with a predetermined duration, such as seasonal events like Christmas events or New Year's events, or events focused on specific games like racing game month, where the main purpose is to obtain rewards.

[0178] For example, the reward granting event management unit 105 may change events such as the decorations within the game space as a virtual space, the type of game being played, the type of enemy character to be defeated, or the type of reward to be obtained, or it may set up new events with these changes.

[0179] Then, when setting up an event, the reward granting event management unit 105 executes a reward availability period setting process, which sets the period during which the given reward is granted to the user as the reward availability period.

[0180] In other words, the reward granting event management unit 105, as a given timing, the user operates The period during which rewards can be obtained is determined by using the timing of the instruction, the start of the game, or the start of a given in-game event such as a limited-time game event.

[0181] Then, when the designated end time arrives, the reward granting event management unit 105 will terminate the ongoing event and end the period for obtaining rewards.

[0182] [4.5] Reward Control Processing Next, we will describe the reward control process, which is performed by the server device 10 of this embodiment and grants rewards to users during the period in which the rewards can be obtained.

[0183] The reward control unit 107 grants a reward if the given reward acquisition conditions are met during the reward acquisition period (i.e., while a given event is being executed).

[0184] In particular, the reward control unit 107 executes a reward control process to grant rewards that are registered in association with an event (i.e., rewards that are eligible to be granted during the reward acquisition period) when given reward acquisition conditions are met.

[0185] Then, the bonus control unit 107 is instructed to register the granted bonus in the user-related information storage unit 146 of the corresponding player.

[0186] Specifically, the reward control unit 107 sets reward acquisition conditions, including selection processes such as mini-games and gacha draws, tasks such as acquiring items or rescuing allied characters, and event missions such as clearing game stages, and grants specific rewards when the mission is completed.

[0187] In other words, the reward control unit 107 is configured to grant rewards when the reward is obtained through a lottery, selected by a given selection process such as a program or user operation instruction, or when a mission such as clearing a task or stage set during the event is completed.

[0188] Also, for example, the bonus control unit 107 has a mission, (A1) When a specific item set in the virtual space is acquired, (A2) When a user performs specific enhancements on a character they are controlling or on a character of another user related to that user, or (A3) If you win the battle against the enemy character, The reward will be given for completing the mission.

[0189] On the other hand, the reward control unit 107 grants the rewards that are registered in association with the event, as described above.

[0190] Specifically, the reward control unit 107 grants the user, as a reward, an electronic medium that has a given value in the virtual space, an electronic medium used in the virtual space that the user does not yet possess, or an electronic medium that the user wishes to acquire and that has been registered in advance.

[0191] For example, the reward control unit 107 grants the relevant user an electronic medium that possesses a given value, such as an electronic medium with a high transaction price or an electronic medium with high scarcity value.

[0192] Then, the bonus control unit 107 is instructed to register the granted bonus in the user-related information storage unit 146 of the corresponding player.

[0193] [4.6] User behavior evaluation process Next, the user behavior evaluation process performed by the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described.

[0194] (Basic principle) The evaluation processing unit 106 performs a user behavior evaluation process during the period in which the reward can be obtained, based on the user's actions within the virtual space, such as the actions of the player character in the game.

[0195] Specifically, the evaluation processing unit 106 evaluates user behavior, for example, by indicating the degree of user player involvement in participating in entertainment, and calculates an involvement score that shows how much the user was involved (put in effort) to participate in entertainment.

[0196] In particular, the evaluation processing unit 106 performs a user behavior evaluation process based on whether or not the user or the character controlled by the user took any action related to participation in the game, the number of such actions, the frequency of such actions, the extent of such actions, the content of such actions, or the results of such actions.

[0197] Furthermore, the evaluation processing unit 106 may perform a graded evaluation such as the player's level or rank, a numerical evaluation, a relative evaluation with other users, or an absolute evaluation based on predetermined criteria as the evaluation of the user behavior evaluation process.

[0198] For example, the evaluation processing unit 106 evaluates user behavior by categorizing it into low, medium, or high levels, or ranks, as part of a tiered evaluation.

[0199] Furthermore, for example, the evaluation processing unit 106, when using numerical values ​​for evaluation, uses the numerical value itself when the evaluation, such as the amount charged or the level, can be directly expressed numerically, and also converts user behavior into predetermined parameters and uses those converted parameters.

[0200] The evaluation processing unit 106 performs its evaluation by comparing the user's actions with those of other users as a relative evaluation of other users. In this case, the reward availability period control process is, for example, to make the reward availability period more favorable to the user if the evaluation is higher than that of other users.

[0201] Furthermore, the evaluation processing unit 106 performs an absolute evaluation based on predetermined criteria, which is an evaluation based on whether or not the user's actions meet the predetermined criteria. In this case, the benefit availability period control process is, for example, to make the benefit availability period more favorable to the user if the user's actions meet the predetermined criteria.

