PROGRAM, INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND CONTROL METHOD

Abstract

To provide a program, an information processing device, and a control method for improving the convenience of a game.SOLUTION: A program causes information processing devices 11, 12 to execute the steps for: storing the state and holding period of a game part; associating a specific game medium with the game part associated therewith with a user; determining the game part in a first state in the case of being outside the holding period; determining the game part in a second state in the case of being within the holding period; determining the game part in a third state in acquiring a holding request when the game part is in the first state or the second state; and a play step for allowing a user to play the game part on the basis of set information of the game part when the state of the game part is the second state or the third state. In the play step, different set information is used in accordance with the states of the game part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, an information processing device, and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in a game executed by an information processing device, a configuration is known in which a game part such as an event in the game is held for a limited time. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a team battle is implemented as a time-limited event in a battle game having two battle methods, a normal battle and a team battle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-126808 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Time-limited events held in conventional games are not necessarily convenient for users. For example, in conventional games, the event period is determined in advance in the game program, or the event period is determined by a game operator who distributes data necessary for holding the event. Since the event period determined in this manner does not take into consideration the convenience of the user, the user may not be able to play the game during the event period. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the convenience of games that hold time-limited events.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a program, an information processing device, and a control method that improve the convenience of games. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the program according to the present invention comprises: An information processing device for controlling a game including a game part for a user to play, storing in a storage unit a state of the game part and an event period indicating a predetermined period in association with the game part; A step of associating a specific game medium to which the game part is associated with the user; a first step of setting a state of the game part to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited when the current time is outside the event period; a second step of setting a state of the game part to a second state in which the user is permitted to play the game part if the current time is within the event period; a third step of setting the state of the game part to a third state in which the user is permitted to play when a holding request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is acquired while the state of the game part is a first state or a second state; a play step of making the user play the game part based on setting information of the game part when the state of the game part is the second state or the third state; In the playing step, different setting information is used depending on whether the state of the game part is the second state or the third state.

[0007] Further, an information processing device according to the present invention comprises: An information processing device that controls a game including a game part for a user to play. Submission date: February 29, 2016 a storage unit that stores a state of a game part and an event period indicating a predetermined period in association with the game part; A control unit, The control unit is Associating a specific game medium to which the game part is associated with the user; If the current time is outside the event period, the state of the game part is set to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited; If the current time is within the event period, the state of the game part is set to a second state in which the user is permitted to play; when a holding request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is acquired when the state of the game part is a first state or a second state, the state of the game part is set to a third state in which the user is permitted to play; performing a play process for playing the game part based on setting information of the game part when the state of the game part is the second state or the third state; In the play process, different setting information is used depending on whether the state of the game part is the second state or the third state.

[0008] Further, the control method according to the present invention comprises: A method for controlling a game including a game part for a user to play, the method comprising the steps of: A control unit of the information processing device storing in a storage unit a state of the game part and an event period indicating a predetermined period in association with the game part; A step of associating a specific game medium to which the game part is associated with the user; a first step of setting a state of the game part to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited when the current time is outside the event period; a second step of setting a state of the game part to a second state in which the user is permitted to play the game part if the current time is within the event period; a third step of setting the state of the game part to a third state in which the user is permitted to play when a holding request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is acquired while the state of the game part is a first state or a second state; a play step of playing the game part based on setting information of the game part when the state of the game part is the second state or the third state, In the playing step, different setting information is used depending on whether the state of the game part is the second state or the third state. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The program, information processing device, and control method according to the present invention improve the convenience of the game. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing information regarding game parts. [Diagram 3] A figure showing information regarding a specific game medium. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing setting information of a game part. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a first screen displayed on the terminal device. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a second screen displayed on the terminal device. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a third screen displayed on the terminal device. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a fourth screen displayed on the terminal device. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing a process relating to the first screen and the second screen. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing a process relating to the third screen and the fourth screen. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a state of a game part. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of reading setting information and executing a game part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] First, a game system including a server device and a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, a game system 10 according to this embodiment includes a server device 11 and a plurality of terminal devices 12. For simplicity, only one terminal device 12 is shown in Fig. 1.

[0013] The server device 11 is, for example, an information processing device such as a server managed by a game operator, and provides games (game data) to the terminal devices 12 owned by individual users. The terminal devices 12 are, for example, information processing devices such as a mobile phone, smartphone, PC, or game device, and execute the games provided by the server device 11. In this way, the server device 11 and the terminal devices 12 work together to control the games provided to the users of the terminal devices 12.

[0014] Here, an overview of the game according to the present embodiment will be described. The game according to the present embodiment is a game in which the user can play a variety of game parts using, for example, game media.

[0015] Game media is electronic data used in a game, and includes any media, such as cards, items, tickets, characters, avatars, etc. Game media is electronic data that can be acquired, owned, used, managed, exchanged, synthesized, enhanced, sold, discarded, donated, etc. by a user within a game, but the manner of use of the game media is not limited to those explicitly stated in this specification.

[0016] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, "game media owned by a user" refers to game media associated with a user ID of a user. Furthermore, "granting game media to a user" refers to associating the game media with a user ID. Furthermore, "discarding game media owned by a user" refers to dissociating the association between a user ID and the game media. Furthermore, "consuming game media owned by a user" refers to the possibility of causing some effect or influence in the game in response to dissociation of the association between a user ID and the game media. Furthermore, "selling game media owned by a user" refers to dissociating the association between a user ID and the game media, and associating the user ID with other game media (e.g., virtual currency or items, etc.). Furthermore, "transferring game media owned by user A to user B" refers to dissociating the association between user A's user ID and the game media, and associating the game media with user B's user ID.

[0017] Moreover, the game part is a content that the user can play in the game, and includes, for example, quests, missions, mini-games, item acquisition events, dungeon exploration events, and battle events with opponents (for example, other users, enemy characters, enemy buildings, etc.). For example, when it is determined that a predetermined condition (for example, a game task) set for each game part has been successfully achieved, the user may be given a predetermined reward, for example, a game medium and virtual currency. The game task may be any task according to the content of the game part, such as a task of winning a battle against an enemy character or a task of reaching the goal of a dungeon. In the following description, the state in which the user is permitted to play the game part (a second state or a third state described later) is set, which is also referred to as holding a game part. Furthermore, the achievement of a specific task (a clear task) among the game tasks set for a game part is also referred to as clearing the game part. In other words, when it is determined that a clear task has been successfully achieved in the game part, the game part is determined to be cleared, and the game part ends.

[0018] In this embodiment, the game parts include game parts that are held at all times (i.e., play is permitted at all times) and game parts that are held for a limited time (i.e., play is permitted only during a specified period of time). Hereinafter, game parts that are held for a limited time will be described, and the game parts that are held for a limited time will also be simply referred to as game parts.

[0019] In summary, in the game according to this embodiment, a user can acquire a specific game medium, which in this embodiment is a ticket. One or more game parts are associated with the ticket. By consuming a ticket owned in the game, the user can force the game part associated with the ticket to be held even outside the holding period.

[0020] (Server device configuration) Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the server device 11. The server device 11 includes a server communication unit 13, a server storage unit 14, and a server control unit 15.

[0021] The server communication unit 13 is an interface that communicates with an external device wirelessly or via a wired connection to transmit and receive information. The server communication unit 13 can transmit and receive information to and from the terminal device 12 via a network 16 such as the Internet.

[0022] The server storage unit 14 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device, and can store various information and programs necessary for providing and controlling the game. For example, the server storage unit 14 stores information about each user, such as the user's ID and name, the user's game parameters (for example, parameters used in the game, such as level and stamina, which will be described later), and game media and virtual currency associated with the user. Hereinafter, the user's ID or name will also be simply referred to as a user. The server storage unit 14 also stores information about game parts, information about specific game media, and setting information for the game parts.

[0023] (Information about the game part) First, information about game parts will be described. Information about game parts includes information indicating play conditions, duration, status, and playability in association with the ID or name of the game part, as shown in, for example, FIG.

[0024] The ID or name of a game part is information that can uniquely identify the game part. Hereinafter, the ID or name of a game part is also simply referred to as a game part. In FIG. 2, four game parts GP001-GP004 are illustrated, but the number of game parts may be determined arbitrarily.

