Information processing device and program

Abstract

To enhance a merit of having a plurality of pieces of evolution content branched from common content.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: a content information storage part for storing content information in which a plurality of pieces of evolution content branched from common content are set; a user information storage part for storing user information in which content that a user owns is set; and a privilege imparting part for imparting a privilege to a user who owns two or more pieces of evolution content branched from the common content.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] There is known a program for causing a computer to execute a game in which a user possesses a character, which is an example of content, and the character possessed by the user evolves into a stronger character (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6044729 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such games, multiple evolved characters branching off from a common character may be prepared in advance. However, there was little benefit to having multiple evolved characters branching off from a common character. Therefore, even though multiple evolved characters are prepared in advance, users tend not to obtain many of them. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to increase the benefits of possessing multiple evolved contents branched off from a common content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The main invention of the present invention to solve the above problems is: a content information storage unit that stores content information in which a plurality of evolved contents branched from a common content are set; a user information storage unit that stores user information in which content owned by a user is set; a privilege granting unit that grants privileges to a user who has two or more evolved contents branched from a common content; The information processing device is characterized by comprising: Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a computer. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a server device 20. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of character information. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of item information. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of quest information. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a client terminal 10. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation regarding evolution of a character in this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 5 is an image diagram showing an example of an evolution destination selection screen 500. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing an example of an evolution screen 550. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation relating to character synthesis in this embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a composite screen 600. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation regarding granting of a privilege in the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] At least the following points will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. That is, a content information storage unit that stores content information in which a plurality of evolved contents branched from a common content are set; a user information storage unit that stores user information in which content owned by a user is set; a privilege granting unit that grants privileges to a user who has two or more evolved contents branched from a common content; The information processing device is characterized by comprising: According to such an information processing device, a privilege is given to a user who has two or more evolved contents branched off from a common content, which increases the merit of having multiple evolved contents branched off from a common content.

[0008] Moreover, in such an information processing device, The privilege granting unit may change, as a privilege for the user, parameters set for at least one of the two or more evolution contents possessed by the user to be advantageous to the user. According to such an information processing device, a user who owns two or more evolved contents branched off from a common content is given the benefit of being able to improve the parameters set for at least one of the evolved contents. This makes it possible to increase the benefit of owning multiple evolved contents branched off from a common content.

[0009] Moreover, in such an information processing device, A synthesis unit that gradually increases the maximum value of each parameter of the synthesized evolution contents each time the user synthesizes the common content that is a branch source for each of the two or more evolution contents owned by the user; Equipped with The privilege granting unit may grant, as a privilege to the user, greater changes to parameters set for at least one of the two or more evolution contents possessed by the user to make the content more advantageous to the user, the more frequently the common content that is the source of branching is synthesized. According to such an information processing device, a user who has two or more evolved contents branched off from a common content is given the advantage that the more times the common content from which each evolved content is branched is combined with the corresponding evolved content, the more advantageous the parameters set for at least one of the evolved contents become. This makes it possible to increase the advantage of having multiple evolved contents branched off from a common content.

[0010] Moreover, in such an information processing device, The privilege granting unit may grant, as a privilege to the user, parameters set for at least two of the two or more pieces of evolution content possessed by the user to be mutually exchangeable. According to such an information processing device, a user who has two or more evolved contents branched off from a common content can have the advantage of being able to exchange parameters of one evolved content for parameters of the other evolved content, thereby increasing the advantage of having multiple evolved contents branched off from a common content.

[0011] Moreover, in such an information processing device, an evolution unit that, when an evolution condition is satisfied for a common content that is a branch source and that is owned by a user, does not allow the user to own the common content, but instead allows the user to own one of the evolution contents selected by the user from among a plurality of evolution contents branched off from the common content; Equipped with The likelihood of the evolution condition being met may be made different between a case in which the user already possesses at least one of the multiple evolution contents branching off from the common content and a case in which the user does not yet possess any of the multiple evolution contents branching off from the common content. According to such an information processing device, for example, a user who owns at least one evolved content among a plurality of evolved contents branched off from a common content can more easily evolve the common content that he / she owns into the evolved content, compared to a user who does not yet own the evolved content, making it easier for the user to own two or more evolved contents branched off from the common content.

[0012] Next, the computer a content information storage means for storing content information in which a plurality of evolved contents branched from a common content are set; a user information storage means for storing user information in which content owned by a user is set; A privilege granting means for granting privileges to a user who has two or more evolved contents branched from a common content; This is a program that enables the system to function as a According to such a program, it is possible to increase the merit of possessing a plurality of evolved contents branched off from a common content.

[0013] === Implementation form === The following describes in detail an information processing device, a program, and an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention can be widely applied to information processing devices, programs, and information processing systems that employ a game in which a user's owned content (e.g., a character) evolves into a stronger content.

[0014] <<System configuration>> Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, one or more client terminals 10 and a server device 20 are connected via a network N.

[0015] The client terminal 10 is a terminal device operated by a user, such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC, or a terminal device such as a dedicated game machine for home or commercial use. The server device 20 manages and controls the game played by the user on the client terminal 10, and performs billing processing within the game, etc. The network N is the Internet, etc., and includes a mobile wireless base station, etc.

[0016] In addition to the client-server type information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1, the present invention can also be applied to a single game device (information processing device) by providing a separate mechanism for performing billing processing within the game. The information processing system 1 in Fig. 1 is only one example, and it goes without saying that there are various system configurations depending on the application and purpose. For example, the server device 20 in Fig. 1 may be configured to be distributed across multiple computers.

[0017] <<Hardware configuration>> <Client terminal and server device> Fig. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 50 according to the present embodiment. The client terminal 10 and the server device 20 according to the present embodiment are realized by, for example, a computer 50 having the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 2. The computer 50 is an example of an information processing device.

[0018] 2, the computer 50 includes a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53, a communication interface 54, an input device 55, a display device 56, an external interface 57, and a HDD 58, all of which are connected to one another via a bus line B. Note that the server device 20 may be configured such that the input device 55 and the display device 56 are connected and used when necessary.

[0019] The CPU 51 is an arithmetic unit that loads programs and data from storage devices such as the ROM 53 and the HDD 58 onto the RAM 52 and executes various processes based on the programs and data that have been loaded, thereby achieving overall control and functionality of the computer.

[0020] The RAM 52 is an example of a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) for temporarily storing programs and data, and is also used as a work area when the CPU 51 executes various processes.

[0021] The ROM 53 is an example of a non-volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 53 stores programs and data such as the BIOS, OS settings, and network settings that are executed when the computer 50 is started.