[0202] The evaluation processing unit 106 may evaluate the user's actions related to the game (including the actions of the player character; the same applies hereinafter) throughout the entire period during which the rewards can be obtained, or it may set up an evaluation period within the said period during which it evaluates the user's actions.

[0203] In particular, the evaluation processing unit 106 has a configuration that allows it to control the length of the evaluation period without affecting the period during which benefits can be obtained, by setting an evaluation period and separating it from the period during which benefits can be obtained.

[0204] (Evaluation target) The evaluation processing unit 106, regarding the actions of the user being evaluated, states: (A1) Number of times or frequency of participation in lottery events (selection control processing) or games and other events (including the number of times or frequency of execution of events held by the user), (A2) The content of an action (hereinafter also referred to as "action content") indicating whether or not a given action occurred in the virtual space, such as acquiring a specific item or completing a task, including a lottery event, or the type of such action, or the status of an action (i.e., the result of the action (hereinafter also referred to as "action result")), (A3) Items, points, or in-game currency consumed in order to perform the action, or the amount of money paid, (A4) Number of logins to the virtual space (number of logins within a specified period such as one week and total number of logins), total time spent participating in entertainment within a specified period (for example, the most recent week), (A5) The total time spent participating in entertainment from the time of initial login to the virtual space, and, (A6) The time of day when the user is logged in (morning, noon, and night, etc.) This involves evaluating the number, frequency, and extent of actions taken by the user or the character controlled by the user in relation to participation in games (entertainment), the content of those actions (including temporal elements such as the time or period in which the action was taken), or the results of those actions.

[0205] (In the case of absolute evaluation) The evaluation processing unit 106 performs an absolute evaluation based on predetermined criteria, specifically an evaluation based on whether or not the user's actions meet the predetermined criteria.

[0206] In particular, in this case, the evaluation processing unit 106 performs a control process to make the period during which the reward can be obtained more favorable to the user when the user's actions meet predetermined criteria.

[0207] Specifically, when the evaluation processing unit 106 uses an absolute evaluation based on predetermined criteria as a user behavior evaluation process, it performs the absolute evaluation based on the user's behavior in the game, as well as the results of comparing the predetermined criteria with user-related information indicating information about the user.

[0208] In other words, the evaluation processing unit 106 has a configuration that allows it to evaluate the current user behavior in comparison to standard behavior or past user behavior, making it easier to predict user behavior that will result in a high rating, and creating a situation in which rewards can be easily obtained.

[0209] Furthermore, the evaluation processing unit 106 may use, in addition to pre-set criteria, criteria determined based on each user's past behavior as predetermined standards.

[0210] For example, the evaluation processing unit 106 compares the number of lottery processes performed, the amount charged, or the play time outside the period during which the reward is available with the number of lottery processes performed, the amount charged, or the play time during the period during which the user behavior evaluation process is conducted, as predetermined criteria, and calculates the degree of involvement as the increase or growth rate of the values ​​of these items during the period during which the reward is available.

[0211] Then, in cases where the evaluation of the user behavior evaluation process has two stages, the evaluation processing unit 106 evaluates it as a high rating if the increase or growth rate of the values ​​of these items during the period in which the reward can be obtained, which is the calculated level of involvement, is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and if it is lower than a predetermined value, I rate it as low.

[0212] In this embodiment, even if the evaluation obtained by the user behavior evaluation process (for example, the degree of user involvement) alone is insufficient to extend the period during which the reward can be obtained, or to set an additional bonus period within the period during which the reward can be obtained, the reward availability period control process may still be executed if the individual user evaluation meets the individual evaluation criteria.

[0213] (In the case of relative evaluation) The evaluation processing unit 106 performs an evaluation in relative terms with other users by comparing the user's actions with those of other users.

[0214] In particular, in this case, the evaluation processing unit 106 performs a control process to control the period during which the reward can be obtained, and if the evaluation is higher than that of other users, it performs a control that makes the period during which the reward can be obtained more favorable to the user.

[0215] Specifically, when the evaluation processing unit 106 uses a relative evaluation with other users as part of the user behavior evaluation process, it performs the relative evaluation by comparing the user's actions in the game with the actions of those other users.

[0216] In other words, the evaluation processing unit 106 is capable of incorporating a game-like element of competition with other users, and has a configuration that can improve the user's interest in participating in the game.

[0217] For example, the evaluation processing unit 106 compares the actions of the user being evaluated, or a specific other user designated by the user (for example, a numerical value representing an action such as the number of times a lottery is performed or the amount of money spent), with other users to be used for relative evaluation, and calculates and identifies the difference and the magnitude relationship with the other user's value as the degree of involvement.

[0218] Furthermore, for example, when the evaluation processing unit 106 compares the actions of multiple other users using numerical values, it uses the overall ranking of the user being evaluated, the result of comparing the average value of the multiple other users with the value of the user being evaluated, and the standard score of the user being evaluated overall to perform a relative evaluation.

