Program and System

Abstract

To suppress a decrease in the user's interest. 【Solution means】When a first operation in which the user uses a first object borrowed satisfies a first condition, the program causes the computer to function as control means for performing control to restrict the use of the first object by the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and a system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in services that users can use, transactions of objects acquired by the users have been carried out.

[0003] However, if the above-described services are not used appropriately, the user's interest may decrease.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a program and a system capable of suppressing a decrease in user interest.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a computer is caused to The user when the first object borrowed is has mined a third object with high hardness arranged in the virtual space a predetermined number of times, rather than a second object with low hardness arranged in the virtual space that the user uses restrict the use of the first object by the user or notification of a warning and a program is provided that functions as control means for performing the control.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] The present invention makes it possible to suppress a decrease in user interest.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a game system according to the present embodiment. The game system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to enable a user to play a game online, for example, and includes a user terminal (terminal device) 10 and a server device 20.

[0010] The user terminal 10 is an electronic device used by a user, for example. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user terminal 10 is a personal computer (PC), for example, but the user terminal 10 may be other electronic devices such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and a video game machine.

[0011] The server device 20 is provided to enable a user to play a game using the user terminal 10, and is communicably connected to the user terminal 10 via a network 30 such as the Internet.

[0012] In FIG. 1, only one user terminal 10 is shown, but the game system 1 is assumed to include a plurality of user terminals 10 used by a plurality of users who can play the game.

[0013] Furthermore, in the game system 1 according to the present embodiment, the user terminal 10 and the server device 20 are communicably connected to the blockchain system 40 via the network 30.

[0014] The blockchain system 40 includes a plurality of node devices (not shown), and each node device has a distributed ledger. Each node device is configured to store the same data in the distributed ledger. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, assets and the like held by the user are managed on the blockchain realized by the distributed ledger of each node device of the blockchain system 40.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 10 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 10 includes a non-volatile memory 11, a CPU 12, a main memory 13, a communication device 14, an input device 15, a display device 16, and the like.

[0016] The non-volatile memory 11 stores various programs. The various programs stored in the non-volatile memory 11 include, for example, an operating system (OS) and various application programs operating on the user terminal 10.

[0017] The CPU 12 is a processor for controlling the operations of various components within the user terminal 10, and executes various programs stored in the non-volatile memory 11, for example. The CPU 12 may be a single processor or may be composed of a plurality of processors.

[0018] Various programs stored in the non-volatile memory 11 are loaded from the non-volatile memory 11 into the main memory 13 and executed by the CPU 12. Among the programs executed by the CPU 12, there is a game program for operating as a user terminal in the game system 1.

[0019] The communication device 14 is a device for executing communication with external devices such as a server device 20 and a plurality of node devices constituting the blockchain system 40.

[0020] The input device 15 is a device for inputting operations performed by the user to play a game, and includes, for example, a mouse and a keyboard.

[0021] The display device 16 is a device for displaying various screens for playing a game, and includes, for example, a liquid crystal display.

[0022] FIG. 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 20 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the server device 20 includes a non-volatile memory 21, a CPU 22, a main memory 23, a communication device 24, and the like.

[0023] The non-volatile memory 21 stores various programs. The various programs stored in the non-volatile memory 21 include, for example, an operating system (OS) and various application programs operating on the server device 20.

[0024] The CPU 22 is a processor for controlling the operations of various components within the server device 20, and executes various programs stored in the non-volatile memory 21, for example. The CPU 22 may be a single processor or may be composed of a plurality of processors.

[0025] Note that various programs stored in the non-volatile memory 21 are executed by the CPU 22 loaded from the non-volatile memory 21 into the main memory 23. Among the programs executed by the CPU 22, there is a game program for operating as a server device in the game system 1.

[0026] The communication device 24 is a device for executing communication with external devices such as the user terminal 10 and a plurality of node devices constituting the blockchain system 40.

[0027] Here, the hardware configurations of the user terminal 10 and the server device 20 have been described. It is assumed that each node device constituting the above-described blockchain system 40 has a similar hardware configuration. Specifically, each node device may be provided with, for example, a non-volatile memory, a CPU, a main memory, a communication device, and the like.

[0028] Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the game system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. The game system 1 according to the present embodiment has a function of realizing a user playing a game by, for example, the user terminal 10, the server device 20, and the blockchain system 40 operating in cooperation.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the user terminal 10 includes an operation reception unit 101, a transmission / reception unit 102, a control unit 103, a display processing unit 104, and a storage unit 105.

[0030] Note that the operation reception unit 101, the transmission / reception unit 102, the control unit 103, and the display processing unit 104 shown in FIG. 4 are functional units realized by software, for example, by the CPU 12 provided in the user terminal 10 executing the above-described game program. This game program may be downloaded to the user terminal 10 via the network 30, for example, or may be pre-stored in a computer-readable storage medium and distributed. Note that the CPU 12 is an example of a computer of the user terminal 10 that executes the game program.

[0031] In addition, the storage unit 105 shown in FIG. 4 is realized by the non-volatile memory 11 shown in FIG. 2 or other storage devices (not shown), etc.

[0032] The operation reception unit 101 receives an operation input by the user using the input device 15 when playing a game. Hereinafter, the operation received by the operation reception unit 101 is referred to as a user operation for convenience. The user operation includes, for example, an operation of clicking a mouse or an operation of pressing a key provided on the keyboard.

[0033] The transmission / reception unit 102 transmits or receives various types of information related to the game via the communication device 14 described above. The various types of information include play information, game information, user information, etc. The play information includes information indicating the above-described user operation.

[0034] The control unit 103 executes various processes related to the progress of the game based on, for example, the user operation.

[0035] The display processing unit 104 executes a process of displaying various screens for playing the game according to the control of the control unit 103.