[0025] The play condition is information used to determine whether or not to permit the play of a game part. In this embodiment, in order to permit the play of a game part, it is necessary that the play condition is achieved and that the current time is within the event period, as described below. The play condition is a condition that can be determined based on any information unique to the user, such as a predetermined parameter such as the user's level or stamina, the game achievement level, the play history of the game part, the total play time, and the login history. In FIG. 2, for example, the play condition of "level 50 or higher" is set for the game part GP001. In this case, in order to permit the play of the game part GP001, the user's level must be at least 50 or higher. The game parts GP002-GP004 are the same as GP001, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0026] As described later, a "cost" parameter is set for each game part, and the above-mentioned play conditions further include a condition that "the current or maximum stamina value is equal to or greater than the cost." Here, the user's current stamina value increases (recovers), for example, as time passes or as a predetermined game medium (e.g., an item) is used. The user's maximum stamina value increases, for example, as the user's level increases.

[0027] The event period, together with the above-mentioned play conditions, is information used to determine whether or not to permit play of a game part. In this embodiment, the event period is, for example, a period arbitrarily determined by the game administrator. In FIG. 2, for example, the event period of game part GP001 is "2016 / 02 / 29 12:00-13:00." In this case, in order to permit play of game part GP001, the current time must be at least between 12:00 and 13:00 on February 29, 2016. Game parts GP002-GP004 are the same as GP001, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0028] The state is determined based on the above-mentioned play conditions, the event period, and the use of a specific game medium (a ticket in this embodiment) described later, and is stored, for example, for each user. In this embodiment, there are four states, from state 1 to state 4. In addition, playability indicates permission or prohibition of play, which is determined according to state 1 to state 4.

[0029] Specifically, the first state indicates a state in which the current time is outside the event period. The game part in the first state is set to "play prohibited (outside the event period)". The second state indicates a state in which the play conditions are met and the current time is within the event period. The game part in the second state is set to "play permitted". The third state indicates a state in which the play conditions are met and the ticket corresponding to the game part has been used. The third state takes precedence over the first and second states described above. The game part in the third state is set to "play permitted (ticket used)". The fourth state indicates a state in which the play conditions are not met. The game part in the fourth state is set to "play prohibited (play conditions not met)".

[0030] (Information about specific game media) Next, information about a specific game medium will be described. Information about a specific game medium is stored, for example, for each user. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, information about a specific game medium includes one or more game parts and a restriction setting associated with a specific game medium owned by the user, i.e., a specific game medium associated with the user.

[0031] In this embodiment, when a specific game medium is used (for example, when the server device 11 acquires a request to hold a game part from the terminal device 12 and dissolves the association between the specific game medium and the user, as described below), the state of at least one game part among the one or more game parts associated with the specific game medium is set to a state in which play is permitted (third state). Specific processing by the server device 11 to set at least one game part to the third state will be described below.

[0032] The limit setting is information set for a game part that has become the third state by the use of a specific game medium, and indicates a condition under which the third state is resolved. In this embodiment, the limit setting is information indicating a limit number of times that the game part is permitted to be played or cleared, or a time limit during which the game part is permitted to be played. Specifically, when a game part set to the third state is played or cleared the limited number of times, the game part changes from the third state to another state. Alternatively, when a time limit has elapsed since the game part was set to the third state, the game part changes from the third state to another state. In the following description, the specific game medium for determining the limit number of times that the game part is permitted to be played or cleared is also referred to as a first specific game medium or "ticket A", and the specific game medium for determining the time limit during which the game part is permitted to be played is also referred to as a second specific game medium or "ticket B".

[0033] For example, in Fig. 3, ticket A1, which is the first specific game medium, is associated with game part GP001, and the number of times it can be played is limited to "2 times." Ticket A2, which is the first specific game medium, is associated with four game parts GP001-GP004, and the number of times it can be played is limited to "1 time." Ticket B1, which is the second specific game part, is associated with game part GP003, and the time limit is "30 minutes."

[0034] In the information on the specific game medium of this embodiment, one specific game medium is associated with one limited number of times or one limited time period as described above, but the configuration of the information on the specific game medium is not limited to this. For example, in the information on the specific game medium, if one specific game medium is associated with multiple game parts, multiple limited number of times or multiple limited time periods may be associated with each of the multiple game parts.

[0035] (Game part setting information) Next, the setting information of the game part will be described. The setting information is information indicating various settings related to the game part, and is stored for each game part. In this embodiment, each game part is associated with setting information corresponding to the second state and setting information corresponding to the third state. When executing a game part (for example, when the server device 11 acquires a request to execute a game part from the terminal device 12 as described later), setting information corresponding to the state of the game part (the second state or the third state) is loaded. Then, the game part is executed based on the loaded setting information.

[0036] The setting information includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, information regarding a cost, information regarding continuation of play, a difficulty level, and information regarding a reward.

[0037] The cost is information used to determine the above-mentioned play conditions. For example, as described above, the play conditions for each game part include a condition that "the current or maximum value of stamina is equal to or greater than the cost." As described below, when a game part is executed (for example, when the server device 11 acquires a request to execute a game part from the terminal device 12 as described below), the cost of the game part is subtracted from the user's stamina.

[0038] For example, in Fig. 4, the cost corresponding to the second state is "10", and the cost corresponding to the third state is "1". In this way, the cost corresponding to the second state and the cost corresponding to the third state may be different or the same.

[0039] Preferably, the cost corresponding to the third state is smaller than the cost corresponding to the second state. With this configuration, for example, when the game part is in the third state due to use of the second specific game medium, the occurrence of a situation that may be disadvantageous to the user is suppressed, such as the third state being resolved due to the time limit elapsed while the game part cannot be executed because the user's current stamina value is less than the cost.

[0040] Also, a condition may be set for eliminating the state in which the cost corresponding to the third state is smaller than the cost corresponding to the second state. Specifically, the cost corresponding to the third state may be smaller than the cost corresponding to the second state only until the number of plays or the number of clears reaches a predetermined number, and may increase when the number of plays or the number of clears exceeds the predetermined number, and may become the same value as the cost corresponding to the second state, for example. Alternatively, the cost corresponding to the third state may be smaller than the cost corresponding to the second state only until the elapsed time from when the game part is set to the third state reaches a predetermined time, and may increase when the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time, and may become the same value as the cost corresponding to the second state, for example. With such a configuration, the occurrence of a situation in which the game balance may be disrupted, such as a situation in which the cost corresponding to the third state continues to be set to zero or an extremely small value, is suppressed.

[0041] The information regarding continuation of play is information used in a process for continuing play (e.g., a process for continuing) that may be executed when a state occurs during play of a game part in which play cannot be continued (e.g., a game over state). For example, if a game is over during play of a game part and a continue is executed, the user can continue the game part. On the other hand, if a game is over during play of a game part and a continue is not executed, the game is over and the game part ends.

[0042] In this embodiment, the information regarding the continuation of play includes information indicating whether or not the game can be continued when the game is over, and information indicating the user's resources (e.g., game media or virtual currency associated with the user) consumed to continue, but the information included in the information regarding the continuation of play is not limited to these. For example, the information regarding the continuation of play may further include information indicating a limit on the number of times the game can be continued.

[0043] For example, in FIG. 4, the information regarding the continuation of play corresponding to the second state is "continue possible (consumes 5 virtual currency)". In such a case, the user can continue even if the game ends during play of the game part in the second state by consuming 5 virtual currency. On the other hand, the information regarding the continuation of play corresponding to the third state is "continue not possible". In such a case, the user cannot continue even if the game ends during play of the game part in the third state. In this way, the information regarding the continuation of play corresponding to the second state and the information regarding the continuation of play corresponding to the third state may be different or the same.

[0044] The difficulty level indicates the difficulty of the game tasks that the user must accomplish in the game part. For example, in FIG. 4, the difficulty level corresponding to the second state is "high." In such a case, the difficulty level of the game tasks in the game part, which is the second state, becomes higher. When the difficulty level of the game tasks becomes higher, for example, the number or strength of enemy characters increases, or the distance to the goal of the dungeon becomes longer. The difficulty level is not limited to "high" or "low," and may include any information related to the difficulty level of the game tasks, such as information related to enemy characters or map data of the dungeon.

[0045] The information on reward is information on a reward that may be granted to a user when a predetermined condition is achieved in a game part. The predetermined condition may include, for example, a game task set in the game part, but may be any condition related to the game part. In this embodiment, the information on reward includes information indicating the type, quantity, and probability.