[0219] (Evaluation timing) The evaluation processing unit 106 may execute the behavioral evaluation process at the end of the period during which the benefits can be obtained, or at a time prior to the end of the period during which the benefits can be obtained.

[0220] Furthermore, if an evaluation period is set, the evaluation processing unit 106 may execute the user behavior evaluation process at the end of the evaluation period, or it may execute the user behavior evaluation process at a time before the end of the evaluation period.

[0221] In particular, the evaluation processing unit 106 has a configuration that allows it to stimulate a sense of competition among users by executing user behavior evaluation processing at the end of the evaluation period, thereby clearly defining the timing of the evaluation in the case of relative evaluation.

[0222] Furthermore, the evaluation processing unit 106 uses timings prior to the end of the evaluation period, such as the timing when it receives instructions to perform user behavior evaluation, the timing when the user logs into the game, and the timing when a mission is completed.

[0223] [4.7] Control process for the period during which benefits can be obtained Next, the benefit availability period control process performed by the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described using Figures 6 and 7.

[0224] Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating the benefit availability period control process performed by the server device 10 of this embodiment.

[0225] (Basic principle) The reward granting event management unit 105 executes a reward availability period control process that controls the period during which the reward can be obtained, which is set according to the evaluation of the user behavior evaluation process.

[0226] In particular, the reward granting event management unit 105 of this embodiment calculates the degree of user involvement in user behavior as an evaluation of the user behavior evaluation process, and executes a reward availability period control process to make the period during which the reward can be obtained more favorable to the user, according to the degree of involvement.

[0227] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the reward granting event management unit 105 of this embodiment extends the reward availability period set by the reward availability period setting process, or sets a bonus period (a period that is temporally discontinuous from the reward availability period) that is different from the set reward availability period.

[0228] Figure 6(A) shows an example where the reward availability period is extended when the user behavior evaluation process is performed during the reward availability period (i.e., the reward availability period = evaluation period), and Figure 6(B) shows an example where the reward availability period is extended when the user behavior evaluation process is performed during a pre-set evaluation period within the reward availability period.

[0229] Furthermore, Figure 7(A) shows an example where a user behavior evaluation process is performed during the reward availability period (i.e., the reward availability period = evaluation period), and a bonus period (additional period) is added after the end of the reward availability period. Figure 7(B) shows an example where a user behavior evaluation process is performed during a pre-set evaluation period within the reward availability period, and a bonus period (additional period) is added after the end of the reward availability period.

[0230] (Control of control content) The reward granting event management unit 105 may change the control content of the reward availability period in accordance with the evaluation of the user behavior evaluation process.

[0231] In particular, in this case, the reward granting event management unit 105 controls the following as control contents: extending the period during which the reward can be obtained, and extending the bonus period which is temporally discontinuous from the period during which the reward can be obtained (if already set) or the number of times (including changing "0" times to "1" or more).

[0232] For example, if a user's behavior evaluation is rated 10 out of 10, the reward acquisition period will be longer (e.g., 2.5 times longer), the bonus period will be longer (e.g., 2.5 times longer), or the number of additional bonus periods will be increased (e.g., 3 times) compared to a user with a rating of 2 out of 10.

[0233] Further, for example, the privilege granting event management unit 105 controls the extension of the privilege obtainable period, and the extension of a bonus period different from the privilege obtainable period (if already set) or the number of times thereof (including changing "0" times to 1 or more) based on the result of the user behavior evaluation process, when the value of the evaluation target user is greater than the values of other users, or when the value of the evaluation target user is separated from the values of other users by a predetermined number or more.

[0234] [4.8]Providing Process Next, the information providing process of the present embodiment will be described.

[0235] The information providing unit 111 provides, while providing the virtual space providing service to the user, information and data related to the processing for the user to enjoy the virtual space providing service and the display required in the execution of the processing to the corresponding terminal device 20.

[0236] In particular, the information providing unit 111 provides control data including image information and sound information related to entertainment, such as information on privilege granting events, privilege information, and information on the privilege obtainable period, to the corresponding terminal device 20 based on a user's operation.

[0237] [4.9]Modifications [4.9.1]Modification 1: Privilege Obtainable Period Control Process Based on Intra-Group Individual Evaluation Criteria Next, as Modification 1, the privilege obtainable period control process based on intra-group individual evaluation criteria will be described.

[0238] In the present embodiment, as the evaluation of the user behavior evaluation process used for the privilege obtainable period control process, the result of comparing the behavior related to the evaluation target user with standard behavior, past user behavior, or other users' behavior is used, but a result of comparing the behavior related to the evaluation target user with a given intra-group criterion (hereinafter referred to as "intra-group individual evaluation criterion") determined within a group composed of a plurality of users may be used.

