Program and information processing system

Abstract

To provide a program that improves the enjoyment of a service. [Solution] The device functions as an effect determination means for determining the degree of effect of an object in a virtual space based on period information associated with the virtual space and period information associated with an object used by a user in the virtual space. Also, when the period information associated with the virtual space and the period information associated with an object used by a user in the virtual space satisfy a predetermined condition, the object exerts an advantageous effect in the virtual space compared to when the predetermined condition is not satisfied.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are known techniques that enable the use of objects in a virtual space (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Weblio Dictionary, "Survival Kids", [online], 2024, [searched March 26, 2024], Internet <URL:https: / / www.weblio.jp / wkpja / content / %E3%82%B5%E3%83%90%E3%82%A4%E3%83%90%E3%83%AB%E3%82%AD%E3%83%83%E3%82%BA_%E9%A3%9F%E3%81%B9%E7%89%A9> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to improve the interest of a service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the program of the present invention comprises: Computer, Any one of the virtual spaces including a first virtual space corresponding to the first period information, a second virtual space corresponding to the second period information prior to the first period information, and a third virtual space corresponding to the third period information subsequent to the first period information. A means for allowing a user to select a second object from among the objects available to the user, including a first object corresponding to the first period information, a second object corresponding to the second period information, and a third object corresponding to the third period information. Compared to when the object is used in the second virtual space, Second The effect of the object when it is used in the first virtual space can be limited. Third,Compared to when the object is used in the third virtual space, Third The effect of an object when it is used in the first virtual space can be limited. As a means Make it work. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the interest of the service is improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining each component of the information processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the information processing system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the information processing system. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a specific example of a play screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the operation of the information processing system. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the number of excavation times. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a specific example of a selection screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a configuration for recovering durability. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart of each process in the information processing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining each component of an information processing system 1000. The information processing system 1000 includes a server device 100, a terminal device 200, and a blockchain network 300. As shown in Fig. 1, each of the above components can communicate with each other via a network I. As the network I, for example, the Internet is assumed.

[0009] The server device 100 is managed by a game operator (for example, a company that operates the game) and enables a so-called NFT (Non-Fungible Token) game to be executed on the terminal device 200. Although details will be described later, the NFT game of this embodiment progresses in a virtual space Sv displayed by the terminal device 200. Note that while FIG. 1 shows an example in which the server device 100 is configured from a single server device, the server device 100 may be configured from a plurality of server devices (systems).

[0010] The terminal device 200 acquires various information from the server device 100 and progresses the NFT game. For example, a personal computer may be used as the terminal device 200. Note that, although a desktop personal computer is illustrated as the terminal device 200 in FIG. 1, a notebook personal computer or a tablet personal computer may be used as the terminal device 200. Also, a smartphone or a portable game machine may be used as the terminal device 200.

[0011] A display device 201 and an operation device 202 are connected to the terminal device 200. The display device 201 includes, for example, a flat display configured with an organic EL (Electro Luminescence). The display device 201 is controlled by the terminal device 200 and displays various images including the virtual space Sv. The operation device 202 is assumed to be, for example, a keyboard and a pointing device (mouse). The user can proceed with the NFT game by appropriately operating the operation device 202.

[0012] The blockchain network 300 includes a plurality of node devices 301. The node devices 301 can communicate with each other using a P2P (Peer to Peer) communication method. Each node device 301 runs a blockchain protocol to store (update) a common blockchain as a database. A known protocol can be adopted as the blockchain protocol. For example, the Ethereum protocol can be preferably adopted. The blockchain network 300 is also equipped with a known smart contract function and is configured to be able to automatically complete various transactions.

[0013] In an NFT game, various items (digital assets) are given to users. In this embodiment, an item for which an NFT has been issued may be referred to as an "NFT item." When issuing an NFT, an NFT issuance request is sent to the blockchain system 300 from the wallet of the server device 100 or the terminal device 200. When the NFT issuance request is sent, index data of the item is stored in the blockchain. The above index data includes identification information of the index data in the blockchain, the owner (address) of the NFT item, and information indicating the storage destination of the metadata of the NFT item.

[0014] The information processing system 1000 (for example, the server device 100) stores image data (content data) representing each item, and metadata for the item. The above metadata includes, for example, a uniform resource locator (URL) for the image data representing the item, and the name, summary, and parameters (characteristics and properties) of the item. In the following, issuing an NFT for an item may be referred to as "making an item into an NFT."

[0015] The blockchain (index data) is substantially impossible to tamper with. Therefore, an NFT item whose index data is stored in the blockchain functions as a substantially non-fungible digital asset. The server device 100 itself may be configured to function as a node device of the blockchain system 300.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the information processing system 1000. As described above, the information processing system 1000 includes a server device 100, a terminal device 200, and a blockchain system 300. As shown in Fig. 2, the server device 100 includes a processing device 101, a storage device 102, and a communication device 103. Each of the above components is connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a system bus.

[0017] The processing device 101 controls the entire server device 100. The processing device 101 may be composed of a single or multiple processors. Specifically, the processing device 101 may be composed of one or more types of processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0018] The storage device 102 stores various programs including a basic program and an application program. As the storage device 102, a known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium can be adopted. The storage device 102 may be configured with one recording medium or multiple recording media. The application programs stored in the storage device 102 include an application program for realizing the above-mentioned wallet function.

[0019] As an application program for implementing the wallet function, a publicly known application program is appropriately adopted. The server device 100 transmits each request for updating the above-mentioned block chain to the block chain system 300 by using the wallet function. The communication device 103 communicates with the terminal device 200 and the block chain system 300 (each node device 301) via the network I.

[0020] The storage device 102 of the server device 100 stores various data used in the NFT game in association with the user's identification information. For example, various data including items owned by the user, the level of the user (user character described below), and parameters of each item are stored in the server device 100. The server device 100 also stores content data (image data) representing the above-mentioned NFT items, and metadata for the NFT items.

[0021] However, the data (content data, metadata) of the above NFT items may be stored by something other than the server device 100. For example, the data may be stored in a known IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) that is composed of multiple nodes. In addition, both or either of the content data and metadata may be stored in the blockchain (node ​​device 301).

[0022] The terminal device 200 includes a processing device 203, a storage device 204, and a communication device 205. The above-mentioned display device 201 and operation device 202 are connected to the terminal device 200. The processing device 203 of the terminal device 200 controls the entire terminal device 200. For example, the processing device 203 of the terminal device 200 may be composed of a single or multiple processors, similar to the processing device 101 of the above-mentioned server device 100. Specifically, the processing device 203 may be composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU, a GPU, a DSP, an FPGA, or an ASIC.

[0023] The storage device 204 stores various programs including a basic program and an application program. For example, the storage unit 204 of the terminal device 200 stores a Web browser (application program). The terminal device 200 acquires various data (HTML files, image data, etc.) for executing the NFT game from the server device 100 through the Web browser. In addition, the application programs stored in the terminal device 200 (storage device 204) include an application program for realizing the above-mentioned wallet function.

[0024] A user can purchase utility tokens at a cryptocurrency exchange using the wallet function of the terminal device 200. The above utility tokens are used, for example, when acquiring a predetermined NFT item (digging item Gp, described below). Using the wallet function of the terminal device 200, the owner (address) of the utility token on the blockchain can be changed to the user himself / herself. For ease of explanation, hereinafter, changing the owner of a utility token on the blockchain to a user may be described as "putting the utility token into the user's wallet", etc.

[0025] In addition, users can exchange NFT items (gem items Gj and excavation items Gp described below) acquired in the NFT game for utility tokens of other users. Specifically, the wallet function of the terminal device 200 can change the owner of an NFT item on the blockchain to another user. Similarly, users can exchange utility tokens they own for NFT items owned by other users. The above transactions of NFT items are carried out via a marketplace Mp described below. Hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, changing the owner of an NFT item on the blockchain to another user may be described as "putting the NFT item into the wallet of the user" or the like.