[0022] The communication interface 54 is an interface for connecting the computer 50 to the network N. This enables the computer 50 to perform data communication via the communication interface 54.

[0023] The input device 55 is a device used by a user or an administrator to input various signals. The input device 55 in this embodiment is, for example, an operating device such as a touch panel, operation keys or buttons, a keyboard, or a mouse.

[0024] The display device 56 is a device for displaying various information on a screen to a user or an administrator. The display device 56 in this embodiment is, for example, a liquid crystal or organic EL display.

[0025] The external interface 57 is an interface for connecting to an external device so as to enable data communication. This allows the computer 50 to read and / or write data from and to a recording medium via the external interface 57. The external device is, for example, a recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, or a USB memory.

[0026] The HDD 58 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data, such as the OS, which is the basic software that controls the entire computer, and applications that provide various functions on the OS.

[0027] Instead of the HDD 58, a drive device that uses a flash memory as a storage medium (for example, a solid-state drive (SSD)) may be used.

[0028] The client terminal 10 and the server device 20 according to this embodiment can realize various processes, which will be described later, by executing a program on the computer 50 having the above-mentioned hardware configuration.

[0029] <<Software configuration>> <Server device> 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the server device 20 according to the present embodiment. The server device 20 according to the present embodiment is realized by, for example, the functional blocks shown in FIG.

[0030] The server device 20 according to the present embodiment realizes a server control unit 200, a server storage unit 220, and a server communication unit 240 by executing a program.

[0031] The server control unit 200 has a function of executing various processes in the server device 20. The server control unit 200 in this embodiment includes a request processing unit 201 and an information management unit 202.

[0032] The request processing unit 201 receives a request from the client terminal 10, performs processing corresponding to the received request, and transmits the processing result, etc. to the client terminal 10 as a response.

[0033] The information management unit 202 stores various information about users who have played the game as user information in the user information storage unit 224. Furthermore, the information management unit 202 refers to and updates the user information, etc., in response to a request from the request processing unit 201.

[0034] The server storage unit 220 has a function of storing various information in the server device 20. The server storage unit 220 in this embodiment includes a character information storage unit 221, an item information storage unit 222, a quest information storage unit 223, and a user information storage unit 224.

[0035] The character information storage unit 221 is an example of a content information storage unit, and stores character information (content information) related to characters as an example of content. The character information stored in the character information storage unit 221 is composed of various data shown below.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing an example of character information. The character information shown in FIG. 4 has items such as a character ID, a name, a rarity, a performance parameter, a skill, an evolved character, and a lottery probability. The character ID is information for uniquely identifying various characters. The name is information indicating the character name. The rarity is information indicating the rarity (rareness value) of the character. Here, one of the multiple rarity classes is initially set. In this embodiment, five levels of rarity from "1" to "5" can be set. The rarity class is not limited to five levels, and may be four or less levels, or six or more levels. The performance parameter is information indicating the ability of the character. Here, the performance values ​​of attack, defense, HP, etc. are initially set. The skill is information indicating the special ability (such as a special move) that the character has. The evolved character is information indicating a character after evolution that is even stronger than the character before evolution. In this embodiment, an evolved character without branching (a single evolved character) may be set, or an evolved character branched from a common pre-evolution character may be set. For example, in the case of "Character C," an evolved character with no branching, "Character C1," is set. In the case of "Character D," two evolved characters branching from the common "Character D," "Character D1" and "Character D2," are set. The branching of evolved characters is not limited to two, and may be three or more. The lottery probability is information indicating the probability that a character will win the lottery game.

[0037] The item information storage unit 222 stores item information related to items used in the game. The item information stored in the item information storage unit 222 is made up of various data items shown below.

[0038] Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an example of item information. The item information shown in Fig. 5 has items such as an item ID, a name, and an item effect. The item ID is information for uniquely identifying various items. The name is information indicating the name of the item. The item effect is information indicating the effect exerted by using the item.

[0039] The quest information storage unit 223 stores quest information related to quests that the user can challenge. The quest information stored in the quest information storage unit 223 is made up of the following various data.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an example of quest information. The quest information shown in FIG. 6 has items such as a quest ID, a name, necessary points, an enemy character, an obtainable character, and an obtainable item. The quest ID is information for uniquely identifying a quest that is a unit of play. The name is information indicating the name of the quest. The necessary points is information indicating the amount of game points (stamina) required to play the quest. The enemy character is information indicating a character that will be an opponent that appears in the quest among the multiple characters set in the character information stored in the character information storage unit 221. The obtainable character is information indicating one or more characters that the user can obtain in the quest among the multiple characters set in the character information stored in the character information storage unit 221. The obtainable item is information indicating one or more items that the user can obtain in the quest among the multiple items set in the item information stored in the item information storage unit 222. It is also possible to include a quest that can be challenged only by a user who has two or more evolved characters branched off from a common pre-evolved character.

[0041] The user information storage unit 224 stores user information related to the user. The user information stored in the user information storage unit 224 is composed of various data items shown below.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an example of user information. The user information shown in FIG. 7 has items such as a user ID, a name, a possessed character, a party, a possessed item, a possessed point, and play information. The user ID is information for uniquely identifying a user. The name is information indicating a user name. The possessed character is information indicating one or more characters possessed by the user at the present time among a plurality of characters set in the character information stored in the character information storage unit 221. Here, as shown in parentheses in the figure, various parameters (level, attack power, defense power, HP, etc.) of the possessed character at the present time are also set. In this embodiment, the number of times (number of times of synthesis) that the same or the same synthetic material characters are synthesized is also set. In this embodiment, among the possessed characters, the evolution parameter (current value / maximum value) is also set for the pre-evolved character. The evolution parameter is a parameter indicating a criterion for whether or not the pre-evolved character can evolve. For example, when the evolution parameter reaches the maximum value, the pre-evolved character can evolve. The current value of the evolution parameter increases by a predetermined amount each time the pre-evolved character is included in a party (also called a "deck" or "team") when the pre-evolved character is actually used in a battle. In other words, the more the user uses a pre-evolved character in a battle, the closer the current value of the evolution parameter approaches the maximum value. Also, the current value of the pre-evolved character may increase by a predetermined amount only when a quest is cleared. The party is information indicating each character constituting the user's party. In this embodiment, when a user has two or more evolved characters branched off from a common character, one of the evolved characters can be included in the party. In other words, two or more evolved characters branched off from a common character cannot be included in the same party. It is also possible to include two or more evolved characters branched off from a common character in the same party.The possessed items are information indicating one or more items currently possessed by the user among the multiple items set in the item information stored in the item information storage unit 222. The possessed points are information indicating the amount of game points currently possessed by the user. The user can play a quest by consuming the amount of his / her game points required for that quest.