[0046] The type is information indicating the content of the reward, such as game media or virtual currency. For example, in FIG. 4, the type of reward corresponding to the second state is "Item A," and the type of reward corresponding to the third state is "Item B." The reward may be one or more types of game media, virtual currency, or a combination of these. The reward may also include a specific game medium. The reward corresponding to the second state and the reward corresponding to the third state may be different or the same.

[0047] The quantity is information indicating the number or amount of rewards. For example, in FIG. 4, the quantity of rewards (item A) corresponding to the second state is "5", and the quantity of rewards (item B) corresponding to the third state is "10". The quantity corresponding to the second state and the quantity corresponding to the third state may be different or the same.

[0048] The probability is information indicating the probability that a reward will be given to the user when a predetermined condition, for example, when a game task is successfully accomplished. For example, in FIG. 4, the probability corresponding to the second state is "10%" and the probability corresponding to the third state is "100%." ​​The probability corresponding to the second state and the probability corresponding to the third state may be different or the same.

[0049] Preferably, the setting information corresponding to the second state is different from the setting information corresponding to the third state. With this configuration, the user can change the setting information of the game part, which is the second state in which play is permitted, by using the specific game medium. Therefore, an advantage is created in using the specific game medium corresponding to the game part, which is the second state, and the user can be encouraged to use the specific game medium. In addition, since the user can play the same game part with different settings, the variety of game parts increases and it becomes easier to adjust the game balance.

[0050] The server control unit 15 (see FIG. 1) is a CPU that realizes a specific function by, for example, reading a specific program. The server control unit 15 controls the operation of the entire server device 11. For example, the server control unit 15 transmits and receives information via the server communication unit 13. The server control unit 15 also stores the above-mentioned information on the game parts, information on the specific game media, and setting information on the game parts in the server storage unit 14.

[0051] The server control unit 15 also performs various processes related to the game part.

[0052] For example, the server control unit 15 cooperates with the terminal device 12 to perform processing for causing the user to play the game part in the second state.

[0053] Specifically, the server control unit 15 acquires from the terminal device 12 a display request for a first specific screen on which one or more game parts, which are the second state, are displayed in a selectable manner. Then, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a display instruction for the first specific screen to the terminal device 12. In other words, the server control unit 15 causes the terminal device 12 to display the first specific screen by transmitting the display instruction. Here, the display instruction for the first specific screen includes information required for displaying the first specific screen, for example, information on one or more game parts, which are the second state.

[0054] Next, the server control unit 15 acquires from the terminal device 12 a request to execute a game part in a second state selected in response to a user operation on the first specific screen. Next, the server control unit 15 reads setting information corresponding to the second state of the game part. Next, the server control unit 15 transmits an execution instruction for the game part including the read setting information to the terminal device 12. In other words, by transmitting the execution instruction, the server control unit 15 causes the terminal device 12 to execute the game part and causes the user to play the game part. The execution instruction for the game part may include any information necessary for executing the game part in addition to the read setting information.

[0055] In addition to the above-mentioned processes, the processes related to the game parts executed by the server control unit 15 will be described in detail later.

[0056] (Terminal Device Configuration) Next, a description will be given of the terminal device 12. As shown in Fig. 1, the terminal device 12 includes a terminal communication unit 17, a terminal storage unit 18, a display unit 19, an input unit 20, and a terminal control unit 21.

[0057] The terminal communication unit 17 is an interface that communicates with an external device wirelessly or via a wire to transmit and receive information. The terminal communication unit 17 transmits and receives information to and from the server device 11 via the network 16.

[0058] The terminal storage unit 18 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device, and is capable of storing various information and programs necessary for processing the game provided by the server device 11. For example, the terminal storage unit 18 may store some or all of the information related to the game parts, information related to the specific game media, and setting information for the game parts described above. Some or all of this information is obtained from the server device 11 by, for example, the terminal control unit 21 during execution of the game.

[0059] The display unit 19 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and is capable of displaying a variety of screens.

[0060] The input unit 20 is an input interface including, for example, a touch panel provided integrally with the display unit 19, and is capable of accepting user input to the terminal device 12.

[0061] The terminal control unit 21 is a processor that realizes a specific function by, for example, reading a specific program, and controls the operation of the entire terminal device 12. For example, the terminal control unit 21 transmits and receives information via the terminal communication unit 17. The terminal control unit 21 also executes (launches) a game application in response to a user's operation. When the terminal control unit 21 receives a screen display instruction from the server device 11 via the terminal communication unit 17, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display a screen or update the screen based on the instruction. The terminal control unit 21 also transmits information based on a user input received via the input unit 20 to the server device 11 via the terminal communication unit 17.

[0062] Furthermore, the terminal control unit 21 performs various processes related to the game part.

[0063] For example, the terminal control unit 21 cooperates with the server device 11 as described above to perform processing for executing the game part which is the second state.

[0064] Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 transmits to the server device 11 a display request for the above-mentioned first specific screen on which one or more game parts, which are the second state, are displayed in a selectable manner. Then, when the terminal control unit 21 acquires a display instruction for the first specific screen from the server device 11, the terminal control unit 21 displays the first specific screen on the display unit 19. Then, the terminal control unit 21 acquires an execution request for the game part of the selected second state in response to a user operation on the first specific screen. Then, the terminal control unit 21 transmits the execution request for the game part to the server device 11. Then, when the terminal control unit 21 acquires an execution instruction for the game part from the server device 11, the terminal control unit 21 executes the game part based on the setting information included in the execution instruction. In other words, the terminal control unit 21 executes the game part to have the user play the game part.

[0065] In addition to the above-mentioned processes, the processes related to the game parts executed by the terminal control unit 21 will be described in detail later.

[0066] Next, various screens displayed on the terminal device 12 and the operations of the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0067] First, the operation of the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 for displaying various screens will be described. In this embodiment, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 transmits a display request for a desired screen to the server device 11. Next, the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 transmits a display instruction for the screen to the terminal device 12 in response to obtaining the display request. Then, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display the screen in response to obtaining the display instruction. Here, the display instruction for the screen may include information required for displaying the screen.

[0068] (1st screen) Next, the first screen will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The first screen is a screen on which one or more specific game media are displayed in a selectable manner. In this embodiment, one or more selection buttons 22 are displayed in a selectable manner on the first screen.

[0069] The selection button 22 is provided corresponding to a specific game medium, and functions as an interface that accepts a user operation to select the specific game medium. One selection button 22 may be provided corresponding to a plurality of specific game media.

[0070] In this embodiment, when the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 accepts a user operation on the selection button 22, it selects (identifies) a specific game medium corresponding to the selection button 22. Then, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a display request for a second screen corresponding to the selected specific game medium to the server device 11. The second screen will be described later.

[0071] Furthermore, information regarding the corresponding specific game medium is displayed on the selection button 22. Alternatively, the information regarding the specific game medium may be displayed in correspondence with the selection button 22 at any position on the first screen, rather than on the selection button 22. In this embodiment, the selection button 22 may display, as information regarding the specific game medium, an icon 23, an ID or name of the specific game medium, an ID or name of the corresponding game part, the number owned (i.e., the quantity of the specific game medium associated with the user), resources required to acquire the specific game medium (i.e., game media or virtual currency, etc. consumed to acquire the specific game medium), and the remaining time until reacquisition is possible.

[0072] The appearance of the icon 23 differs depending on whether the corresponding specific game medium is a first specific game medium or a second specific game medium. Specifically, the icon 23 corresponding to the first specific game medium includes a first image (e.g., a heart-shaped image), and the icon 23 corresponding to the second specific game medium includes a second image (e.g., an image of a clock) different from the first image. With this configuration, a user who visually recognizes the icon 23 can know at a glance whether the specific game medium corresponding to each selection button 22 displayed on the first screen is the first specific game medium or the second specific game medium.

[0073] Preferably, the icon 23 corresponding to the first specific game medium includes a first image and information indicating a limit on the number of times (see FIG. 3) set for the corresponding first specific game medium. Also preferably, the icon 23 corresponding to the second specific game medium includes a second image and information indicating a time limit (see FIG. 3) set for the corresponding second specific game medium. With this configuration, the user can grasp at a glance the limit on the number of times or the time limit set for the specific game medium corresponding to each selection button 22 displayed on the first screen.

[0074] The remaining time until reacquisition is possible is the time required from when a specific game medium is associated with a user in response to a user operation on a second screen described later until when operation on the selection button 22 can be accepted again. That is, in this embodiment, acceptance of operation on the selection button 22 is prohibited until the remaining time until reacquisition becomes zero. Details of the process of determining the remaining time until reacquisition is possible will be described later. Preferably, the selection button 22 is displayed in a different display mode from normal, for example, grayed out, until the remaining time until reacquisition has elapsed. Alternatively, the selection button 22 may be hidden until the remaining time until reacquisition has elapsed.

