Server system, program, and game providing method

Abstract

To provide a server system, etc. capable of enhancing amusement properties of a game by incorporating, in the game, game properties based on an option while enhancing the attraction of the option in the game that can set the option to give preferential treatment to a player.SOLUTION: A server device 10 sets a plurality of tasks that are set gradually in an effective period to a player to whom a privilege acquisition option is set, causes the player to acquire a privilege that is preferential treatment associated with each task when it is determined that a task achievement condition in each task is met, and executes privilege changing processing for changing the privilege that the corresponding player is caused to acquire when the task achievement condition is met according to game situations of each player indicating the progress of the game, game results, proficiency, contribution to activation of the game, a degree of enthusiasm for the game, etc.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Online games, which combine communication-based networking services known as social networking services (hereinafter referred to as "SNS") with games, have been offered for some time.

[0003] In addition, many social games allow players to link their game progress, and recently, games have been introduced that reflect the progress of other players in the game content of one's own game, increasing the enjoyment of the game.

[0004] Meanwhile, recently, in online games such as social games, it has become known to provide an option (hereinafter also referred to as a "benefit acquisition option") that gives players who meet certain conditions, such as paying or completing a task, more rewards for the game than players who do not meet those conditions.

[0005] In game systems in which the game progresses based on such bonus acquisition options, some systems are known that have a configuration in which, in order to increase motivation to obtain the bonus acquisition option, the specifications of the bonus acquisition option (content and level of bonus) are changed if a player who has obtained the bonus acquisition option meets certain conditions within a certain period of time after the bonus acquisition option is set (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-238515 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the game system described in Patent Document 1, there is no mention of linking bonus acquisition options between multiple players, and there is no configuration that increases motivation to obtain bonus acquisition options based on this perspective, so there is room for improvement from the perspective of a game based on bonus acquisition options between multiple players.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a game system etc. that can increase the appeal of bonus acquisition options and improve motivation to obtain and use the bonus acquisition options. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A server system that provides a game played by each player to a terminal device owned by each player connected via a network, comprising: a management means for managing, as bonus acquisition option information, information stored in a storage means, which defines bonus acquisition options that give a player the right to acquire a given bonus in a game within a given validity period; Setting the bonus acquisition option for the player who meets a given setting condition. A setting means; game control means for progressing the game based on the bonus acquisition option information for an option-setting player for whom the bonus acquisition option has been set; a condition determination means for determining whether or not at least one of a first option-setting player and a second option-setting player to whom the bonus acquisition option is set has met a specific condition indicating a specific condition associated with the option-setting player during the validity period; During the validity period, if the second option-setting player, or the first option-setting player and the second option-setting player, meet the specific conditions, (a) to a terminal device of a player not satisfying a specific condition, which indicates an option-setting player different from a player satisfying a specific condition, which indicates an option-setting player satisfying the specific condition; (b) in the terminal devices of both the player who satisfies the specific condition and the player who does not satisfy the specific condition, (c) to a terminal device of the first option-setting player that satisfies the specific condition, or (d) to the terminal devices of the plurality of players meeting the specific conditions, a notification control means for executing a notification control process for notifying that the specific condition is met; The configuration includes:

[0010] With this configuration, the present invention can make a player who does not meet the specific conditions aware of the fact that another player who is related to the player and is linked, such as through a link registration, meets the specific conditions and is awarded the same benefit as a player who meets the specific conditions, or can make each player who meets the specific conditions aware of the status of the benefit they have obtained in the benefit acquisition option (number, type, level, etc.) when a benefit that has an advantageous effect on the player is awarded by multiple linked players who meet the specific conditions.

[0011] In other words, when a bonus acquisition option is set and multiple option-setting players are linked, the present invention can notify the option-setting player of a trigger to grant the bonus acquired by another option-setting player to that player, regardless of the acquisition status of the bonus based on each bonus option, or a trigger to grant the player a bonus that is more advantageous in the game, even if the acquisition status is the same as that of the option-setting player alone, depending on the acquisition status of both bonus acquisition options.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention can improve the convenience of the game when a bonus acquisition option is set and linked by a plurality of option setting players.

[0013] Furthermore, by granting the bonus acquisition option in a way that provides an advantage in the game, the present invention can increase the appeal of the bonus acquisition option and increase motivation to obtain or use the bonus acquisition option based on setting further bonus acquisition options or quickly progressing through the bonus acquisition option.

[0014] The "benefit acquisition option" is, for example, an option called a Battle Pass, which provides an option-set player who has the benefit acquisition option with a more advantageous effect in the game than a non-option-set player who does not have the option, even if the game actions, game processing, and results thereof are the same.

[0015] In addition, the "given setting conditions" may include, for example, conditions regarding whether or not a charge is required and the amount of the charge, conditions regarding the completion of tasks set in the game (number of cleared stages, number of annihilated enemies, rank, experience points or level), the player character operated by the player, and the conditions set for the player character. These conditions include conditions related to the equipment specified (the level of the player's character or the type and number of equipment items), conditions related to the player's game, and the like.

[0016] And, "specific conditions" include, for example, (A1) A predetermined parameter such as a player's or player character's game level, experience points, points, in-game currency, or a player character's ability value reaches a preset value; and (A2) A game in which a predetermined in-game action (i.e., game action) is performed by a player or a player character, such as fighting an enemy character or accomplishing a predetermined task; (A3) Challenges imposed on the player or player character, such as logging in every day, and (A4) Winning the lottery, These include:

[0017] Furthermore, the number of "second players" may be one or more, and the "notification control process" may notify multiple second players that the first player has met a specific condition, or may notify only one or more of the multiple second players.

[0018] In addition to the above, "execute notification control processing during the validity period" means, for example, (B1) when either the first option-setting player or the second option-setting player satisfies a special condition, executing a notification control process for a specific condition non-satisfied player who does not satisfy the specific condition, or for both the first and second option-setting players; and (B2) when both the first option-setting player and the second option-setting player satisfy the benefit conditions, executing a notification control process for the first option-setting player or for both the first and second option-setting players; Shows.

[0019] Furthermore, the "validity period" may be, for example, a predetermined period (also called a season) from the start of a specified game to the end of a specified game regardless of game events, or it may be a period from the start of a predetermined game or the start of a specified event such as the start of a match to the time that arrives in association with an event such as the player character reaching a goal.

[0020] In particular, when a specific bonus acquisition option is set from among multiple bonus acquisition options based on the player's instructions, it is preferable that the "validity period" be managed as a common period for the multiple bonus acquisition options, but this is not limited to this.

[0021] (2) The present invention also provides If, during the validity period, the second option-setting player, or the first option-setting player and the second option-setting player, satisfy the specific condition, (a) to a player not satisfying the specific condition, (b) to both the player who meets the specific condition and the player who does not meet the specific condition, (c) to the first option-setting player who meets the specific condition, or (d) to a plurality of players who meet the specific condition, The present invention further includes a benefit granting control means for executing a benefit granting control process for granting a given benefit defined in the benefit acquisition option information, The game control means The game is progressed based on the given benefit and the operation instructions of the option setting player.