[0043] The server communication unit 240 has a function of communicating with the client terminal 10 via the network N.

[0044] <Client terminal> 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment. The client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment is realized by, for example, the functional blocks shown in FIG.

[0045] The client terminal 10 according to this embodiment realizes a client control unit 100, a client storage unit 120, a client communication unit 140, an operation input receiving unit 150, and a screen display unit 160 by executing a program.

[0046] The client control unit 100 has a function of executing various processes in the client terminal 10. This client control unit 100 includes a game progression unit 101, a server access unit 102, and a display control unit 103.

[0047] The game progression unit 101 controls the progress of various games. The game progression unit 101 according to this embodiment progresses a battle game, a lottery game, a synthesis game, and the like, which will be described later, based on game operations received from the user by the client terminal 10. This game progression unit 101 includes a battle unit 101A, a privilege granting unit 101B, a character granting unit 101C, an evolution unit 101D, a synthesis unit 101E, and a selling unit 101F.

[0048] The battle unit 101A controls a battle between characters who will be opponents of each other. The battle unit 101A according to this embodiment determines the outcome of the battle between the characters who will be opponents of each other based on various parameters and the like possessed by each character included in the party.

[0049] The privilege granting unit 101B grants privileges to a user who has two or more evolved characters branched off from a common character. When a user has two or more evolved characters branched off from a common character, the privilege granting unit 101B according to this embodiment changes the parameters of at least one of the evolved characters to be advantageous to the user.

[0050] The character assigning unit 101C assigns to the user a character set in the character information stored in the character information storage unit 221. The character assigning unit 101C according to this embodiment assigns one or more characters to the user through a battle game, a lottery game, or the like.

[0051] The evolution unit 101D evolves the character owned by the user into an even stronger character. When an evolution condition is met for a pre-evolved character owned by the user, the evolution unit 101D according to this embodiment does not allow the user to possess (make the user not possess) the pre-evolved character, but instead allows the user to possess the evolved character. The evolution condition according to this embodiment is, for example, that the evolution parameter set for the pre-evolved character reaches a maximum value. Note that the evolution condition is not limited to this, and may be, for example, that all characters that are to be pre-set synthesis materials are obtained in a battle game or a lottery game, and all of them are synthesized with the pre-evolved character (the character to be synthesized).

[0052] The synthesis unit 101E enhances one character by synthesizing the other character with one of the multiple characters owned by the user, sacrificing (making the other character not owned) in exchange for sacrificing (making the other character not owned). The synthesis unit 101E according to the present embodiment, for example, increases the maximum value of the parameter set for the character to be the synthesis source stepwise every time the same character as the character to be the synthesis source is synthesized as a character to be a synthesis material. At this time, the character to be the synthesis material becomes a character not owned by the user (i.e., is sacrificed). In addition, when the user has two or more evolved characters branched from a common character (character before evolution) to be the branch source, each time the user synthesizes the common character (character before evolution) to be the branch source with each evolved character, the maximum value of the parameter of each synthesized evolved character is increased stepwise. At this time, the common character (character before evolution) to be the branch source becomes a character not owned (i.e., is sacrificed). In addition to this, when one evolved character is synthesized with another evolved character among multiple evolved characters branched from a common character, the maximum value of the parameter of the synthesized one evolved character may be increased to the next stage. At this time, other evolved characters become characters that you do not own.

[0053] The selling unit 101F sells a character owned by a user, and instead of allowing the user to own (not own) the character, gives the user a compensation. The selling unit 101F according to the present embodiment gives the user game points as an example of compensation every time the user sells his / her own character.

[0054] When access to the server device 20 becomes necessary during the course of various processes executed by the game progression unit 101, the server access unit 102 sends various processing requests to the server device 20 and receives processing results, etc. from the server device 20 as a response.

[0055] The display control unit 103 controls the screen display of the client terminal 10 in accordance with the progress of various games, etc. The display control unit 103 according to this embodiment controls the screen display of the client terminal 10 by generating data of various screens in accordance with the progress of a competitive game or a lottery game controlled by the game progression unit 101, for example.

[0056] The operation input receiving unit 150 receives operation input from a user who operates the client terminal 10. The client storage unit 120 stores installed applications (game apps, etc.) and various programs and data required for the client terminal 10 (for example, character information, item information, quest information, user information, etc., similar to the server device 20). The client communication unit 140 communicates with the server device 20. The screen display unit 160 displays the screen of the client terminal 10 under the control of the display control unit 103.

[0057] As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, the game progress and display control are performed in the client terminal 10, but may also be performed by the server device 20. Specifically, at least one of the game progress unit and the display control unit may be configured not to be provided in the client control unit 100 of the client terminal 10, but to be provided in the server control unit 200 of the server device 20.

[0058] Also, the client control unit 100 of the client terminal 10 may be of a browser type, which receives page data written in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) or the like and scripts included in the page data from the server device 20 and performs processing related to the game. Also, the client control unit 100 of the client terminal 10 may be of an application type, which performs processing related to the game based on an installed application. Fig. 8 shows the application type as an example.

[0059] <<System Overview>> Here, an overview of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment will be described. The information processing system 1 in this embodiment includes at least a fighting game, a lottery game, and a combination game.

[0060] The battle game in this embodiment is a game in which an enemy character appears against a party made up of multiple characters, and each character making up the party battles the enemy character that has appeared.

[0061] In this fighting game, multiple quests are set according to the difficulty level, with the objective of defeating enemy characters, etc. A user can form a party (also called "formation") using the characters and other items he owns, select one of the quests and challenge the enemy character to a battle. In the battle, the user may be given characters and items that are set to be obtainable in the selected quest.

[0062] The lottery game in this embodiment is a game in which a character to be given to a user is determined by lottery, on the condition that the user uses (also referred to as "consumes") items such as paid items and non-paid items. In this lottery game, when a user performs a lottery operation, one of a plurality of characters that are candidates for the lottery is selected based on the lottery probability of each character, and the determined character is given to the user.

[0063] The synthesis game in this embodiment is a game in which a user combines a synthesis source character (synthesis source character) from among multiple characters owned by the user with a synthesis material character (synthesis material character) to strengthen the synthesis source character in exchange for losing the synthesis material character.