[0075] For example, in FIG. 5, three selection buttons 22 (22a, 22b, 22c) are displayed on the first screen.

[0076] The selection button 22a corresponds to the ticket A1, which is a first specific game medium. The icon 23a corresponding to the selection button 22a includes a first image and information indicating a limited number of times (2 times). In addition, the selection button 22a displays, as information related to the specific game medium, the game part "GP001" corresponding to the ticket A1, the number of possessions "0", and the resource "50 virtual currency".

[0077] The selection button 22b corresponds to the ticket B1, which is the second specific game medium. The icon 23b corresponding to the selection button 22b includes a second image and information indicating the time limit (30 minutes). Furthermore, the selection button 22b displays, as information related to the specific game medium, the game part "GP001" corresponding to the ticket B1, the number of tickets owned "1", and the remaining time until reacquisition is possible "57 minutes". Furthermore, the selection button 22b is displayed in a grayed-out state, and is prohibited from accepting any operation thereon, until the remaining time until reacquisition is possible has elapsed.

[0078] The selection button 22c corresponds to the ticket A2, which is a first specific game medium. The icon 23c corresponding to the selection button 22c includes a first image and information indicating a limited number of times (1 time). In addition, the selection button 22c displays, as information related to the specific game medium, four game parts "GP001-GP004" corresponding to the ticket A2, the number of possessions "0", and resources "100 virtual currencies".

[0079] (2nd screen) Next, the second screen will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The second screen is displayed in response to an operation on the selection button 22 displayed on the first screen as described above. The second screen is a screen for transmitting a request for acquiring a specific game medium selected via the selection button 22 on the first screen, i.e., a request for associating the specific game medium with a user, from the terminal device 12 to the server device 11. In this embodiment, an information display area 24, a back button 25, and an acquisition button 26 are displayed on the second screen.

[0080] The information display area 24 is an area where information about the specific game medium is displayed. In the information display area 24, for example, an icon 23, an ID or name of the specific game medium, a limit setting, resources required to acquire the specific game medium, and an ID or name of a game part corresponding to the specific game medium are displayed. The information displayed in the information display area 24 and the information displayed in the selection button 22 on the first screen described above may be different or the same. Preferably, an explanation about the specific game medium is displayed in the information display area 24. The explanation about the specific game medium includes, for example, an explanation that suggests to the user a game part that does not satisfy the play condition among the game parts corresponding to the specific game medium.

[0081] Preferably, when the game part displayed in the information display area 24 is in the fourth state, i.e., a state in which the play condition has not been achieved, information indicating that the game part is in the fourth state is further displayed in the information display area 24. This configuration prevents the occurrence of a situation that may be disadvantageous to the user, such as the user acquiring a specific game medium without realizing that the play condition for the game part has not been achieved.

[0082] The back button 25 functions as an interface that accepts a user operation requesting the display of the first screen.

[0083] In this embodiment, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 acquires a display request for the first screen in response to a user operation on the back button 25. Then, the terminal control unit 21 transmits the display request for the first screen to the server device 11.

[0084] The acquisition button 26 functions as an interface that accepts a user operation requesting the acquisition of a specific game medium.

[0085] In this embodiment, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 acquires a request to acquire a specific game medium in response to a user operation on the acquisition button 26. The terminal control unit 21 then transmits the request to acquire the specific game medium to the server device 11. Next, upon acquiring the request to acquire the specific game medium, the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 cancels the association between the resource (e.g., game medium or virtual currency) corresponding to the specific game medium and the user, and associates the specific game medium with the user. The server control unit 15 then starts measuring the remaining time until the specific game medium can be reacquired. The initial value of the remaining time is, for example, 24 hours, but may be set arbitrarily by the game operator for each specific game medium.

[0086] For example, Fig. 6 shows an example of the second screen corresponding to ticket A2, which is a first specific game medium. In Fig. 6, the information display area 24 displays the icon 23c, the name of the specific game medium "Ticket A2", the limit setting "1 time", the resource "100 virtual currency", and the game parts "GP001-GP004". The information display area 24 also displays information "play conditions not met" indicating that the game part "GP004" is in the fourth state.

[0087] As described above, specific game media is provided to the user through the processes related to the first screen and the second screen executed by the server device 11 and the terminal device 12.

[0088] (3rd screen) Next, the third screen will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The third screen is a screen that selectively displays the tickets owned by the user, i.e., the specific game media associated with the user, and the game part that is the third state. In this embodiment, a game part execution request button 27 and a specific game media selection button 28 may be displayed on the third screen.

[0089] The execution request button 27 is provided corresponding to the game part which is the third state, and functions as an interface that accepts a user operation to execute the game part.

[0090] In this embodiment, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 acquires a request to execute the game part in the third state in response to a user operation on the execution request button 27. The terminal control unit 21 then transmits the request to execute the game part in the third state to the server device 11. Next, when the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 acquires the request to execute the game part in the third state, the server control unit 15 subtracts the cost of the game part from the user's stamina, for example. The server control unit 15 also reads setting information corresponding to the third state of the game part. Next, the server control unit 15 transmits an instruction to execute the game part including the read setting information to the terminal device 12.

[0091] Here, for example, when the limit number of times that the game part is permitted to be played is set, the server control unit 15 increments the number of times that the game part is played and stores the number of times in the server storage unit 14. Then, when the number of times that the game part is played and the limit number of times are equal, the server control unit 15 cancels the third state of the game part.

[0092] Next, when the terminal control unit 21 acquires an instruction to execute the game part, it executes the game part based on the setting information included in the execution instruction. Next, when the game part ends, for example, by clearing the game part or by game over, the terminal control unit 21 transmits information indicating the execution result of the game part to the server device 11. The information indicating the execution result of the game part may include any information obtained by executing the game part, such as, for example, whether or not the game task was accomplished, the score, the play time, the number of continues, and the parameters of the game media used to execute the game part. Then, the server control unit 15 acquires the information indicating the execution result of the game part.

[0093] Here, for example, if a limit on the number of times a game part is permitted to be cleared is set, when the acquired information indicating the execution result of the game part indicates that the game part has been cleared, the server control unit 15 increments the number of times the game part has been cleared and stores the incremented number in the server storage unit 14. Furthermore, when the number of times the game part has been cleared is equal to the limit on the number of times the game part has been cleared, the server control unit 15 cancels the third state of the game part.

[0094] Furthermore, information regarding the game part is displayed on the execution request button 27. Alternatively, the information regarding the game part may be displayed at any position on the third screen in correspondence with the execution request button 27, rather than on the execution request button 27. In this embodiment, the execution request button 27 may display, as information regarding the game part, the icon 23, the ID or name of the specific game medium used to bring the game part into the third state, the ID or name of the game part, the number of the specific game medium owned, and information regarding the limit setting.

[0095] The information regarding the limit setting includes, for example, information indicating the remaining time until the time limit elapses when a time limit is set for the game part, and information regarding the limit setting includes, for example, information indicating the remaining number of times until the limit elapses when a number of times is set for the game part.

[0096] The selection button 28 is provided corresponding to a ticket owned by the user, that is, a specific game medium associated with the user, and functions as an interface that accepts a user operation to select the specific game medium.

[0097] In this embodiment, when the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 accepts a user operation on the selection button 28, it selects (identifies) a specific game medium corresponding to the selection button 28. Then, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a display request for a fourth screen corresponding to the selected specific game medium to the server device 11. The fourth screen will be described later.

[0098] Furthermore, information regarding the corresponding specific game medium is displayed on the selection button 28. Alternatively, the information regarding the specific game medium may be displayed in correspondence with the selection button 22 at any position on the first screen, rather than on the selection button 22. In this embodiment, the selection button 28 displays, as information regarding the specific game medium, an icon 23, an ID or name of the specific game medium, an ID or name of the corresponding game part, and the number of possessions (i.e., the amount of the specific game medium associated with the user).

[0099] For example, in FIG. 7, one execution request button 27 and one selection button 28 are displayed.

[0100] The execution request button 27 shown in Figure 7 displays the icon 23b, the specific game medium "Ticket B1" used to put the game part into the third state, the game part "GP003", the number owned "1", and information regarding the limit setting "Remaining time: 28 minutes".