[0022] With this configuration, the present invention allows players to acquire benefits that are not specified in the benefit acquisition option or benefits that have not yet been acquired by setting a benefit acquisition option and linking a plurality of option-setting players.

[0023] Therefore, the present invention can increase the attractiveness of reward acquisition options and increase motivation to obtain and use such reward acquisition options, such as by setting up additional reward acquisition options or by progressing quickly through reward acquisition options.

[0024] In addition, "benefits" include, for example, (B1) Changing the content of rewards (in-game currency, items, or points such as experience points or scores) acquired by each player in the game; (B2) Changing specific conditions; (B3) Changing the number of bonus acquisition option information that can be set for a player (adding a new bonus acquisition option), (B4) Changing the validity period; and (B5) Treating a player who does not meet a specific condition as if the player meets the specific condition; These include:

[0025] Furthermore, it is preferable that the benefit given to a player who does not meet the specific condition is the same benefit as the benefit given to a player who meets the specific condition, but this is not limited to this.

[0026] (3) The present invention also provides The benefit granting control means The system has a configuration in which the special benefit is granted to a player who does not meet the specific condition as if the special condition were met.

[0027] With this configuration, the present invention allows players to acquire benefits that are not specified in the benefit acquisition option or benefits that have not yet been acquired by setting a benefit acquisition option and linking a plurality of option-setting players.

[0028] Therefore, the present invention can increase the attractiveness of reward acquisition options and increase motivation to obtain and use such reward acquisition options, such as by setting up additional reward acquisition options or by progressing quickly through reward acquisition options.

[0029] (4) The present invention also provides The benefit granting control means The bonus is the same as the bonus given to the player who meets the specific condition, and is given to the player who does not meet the specific condition.

[0030] With this configuration, the present invention allows players to acquire benefits that are not specified in the benefit acquisition option or benefits that have not yet been acquired by setting a benefit acquisition option and linking a plurality of option-setting players.

[0031] Therefore, the present invention can increase the attractiveness of reward acquisition options and increase motivation to obtain and use such reward acquisition options, such as by setting up additional reward acquisition options or by progressing quickly through reward acquisition options.

[0032] The phrase "to grant the same benefit" means that at least one benefit of the same type as that of the benefit granted to a player who fulfills the benefit conditions is granted. This does not mean that a single benefit is granted, but also that it is granted with a certain probability.

[0033] For example, if a player who meets the conditions for the bonus is granted multiple different types of bonuses, this includes being granted one or more bonuses of the same type as the bonus granted in question, being granted bonuses of the same type and number, and being granted bonuses of each type that are different from the number of bonuses granted in question.

[0034] Also, for example, if a player who meets the privilege conditions is granted multiple privileges of the same type, this includes not only the case where the same number of privileges of the same type are granted, but also the case where different numbers of privileges of the same type are granted.

[0035] (5) The present invention also provides The benefit acquisition option information specifies a plurality of benefits, The benefit awarding control means is configured to award the same number and type of benefit as the same benefit to the player who does not satisfy the specific condition.

[0036] With this configuration, the present invention allows players to acquire benefits that are not specified in the benefit acquisition option or benefits that have not yet been acquired by setting a benefit acquisition option and linking a plurality of option-setting players.

[0037] Therefore, the present invention can increase the attractiveness of reward acquisition options and increase motivation to obtain and use such reward acquisition options, such as by setting up additional reward acquisition options or by progressing quickly through reward acquisition options.

[0038] (6) The present invention also provides The configuration further includes a bonus granting control means for executing a bonus granting control process to grant a given bonus specified in the bonus acquisition option information to one or both of the players who fulfill the bonus conditions when both the first option setting player and the second option setting player fulfill the specific conditions during the validity period.

[0039] With this configuration, the present invention allows a plurality of option-setting players to be linked by setting a bonus acquisition option, and if both the first option-setting player and the second option-setting player meet specific conditions, the player can acquire a bonus that is more advantageous than if each player met the specific conditions individually.

[0040] Therefore, the present invention can increase the attractiveness of reward acquisition options and increase motivation to obtain and use such reward acquisition options, such as by setting up additional reward acquisition options or by progressing quickly through reward acquisition options.

[0041] (7) The present invention also provides The bonus acquisition option information specifies a bonus to be granted to the player when the specific condition is met, in association with the specific condition; The benefit granting control means When both the first option-setting player and the second option-setting player meet the same specific condition, a benefit having a more advantageous effect on the player is granted than the benefit specified in the benefit acquisition option information in association with the same specific condition.

[0042] With this configuration, the present invention provides a first option setting player and a second option setting player. If both players meet the specific conditions, each player can acquire a more advantageous benefit than if only one player met the specific conditions.

[0043] Therefore, the present invention can increase the attractiveness of reward acquisition options and increase motivation to obtain and use such reward acquisition options, such as by setting up additional reward acquisition options or by progressing quickly through reward acquisition options.

[0044] In addition, "a benefit that has a more advantageous effect on the player than a benefit specified in the benefit acquisition option information in association with the same specific condition" may be a benefit that is different from the benefit specified in the benefit option information, or a benefit that has been modified to have a more advantageous effect on the player, such as by increasing the level of the benefit specified in the benefit option information or by evolving the abilities of the benefit.

[0045] (8) The present invention also provides The benefits include at least one of changing the content of the rewards acquired by each player in the game, changing the specific conditions, changing the number of benefit acquisition option information that can be set for the player, and changing the validity period.

[0046] With this configuration, the present invention can increase the attractiveness of the reward acquisition option and increase motivation to obtain or use the reward acquisition option based on setting up further reward acquisition options or quickly progressing through the reward acquisition options.

[0047] It should be noted that "changing the number of privilege acquisition option information" means, for example, adding a new privilege acquisition option.

[0048] (9) The present invention also provides If different types of bonus acquisition options are set for the first option-setting player and the second option-setting player, The benefit granting control means The content of the benefit to be granted to the option-setting player is determined according to the difference between a first benefit acquisition option set for the first option-setting player and a second benefit acquisition option set for the second option-setting player.

[0049] With this configuration, the present invention allows a player to set a bonus acquisition option and link multiple option-setting players, and therefore links the bonus acquisition status (number, type, level, etc.) of players with different bonus acquisition options set, making it possible to link various bonus acquisition options.

[0050] Note that "different types" and "differences" refer to, for example, differences in the conditions and timing for obtaining a bonus, the content of the bonus granted, expiration date, amount charged, or, if bonuses are granted according to the progress of the game, the progress status (number and level of bonuses granted).

[0051] (10) The present invention also provides The benefit acquisition option is configured to define a benefit that changes depending on the time that has elapsed from the start of the valid period to the time that the specific condition is met.

[0052] With this configuration, the present invention can, for example, extend the validity period if specific conditions are met early. In this case, a more advantageous benefit can be given to the player than when the specific condition is met just before the end of the game.

[0053] (11) The present invention also provides The reward options may include rewards that vary depending on the number of players in a given group for the game.

[0054] With this configuration, the present invention can change the benefits depending on the number of participants, the number of log-ins, or the number of people who have set the benefit acquisition option.

[0055] The "number of players belonging to a given group related to the game" includes, for example, the number of players participating in the game itself, the number of players logged in at a given time, the number of players for whom the bonus acquisition option is set, the number of players who will be allies in the game, and the number of players participating in an event within the game.