[0064] In this synthesis game, basically, each time a character identical to the synthesis source character is combined as a synthesis material character, the maximum value of the parameters set for the synthesis source character can be increased stepwise. As an exception, if a user has two or more evolved characters branched off from a common pre-evolved character, each time the user synthesizes each evolved character using the pre-evolved character from which the user branches as synthesis material, the maximum value of each parameter of the synthesized evolved character can be increased stepwise. In other words, the pre-evolved character from which the branch originates and the evolved character from which the branch originates are treated as the same character. There is an upper limit to the increase in the maximum value. For example, the maximum value can be increased up to four stages (that is, the maximum value can be increased until the number of synthesis times reaches a maximum of four).

[0065] In addition, the information processing system 1 in this embodiment allows users to evolve characters they own into even stronger characters, and grants privileges to users who own two or more evolved characters that branch off from a common character.

[0066] In the character evolution of this embodiment, when a user has a pre-evolved character (pre-evolved character), the pre-evolved character can be exchanged for a stronger evolved character (evolved character). Specifically, when an evolution condition is met for a pre-evolved character owned by a user, the user loses the pre-evolved character, but instead becomes able to possess an evolved character. However, for multiple evolved characters branched from a common character, rather than an evolved character with no branching, when an evolution condition is met for a pre-evolved character owned by a user (i.e., a common character from which the branching originates), the user loses the pre-evolved character, but instead becomes able to possess one of the evolved characters selected by the user from the multiple evolved characters that are the branching destinations.

[0067] In this embodiment, the user's privilege is given to a user who has two or more evolved characters branched from a common character. Specifically, when a user has two or more evolved characters branched from a common character, the user is given the right to change the parameters of at least one of the evolved characters to the user's advantage. For example, when a user has two evolved characters branched from a common character, if the user forms a party including one of the evolved characters and challenges a quest, one of the evolved characters included in the party in the quest has increased ability parameters compared to when the privilege is not given. This allows the user to take advantage of the merit of having multiple evolved characters branched from a common character and fight advantageously in the quest. Note that if the user disposes of the remaining other evolved character by synthesis or sale (no longer possesses it), the user will no longer have two or more evolved characters branched from the common character, and will lose the privilege. Therefore, even if one of the evolved characters is included in the party, its ability parameters will not increase, so the user will no longer be able to fight advantageously in the quest.

[0068] In this way, users will actively collect many evolved characters that branch off from a common character in order to receive benefits such as being able to fight with an advantage in quests. As a result, it becomes possible to increase the benefits of possessing multiple evolved characters that branch off from a common character.

[0069] <<System Operation>> <Character Evolution> FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation related to the evolution of a character in this embodiment.

[0070] When a user performs a selection operation on the menu screen regarding character evolution, the client terminal 10 causes the screen display unit 160 to display a possessed character screen on which characters possessed by the user are arranged (step S11).

[0071] Specifically, when the user performs a selection operation on the menu screen, the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 requests the server access unit 102 to execute character evolution processing. When the server access unit 102 of the client terminal 10 is requested to execute character evolution processing by the evolution unit 101D, the server access unit 102 transmits a request regarding character evolution to the server device 20 together with the user ID.

[0072] When the request processing unit 201 of the server device 20 accepts the request, it requests the information management unit 202 to execute a data acquisition process. When the information management unit 202 of the server device 20 is requested to execute a data acquisition process by the request processing unit 201, it refers to the user information stored in the user information storage unit 224, acquires the user information of the user corresponding to the transmitted user ID, and acquires the character information stored in the character information storage unit 221. The request processing unit 201 transmits the user information and character information acquired by the information management unit 202 to the client terminal 10.

[0073] Thereafter, when the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 receives the information transmitted from the server device 20, it requests the display control unit 103 to execute screen display processing. When the display control unit 103 of the client terminal 10 is requested to execute screen display processing by the evolution unit 101D, it generates a possessed character screen based on the user information etc. transmitted from the server device 20 and displays it on the screen display unit 160.

[0074] When the owned character screen is displayed on the screen display unit 160 of the client terminal 10, the user can perform an operation to specify one of the owned characters on the client terminal 10. The evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines whether or not an input to specify one of the owned characters has been received through a user operation (step S12).

[0075] When the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines that an input for designating any of the owned characters has not yet been received (step S12: "NO"), it waits until the user inputs a designation. On the other hand, when it determines that an input for designating any of the owned characters has been received (step S12: "YES"), it proceeds to the next step S13.

[0076] Next, when the user performs an operation to designate one of the owned characters, the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines whether the owned character designated by the user is a pre-evolved character (pre-evolved character) based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20 (step S13).

[0077] If the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines that the character is not an evolved character (step S13: "NO"), it returns to the process of step S11 described above, and since the possessed character designated by the user is already an evolved character, it notifies the user of that effect and has the user designate a character on the possessed character screen again. On the other hand, if it determines that the character is an evolved character (step S13: "YES"), it proceeds to the next step S14.

[0078] Next, when the character specified by the user is a pre-evolved character, the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines, based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20, whether or not the specified pre-evolved character is a pre-evolved character of an evolved character with no branching (step S14).

[0079] If the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines that the character is not a pre-evolution character of an evolved character without branching (step S14: "NO"), the process proceeds to step S16, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines that the character is a pre-evolution character of an evolved character without branching (step S14: "YES"), the process proceeds to the next step S15.

[0080] Next, when the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines that the character is a pre-evolution character of an evolved character without branching, it determines whether or not the evolution condition is met for the specified pre-evolution character possessed (step S15).

[0081] Specifically, the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 judges whether or not the evolution parameters of the possessed character before evolution designated by the user are maximum values ​​based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20. Then, if the evolution parameters of the possessed character before evolution are maximum values, it is judged that the evolution condition is met.

[0082] If the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines that the evolution condition is met for the designated pre-evolution possessed character (step S15: "YES"), the process proceeds to step S20, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the evolution unit 101D determines that the evolution condition is not met for the designated pre-evolution possessed character (step S15: "NO"), the process for this character evolution ends.

[0083] Next, if the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines in the processing of step S14 described above that the character is not a pre-evolved character of an evolved character with no branching (i.e., the character is a pre-evolved character of an evolved character that is a branching destination), it determines, based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20, whether or not the user possesses at least one evolved character that is a branching destination of the specified pre-evolution character possessed (step S16).