[0101] Moreover, the selection button 28 shown in FIG. 7 displays the icon 23c, the specific game medium "Ticket A2", the game parts "GP001-GP004", and the possession number "1".

[0102] (4th screen) Next, the fourth screen will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The fourth screen is displayed in response to an operation on the selection button 28 displayed on the third screen as described above. The fourth screen is a screen for transmitting a request to hold a predetermined number of game parts among one or more game parts associated with a specific game medium selected via the selection button 28 on the third screen, that is, a request to set the state of the predetermined number of game parts to the third state, from the terminal device 12 to the server device 11. The predetermined number is, for example, 1, but may be any number equal to or greater than 2. In this embodiment, one or more hold buttons 29 are displayed selectably on the fourth screen.

[0103] The start button 29 is provided corresponding to one or more game parts associated with a specific game medium, and functions as an interface that accepts a user operation to request the opening of a game part.

[0104] In this embodiment, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 acquires a request to hold a game part in response to a user operation on the hold button 29. Here, the hold request includes information indicating a specific game medium selected via the selection button 28 on the third screen, and information indicating a predetermined number of game parts selected based on a user operation on the hold button 29 on the fourth screen from among one or more game parts associated with the specific game medium. Next, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a request to hold a game part to the server device 11. Next, when the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 acquires the request to hold a game part, it cancels the association between the user and the specific game medium and sets the state of the game part to the third state. Here, when the server control unit 15 sets the game part to a time limit during which play is permitted, for example, it starts measuring the elapsed time since the game part became the third state. Then, when the elapsed time is equal to the time limit, the server control unit 15 cancels the third state of the game part.

[0105] Also, information on the corresponding game part is displayed on the start button 29. Alternatively, the information on the game part may be displayed in any position on the fourth screen, not on the start button 29, in correspondence with the start button 29. In this embodiment, the start button 29 may display, as information on the game part, an ID or name of the game part, and information on the state of the game part.

[0106] The information on the state of the game part includes different information depending on the state of the game part. In this embodiment, when the game part is in the first state (i.e., outside the holding period), the information on the state of the game part may include information to prompt the holding of the game part, such as a message saying "A game part will be held."

[0107] In addition, the information regarding the state of the game part may include, for example, information indicating that the game part is in the second state when the game part is in the second state (i.e., when the event period is within and the play conditions are satisfied), and information indicating the remaining time until the end of the event period.

[0108] Furthermore, when the game part is in the third state (i.e., when the game part is in a state in which play is permitted by using a specific game medium), the information on the state of the game part may include, for example, information indicating that the game part is in the third state, and information on the limit setting. The information on the limit setting is, for example, information indicating the number of times remaining until the limit number of times or the time remaining until the time limit has elapsed.

[0109] Furthermore, the information on the state of the game part may include, for example, information indicating that the game part is in the fourth state (that is, when the play condition is not satisfied).

[0110] Preferably, the hold button 29 corresponding to a game part in the third or fourth state is displayed in a display mode different from the normal state, for example, grayed out, and the acceptance of an operation on the hold button 29 is prohibited. Alternatively, the selection button 22 may hide the hold button 29 corresponding to a game part in the fourth state. With this configuration, the occurrence of a situation that may be disadvantageous to the user is suppressed, for example, a specific game medium is used to change a game part to the third state even though the game part is already in the third state, or a specific game medium is used to change a game part for which a play condition is not satisfied, for example, a game part that is too difficult in light of the user's level, to the third state.

[0111] For example, Fig. 8 shows an example of the fourth screen corresponding to the ticket A2, which is the first specific game medium. In Fig. 8, four event buttons 29 (29a, 29b, 29c, 29d) corresponding to the four game parts "GP001-GP004" corresponding to the ticket A2 are displayed.

[0112] The game part "GP001" corresponding to the hold button 29a is in the first state (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the hold button 29a displays a message saying "Hold GP001."

[0113] Also, the game part "GP002" corresponding to the hold button 29b is in the second state (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the hold button 29b displays the message "Now Holding" and the remaining time until the end of the event period, "48 hours."

[0114] Also, the game part "GP003" corresponding to the hold button 29c is in the third state (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the hold button 29c displays the message "holding" and the remaining time until the time limit expires, "28 minutes."

[0115] Also, the game part "GP004" corresponding to the hold button 29d has 4 states (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the hold button 29d displays a message saying "Play conditions not met." Also, the hold button 29d is grayed out because it is prohibited to accept any operations on the hold button 29d.

[0116] Next, with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 9, the process executed by the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 regarding the above-mentioned first screen and second screen will be specifically described.

[0117] Step S100: First, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 transmits a display request for the first screen to the server device 11.

[0118] Step S101: Next, when a display request for the first screen is acquired from the terminal device 12, the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 causes the terminal device 12 to display one or more specific game media in a selectable manner. Specifically, the server control unit 15 transmits an instruction to display the first screen to the terminal device 12.

[0119] Step S102: Next, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display the one or more specific game media in a selectable manner, based on the display instruction acquired from the server device 11. Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display a first screen.

[0120] Step S103: Next, the terminal control unit 21 transmits to the server device 11 a display request for the second screen corresponding to the specific game medium selected on the first screen.

[0121] Step S104: Next, when the server control unit 15 acquires a display request for the second screen from the terminal device 12, it causes the terminal device 12 to display the second screen corresponding to the specific game medium. Specifically, the server control unit 15 transmits an instruction to the terminal device 12 to display the second screen corresponding to the specific game medium.

[0122] Step S105: Next, based on the display instruction acquired from the server device 11, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display a second screen corresponding to the specific game medium.

[0123] Step S106: Next, the terminal control unit 21 transmits to the server device 11 an acquisition request for the specific game medium acquired in response to the operation on the second screen.

[0124] Step S107: Next, when the server control unit 15 receives the request to acquire the specific game medium, the server control unit 15 cancels the association between the user and the resource (e.g., game medium or virtual currency) corresponding to the specific game medium. In this manner, the user's resource is used (consumed).

[0125] Step S108: Next, the server control unit 15 associates the specific game medium with the user. In this manner, the specific game medium is granted to the user.

[0126] Step S109: Then, the server control unit 15 starts measuring the remaining time until the specific game content can be reacquired.

[0127] Next, the above-mentioned processing related to the third screen and the fourth screen executed by the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 10. Here, among the processing related to the third screen and the fourth screen, the processing for changing the state of the game part will be described later, and the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0128] Step S200: First, the terminal control section 21 of the terminal device 12 transmits a display request for the third screen to the server device 11.

[0129] Step S201: Next, the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 identifies the specific game medium associated with the user and the game part which is the third state, based on information regarding the game part (see FIG. 2) and information regarding the specific game medium (see FIG. 3).

[0130] Step S202: Next, the server control unit 15 causes the terminal device 12 to selectably display the specific game media and game parts identified in step S201. Specifically, the server control unit 15 transmits an instruction to display a third screen to the terminal device 12.

[0131] Step S203: Next, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to selectably display the specific game media and game parts identified in step S201, based on the display instruction acquired from the server device 11. Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display a third screen.

[0132] Step S204: Next, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a request to open the game part selected on the third screen, or a request to display the fourth screen corresponding to the specific game medium selected on the third screen, to the server device 11. Here, a description will be given assuming that a request to display the fourth screen is transmitted.

[0133] Step S205: Next, when the server control unit 15 acquires a display request for the fourth screen from the terminal device 12, the server control unit 15 causes the terminal device 12 to selectably display the game part corresponding to the specific game medium selected in step S204. Specifically, the server control unit 15 transmits an instruction to display the fourth screen to the terminal device 12.

[0134] Step S206: Next, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to selectably display the game part corresponding to the specific game medium selected in step S204, based on the display instruction acquired from the server device 11. Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display a fourth screen.

[0135] Step S207: Subsequently, the terminal control section 21 transmits to the server device 11 a request to hold the game part acquired in response to the operation on the fourth screen.

[0136] Step S208: When a request to open a game part is acquired from the terminal device 12, the server control unit 15 cancels the association between the specific game medium corresponding to the fourth screen and the user.

[0137] Next, the operation of the server device 11 for determining (changing) the state of a game part will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 11. This operation is performed for each user and for each game part.

[0138] Step S300: First, the server control unit 15 judges whether or not the play conditions of the game part (see FIG. 2) are satisfied. If it is judged that the play conditions are not satisfied (step S300-No), the process proceeds to step S301. On the other hand, if it is judged that the play conditions are satisfied (step S300-Yes), the process proceeds to step S302.

