Server system, game system, and program

Abstract

To provide a game system that can maintain players' motivation to make selections even after the items that many players want to acquire have been released. [Solution] The server device 10 of this embodiment has a configuration in which it performs a selection control process to select one or more game cards from a group of selectable game cards consisting of multiple game cards and allow the player to acquire them, identifies status information of the selection control process targeting the group of selectable game cards which is performed after the acquisition of the specific game card, performs a reward determination process to determine the reward to be given to the player based on the identified status information, and performs a process to give the identified reward to the player (hereinafter referred to as the "reward granting process").

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a server system, a game system, a program, and the like.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, game systems that execute events for allowing players to obtain entertaining game items including lottery elements based on acquisition requests from the players during games have become widespread.

[0003] In particular, recently, as one type of game system having a function of allowing selection of items, a box-type lottery system is known which includes items that many players desire to obtain, such as items of high rarity, and performs a lottery from a plurality of item groups in a state where the items are clearly indicated to the players.

[0004] Further, among such game systems, there is known a system that replaces an item group with another item group and grants a benefit according to items in the item group before the replacement that have not yet been acquired (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the game system described in Patent Document 1, when an item that many players desire to obtain is acquired, the players often lose or have reduced motivation to execute the event of the selection process.

[0007] Furthermore, if the player loses or loses motivation to execute selection events, the utilization rate of selection events will decrease, or the events may not be executed while items remain. Therefore, measures are needed to ensure that players continue to execute selections until all of the pre-set items are gone.

[0008] This invention was made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a game system that can maintain the motivation to make selections even after items that many players wish to acquire have been released. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is A server system that controls games to run on terminal devices connected via a network and operated by players, A receiving means for receiving operation instructions transmitted from the terminal device, A game control means that causes the game to be executed using a game medium based on the received operation instructions, A selection control means that performs a selection control process to allow the player to acquire one or more game media from a plurality of selectable game media, including a predetermined game media. If the specific game medium is acquired through the selection control process, the selection process for the multiple selectable game mediums is executed after the acquisition of the specific game medium. A reward determination processing means that identifies status information of the control process and, based on the identified status information, executes a process to determine the reward to be granted to the player as a reward determination process, A reward control means that grants the reward determined by the reward determination process to the corresponding player, A means for providing information about the game, including information about the benefits granted to the player, as game control information to the terminal device, It has a configuration that includes the following:

[0010] With this configuration, the present invention ensures that even if a highly sought-after game medium, such as a rare game medium, is won through a lottery from among multiple selectable game mediums, the rewards offered are attractive, thus maintaining the player's motivation to continue the selection process.

[0011] For example, "game media" refers to, (A1) The player character is the target of the player's operation or instructions. (A2) In-game currency, (A3) Items such as weapons and tools that are equipped to the player character. (A4) Abilities (performance) added to the player character, or (A5) Characters that ride on the player character or other characters that work in conjunction with the player character to advance the game (hereinafter referred to as "support characters"), This refers to cards used in a game that specifies the following (i.e., game cards provided electronically). However, it may also refer to player characters, in-game currency, items, abilities (performance), or the character that rides the player character.

[0012] Furthermore, the "selection control process" includes, for example, a lottery process that automatically selects from among multiple game media to be selected, or a process that selects according to a predetermined method such as player instructions.

[0013] In particular, the "selection control process" may be one selection control process to select one game item in a single activation, or multiple selection control processes may be performed to allow the selection of multiple game items. If multiple game media are to be selected, multiple game media may be selected simultaneously, or multiple game media may be selected sequentially.

[0014] Furthermore, the "selection control process" may be executed by consuming values ​​of parameters used in the game (such as the player character's health, in-game currency, or points), or on the premise of payment. In particular, it is possible to increase the selection probability of game media with a low selection probability depending on the amount consumed or the amount paid.

[0015] Furthermore, "selection control processing for multiple selectable game media" refers to, for example, the process of selecting one or more game media from among multiple selectable game media (e.g., a lottery box).

[0016] Furthermore, the "Status information of the selection control process targeting multiple selectable game media" includes (B1) the remaining number of executions after a specific game media has been acquired in the selection control process targeting multiple selectable game media (hereinafter simply referred to as "remaining execution count"), or the number of times the selection control process has been executed up until that specific game media was acquired (hereinafter simply referred to as "executed count"), (B2) In the selection control process for multiple selectable game media, the ratio of the remaining number of executions or the number of executions to the total number of selections, (B3) The number, type, or both of the unselected game media among the multiple selectable game media after a specific game media has been acquired. (B4) The number, type, or both of the selected game media that have already been selected in the selection control process for multiple selectable game media at the time a specific game media is acquired, (B5) The period of time from the time a specific game media is acquired until the selection control process for multiple selectable game media is completed, and (B6) The period from when the initial selection control process for multiple selectable game media is performed until a specific game media is acquired, This includes things like:

[0017] In addition to the above, "given benefits" include, for example, (C1) Providing a predetermined game medium such as a player character or item, (C2) In selection control processing for a plurality of selectable game media, applying a given effect to game media that have not yet been selected, such as changing the winning probability of the unselected game media, or adding a game media whose parameters are enhanced to the plurality of selectable game media, (C3) Granting parameters such as in-game currency, points, and stamina values, (C4) Changing the selected game media to a game media advantageous to the player, or making the variation of parameters that fluctuate as the game progresses, such as experience points, advantageous, (C5) Facilitating the acquisition of specific game media during the game, such as reducing the consideration for purchasing or exchanging predetermined game media, changing the game media owned by the player to a backward-compatible superior game media, and making the predetermined game media easier to find or obtain in the course of the game, (C6) In the case of a battle game, weakening enemy characters or strengthening player characters, (C7) Simplifying or making tasks during game execution more difficult, (C8) Reducing the parameters consumed during the game (charge amount, consumed points, and the stamina value (energy value) of the player character), (C9) Changing the appearance (i.e., visual look), abilities, attributes, number, value (including the selling price in the game or when trading with other players, and the influence on synthesis materials), and release of restrictions (such as extending the usable time to unlimited) for game media that can be used for player characters, (C10) Granting trophies, medals, and titles to the player or the player character, and (C11) Changing the appearance, abilities, and attributes of the player character, etc., that are advantageous to the player or the player character in the game or satisfy the desire for acquisition are included.

[0018] (2) Further, the present invention provides that The situation information includes (a) In a selection control process for multiple selectable game media, the remaining number of executions after a specific game media has been acquired, or the number of times the selection control process has been executed up to the time the specific game media was acquired, or (b) The remaining number of executions or the ratio of the number of executions to the total number of selections in the selection control process for multiple selectable game media, It has a configuration that includes this.

[0019] This configuration allows the present invention to provide, for example, a benefit that works to the player's advantage the more remaining executions of the selection control process after a particular game medium has been acquired.

[0020] (3) Furthermore, the present invention is The aforementioned situational information includes: (a) At least one of the number and type of unselected game media among the multiple selectable game media after a specific game medium has been acquired, (b) In the selection control process for multiple selectable game media at the time a particular game medium is acquired, at least one of the number and type of selected game media that have already been selected, It has a configuration that includes this.