[0239] In other words, in this modified example, the server device 10 has a configuration that allows it to control the period during which rewards can be obtained in a way that is advantageous to the user, even if, for example, the evaluation criteria are not met based on an individual behavioral evaluation and the reward acquisition period cannot be controlled, when the level of involvement in the game (entertainment) among all participants or within the group to which the individual belongs is high, and also allows it to stimulate the game (i.e., entertainment) by providing incentives for forming teams or other groups in the game, or by increasing opportunities to give rewards to each user.

[0240] Specifically, the evaluation processing unit 106 performs an evaluation as a user behavior evaluation process for users who do not meet the conditions for obtaining the reward (users who have not received the reward), by comparing the behavior of the user being evaluated with a given individual evaluation criterion within the group, which is determined within a group composed of multiple users.

[0241] Furthermore, the reward granting event management unit 105 controls the period during which rewards can be obtained for users who do not meet the conditions for obtaining rewards, based on the evaluation of the user behavior evaluation process, if the user's behavior meets the individual evaluation criteria within the group.

[0242] For example, the reward granting event management unit 105 may use the following criteria for individual evaluation within a group: if a participant does not rank in the top 3, the evaluation criteria may include the user's actions being positioned between the highest rank and a predetermined rank within the team, or possessing a specific item.

[0243] [4.9.2] Modification 2: Controlling the period during which benefits can be obtained based on group-wide evaluation criteria Next, as a second modification, regarding the process of controlling the period during which benefits can be obtained based on the group-wide evaluation criteria... I will explain.

[0244] In this embodiment, as described above, the evaluation of the user behavior evaluation process used in the benefit availability period control process uses the results of a comparison with the behavior of the user being evaluated. However, it is also possible to use the results of a comparison between a group evaluation determined in a group composed of multiple users (hereinafter referred to as "overall group evaluation") and a predetermined evaluation criterion for the entire group (hereinafter referred to as "overall group evaluation criterion").

[0245] In other words, in this modified example, even if the period during which rewards can be obtained cannot be controlled by, for example, an individual behavioral evaluation, the server device 10 has a configuration that makes it possible to control the period during which rewards can be obtained in a way that is advantageous to the user if the level of involvement in the game (entertainment) is high among all participants or the group to which the individual belongs, thereby providing incentives for forming teams or other groups in the game, or increasing opportunities to give rewards to each user, and thereby revitalizing the game (i.e., entertainment).

[0246] Specifically, if there are users in the group who do not meet the conditions for obtaining the reward (users who have not received the reward), the evaluation processing unit 106 calculates a group-wide evaluation from the behavior of each user in the entire group, including the user being evaluated, as part of the user behavior evaluation process.

[0247] The evaluation processing unit 106 then compares the calculated overall group evaluation with a predetermined overall standard and performs an overall evaluation of the group.

[0248] Furthermore, the reward granting event management unit 105 controls the period during which users who do not meet the reward acquisition conditions can obtain rewards, provided that the overall group evaluation of the group to which the user belongs meets a predetermined overall standard.

[0249] For example, the reward granting event management unit 105 uses, as an overall criterion, for example, the overall ranking of the group to which the user belongs, or a predetermined value (e.g., the median) in the average or standard score of the overall evaluation of all participants, when there are multiple groups.

[0250] [4.9.3] Variation 3: Relaxation of conditions for obtaining benefits Next, as a third variation, we will explain a case where the conditions for obtaining rewards are relaxed in accordance with the evaluation in the user behavior evaluation process.

[0251] In this embodiment, depending on the evaluation of each user calculated in the user behavior evaluation process, the conditions for obtaining benefits during the benefit availability period controlled by the benefit availability period control process for the corresponding user may be relaxed.

[0252] In other words, the server device 10 of this modified example may change the conditions for obtaining a reward during the reward availability period controlled by the reward availability period control process, in accordance with the evaluation of the evaluation process, and grant a reward if the changed conditions for obtaining a reward are met during the controlled reward availability period.

[0253] Specifically, in this case, the reward granting event management unit 105 determines whether the reward availability period has been controlled by the reward availability period control process, and if the reward availability period has been controlled by the reward availability period control process, it relaxes the conditions for obtaining the reward during the reward availability period.

[0254] For example, in a case where a reward is given when a predetermined number of specific items are acquired, the reward granting event management unit 105 may relax the reward acquisition conditions by changing the number of specific items to be acquired from 5, which is the normal reward acquisition condition, to 3.

[0255] Further, for example, in a case where it is specified that a benefit is to be awarded at a predetermined winning probability in a lottery process, the benefit awarding event management unit 105 may relax the benefit acquisition condition by increasing the winning probability for awarding a benefit in the lottery process from a normal winning probability (e.g., 5%) (e.g., to 10%).

[0256] Then, for example, in a case where participation in an event such as a lottery process or a mini-game is permitted on condition that predetermined points, charges, or items are consumed, and a benefit is awarded based on a lottery result or an event result, the benefit awarding event management unit 105 may relax the benefit acquisition condition by making the consumption amount of the predetermined points, charges, or items, which is defined as the benefit acquisition condition, smaller than that under the normal benefit acquisition condition.