[0036] The storage unit 105 stores, for example, game information and user information. The game information and user information are information referred to when the game program is executed on the user terminal 10.

[0037] In the game system 1, an account is issued for each user who plays the game, but the game information is common information among the accounts. The game information includes, for example, information for defining a virtual space corresponding to the game space. In addition, the game information includes, for example, information regarding the positions and setting values of various objects such as characters, buildings, trees, stones, and items arranged in the virtual space (hereinafter referred to as object setting information). Note that the character can be operated by the user and is referred to as a player character in the following description.

[0038] User information is information managed for each user account, and in the storage unit 105, user information of users who use the user terminal 10 is stored. The user information includes, for example, information about player characters, information about possessed assets, and information indicating the progress of the game. The possessed assets correspond to assets acquired by the user by playing the game. Examples of assets include electronic currency, tokens, items, and characters. Electronic currency includes, for example, virtual currency (in other words, cryptocurrency) and currency that can be used within the game.

[0039] FIG. 5 shows an example of the functional configuration of the server device 20. As shown in FIG. 5, the server device 20 includes a storage unit 201, a transmission / reception unit 202, a control unit 203, and a management unit 204.

[0040] Note that the storage unit 201 shown in FIG. 5 is realized by the non-volatile memory 21 shown in FIG. 3 or other storage devices (not shown).

[0041] Also, the transmission / reception unit 202, the control unit 203, and the management unit 204 shown in FIG. 5 are functional units realized by, for example, the CPU 22 provided in the server device 20 executing the above-described game program, that is, by software. This game program may be downloaded to the server device 20 via, for example, the network 30, or may be pre-stored in a computer-readable storage medium and distributed. Note that the CPU 22 is an example of a computer of the server device 20 that executes the game program.

[0042] The storage unit 201 stores game information similar to the game information stored in the storage unit 105 included in the above-described user terminal 10. Also, the storage unit 201 stores user information of all users for whom accounts have been issued by registering with the game system 1.

[0043] The transmission / reception unit 202 transmits or receives various types of information related to the game via the communication device 24 described above. The various types of information include the play information, game information, user information, etc. described above.

[0044] The control unit 203 executes various processes for providing a game play environment for playing the game (for example, realizing the play of the game by the user). Specifically, the control unit 203 provides a virtual space to the user playing the game based on the information for defining the virtual space included in the game information. The control unit 203 arranges objects in the virtual space based on the setting information of the objects included in the game information. The control unit 203 controls the objects arranged in the virtual space.

[0045] The management unit 204 manages the game information and user information stored in the storage unit 201. Specifically, the management unit 204 executes processes such as addition, update, and deletion of the game information and user information. Also, the management unit 204 manages the user's owned assets on the blockchain by cooperating with the blockchain system 40.

[0046] Note that the "provision of the game play environment" in the present embodiment is assumed to be realized by a game program operating in the game system 1. The game program operating in the game system 1 includes, for example, a game program operating on the user terminal 10 and a game program operating on the server device 20, but the game program according to the present embodiment may be a part of these game programs.

[0047] Here, the functional configurations of the user terminal 10 and the server device 20 have been described. Next, the functional configuration of the node device constituting the blockchain system 40 will be briefly described. Note that the server device 20 may operate as a part of a plurality of node devices constituting the blockchain system 40.

[0048] The node device registers the user's owned assets in the distributed ledger based on the information regarding the user's owned assets transmitted from the user terminal 10 or the server device 20. Further, the node device registers the history of the transaction of the user's owned assets in the distributed ledger based on the information regarding the transaction of the user's owned assets transmitted from the user terminal 10 or the server device 20.

[0049] In the distributed ledger, a plurality of blocks including hash values and transactions are managed. The hash value is calculated from the information included in the previous block, and in the distributed ledger, the owned assets, the history of transactions, etc. are registered in a state where the blocks are connected like a chain by the hash value. A transaction is, for example, information indicating the details of a transaction of owned assets, and includes input information indicating the transferor and output information indicating the transferee in the transaction.

[0050] The blockchain system 40 stores information in units called blocks in the distributed ledger in this way, and realizes a highly tamper-resistant blockchain by managing the connected blocks, and enables the above-described owned assets and the history of transactions of the owned assets to be managed on the blockchain. In this case, the user terminal 10 or the server device 20 holds its own owned asset information based on the content of the distributed ledger of the blockchain system 40.

[0051] In the game system 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, at least a part of the functions of the user terminal 10 may be possessed by the server device 20 or the blockchain system 40, or at least a part of the functions of the server device 20 may be possessed by the user terminal 10 or the blockchain system 40. Further, the game system 1 may include other devices other than the user terminal 10, the server device 20, and the blockchain system 40. That is, the game program according to the present embodiment can be executed on the user terminal 10, the server device 20, the blockchain system 40, or other devices.

[0052] Here, an overview of the game that can be played by the user in this embodiment will be described. Note that the game in this embodiment is, for example, a game using the blockchain system 40 (hereinafter referred to as a blockchain game).

[0053] The virtual space in this embodiment includes a space such as a mine, and the blockchain game is assumed to be a game in which the user's player character performs mining in the mine. In such a blockchain game, for example, an item acquired by the user (in other words, an item mined by the user in the mine) by performing mining in the mine is managed on the blockchain as the user's held assets, and it is possible for the held assets to be traded with other users.

[0054] In the above-described blockchain game, a common map is prepared among a plurality of users (specifically, all users) who play the blockchain game. A plurality of mines are arranged on the map.

[0055] When the map is displayed on the user terminal 10 based on the user's operation, the user acquires or selects the mine where the user performs mining in the displayed map. Note that in this embodiment, "acquiring a mine" can be rephrased as "acquiring the right to perform mining in a specific mine". However, the user may be able to perform mining in a mine acquired by another user without acquiring the mine.