[0056] (12) The present invention also provides If the validity period is repeatedly applied during the game, The reward acquisition option has a configuration in which rewards that vary depending on the duration of the validity period are defined.

[0057] With this configuration, the present invention allows a player to acquire better benefits if he or she cooperates with other option-setting players over a long period of time, thereby improving motivation for obtaining and using benefit acquisition options.

[0058] (13) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A program that provides a game played by each player to a terminal device owned by each player connected via a network, a management means for managing, as bonus acquisition option information, information stored in the storage means, which defines bonus acquisition options that indicate the right of a corresponding player to acquire a given bonus in the game within a given validity period; setting means for setting the bonus acquisition option for the player who satisfies a given setting condition; game control means for progressing the game based on the bonus acquisition option information for an option-setting player to whom the bonus acquisition option is set; a condition determination means for determining whether or not at least one of a first option-setting player and a second option-setting player to whom the bonus acquisition option is set has met a specific condition indicating a specific condition associated with the option-setting player during the validity period; and During the validity period, if the second option-setting player, or the first option-setting player and the second option-setting player, meet the specific conditions, (a) to a terminal device of a player not satisfying a specific condition, which indicates an option-setting player different from a player satisfying a specific condition, which indicates an option-setting player satisfying the specific condition; (b) in the terminal devices of both the player who satisfies the specific condition and the player who does not satisfy the specific condition, (c) to a terminal device of the first option-setting player that satisfies the specific condition, or (d) to the terminal devices of the plurality of players meeting the specific conditions, notification control means for executing a notification control process for notifying that the specific condition is met; The computer has a configuration that causes the computer to function as a

[0059] With this configuration, when a bonus acquisition option is set, if multiple option-setting players are linked, the present invention can notify the option-setting player of a trigger to grant the bonus acquired by another option-setting player to that player, regardless of the acquisition status of the bonus based on each bonus option, or a trigger to grant the player a bonus that is more advantageous in the game, even if the acquisition status is the same as that of the option-setting player alone, depending on the acquisition status of both bonus acquisition options.

[0060] Therefore, the present invention can improve the convenience of the game when a bonus acquisition option is set and linked by a plurality of option setting players.

[0061] Furthermore, by granting the bonus acquisition option in a way that provides an advantage in the game, the present invention can increase the appeal of the bonus acquisition option and increase motivation to obtain or use the bonus acquisition option based on setting further bonus acquisition options or quickly progressing through the bonus acquisition option.

[0062] (14) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A game providing method for providing information about a given game from a server device that controls the given game to a terminal device that is connected via a network and operated by a player, the method comprising: The server device: a management means for managing, as bonus acquisition option information, information stored in a storage means, which defines bonus acquisition options that give a player the right to acquire a given bonus in a game within a given validity period; setting means for setting the bonus acquisition option for the player who satisfies a given setting condition; game control means for progressing the game based on the bonus acquisition option information for an option-setting player for whom the bonus acquisition option has been set; a condition determination means for determining whether or not at least one of a first option-setting player and a second option-setting player to whom the bonus acquisition option is set has met a specific condition indicating a specific condition associated with the option-setting player during the validity period; During the validity period, if the second option-setting player, or the first option-setting player and the second option-setting player, meet the specific conditions, (a) to a terminal device of a player not satisfying a specific condition, which indicates an option-setting player different from a player satisfying a specific condition, which indicates an option-setting player satisfying the specific condition; (b) in the terminal devices of both the player who satisfies the specific condition and the player who does not satisfy the specific condition, (c) to a terminal device of the first option-setting player that satisfies the specific condition, or (d) to the terminal devices of the plurality of players meeting the specific conditions, a notification control means for executing a notification control process for notifying that the specific condition is met; When equipped with transmitting information regarding the operation of the player received by the terminal device to a server device; The device is configured to receive information about the game from a server device that executes processing related to the game.

[0063] With this configuration, when a bonus acquisition option is set, if multiple option setting players are linked, the bonus acquisition status based on each bonus option can be automatically acquired. The option setting player can be notified of a trigger for granting the relevant player a benefit acquired by another option setting player, or a trigger for granting the relevant player a benefit that is more advantageous in the game even if the acquisition situation is the same as that of the option setting player alone, depending on the acquisition situation of both benefit acquisition options.

[0064] Therefore, the present invention can improve the convenience of the game when a bonus acquisition option is set and linked by a plurality of option setting players.

[0065] Furthermore, by granting the bonus acquisition option in a way that provides an advantage in the game, the present invention can increase the appeal of the bonus acquisition option and increase motivation to obtain or use the bonus acquisition option based on setting further bonus acquisition options or quickly progressing through the bonus acquisition option. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0066] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration showing the configuration of a game system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates functional blocks of a server device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a special benefit control process during cooperation including a specific condition determination process in one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of normal privilege acquisition option information stored in a privilege acquisition option storage unit of an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of special bonus acquisition option information at the time of cooperation stored in a bonus acquisition option storage unit of an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of player cooperation information stored in a bonus acquisition option storage unit of an embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the operation of a linked benefit control process executed by a server device of one embodiment, which grants a linked special benefit to a linked reference player when the linked reference player or linked target player meets specific conditions. [Figure 9]10 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the operation of the linked benefit control process executed by the server device of one embodiment, which grants a linked special benefit to the linked reference player when the linked reference player or the linked target player meets specific conditions. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the operation of a linked benefit control process executed by a server device of one embodiment, which grants a linked special benefit to a linked reference player when the linked reference player and linked target player meet specific conditions. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the operation of the linked benefit control process executed by the server device of one embodiment, which grants a linked special benefit to the linked reference player when the linked reference player and the linked target player meet specific conditions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0067] The present embodiment will be described below. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential constituent elements of the present invention.

[0068] [1] Game System First, the outline and general configuration of a game system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration showing the configuration of the game system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 of this embodiment is configured such that a server device 10 that provides a game service and terminal devices 20 (for example, terminal devices 20A, 20B, and 20C) communicate with each other via an interface. The device is configured to be connectable to a network (an example of a network).

[0070] By accessing the server device 10 from the terminal device 20, the player can play the game transmitted from the server device 10 via the Internet. Furthermore, by accessing the server device 10 from the terminal device 20, the player can communicate with other players.

[0071] The server device 10 is an information processing device capable of providing a service that allows users to play games using terminal devices 20 connected for communication via the Internet. The server device 10 may also function as an SNS server that provides communication-type services. Here, the SNS server may be an information processing device that provides a service that allows communication between multiple users.

[0072] Furthermore, when the server device 10 functions as an SNS server, for example, it is capable of providing games called social games that are executed using the operating environment (API (Application Programming Interface), platform, etc.) of the SNS that it provides.

[0073] In particular, the server device 10 is capable of providing games that are provided on the web browser of the terminal device 20, such as browser games (games that can be started simply by opening the installation site in the web browser) created in various languages, such as HTML, FLASH, CGI, PHP, shockwave, Java (registered trademark) applet, and JavaScript (registered trademark).

[0074] Social games differ from existing online games in that they do not require dedicated client software and can be played using only a web browser and a social networking account.