[0139] Step S301: If it is determined in step S300 that the play conditions are not satisfied (step S300-No), the server control unit 15 determines the state of the game part to be state 4. Then, the process returns to step S300.

[0140] Step S302: If it is determined in step S300 that the play conditions are met (step S300-Yes), the server control unit 15 determines whether the current time is within the event period (see FIG. 2). If it is determined that the current time is within the event period (step S302-Yes), the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current time is outside the event period (step S302-No), the process proceeds to step S304.

[0141] Step S303: If it is determined in step S302 that the event is within the event period (step S302-Yes), the server control unit 15 determines the state of the game part to be the first state. After that, the process proceeds to step S305.

[0142] Step S304: If it is determined in step S302 that the event period is not in progress (step S302-No), the server control unit 15 determines the state of the game part to be the second state. After that, the process proceeds to step S305.

[0143] Step S305: After step S303 or step S304, the server control unit 15 judges whether or not a request to hold a game part has been acquired from the terminal device 12. If it is judged that a request to hold a game part has been acquired (step S305-Yes), the process proceeds to step S306. On the other hand, if it is judged that a request to hold a game part has not been acquired (step S305-No), the process returns to step S300.

[0144] Step S306: If it is determined in step S305 that a request to hold a game has been acquired (step S305-Yes), the server control unit 15 determines the state of the game part to be the third state. Here, the server control unit 15 sets the limit setting included in the information on the specific game medium (see FIG. 3) for the game part. Specifically, the server control unit 15 sets a limit on the number of times or a limit on the time for the game part.

[0145] Step S307: Then, the server control unit 15 judges whether or not to resolve the third state of the game part. For example, when the number of plays or the number of clears becomes equal to the limit number set in step S306, or when the time limit set in step S306 has elapsed, the server control unit 15 judges to resolve the third state. If it is judged to resolve the third state (step S307-Yes), the server control unit 15 resolves the third state. Then, the process returns to step S300. On the other hand, if it is judged not to resolve the third state (step S307-No), step S307 is repeated.

[0146] Next, the operation of the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 that allow the user to play the game part will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0147] Step S400: First, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 transmits a request to execute a game part in the second state or the third state to the server device 11. Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a request to execute a game part in the second state selected in response to a user operation on the above-mentioned first specific screen. Alternatively, the terminal control unit 21 transmits a request to execute a game part in the third state selected in response to a user operation on the above-mentioned third screen.

[0148] Step S401: Next, when the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 acquires an execution request from the terminal device 12, it judges whether the state of the game part related to the execution request is the second state or the third state. If it is judged that the state of the game part is the second state (step S401-Yes), it proceeds to step S402. On the other hand, if it is judged that the state of the game part is the third state (step S401-No), it proceeds to step S403.

[0149] Step S402: If it is determined in step S401 that the state of the game part is the second state (step S401-Yes), the server control unit 15 reads the setting information (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the second state of the game part. Then, the process proceeds to step S404.

[0150] Step S403: If it is determined in step S401 that the state of the game part is the third state (step S401-No), the server control unit 15 reads the setting information (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the third state of the game part.

[0151] Step S404: After step S402 or step S403, the server control unit 15 transmits to the terminal device 12 an instruction to execute the game part, which includes the setting information read in step S402 or step S403.

[0152] Step S405: When the terminal control unit 21 acquires the execution instruction of step S404, the terminal control unit 21 executes the game part based on the setting information included in the execution instruction.

[0153] In the present embodiment, a part or all of the operations and processes performed by the server device 11 may be executed by the terminal device 12. Similarly, a part of the operations performed by the terminal device 12 may be executed by the server device 11.

[0154] As described above, when the server device 11 (or the terminal device 12) according to the present embodiment acquires a request to hold a game part associated with a specific game medium, the server device 11 (or the terminal device 12) sets the state of the game part to the third state in which the user is permitted to play. With this configuration, the user can forcibly hold the game part at a desired timing, improving the convenience of the game. Furthermore, the server device 11 (or the terminal device 12) allows the user to play the game part based on different setting information depending on whether the state of the game part is the second state or the third state. With this configuration, when playing a game part, the user can play the game part based on the desired setting information out of two different setting information. Therefore, the convenience of the game is further improved, for example, compared to a configuration in which the user cannot freely switch between setting information.

[0155] Alternatively, a plurality of game parts may be associated with one specific game medium, and the server device 11 (or the terminal device 12) may set a predetermined number of the plurality of game parts to the third state. With this configuration, a user can select a game part to be forcibly held from among the plurality of game parts by using one specific game medium. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which, for example, one game part is associated with one specific game medium, the user has a wider range of choices, further improving the convenience of the game.

[0156] In addition, a play condition for permitting the play of each of the multiple game parts may be set for each of the multiple game parts. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation that may be disadvantageous to the user, such as forcing a game part that is too difficult for the user's level to be played, resulting in a substantial waste of specific game media.

[0157] In addition, when a first specific game medium is used, a limit on the number of times that a game part is permitted to be played or cleared may be determined, and when a second specific game medium is used, a limit on the time that a game part is permitted to be played may be determined. With this configuration, a user can vary the limit settings set for the game part depending on the type of specific game medium used, further improving the convenience of the game.

[0158] Although the present invention has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and corrections are included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the functions included in each means, each step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple means, steps, etc. can be combined into one or divided into one.

[0159] For example, in the above-described embodiment, two types of methods for acquiring specific game media have been described. Specifically, in the above-described embodiment, the first specific game media or the second specific game media is provided to the user in response to a request for acquiring the specific game media and in response to the achievement of a game task in a game part. However, the type of specific game media provided to the user may be different depending on the method for acquiring the specific game media.

[0160] For example, when the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 receives a request to acquire a specific game medium from the terminal device 12, it associates the first specific game medium (or the second specific game medium) with the user. On the other hand, when the server control unit 15 successfully completes a game task, it associates the second specific game medium (or the first specific game medium) with the user (without receiving a request to acquire a game medium). Here, the game task may include a task that can be completed while playing a game part, as well as a task of logging in to the game system 10, for example. This configuration allows the user to acquire a desired type of specific game medium depending on the method of acquiring the specific game medium, further improving the convenience of the game.

[0161] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which one or more specific game media are selectably displayed on the first screen, but one or more specific game media that satisfy a predetermined condition may be preferentially or selectively displayed on the first screen. This will be described in detail below.

[0162] First, the terminal control unit 21 of the terminal device 12 acquires a search request in response to a user operation. Here, the search request may include any information related to the game medium, such as information indicating the game medium, or information indicating the name, type, or attributes of the game medium. Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 acquires information related to the game medium directly input by a user operation as a search request. Alternatively, in a configuration in which a correspondence between one game medium (e.g., a character) and one or more other game media (e.g., items required to strengthen or evolve the character) is stored in the terminal storage unit 18, the terminal control unit 21 may acquire information indicating one or more other game media associated with the game medium selected in response to a user operation as a search request. Next, the terminal control unit 21 transmits the search request to the server device 11.

[0163] Next, when the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 acquires a search request from the terminal device 12, the server control unit 15 identifies, from among the multiple game parts, a game part associated with a game medium matching the search request. Here, the game medium matching the search request may be, for example, a game medium indicated by the search request, or may be a game medium including a name, type, or attribute indicated by the search request. Specifically, the server control unit 15 identifies, from among the multiple game parts, one or more game parts in which the game medium matching the search request is set as a reward in the setting information corresponding to the third state of each of the multiple game parts. For example, when the search request indicates a game medium "item A", one or more game parts in which "item A" is set as a reward in the setting information corresponding to the third state are identified.

[0164] Next, the server control unit 15 identifies, from among the multiple specific game media, one or more specific game media associated with at least one game part identified as described above. Next, the server control unit 15 transmits, to the terminal device 12, a display instruction for a first screen on which the identified one or more specific game media are preferentially or selectively displayed. Then, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to preferentially or selectively display the one or more specific game media based on the display instruction acquired from the server device 11. Specifically, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display a first screen on which the identified one or more specific game media are preferentially or selectively displayed.

[0165] In this manner, by preferentially or selectively displaying one or more specific game media that satisfy a predetermined condition on the first screen, the user can easily find on the first screen a specific game media that will forcibly hold a game part in which the user can obtain a desired game media (e.g., item A) as a reward, thereby further improving the convenience of the game.