[0056] By the way, in the blockchain game, as an item necessary for playing the game, item A used for mining in the mine is prepared. In other words, in order to perform mining, the user needs to use item A. Item A is, for example, a pickaxe for mining. The pickaxe may be referred to as a pick. Note that a user who does not hold a pickaxe may be prevented from acquiring a mine.

[0057] Here, in the blockchain game, multiple types of climbing picks with different characteristics are prepared. Also, the climbing pick is an item that can be in an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) state. The state of "the climbing pick being in an NFT state" means a state where information proving that the climbing pick is unique is managed on the blockchain. In other words, the state of "the climbing pick being in an NFT state" means that an NFT corresponding to the climbing pick is issued and the issued NFT is managed on the blockchain. In the following description, a digital asset such as an item for which a corresponding NFT is issued may be simply referred to as an NFT.

[0058] Note that the NFT conversion of the climbing pick in this embodiment is performed by, for example, the operator of the blockchain game, and it is assumed that the user cannot perform it. However, the user may be allowed to perform the NFT conversion of the climbing pick.

[0059] Also, in the blockchain game of this embodiment, the user can obtain items B and C by mining. Although details will be described later, for example, item B is an item that can be in an NFT state, and item C is an item that can be exchanged for a predetermined token. In the following description, the token exchanged for item C is referred to as a specific token.

[0060] There are multiple types of item B, and it is an item with a collection element. Specifically, item B is a gemstone that the user collects. On the other hand, item C is a mineral different from the gemstone (hereinafter referred to as pyroxene). That is, the blockchain game has a gameplay of using a climbing pick to perform mining in a mine to obtain gemstones and pyroxenes.

[0061] In addition, the specific tokens that can be obtained by exchanging with pyroxene correspond to cryptocurrency (e.g., virtual currency). In the blockchain game, the specific tokens are used for the recovery of the durability value of the vine hoe described later, the enhancement of the vine hoe, and the NFT conversion of gems, etc.

[0062] Note that assets such as vine hoes, gems, and pyroxene held by each user may be managed on the blockchain, regardless of whether they are NFT-converted or not.

[0063] Hereinafter, the flow of acquisition and consumption of assets in the blockchain game in this embodiment will be briefly described.

[0064] As described above, in order to perform mining in the blockchain game, the user needs to use a vine hoe. In this embodiment, the user can purchase a vine hoe by consuming specific tokens in the marketplace inside and outside the blockchain game.

[0065] The user who has purchased the vine hoe as described above uses the vine hoe to perform mining in the mine. In mining, a plurality of types of items including gems and pyroxene can be obtained.

[0066] The gems obtained by the user can be NFT-converted by satisfying predetermined conditions. That is, in this embodiment, an NFT corresponding to the gem is issued, and the issued NFT is managed on the blockchain. The NFT conversion of the gem may be performed automatically or based on the user's instruction. Note that the NFT conversion of the gem requires, for example, the consumption of a predetermined amount of specific tokens.

[0067] In addition, the gemstones can be taken out of the blockchain game by being NFTized and traded (e.g., bought and sold) in a marketplace outside the blockchain game. In other words, NFTizing an item such as a gemstone corresponds to making it possible to take out the item outside the blockchain game. Note that the gemstones may be traded in a predetermined marketplace regardless of whether they are NFTized or not.

[0068] The pyroxenes obtained by the user can be exchanged for the specific tokens as described above. Note that the exchange between the pyroxenes and the specific tokens is assumed to be automatically performed. Specifically, all the pyroxenes held by the user may be exchanged for the specific tokens at a predetermined time, or may be exchanged for the specific tokens at the timing when the mining is completed or the like. Also, the exchange between the pyroxenes and the specific tokens may be performed based on the user's instruction.

[0069] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the pyroxenes obtained by mining in the mine are exchanged for the specific tokens, but the specific tokens may be directly obtained by the mining.

[0070] Also, although the pyroxenes have been described here as being exchangeable for the specific tokens, the gemstones may be made exchangeable for the specific tokens. In other words, the gemstones may be items that can be NFTized and exchanged for the specific tokens. The exchange between the gemstones and the specific tokens may be performed either before or after NFTization, or may be performed both before and after NFTization.

[0071] The specific tokens in the present embodiment correspond to virtual currencies managed on the blockchain. The specific tokens may be tokens that can be exchanged for other crypto assets at a predetermined exchange. Also, the specific tokens may be unique tokens related to the blockchain game and tokens with a set issuance limit, or may be virtual currencies or the like that can be used outside the blockchain game.

[0072] Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6, an example of the processing procedure of the game system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0073] In the present embodiment, it has been explained that in order for a user to perform mining, the user needs to use a pickaxe. However, the pickaxe used by the user may be a pickaxe owned by the user or a pickaxe owned by another user. In other words, for example, a user who owns a pickaxe can use the pickaxe to perform mining, or can lend the pickaxe to another user and request mining. On the other hand, for example, a user who does not own a pickaxe can borrow a pickaxe from another user temporarily and perform mining without purchasing the pickaxe.

[0074] In the present embodiment, a user who owns a pickaxe and can lend the pickaxe to another user is called an owner. On the other hand, a user who borrows a pickaxe from the owner and performs mining is called a scalar. When a scalar borrows a pickaxe from the owner and performs mining, the scalar will perform mining in the mine obtained by the owner.

[0075] First, for example, when a game program is started on the user terminal 10 to start a blockchain game, a home screen is displayed on the user terminal 10 (step S1).

[0076] Here, FIG. 7 shows an example of the home screen. As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of buttons 110a to 110i are arranged on the home screen 110.