[0021] With this configuration, the present invention can, for example, grant a benefit to the player in the selection control process after a particular game medium has been acquired, which has an effect that works to the player's advantage the more unselected game mediums there are, or the more selected game mediums there are.

[0022] (4) Furthermore, the present invention is The aforementioned situational information includes: (a) The period from the acquisition of a specific game medium until the selection control process for multiple selectable game mediums is completed, or (b) The period from when the initial selection control process for multiple selectable game media is performed until a specific game media is acquired, It has a configuration that includes this.

[0023] With this configuration, the present invention can provide a benefit that works to the player's advantage, for example, the longer the period from when a specific game medium is acquired until the selection control processing for multiple selectable game mediums is completed, or the longer the period from when the first selection control processing for multiple selectable game mediums is performed until a specific game medium is acquired.

[0024] (5) Furthermore, the present invention is The aforementioned benefit control means The system has a configuration in which a given game medium is provided as the aforementioned bonus.

[0025] With this configuration, for example, by increasing the rarity of the game media given as a bonus, the present invention can provide players who desire game media with a sense of excitement based on the possibility of obtaining high-rarity game media in the remaining selection control process, thereby maintaining the motivation for players to continue the selection control process.

[0026] In addition, the "given game medium" is preferably a game medium that provides an effect that is advantageous to the player during gameplay, but is not limited to this.

[0027] (6) Furthermore, the present invention is The aforementioned benefit control means The system has a configuration that grants a given effect as a benefit to unselected game media that have not yet been selected in the selection control process for the multiple selectable game media.

[0028] This configuration makes it possible to obtain game media that have an effect advantageous to the player, or to increase the likelihood of obtaining game media that are more advantageous to the player. For example, even after a game media of high rarity has been dispensed, it is possible to maintain the motivation for the player to continue the selection control process.

[0029] (7) Furthermore, the present invention is The selection control means, The selection control process includes a configuration in which a pack consisting of multiple game media is selected from the multiple selectable game media and given to the player.

[0030] This configuration allows the present invention to enable players to select game media for each pack, such as an attack power enhancement pack to strengthen player characters, or a beginner pack to help novice players level up quickly. This eliminates the complexity for players and maintains their motivation to continue the selection process even after high-rarity game media have been obtained.

[0031] The "packs" include, for example, attack power enhancement packs to strengthen player characters, or beginner packs designed to help new players level up quickly.

[0032] (8) Furthermore, the present invention is The aforementioned means of providing, The system has a configuration in which, when a specific game medium predetermined by the selection control process is acquired, information regarding the reward determined by the reward determination process is provided to the terminal device.

[0033] With this configuration, the present invention can notify the player of information regarding the benefits that will be dispensed by the selection control process executed after a specific game medium is acquired, when that specific game medium is acquired.

[0034] (9) Furthermore, the present invention is The system further includes a selection target group generation means that generates a group of multiple selectable game media, which are the target of the selection control process, based on the game media owned by the player.

[0035] This configuration allows the present invention to generate a set of multiple selectable game media that are subject to selection control processing by the player, enabling the player to dispose of the game media and to provide support for other players' games.

[0036] (10) Furthermore, the present invention is The system further comprises cost determination processing means for determining the cost of executing the selection control process for the selected group according to the game media included in the selected group, The selection control means, The system has a configuration that executes the selection control process on the premise that the aforementioned costs have been paid.

[0037] This configuration allows the present invention to enable players to select a group of target items that includes rare game media if they pay a high cost, and to increase the player's motivation to generate target items when the player has generated a group of target items.

[0038] The term "cost" includes, for example, the consumption of specific items or in-game currency, as well as the consumption of parameters such as points and energy.

[0039] (11) Furthermore, the present invention is The aforementioned benefit control means The system has a configuration that, if the last selectable game medium is selected by the selection control process, further special benefits are granted to the player.

[0040] With this configuration, the present invention can execute the selection control process until the last selectable game medium is selected from among a plurality of selectable game mediums that are the target of the selection control process.

[0041] (12) Furthermore, the present invention is The aforementioned benefit control means The reward determination process has a configuration that determines the reward according to the situation information and the acquisition status, which indicates the situation until a specific game medium predetermined by the selection control process is acquired.

[0042] This configuration allows the present invention to change the rewards according to the acquisition status, thereby maintaining the player's motivation for the selection control process until the very end.

[0043] Furthermore, "acquisition status" includes, for example, the period from the initial selection control process to the selection of a specific game medium when the selection control process for multiple selectable game mediums is repeatedly executed, the cost until that specific game medium is acquired, and the number of executions until that specific game medium is acquired.

[0044] (13) In addition, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention A program that controls a game to run on a terminal device connected via a network and operated by a player, Receiving means for receiving operation instructions transmitted from the terminal device, A game control means that causes the game to be executed using a game medium based on the operation instructions received. Selection control means that executes a selection control process to allow the player to acquire one or more game media from a plurality of selectable game media, including a predetermined specific game media. When a specific game medium is acquired through the selection control process, a reward determination processing means identifies status information of the selection control process targeting the multiple selectable game mediums, which is executed after the acquisition of the specific game medium, and executes a process to determine the reward to be granted to the player based on the identified status information, as a reward determination process. A reward control means for granting the reward determined by the reward determination process to the corresponding player, and A means for providing information about the game, including information about the benefits granted to the player, as game control information to the terminal device. It has a configuration that allows it to function as a computer.

[0045] With this configuration, the present invention ensures that even if a highly sought-after game medium, such as a rare game medium, is won through a lottery from among multiple selectable game mediums, the rewards offered are attractive, thus maintaining the player's motivation to continue the selection process.

[0046] (14) In addition, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention is A game system that performs game control to run a game, A means of receiving player operation instructions, A game control means that causes the game to be executed using a game medium based on the received operation instructions, A selection control means that performs a selection control process to allow the player to acquire one or more game media from a plurality of selectable game media, including a predetermined specific game media. When a specific game medium is acquired through the selection control process, the reward determination processing means identifies status information of the selection control process targeting the multiple selectable game mediums that is executed after the acquisition of the specific game medium, and executes a process to determine the reward to be granted to the player based on the identified status information as a reward determination process. A reward control means that grants the reward determined by the reward determination process to the corresponding player, It has a configuration that includes the following:

[0047] With this configuration, the present invention ensures that even if a highly sought-after game medium, such as a rare game medium, is won through a lottery from among multiple selectable game mediums, the rewards offered are attractive, thus maintaining the player's motivation to continue the selection process.

[0048] (15) In addition, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention is A program that controls the game to run the game, A means of receiving player operation instructions. A game control means that causes the game to be executed using a game medium based on the operation instructions received. Selection control means that executes a selection control process to allow the player to acquire one or more game media from a plurality of selectable game media, including a predetermined specific game media. A reward determination processing means that, when a specific game medium is acquired through the selection control processing, identifies status information of the selection control processing targeting the multiple selectable game mediums that is executed after the acquisition of the specific game medium, and executes a process to determine the reward to be granted to the player based on the identified status information, as a reward determination processing, and A reward control means that grants the reward determined by the reward determination process to the corresponding player, It has the configuration necessary to make a computer function.