[0257] Furthermore, in a case where a benefit is awarded by clearing a mission such as a predetermined task, the benefit awarding event management unit 105 may relax the benefit acquisition condition by lowering the difficulty level of the mission compared with the normal benefit acquisition condition.

[0258] [4.9.4] Modification 4: Control of the next benefit available period in the benefit available period control process Next, as Modification 4, control of the next benefit available period in the benefit available period control process will be described.

[0259] In the benefit available period control process of the present embodiment, control of the benefit available period during execution of a benefit awarding event is performed as a control target, but the benefit available period in a benefit awarding event next to the currently executing benefit awarding event may be controlled.

[0260] In other words, in the modified server device 10, when two or more reward granting events are set at different times during the execution of the game (entertainment), and a reward acquisition period is set for each event, if a reward is not granted within the currently ongoing reward acquisition period, the server device 10 may execute a reward acquisition period control process to control the next set reward acquisition period in accordance with the evaluation of the user behavior evaluation process.

[0261] Specifically, when setting up a reward granting event, the reward granting event management unit 105 determines for each user whether or not a specific reward was granted in the previous patent granting event, and stores the result.

[0262] Then, during the execution of the patent grant event, if a specific benefit was not granted in the previous patent grant event and the evaluation of the user behavior evaluation process for the relevant user meets predetermined criteria, the evaluation processing unit 106 executes a benefit control process to grant the benefit registered in association with the current patent grant event to the relevant user.

[0263] [4.9.5] Variation 5: Evaluation criteria determined according to the benefits granted during the benefit availability period. Next, as variation 5, we will explain a case where the evaluation criteria change depending on the benefit that is granted during the benefit availability period.

[0264] In this embodiment, user behavior is determined according to the benefits granted during the benefit availability period. The evaluation criteria used in the evaluation process may be changed.

[0265] In other words, the server device 10 of this modified example allows users to specify the benefits to be granted during the benefit availability period, and may change the conditions for obtaining the benefits according to the type of benefit specified.

[0266] For example, in this modified example, in a predetermined reward-granting event, the conditions for obtaining a reward when registering a high-rarity reward will be stricter (more difficult to meet) than when registering a low-rarity reward, thus reducing the likelihood of the user obtaining the reward.

[0267] In such circumstances, extending the period for obtaining rewards, or adding an additional period for obtaining such rewards, increases the likelihood of obtaining high-rarity rewards.

[0268] Therefore, the server device 10 of this modified example has a configuration in which, when a reward that the user wishes to acquire is registered, the evaluation criteria for user behavior processing are changed according to the reward, and the user behavior evaluation processing is evaluated using the changed evaluation criteria.

[0269] In particular, the server device 10 of this modified example has a configuration that changes the control content of the benefit availability period based on the type of registered benefit.

[0270] Specifically, the reward granting event management unit 105 registers the rewards that the user wishes to acquire in advance, associating them with reward granting events, based on the user's instructions, and determines the evaluation criteria in the user behavior evaluation process based on the type of rewards that have been registered.

[0271] Then, the reward granting event management unit 105 executes a reward availability period control process that controls the period during which the reward can be obtained, in accordance with the determined evaluation criteria and the evaluation of the user behavior evaluation process for the relevant user.

[0272] For example, the reward granting event management department 105 changes the conditions for obtaining rewards, such as setting evaluation criteria that are less favorable to the player the higher the rarity of the reward.

[0273] In other words, in this case, the reward granting event management unit 105 increases the difficulty of obtaining the reward as its rarity increases.

[0274] On the other hand, since there is a high probability that a reward will not be obtained within the pre-set reward availability period, the reward granting event management unit 105 lowers the criteria used when controlling the reward availability period, and changes the evaluation criteria used in the user behavior evaluation process according to the type of registered reward.

[0275] [4.9.6] Variation 6: Simultaneous implementation of multiple reward-granting events Next, as a sixth variation, we will describe the simultaneous implementation of multiple reward-granting events.

[0276] In this embodiment, if multiple reward granting events are carried out simultaneously, a reward granting event management process, including user behavior evaluation processing, should be executed for each reward granting event.

[0277] In other words, the server device 10 of this modified version simultaneously and in parallel, grants various variations of reward events that grant rewards with a defined reward availability period during the execution of entertainment. Even when provided through a system, each reward-granting event has a configuration that allows for increased opportunities to obtain rewards.

[0278] Specifically, the reward granting event management unit 105 sets multiple reward acquisition periods for each event when multiple reward granting events are set up simultaneously.

[0279] Furthermore, the reward control unit 107 grants the reward associated with each reward granting event (i.e., each reward availability period) based on the reward acquisition conditions associated with each reward availability period, for each reward granting event.