[0075] In addition, the server device 10 is configured to be able to connect to other users' terminals (smartphones, personal computers, game consoles, etc.) via a network and provide an online game in which users can simultaneously share the same game progress online.

[0076] On the other hand, the server device 10 may be configured with one (device, processor) or multiple (devices, processors).

[0077] Information such as billing information and game information stored in the memory area of ​​the server device 10 (memory unit 140 described later) may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (intranet or the Internet), or when functioning as an SNS server, information such as player information storage unit 146 stored in the memory area may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (intranet or the Internet).

[0078] Specifically, the server device 10 of this embodiment receives input information based on the operation of the user of the terminal device 20 (i.e., the player who executes the game), and performs game processing based on the received input information. The server device 10 then transmits game processing results to the terminal device 20, and the terminal device 20 performs various processes to provide the game processing results received from the server device 10 to the terminal device 20 so that the user can view them.

[0079] The terminal device 20 is an information processing device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PHS, a computer, a game device, a PDA, a portable game machine, an image generating device, etc., and is connected to the Internet (W The terminal device 20 is a device that can be connected to the server device 10 via a network such as an AN or a LAN. The communication line between the terminal device 20 and the server device 10 may be wired or wireless.

[0080] The terminal device 20 also has a web browser capable of viewing web pages (HTML data). That is, the terminal device 20 has a communication control function for communicating with the server device 10, a web browser function for performing display control using data received from the server device 10 (web data, data created in HTML format, etc.), and a web browser function for transmitting user operation data to the server device 10, and is configured to perform various processes for providing a game screen to the user and allowing the user to play a game. However, the terminal device 20 may also acquire game control information provided from the server device 10, perform predetermined game processing, and play a game based on the game processing.

[0081] Specifically, when the terminal device 20 makes a request to the server device 10 to play a predetermined game, the terminal device 20 is connected to the game site of the server device 10 and the game starts. In particular, the terminal device 20 is configured to use an API as necessary to cause the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server to perform predetermined processing, or to acquire the player information storage unit 146 managed by the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server, and execute the game.

[0082] [2] Server device Next, the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the server device 10 of this embodiment. The server device 10 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (units) of Fig. 2 are omitted.

[0083] The server device 10 includes an input unit 120 for use by the administrator and other inputs, a display unit 130 for displaying predetermined information, an information storage medium 180 in which predetermined information is stored, a communication unit 196 for communicating with terminal devices 20 and others, a processing unit 100 for mainly executing processing related to the game to be provided, and a memory unit 140 for storing various data mainly used in the game.

[0084] The input unit 120 is used by a system administrator or the like to input game-related settings and other necessary settings and data. For example, the input unit 120 in this embodiment is configured with a mouse, keyboard, and the like.

[0085] The display unit 130 displays an operation screen for the system administrator. For example, the display unit 130 of this embodiment is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like.

[0086] The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions are realized by an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, or a memory (ROM), etc.

[0087] The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (e.g., terminals, other servers, or other network systems), and its functions are configured by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, etc.

[0088] The storage unit 140 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, etc., and its functions are realized by RAM (VRAM), etc. The information stored in the storage unit 140 may be managed by a database.

[0089] In addition to the main memory 142, the memory unit 140 of this embodiment also includes: (A1) a game data storage unit 144 in which game information indicating information related to a game is stored; , (A2) A player information storage unit 146 that stores player information indicating information about each player and information about the player's game (hereinafter referred to as "player-related information"); (A3) a bonus acquisition option information storage unit 148 that stores information about bonus acquisition options that give a player the right to acquire a bonus in a game within a given validity period (hereinafter referred to as "bonus acquisition option information"); and constitutes the storage means of the present invention.

[0090] The game data storage unit 144 stores information about the game field on which the game is played, condition information used for various judgments, information about each object on the game field, information for changing each object, various table information, information about each player's player character, and information about each item used in the game.

[0091] The player information storage unit 146 stores the following player-related information for each player: (B1) The player's nickname, player ID, and if the player belongs to a team, the name of the team and its ID (hereinafter referred to as "affiliation information"); (B2) Information regarding individual and team performance, such as current level (player level), score, experience value, energy parameter value (life energy value, stamina value, and power value), earned rewards, or game time (hereinafter also referred to as "performance information"); (B3) Information on the characteristics (presence or absence of abilities and parameters that define each ability) and attributes (including level) of the player character (if there are multiple player characters, information on the characteristics and attributes of each character); (B4) Information regarding charges, such as billing history and billing amounts; (B5) Item-related information including information on items held by the player character (hereinafter referred to as "item information") and information on items held in the past; (B6) Information regarding login (access) history (hereinafter referred to as "access history information") (B7) Information on acquired benefits (hereinafter also referred to as "acquired benefit information"); (B8) Information about the team you belong to (hereinafter referred to as "Team Information"), and (B9) Information about other players with whom you have a certain relationship, such as registered friends or followers (hereinafter also referred to as "related players") (hereinafter referred to as "related player information"); etc. are stored.

[0092] In addition, the related player information includes information on players (users in the case of non-games) who have a certain relationship, such as friends or followers, in services that use a given platform, such as not only games provided by the server device 10, but also other games, or applications other than games, and various network services (e.g., SNS and video distribution services).

[0093] The benefit acquisition option information storage unit 148 includes: (C1) Normal benefit acquisition option information used to grant a benefit (hereinafter referred to as a "normal benefit") to a player to whom a benefit acquisition option is set (hereinafter referred to as an "option-setting player"), regardless of other option-setting players; (C2) Information on special cooperation benefit acquisition options that are held to grant a benefit that is granted when multiple option-setting players cooperate and that is more advantageous to the player than a normal benefit (hereinafter referred to as a "special cooperation benefit"); is stored.

[0094] In addition, the bonus acquisition option information storage unit 148 also stores, for each option-setting player, information indicating whether there are other option-setting players (hereinafter referred to as "linked option-setting players") that are linked with each other, and if there are such linked option-setting players, information (hereinafter referred to as "player linkage information") containing information for identifying the linked option-setting player (for example, a player ID).

[0095] In this embodiment, when multiple different types of bonus acquisition options are used, option setting player information is stored for each bonus acquisition option, and the option setting player information stores the type of bonus acquisition option (e.g., option ID) set in the linked option setting player.

[0096] The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main memory unit 142 in the memory unit 140 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), or by programs.

[0097] The processing unit 100 performs various processes of this embodiment based on programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores programs for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment (programs for causing a computer to execute the processing of each unit).

[0098] For example, the processing unit 100 (processor) controls the entire server device 10 based on a program stored in an information storage medium, and performs various processes such as controlling the transfer of data between the various units. Furthermore, the processing unit 100 performs processes to provide various services in response to requests from the terminal device 20.

[0099] Specifically, the processing unit 100 of this embodiment has at least a communication control unit 101, a Web processing unit 102, a game management unit 103, a player management unit 104, an option management unit 105, a situation detection unit 106, a task / specific condition management unit 107, a benefit control unit 108, a timer management unit 109, and an information provision unit 110.