[0084] When the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines that the user does not yet possess an evolved character that is a branch destination of the designated pre-evolution possessed character (step S16: "NO"), it determines whether the evolution condition for the designated pre-evolution possessed character is met (step S17) in the same manner as the process of step S15 described above. On the other hand, when it determines that the user possesses at least one evolved character that is a branch destination of the designated pre-evolution possessed character (step S16: "YES"), it proceeds to the next step S18 without determining whether the evolution condition is met. In this way, if a user has at least one evolved character that is the branch destination of the pre-evolved character, the evolution conditions for the pre-evolved character are considered to have already been met. Therefore, it is possible to instantly evolve the pre-evolved character into one of the evolved characters without going through a process to determine whether the evolution conditions have been met.

[0085] Next, if the user possesses at least one evolved character to which the specified pre-evolved character will branch (step S16: "YES"), or if the evolution conditions for the specified pre-evolved character are met (step S17: "YES"), the display control unit 103 of the client terminal 10 generates an evolution selection screen 500 for allowing the user to select an evolved character to which the specified pre-evolved character will branch based on the user information and character information sent from the server device 20, and displays the screen display unit 160 (step S18).

[0086] 10 is an image diagram showing an example of an evolution destination selection screen 500. This evolution destination selection screen 500 includes a pre-evolution character display area 501 that displays a possessed character before evolution specified by the user, a branch destination evolved character display area 502 that displays an evolved character that is a branch destination of the specified possessed character before evolution, and an operation button 503 for starting evolution.

[0087] When the evolution destination selection screen 500 is displayed on the screen display unit 160 of the client terminal 10, the user selects one of the evolved characters from the branch destination evolved character display area 502, and then performs an operation on the client terminal 10 to select the operation button 503. When the user performs a selection operation to start evolution into one of the evolved characters, the operation input receiving unit 150 of the client terminal 10 receives an operation input based on the user's selection operation. If the user already owns any of the evolved characters, a warning message may be displayed on the evolution destination selection screen 500 to prevent the user from accidentally evolving into the same evolved character as the one already owned (to prevent the user from choosing the wrong branch destination). If the user owns all of the branch destination evolved characters, the user may be allowed to select the same evolved character as the one already owned.

[0088] Next, returning to FIG. 9, when the operation input receiving unit 150 receives the user's operation input in this manner, the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines whether or not the operation button 503 for starting evolution on the evolution destination selection screen 500 shown in FIG. 10 has been selected by the user (step S19).

[0089] When the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines that the operation button 503 for starting evolution has not been selected by the user (step S19: "NO"), it waits until the user selects the operation button 503 for starting evolution. On the other hand, when the evolution unit 101D determines that the operation button 503 for starting evolution has been selected by the user (step S19: "YES"), it proceeds to the next step S20.

[0090] Next, when the user selects the operation button 503 to start the evolution, the display control unit 103 of the client terminal 10 generates an evolution screen 550 for evolving the specified pre-evolution character based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20, and displays it on the screen display unit 160 (step S20).

[0091] 11 is an image diagram showing an example of an evolution screen 550. This evolution screen 550 displays a pre-evolution character display area 551 in which a possessed character before evolution specified by the user is displayed, an evolved character display area 552 in which an evolved character of the possessed character before evolution specified is displayed, an operation button 553 for confirming the evolution, and an operation button 554 for canceling the evolution and transitioning to a menu screen.

[0092] A user who wishes to confirm the evolution performs an operation on the client terminal 10 to select the operation button 553 when the evolution screen 550 is displayed on the screen display unit 160 of the client terminal 10. On the other hand, a user who wishes to cancel the evolution performs an operation on the client terminal 10 to select the operation button 554 when the evolution screen 550 is displayed on the screen display unit 160 of the client terminal 10. When a selection operation for confirming the evolution or a selection operation for canceling the evolution is performed by the user, the operation input receiving unit 150 of the client terminal 10 receives an operation input based on the selection operation of the user.

[0093] Next, returning to FIG. 9, when the operation input receiving unit 150 receives the user's operation input in this manner, the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines whether or not the operation button 553 for confirming the evolution on the evolution screen 550 shown in FIG. 11 has been selected by the user (step S21).

[0094] If the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 determines that the operation button 553 for confirming the evolution has not been selected by the user, that is, if the operation button 554 for canceling the evolution has been selected (step S21: "NO"), the process for this character evolution ends. On the other hand, if the evolution unit 101D determines that the operation button 553 for confirming the evolution has been selected by the user (step S21: "YES"), the process proceeds to the next step S22.

[0095] Next, when the user selects the operation button 553 for confirming the evolution, the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 evolves the pre-evolved character owned by the user, as specified by the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20 (step S22).

[0096] Specifically, the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 updates the user information of the user so that the user does not possess the designated pre-evolution owned character, but instead possesses an evolved character that is an evolution of the designated pre-evolution owned character. Then, when the evolution unit 101D of the client terminal 10 evolves the pre-evolution owned character designated by the user, it requests the server access unit 102 to execute an update process of the user information. When the server access unit 102 of the client terminal 10 is requested by the evolution unit 101D to execute an update process of the user information, it transmits a request regarding the update process to the server device 20 together with the user ID and the character ID. After that, when the request processing unit 201 of the server device 20 accepts the request, it requests the information management unit 202 to execute a data update process. When the information management unit 202 of the server device 20 is requested by the request processing unit 201 to execute a data update process, it refers to the user information stored in the user information storage unit 224, identifies the user information of the user corresponding to the transmitted user ID, and updates the user's possessed character based on the transmitted character ID.

[0097] When a character is evolved in this way, if the user possesses a pre-evolution character of an evolved character without a branch, if the evolution conditions for that pre-evolution character are met, the user will lose that pre-evolution character, but will instead be able to possess an evolved character without a branch. On the other hand, if the user possesses a pre-evolution character of an evolved character that is a branch destination, if the evolution conditions for that pre-evolution character are met, the user will lose that pre-evolution character, but will instead be able to possess one of the branch destination evolved characters that the user selected from among the multiple branch destination evolved characters. However, in this case, if the user possesses at least one evolved character that is a branch destination of the character possessed before the evolution, it is considered that the evolution conditions for that pre-evolution character have already been met, so that no judgment is made as to whether the evolution conditions are met, and the user will immediately lose the pre-evolution character, but will be able to possess one of the branch destination evolved characters that the user selected.

[0098] <Character Combination> FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation relating to character synthesis in this embodiment.

[0099] When a user performs a selection operation on the menu screen regarding character synthesis, the client terminal 10 causes the screen display unit 160 to display a possessed character screen on which characters possessed by the user are arranged (step S31).