[0280] Then, the evaluation processing unit 106 performs an evaluation of the user behavior evaluation process for each reward availability period (i.e., each reward granting event) and for each user. In response to the evaluation of the user behavior evaluation process, the reward availability period control process controls the reward availability period for the corresponding reward granting event.

[0281] [4.9.7] Variation 7: Setting a new evaluation period during the period when the bonus is available. Next, as variation 7, we will explain the new setting of the evaluation period during the period in which the benefits can be obtained.

[0282] In this embodiment, instead of extending the period during which the benefits can be obtained in accordance with the evaluation process, or setting a bonus period (a period that is temporally discontinuous from the period during which the benefits can be obtained) in a period different from the set period during which the benefits can be obtained, a new evaluation period may be set within the period during which the benefits can be obtained.

[0283] In other words, the reward granting event management unit 105 of this embodiment may calculate the degree of involvement of the user's behavior as an evaluation of the user behavior evaluation process, and set a new evaluation period within the reward availability period, which is a period discontinuous with the already set evaluation period, according to the degree of involvement.

[0284] Furthermore, the reward granting event management unit 105 of this embodiment may, during a new evaluation period, execute the user behavior evaluation process described above, and during that evaluation period, execute a user behavior evaluation process based on the user's behavior toward entertainment, and execute a reward availability period control process to control the period during which users who have not received the reward can obtain the reward, in accordance with the evaluation of the user behavior evaluation process.

[0285] [4.9.8] Modification 8: Other server device configuration examples Next, as Modification 7, another configuration example of the server device 10 in this embodiment will be described.

[0286] Although each function of the server device 10 in this embodiment is configured by a single server device 10, it may also be implemented by multiple server devices.

[0287] [4.9.9] Modification 9: Standalone type Next, using Figure 8, an example of a standalone system in this embodiment will be described as Modification 8.

[0288] Figure 8 shows an example of the system configuration of a standalone system in Modification 8 of this embodiment.

[0289] In this embodiment, it may be implemented by a single terminal device equipped with the functions of the server device 10, that is, a device that operates independently without relying on other devices such as a server device (standalone).

[0290] Specifically, the entertainment execution device 11 is a device that manages the execution of games (entertainment) within a virtual space.

[0291] And the entertainment execution device 11 is, for example, (A1) Perform controls related to games (entertainment) in the game space, (A2) The process of setting the period during which a given benefit is granted to a user as the benefit availability period, starting from a given time, is executed as the benefit availability period setting process. (A3) If the given acquisition conditions are met during the period in which the bonus can be obtained, the bonus will be granted. (A4) During the period in which the benefits can be obtained, a user behavior evaluation process will be performed to evaluate the user based on their actions within the virtual space. (A5) Control the period during which rewards can be obtained based on the evaluation of the user behavior evaluation process. It has a structure.

[0292] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the entertainment execution device 11 basically has the same configuration as the terminal device 20 of this embodiment, in addition to having some of the functions of the server device 10.

[0293] Specifically, the entertainment execution device 11 includes a processing unit 200, an input unit 260, a storage unit 270, an information storage medium 280, a display unit 290, a sound output unit 292, and a communication unit 296.

[0294] Furthermore, in addition to the communication control unit 210, web browser 211, display control unit 213, drawing unit 220, and sound processing unit 230, the processing unit 200 also includes a virtual space management unit 203, user management unit 204, reward granting event management unit 205, evaluation processing unit 206, reward control unit 207, and timer management unit 209.

[0295] In this modified version of the entertainment execution device 11, components identical to each function of the processing unit 200 are given the same reference numerals and are omitted from the description. Furthermore, each process of the processing unit 200 is described in the same way as the server device 10 and the terminal device 20, with the same reference numerals used for those components, and their descriptions are not provided.

[0296] [5] Operation in this embodiment Next, using Figure 10, we will describe the operation of the reward granting event management process, which includes a user behavior evaluation process that evaluates user behavior performed by the server device 10 of this embodiment.

[0297] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the reward granting event management process, which includes a user behavior evaluation process that evaluates user behavior, executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment.

[0298] In this operation, it is assumed that a game for entertainment purposes is already running and that the user is already participating in that game as a player.

[0299] Furthermore, in this operation, it is assumed that the benefit event-related information, which specifies the benefits to be granted to the user as benefit information, is stored in the virtual space data storage unit 144, and that user-related information for each user is already stored in the user-related information storage unit 146.

[0300] Furthermore, in the user behavior evaluation process, this operation will be performed during the period when the benefits are available, which does not have the aforementioned evaluation period.

[0301] First, when the reward granting event management unit 105 detects the start of a specific reward granting event in accordance with the program (step S101), it refers to the reward event-related information for that specific reward granting event and sets the period during which the reward can be obtained (step S102).

[0302] Next, the reward granting event management unit 105 instructs the virtual space management unit 103 to start a specific reward granting event (step S103).

[0303] The virtual space management unit 103 receives operation instructions from the user's terminal device 20 and executes various processes related to the game, including reward granting events (game control processes).