[0049] With this configuration, the present invention ensures that even if a highly sought-after game medium, such as a rare game medium, is won through a lottery from among multiple selectable game mediums, the rewards offered are attractive, thus maintaining the player's motivation to continue the selection process. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0050] [Figure 1]This figure shows an example of a system configuration illustrating the structure of a game 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 selection execution management process performed by a server device in one embodiment, which includes a selection control process that selects a plurality of pre-configured game cards from a selected group of target items and allows the player to acquire them, as well as a corresponding reward control process. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the operation of selection execution management, including selection control processing and associated privilege control processing, which are performed by a server device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the operation of selection execution management, including selection control processing and associated privilege control processing, which are performed by a server device according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0051] 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.

[0052] [1] Game System First, the overview and general configuration of the game system 1 of this embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the game system 1 of this embodiment.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, the game system 1 of this embodiment is configured such that a server device 10 that provides game services and terminal devices 20 (for example, terminal devices 20A, 20B, and 20C) can connect to the Internet (an example of a network).

[0054] Players can access the server device 10 from their terminal device 20, retrieve games from the server device 10 via the internet, and play those games. Furthermore, players can communicate with other players while playing games by accessing the server device 10 from their terminal device 20.

[0055] In particular, the server device 10 is an information processing device that can provide a service that allows players to play games using terminal devices 20 connected via the Internet. Furthermore, the server device 10 can also function as an SNS server (i.e., an information processing device that provides communication-type services) that provides a service that enables communication between multiple players.

[0056] Furthermore, if the server device 10 functions as an SNS server, for example, it can provide games called social games that are executed using the SNS operating environment (API (Application Programming Interface), platform, etc.) it provides.

[0057] Specifically, the server device 10 is capable of providing games on the web browser of the terminal device 20, such as browser games created in various languages ​​including HTML, FLASH, CGI, PHP, Shockwave, Java® Applet, and JavaScript® (games that start simply by opening the installation site in a web browser).

[0058] Social games, unlike existing online games, include games that do not require dedicated client software and can be used with only a web browser and an SNS account. Furthermore, the server device 10 has a configuration that allows it to connect with other players' terminals (smartphones, PCs, game consoles, etc.) via a network and provide online games that allow simultaneous online sharing of the same game progress.

[0059] On the other hand, the server device 10 may consist of one (device, processor) or multiple (devices, processors).

[0060] Furthermore, information such as billing information and game information stored in the storage area of ​​the server device 10 (storage unit 140 described later) may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (intranet or internet). Alternatively, if it functions as an SNS server, information such as player-related information storage unit 146 stored in the storage area may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (intranet or internet). You may also store the information in a database (or, more broadly, in memory).

[0061] Specifically, the server device 10 of this embodiment receives input information based on the operations of the player on the terminal device 20 (i.e., the player running the game), and performs game processing based on the received input information.

[0062] The server device 10 then transmits the game processing results to the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 is configured to perform various processes to provide the game processing results received from the server device 10 to the player in a viewable format.

[0063] 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.

[0064] Furthermore, the terminal device 20 is equipped with a web browser capable of viewing web pages (data in HTML format). Specifically, the terminal device 20 is equipped with a communication control function for communicating with the server device 10, and a web browser function that performs display control using data received from the server device 10 (web data, data created in HTML format, etc.) and sends player operation data to the server device 10.

[0065] For example, the terminal device 20 may obtain necessary information from the server device 10, such as game information about other players during matches, execute game processing based on the game application stored in the memory area (storage unit 270, described later), and also execute various processes to provide the game screen to the player, allowing the player to play the game.

[0066] Alternatively, for example, the terminal device 20 may transmit player operation data to the server device 10, acquire game control information provided by the server device 10, execute predetermined game processing, and then execute a game based on the game processing.

[0067] In particular, when the terminal device 20 executes game processing based on game control information provided by the server device 10, it makes a request to the server device 10 to play a predetermined game, connects to the game site of the server device 10, and the game starts.

[0068] Furthermore, 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 retrieve player-related information storage unit 146 managed by the server device 10, which functions as an SNS server, in order to execute the game.

[0069] [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.

[0070] The server device 10 includes an input unit 120 for administrator and other inputs, a display unit 130 for displaying predetermined information, an information storage medium 180 for storing predetermined information, a communication unit 196 for communicating with terminal devices 20 and others, a processing unit 100 for mainly performing processing related to the games provided, and a storage unit 140 for mainly storing various data used for games.

[0071] The input unit 120 allows system administrators to configure game-related settings and other necessary settings, and data This is used for inputting data. For example, the input unit 120 in this embodiment is composed of a mouse, keyboard, or the like.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] Furthermore, the storage unit 140 of this embodiment, in addition to the main storage unit 142, (A1) A game data storage unit 144 that stores various table data used when executing game processing, and game-related information (including initial values) such as game cards provided to the player, including information about the game. (A2) A player-related information storage unit 146 that stores information about each player (hereinafter referred to as "player-related information"), (A3) Game card information storage unit 148, which stores game cards owned by each player as game card information associated with each player. It has.

[0077] Player-related information includes a history of games currently or previously participated in (including main games, mini-games, and events), billing history, login history, player level, information on completed tasks and stages, usage history of other applications (including games and non-game applications), and information on rewards earned by each player (hereinafter referred to as "reward information").

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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).

[0080] For example, the processing unit 100 (processor) controls the entire server device 10 based on the program stored in the information storage medium 180, and also performs various processes such as controlling the transfer of data between each unit. Furthermore, it performs processes to provide various services in response to requests from terminals.

[0081] Specifically, the processing unit 100 of this embodiment includes a communication control unit 101, a Web processing unit 102, It includes at least a game management unit 103, a reception processing unit 104, a selection control unit 105, a bonus control unit 106, a game card management unit 107, a timer management unit 110, and an information provision unit 111.

[0082] 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.

[0083] In particular, the communication control unit 101 of this embodiment works in conjunction with the information provision unit 111 to transmit game screens and information related to the game to the player's terminal device 20 based on a request from the player's terminal device 20.

[0084] The Web processing unit 102 functions as a Web server. For example, the Web processing unit 102 performs the process of sending data in response to a request from a Web browser 211 installed on the terminal device 20 via a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), and the process of receiving data sent by the Web browser 211 on the terminal device 20.

[0085] In this embodiment, the example is given where the server device 10 also functions as an SNS server, but the server device 10 may be configured separately as a server for games and a server for SNS. Also, the game processing in this embodiment may be partially or entirely performed by the server device 10, or partially performed by the terminal device 20.

[0086] The game management unit 103 works in conjunction with the terminal device 20 and executes game processing related to battle games, action games, racing games, RPGs, music games, or sports games based on player operations input via the terminal device 20.

[0087] In particular, the game management unit 103 executes various games for each player based on the player's instructions or at appropriate times during game progression (before the game starts or during the game).

[0088] Specifically, the game management unit 103 executes game control processing that controls the execution of the game using the game card, which is the game medium owned by the player, based on the player instructions received.