[0100] Specifically, when the user performs a selection operation on the menu screen, the synthesis unit 101E of the client terminal 10 requests the server access unit 102 to execute character synthesis processing. When the server access unit 102 of the client terminal 10 is requested by the synthesis unit 101E to execute character synthesis processing, the server access unit 102 transmits a request for character synthesis together with the user ID to the server device 20.

[0101] When the request processing unit 201 of the server device 20 accepts the request, it requests the information management unit 202 to execute a data acquisition process. When the information management unit 202 of the server device 20 is requested to execute a data acquisition process by the request processing unit 201, it refers to the user information stored in the user information storage unit 224, acquires the user information of the user corresponding to the transmitted user ID, and acquires the character information stored in the character information storage unit 221. The request processing unit 201 transmits the user information and character information acquired by the information management unit 202 to the client terminal 10.

[0102] Thereafter, when the synthesis unit 101E of the client terminal 10 receives the information transmitted from the server device 20, it requests the display control unit 103 to execute screen display processing. When the display control unit 103 of the client terminal 10 is requested by the synthesis unit 101E to execute screen display processing, it generates a possessed character screen based on the user information and the like transmitted from the server device 20, and causes the screen display unit 160 to display the generated screen.

[0103] When the owned character screen is displayed on the screen display unit 160 of the client terminal 10, the user can perform an operation on the client terminal 10 to designate a character to be used as a source of synthesis (source character) from among a plurality of owned characters. The synthesis unit 101E of the client terminal 10 determines whether or not an input designating any of the source characters has been accepted by a user operation (step S32).

[0104] When it is determined that an input designating any of the synthesis source characters has not yet been received (step S32: "NO"), the synthesis unit 101E of the client terminal 10 waits until a user inputs a designation. On the other hand, when it is determined that an input designating any of the possessed characters has been received (step S32: "YES"), the process proceeds to the next step S33.

[0105] Next, when the user performs an operation to designate one of the source characters, the synthesis unit 101E of the client terminal 10 determines, based on the user information transmitted from the server device 20, whether the number of synthesis times for the source character designated by the user has reached the maximum number of synthesis times (here, the maximum number of synthesis times is assumed to be four times) (step S33).

[0106] When the synthesis unit 101E of the client terminal 10 determines that the number of synthesis times of the specified synthesis source character has reached the maximum number of synthesis times (step S33: "YES"), it returns to the processing of the above-mentioned step S31, and since the number of synthesis times of the synthesis source character specified by the user has already reached the maximum number of synthesis times, it notifies the user of that fact and allows the user to specify a character on the possessed character screen again. On the other hand, when it determines that the number of synthesis times of the synthesis source character has not yet reached the maximum number of synthesis times (step S33: "NO"), it proceeds to the processing of the next step S34.

[0107] Next, if the number of synthesis attempts for the source character specified by the user has not yet reached the maximum number of synthesis attempts, the synthesis unit 101E of the client terminal 10 determines, based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20, whether the user possesses a character (synthesis material character) that can be used as a synthesis material and is identical or can be considered to be identical to the source character specified by the user (step S34).

[0108] Specifically, the synthesis unit 101E of the client terminal 10 refers to the user information and character information of the user to determine whether the user has a character (synthesis material character) identical to the specified synthesis source character. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the evolved character that is the branch destination and the pre-evolution character that is the branch source are treated as the same character. Therefore, for example, if the specified synthesis source character is an evolved character that is the branch destination, it is also determined whether the user has a pre-evolution character that is the branch source and can be considered to be the same.

[0109] When the synthesis unit 101E of the client terminal 10 determines that the user does not possess a synthesis material character that is the same as or can be considered to be the same as the specified synthesis source character (step S34: "NO"), the process returns to the above-mentioned step S31, and since the synthesis source character cannot be synthesized, the user is notified of this fact and is prompted to specify a character on the possessed character screen again. On the other hand, when the synthesis unit 101E determines that the user possesses a synthesis material character that is the same as or can be considered to be the same as the specified synthesis source character (step S34: "YES"), the process proceeds to the next step S35.

[0110] Next, if the display control unit 103 of the client terminal 10 has a synthesis material character that is identical or can be considered identical to the synthesis source character specified by the user, it generates a synthesis screen 600 of the specified synthesis source character based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20 and displays it on the screen display unit 160 (step S35).

[0111] 13 is an image diagram showing an example of a compositing screen 600. In this compositing screen 600, a compositing source character display area 601 in which a compositing source character designated by the user is displayed, a compositing material character display area 602 in which the compositing source character's compositing material character is displayed, an operation button 603 for confirming the compositing, and an operation button 604 for canceling the compositing and transitioning to a menu screen are displayed. Note that in the compositing material character display area 602 in this embodiment, a plurality of compositing material characters for the compositing source character may be displayed. In this case, the user is allowed to select a desired compositing material character.

[0112] A user who wishes to confirm the compositing performs an operation on the client terminal 10 to select the operation button 603 when the compositing screen 600 is displayed on the screen display unit 160 of the client terminal 10. On the other hand, a user who wishes to cancel the compositing performs an operation on the client terminal 10 to select the operation button 604 when the compositing screen 600 is displayed on the screen display unit 160 of the client terminal 10. When a selection operation for confirming the compositing or a selection operation for canceling the compositing is performed by the user, the operation input receiving unit 150 of the client terminal 10 receives an operation input based on the selection operation of the user.

[0113] Next, returning to FIG. 12, when the operation input receiving unit 150 receives the user's operation input in this manner, the compositing unit 101E of the client terminal 10 determines whether or not the operation button 603 for confirming the compositing on the compositing screen 600 shown in FIG. 13 has been selected by the user (step S36).

[0114] If the synthesis unit 101E of the client terminal 10 determines that the operation button 603 for finalizing the synthesis has not been selected by the user, that is, if the operation button 604 for canceling the synthesis has been selected (step S36: "NO"), the synthesis unit 101E ends the processing related to this character synthesis. On the other hand, if the synthesis unit 101E determines that the operation button 603 for finalizing the synthesis has been selected by the user (step S36: "YES"), the processing proceeds to the next step S37.

[0115] Next, when the user selects the operation button 603 for confirming the synthesis, the synthesis unit 101E of the client terminal 10 synthesizes the source character specified by the user based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20 (step S37).