[0077] The button 110a is a button that can display a screen for obtaining and managing mines (for example, the map described above).

[0078] Button 110b is a button that can display a screen for checking the gems obtained by the user through mining (in other words, the gems obtained by the user in the blockchain game).

[0079] By the way, in this embodiment, a durability value is set for the pickaxe used for mining, and this durability value decreases as the pickaxe is used for mining. When the durability value reaches a predetermined value (for example, 0), the pickaxe becomes unusable. Furthermore, a level or rank is set for the pickaxe. When the level or rank of such a pickaxe is increased to strengthen the pickaxe, for example, parameters that affect the ease of mining gems and pyroxenes change, and the efficiency of the mining increases. Button 110c is a button that can display a screen for recovering the durability value of such a pickaxe and strengthening the pickaxe. Note that the recovery and strengthening of the durability value of the pickaxe can be performed, for example, by consuming a predetermined amount of specific tokens.

[0080] Button 110d is a button that can display a screen for recruiting scalars to request mining, for example, when the user is the owner.

[0081] Button 110e is a button that can display a screen for buying and selling gems in a predetermined marketplace.

[0082] Button 110f is a button that can display a screen for buying and selling pickaxes in a predetermined marketplace.

[0083] Button 110g is a button that can display a screen for searching for information on gems mined within the blockchain game.

[0084] Button 110h is a button that can display a screen for managing assets such as specific tokens and NFTs.

[0085] When an operation of pressing the above-described buttons 110a to 110h is performed, the screen transitions from the home screen 110 to the screen corresponding to the button. The button 110i is prepared to return from the screen to the home screen 110.

[0086] Incidentally, on the home screen 110, a first mining start button 111 and a second mining start button 112 for instructing the start of mining are further arranged.

[0087] The first mining start button 111 is a button for the user to perform mining as an owner. When an operation of pressing the first mining start button 111 is performed, the user starts mining using the vine scissors owned by the user. Note that since the first mining start button 111 is a button for performing mining as an owner, for example, it may be configured not to be pressed when the user does not own vine scissors.

[0088] The second mining start button 112 is a button for the user to perform mining as a scalar. When an operation of pressing the second mining start button 112 is performed, the user starts mining by borrowing the vine scissors owned by the owner who is another user.

[0089] Here, the home screen has been described with reference to FIG. 7, but the home screen 110 shown in FIG. 7 is an example, and the home screen in the present embodiment may be different from FIG. 7. Specifically, the home screen in the present embodiment may be one in which at least a part of the buttons 110a to 110i, 111, and 112 is omitted, or may be one in which buttons other than the buttons 110a to 110i, 111, and 112 are further arranged.

[0090] Returning to FIG. 6 again, when an operation of pressing the first mining start button 111 or the second mining start button 112 arranged on the above-described home screen 110 is performed, a mining screen is displayed on the user terminal 10 (step S2).

[0091] Note that FIG. 8 shows an example of a mining screen. As shown in FIG. 8, in the mining screen 120, a mine 121 corresponding to a virtual space is displayed. Also, a user's player character 122 is placed in the mine 121 displayed on the mining screen 120. The user can perform operations on the player character 122 while referring to the mining screen 120, and based on the user's operation, the player character 122 moves in the mine 121 and operates to excavate the surface of the mine 121 using a pickaxe. The process of step S2 described above shall include a process of controlling the operation of the player character 122 that performs mining in the mine 121 displayed on the mining screen 120 in this manner.

[0092] Here, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the user plays a blockchain game as the scalar described above. In this case, the scalar can perform mining using the pickaxe owned by the owner as described above.

[0093] Note that mining in a blockchain game is performed, for example, by excavating the surface of a mine to dig out ores containing gems and pyroxenes, and further excavating the ores to extract gems and pyroxenes from the ores. When a gem or pyroxene is mined by the scalar, a part of the mined gem or pyroxene is distributed to the owner, and the scalar can obtain the other part of the gem or pyroxene as a reward.

[0094] On the other hand, as described above, a durability value is set for the pickaxe, and the durability value decreases each time the pickaxe is used to excavate the surface. When the durability value reaches a predetermined value, the pickaxe cannot be used. When the pickaxe cannot be used due to the durability value reaching the predetermined value, the durability value of the pickaxe can be restored by the owner consuming a specific token.

[0095] That is, the owner can obtain gems or pyroxenes without mining by lending the pickaxe owned by the owner as a scalar. However, if the scalar does not perform efficient mining, not only can gems and pyroxenes not be obtained, but a situation may occur where specific tokens have to be consumed to restore the durability value of the pickaxe. If such a situation occurs, there is concern that the user's interest and motivation in playing the blockchain game as the owner will decline.

[0096] Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to suppress the decline in the user's interest, a mechanism is provided to prevent the inefficient mining of the scalar described above.

[0097] Returning to FIG. 6 again, when the scalar performs mining using the pickaxe borrowed from the owner, it is determined whether or not the operation of the scalar using the pickaxe (hereinafter referred to as the excavation operation) satisfies a predetermined condition (hereinafter referred to as the guidance condition) (step S3). Note that the excavation operation corresponds to an operation for controlling the player character so as to excavate the ground surface using the pickaxe (specifically, hitting the ground surface with the pickaxe), and can be, for example, an operation of clicking the mouse once.

[0098] Here, the guidance condition in the present embodiment corresponds to, for example, a condition regarding the use of the pickaxe. In other words, the guidance condition is a condition that indicates that the scalar is not using the pickaxe appropriately or that the scalar is not performing efficient mining.