[0026] As the storage device 204 of the terminal device 200, for example, a known storage medium such as a semiconductor storage medium or a magnetic storage medium can be adopted. The storage device 204 may be configured with one storage medium or may be configured with multiple storage media. The communication device 205 communicates with the server device 100 and the blockchain network 300 via the network I.

[0027] As described above, the blockchain network 300 includes a plurality of node devices 301. As described above, each of the node devices 301 can communicate with each other by a P2P communication method. In addition, a common blockchain protocol runs in each node device 301.

[0028] Each of the node devices 301 includes a processing device 302, a storage device 303, and a communication device 304. The processing device 302 of the node device 301 controls the entire node device 301. The processing device 302 may be composed of a single processor or multiple processors, similar to the processing device 101 of the server device 100 described above.

[0029] The storage device 303 stores various programs including a basic program and an application program. In addition, each storage unit 303 of each node device 301 stores a common blockchain. The above blockchain is composed of a plurality of blocks. Each block of the blockchain contains transaction data such as NFT items including the above-mentioned index data.

[0030] Transaction data is broadcast from the server device 100 or the terminal device 200 to each node device 301. The above transaction data includes a signature of the entity that generated the transaction data. The signature in the transaction data is generated by a private key managed by the entity that generated the transaction data. A block generated based on the transaction data is newly added to the blockchain using a known consensus program. The communication device 304 of the node device 301 enables communication with the server device 100, the terminal device 200, and other node devices 301.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of the information processing system 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment is configured to include a management device 10, a terminal device 20, and a blockchain system 30. For example, the above-mentioned server device 100 executes a program to function as the management device 10. Also, the above-mentioned terminal device 200 executes a program to function as the terminal device 20. Similarly, each node device 301 executes a program to cause the blockchain system 300 to function as the blockchain system 30. Each of the above configurations can communicate via the network I.

[0032] The management device 10 includes an effect determining means 11, a notification control means 12, and a usage limiting means 13. However, the terminal device 20 may be configured to include some or all of the above components (functions).

[0033] The effect determination means 11 determines the degree of effect (number of excavations N) of an object in the virtual space Sv based on period information (space number X) associated with the virtual space Sv and period information (space number Y) associated with an object (digging item Gp) used by the user in the virtual space Sv. Note that the "period information" of the present invention is not limited to information that directly indicates date and time, and is sufficient as long as it is possible to grasp the release time T of the virtual space Sv or the object. For example, in this embodiment, the release time T of each virtual space Sv is grasped from the space number X described below. Also, the release time T of each object (digging item Gp) is grasped from the item number Y described below.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the period information (space number X) associated with the virtual space Sv and the period information (item number Y) associated with the object (digging item Gp) used by the user in the virtual space Sv satisfy a predetermined condition (for example, "X=Y"), the object exerts an advantageous effect within the virtual space Sv (the number of digging times N described below is reduced) compared to when the condition is not satisfied.

[0035] Specifically, when the space number X of the virtual space Sv and the item number Y of the excavation item Gp match, it is possible to efficiently excavate the gem item Gj (item that can be converted to NFT) compared to when they do not match. In other words, when the excavation item Gp is ​​used in a virtual space Sv released at the same time, it is possible to efficiently excavate the gem item Gj. The above configuration will be described in detail later (see FIG. 6(b)). The notification control means 12 makes it possible to notify the virtual space Sv that satisfies the above-mentioned predetermined conditions (see FIG. 7(a) described later).

[0036] When the period information (space number X) associated with the virtual space Sv is first period information (for example, X=n) and the period information (item number Y) associated with the object is second period information (Y=n-1) that precedes the first period information (when the excavation item Gp is ​​older than the virtual space Sv), the effect of using the object in the virtual space Sv is limited compared to when the period information associated with the virtual space Sv and the period information associated with the object satisfy a specified condition (X=Y).

[0037] Specifically, when an excavation item Gp older than the virtual space Sv is used, gem items Gj cannot be excavated efficiently compared to when an excavation item Gp released at the same time as the virtual space Sv is used. Also, the greater the time difference between the first period information (release time T of the virtual space Sv) and the second period information (release time T of the excavation item Gp), the more limited the effect that can be exhibited (the lower the excavation efficiency). The above configuration will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6(b). Furthermore, when the above time difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined period, the use restriction means 13 makes the object (excavation item Gp) unusable in the virtual space Sv and can notify the user of this fact. The above configuration will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7(b) later.

[0038] Also, if the period information (space number X) associated with the virtual space Sv is the first period information (for example, X=n) and the period information (item number Y) associated with the object is the third period information (Y=n+1) that is later than the first period information (if the virtual space Sv is older than the excavation item Gp), the object becomes unusable in the virtual space. The above configuration will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 6(a).

[0039] Alternatively to the above configuration, when the period information (space number X) associated with the virtual space Sv is the first period information (for example, X=n) and the period information (item number Y) associated with the object is the third period information (Y=n+1) that is later than the first period information (when the virtual space Sv is older than the excavation item Gp), the effect of using the object in the virtual space may be limited (the number of excavation times N is increased) compared to when the period information associated with the virtual space Sv and the period information associated with the object satisfy a predetermined condition (X=Y).

[0040] The status improvement means 14 improves the status of the object (durability of the digging item Gp) at a predetermined opportunity (use of the gemstone item Gs, consumption of the token T). Specifically, the object includes a first object (digging item Gpn) and a second object (digging item Gpn+1) that is released to the user after the first object. The improvement amount of the status of the first object is more disadvantageous to the user when the opportunity occurs in the period after the second object is released than when the opportunity occurs in the period before the second object is released. The above configuration will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8(b).

[0041] The object (digging item Gp) is linked to meta information (for example, total mining amount) that indicates the characteristics of the object, and can be traded as a digital asset (NFT item) that is non-fungible by blockchain technology. When the object is used in a virtual space that was opened at the same time as the object among the sequentially opened virtual spaces, it is easier to improve the meta information of the object (it is easier to improve the total mining amount) compared to when the object is used in a virtual space that was opened at a different time. The above configuration will be described in detail using Figures 7(a) and 7(b) described later.

[0042] FIG. 4(a) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the play screen Mp of this embodiment. A virtual space Sv and a user character Gu are displayed on the play screen Mp. The user character Gu represents a user in the virtual space Sv. Note that, as will be described in detail later, the user can select one of a plurality of types of virtual spaces Sv (see FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b) described later). The virtual space Sv selected by the user is displayed on the play screen Mp.

[0043] The play screen Mp is displayed by switching to either a movement mode or an excavation mode. For example, the specific example of FIG. 4(a) assumes the play screen Mp in the movement mode. The user character Gu moves in the virtual space Sv in response to the operation of the above-mentioned operation device 105 (for example, a keyboard). During the period in which the user character Gu moves in the virtual space Sv, the play screen Mp is displayed in the movement mode.

[0044] The virtual space Sv includes a mine object Gm. The mine object Gm includes a plurality of excavable areas. The excavable areas of the mine object Gm are areas that can be excavated using an excavation item Gp. The user can excavate the mine object Gm using an excavation item Gp by moving the user character Gu to any one of the excavable areas and performing a predetermined operation (hereinafter, "excavation operation"). For example, a left click of the mouse (operation device 105) can be used as the excavation operation.

[0045] By excavating the mine object Gm, an ore object Gо (see FIG. 4(b) described later) may be excavated. Note that an excavable area in the mine object Gm may be notified in response to an operation of the operation device 105 (e.g., right-clicking the mouse). When an excavation operation is performed during a period in which the play screen Mp is displayed in the movement mode, the play screen Mp switches to the excavation mode.