[0100] For example, the game management unit 103 of this embodiment constitutes the game control means of the present invention, and the option management unit 105 constitutes the management means and setting means of the present invention.

[0101] Furthermore, for example, the task / specific condition management unit 107 of this embodiment constitutes the condition determination means of the present invention, and the benefit control unit 108 constitutes the benefit granting control means of the present invention.

[0102] Furthermore, for example, the information providing unit 110 of this embodiment constitutes the notification control means of the present invention.

[0103] The communication control unit 101 performs processing for transmitting and receiving data via the network to and from the terminal device 20. That is, the server device 10 performs various processing based on information received by the communication control unit 101 from the terminal device 20 and the like.

[0104] In particular, the communication control unit 101 of this embodiment performs processing to transmit a game screen to the terminal device 20 of a player based on a request from the terminal device 20 of that player.

[0105] The communication control unit 101 also executes various processes for accepting instructions input by the player to the terminal device 20 .

[0106] The Web processing unit 102 functions as a Web server. For example, the Web processing unit 102 performs a process of transmitting data in response to a request from a Web browser 211 installed in the terminal device 20, and a process of receiving data transmitted by the Web browser 211 of the terminal device 20, via a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

[0107] In this embodiment, the server device 10 is described as having a function as an SNS server, but the server device 10 may be formed as a server for the game and a server for the SNS separately. Also, the game processing of this embodiment may be performed in part or in whole by the server device 10, or in part by the terminal device 20.

[0108] The game management unit 103 works in conjunction with the terminal device 20 to create a game space as a virtual space, and executes various game processes related to various competitive games such as battle games, action games, RPGs, sound games, or sports games in which multiple players compete against each other and fight or grapple, based on player operations input via the terminal device 20.

[0109] Furthermore, the game management unit 103 executes various game processes based on player instructions transmitted from the terminal device 20 .

[0110] In particular, the game management unit 103 controls the movement within the game space of the player character operated by each player and each action in the game in response to the player's operation input entered into the terminal device 20, while also executing the actions of other related characters and objects and various game processes.

[0111] Furthermore, for an option-setting player for whom a bonus acquisition option is set, the game management unit 103 allows various games to proceed based on the operation instructions of the option-setting player and bonus acquisition option information.

[0112] The game management unit 103 may execute various game processes for a single player character based on instructions from one player, or may execute various game processes for multiple player characters.

[0113] The player management unit 104 registers and manages items owned by the player and benefits acquired by the player as player-related information in the player information storage unit 146, and also manages the player character set by the player during the game or the deck on which the player character is set.

[0114] The option management unit 105 manages each piece of privilege option information stored in the privilege acquisition option information storage unit 148, and also manages players to whom a privilege acquisition option has been set.

[0115] The option management unit 105 also manages other option-setting players that cooperate with the option-setting player.

[0116] The situation detection unit 106 executes a game situation detection process for detecting, as a game situation, a given situation in each option-setting player (cooperation option-setting player) for which a special benefit acquisition option has been set.

[0117] The task and specific condition management unit 107 manages the option setting player or the option setting The task achievement status of the player character operated by the optional player (hereinafter referred to as the "player character for the optional player") is managed.

[0118] In particular, the task / specific condition management unit 107 executes a process (hereinafter referred to as "task determination process") to determine whether a task has been accomplished by an optional player or a player character for an optional player based on the detected game situation, and executes a normal benefit control process to grant a normal benefit.

[0119] In addition, when multiple option-setting players are linked, the task / specific condition management unit 107 executes a process for determining whether or not a specific condition exists for each linked option-setting player or for each group of linked option-setting players (hereinafter referred to as "specific condition determination process").

[0120] When it is determined that the task has been accomplished by the corresponding option-setting player or the player character for each option player, the bonus control unit 108 executes bonus control processing (hereinafter referred to as "normal bonus control processing") to grant the corresponding normal bonus to each option-setting player using bonus acquisition option information.

[0121] Furthermore, when multiple option-setting players are linked and the linked option-setting player meets specific conditions associated with the benefit acquisition option, or when both each option-setting player and the linked option-setting player meet specific conditions, the benefit control unit 108 executes benefit control processing (hereinafter referred to as "linked special benefit control processing") to allow the player to acquire a linked special benefit that is different from a normal benefit and that provides a more advantageous effect to the player.

[0122] The timer management unit 109 has a timer function and is used to manage the progress of the game. In particular, the timer management unit 109 works in conjunction with the game management unit 103 to output the current time and preset times to each unit. The timer management unit 109 is also used to synchronize with each terminal device.

[0123] The information providing unit 110 generates various types of game information to cause the terminal device 20 to process the game, and provides the information to the terminal device 20 .

[0124] In particular, the information providing unit 110 provides, at a given timing, information regarding tasks and information regarding option acquisition options for option-setting players, such as bonuses, to the corresponding terminal device 20 as game information in a manner that allows notification to the player corresponding to the terminal device 20.

[0125] [3] Terminal device Next, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the terminal device 20 of this embodiment. The terminal device 20 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (units) of Fig. 2 are omitted.

[0126] The input unit 260 is a device for inputting input information from the player, and outputs the player's input information to the processing unit 200. The input unit 260 of this embodiment includes a detection unit 262 that detects the player's input information (input signal). The input unit 260 may be, for example, a lever, a button, a steering wheel, a microphone, a touch panel display, a keyboard, or a mouse.

[0127] The storage unit 270 serves as a work area for the processing unit 200, the communication unit 296, etc., and its functions can be realized by RAM (VRAM) or the like. It includes a main memory unit 271 used as a work area, and an image buffer 272 in which the final display image, etc. Note that some of these may be omitted.

[0128] The information storage medium 280 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions can be realized by an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, or a memory (ROM), etc.

[0129] The processing unit 200 performs various processes of this embodiment based on programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 280. The information storage medium 280 can store programs for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment (programs for causing a computer to execute the processing of each unit).

[0130] In this embodiment, the programs and game data for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment, which are stored in the information storage medium 180 and storage unit 140 of the server device 10, are received via a network, and the received programs and data are stored in the information storage medium 280. The programs and data received from the server device 10 may also be stored in the storage unit 270. Such cases of receiving programs and data and causing a network system to function are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0131] The display unit 290 outputs the image generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, HMD (head mounted display), etc. The sound output unit 292 outputs the sound generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, etc. For example, the display unit 290 constitutes the display means of the present invention.

[0132] The communication unit 296 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, other terminals, servers), and its functions can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, etc.

[0133] The processing unit 200 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, display control, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on information about the game acquired from the server device 10 via the communication unit 296, input information acquired from the input unit 260, or programs, etc.

[0134] The processing unit 200 performs various processes using a main memory unit 271 in the memory unit 270 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 200 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), or by programs.

[0135] The processing unit 200 includes a communication control unit 210, a web browser 211, a game processing unit 212, a display control unit 213, a drawing unit 220, and a sound processing unit 230. Note that some of these may be omitted.

[0136] The communication control unit 210 performs processing for transmitting and receiving data to and from each server device 10. The communication control unit 210 also performs processing for storing data received from the server device 10 in the storage unit 270, processing for analyzing the received data, and other control processing related to the transmission and reception of data.