[0099] Hereinafter, the guidance conditions in this embodiment will be specifically described. First, as described above, in mining in a blockchain game, it is necessary to excavate the surface of a mine. In this blockchain game, a plurality of types of surfaces with different hardnesses are prepared. The number of times a pickaxe is used to excavate the surface shall vary according to the hardness. Specifically, for example, in the case of a surface with low hardness, it can be excavated by using the pickaxe once, but in the case of a surface with high hardness, it cannot be excavated unless the pickaxe is used multiple times.

[0100] In order to perform efficient mining in a blockchain game, it is required to excavate from a surface with relatively low hardness. Continuing to use the pickaxe on a surface with high hardness cannot be called efficient mining.

[0101] In this case, the above guidance conditions include that the number of excavation operations performed on a surface with a hardness equal to or greater than a predetermined value exceeds a predetermined value. The number of excavation operations performed corresponds to the number of times the pickaxe is used.

[0102] Note that in a blockchain game, tools for efficient mining (hereinafter referred to as mining tools) are prepared. The mining tool includes, for example, a detector that can detect and notify ores (that is, gems or pyroxenes) near the player character. In order to perform efficient mining, it is necessary to search for ores while using such a detector.

[0103] Therefore, the count of the number of times of performing a digging operation for determining whether or not the above-described guiding conditions are satisfied (hereinafter referred to as the count of the digging operation) shall be started, for example, from the timing when the detector was last used. Further, the count of the digging operation may be started, for example, from the timing when the ore was last mined. In this case, the count of the digging operation is reset when the detector is used or the ore is mined. Note that "the ore is mined" may mean that the ore is exposed by excavating the ground surface, or that a gemstone or a pyroxene is collected from the ore.

[0104] Whether or not the scalar's digging operation (in other words, the play situation regarding the scalar's mining) satisfies the guiding conditions is determined based on game information including information for defining a virtual space in which various ground surfaces are arranged, play information including the position of the scalar's player character and information indicating the operation of the scalar, and the like.

[0105] Note that assuming that a plurality of types of ground surfaces are prepared as described above, the ground surface having a hardness equal to or higher than a predetermined value may be the one with the highest hardness, or a plurality of ground surfaces with higher hardness, or a ground surface that cannot be excavated unless at least two or more digging operations are performed.

[0106] Further, the digging operation on the ground surface having a hardness equal to or higher than a predetermined value may be performed continuously or intermittently. That is, when it is determined that the guiding conditions are satisfied when the number of digging operations exceeding a predetermined value on the ground surface having a hardness equal to or higher than a predetermined value is continuously performed, or even if a digging operation on the ground surface having a hardness lower than the predetermined value is performed in between, it may be determined that the guiding conditions are satisfied when the total number of digging operations performed on the ground surface having a hardness equal to or higher than the predetermined value exceeds a predetermined value.

[0107] When it is determined that the scalar's digging operation satisfies the guiding conditions (YES in step S3), guidance regarding the scalar's digging operation is output to the user terminal 10 used by the scalar (step S4).

[0108] Note that the guidance output in step S4 is displayed on the mining screen in the form of a dialog as shown in FIG. 9, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 9, guidance messages such as "The mining efficiency is deteriorating. Until the detector reacts, let's dig from the soft ground surface. After the detector reacts, let's search for ore while using the detector frequently. If no improvement is seen, the scalar contract will be automatically cancelled." are displayed. Note that the guidance message may be a message corresponding to a warning or a notification, for example. Also, the scalar contract corresponds to a borrowing relationship of the winch between the owner and the scalar.

[0109] Although omitted in FIG. 6, when the process of step S4 is executed, the scalar can resume mining.

[0110] When the scalar performs mining again after the process of step S4 is executed as described above, it is determined whether or not the excavation operation of the scalar satisfies a predetermined condition (hereinafter referred to as a release condition) (step S5).

[0111] As the release condition in the present embodiment, the same condition as the above-described guidance condition is used. However, the count of the above-described excavation operation starts from the timing when the guidance is output in step S4 described above. However, when the detector is used or ore is mined as described above, the count of the excavation operation is reset. Whether or not the excavation operation of the scalar (in other words, the play situation regarding the mining of the scalar) satisfies the release condition is determined based on the above-described game information, play information, etc.

[0112] Note that in the present embodiment, the guidance condition and the release condition have been described as being the same condition, but the guidance condition and the release condition may be at least partially different. Specifically, the predetermined values in the guidance condition and the release condition may be different values.

[0113] When it is determined that the scalar excavation operation satisfies the cancellation condition (YES in step S5), the above scalar contract is cancelled (step S6). "The scalar contract is cancelled" means that the state in which the scalar can use the owner's pickaxe based on the borrowing relationship of the pickaxe between the owner and the scalar is cancelled, and the scalar loses the right to use the owner's pickaxe.

[0114] In addition, when the process of step S6 is executed, on the user terminal 10 used by the scalar, it is notified that the scalar contract has been cancelled in step S6. This notification is displayed on the mining screen in the form of a dialog as shown in FIG. 10, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 10, a notification message such as "Since no improvement in mining efficiency is observed, the scalar contract has been automatically cancelled. Log out of the mine." is displayed.

[0115] When the above notification message is displayed, the scalar's mining is forcibly terminated (the scalar's player character automatically exits the mine), and the process returns to step S1 and is repeated.

[0116] In addition, when it is determined in step S3 that the scalar excavation operation does not satisfy the guidance condition (NO in step S3), while the scalar's mining is being performed, the process of step S3 is repeatedly executed. In step S3, it is determined that the guidance condition is not satisfied when, for example, a detector is used or ore is mined as described above, and the count of the above excavation operation is reset.

[0117] Similarly, when it is determined in step S5 that the scalar excavation operation does not satisfy the cancellation condition (NO in step S5), the process returns to step S5 and is repeated, and the scalar can continue to mine. In step S5, it is determined that the cancellation condition is not satisfied when, for example, a detector is used or ore is mined as described above, and the count of the above excavation operation is reset.