[0089] In particular, the game management unit 103 of this embodiment electronically provides the player with game cards, which serve as game media such as player characters or items, when executing a game, and proceeds with the game using the game cards used by each player.

[0090] The reception processing unit 104 receives information transmitted from each terminal device 20, which is related to the player's operation input.

[0091] The selection control unit 105 executes selection control processing, such as a lottery process, to select one or more items from a group of items to be selected at a given timing, and performs various controls to allow the player to acquire the selected items.

[0092] The reward control unit 106 performs a reward determination process to determine the reward to be granted by a selection control process that is executed after a specific item, such as an SS Rare item, is acquired through a selection control process.

[0093] Furthermore, the reward control unit 106 assigns the reward identified by the reward determination process to the corresponding player. The process of granting benefits to Ya will be executed.

[0094] The game card management unit 107 controls the game cards acquired and held by each player.

[0095] The timer management unit 110 has a timer function and is used to manage each period during the game in conjunction with the selection control unit 105 or the terminal device 20, etc.

[0096] In particular, the timer management unit 110 outputs the current time or a preset time to the game management unit 103, the selection control unit 105, or other units based on requests from those units. The timer management unit 110 is also used to synchronize with each terminal device 20.

[0097] The information provision unit 111 generates various game control information (including information related to presentation) to allow the terminal device 20 to process the game, and provides it to the corresponding terminal device 20.

[0098] [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.

[0099] The input unit 260 is a device for receiving input information from the player and outputs the player's input information to the processing unit 200. In this embodiment, the input unit 260 includes a detection unit 262 that detects the player's input information (input signal). The input unit 260 can be, for example, a lever, button, steering wheel, microphone, touch panel display, keyboard, mouse, etc.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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).

[0102] 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).

[0103] In this embodiment, the server device 10 receives programs and game data stored in its information storage medium 180 and storage unit 140, which are used to make the computer function as each component of this embodiment, via the network, and stores the received programs and data in the information storage medium 280. The programs and data received from the server device 10 may also be stored in the storage unit 270. The case in which the network system functions by receiving programs and data in this manner is also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0104] The display unit 290 outputs the image generated by this embodiment, and its function is to display the image on a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, or HMD (head-mounted display). This can be achieved through play, etc.

[0105] The sound output unit 292 outputs the sound generated by this embodiment, and this function can be realized by a speaker or headphones, etc.

[0106] The communication unit 296 performs various controls for communication with external devices (e.g., other terminals, servers), and its functions can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, or by programs.

[0107] The processing unit 200 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, display control, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on game-related information obtained from the server device 10 via the communication unit 296, input information from the input unit 260, or programs.

[0108] 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.

[0109] The processing unit 200 includes a communication control unit 210, a web browser 211, a game processing unit 212, a display control unit 213, a drawing unit 220, and a sound processing unit 230. Some of these components may be omitted.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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 communicate with the server device 10 when it receives communication start input information from the player.

[0112] In particular, the communication control unit 210 transmits player identification information and operation information to the server device 10 and processes the reception of game-related information (player information, item information, player's web page, and game screen, etc.) from the server device 10.

[0113] 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 the game screen from the server device 10.

[0114] The web browser 211 is an application program for viewing web pages (game screens). 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.).

[0115] The Web browser 211 of this embodiment can implement browser games. For example, the Web browser 211 may execute programs written in JavaScript®, FLASH, Java®, etc., that are received from a Web server (server device 10).

[0116] 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 game screen (data such as HTML) received from the server device 10 using its web browser 211.

[0117] The game processing unit 212 performs various game calculations. For example, it performs processes to start the game when the game start conditions are met, processes to advance the game, and processes to terminate the game when the game end conditions are met.

[0118] The game processing unit 212 may also perform the process of placing various objects (objects composed of primitives such as polygons, freeform surfaces, or subdivision surfaces) that represent display elements such as player characters, buildings, stadiums, cars, trees, pillars, walls, and maps (terrain) into the object space.

[0119] 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).

[0120] Furthermore, the game processing unit 212 performs game processing including setting the game medium as deck data, controlling the sending and receiving of various information during login, executing game processing based on player operations when the game is executed in real time in conjunction with the server device 10, and playing back received automatic calculation data when the game is executed by automatic calculation.

[0121] 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.

[0122] The drawing unit 220 performs drawing processing based on various processes (for example, game 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.

[0123] The sound processing unit 230 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 200, generates game sounds such as background music, sound effects, or voices, and outputs them to the sound output unit 292.

[0124] [4] Processing method of this embodiment [4.1] Overview Next, using Figure 4, we will explain the selection execution management process, which includes a selection control process and a corresponding reward control process, that is executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment, and which involves selecting a plurality of pre-set game cards from a selected group of target items and allowing the player to acquire them.

[0125] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the selection execution management process, which is performed by the server device 10 of this embodiment, and includes a selection control process that selects a plurality of pre-set game cards from a selected group of target cards and allows the player to acquire them, as well as the associated reward control process.

[0126] In this embodiment, the server device 10 works in conjunction with the terminal device 20 to provide, for each player, the player character and other characters, the game space and parts thereof, game parameters, BGM, and It has a configuration that provides game scenarios and other elements, and then executes games such as battle games, fighting games, RPGs, or simulation games based on the actions of each player.

[0127] Furthermore, the server device 10 in this embodiment is configured as a server system that controls a terminal device 20, which is connected via a network and operated by a player, to execute a given game.

[0128] Furthermore, the server device 10 of this embodiment has a configuration that, during game execution, identifies one selection target group from multiple selection target groups (i.e., lottery boxes) in which multiple game cards to be selected are each selected, allows the player to select a game card from the identified selection target group, and manages the execution of selection control processing and reward control processing (i.e., selection execution management) that grants rewards according to the player's game card acquisition status.

[0129] In particular, the server device 10 of this embodiment has a configuration that, when repeatedly performing a selection control process to select one or more game cards from the identified group of target cards, if a predetermined specific item is acquired, the server device 10 will continue to perform the selection control process for the target group of the lottery until the last game card is selected and acquired, on the condition that a reward is granted.

[0130] Specifically, the server device 10 in this embodiment is a server device that controls the execution of a game on a terminal device 20 that is connected via a network and operated by a player.

[0131] Then, as shown in Figure 4, the server device 10 is configured as follows: (A1) When an operation instruction is received from the terminal device 20, (A2) Based on the received operation instructions, the game control process is executed to run the game using the game card as the game medium. (A3) A selection control process is executed in which the player selects one or more game cards from a group of multiple game cards (hereinafter referred to as the "group of selectable game cards") and acquires them. (A4) When a predetermined specific game card is acquired through the selection control process, the status information of the selection control process targeting the group of game cards to be selected, which is executed after the acquisition of the specific game card, is identified, and a process to determine the reward to be granted to the player is executed as the reward determination process based on the identified status information. (A5) The process of granting the identified benefits to the relevant players (hereinafter referred to as the "benefit granting process") is executed. (A6) Provide the terminal device 20 with information about the game, including information about the benefits granted to the player, as game control information. It has a structure.