[0046] FIG. 4(b) is a specific example of the play screen Mp in the excavation mode. In the play screen Mp in the excavation mode, the mine object Gm is displayed in an enlarged scale compared to the play screen Mp in the movement mode described above. As described above, when an excavation operation is performed during the period in which the play screen Mp in the excavation mode is displayed, the mine object Gm is excavated. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4(b), an excavation position P is set on the play screen Mp in the excavation mode. When an excavation operation is performed, a part of the excavable area located at the excavation position P is excavated (collapsed) by the excavation item Gp.

[0047] The user can excavate the entire excavable area by repeatedly performing excavation operations on the excavable area. Note that, although details will be described later, depending on the relationship between the release time T (space number X) of the virtual space Sv (mine object Gm) and the release time T (item number Y) of the excavation item Gp, the mine object Gm may not be excavated (does not collapse) in one excavation operation. In such cases, the number of excavation operations required to excavate the entire excavable area is greater than when the mine object Gm can be excavated in one excavation operation.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4(b), an ore object Gо may be excavated from inside the excavable area of ​​the mine object Gm. However, depending on the excavable area, an ore object Gо may not be excavated. When excavation in the excavable area is completed, the user moves the user character Gu to excavate another excavable area. In this embodiment, about 30 ore objects Gо can be excavated from one virtual space Sv.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 4(b), either a pyroxene item Gs or a gem item Gj is hidden inside the ore object Gо. With the above configuration, when the ore object Gо is discovered, it is possible to conceal from the user whether the ore object Gо contains a pyroxene item Gs or a gem item Gj.

[0050] By digging the ore object Gо, the user can obtain a gemstone item Gs or a gem item Gj from the ore object Gо. The ore object Gо is displayed in a manner that can be distinguished from the mine object Gm. For example, the mine object Gm is colored like natural rock or soil (brown), while the ore object Gо is colored blue.

[0051] The gem item Gj is an item that can be converted into an NFT. After being converted into an NFT, the gem item Gj can be exchanged for utility tokens of other users in the marketplace Mp described below. As described above, about 30 ore objects Gо are excavated from one virtual space Sv. In this embodiment, of the about 30 ore objects Gо, about three ore objects Gо contain gem objects Gj, and the remaining ore objects Gо contain pyroxene items Gs. In other words, the gem item Gj is a rarer item than the pyroxene item Gs.

[0052] The pyroxene item Gs can be exchanged for a predetermined utility token (hereinafter, "token T"). Specifically, at a predetermined time (for example, 3:00 p.m.), a token T corresponding to the number of pyroxene items Gs possessed by the user is sent to the wallet of the user. Note that instead of a configuration in which the token T is automatically sent to the wallet in exchange for the pyroxene item Gs, a configuration in which the user can manually exchange the pyroxene item Gs for the token T at any time may be adopted. In addition, although a configuration in which the pyroxene item Gs cannot be NFTized is adopted in this embodiment, a configuration in which the pyroxene item Gs can be NFTized may also be adopted.

[0053] 5 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the flow of transactions of NFT items (Gp, Gj) and tokens T in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, a virtual space Sv and an excavation item Gp are provided (released) to each user by a game operator Mc (S1 in FIG. 5). Specifically, the virtual space Sv and the excavation item Gp are released to each user at predetermined intervals (for example, approximately every six months).

[0054] A user Ua can exchange the token T in his / her wallet Wa for an excavation item Gp (S2 and S3 in FIG. 5). As described above, a user can obtain a token T in exchange for a gemstone item Gs. However, the token T can also be obtained at a publicly known cryptocurrency exchange. For example, a user who first starts the NFT game of this embodiment does not have a gemstone item Gs, so he / she obtains a token T using legal tender at an exchange and obtains an excavation item Gp in exchange for the token T.

[0055] A user Ua who possesses an excavation item Gp can play the game in the virtual space Sv (S4 in FIG. 5). That is, by acquiring the excavation item Gp, the user can participate in mining of gem items Gj. In the virtual space Sv, a mine object Gm is excavated by the excavation item Gp, and gem items Gj and pyroxene items Gs are acquired (S5 in FIG. 5).

[0056] In this embodiment, when the gem item Gj is acquired, the gem item Gj is not NFTed. After acquiring the gem item Gj, the user can execute a procedure to NFT the gem item Gj (S6 in FIG. 5). For example, the gem item Gj is NFTed when it is put up for sale on the marketplace Mp. When the gem item Gj is NFTed, the gem item Gj is sent to the user's wallet W.

[0057] NFT items acquired in the virtual space Sv (including items that have been converted into NFTs after acquisition) can be put up for sale on the marketplace Mp. When putting up for sale on the marketplace Mp, users can set the number of tokens T that can be exchanged for the NFT items (price can be set). However, the number of tokens T that can be exchanged for NFT items may vary using an auction system. The marketplace Mp is managed by a game operator Mc. However, the marketplace Mp may be configured so that NFT items can be put up for sale on a publicly known marketplace managed by someone other than the game operator Mc.

[0058] For example, in the specific example of FIG. 5, it is assumed that a user Ua puts a gem item Gj up for sale on the marketplace Mp (S7 in FIG. 5). It is also assumed that another user Ub purchases the gem item Gj of the user Ua. In the above case, the gem item Gj is sent from the wallet Wa of the user Ua to the wallet Wb of the user Ub (S8 in FIG. 5). In addition, a token T is sent from the wallet Wb of the user Ub to the wallet Wa of the user Ua (S9 in FIG. 5). Note that when the NFT item is resold to another user, a predetermined number of tokens T are sent to the wallet of the game operator Mc. In other words, when the NFT item is resold, the game operator Mc receives royalties.

[0059] In the NFT game of this embodiment, multiple types of gem items Gj with different aspects (color, shape, size) are acquired. Furthermore, the total number of gem items Gj that can be excavated from the virtual space Sv may differ depending on the type of gem item Gj. That is, each gem item Gj has a different rarity. Therefore, some gem items Gj (for example, gem items Gj with beautiful colors and rare gem items Gj) may be traded for more tokens T than other gem items Gj. Note that the gem items Gj are converted into NFTs at the time of acquisition, and may be configured to be sent to the user's wallet W.

[0060] The excavation item Gp can be traded with other users in the marketplace Mp, similar to the gem item Gj. Specifically, an upper limit is set on the number of excavation items Gp released by the game operator Mc in one release period T. Therefore, the excavation items Gp released by the game operator Mc may be sold out. However, even after the excavation items Gp of the game operator Mc are sold out, the excavation items Gp can be acquired from other users in exchange for tokens T in the marketplace Mp.

[0061] Each excavation item Gp released at the same time is assigned a common item number Y. Also, there is an upper limit on the number of virtual spaces Sv released at one release time T. Each user acquires the right to excavate gem items Gj in the virtual space Sv in exchange for tokens T. Each virtual space Sv released at the same time is assigned a common space number X.

[0062] In the above embodiment, even if a user does not use an excavation item Gp (for example, a user who does not have the right to excavate a virtual space Sv), by purchasing the excavation item Gp from the game operator Mc, the user may be able to resell the excavation item Gp to other users. Therefore, there may be an incentive to purchase an excavation item Gp for speculative purposes. Also, in the present embodiment, since an upper limit is set on the number of virtual spaces Sv that are supplied, a substantial upper limit can be set on the number of gem items Gj that can be excavated. With the above configuration, the value of the gem items Gj as NFT items is more easily maintained.

[0063] Incidentally, even in conventional games that do not provide NFT items, new items may be periodically released (similar to the excavation item Gp of this embodiment). In the above conventional technology, the performance of a newly released item (for example, the attack power of a weapon item) may be improved compared to older items that have already been released. With the above configuration, it is possible to increase the motivation of users to acquire newly released items. However, when the above configuration is adopted, new items with improved performance compared to older items are continually released, so that the utility value of older items in the game continues to decrease.