[0118] Here, it has been described that when the detector is used or when the ore is mined and it is determined that the release condition is not satisfied, the process returns to step S5 and the process is repeated. However, for example, different processes may be executed when the detector is used and when the ore is mined.

[0119] Specifically, for example, when the detector is used (that is, the operation of using the detector is performed), the count of the above-described excavation operation is reset, and it is assumed that the process returns to step S5 and the process is repeated. In other words, when the detector is used, the count of the excavation operation is reset within the scope of the release condition, and then, when the excavation operation of the scalar satisfies the release condition, the scalar contract is released.

[0120] On the other hand, for example, when the ore is mined, the count of the excavation operation may be reset and the process may return to step S3 and the process may be repeated. In other words, when the ore is mined, everything may be reset and the process may be repeated from the determination process of whether or not the guidance condition for outputting the guidance is satisfied.

[0121] Note that the process shown in FIG. 6 described above may be executed in the game system 1, and the processes of steps S1 to S6 shown in FIG. 6 may be executed, for example, in the user terminal 10 or may be executed in the server device 20. Specifically, for example, the processes of steps S1, S2, and S4 may be executed in the user terminal 10, but a part or all of the processes may be executed in the server device 20. Similarly, for example, the processes of steps S2, S4, and S6 may be executed in the server device 20, but a part or all of the processes may be executed in the user terminal 10.

[0122] Also, in FIG. 6, the processes of steps S3 and S4 have been described as being executed. However, in this embodiment, for example, as long as the scalar contract is released when at least the excavation operation of the scalar satisfies the release condition. Therefore, the processes of steps S3 and S4 shown in FIG. 6 may be omitted.

[0123] Furthermore, when the scalar contract is terminated in this embodiment, restrictions may be imposed on the mining of the scalar that is carried out after the termination of the scalar contract.

[0124] Specifically, when the scalar contract is terminated, the scalar may be prohibited from being mined in the mine where mining was carried out based on the scalar contract for a predetermined period after the termination of the scalar contract, or the scalar may be prohibited from being mined in all the mines owned by the owner in the scalar contract.

[0125] Also, when the scalar contract is terminated, the scalar may be prohibited from borrowing the vine trellis that it had borrowed in the scalar contract again for mining, or the scalar may be prohibited from borrowing all the vine trellises owned by the owner in the scalar contract.

[0126] Furthermore, when the scalar contract is terminated, in addition to the mines acquired by the owner in the scalar contract, the scalar may also be prohibited from being mined in the mines acquired by other owners.

[0127] Also, although this embodiment has been described as terminating the scalar contract, instead of terminating the scalar contract, a process such as imposing a penalty on the user, for example, reducing the mining speed, may be executed.

[0128] As described above, in this embodiment, when the excavation operation of the scalar satisfies the termination condition, the scalar contract is terminated. In this case, the vine trellis borrowed by the scalar is owned by the owner, who is another user different from the scalar, and the termination condition is, for example, a condition related to the use of the vine trellis.

[0129] Note that a scalar corresponds to a user who does not own a vine hoe. The vine hoe is an example of a first object. The excavation operation of the scalar is an example of a first operation. The release condition is an example of a first condition. The cancellation of the scalar contract corresponds to releasing the state in which the scalar can use the vine hoe, meaning putting the scalar in a state where it cannot use the vine hoe. However, the cancellation of the scalar contract is an example of control that restricts the use of the first object by the user, and such control may include a process of imposing a penalty related to mining on the user.

[0130] In this embodiment, with such a configuration, it is possible to prevent inefficient excavation of scalars and avoid disadvantages to the owner. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the interest of the user corresponding to the owner in the blockchain game. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is also possible to prevent fraudulent acts such as mechanically performing excavation using a fraudulent program such as a bot.

[0131] Also, in this embodiment, when guidance conditions that are the same as or at least partially different from the release conditions are satisfied, guidance regarding the excavation operation of the scalar is output, and when the release conditions are satisfied after the guidance is output, the scalar contract is cancelled. According to such a configuration, for example, for a user such as a beginner who does not know how to efficiently perform mining in a blockchain game, guidance is provided as a hint on how to perform appropriate mining (that is, the excavation operation), and it is possible to avoid suddenly cancelling the scalar contract of the user. Note that the guidance in this embodiment may be, for example, a warning or notification to a user who is using the vine hoe owned by the owner for the purpose of disadvantaging the owner.

[0132] In addition, in the present embodiment, the release condition includes that the number of times a scalar excavation operation has been performed on the ground surface with a hardness of a predetermined value or more exceeds a predetermined value. The ground surface with a hardness of a predetermined value or more is an example of a second object different from the first object. According to such a release condition, it is possible to prevent inefficient mining such as repeatedly using a scraper on a hard ground surface from being performed by the scalar.

[0133] Also, when determining whether the scalar excavation operation satisfies the release condition, the number of times the scalar excavation operation has been performed on the ground surface with a hardness of a predetermined value or more is counted. The count of the excavation operation is reset, for example, when an operation using a detector prepared as a mining tool is performed. According to such a configuration, it is possible to avoid a situation where the scalar contract is automatically released even though the scalar is performing efficient mining using the detector. The operation of using the detector is an example of an operation of searching for a third object (for example, ore) without using the first object (for example, a scraper). Further, the operation of searching for the third object without using the first object is an example of a second operation different from the first operation.

[0134] In the present embodiment, since the scalar contract is released when the scalar excavation operation satisfies the release condition, it can be said that the present embodiment is configured to impose restrictions on the scalar excavation operation when, for example, a scalar uses a scraper borrowed from an owner at a mine. From the viewpoint of avoiding the owner's disadvantage due to inefficient mining by the scalar, such restrictions are not imposed on the owner's excavation operation (that is, the operation of the owner using the scraper owned by the owner himself).