[0132] For example, Figure 4 shows examples of the specific decision process and the reward granting process that are executed when, during the execution of the game control process, the game card selected and acquired from the group of game cards by the selection control process is a regular game card (except when a specific game card is selected and acquired last) and when other game cards are selected and acquired (including when the game card selected and acquired last is a specific game card; hereinafter referred to as a "regular game card").

[0133] Figure 4 shows an example where a game card is inside the capsule, and the above process Other examples of selection execution management include registering the benefits determined by the benefit determination process in the storage unit 140, and referencing and providing benefit information stored in the storage unit 140 when granting benefits through the benefit granting process.

[0134] With this configuration, the present invention ensures that even if a highly sought-after game card, such as a rare game card, is won by a lottery from the group of selectable game cards, the attractive rewards offered will maintain the motivation for players to continue the selection process in order to acquire game cards they have not yet selected.

[0135] [4.2] Game cards and bonuses Next, the game card and bonus items of this embodiment will be described.

[0136] (Game card) The game card of this embodiment is a card used in a game (i.e., an electronically provided game card), for example, (A1) The player character is the target of the player's operation or instructions. (A2) In-game currency, (A3) Items such as weapons and tools that are equipped to the player character. (A4) Abilities (performance) added to the player character, or (A5) Characters that ride on the player character or other characters that work in conjunction with the player character to advance the game (hereinafter referred to as "support characters"), That is the case.

[0137] Then, when a game card is acquired and held by a player through a selection control process such as a lottery, it is stored in the game card information storage unit 148 in association with the corresponding player.

[0138] Furthermore, game cards are provided, for example, as virtual game media within the game, and in addition to selection control processes such as lottery processes, they can be acquired or used at a given time within the game (even if the player has not acquired them).

[0139] (Reverse) The advantages of this embodiment include, for example, (B1) Providing a predetermined game medium such as a player character or item, (B2) In a selection control process for multiple selectable game media, a given effect is applied to the game media that have not yet been selected, such as changing the probability of winning for the game media that have not yet been selected, or adding a game media that enhances the parameters of a specific game media to the multiple selectable game media. (B3) Assignment of parameters such as in-game currency, points, and stamina. (B4) Changing the selected game medium to one that is advantageous to the player, or making the changes in parameters that fluctuate according to the progress of the game, such as experience points, more advantageous. (B5) Making it easier to acquire specific game media during gameplay, such as by reducing the price when purchasing or exchanging designated game media, changing the game media owned by the player to a higher-compatible game media, and making designated game media easier to find or obtain during gameplay. (B6) In the case of a competitive game, making the enemy character weaker or the player character stronger. (B7) Making tasks easier or harder while the game is running. (B8) Reduce the parameters consumed during the game (amount of money spent, points consumed, and the player character's health value (energy value)). (B9) Changing the appearance (i.e., looks), abilities, attributes, number, value (including the selling price when buying and selling in-game or with other players, and the influence on crafting materials), and removing restrictions (such as extending the usable time to unlimited) of a player character in a game medium. (B10) Awarding trophies, medals, and titles to the player or player character, and (B11) Changing the appearance, abilities, and attributes of the player character. This includes items that give players or player characters an advantage in the game, or items that satisfy their desire to acquire.

[0140] When a bonus is acquired and held by a player, it is stored in the player-related information storage unit 146 in association with the corresponding player.

[0141] [4.3] Selection control processing Next, the selection control process performed by the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described.

[0142] (Basic principle) The selection control unit 105 executes a selection control process that selects one or more game cards from a group of selectable game cards (including predetermined specific game cards such as high-rarity game cards, such as SS Rare cards) and allows the player to acquire them.

[0143] In particular, the selection control unit 105, as a selection control process for multiple selectable game cards, identifies one group of selectable game cards selected from a set of multiple selectable game card groups (for example, multiple lottery boxes) according to the progress of the game, or at a given timing such as a predetermined timing or a timing specified by the player.

[0144] The selection control unit 105 then executes a selection control process (box-type lottery process) to obtain one or more game cards from the identified group of game cards to be selected.

[0145] Specifically, the selection control unit 105 is executed by a predetermined method, such as a lottery process that automatically selects from among multiple game cards to be selected, or by instructions from the player.

[0146] Then, the selection control unit 105 executes a selection control process that, based on a selection request from the player such as a request to draw game cards, selects (wins) one game card, or in some cases multiple game cards, from the group of obtainable game cards (i.e., the group of game cards to be selected, for example, a draw box) and allows the player to acquire it.

[0147] For example, the selection control unit 105 may, as a selection control process, execute a selection control process to select one game card with a single activation (i.e., a single instruction), or it may execute multiple selection control processes to select multiple game cards, and when selecting multiple game cards, it may select multiple game cards simultaneously, or it may select multiple game cards sequentially.

[0148] Furthermore, at this time, the selection control unit 105 removes the acquired game card from the corresponding game card group, thereby reducing the number of game cards included in that group.

[0149] Then, the selection control unit 105 instructs the reward control unit 106 to select the game card that was acquired. The player's game card information is registered in the game card information storage unit 148.

[0150] Thus, the selection control unit 105 basically has a configuration in which it repeatedly executes the selection control process, thereby acquiring and discharging multiple game cards included in the selected group of game cards, reducing the number of game cards included in the group of game cards, and ultimately repeating the selection control process until the number becomes "zero".

[0151] The selection control unit 105 may consume values ​​of parameters used in the game (such as the player character's stamina, in-game currency, or points), or it may perform selection control processing on the premise of charging, and it may increase the selection probability of game media with a low selection probability depending on the amount consumed or the amount charged.

[0152] [4.4] Reward Control Processing Next, the privilege control process performed by the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described.

[0153] (Basic principles of privilege control processing) When a predetermined specific game card is selected and acquired through a selection control process such as an SS Rare item, the bonus control unit 106 executes a bonus control process to grant a predetermined bonus when executing a selection control process that is performed after the said selection control process (hereinafter also referred to as the "selection control process after specific game card selection").

[0154] For example, once a specific game card is acquired, the probability of acquiring that game card becomes zero in subsequent selection control processes using the same group of game cards. Therefore, after a specific game card is acquired, the number of players who wish to perform selection control processes based on the group of game cards that previously held that specific game card will decrease or disappear.

[0155] Therefore, even if not all game cards included in the group of selectable game cards have been acquired, it is necessary to prepare a new group of selectable game cards, which significantly reduces resource efficiency in running the game, as it requires preparing a large number of game cards in advance.

[0156] Therefore, the reward control unit 106 of this embodiment has a configuration that, in order to maintain the motivation to continue the selection control process with the same group of target game cards even if a specific game card is acquired, executes a reward control process that grants a predetermined reward when executing the selection control process after selecting a specific game card.

[0157] Specifically, in this embodiment, the reward control unit 106 executes a reward determination process to determine the reward to be given to the player when a specific game card predetermined by the selection control process is selected and acquired, and then executes a reward granting process to grant the reward determined by the reward determination process to the corresponding player.