[0116] Specifically, the synthesis unit 101E of the client terminal 10 updates the user information of the user so that the user does not possess a synthesis material character that is the same as or can be considered the same as the designated synthesis source character, but instead possesses the designated synthesis source character as is. In addition, the maximum values ​​of various parameters (attack, defense, HP, etc.) set for the designated synthesis source character are increased by one level.

[0117] For example, if a user has not only an evolved character that branched off from a common character (character before evolution), but also the common character (character before evolution) that branched off from, and then specifies the evolved character that branched off from as the synthesis source character to perform synthesis, the common character (character before evolution) that branched off from can be used as synthesis material. As a result of this synthesis, the maximum value of the ability parameters, etc. of the evolved character that branched off from the synthesis source character can be increased by one level.

[0118] Then, when the synthesis unit 101E of the client terminal 10 finishes synthesis of the source character designated by the user, it requests the server access unit 102 to execute a user information update process. When the server access unit 102 of the client terminal 10 is requested by the synthesis unit 101E to execute a user information update process, it transmits a request for the update process to the server device 20 together with the user ID and the character ID. After that, when the request processing unit 201 of the server device 20 accepts the request, it requests the information management unit 202 to execute a data update process. When the information management unit 202 of the server device 20 is requested by the request processing unit 201 to execute a data update process, it refers to the user information stored in the user information storage unit 224, identifies the user information of the user corresponding to the transmitted user ID, and updates the character owned by the user based on the transmitted character ID.

[0119] When characters are synthesized in this manner, if the user possesses not only the original character but also a synthesis material character that is identical or can be considered identical to the original character, the user will lose the synthesis material character but will be able to gradually increase the maximum values ​​of various parameters set for the original character.

[0120] <Granting privileges> FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation regarding the granting of a privilege in this embodiment.

[0121] When user information is updated as a result of evolving a character specified by the user as described above, the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 determines whether the user possesses a newly evolved character based on the character information (step S51).

[0122] If the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 determines that the user does not have a new evolved character (step S51: "NO"), the privilege granting unit 101B ends the process related to the privilege granting. On the other hand, if the privilege granting unit 101B determines that the user has a new evolved character (step S51: "YES"), the process proceeds to the next step S52.

[0123] Next, when the user acquires a new evolved character, the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 determines, based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20, whether or not the newly evolved character acquired by the user is an evolved character without branching (step S52).

[0124] When the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 determines that the evolved character newly owned by the user is an evolved character without a branch (step S52: "YES"), the privilege granting unit 101B ends the process related to the privilege granting. On the other hand, when the privilege granting unit 101B determines that the evolved character newly owned by the user is not an evolved character without a branch, that is, an evolved character that is a branch destination (step S52: "NO"), the process proceeds to the next step S53.

[0125] Next, if the newly evolved character possessed by the user is not an evolved character without branching, that is, an evolved character that is the destination of branching, the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 determines, based on the user information and character information transmitted from the server device 20, whether the user possesses two or more evolved characters that share the new evolved character with the pre-evolved character that is the source of the branching (step S53).

[0126] For example, if "Character D1" and "Character D2" are set as evolved characters branched off from a common pre-evolutionary "Character D," and a user who previously owned "Character D1" now possesses "Character D2," the user will possess two or more evolved characters that share the same pre-evolutionary character from which the characters branched off, and the determination process will be positive.

[0127] When the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 determines that the pre-evolution characters of the branch origin do not have two or more common evolved characters (step S53: "NO"), the privilege granting unit 101B ends the process related to the privilege granting. On the other hand, when the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 determines that the pre-evolution characters of the branch origin have two or more common evolved characters (step S53: "YES"), the privilege granting unit 101B proceeds to the next step S54.

[0128] Next, the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 grants privileges to a user when the user has two or more evolved characters that share a common pre-evolved character as a branch source (step S54).

[0129] Specifically, the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 changes the parameters of at least one evolved character among two or more evolved characters that have a common pre-evolution character of the branch source to be advantageous to the user as a privilege for the user. In this embodiment, as a privilege for the user, various parameters (attack, defense, HP, etc.) set for at least one evolved character are increased (the maximum value of various parameters is increased). For example, when a user possesses all two evolved characters that have a common pre-evolution character of the branch source, and forms a party including one of the evolved characters and challenges a quest, one evolved character included in the party in the quest can have increased ability parameters (attack, defense, HP, etc.) compared to when there is no privilege. Therefore, the user can take advantage of the merit of possessing multiple evolved characters branched from a common character and fight advantageously in the quest. Note that the other evolved character not included in the party may have various parameters increased in the same way as one evolved character, or may not have various parameters increased unlike one evolved character.

[0130] The privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 then significantly changes the parameters set for at least one of the two or more evolved characters that share a common pre-evolution character from which the branch origin is synthesized as a synthesis material (i.e., the more times the synthesis is performed), so that the parameters are more advantageous to the user. In this embodiment, the various parameters (attack, defense, HP, etc.) set for the at least one evolved character are significantly increased (the maximum values ​​of the various parameters are significantly increased). For example, if a user possesses all two evolved characters that share a common pre-evolution character from which the branch origin is synthesized for one of the evolved characters, the total number of synthesis times is "two times." If the number of synthesis times for the pre-evolution character that is the branch origin for one of the evolved characters is "one time" and the number of synthesis times for the pre-evolution character that is the branch origin for the other evolved character is "one time," the total number of synthesis times is "two times." If the total number of synthesis times is "2 times," and the user forms a party including one evolved character and challenges a quest, the ability parameters (attack, defense, HP, etc.) of one evolved character included in the party will be "1.2 times" compared to when the privilege is not given. For example, if the total number of synthesis times calculated in this way is "4 times," the ability parameters (attack, defense, HP, etc.) of one evolved character included in the party will be "1.4 times" compared to when the privilege is not given. For example, if the total number of synthesis times calculated in this way is "8 times," the ability parameters (attack, defense, HP, etc.) of one evolved character included in the party will be "1.8 times" compared to when the privilege is not given.

[0131] In this way, by giving privileges to users who have two or more evolved characters that share a common pre-evolution character from which they branch, each user will be encouraged to actively collect many evolved characters that branch off from the common pre-evolution character in order to receive benefits such as being able to fight advantageously in quests. As a result, it is possible to increase the benefits of having multiple evolved characters that branch off from a common pre-evolution character.

[0132] ===Other embodiments=== The above-described embodiments are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and equivalents thereof are also included in the present invention. In particular, the following embodiments are also included in the present invention.