[0166] Preferably, the server control unit 15 sets a priority for each of the one or more game parts identified in response to the acquisition of the search request. For example, the higher the quantity, probability, or expected value of the quantity (i.e., the product of the quantity and the probability) of the game media matching the search request being given to the user as a reward, the higher the priority that can be set. Next, the server control unit 15 transmits to the terminal device 12 a display instruction for the first screen in which the specific game media associated with the game part having a high priority among the one or more identified specific game media is preferentially displayed. With this configuration, the user can easily find on the first screen the specific game media that forcibly holds the game part with a high quantity, probability, or expected value of obtaining the game media matching the search request as a reward. This further improves the convenience of the game.

[0167] The terminal control unit 21 may also acquire a search request that is automatically determined based on information about the user. For example, the terminal control unit 21 identifies game media that the user does not own based on information about the user, and automatically determines a search request indicating the identified game media. Alternatively, the terminal control unit 21 identifies game media that satisfy a predetermined condition (for example, a condition that the level, skill level, number of times of synthesis, number of games owned, or total number of times of acquisition of the game media is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold) among game media owned by the user based on information about the user. Then, the terminal control unit 21 automatically determines a search request indicating game media other than the identified game media. With this configuration, the user can easily find, on the first screen, a specific game medium that forcibly holds a game part that allows the user to obtain, as a reward, game media that the user does not own, or game media that have a small total number of times of acquisition, for example. This further improves the convenience of the game.

[0168] In the above-described embodiment, for example, when both the first specific game medium and the second game medium associated with the same game part are used, both the number of times and the time limit may be set for the game part determined in the third state. Here, when the server control unit 15 acquires a request to hold the game part from the terminal device 12, the server control unit 15 may stop incrementing the number of times the game part has been played or cleared while the time limit has not elapsed. This configuration prevents the occurrence of a situation that may be disadvantageous to the user, such as a decrease in the number of times that the game part can be played compared to the number of times that the time limit has not elapsed.

[0169] In the above embodiment, the hold button 29 corresponding to the game part in the third or fourth state displayed on the fourth screen is displayed in a display mode different from the normal mode, and the operation of the hold button 29 is prohibited. Here, the hold button 29 corresponding to the game part in the second state, that is, the game part in the holding period and in which the play condition is achieved, may also be displayed in a display mode different from the normal mode, and the operation of the hold button 29 may be prohibited. Alternatively, the hold button 29 corresponding to the game part in the second state may be hidden. With this configuration, for example, a situation that may be disadvantageous to the user is suppressed, such as a user who mistakenly believes that a desired game part is outside the holding period even though the game part is being held, using a specific game part for the purpose of holding the game part.

[0170] Here, for example, after the state of a desired game part is determined from the first state to the third state, i.e., after a specific game medium is used outside the period in which the game part is held and the game part is forcibly held, if the current time becomes within the holding period due to the passage of time, the state of the game part may be set to the second state in priority to the third state.

[0171] Specifically, when the server control unit 15 receives an opening request including information indicating a game part that is a first state from the terminal device 12, the server control unit 15 changes the state of the game part from the first state to the third state. Then, when the current time is within the opening period of the game part, the server control unit 15 temporarily changes the state of the game part from the third state to the second state until the opening period ends. Then, when the opening period ends, the server control unit 15 changes the state of the game part from the second state to the third state.

[0172] Preferably, when the server control unit 15 temporarily changes the state of the game part from the third state to the second state, the server control unit 15 stores the number of plays or the number of clears in the third state, or the elapsed time since the game part was set to the third state, in the server storage unit 14. The server control unit 15 also stops the increment of the number of plays or the number of clears, or stops the measurement of the elapsed time since the game part was set to the third state, while the state of the game part is temporarily set to the second state. Then, when the server control unit 15 determines the state of the game part to the third state according to the end of the holding period, it cancels the stop of the increment of the number of plays or the number of clears, or cancels the stop of the measurement of the elapsed time since the game part was set to the third state. Alternatively, when a time limit is set for the game part in the third state, instead of stopping the measurement of the elapsed time, the time limit may be extended by the holding period.

[0173] This configuration prevents the occurrence of situations that could be detrimental to the user, such as incrementing the number of times a game part has been played or cleared, or measuring the elapsed time since the third state was set, even during an event period that would normally be playable without using a specific game medium.

[0174] In the above embodiment, the terminal control unit 21 selects a specific game medium in response to a user operation on the third screen, and transmits a request to hold the game part selected in response to a user operation on the fourth screen to the server device 11. However, the configuration for transmitting the request to hold the game part is not limited to this. For example, the configuration may be such that the user selects a desired game part, further selects a specific game medium associated with the selected game part, and uses the selected specific game medium.

[0175] Specifically, the server control unit 15 of the server device 11 sends to the terminal device 12 a display instruction to display a screen (fifth screen) that displays one or more game parts, preferably one or more game parts associated with one or more specific game media associated with a user, in a selectable manner.

[0176] Next, the terminal control unit 21 identifies one or more specific game media associated with the user and associated with the game part selected in response to a user operation on the fifth screen displayed on the display unit 19. The terminal control unit 21 then transmits to the server device 11 a display request for a screen (sixth screen) that selectably displays the identified one or more specific game media.

[0177] Next, the server control unit 15 transmits an instruction to display the sixth screen to the terminal device 12 based on the display request acquired from the terminal device 12.

[0178] Next, the terminal control unit 21 acquires a request to hold a game part in response to a user operation on the sixth screen displayed on the display unit 19. Here, the request to hold includes information indicating one or more specific game media selected in response to a user operation on the sixth screen, and information indicating the game part selected in response to a user operation on the fifth screen as described above. Then, the terminal control unit 21 transmits the request to hold a game part to the server device 11.

[0179] With this configuration, the user can first select the desired game part on the fifth screen, and then use the specific game media selected on the sixth screen. In this way, since the user can first select the desired game part, for example, a user who owns multiple specific game media does not need to search for the specific game media that corresponds to the desired game part, further improving the convenience of the game.

[0180] Preferably, each game part displayed on the fifth screen is provided with an upper limit number of times that can be selected on the fifth screen. With this configuration, the upper limit number of times that a user can be forced to hold a game part by using a specific game medium can be set for each game part, making it easy to adjust the game balance. Here, the server control unit 15 may reduce or set to zero the number of times that a user can select a game part as time passes. With this configuration, the user can hold a game part that has been held up to the upper limit number of times again as time passes, further improving the convenience of the game.

[0181] In the above-described embodiment, a specific game medium that allows a desired game part to be held from one or more game parts has been described, but there may be a specific game medium that allows a desired game part to be held from all game parts that are held for a limited time. Specifically, there may be a specific game medium that is associated with all game parts. By using such a specific game medium, a user can hold a desired game part from all game parts, further improving the convenience of the game. Alternatively, there may be a specific game medium that is not associated with any game part. A specific game medium that is not associated with any game part functions in the same way as a specific game medium that is associated with all of the above-described game parts.

[0182] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which one specific game medium is required to set a game part to the third state, but multiple specific game media may be required. Also, the number of specific game media required to set the game part to the third state may be set for each game part. With this configuration, it is possible to set the user's resources required to set each game part to the third state, making it easier to adjust the game balance.

[0183] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, some of the various game screens may be web displays displayed on the terminal device 12 based on data generated by the server device 11, and some of the game screens (for example, a header area and a footer area in which menu buttons are arranged) may be native displays displayed by a native application installed on the terminal device 12. In this way, the game according to the above-described embodiment may be a hybrid game in which the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 each handle part of the processing.