[0135] Incidentally, in the present embodiment, guidance is output when the excavation operation of the scalar satisfies the guidance condition, and the scalar contract is cancelled when the excavation operation of the scalar satisfies the cancellation condition. At least one of the function for outputting the guidance (hereinafter referred to as the guidance function) and the function for cancelling the scalar contract (hereinafter referred to as the cancellation function) may be switched between valid and invalid according to, for example, the instructions of the owner.

[0136] Also, at least one of the guidance function and the cancellation function may be automatically switched between valid and invalid based on, for example, the play information of the scalar. Specifically, for example, in the case of a scalar whose mining rate calculated based on the play information is less than a predetermined value, at least one of the guidance function and the cancellation function may be made valid, and in the case of a scalar whose mining rate is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, at least one of the guidance function and the cancellation function may be made invalid. If the number of times the scalar has performed mining in the mine (hereinafter referred to as the first number of times) and the number of times gems or pyroxenes have been mined in the mine (hereinafter referred to as the second number of times) are included in the play information, the mining rate may be calculated by the second number of times / the first number of times, etc., but it may also be calculated by other methods.

[0137] Furthermore, for example, at least one of the guidance function and the cancellation function may be made invalid in the case of a scalar having a predetermined relationship with the owner. A scalar having a predetermined relationship with the owner is, for example, a scalar that has input the scalar ID published by the owner, and specifically, a scalar that is an acquaintance of the owner.

[0138] Note that the guidance conditions and cancellation conditions described in the present embodiment are examples, and other guidance conditions and cancellation conditions may be prepared in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, other examples of the guidance conditions and cancellation conditions will be described.

[0139] In a blockchain game, assume that a mine where mining is carried out has a level as a parameter of the mine. The level of this mine increases, for example, when mining is carried out in the mine. The higher the level of the mine, the higher the efficiency of the mining carried out in the mine. Specifically, when the level of the mine increases, the number of times of using a pickaxe to excavate the surface of the mine decreases, and it becomes easier to excavate the surface in the mine. Also, when the level of the mine increases, the performance of the detector used in the mine may increase.

[0140] In this case, different guidance conditions corresponding to the level of the mine may be prepared. Specifically, although it has been described that whether the above-described guidance conditions are satisfied is determined based on the number of excavation operations for which the count was started from the timing when the detector was last used or the ore was mined, when the level of the mine is less than a predetermined value, the count of the excavation operation is started, for example, from the timing when the detector last reacted or the ore was mined. In other words, when the level of the mine is less than a predetermined value, the count of the excavation operation is reset, for example, when the detector reacts or the ore is mined.

[0141] On the other hand, when the level of the mine is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the count of the excavation operation is started, for example, from the timing when the detector was last used or the ore was mined. In other words, when the level of the mine is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the count of the excavation operation is reset, for example, when the detector is used or the ore is mined.

[0142] Note that "the detector has reacted" means a state in which the detector has informed that there is ore in the vicinity of the player character by using the detector. On the other hand, "the detector has been used" simply means that the detector has been used, regardless of whether the detector has informed that there is ore in the vicinity of the player character.

[0143] Here, an example has been described in which the timing at which the count of the excavation operation is started or reset varies according to the level of the mine. However, for example, a predetermined value corresponding to the hardness of the ground surface where the excavation operation is counted may vary according to the level of the mine, or a predetermined value corresponding to the number of times an excavation operation determined to satisfy the guidance condition has been performed may vary according to the level of the mine.

[0144] Here, the guidance conditions have been described, but the release conditions may be the same as the guidance conditions, or at least partially different from the guidance conditions.

[0145] According to such guidance conditions and release conditions, when the level of the mine is low, the number of excavation operations tends to increase. Therefore, it is possible to scalarily encourage play that mines ore as surely as possible. Also, according to such guidance conditions and release conditions, when the level of the mine is high, the conditions can be relaxed based on the perspective that mining is relatively easy, and the degree of freedom of mining can be improved.

[0146] Furthermore, according to the above-described detector, it is possible to detect whether or not there is ore in the vicinity of the player character. However, even though there is no ore in the vicinity, it cannot be said that excavating the ground surface with a hardness equal to or greater than a predetermined value is efficient mining. For this reason, at least one of the guidance conditions and the release conditions may be, for example, that the number of consecutive excavation operations on the ground surface with a hardness equal to or greater than a predetermined value at a position far enough from the ore that the detector does not react exceeds a predetermined value. Also, at least one of the guidance conditions and the release conditions may be, for example, that the number of consecutive excavations of the ground surface with a hardness equal to or greater than a predetermined value at a position far enough from the ore that the detector does not react exceeds a predetermined value. Note that the "number of times the ground surface with a hardness equal to or greater than a predetermined value has been excavated" means the number of times the ground surface has been broken by performing the excavation operation multiple times, not the number of times the excavation operation has been performed. Also, the "position far enough from the ore that the detector does not react" is an example of a position that is separated from the third object by a predetermined distance or more.

[0147] In addition, the durability value of the pickaxe decreases each time a digging operation is performed (i.e., when the pickaxe is used). However, when the durability value of the pickaxe is low, it is necessary to perform more efficient mining. From this perspective, at least one of the guidance condition and the release condition may be, for example, that even when the durability value of the pickaxe is below a predetermined value, the number of times of digging operations on the ground surface with a hardness of at least a predetermined value exceeds a predetermined value. Note that "when the durability value of the pickaxe is below a predetermined value" is an example of a state where the parameter value of the first object is within a predetermined range.