[0133] <Conditions for granting privileges> In the above embodiment, a case where a privilege is granted to a user who has two or more evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution character has been described as an example, but a privilege may be granted to a user who has two or more evolved characters with different branch destinations, or a privilege may be granted to a user who has two or more evolved characters with the same branch destination. For example, when "character D1" and "character D2" are set as two evolved characters branched from a common pre-evolution "character D", a privilege may be granted to a user who has "character D1" and "character D2", which are evolved characters with different branch destinations, or a privilege may be granted to a user who has two "character D1" (or two "character D2"), which are evolved characters with the same branch destination.

[0134] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example was given of granting privileges to users who currently possess two or more evolved characters that branched off from a common pre-evolved character, but privileges may also be granted to users who have previously possessed two or more evolved characters that branched off from a common pre-evolved character, including at some point in the past.

[0135] In the above embodiment, a privilege is granted to a user by possessing two or more evolved characters branched off from a common pre-evolution character, but the privilege may be granted to a user not only by possessing two or more evolved characters branched off from a common pre-evolution character, but also by including any one of the evolved characters in a party to be used in a battle. Also, the privilege may be granted to a user by including each evolved character in a party to be used in a battle.

[0136] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example was given of a case in which a user is automatically granted privileges upon possessing two or more evolved characters that branch off from a common pre-evolved character, but privileges may only be granted when the user performs a specified operation after possessing two or more evolved characters that branch off from a common pre-evolved character.

[0137] <Examples of privileges> In the above-described embodiment, an example was given of a case where the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 grants a privilege to a user by changing the parameters of an evolved character branched off from a common pre-evolved character to the user's advantage, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0138] For example, as a privilege given to a user by the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10, parameters set for at least two evolved characters among two or more evolved characters branched off from a common pre-evolved character may be made mutually exchangeable. Specifically, when a user to whom the privilege has been granted possesses all two evolved characters branched off from a common pre-evolved character, the ability value of one of the evolved characters can be replaced with the ability value of the other evolved character. Note that in this case, it is also possible to make the characters mutually exchangeable on the condition that the user uses a specified item.

[0139] Also, for example, as a privilege given to a user by the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10, the character designs (e.g., costumes, hairstyles, equipment, etc.) set for at least two evolved characters out of two or more evolved characters branched off from a common pre-evolved character may be made mutually exchangeable. Specifically, if a user to whom the privilege has been granted possesses all two evolved characters branched off from a common pre-evolved character, the costume of one of the evolved characters can be changed to the costume of the other evolved character. At this time, it is also possible to make the characters mutually exchangeable as a condition for the user to use a specified item.

[0140] Also, for example, as a privilege given to a user by the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10, the parameters of two or more evolved characters branching off from a common pre-evolved character that are most advantageous to the user may be set as the parameters of each evolved character.

[0141] Also, for example, it is possible to set the amount of game points consumed when playing a quest as a privilege given to a user by the privilege granting unit 101B of the client terminal 10 to be less than when the privilege is not given.

[0142] <Special evolution> In the above embodiment, when the user obtains all of the evolved characters that branch off from a common pre-evolution character, the user may be allowed to acquire a special evolved character that is further evolved from the evolved character. Although the special evolved character is prepared in advance in the character information, it may be set to a secret state in the initial setting, and may be set to an open state from the secret state when the user obtains all of the evolved characters.

[0143] <Evolution conditions> In the above embodiment, it is also possible to make the ease of satisfying the evolution condition different between a case where the user already owns at least one evolved character among the multiple evolved characters branched off from a common pre-evolution character and a case where the user does not yet own any of the multiple evolved characters branched off from the common pre-evolution character. For example, even if the user already owns at least one evolved character among the multiple evolved characters branched off from a common pre-evolution character, if the evolution condition is that the evolution parameter of the common pre-evolution character is maximized, the maximum value may be set lower for a user who already owns one evolved character branched off from the common pre-evolution character than for a user who does not yet own any.

[0144] <Evolution from evolved characters> In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the pre-evolved character can be evolved by the user selecting one of the multiple evolved characters branched off from a common pre-evolved character, but in case the user mistakenly selects an evolved character that he or she already owns, it may be possible to allow the user to evolve one evolved character into another evolved character by exchange. In this case, it is also possible to make the exchange possible on the condition that the user uses a specified item.

[0145] <Contents> In the above embodiment, the content is a character set in the character information, but the content is not limited to this. For example, the content may be an item, a card, a figure, an avatar, an icon, or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Client Terminal 20 Server equipment 50 Computers 51 CPU 52 RAM 53 ROM 54 Communication Interface 55 Input Devices 56 Display device 57 External Interface 58 HDD 100 Client control section 101 Game Progression Section 101A Battle Club 101B Privileges Division 101C Character Assignment Department 101D Evolution Department 101E Synthesis Department 101F Sales Department 102 Server Access Section 103 Display control unit 120 Client Memory 140 Client Communication Section 150 Operation input reception unit 160 Screen display section 200 Server control unit 201 Request processing unit 202 Information Management Department 220 Server memory 221 Character information storage unit 222 Item information storage unit 223 Quest information storage unit 224 User information storage unit 240 Server Communication Department 500 Evolution selection screen 501 Pre-evolution character display area 502 Branching character display area 503 Operation button 550 Evolution screen 551 Pre-evolution character display area 552 Evolution character display area 553 Operation button 554 Operation button 600 composite screen 601 Original character display area 602 Composite character display area 603 Operation button 604 Operation button B Bus Line N Network

Claims

1. a content information storage unit that stores content information in which a plurality of types of evolved content branched from a common content is set; a user information storage unit that stores user information in which content owned by a user is set; a privilege granting unit that determines whether or not the user has a plurality of evolved contents branched from a common content based on the content information and the user information, and grants a privilege to the user when the determination is affirmative; Equipped with the privilege granting unit, when the user plays a game using one of the evolution contents owned by the user as the privilege, changes a parameter set for the one evolution content to be advantageous to the user even if the one evolution content is not combined with another evolution content among the evolution contents; 23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

2. A computer, a content information storage means for storing content information in which a plurality of types of evolved content branched off from a common content is set; a user information storage means for storing user information in which content owned by a user is set; a privilege granting means for determining whether or not the user owns a plurality of evolved contents branched from a common content based on the content information and the user information, and granting a privilege to the user when the determination is affirmative; Function as a the privilege granting means, when the user plays a game using one of the evolution contents owned by the user as the privilege, changes a parameter set for the one evolution content to be advantageous to the user even if the one evolution content is not combined with another evolution content from the evolution contents; A program characterized by:

Images