[0158] (Reward determination process) When a predetermined specific game card is selected and acquired through the selection control process, the reward control unit 106 identifies the status information of the selection control process after the selection of the specific game card, and executes a reward determination process to determine the reward to be granted to the player based on the identified status information.

[0159] In particular, the bonus control unit 106 provides status information as follows: (A1) The remaining number of executions after a specific game card has been acquired in the selection control process of (A1)1. (Hereinafter simply referred to as "remaining execution count"), or the number of times the selection control process has been executed up to the point in which the specific game card is acquired (hereinafter simply referred to as "execution count"), (A2) The ratio of the remaining number of executions or the number of executions performed to the total number of selections in the selection control process after selecting a specific game card, (A3) The number, type, or both of the unselected game cards included in the group of game cards that contained the specific game card after the specific game card has been acquired. (A4) The number, type, or both of the already selected game cards in the group of game cards that contained the specific game card at the time the specific game card was acquired, (A5) The period from the selection control process after the selection of the specific game card until the end of the selection control process, and (A6) The period from when the first selection control process in a selection control process having a selected specific game card is executed until the specific game card is acquired, The reward determination process is executed using this method.

[0160] The reward control unit 106 may also determine that a given game card, such as a game card that has an effect that is advantageous to the player, should be given as a reward to the player in question.

[0161] For example, the reward control unit 106 determines a reward that has an effect that is more advantageous to the player the more times the selection control process after a particular game card has been acquired has been executed.

[0162] In particular, in this case, as described later, if the last game card in a group of game cards undergoing selection control processing becomes the target of said selection control processing, and the player is further granted a special benefit (i.e., a benefit as the last one), the more turns remaining in the selection control processing, the more hesitant the player will be to go for the last one. Therefore, the benefit control unit 106 determines a benefit that has an effect that is more advantageous to the player the more turns remaining in the selection control processing.

[0163] Furthermore, for example, the reward control unit 106 may determine a reward that has an effect that is advantageous to the player if there are many unselected game cards in the selection control process after a specific game card has been acquired, if there are many unselected game cards of low rarity, or if there are many unselected game cards that are related to game cards owned by the user.

[0164] Furthermore, for example, the reward control unit 106 may determine a reward that is more advantageous to the player the longer the period from the selection control process after selecting a specific game card until the selection control process is completed. However, if the system wants the user to perform a last-minute selection control process just before the selection control process after selecting a specific game card is completed, the reward control unit 106 may determine a reward that is more advantageous to the player the shorter the period until the selection control process is completed.

[0165] In the above, the bonus control unit 106 uses, for example, a game card that has an effect that is advantageous to the player during the game, as the given game card, but is not limited to this.

[0166] Furthermore, the reward control unit 106 may determine a given effect as a reward for unselected game cards that have not yet been selected in the selection control process currently being executed.

[0167] For example, in the selection control process, the bonus control unit 106 controls any game that has not yet been selected. You may decide on a bonus effect to be granted to game cards that have not yet been selected, such as changing the probability of winning a card, or adding a game card that enhances the parameters of a specific game card to the group of game cards in question.

[0168] (Reward determination process based on acquisition status) The reward control unit 106 may, as a reward determination process, determine the reward according to the above-mentioned status information and the acquisition status, which indicates the situation until a specific game card predetermined by the selection control process is acquired.

[0169] In particular, the reward control unit 106 uses the following as the acquisition status when the selection control process is executed repeatedly: the period from the first selection control process until a specific game card is selected, the cost until the specific game card is acquired, and the number of executions until the specific game card is acquired.

[0170] (Reward Granting Process) The reward control unit 106 executes a reward granting process to grant the reward identified by the reward determination process to the corresponding player.

[0171] Then, the bonus control unit 106 is instructed to register the granted bonus in the player-related information storage unit 146 of the corresponding player.

[0172] (Special benefits will be given for the last item purchased) The bonus control unit 106 may grant the player additional special bonuses if the last selectable game card (i.e., the last one card) from the group of game cards that have been continuously played is the target of the selection control process.

[0173] In other words, the reward control unit 106 may grant the player an additional special reward if the last game card (last one card) of a group of game cards for which selection control processing is being performed becomes the target of said selection control processing.

[0174] Furthermore, if a specific game card is acquired during the selection control process for the game card group that has been continuously executed, the reward control unit 106 may, in conjunction with the information provision unit 111, execute control to provide the terminal device 20 of the user who wishes to perform the selection process with information about the special rewards for selecting the last one card.

[0175] [4.5] Information provision processing Next, the information provision process of this embodiment will be described.

[0176] The information provision unit 111 provides the corresponding terminal device 20 with various game-related information (i.e., game control information) relating to game control and display during the execution of the game part.

[0177] In particular, the information provision unit 111 provides the terminal device 20 with game control information, including information regarding the selection control process and the game cards acquired through the selection control process (i.e., game card information) and information regarding the granted benefits (i.e., benefit information), during the execution of the game part.

[0178] Furthermore, when a specific game card predetermined by the selection control process is selected and acquired by the player, the information provision unit 111 provides information regarding the reward determined by the reward determination process to each terminal device 20 or the relevant terminal device 20.

[0179] [4.6] Variant (Example 1: Selection control process based on a specific game card selected over a certain period of time) In this embodiment, selection execution management, including selection control processing and associated reward control processing, was described using a group of selectable game cards consisting of multiple game cards including a specific game card. However, the selection control processing may also involve selecting a specific game card and allowing the player to acquire it within a certain period, while other game cards are selected (drawn) with a predetermined probability and allowed to acquire them by the player.

[0180] In other words, in this case, the selection control unit 105 performs a selection control process that randomly selects a game card, on the condition that a specific game card is always selected within a certain period of time.

[0181] For example, in this case, the selection control unit 105 controls the selection of a specific game card while executing each selection control process during the execution period of a predetermined event, or when a specific game card is selected each day.

[0182] (Modification 2: Generation of the selected game card group) In this embodiment, the selection control process is performed using a pre-generated group of game cards to be selected, but the selection control process may also be performed using a group of game cards to be selected generated by the player.

[0183] In other words, the server device 10 of this embodiment may have a configuration that allows players to dispose of game cards and also provides support for other players' games.

[0184] Specifically, in this case, the game card management unit 107 manages the game cards held by each player and, based on the game cards held by the players, generates a group of multiple selectable game cards that are subject to selection control processing as a selection target group (i.e., a group of selectable game cards).

[0185] For example, the game card management unit 107 generates a group of selectable game cards based on player instructions, consisting of game cards that each player no longer needs or game cards that they wish to provide to other players.

[0186] The game card management unit 107 then registers the generated group of selectable game cards in the game card information storage unit 148 so that other players can select them.

[0187] On the other hand, the game card management unit 107 may perform a cost determination process to determine the cost of executing the selection control process for the selected game card group, depending on the game cards included in the selected game card group.

[0188] For example, the game card management unit 107 determines the above cost according to the number, type, or combination of game cards included in the group of game cards to be selected.

[0189] Furthermore, the game card management unit 107 uses, for example, the consumption of specific items or in-game currency, and the consumption of parameters such as points and energy, as costs.