[0064] However, there is a situation where NFT items are purchased for speculative purposes in the hope that their value will increase in the future. Suppose that the value of the excavation item Gp, which is an NFT item, in the game continues to decrease every time a new excavation item Gp is ​​released. In the above configuration, there may be an inconvenience that it becomes difficult to purchase the excavation item Gp for speculative purposes. In consideration of the above circumstances, in this embodiment, a configuration capable of suppressing the above inconvenience is adopted.

[0065] 6(a) and 6(b) are diagrams for explaining a specific example of a configuration for maintaining the value of an excavation item Gp, which is an NFT item. As described above, the virtual space Sv and the excavation item Gp are released at predetermined intervals (for example, approximately every six months). Specifically, when a new virtual space Sv is released (at the same time), a new excavation item Gp is ​​released.

[0066] In this embodiment, the virtual space Sv is assigned a space number X. The space number X of the virtual space Sv indicates the order in which the virtual space Sv was released. For example, the first released virtual space Sv is assigned a space number "1" (X=1). Also, the excavation item Gp is ​​assigned an item number Y. The item number Y of the excavation item Gp is ​​common to the space number X of the virtual space Sv released at the same time as the excavation item Gp. For example, the excavation item Gp released at the same time as the virtual space Sv with space number "n" (n is a positive integer) is assigned an item number "n" (X=Y=n). However, the space number X of the virtual space Sv is not limited to the above example as long as the release time T of the virtual space Sv can be grasped. The same applies to the item number Y of the excavation item Gp.

[0067] 6(a) shows a specific example of a virtual space Sv and a release time T of an excavation item Gp. In the specific example of FIG. 6(a), it is assumed that the n-1th virtual space Svn-1 (X=n-1) is released at the release time Tn-1. It is also assumed that an excavation item Gpn-1 (Y=n-1) is released at the same time as the virtual space Svn-1.

[0068] In the specific example of Fig. 6(a), it is assumed that the nth virtual space Svn (X=n) and the excavation item Gpn (Y=n) are released at the release time Tn after the release period Tn-1. It is also assumed that the n+1th virtual space Svn+1 (X=n+1) and the excavation item Gpn+1 (Y=n+1) are released at the release time Tn+1 after the release period Tn.

[0069] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6(a), there are virtual spaces Sv in which the use of some excavation items Gp is ​​prohibited. Specifically, an excavation item Gp can be used in a virtual space Sv released at the same time as itself and in a virtual space Sv released after itself (newer than itself). On the other hand, an excavation item Gp cannot be used in a virtual space Sv released before itself (older than itself).

[0070] For example, in the specific example of FIG. 6(a), an excavation item Gpn released at release time Tn can be used in a virtual space Svn released at the same release time Tn, and in a virtual space Svn+1 released at release time Tn+1 after the release time Tn. On the other hand, in a virtual space Svn-1 released at release time Tn-1 before the release time Tn, an excavation item Gpn released at release time Tn cannot be used. Similarly, an excavation item Gpn+1 released at release time Tn+1 cannot be used in a virtual space Svn-1 released at release time Tn-1 before the release time Tn+1, and in a virtual space Svn released at release time Tn.

[0071] As described above, the excavation item Gp is ​​used in the virtual space Sv to excavate the mine object Gm. Specifically, the mine object Gm is destroyed by the excavation item Gp in response to the user's excavation operation (mouse click). For the sake of explanation, the number of excavation operations required to destroy the mine object Gm once may be referred to as the "number of excavation times N." The number of excavation times N may change depending on the virtual space Sv in which the excavation item Gp is ​​used.

[0072] For example, if the number of excavation times N is 1, the mine object Gm will collapse after each excavation operation. On the other hand, if the number of excavation times N is 2, the mine object Gm will not collapse during the first excavation operation, but will collapse during the second excavation operation. For example, assume that the mine object Gm needs to be collapsed M times (M is a natural number) before a gem item Gj (ore object Gо) is excavated. In the above case, if the number of excavation times N is 1, the gem item Gj can be excavated with M excavation operations. On the other hand, if the number of excavation times N is 2, twice as many (M x 2) excavation operations will be required. As can be understood from the above explanation, the smaller the number of excavation times N, the more efficiently the gem item Gj can be excavated.

[0073] As described above, the excavation item Gp can also be used in a newer (later released) virtual space Sv. However, suppose that the number of excavation times N is the same when excavating with an excavation item Gp older than the virtual space Sv and when excavating with an excavation item Gp released at the same time as the virtual space Sv (hereinafter, "comparative example"). In the above comparative example, the efficiency of the excavation work of the gem item Gj does not change when a new excavation item Gp is ​​used and when an old excavation item Gp is ​​used. Therefore, it is assumed that some users do not feel the need for a new excavation item Gp, and therefore do not try to obtain a new excavation item Gp. This embodiment employs a configuration that can suppress the above inconvenience. The above configuration will be described in detail below.

[0074] FIG. 6(b) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the number of excavation times N. In this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the number of excavation times N changes according to a combination of the space number X of the virtual space Sv and the item number Y of the excavation item Gp. Specifically, the number of excavation times N is determined using the formula "N=X-Y+1". "X" in the above formula means the space number X of the virtual space Sv. Also, "Y" in the formula means the item number Y of the excavation item Gp used in the virtual space Sv.

[0075] As described above, an excavation item Gp cannot be used in a virtual space Sv that was released before the excavation item Gp. That is, the space number X in the above formula is equal to or greater than the item number Y (X≧Y). In the above configuration, the number of times N that an excavation item Gp has been excavated is minimum (1 time) in a virtual space Sv (X=Y) that was released at the same time as the excavation item Gp. On the other hand, the number of times N that an excavation item Gp has been excavated is greater in virtual spaces Sv that were released after the excavation item Gp.

[0076] For example, the number of excavation times N of the excavation item Gpn-1 (Y = n-1) with item number "n-1" is "1 time" in the virtual space Svn-1 (X = n-1) with space number "n-1" released at the same time (N = (n-1) - (n-1) + 1 = 1). On the other hand, in the virtual space Svn (X = n) whose release time T is one time after the excavation item Gpn-1, the number of excavation times N when the excavation item Gpn-1 (Y = n-1) is used is "2 times" (N = (n) - (n-1) + 1 = 2). In the above virtual space Svn, the number of excavation times N is "1 time" (N = n-n + 1 = 1) when the excavation item Gpn (Y = n) released at the same time (release time Tn) is used.

[0077] Similarly, in virtual space Svn+1 (X=n+1), which is two release times T after excavation item Gpn-1, the number of times N of digging is "3 times" when excavation item Gpn-1 is used. In the above virtual space Svn+1, the number of times N of digging is "1 time" when excavation item Gpn+1 (Y=n+1) is used. Also, in virtual space Svn+1, the number of times N of digging is "2 times" when excavation item Gpn (Y=n) is used.

[0078] In the above embodiment, each time a virtual space Sv is released, the user's motivation to obtain a new excavation item Gp (an excavation item Gp with the smallest number of excavation times N) released at the same time can be increased. Also, as described above, in the virtual space Sv, an excavation item Gp whose release time T is later than that of the virtual space Sv cannot be used. In the above configuration, even after other excavation items Gp are newly released, each excavation item Gp maintains its status as an item that can most efficiently excavate a treasure item Gp in a virtual space Sv released at the same time as the excavation item Gp. Therefore, there is an advantage in that the above-mentioned inconvenience that excavation items Gp are difficult to purchase for speculative reasons is suppressed.

[0079] 7(a) and 7(b) are schematic diagrams of a specific example of the selection screen Ms. The user can select a virtual space Sv in which to excavate a treasure item Gj from the selection screen Ms. Specifically, the selection screen Ms is provided with selection areas R corresponding to each virtual space Sv for which the user has acquired the right to excavate. When a selection area R is selected, mining in the virtual space Sv corresponding to the selection area R can be started.