[0137] The communication control unit 210 may store and manage the destination information (IP address, port number) of the server in the information storage medium 280. When the communication control unit 210 receives input information for starting communication from the player, the communication control unit 210 starts communication with the server device 10. The following may be performed.

[0138] In particular, the communication control unit 210 transmits player identification information and operation information to the server device 10 and performs processing to receive information about the game (player information, game card information, the player's web page, game screen, etc.) from the server device 10.

[0139] The communication control unit 210 may transmit and receive data to and from the server device 10 at a predetermined cycle, or may transmit and receive data to and from the server device 10 when input information is received from the input unit 260. In particular, the communication control unit 210 of this embodiment performs processing to receive a game screen from the server device 10.

[0140] The web browser 211 is an application program for viewing web pages (game screens), downloading HTML files, image files, etc. from the web server (server device 10), analyzing the layout, and controlling the display. The web browser 211 also transmits data to the web server (server device 10) using input forms (links, buttons, text boxes, etc.).

[0141] The web browser 211 of this embodiment can realize a browser game. For example, the web browser 211 may execute a program written in JavaScript (registered trademark), FLASH, Java (registered trademark), or the like, received from a web server (server device 10).

[0142] The terminal device 20 can display information from a web server specified by a URL via the Internet using the web browser 211. For example, the terminal device 20 can display a game screen (data such as HTML) received from the server device 10 using the web browser 211.

[0143] The game processing unit 212 performs various game calculation processes, such as a process for starting a game when a game start condition is met, a process for executing a game, and a process for ending a game when a game end condition is met.

[0144] The game processing unit 212 may then perform processing to place and set various objects (objects composed of primitives such as polygons, free-form surfaces, or subdivision surfaces) representing display objects such as player characters, buildings, stadiums, cars, trees, pillars, walls, and maps (terrain) in the object space.

[0145] Here, the object space is a virtual space, and includes both two-dimensional space and three-dimensional space. Two-dimensional space is a space in which an object is placed, for example, using two-dimensional coordinates (X, Y), and three-dimensional space is a space in which an object is placed, for example, using three-dimensional coordinates (X, Y, Z).

[0146] In addition to setting the game cards as deck data, the game processing unit 212 also controls the sending and receiving of various information at login, executes game processing based on the player's operation when the game is executed in real time in conjunction with the server device 10, and executes game processing including replaying received automatic calculation data when the game is executed by automatic calculation.

[0147] Furthermore, the display control unit 213 performs processing for displaying on the display unit 290. For example, the display control unit 213 may use the web browser 211 for display.

[0148] The drawing unit 220 generates a drawing image based on various processes (for example, game processes) performed by the processing unit 200. The rendering unit 220 performs rendering processing to generate an image, which is then output to the display unit 290 by the display control unit 213. The image generated by the rendering unit 220 may be a so-called two-dimensional image or a so-called three-dimensional image.

[0149] The sound processing unit 230 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 200 , generates game sounds such as background music, sound effects, or voices, and outputs them to the sound output unit 292 .

[0150] [4] Method of this embodiment [4.1] Overview Next, an outline of the cooperation special benefit control process for granting the cooperation special benefit including the specific condition determination process when two or more option-set players of this embodiment are in cooperation will be described with reference to FIG.

[0151] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the cooperation special benefit control process including the specific condition determination process in this embodiment.

[0152] The server device 10 of this embodiment is configured to work in conjunction with the terminal device 20, provide game information such as the player character, other characters, the game space or parts thereof, game parameters, background music, and game scenario to the terminal device 20 for each player, and execute games such as competitive games (battle games, fighting games, etc.), RPGs, or simulation games based on the operations of each player input via the terminal device 20.

[0153] The server device 10 is configured to set a plurality of tasks, which are set in stages (hierarchically) such as game level and number of consecutive login days, for each option-setting player for whom a bonus acquisition option is set, within a predetermined validity period, and to execute a bonus control process that allows the player to acquire a bonus (i.e., a normal bonus) associated with each task when it is determined that the player meets the given conditions for each task (hereinafter referred to as "task achievement conditions").

[0154] On the other hand, when multiple option-setting players are linked, in addition to granting a benefit based on the task achievement conditions, if one of the linked option-setting players meets a given condition (i.e., a specific condition associated with the linked option-setting player) or if both of the linked option-setting players meet a given specific condition, the server device 10 is configured to grant the linked option-setting player a special benefit (i.e., a linked special benefit) that brings a more advantageous effect to the player than the benefit that would be granted without linkage (i.e., a normal benefit based on the task achievement conditions).

[0155] In addition, the server device 10 of this embodiment is configured to notify an option-setting player who meets the specific conditions (hereinafter referred to as a "player who meets the specific conditions") and an option-setting player other than the player who meets the specific conditions (hereinafter referred to as a "player who does not meet the specific conditions") that the specific conditions have been met when a special benefit is granted during collaboration.

[0156] That is, the server device 10 of this embodiment: (A1) When a special benefit acquisition option is set and multiple option-setting players are linked, the special benefit acquired by other option-setting players is granted to the relevant player regardless of the acquisition status of normal special benefits based on the special benefit acquisition option, or (A2) Depending on the status of both bonus acquisition options, the option setting player Even if the player has the same winning situation as when playing alone, the player is given a more advantageous benefit in the game (i.e., a special benefit when playing in cooperation). The present invention has a configuration capable of providing the above and a configuration capable of notifying that specific conditions for providing the bonus have been met.

[0157] Specifically, the server device 10 is a server system that provides games played by each player to the terminal devices 20 owned by each player connected via a network, and is configured to manage information about a bonus acquisition option as bonus acquisition option information when a bonus acquisition option is set that allows a corresponding player to acquire a given bonus in the game within a given validity period.

[0158] As shown in FIG. 4, the server device 10 of this embodiment: (B1) a reward acquisition option setting process for setting a reward acquisition option for a player who meets a given setting condition; (B2) a game control process for progressing the game based on the bonus acquisition option information for an option setting player for whom the bonus acquisition option is set; (B3) a specific condition determination process for determining whether or not a specific condition is met for at least one of the first option-setting player and the second option-setting player to whom the bonus acquisition option is set during the validity period; and (B4) A notification control process for notifying the corresponding terminal device 20 that the specific condition is met when the second option-setting player, or the first option-setting player and the second option-setting player, meets the specific condition during the validity period; The system has a configuration for executing the above.

[0159] In particular, the server device 10 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, has the following as the corresponding terminal device 20: (B4-1) To the terminal device 20 of a player who does not satisfy the specific condition, which is different from the player who satisfies the specific condition, (B4-2) The terminal devices 20 of both the player who satisfies the specific condition and the player who does not satisfy the specific condition are (B4-3) To the terminal device 20 of the first option setting player that meets the specific conditions, or (B4-4) To the terminal devices 20 of the players who satisfy the specific conditions, The device is configured to execute a notification control process for notifying that the specific condition is met.

[0160] During the validity period, as shown in FIG. 4, if the second option-setting player, or the first option-setting player and the second option-setting player, meet specific conditions, the server device 10 (C1) To players who do not meet certain conditions, (C2) To both the player who meets the specific condition and the player who does not meet the specific condition, (C3) to the first option-setting player who meets the specific conditions, or (C4) To a plurality of players who meet the specific conditions, The control unit 100 is configured to execute a privilege granting control process for granting a given privilege defined in the privilege acquisition option information.