[0304] Next, the reward granting event management unit 105 determines whether or not the end of the period for obtaining the reward has arrived (step S104).

[0305] At this time, if the reward granting event management unit 105 determines that the end time for obtaining the reward has not yet arrived, it proceeds to the processing in step S105, and if it determines that the reward obtaining period has arrived, it proceeds to the processing in step S111.

[0306] Next, if the reward granting event management unit 105 determines that the end time for obtaining the reward has not yet arrived, the reward control unit 107 determines whether the user in question has met the conditions for obtaining the reward (step S105).

[0307] At this time, if the reward control unit 107 determines that the user in question has met the conditions for obtaining the reward, it grants the reward associated with the reward granting event to the user (step S106) and returns to the process in step S104. If it determines that the user in question does not have met the conditions for obtaining the reward, it returns directly to the process in step S104.

[0308] Next, if the reward granting event management unit 105 determines that the period for obtaining the reward has arrived, the evaluation processing unit 106 executes a user behavior evaluation process for the relevant user (for example, an evaluation process based on relative evaluation) based on the player-related information of the relevant player and the player-related information of other players (step S107).

[0309] Next, the reward granting event management unit 105 determines, at a given timing within the reward availability period, whether or not to extend the reward availability period based on the user behavior evaluation (specifically, based on the level of involvement calculated by the user behavior evaluation) (step S108).

[0310] Finally, if the reward control unit 107 determines that the period for obtaining the reward should be extended, it extends the period for obtaining the reward (step S109) and terminates this operation. If it determines that the reward should not be granted, it terminates this operation as is.

[0311] [6] Others The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. For example, terms cited as broad or synonymous in the specification or drawings may be replaced with broad or synonymous terms in other descriptions in the specification or drawings.

[0312] In this embodiment, each virtual space provision service may be provided to the terminal device 20 by a single server device 10, or a server system may be constructed by linking multiple server devices 10 together to provide each virtual space provision service to the terminal device.

[0313] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the server device 10 processes each aspect of the virtual space provision service. Although the logic is being executed, some functions of the processing unit 100 of the server device 10, and the program that executes said functions, may be executed on the terminal device 20, and the above processes may be executed in conjunction with the server device 10.

[0314] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it may be implemented by a single terminal device equipped with the functions of the server device 10, that is, a device that operates independently without relying on other devices such as server devices (standalone).

[0315] Furthermore, it is possible to connect multiple such terminal devices via wired or wireless connections, with one terminal device functioning as a server device 10, and to implement this using multiple terminal devices.

[0316] The present invention includes configurations that are substantially identical to those described in the embodiments (for example, configurations with the same function, method, and result, or configurations with the same purpose and effect). Furthermore, the present invention includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. Furthermore, the present invention includes configurations that produce the same effects or achieve the same purpose as those described in the embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention includes configurations that add known technology to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0317] As described above, embodiments of the present invention have been explained in detail, but it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel aspects and effects of the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0318] 1: Virtual Space Service System 10: Server device 11: Entertainment Execution Device 20: Terminal device 100: Processing Unit 101: Communication Control Unit 102: Web Processing Unit 103: Virtual Space Management Department 104: User Management Department 105: Event Management Department for Granting Rewards 106: Evaluation Processing Unit 107: Special Offer Control Unit 110: Timer Management Department 111: Information provision department 120: Input section 130: Display section 140: Storage section 142: Main memory 144: Virtual Space Data Storage Unit 146: User-related information storage unit 180: Information storage medium 196: Communications Department 200: Processing Unit 203: Virtual Space Management Department 204: User Management Department 205: Event Management Department for Granting Rewards 206: Evaluation Processing Unit 207: Special Offer Control Unit 209: Timer Management Department 210: Communication Control Unit 211: Web browser 213: Display Control Unit 220: Drawing section 230: Sound Processing Unit 260: Input section 262: Detection unit 270: Storage section 271: Main memory 272: Image buffer 280: Information storage medium 290:Display section 292: Sound output section 296: Communications Department

Claims

1. An entertainment execution management system for managing the execution of entertainment on a computer, An execution control means for performing the aforementioned control related to entertainment, A period setting means that executes a process to set the period during which a given benefit is granted to a user as the benefit availability period, starting from a given timing, as a benefit availability period setting process, A benefit control means that grants the aforementioned benefit when the given acquisition conditions are met during the benefit acquisition period, An evaluation processing means that performs an evaluation process to evaluate the user based on the user's actions toward the entertainment during the period during which the benefits are available, A period control means that executes a benefit availability period control process to control the benefit availability period in accordance with the evaluation of the evaluation process, An entertainment execution management system characterized by having the following features.

2. In the entertainment execution management system according to claim 1, The evaluation processing means, An entertainment execution management system that performs the evaluation process during an evaluation period set within the period during which the aforementioned benefits are available.