[0080] The specific example of Figure 7(a) assumes that selection area Rn-1, selection area Rn, and selection area Rn+1 are displayed. Selection area Rn-1 corresponds to virtual space Svn-1 with space number "n-1." Similarly, selection area Rn corresponds to virtual space Svn with space number "n," and selection area Rn+1 corresponds to virtual space Svn+1 with space number "n+1." The same applies to Figure 7(b) described below.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 7(a), a selection area R displays the "name" and "hardness" of the virtual space Sv corresponding to the selection area R. The hardness of the virtual space Sv is displayed according to the space number X (release time T) of the virtual space Sv. Specifically, the larger the space number X of the virtual space Sv, the greater the hardness of the virtual space Sv. In other words, the newer the release time T of the virtual space Sv, the greater the hardness. The hardness of the virtual space Sv described above serves as a guide to the release time (new or old) of the virtual space Sv.

[0082] In addition to the selection area R, the selection area R displays the excavation item Gp that the user plans to use. The user can select the excavation item Gp that the user plans to use in the virtual space Sv by appropriately operating the terminal device 20. In the specific example of FIG. 7(a), it is assumed that an excavation item Gpn with item number "n" is selected from among the excavation items Gp. In the above case, the excavation item Gpn is set as the excavation item Gp that can be used in the virtual space Sv.

[0083] The selection screen Ms displays the "digging power" and "durability" of the excavation item Gp selected by the user. The "durability" of the excavation item Gp decreases every time an excavation operation is performed in the virtual space Sv. Specifically, when the excavation item Gp hits a mine object Gm, the durability of the excavation item Gp decreases regardless of whether the mine object Gm collapses or not.

[0084] When the durability of the excavation item Gp is ​​reduced to the value "0", the excavation item Gp is ​​destroyed and the mine object Gm cannot be excavated. As will be described in detail later, the durability of the excavation item Gp can be restored before it is destroyed (see FIG. 8(a)).

[0085] The "digging power" of the excavation item Gp is ​​displayed according to the item number Y (release time T) of the excavation item Gp. Specifically, the mining power of the excavation item Gp is ​​equal to or greater than the hardness of the virtual space Sv released at the same time as the excavation item Gp, and is smaller than the hardness of the virtual space Sv released after the excavation item Gp. For example, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the mining power (2000) of the excavation item Gpn selected by the user is equal to or greater than the hardness (2000) of the virtual space Svn released at the same time, and is smaller than the hardness (3000) of the virtual space Svn+1 released in a later period.

[0086] As described above, the number of times N of excavation of an excavation item Gp is ​​the smallest (1 time) among virtual spaces Sv released at the same time, and the number of times N is greater for virtual spaces Sv released later than the excavation item Gp. In the present embodiment described above, the number of times N of excavation is the smallest (1 time) in a virtual space Sv whose hardness is equal to or less than the excavation power of the excavation item Gp. Therefore, the user can compare the excavation power of the excavation item Gp displayed on the selection screen Ms with the hardness of the virtual space Sv to ascertain the virtual space Sv with which the number of times N of excavation is the smallest.

[0087] As described above, the excavation item Gp cannot be used in a virtual space Sv whose release time T is older than that of the excavation item Gp. Taking the above into consideration, the selection screen Ms displays the text "Not playable" in place of the hardness of the virtual space Sv in the selection area R corresponding to the virtual space Sv that is older than the excavation item Gp selected by the user.

[0088] For example, in the specific example of FIG. 7(a), it is assumed that the user selects an excavation item Gpn released at release time Tn. In the above case, the virtual space Svn-1 released at release time Tn-1 prior to the release time Tn cannot be selected. In the above specific example of FIG. 7(a), the character string "Not playable" is displayed in the selection area Rn-1 corresponding to the virtual space Svn-1. The above configuration has the advantage that it is easy to grasp the virtual spaces Sv that cannot be selected.

[0089] In addition, the selection screen Ms may be configured so that the item number Y of the excavation item Gp is ​​displayed instead of the digging power, and the space number X of the virtual space Sv is displayed directly instead of the hardness. Even with the above configuration, it is possible to grasp from the selection screen Ms the virtual space Sv in which the number of excavation times N is minimum (the virtual space Sv in which the item number Y of the excavation item Gp to be used and the space number X match). However, with the above configuration, some users may feel that the selection screen Ms is lacking in interest. According to this embodiment, the interest of the selection screen Ms can be improved compared to a configuration in which the space number X and the item number Y are directly displayed.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 7(a), the selection screen Ms is provided with a button Bx and a button By. When the button Bx is selected, the selected excavation item Gp is ​​put up for sale on the marketplace Mp. When the button By is selected, the selected excavation item Gp can be changed to another excavation item Gp.

[0091] The selection screen Ms also displays the "total excavation volume" of the selected excavation item Gp. The more times the mine object Gm is destroyed with the excavation item Gp, the larger the total excavation volume of the excavation item Gp becomes. In other words, the total excavation volume of the excavation item Gp is ​​added each time the excavation operation reaches the excavation count N. In this embodiment, in addition to the type of excavation item Gp, the item number Y, excavation power, current durability, and total excavation volume of the excavation item Gp are stored as the above-mentioned metadata.

[0092] In the marketplace Mp, each user can check the metadata of the excavation item Gp in advance when purchasing the excavation item Gp. For example, an excavation item Gp with the highest total mining volume in history may be traded at a high price regardless of its utility value in the NFT game.

[0093] As described above, in this embodiment, when the excavation item Gp is ​​used in a virtual space Sv released at the same time as the excavation item Gp, the mine object Gm is more likely to be destroyed efficiently than when the excavation item Gp is ​​used in a virtual space Sv released at a different time from the excavation item Gp. In other words, when the excavation item Gp is ​​used in a virtual space Sv released at the same time as the excavation item Gp, the total mining amount is more likely to be improved. The above configuration can also be said to be easier to improve the value of the excavation item Gp as an NFT item when the excavation item Gp is ​​used in a virtual space Sv released at the same time as the excavation item Gp. However, the total mining amount may not be included in the metadata.

[0094] In addition, even if the durability of the excavation item Gp has decreased, it can be traded in the marketplace Mp. However, the value of the excavation item Gp that has not decreased in durability as an NFT item is likely to be higher than that of the excavation item Gp that has decreased in durability.

[0095] Even if the excavation item Gp is ​​broken and its durability is set to "0", it can be traded in the marketplace Mp. Furthermore, even if the excavation item Gp is ​​broken, the user character Gu can use (swing) it in the virtual space Sv. However, if the excavation item Gp is ​​broken, the mine object Gm cannot be excavated.

[0096] Fig. 7(b) is a schematic diagram of another specific example of the selection screen Ms. As described above, the older the excavation item Gp is ​​with respect to the virtual space Sv, the greater the number of excavation times N in the virtual space Sv. The above number of excavation times N is determined using the formula "N = X-Y + 1". In other words, the greater the difference (XY) between the space number X and the item number Y, the greater the number of excavation times N.

[0097] Now, let us assume that a configuration is allowed in which the use of an excavation item Gp with an excessively large number of excavation times N is permitted. In the above configuration, the inconvenience of unnecessarily wasting the user's time may occur. In consideration of the above circumstances, in this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which a virtual space Sv with an excavation time N greater than a predetermined number (e.g., 5 times) cannot be selected.

[0098] In the specific example of FIG. 7(b), it is assumed that the user selects an excavation item Gpn-m (m is an integer equal to or greater than 4). The above excavation item Gpn-m has the item number "nm". Therefore, if the excavation item Gpn-m is available in the virtual space Svn+1, the number of excavation times N will be 6 or more (N=(n+1)-(nm)+1=m+2≧6). In this embodiment, the virtual space Sv in which the number of excavation times N is greater than 5 is configured to be unselectable. Therefore, in the specific example of FIG. 7(b), because the excavation item Gpn-m is selected, a message is displayed indicating that the virtual space Svn+1 is unselectable.