[0184] Moreover, an information processing device such as a computer or a mobile phone can be suitably used to function as the server device 11 or the terminal device 12 according to the above-described embodiment. Such an information processing device can be realized by storing a program describing the processing contents for realizing each function of the server device 11 or the terminal device 12 according to the embodiment in a storage unit of the information processing device, and reading and executing the program by a CPU of the information processing device. [Additional Notes] The inventions described in the claims of the original application of this application are set forth below. [1] An information processing device for controlling a game including a game part for a user to play, storing in a storage unit a state of the game part and an event period indicating a predetermined period in association with the game part; A step of associating a specific game medium to which the game part is associated with the user; a first step of setting a state of the game part to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited when the current time is outside the event period; a second step of setting a state of the game part to a second state in which the user is permitted to play the game part if the current time is within the event period; a third step of setting the state of the game part to a third state in which the user is permitted to play when a holding request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is acquired while the state of the game part is a first state or a second state; a play step of making the user play the game part based on setting information of the game part when the state of the game part is the second state or the third state; Run the command, A program, wherein in the play step, setting information used when the state of the game part is a second state is different from setting information used when the state of the game part is a third state. [2] The program according to claim 1, A program, wherein the setting information for the game part includes at least one of the following information: information indicating the value of a predetermined parameter used when the game part is executed; information regarding the continuation of play in the game part; information indicating the difficulty level of the game part; and information indicating the type, quantity, or probability that the game medium will be associated with the user by execution of the game part. [3] The program according to claim 1 or 2, A plurality of game parts are associated with the specific game medium; the holding request includes the information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating a predetermined number of game parts that are in a first state or a second state among the plurality of game parts associated with the specific game medium; In the third step, the program defines the state of the predetermined number of game parts indicated by the acquired holding request as a third state. [4] The program according to claim 3, a play condition for permitting play of each of the plurality of game parts associated with the specific game medium is defined; The program, wherein the event request includes the information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating a predetermined number of game parts among the multiple game parts associated with the specific game medium that are in a first state or a second state and in which the play conditions are satisfied. [5] A program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a game content that can be associated with the user in response to playing the game part is associated with each of the plurality of game parts; The information processing device includes: a first identification step of identifying, when a search request is received, a game part associated with a game content that matches the search request from among the plurality of game parts; identifying a specific game medium associated with the game part identified in the first identification step, from among a plurality of specific game media; Further executing the program. [6] A program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The third step is a program that, when an event request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is obtained when the current time is any time outside the event period and / or within the event period, sets the state of the game part to a third state in which the user is allowed to play. [7] An information processing device for controlling a game including a game part for a user to play, a storage unit that stores a state of a game part and an event period indicating a predetermined period in association with the game part; A control unit, The control unit is Associating a specific game medium to which the game part is associated with the user; If the current time is outside the event period, the state of the game part is set to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited; If the current time is within the event period, the state of the game part is set to a second state in which the user is permitted to play; when a holding request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is acquired when the state of the game part is a first state or a second state, the state of the game part is set to a third state in which the user is permitted to play; performing a play process for playing the game part based on setting information of the game part when the state of the game part is the second state or the third state; An information processing device, wherein in the play process, setting information used when the state of the game part is a second state is different from setting information used when the state of the game part is a third state. [8] A method for controlling a game including a game part for a user to play, performed using an information processing device, comprising: A control unit of the information processing device storing in a storage unit a state of the game part and an event period indicating a predetermined period in association with the game part; A step of associating a specific game medium to which the game part is associated with the user; a first step of setting a state of the game part to a first state in which play by the user is prohibited when the current time is outside the event period; a second step of setting a state of the game part to a second state in which the user is permitted to play the game part if the current time is within the event period; a third step of setting the state of the game part to a third state in which the user is permitted to play when a holding request including information indicating the specific game medium and information indicating the game part is acquired while the state of the game part is a first state or a second state; a play step of playing the game part based on setting information of the game part when the state of the game part is the second state or the third state; Including, A control method, wherein in the play step, setting information used when the state of the game part is a second state is different from setting information used when the state of the game part is a third state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0185] 10. Game System 11 Server equipment 12 Terminal Equipment 13 Server Communication Section 14 Server memory section 15 Server control section 16 Network 17 Terminal communication unit 18 Terminal memory section 19 Display section 20 Input section 21 Terminal control unit 22, 22a, 22b, 22c selection buttons 23, 23a, 23b, 23c Icons 24 Information display area 25 Back button 26 Get button 27 Execution request button 28 Selection button 29, 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d Event button

Claims

1. An information processing device for controlling a game including a game part for a user to play, outputting a predetermined screen on which a game part associated with a specific game medium associated with the user and for which an event period is set; a step of acquiring an opening request including information indicating the game part selected by the user and information indicating a specific game medium associated with the selected game part as a result of the user selecting a game part that is outside the opening period from among the game parts displayed on the predetermined screen, and setting a state of the game part to a state in which the user is permitted to play; a step of having the user play the game part when the game part that is permitted to be played is selected by the user; canceling the association between the user and the specific game medium; A program to achieve this.

2. The information processing device further includes: The program according to claim 1 , further comprising a step of associating the specific game medium to which the game part is associated with the user.

3. The information processing device further includes: outputting a first screen on which a selection button corresponding to the specific game medium is selectably displayed; outputting a second screen displaying a game part associated with a specific game medium corresponding to the selection button selected by the user on the first screen, the game part having a duration set therefor, and an acquisition button for transmitting an acquisition request for the specific game medium to a server device; Run the command, The program according to claim 2, characterized in that the step of associating the specific game medium with the user associates the specific game medium to which the game part is associated with the user when the acquisition button is selected by the user.

4. The information processing device further includes: outputting a third screen on which a specific game medium associated with the user is selectably displayed; The program described in claim 1, characterized in that the specified screen displays a game part that corresponds to a specific game medium selected by the user on the third screen and has a set event period.

5. The game part further includes a play condition. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the play conditions are conditions that can be determined based on at least one of information regarding predetermined parameters including a level or stamina associated with the user, game achievement, game part play history, total play time, and login history.

6. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of having the user play the game part comprises having the user play the game part based on setting information for the game part when the game part in a state in which play is permitted is selected by the user.

7. The program according to claim 6, characterized in that the setting information of the game part defined as the state in which play is permitted is changed from the setting information when the current time of the game medium is within the event period.

8. When the current time changes from outside a period during which the game part is being played to within the period during which the game part is being played, 2. The program according to claim 1, further causing the information processing device to execute a step of stopping changes to values ​​related to the play of the game part until a period during which the game part is held ends.

9. When a request for holding a game part that has already been set to a state in which the user is permitted to play the game part is received, the request further includes information indicating another specific game medium to which the game part is associated and information indicating the game part, The information processing device further includes: 、 a step of stopping a change in a value related to play of the game part based on the other specific game medium until a period during which the game part based on the specific game medium is held ends; a step of starting to change a value related to play of the game part based on the other specific game medium when a period during which the game part based on the specific game medium is held ends; 2. The program according to claim 1, further comprising:

10. 10. The program according to claim 8, wherein the value relating to the play of the game part includes the number of times the game part has been played, the number of times it has been cleared, and / or the elapsed time.

11. The program described in claim 6, characterized in that the setting information for the game part includes at least one of the following information: information indicating the value of a predetermined parameter used when the game part is executed, information regarding the continuation of play in the game part, information indicating the difficulty level of the game part, and information indicating the type, quantity, or probability that the game medium will be associated with the user by execution of the game part.

12. a game content that can be associated with the user in response to a play of each of the plurality of game parts is associated with the game content; The information processing device includes: a first identification step of identifying, when a search request is received, a game part associated with a game content that matches the search request from among the plurality of game parts; identifying a specific game medium associated with the game part identified in the first identification step, from among a plurality of specific game media; 2. The program according to claim 1, further comprising:

13. An information processing device including a control unit for controlling a game including a game part for a user to play, The control unit, outputting a predetermined screen on which a game part associated with a specific game medium associated with the user and for which an event period is set; When a game part whose current time is outside the event period is selected by the user from among the game parts displayed on the predetermined screen, and an event request including information indicating the game part selected by the user and information indicating a specific game medium associated with the selected game part is acquired, a state of the game part is set to a state in which play by the user is permitted; When the game part that is permitted to be played is selected by the user, the game part is caused to be played by the user; An information processing device for dissolving the association between the user and the specific game medium.

14. A method for controlling a game including a game part for a user to play, the method comprising the steps of: A control unit of the information processing device, outputting a predetermined screen on which a game part associated with a specific game medium associated with the user and for which an event period is set; a step of acquiring an opening request including information indicating the game part selected by the user and information indicating a specific game medium associated with the selected game part as a result of the user selecting a game part that is outside the opening period from among the game parts displayed on the predetermined screen, and setting a state of the game part to a state in which the user is permitted to play; a step of having the user play the game part when the game part that is permitted to be played is selected by the user; canceling the association between the user and the specific game medium; A control method for executing the above.

15. The program according to claim 5, characterized in that, in the step of outputting the specified screen, game parts that satisfy the play conditions are displayed in a selectable manner, and game parts that do not satisfy the play conditions are displayed as hidden or unselectable.

Images