3. In the entertainment execution management system according to claim 1, The aforementioned benefit control means As a benefit of the aforementioned, (a) Electronic media having a given value in the entertainment field, (b) Electronic media used in the entertainment that the user does not possess, (c) Electronic media that the user wishes to acquire and that have been registered in advance, (d) Electronic media that are advantageous to the user in the entertainment or that satisfy the user's desire to acquire An entertainment execution management system that grants the aforementioned user.

4. In the entertainment execution management system according to claim 1, The aforementioned period setting means An entertainment execution management system that sets the period during which the reward can be obtained using the timing given by the user, the timing when the entertainment starts, or the timing when a given event starts, as the given timing.

5. In the entertainment execution management system according to claim 1, The aforementioned benefit control means An entertainment execution management system that grants the aforementioned reward when the aforementioned achievement conditions are met during the execution of the entertainment.

6. In the entertainment execution management system according to claim 1, The evaluation processing means, An entertainment execution management system that, as part of the evaluation process, performs a tiered evaluation, a numerical evaluation, a relative evaluation with other users, or an absolute evaluation based on predetermined criteria, based on the user's actions toward the entertainment during the period in which the benefits are available.

7. In the entertainment execution management system according to claim 1, The evaluation processing means, An entertainment execution management system that, as part of the evaluation process, evaluates the user based on whether or not the user or a character operated by the user took any action related to participation in the entertainment during the period in which the benefits were available, the number of such actions, the frequency of such actions, the extent of such actions, the content of such actions, or the results of such actions.

8. In the entertainment execution management system according to claim 1, The aforementioned period control means An entertainment execution management system that changes the control content of the period during which the benefits can be obtained, in accordance with the evaluation of the evaluation process.

9. In the entertainment execution management system according to claim 8, The aforementioned period control means An entertainment execution management system that controls, as part of the control of the period during which the aforementioned benefits can be obtained, either extending the period during which the aforementioned benefits can be obtained or controlling the number of times the benefits can be obtained.

10. In the entertainment execution management system according to claim 1, The evaluation processing means, An entertainment execution management system that, when using an absolute evaluation based on predetermined criteria as the evaluation process, performs the absolute evaluation based on the user's actions toward the entertainment during the period in which the benefits are available, along with the results of a comparison between the predetermined criteria and user-related information indicating information about the user.

11. In the entertainment execution management system according to claim 1, The evaluation processing means, An entertainment execution management system that, when using a relative evaluation with other users as part of the evaluation process, performs the relative evaluation by comparing the user's actions toward the entertainment during the period in which the benefits are available with the actions of other users.

12. In the entertainment execution management system according to claim 1, The evaluation processing means, For users who do not meet the aforementioned acquisition conditions, the evaluation process involves comparing the user's actions during the period for obtaining the benefits with a given group standard established within a group composed of multiple users. The aforementioned period control means An entertainment execution management system that, for users who do not meet the aforementioned acquisition conditions, executes a benefit availability period control process to control the benefit availability period if, as an evaluation of the evaluation process, the user's actions during the benefit availability period meet the group criteria.

13. In the entertainment execution management system according to claim 1, The evaluation processing means, For each group composed of multiple users, the evaluation process is executed to evaluate the users as a whole group based on the actions of each user belonging to that group during the period in which the benefits are available. The aforementioned period control means For users who do not meet the aforementioned acquisition conditions, the user to whom the evaluation process is applied belongs. An entertainment execution management system that, when the evaluation of the entire group meets predetermined overall criteria, executes a benefit availability period control process to control the benefit availability period.

14. In the entertainment execution management system according to claim 1, The aforementioned benefit control means An entertainment execution management system that modifies the conditions for obtaining a reward during the reward availability period controlled by the reward availability period control process, in accordance with the evaluation of the evaluation process, and grants the reward if the modified conditions for obtaining the reward are met during the controlled reward availability period.

15. In the entertainment execution management system according to claim 2, The evaluation processing means, An entertainment execution management system that executes the evaluation process at the end of the evaluation period.

16. In the entertainment execution management system according to claim 2, The evaluation processing means, An entertainment execution management system that executes the evaluation process at a time prior to the end of the evaluation period.

17. In the entertainment execution management system according to claim 1, The evaluation processing means, An entertainment execution management system that performs the evaluation process at the end of the period during which the aforementioned benefits can be obtained.

18. A program that manages the execution of entertainment on a computer, An execution control that performs control related to entertainment within the aforementioned digital space, The process of setting the period during which a given benefit is granted to a user as the benefit availability period, starting from a given time, is executed as the benefit availability period setting process, and A benefit control means that grants the aforementioned benefit when the given acquisition conditions are met during the benefit acquisition period. An evaluation processing means that performs an evaluation process to evaluate the user based on the user's actions during the period in which the benefits can be obtained within the digital space, and A period control means that executes a benefit availability period control process to control the benefit availability period in accordance with the evaluation of the evaluation process, A program characterized by causing a computer to function as such.

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