[0099] In this embodiment, the excavation item Gpn used in the virtual space Sv cannot be changed during the period when the virtual space Sv is displayed on the play screen Mp and the game progresses. However, the excavation item Gpn used may be changed during the period when the game progresses in the virtual space Sv. In the above configuration, it is preferable that the excavation item Gpn is prohibited from being changed to a newer excavation item Gpn than the virtual space Sv during the period when the game progresses in the virtual space Sv. It is also ...

[0100] FIG. 8(a) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of changes (consumption, recovery) in the durability of an excavation item Gpn. As described above, in this embodiment, each time an excavation item Gp is ​​used (each time an excavation operation is performed), the durability of the excavation item Gp decreases. Specifically, the maximum value (initial value) of the durability of an excavation item Gp is ​​the same (numeric value "100") regardless of the type of the excavation item Gp. When an excavation operation is performed, a mine parameter is subtracted from the durability of the excavation item Gp.

[0101] The above mining parameters are set variably for each virtual space Sv. That is, the number of excavation operations until the excavation item Gp breaks may differ for each virtual space Sv. For example, in a virtual space Sv with a large mine parameter, the excavation item Gp is ​​easily broken. The above configuration can also be said that in a virtual space Sv with a large mine parameter, many excavation items Gp may be required to acquire a gem item Gj. However, as described above, an upper limit is set on the number of excavation items Gp that are supplied. In the above configuration, an excavation item Gp with the smallest number of excavation times N in a virtual space Sv with a large mine parameter is in high demand compared to other excavation items Gp, and is likely to have a high value as an NFT item.

[0102] As described above, the durability of the excavation item Gp can be restored by consuming a predetermined number of tokens T. Instead of (or in addition to) consuming tokens T, the durability of the excavation item Gp may be restored at predetermined intervals (for example, once a day). A gemstone item Gp may be used as an item for restoring the durability of the excavation item Gp. However, as will be described in detail later, the amount of recovery of the durability of the excavation item Gp varies depending on how new the excavation item Gp is. If the excavation item Gp is ​​old, the durability may not be restored to the maximum value in one go.

[0103] FIG. 8(a) shows the durability (0 to 100) of the excavation item Gp at each time point (step S). As shown in FIG. 8(a), when an excavation operation is performed to excavate a gem item Gj, the durability of the excavation item Gp decreases (S1 in FIG. 8(a)). When an excavation operation is performed in the virtual space Sv, a gemstone object Gs may be discovered in addition to the treasure item Gj (S2 in FIG. 8(a)). As described above, the gemstone object Gs is exchanged for a token T (S3 in FIG. 8(a)). The user can recover the durability of the excavation item Gp by using the token T obtained in exchange for the gemstone object Gs (S4 in FIG. 8(a)). By recovering the durability of the excavation item Gp, the user can continue the excavation work of the gemstone item Gj in the virtual space Sv (return to S1).

[0104] However, in a configuration in which the durability of the excavation item Gp can be restored with the token T, some users may use the token T only to restore the excavation item Gp, and not use the token T to purchase a new excavation item Gp. Therefore, even if a new excavation item Gp is ​​released, the excavation item Gp may be difficult to purchase. In consideration of the above circumstances, the present embodiment employs a configuration that can suppress the above inconveniences. The above configuration will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8(b).

[0105] FIG. 8(b) is a conceptual diagram of a recovery amount table. As described above, a combination of a virtual space Sv and an excavation item Gp is ​​released for each release time T. For the sake of explanation, the period from the nth release time Tn to the n+1th release time Tn+1 may be referred to as the "nth season." The latest season may be referred to as the "current season." For example, when the current season is the nth season, the excavation item Gpn with item number "n" is the latest excavation item Gp.

[0106] In this embodiment, the older the excavation item Gp, the smaller the recovery amount of the excavation item Gp, even if a common number of tokens T are consumed. For example, when the current season is the n-1st season (when the excavation item Gpn-1 is the latest excavation item Gp), the durability of the excavation item Gpn-1 with item number "n-1" is recovered by a value of "100" at once. In other words, the durability is fully recovered. Note that even if the value obtained by adding the recovery amount exceeds the maximum value of the durability, the durability will not be greater than the maximum value.

[0107] On the other hand, when the current season is the nth season (when the excavation item Gpn-1 is not the latest excavation item Gp), as shown in FIG. 6(b), the recovery amount of the excavation item Gpn-1 is the value "50". Therefore, when the durability of the excavation item Gpn-1 is less than the value "50", in order to fully recover the durability, it is necessary to consume the token T twice to recover the durability. In other words, compared with the case of fully recovering the latest excavation item Gpn, in the case of fully recovering the excavation item Gp of the season one season before the current season (older), twice as many tokens T may be required. Also, as can be seen from FIG. 6(b), the durability of the excavation item Gp of the season two seasons before the current season is only recovered by the value "30" even if the token T is consumed.

[0108] As described above, in this embodiment, the older the excavation item Gp, the less the recovery amount of durability, so in order to fully recover durability, the number of times recovery itself needs to be increased. Therefore, the older the excavation item Gp, the more tokens T are required to fully recover durability. In the above configuration, some users may think that it is better to consume tokens T to purchase a new excavation item Gp than to consume many tokens T to fully recover an old excavation item Gp. Therefore, even if the configuration is capable of recovering the durability of the excavation item Gp, the inconvenience that it becomes difficult to purchase a new excavation item Gp is ​​suppressed.

[0109] Fig. 9(a) is a flowchart of the process executed by the management device 10. For example, when an operation for displaying the above-mentioned selection screen Ms (see Figs. 7(a) and 7(b)) is executed on the terminal device 20 side, the management device 10 starts the process shown in Fig. 9(a). Note that each step of the above process may be executed by the management device 10 and the terminal device 20 in cooperation with each other, or may be executed by the terminal device 20. The same applies to the process shown in Fig. 9(b) described later.

[0110] Specifically, when displaying the selection screen Ms, the management device 10 calculates the number of excavations N (N=X-Y+1) for each virtual space Sv to be displayed on the selection screen Ms (S101). In addition, it is determined for each virtual space Sv whether the calculation result in step S101 exceeds a predetermined number of times (for example, 5 times) (S102). If there is a virtual space Sv with the number of excavations N exceeding 5 times (S102: Yes), it is determined that the selection area R corresponding to the virtual space Sv is displayed in a non-playable mode (S103), and the process proceeds to step S104. As described above, the character string "No play" is displayed in the selection area R in the non-playable mode (see FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b) described above). On the other hand, if there is no virtual space Sv with the number of excavations N exceeding 5 times (S102: No), step S103 is omitted and the process proceeds to step S104.

[0111] In step S104, it is determined whether or not there exists a virtual space Sv whose calculation result in step S101 is equal to or less than the numerical value "0." In the above step S104, if a virtual space Sv older than the excavation item Gp selected by the user is displayed on the selection screen Ms, the determination is "Yes."

[0112] When a virtual space Sv older than the excavation item Gp selected by the user is displayed on the selection screen Ms, it is determined that the selection area R corresponding to the virtual space Sv is displayed in a non-playable mode (S105), and the process shown in Fig. 9(a) ends. On the other hand, when a virtual space Sv older than the excavation item Gp selected by the user is not displayed on the selection screen Ms (S104: No), step S105 is omitted, and the process shown in Fig. 9(a) ends.