[0190] Then, the selection control unit 105 executes selection control processing for the group of game cards to be selected, based on the payment of the cost determined as described above.

[0191] (Modification 3: Selection control processing using game card packs) In the selection control process of this embodiment, when the selection control process is executed to select a game card and allow the player to acquire it, the player may be asked to select a game pack consisting of multiple game cards.

[0192] For example, the selection control unit 105 causes the player to select from a number of game media configured as game card packs, either to speed up the game's progress or to enhance a player's specific abilities.

[0193] Furthermore, for example, the selection control unit 105 causes the system to select from multiple game media, such as an attack power enhancement pack to strengthen the attack power of a player character, or a beginner's pack to help beginner players level up quickly, as game card packs.

[0194] Furthermore, as shown in the modified example 2 above, the selection control unit 105 may instruct the selection control unit 105 to select at least one game card group (i.e., at least one game card pack) consisting of multiple game cards from among multiple game card groups (i.e., multiple selection target game card pack groups) consisting of game cards owned by the player, which are generated by the game card management unit 107.

[0195] In this case, as described above, the game card management unit 107 generates multiple selectable game card groups (multiple selectable game card pack groups) consisting of game cards that each player no longer needs or game cards that they wish to provide to other players, based on the player's instructions (these may be different users), and registers the generated multiple selectable game card groups in the game card information storage unit 148 so that other players can select each game card pack.

[0196] The selection control unit 105 then causes the system to select at least one game card pack from among the multiple game card packs that have been generated.

[0197] In particular, in this case, the selection control unit 105 may perform a selection control process to select and acquire at least one game card pack from among the multiple game card packs as a specific game card pack (hereinafter referred to as the "specific game card pack"), for example, one consisting of multiple specific game cards of high rarity, or it may perform a selection control process to select and acquire a game card pack that has at least one specific game card of high rarity as the specific game card pack.

[0198] Then, if a predetermined specific game card pack is selected and acquired through the selection control process, the reward control unit 106 executes a reward control process to grant a predetermined reward when executing the post-selection control process for the specific game card that is executed after the selection control process.

[0199] (Variation 4: Multiple Servers) In the game system 1 of this embodiment, a single server device 10 performs selection control processing and selection execution management including the associated reward control processing, but this may be implemented using multiple server devices.

[0200] Furthermore, the terminal device 20 may perform all or part of the processing, including selection control processing and the associated privilege control processing, in place of the server device 10.

[0201] [5] Operation of this embodiment (selection execution management including selection control processing and associated benefit control processing) Next, using Figures 5 and 6, the operation of selection execution management, including the selection control process and the associated privilege control process, performed by the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described.

[0202] Figures 5 and 6 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of selection execution management, including the selection control process and the associated privilege control process, performed by the server device 10 of this embodiment.

[0203] This action is performed while the game is running, assuming the user has already logged into the game and the game has started.

[0204] Furthermore, this operation is a process performed by each player, and will be described as an operation performed by a specific player (hereinafter referred to as "specific player").

[0205] Furthermore, this operation assumes that multiple groups of selectable game cards (i.e., multiple selection boxes) are set up, each consisting of multiple selectable game cards including a predetermined specific game card, and that one game card is selected in response to a selection instruction.

[0206] First, when the selection control unit 105 receives a player selection control processing start instruction input via the terminal device 20 (step S100), it works in conjunction with the terminal device 20 to select one group of target game cards from among multiple groups of target game cards (step S101).

[0207] Next, the selection control unit 105 receives a selection instruction (e.g., a lottery instruction) for the selected group of game cards and executes a selection control process (e.g., a lottery process based on a predetermined winning probability) for the selected group of game cards (step S102).

[0208] Next, the selection control unit 105 determines whether the selected game card is a specific game card (step S103).

[0209] At this point, if the selection control unit 105 determines that the selected game card is a specific game card, it proceeds to the process in step S104. If it determines that the selected game card is not a specific game card, it proceeds to the process in step S111.

[0210] Next, if the selection control unit 105 determines that the selected game card is a specific game card, it determines whether the selected specific card is the last unselected game card in the group of game cards to be selected (step S104).

[0211] At this time, if the reward control unit 106 determines that the selected specific game card is not the last unselected game card in the group of game cards to be selected, it identifies the status information of the selection control process to be executed after the selection control process (step S105), executes a reward determination process to determine the reward to be given to the player based on the identified status information (step S106), and proceeds to the process in step S107.

[0212] Furthermore, if the bonus control unit 106 determines that the selected specific game card is the last unselected game card in the group of game cards to be selected, it proceeds directly to the process in step S107.

[0213] The bonus control unit 106 then sends the bonus information determined by the bonus determination process to the game data storage unit 144 as bonus information for the group of game cards being selected for selection control processing. I memorize them by associating them.

[0214] Next, the bonus control unit 106 allows the player who performed the selection control process to acquire the specific game card selected in the selection control process, and then removes the acquired specific game card from the group of selected game cards (step S107).

[0215] Next, the reward control unit 106 registers information about the selected and acquired specific game card in the player-related information storage unit 146 in association with the player, and the information provision unit 111 transmits information about the specific game card acquired by the player (i.e., specific game card information) to the terminal device 20 of the corresponding player (step S108).

[0216] Next, the game management unit 103 determines whether all game cards from the selected game card group have been awarded, or whether the game has ended or been interrupted (step S110).

[0217] At this point, the game management unit 103 determines that all game cards in the selected game card group have been acquired, or that the game has ended or been interrupted, and terminates this operation; otherwise, it returns to the process in step S102.

[0218] On the other hand, if the selection control unit 105 determines in step S103 that the selected game card is not the specific game card, it determines whether or not the specific game card has already been acquired (step S111).

[0219] At this time, if the reward control unit 106 determines that a specific game card has already been acquired, it grants a reward to the player based on the reward information registered in the game data storage unit 144 that is associated with the selected group of game cards, and registers the reward as reward information in the player-related information storage unit 146 of the corresponding player (step S112).

[0220] Then, the reward control unit 106 provides the information about the granted reward (i.e., reward information) to the terminal device 20 of the corresponding player (step S113), and proceeds to the processing in step S114.

[0221] Furthermore, if the selection control unit 105 determines that a specific game card has not yet been acquired, it proceeds directly to the process in step S114.

[0222] Next, the selection control unit 105 allows the player who performed the selection control process to acquire the selected game card that was selected and acquired in the selection control process, and then removes the acquired game card from the group of game cards to be selected (step S114).

[0223] Next, the reward control unit 106 registers the information of the selected and acquired game card in association with the player in the player-related information storage unit 146, and the information provision unit 111 transmits the information regarding the acquired game card (i.e., game card information) to the player's terminal device 20 (step S115), and proceeds to the processing in step S110.

[0224] [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.

[0225] In this embodiment, it can be applied to all kinds of games, such as competitive games like baseball games, soccer games, basketball games, role-playing games, or other simulation games.

[0226] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each game 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 game to the terminal device 20.

[0227] Furthermore, in this embodiment, game processing is executed by the terminal device 20 based on game control information provided by the server device 10. However, the server device 10 may execute each function of the processing unit 200 of the terminal device 20 and the game program, and the terminal device 20 may realize the game by performing operation input and image display via streaming.