[0161] FIG. 4 shows a bonus acquisition option setting process (including a collaboration setting process) when the option-setting player P1 is the collaboration reference player and collaborates with the option-setting player P2 as the collaboration destination player, a specific condition determination process, and a bonus granting control process. If you do this, it shows the specific cases in which special benefits will be given when you link up.

[0162] In particular, Figure 4 shows an example in which, in the specific condition determination process 1, if both option-setting players meet the specific conditions and a special bonus is granted when linked, a special option is granted when linked, and if only one of the option-setting players meets the specific conditions, the special bonus when linked is not granted.

[0163] Figure 4 also shows an example in which, in the specific condition determination process 2, if the linked player P2 meets a specific condition, even if the linked reference player does not meet the specific condition, the specific condition is deemed to be met and a special linkage bonus is granted to the linked reference player.

[0164] With this configuration, in this embodiment, when another player meets the specific conditions and is awarded the same benefits as a player who meets the specific conditions, the player who does not meet the specific conditions can be made aware of this.

[0165] In other words, in this embodiment, if a bonus acquisition option is set, not only can the player acquire bonuses that are not specified in the bonus acquisition option or bonuses that the player has not yet acquired, but even if the acquisition situation is the same as that of the option-setting player alone, the option-setting player can be notified of a trigger to grant the player a bonus that is more advantageous in the game.

[0166] In this embodiment, the attractiveness of the bonus acquisition option is increased, and motivation to obtain or use the bonus acquisition option can be improved by setting further bonus acquisition options or by progressing the bonus acquisition option quickly.

[0167] [4.2] Various information such as reward acquisition options [4.2.1] Reward acquisition options Next, the privilege acquisition option of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of normal privilege acquisition option information stored in the privilege acquisition option information storage unit 148 of this embodiment, and Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of linked special privilege acquisition option information stored in the privilege acquisition option information storage unit 148 of this embodiment.

[0168] (Overview of rewards earning options) The bonus acquisition option is, for example, an option known as a battle pass, which is an option that indicates the right to grant a player special bonuses during a predetermined period (i.e., validity period) in a predetermined game.

[0169] In other words, the bonus acquisition option is an option that provides an option-set player who has the bonus acquisition option with an advantageous effect in the game compared to a non-option-set player who does not have the bonus acquisition option, even if the game actions, game processing, and results thereof are the same.

[0170] In particular, the bonus acquisition option may be acquired (held) by the player as a game item such as a ticket, or may be acquired by the player as "authority to acquire a bonus" without going through a game item such as a ticket, and only information as to whether the player has that authority may be stored in association with the player information.

[0171] The bonus acquisition option is an option that is set to the player according to given setting conditions.

[0172] For example, bonus acquisition options are set for a player based on conditions such as whether or not a charge is required and the amount of the charge, conditions for completing tasks set within the game (number of stages cleared, number of enemies defeated, rank, experience points, or level), conditions for the player character controlled by the player and the equipment set for that player character (level of the player character or type and number of equipped items), and conditions for the player's game.

[0173] In addition, when the bonus acquisition option is set based on the player's instructions, or when it is automatically set to the player at a predetermined timing, the player or the player character controlled by the player can acquire various bonuses (normal bonuses and special bonuses when linked).

[0174] In this embodiment, the privilege acquisition option may be set by using (consuming) a privilege acquisition option ticket that the player holds, or by activating an authority that the player holds, or may be set for the player at the same time as acquiring a privilege acquisition option ticket or authority.

[0175] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the bonus acquisition option has a valid period (also called a season) that indicates a predetermined division in the game from the start time of a specified game to the end time of a specified game, regardless of game events, and functions as a valid option during that period.

[0176] An option-setting player, who is a player who has a bonus acquisition option (a player who has set a bonus acquisition option that he or she holds), is provided with more advantageous game bonuses than a non-option-setting player who does not have the bonus acquisition option, even if the results are the same game actions, game processes, and actions or processes during the game.

[0177] Specifically, the in-game benefits in the benefit acquisition option of this embodiment are those that allow the option setting player or the player character for the option player that is the object of operation of that player to enjoy advantageous effects in the game, provided that a preset task is accomplished or certain conditions described below are met.

[0178] Various pieces of information relating to the privilege acquisition options are stored in the privilege acquisition option information storage unit 148 as privilege acquisition option information.

[0179] In particular, the bonus acquisition option information includes, as mentioned above, (A1) For an option setting player, normal benefit acquisition option information regarding the granting of normal benefits; (A2) cooperation special benefit acquisition option information regarding the granting of cooperation special benefits when multiple option setting players cooperate; is stored.

[0180] (Normal bonus acquisition option information) The normal bonus acquisition option information specifies, for each of a plurality of tasks set hierarchically (in stages), task achievement conditions indicating the conditions for accomplishing each task, and bonuses that are associated with each task achievement condition and that the option-set player is to acquire when it is determined that the task has been accomplished by meeting the task achievement conditions.

[0181] For example, the normal reward acquisition option information includes the following as shown in Figure 5: (B1) task information in which multiple tasks are specified; (B2) Information regarding the specifications of the normal benefit acquisition option (hereinafter referred to as "option specification information"), (B3) Information about an option-setting player for whom a normal benefit acquisition option is set (hereinafter referred to as "option-setting player information"); is stored.

[0182] Task information includes (B1-1) Task ID, (B1-2) The order set for each task, (B1-3) Type (e.g., item acquisition or task type), (B1-4) Content information indicating the content of the task; (B1-5) Task completion conditions, and (B1-6) Benefit ID for identifying the benefit, is stipulated.

[0183] In addition, the optional specification information includes (B2-1) The number of tasks provided to the player, (B2-2) The period during which the normal reward acquisition option will function if set (i.e., validity period); (B2-3) Whether or not a charge will be made if the player has selected the normal bonus acquisition option, and the amount of the charge if a charge is made, and (B2-5) The conditions and states necessary when the normal bonus acquisition option is set, which are the conditions and states related to the player or the player character operated by the player (level, experience value, points, type and number of owned items, tasks already cleared), These include:

[0184] For example, the optional setting player information is (B3-1) Each player's player ID, (B3-2) Information on a flag indicating whether or not the normal bonus acquisition option is set for each player (hereinafter referred to as the "option setting flag"); (B3-3) Information on a flag indicating the progress of a task for each player (hereinafter referred to as a "task progress flag"); is stored.

[0185] In this embodiment, multiple bonus acquisition options may be provided so that they can be set by the player, and in this case, one or more bonus acquisition options are selected and set from the multiple bonus acquisition options based on the player's instructions, etc.

[0186] (Information on options to acquire special benefits when linked) The cooperation special benefit acquisition option information specifies information on the granting of a cooperation special benefit that provides a more advantageous effect to a cooperation option set player than a normal benefit when a plurality of option set players cooperate.

[0187] In particular, the option information for acquiring special benefits when linked specifies a number of specific conditions set hierarchically (in stages) and a benefit that is associated with each specific condition and that the option-setting player is to acquire when the specific condition is met.