[0113] Fig. 9(b) is a flowchart of another process executed by the management device 10. When the game (mining) is started in the virtual space Sv, the management device 10 executes the process shown in Fig. 9(b). Specifically, when the selection area R on the selection screen Ms is selected, the process shown in Fig. 9(b) is executed.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 9(b), when the game (mining) starts in the virtual space Sv, an effect determination process (S201) is executed. In the effect determination process described above, the number of times N of digging is determined based on the space number X of the virtual space Sv where the game starts and the item number Y of the digging item Gp used in the virtual space Sv. After the number of times N of digging is determined, excavation can be started (302), and the process shown in FIG. 9(b) is terminated. Specifically, a play screen Mp displaying the virtual space Sv and the user character Gu starts to be displayed, and the game can be progressed in the virtual space Sv.

[0115] <Modification> The above embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments selected from the following examples can be appropriately combined.

[0116] (1) In each embodiment, a level may be set for the user character Gu. For example, by excavating the mine object Gm, the user character Gu is given experience points. When the total experience points reach a predetermined threshold, the level of the user character Gu may be increased. Also, when a special object is discovered in the mine object Gm, a large amount of experience points may be given to the user character Gu.

[0117] As the level of the user character Gu increases, the time interval (time interval of the excavation operation) for hitting the mine object Gm with the excavation item Gp may be shortened. Also, as the level of the user character Gu increases, items other than the excavation item Gp may be available in the virtual space Sv. As the above items, an item (dynamite) that can destroy a wider range of the mine object Gm at once than the excavation item Gp (pickaxe) may be adopted.

[0118] (2) In each embodiment, the durability of the excavation item Gp may decrease when the mine object Gm is excavated, but the durability of the excavation item Gp may not decrease when the ore object Gо (see FIG. 4(a) above) is excavated. Let us assume that the durability of the excavation item Gp decreases when the ore object Gо is excavated. In the above configuration, a situation may occur where the excavation item Gp breaks when the gem item Gj or the gemstone item Gs is just one step away from being obtained. By adopting a configuration where the durability of the excavation item Gp does not decrease when the ore object Gо is excavated, the above situation is suppressed.

[0119] In each embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the older the excavation item Gp is, the greater the number of excavation operations N (the number of excavation operations required to excavate the mine object Gm). In the above configuration, the number of excavation operations required to excavate a gem item Gj or a gemstone item Gs from an ore object Gо may be constant (for example, one time) regardless of the number of excavation operations N required to excavate the mine object Gm. In the above configuration, the durability of the excavation item Gp may not decrease when excavating the ore object Gо.

[0120] (3) In each embodiment, an "excavation item Gp" is given as an example of an "object" of the present invention, but the "object" of the present invention is not limited to the above example. For example, consider a game in which a monster appears in a virtual space and a user character defeats the monster. A weapon item used to attack the monster in the above game may be adopted as an "object" of the present invention.

[0121] Specifically, in the above game, for example, when the virtual space is released after the weapon item, the attack power of the weapon item in the virtual space may be reduced compared to when the virtual space and the weapon item are released at the same time. In addition, a recovery item that recovers the hit points of the user character may be used as the "object" of the present invention. For example, when the virtual space is released after the recovery item, the recovery amount when the recovery item is used in the virtual space may be reduced compared to when the virtual space and the recovery item are released at the same time. Furthermore, the user character itself may be traded as an NFT.

[0122] (4) In each embodiment, the status of the excavation item Gp may be improved. For example, a user can improve the maximum durability value (an example of the status) of the excavation item Gp in exchange for a predetermined number of tokens T. In the above configuration, it is preferable that the maximum durability value of the excavation item Gp is ​​stored in the metadata (data linked to the blockchain) of the excavation item Gp.

[0123] According to the above configuration, the value of the excavation item Gp as an NFT item can be improved. However, in the above modified example, it is preferable that the number of times N of the excavation item Gp is ​​excavated cannot be decreased even if the token T is used. The same applies to each of the other forms. In addition, a special item that increases the maximum value of the excavation item Gp may be obtained by progressing the NFT game.

[0124] (5) In each embodiment, multiple blockchains generated by multiple types of blockchain protocols may be used. For example, a blockchain in which index data of an excavation item Gp among NFT items is registered and a blockchain in which index data of a gem item Gj is registered may be provided separately. In the above configuration, the index data of the token T may be registered in any one of the above blockchains, or may be registered in another blockchain.

[0125] (6) In each form, the type of gem item Gj excavated in each virtual space Sv can be changed as appropriate. In addition, even if the type of gem item Gj is the same, the probability of excavation (the number of gem items Gj hidden) may be different for each virtual space Sv. For example, a virtual space Sv in which a rare gem item Gj is relatively easy to excavate (including a virtual space Sv in which the gem item Gj is the only one excavated) may be provided. In the above configuration, an excavation item Gp with the smallest number of excavation times N in the virtual space Sv has a high value as an NFT item.

[0126] (7) In each form, a configuration may be adopted in which the excavation item Gp is ​​granted in a non-NFT state. For example, a user NFTs the excavation item Gp when listing it on the marketplace Mp. The excavation item Gp, whose metadata is the status (durability, etc.) at the time of NFT, is listed on the marketplace Mp. In the above configuration, the NFTed excavation item Gp may be configured to be unusable in the game.

[0127] In addition, in the above configuration, the excavation item Gp may be NFT-enabled when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, assume a configuration in which an in-game token that is not NFT-enabled is provided. In the above configuration, the excavation item Gp may be NFT-enabled by consuming a predetermined number of in-game tokens. In addition, when the status of the excavation item Gp is ​​enhanced by consuming a predetermined number of tokens T or in-game tokens, the excavation item Gp may be NFT-enabled.

[0128] Assume that the excavation item Gp may be distributed free of charge. In the above configuration, even if a user does not participate in the NFT game at all, it is assumed that the user can acquire the token T by reselling the excavation item Gp distributed free of charge. By adopting a configuration in which the excavation item Gp can be converted into an NFT on the condition that a predetermined number of tokens T are consumed, the above inconveniences can be suppressed.

[0129] The excavation item Gp may be configured to be NFTized on the condition that a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) has passed since the excavation item Gp was granted. The excavation item Gp may be configured to be resold on the condition that a predetermined period has passed since the excavation item Gp was NFTized. With the above configuration, the inconvenience of the excavation item Gp distributed free of charge being resold without being used at all in the virtual space Sv is suppressed.

[0130] In the above configuration, the (paid) excavation item Gp acquired in exchange for the token T may be immediately resold, while the excavation item Gp acquired free of charge may not be resold until a predetermined period has passed. Similarly, the gem item Gj may be given in a non-NFT state, and may be NFTized when the above-mentioned conditions are met.

[0131] (8) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, a configuration may be adopted in which the user is encouraged to consume the gemstone item Gs or the token T as a configuration for appropriately controlling the total amount of tokens T circulating in the market. For example, if the durability of the excavation item Gp is ​​restored by consuming the token T, the token T will no longer be circulated in the market. In consideration of the above circumstances, even if the same number of tokens T are used, the amount of recovery of the durability of the excavation item Gp may be changed. For example, by reducing the amount of recovery when the token T is used, the number of tokens T required to fully recover the durability of the excavation item Gp increases. Therefore, by reducing the amount of recovery when the token T is used, it is expected that many tokens T circulating in the market will be consumed. Similarly, the amount of recovery when the gemstone item Gs is used may be changeable.

[0132] (9) In each embodiment, the “total mining volume” is used as the “meta information” (metadata) of the object that is easy to improve when the object is used in a virtual space opened at the same time, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples.

[0133] For example, consider a game in which a user character defeats an enemy character. In the above game, each time an enemy character is defeated, the user character is given experience points, and when the total experience points reach a predetermined value, the level of the user character increases. When the level of the user character increases, stronger enemy characters can be defeated. In the above modified example, the user character may be configured to be tradeable as an NFT item. Also, the level of the user character may be included as metadata associated with the user character. In other words, the "level of the user character" may be adopted as the "meta information" of the present invention.