[0228] In this case, the server device 10 will provide the terminal device 20 with information regarding the display of game images as game control information.

[0229] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the system may be implemented using a single game device equipped with the functions of the server device 10, that is, a standalone device that operates independently without relying on other devices such as a server device.

[0230] In this case, the game device is a game system that performs game control to run the game, (A1) Accepts player operation instructions, (A2) Based on the received instructions, the game is executed using the game medium. (A3) A selection control process is executed to allow the player to acquire one or more game media from among a plurality of selectable game media, including a predetermined specific game media. (A4) When a specific game medium is acquired through the selection control process, the system identifies the status information of the selection control process for multiple selectable game mediums that is executed after the acquisition of the specific game medium, and based on the identified status information, it executes a process to determine the reward to be granted to the player as the reward determination process. (A5) The reward determined by the reward determination process will be granted to the corresponding player. It has a configuration that includes the following:

[0231] The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments (for example, configurations having the same functions, methods and results, or configurations having the same objectives and effects). The present invention also includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. The present invention also includes configurations that exhibit the same operational effects as the configurations described in the embodiments or configurations that can achieve the same objectives. The present invention also includes configurations obtained by adding known art to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0232] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, but those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible that do not substantially depart from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0233] 1 : Game system 10 : Server device 20 : Terminal device 100 : Processing unit 101 : Communication control unit 102 : Web processing unit 103 : Game management unit 104 : Reception processing unit 105 : Selection control unit 106 : Privilege control unit 107 : Game card management unit 110 : Timer management unit 111 : Information provision unit 120 : Input unit 130 : Display unit 140 : Storage unit 142 : Main storage unit 144 : Game data storage unit 146 : Player-related information storage unit 148 : Game card information storage unit 180 : Information storage medium 196 : Communication unit 200 : Processing unit 210 : Communication control unit 211 : Web browser 212: Game Processing Unit 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. A server system that controls games to run on terminal devices connected via a network and operated by players, A receiving means for receiving operation instructions transmitted from the terminal device, A game control means that causes the game to be executed using a game medium based on the received operation instructions, A selection control means that performs a selection control process to allow the player to acquire one or more game media from a plurality of selectable game media, including a predetermined specific game media. When a specific game medium is acquired through the selection control process, the reward determination processing means identifies status information of the selection control process targeting the multiple selectable game mediums that is executed after the acquisition of the specific game medium, and executes a process to determine the reward to be granted to the player based on the identified status information as a reward determination process. A reward control means that grants the reward determined by the reward determination process to the corresponding player, A means for providing information about the game, including information about the benefits granted to the player, as game control information to the terminal device, A server system characterized by having the following features.

2. In the server system described in claim 1, The aforementioned situational information includes: (a) In a selection control process targeting multiple selectable game media, the remaining number of executions after a specific game media has been acquired, or the number of times the selection control process has been executed up to the time the specific game media was acquired, (b) The remaining number of executions or the ratio of the number of executions to the total number of selections in the selection control process for multiple selectable game media, A server system that includes this.

3. In the server system described in claim 1, The aforementioned situational information includes: (a) At least one of the number and type of unselected game media included among multiple selectable game media after a specific game medium has been acquired, (b) In the selection control process for multiple selectable game media at the time a particular game medium is acquired, at least one of the number and type of selected game media that have already been selected, A server system that includes this.

4. In the server system described in claim 1, The aforementioned situational information includes: (a) The period from the acquisition of a specific game medium until the selection control process for multiple selectable game mediums is completed, or (b) The period from when the initial selection control process for multiple selectable game media is performed until a specific game media is acquired, A server system that includes this.

5. In the server system described in claim 1, The aforementioned benefit control means A server system that provides a given game medium as the aforementioned bonus.

6. In the server system described in claim 1, The aforementioned benefit control means A server system that grants a given effect as a benefit to unselected game media that have not yet been selected in the selection control process for the multiple selectable game media.

7. In the server system described in claim 1, The selection control means, As part of the selection control process, the server system selects a pack consisting of multiple game media from among the multiple selectable game media and allows the player to acquire it.

8. In the server system described in claim 1, The aforementioned means of providing, A server system that, when a specific game medium predetermined by the selection control process is acquired, provides the terminal device with information regarding the reward determined by the reward determination process.

9. In the server system described in claim 1, A server system further comprising a selection target group generation means for generating a group of multiple selectable game media that are the target of the selection control process, based on the game media owned by the player.

10. In the server system described in claim 9, The system further comprises cost determination processing means for determining the cost of executing the selection control process for the selected group according to the game media included in the selected group, The selection control means, A server system that executes the selection control process, subject to the payment of the aforementioned costs.

11. In the server system described in claim 1, The aforementioned benefit control means A server system that, if the last selectable game medium is selected by the selection control process, further grants special benefits to the player.

12. In the server system described in claim 1, The aforementioned benefit control means A server system that determines the reward in the reward determination process, according to the status information and the acquisition status, which indicates the situation until a specific game medium predetermined by the selection control process is acquired.

13. A program that controls a game to run on a terminal device connected via a network and operated by a player, Receiving means for receiving operation instructions transmitted from the terminal device, A game control means that causes the game to be executed using a game medium based on the operation instructions received. Selection control means that executes a selection control process to allow the player to acquire one or more game media from a plurality of selectable game media, including a predetermined specific game media. When a specific game medium is acquired through the selection control process, a reward determination processing means identifies status information of the selection control process targeting the multiple selectable game mediums, which is executed after the acquisition of the specific game medium, and executes a process to determine the reward to be granted to the player based on the identified status information, as a reward determination process. A reward control means for granting the reward determined by the reward determination process to the corresponding player, and A means for providing information about the game, including information about the benefits granted to the player, as game control information to the terminal device. A program characterized by making a computer function as such.

14. A game system that performs game control to run a game, A means of receiving player operation instructions, A game control means that causes the game to be executed using a game medium based on the received operation instructions, A selection control means that performs a selection control process to allow the player to acquire one or more game media from a plurality of selectable game media, including a predetermined specific game media. When a specific game medium is acquired through the selection control process, the reward determination processing means identifies status information of the selection control process targeting the multiple selectable game mediums that is executed after the acquisition of the specific game medium, and executes a process to determine the reward to be granted to the player based on the identified status information as a reward determination process. A reward control means that grants the reward determined by the reward determination process to the corresponding player, A game system characterized by having the following features.

15. A program that controls the game to run the game, A means of receiving player operation instructions. A game control means that causes the game to be executed using a game medium based on the operation instructions received. Selection control means that executes a selection control process to allow the player to acquire one or more game media from a plurality of selectable game media, including a predetermined specific game media. A reward determination processing means that, when a specific game medium is acquired through the selection control process, identifies status information of the selection control process targeting the multiple selectable game mediums, which is executed after the acquisition of the specific game medium, and executes a process to determine the reward to be granted to the player based on the identified status information, as a reward determination process, and A reward control means that grants the reward determined by the reward determination process to the corresponding player, A program characterized by its ability to make a computer function.

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