[0148] Furthermore, at least one of the guidance condition and the release condition may be, for example, that even though the durability value of the pickaxe has decreased by about 10% of the maximum value of the durability value, the amount of excavation is below a predetermined value without using a detector or mining ore. Note that the amount of excavation is the amount of the ground surface excavated and can be calculated, for example, from play information and the like.

[0149] Also, at least one of the guidance condition and the release condition may change according to the play environment of the blockchain game. The play environment may include, for example, the level of the user (e.g., the owner or the scalar), the type, level, or durability value of the pickaxe, and the level of the mine. Note that the level of the user, the type, level, or durability value of the pickaxe, and the level of the mine are examples of the parameters set in the virtual space where the first object is used based on the user, the first object, and the first operation. In this embodiment, when it is determined that, for example, the scalar can perform efficient mining in the blockchain game based on such a play environment, at least one of the guidance condition and the release condition may be relaxed. On the other hand, when it is determined that, for example, the scalar cannot perform efficient mining in the blockchain game based on such a play environment, at least one of the guidance condition and the release condition may be strengthened or tightened.

[0150] Furthermore, from the perspective of preventing illegal acts such as mechanically performing excavation using an illegal program like a bot as described above, at least one of the guidance condition and the release condition may be that no specific operation performed by a human is carried out.

[0151] In this case, for example, regardless of the shape of the mine or the like, when the excavation operation is continuously performed linearly, it can be determined that no operation performed by a human is carried out. In other words, at least one of the guidance condition and the release condition may be that the excavation operation is carried out in a predetermined pattern that is assumed to be mechanically performed, for example.

[0152] Also, in the blockchain game, there may be a function for sending and receiving messages (specifically, chatting) between users. In this case, at least one of the guidance condition and the release condition may be that, despite receiving and displaying a message sent from another user, the excavation operation is carried out without responding to the message for a predetermined period, for example.

[0153] In this embodiment, the blockchain game has been described, but the game realized by the game system 1 according to this embodiment may be a game other than the blockchain game. Furthermore, this embodiment may be applied to a system that realizes a service for providing a virtual space as described above to users.

[0154] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and at the implementation stage, the components can be modified and embodied without departing from the gist thereof. Also, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0155] "Supplementary Note" Hereinafter, some of the features of the present invention are summarized. "Problem" For example, it aims to suppress the decline in user interest. "Solution" (1) A computer, When a first operation by the user to use a first object borrowed satisfies a first condition, control means for performing control to restrict the use of the first object by the user Function as, program. (2) The first object is held by another user different from the user, The first condition is a condition regarding the use of the first object, The program according to (1). (3) When the control means satisfies a second condition that the first operation is the same as or at least partially different from the first condition, it outputs guidance regarding the first operation, and after outputting the guidance, when the first condition satisfies the first condition, the state in which the user can use the first object is released. The program according to (1) or (2). (4) The first condition includes that the number of times the first operation of using the first object with respect to the second object has exceeded a predetermined value. The program according to (1) or (2). (5) When a second operation different from the first operation is performed, the control means resets the number of times the first operation of using the first object with respect to the second object has been performed. The program according to (4). (6) The first condition includes that the number of times the first operation has been performed at a position more than a predetermined distance away from the third object has exceeded a predetermined value. The program according to (1) or (2). (7) The first condition includes that the number of times the first operation has been performed in a state where the parameter value of the first object is within a predetermined range has exceeded a predetermined value. The program according to (1) or (2). (8) The first condition is a program according to (1) or (2), which changes based on a parameter set in a virtual space where the first object is used based on the user, the first object, or the first operation. (9) The first condition is a program according to (1) or (2), which includes that the first operation is being performed in a predetermined pattern. (10) The control means receives and displays a message sent from another user, and the first condition includes that the first operation is performed without responding to the message for the program according to (1) or (2). (11) A computer is caused to function as control means for imposing a restriction on a first operation of using the first object when a second user uses the first object borrowed from a first user who holds the first object in a virtual space, and not imposing a restriction on the first operation when the first user uses the first object in the virtual space. The program. Note that the solution means configured by the above program may be appropriately applied to the fields of devices, systems, methods, and media. "Effect" According to the configurations of (1), (2), and (4) to (10), for example, it is possible to avoid disadvantages to the user and suppress a decrease in the user's interest. According to the configuration of (3), for example, it is possible to prompt the user to perform an appropriate first operation by guidance. According to the configuration of (11), for example, it is possible to avoid disadvantages to the first user by imposing a restriction on the first operation of the second user and suppress a decrease in the interest of the first user.

Explanation of Signs

[0156] 1... Game system, 10... User terminal, 11... Non-volatile memory, 12... CPU, 13... Main memory, 14... Communication device, 15... Input device, 16... Display device, 20... Server device, 21... Non-volatile memory, 22... CPU, 23... Main memory, 24... Communication device, 30... Network, 40... Blockchain system, 101... Operation reception unit, 102... Transmission / reception unit, 103... Control unit, 104... Display processing unit, 105... Storage unit, 201... Storage unit, 202... Transmission / reception unit, 203... Control unit, 204... Management unit.

Claims

1. A computer, when the user uses the first object borrowed by the user and mines the third object with high hardness arranged in the virtual space a predetermined number of times instead of the second object with low hardness arranged in the virtual space, a control means for performing control or warning notification to limit the use of the first object by the user Function as a program.

2. The parameter of the first object decreases by mining the second object and the third object, The amount of the parameter that decreases by mining the second object is different from the amount of the parameter that decreases by mining the third object The program according to claim 1.

3. A system comprising a control means for performing control or warning notification to limit the use of the first object by the user when the user uses the first object borrowed by the user and mines the third object with high hardness arranged in the virtual space a predetermined number of times instead of the second object with low hardness arranged in the virtual space Comprising a system.

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