[0134] (10) In each embodiment, as a specific example of the configuration in which "the improvement amount of the status of the first object is more disadvantageous to the user when the trigger occurs in the period after the release of the second object than when the trigger occurs in the period before the release of the second object," a configuration in which the recovery amount of the excavation item Gp is ​​smaller the older the season in which it was released is described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above specific example. For example, the older the season in which the above-mentioned weapon item was released, the smaller the improvement amount of the status (level, durability) of the weapon item may be.

[0135] (11) In each form, a scholarship system may be adopted. Specifically, a configuration may be adopted in which a user (owner) who owns an excavation item Gp can lend the excavation item Gp to another user (scholar). During the period in which the excavation item Gp is ​​lent to the scholar, the owner cannot use the excavation item Gp. In the above configuration, when a scholar acquires a token T, a portion of the token T (for example, about 30 percent) is distributed to the scholar, and the remaining token (70 percent) is distributed to the owner.

[0136] In the above modified example, the number of times N of digging of the digging item Gp lent to the scalar changes according to the virtual space Sv, as in the case where the owner uses the digging item Gp (see FIG. 6(b) of the first embodiment). In addition, the recovery amount of the durability of the digging item Gp lent to the scalar changes according to the current season (see FIG. 8(b) of the first embodiment).

[0137] (12) In each embodiment, a specific example of the present invention applied to an NFT game has been described. However, the present invention may be applied to games other than NFT games. For example, the present invention may be applied to games that do not include NFT items.

[0138] (13) In each embodiment, the means for notifying the virtual space Sv in which the effect of the object is increased (the number of excavation times N is reduced) is not limited to the image display device. For example, the virtual space Sv in which the effect of the object is increased may be notified by a speaker capable of outputting voice and exchanges. In addition, a head-mounted display may be adopted as the display device 201.

[0139] <Additional Note: Summary of the Actions and Effects of the Examples of the Present Embodiment> <First aspect> The program of this aspect causes a computer (the management device 20 or the terminal device 20, or a combination of the above components) to function as an effect determination means (11) that determines the degree of effect (the number of excavation times N) of an object in the virtual space based on period information associated with the virtual space (Sv) and period information associated with an object (an excavation item Gp) used by a user in the virtual space. According to this aspect, the fun of the service is improved.

[0140] <Second aspect> In the second embodiment of the program, when period information associated with a virtual space and period information associated with an object used by a user in the virtual space satisfy a predetermined condition (X=Y), the object exerts an advantageous effect in the virtual space (the number of excavation times N is minimized) compared to when the predetermined condition is not satisfied.

[0141] <Third and fourth aspects> The program of the third aspect further causes the computer to function as a notification control means (12) that can notify the virtual space Sv that satisfies a predetermined condition in the above-mentioned second aspect. Also, the program of the fourth aspect limits the effect of using the object in the virtual space (increases the number of excavation times N, see FIG. 6(b)) when the period information associated with the virtual space Sv is the first period information and the period information associated with the object is the second period information that precedes the first period information, compared with the case where the period information associated with the virtual space and the period information associated with the object satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0142] <Fifth and Sixth Aspects> The program of the fifth aspect functions as a usage restriction means (13) that restricts the effect that can be exhibited as the time difference between the first period information and the second period information increases in the fourth aspect described above, and that restricts the effect that can be exhibited as the time difference between the first period information and the second period information increases in the fifth aspect when the time difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined period, making the object unusable in the virtual space and notifying the user of the fact.

[0143] <Seventh aspect> In this embodiment of the program, when the period information associated with the virtual space Sv is first period information and the period information associated with the object is third period information that is later than the first period information, the program limits the effect of using the object in the virtual space (increases the number of excavation times N) compared to when the period information associated with the virtual space and the period information associated with the object satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0144] <Eighth aspect> In this embodiment of the program, if the period information associated with the virtual space Sv is first period information and the period information associated with the object is third period information that is later than the first period information, the program makes the object unusable within the virtual space (see Figure 6(a)).

[0145] <Ninth aspect> The program of this embodiment causes a computer to function as a status improvement means (14) that improves the status of an object (durability of an excavation item Gp) upon a predetermined trigger, the objects including a first object and a second object that is released to the user after the first object, and the amount of improvement in the status of the first object is more disadvantageous to the user when the trigger occurs in a period after the second object is released than when the trigger occurs in a period before the second object is released (see FIG. 8(b)).

[0146] <Tenth aspect> The information processing system (1) of this aspect includes an effect determining means (11) for determining the degree of effect of an object in the virtual space based on period information associated with the virtual space Sv and period information associated with an object used by a user in the virtual space. According to this aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect described above can be achieved.

[0147] In addition, the problem-solving means constituted by the above-mentioned program (for example, each configuration described in the appendix) can be appropriately diverted to an apparatus, a system, a method, an information recording medium, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1... information processing system, 10... management device, 11... effect determining means, 12... notification control means, 13... usage limiting means, 14... status improving means, 20... terminal device

Claims

1. A computer, a means for allowing a user to select one of virtual spaces including a first virtual space corresponding to first period information, a second virtual space corresponding to second period information prior to the first period information, and a third virtual space corresponding to third period information subsequent to the first period information; a means for limiting an effect of a second object, among each of objects available to a user, including a first object corresponding to the first period information, a second object corresponding to the second period information, and a third object corresponding to the third period information, when the second object is used in the first virtual space, compared with an effect of the second object being used in the second virtual space; a means for limiting the effect when the third object is used in the first virtual space compared to when the third object is used in the third virtual space; A program that functions as a

2. The computer, The virtual space in which the effect is not limited is notified to the user of each of the objects selectable by the user. The program according to claim 1.

3. The computer, a means for restricting the effect that the second object can exert in the first virtual space more as the time difference between the first period information and the second period information becomes larger; The program according to claim 1,

4. Each of the virtual spaces includes a fourth virtual space corresponding to fourth period information subsequent to the third period information, The computer, a means for making the second object unavailable in the fourth virtual space and for notifying the user of the unavailable state; The program according to claim 1,

5. In the first virtual space, a specific object belonging to a category different from each of the objects is provided, The computer, means for not restricting the effect when the second object is used for the specific object even when the second object is used in the first virtual space; The program according to claim 1,

6. The benefits that can be acquired by the effect differ between the first virtual space and the second virtual space. The program according to claim 1.

7. A computer comprising: a means for allowing a user to select one of virtual spaces including a first virtual space corresponding to first period information, a second virtual space corresponding to second period information prior to the first period information, and a third virtual space corresponding to third period information subsequent to the first period information; a means for limiting an effect of a second object, among each of objects available to a user, including a first object corresponding to the first period information, a second object corresponding to the second period information, and a third object corresponding to the third period information, when the second object is used in the first virtual space, compared with an effect of the second object being used in the second virtual space; means for making the third object unavailable in the first virtual space; A program that functions as a

8. In the first virtual space, a specific object belonging to a category different from each of the objects is provided, The computer, means for not restricting the effect when the second object is used for the specific object even when the second object is used in the first virtual space; The program according to claim 7,

9. The benefits that can be acquired by the effect differ between the first virtual space and the second virtual space. The program according to claim 7.

10. A means for allowing a user to select one of virtual spaces including a first virtual space corresponding to first period information, a second virtual space corresponding to second period information prior to the first period information, and a third virtual space corresponding to third period information subsequent to the first period information; a means for limiting an effect of a second object, among each of the objects available to a user, including a first object corresponding to the first period information, a second object corresponding to the second period information, and a third object corresponding to the third period information, when the second object is used in the first virtual space, compared to an effect of the second object being used in the second virtual space; a means for limiting the effect when the third object is used in the first virtual space compared to when the third object is used in the third virtual space; An information processing system comprising:

Images