[0188] For example, the option information for obtaining special benefits when linking is as shown in Figure 6. (C1) specific condition information in which a plurality of specific conditions are specified; (C2) Option specification information specifying the specifications for the option to acquire specific benefits when linked under other conditions; is stored.

[0189] Specific condition information includes (C1-1) Specific condition ID, (C1-2) The order set for each specific condition, (C1-3) Content information indicating the content of specific conditions, and (C1-4) Benefit ID for identifying the benefit, is stipulated.

[0190] In addition, the optional specification information includes (C2-1) The number of specific conditions provided to the player (i.e., the number of benefits); (C2-2) Option setting: whether or not there is a charge for players to link with each other, and the amount of the charge if a charge is incurred; and (C2-3) Option Settings: The conditions and states required for players to cooperate with each other, such as the conditions and states of the player or the player character operated by the player (level, experience value, points, type and number of owned items, specific conditions and tasks already cleared), These include:

[0191] [4.2.2] Player linkage information Next, the player cooperation information of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the player cooperation information stored in the benefit acquisition option information storage unit 148 of this embodiment.

[0192] The player link information may be, for example, as shown in FIG. (A1) Information on a flag (hereinafter referred to as a "cooperation setting flag") indicating the presence or absence of an option setting player (i.e., a cooperating player) for each option setting player; (A2) If there is a linked player, the player ID of the linked player (hereinafter referred to as the "linked player ID"), and (A3) Information on a flag indicating the progress of a specific condition specified in the relevant linkage special benefit option information (hereinafter referred to as the "specific condition progress flag"); is stored.

[0193] In addition, in the player linkage information of this embodiment, if multiple bonus acquisition options are available for setting to a player, the type of bonus acquisition option (e.g., option ID) between the linked option-setting players may be specified.

[0194] [4.2.3] Tasks Next, the tasks of this embodiment will be described.

[0195] The task in this embodiment is one that the player (i.e., the option-setting player) gradually clears when a bonus acquisition option is set for the player, and is one of multiple tasks that are achieved when predetermined task achievement conditions are met.

[0196] In this embodiment, when a privilege acquisition option is set, a plurality of tasks defined in the normal privilege information included in the privilege acquisition option are set in stages to the option-setting player.

[0197] Note that being set in stages means that when one task is cleared, the next task is set, and the tasks are set in a predetermined order, for example, according to the level (difficulty level), from the first specified task to the last specified task.

[0198] For example, the task in this embodiment is (A1) A predetermined parameter such as a player's or player character's game level, experience points, points, in-game currency, or a player character's ability value reaches a preset value; and (A2) Actions that are performed by actions (i.e., game actions) that are preset for a player or a player character, such as fighting an enemy character or completing a predetermined task, and (A3) Tasks imposed on the player or player character, such as logging in every day, These include:

[0199] In particular, tasks as game behaviors include, for example: (A2-1) Allowing the player character to acquire a specific item in the game; (A2-2) The player character defeats a specific enemy character such as a boss character (including a specific type or number of enemy characters, or achieving this within a predetermined time limit), (A2-3) Clearing a specific stage such as a bonus stage or a predetermined number of stages (including clearing within a time limit), and (A2-4) Recovery (self-recovery and recovery of a player character with a specific relationship such as an ally) or rest has been performed a predetermined number of times, and (A2-5) Logged in every day, These include:

[0200] As illustrated in Figure 5 above, each task is associated with a task achievement condition to be achieved by that task, and a benefit that the option-setting player will receive when that task achievement condition is met.

[0201] [4.2.4] Specific conditions Next, the specific conditions of this embodiment will be described.

[0202] The specific conditions in this embodiment are conditions that are set in stages for linked players (i.e., option-setting players) when the linkage benefit acquisition option is set for two or more players and multiple players are linked.

[0203] In this embodiment, when a plurality of option-setting players are linked, a plurality of specific conditions defined in the linked special privilege acquisition option information are set in stages for the linked option-setting players.

[0204] For example, the specific conditions of this embodiment include, similarly to the tasks, (A1) A predetermined parameter such as a player's or player character's game level, experience points, points, in-game currency, or a player character's ability value reaches a preset value; and (A2) A game in which a predetermined in-game action (i.e., game action) is performed by a player or a player character, such as fighting an enemy character or accomplishing a predetermined task; (A3) Challenges imposed on the player or player character, such as logging in every day, and (A4) Winning the lottery, These include:

[0205] The specific condition may be the same task (task achievement condition) set by the option setting player, such as the order or number.

[0206] [4.2.5] Benefits Next, the benefits of this embodiment will be described. Note that Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of benefit information stored in the game data storage unit 144 of this embodiment.

[0207] (Normal bonus) In this embodiment, a normal benefit is acquired by an option-setting player to whom a benefit acquisition option has been set when a task is accomplished by an option-setting player who is not linked to other option-setting players (i.e., when the task achievement conditions are met; the same applies below), or when a task is accomplished by a player who is linked to other option-setting players but does not meet the specific conditions.

[0208] In addition, the normal benefits of this embodiment include, for example, (A1) To make advantageous the fluctuations of parameters (experience points, ability points, points, amount of in-game currency, appearance rate, matching probability, and appearance order of specific items and matching targets (player characters and enemy characters)) that fluctuate as the game progresses, (A2) To allow or make easier the acquisition of specific items, new player characters, or parameters such as in-game currency, points, or stamina (for example, making it easier to win in gacha, reducing the price when purchasing or exchanging, changing an item already possessed into an item with superior capabilities, or making it easier to find or obtain as the game progresses), or to increase options; (A3) Making a task more difficult or easier (A4) Making the winning probability of a lottery more favorable to the player, such as by increasing the winning probability of a rare item or decreasing the losing probability in a lottery process executed during a game, (A5) Reducing the parameters consumed during the game (charge amount, consumed points, and player character's physical strength (energy value)), (A6) Changing the appearance (i.e., appearance), abilities, attributes, number, value (including the selling price when buying and selling with other players in the game and the influence on synthesis materials), and release of restrictions (such as extending the usable time to unlimited) of items that can be used by the player character, (A7) Obtaining trophies, medals, titles, and emotes, (A8) Changing the appearance, abilities, and attributes of the player character; (A9) To allow a player to acquire a benefit that could not be acquired in a normal game, such as a benefit that could not be acquired because a predetermined condition was not met (for example, a daily bonus), or a benefit that was already acquired before the game started, or to change the benefit (i.e., an unacquired benefit) to one that has an advantageous effect on the player when acquiring the benefit, and (A10) Changing the order of acquisition of multiple benefits (especially benefits whose grades gradually increase) that are acquired sequentially as the game progresses to give the player an advantage; These include things that give players an advantage in the game or satisfy their desire to acquire things.

[0209] (Special benefits when linked) In this embodiment, the special bonus during cooperation is acquired when a bonus acquisition option is set and specific conditions are met by multiple linked option-setting players or by any of them.

[0210] For example, special benefits when linking include: (B1) Changing the content of rewards (in-game currency, items, or points such as experience points or scores) acquired by each player in the game; (B2) Changing specific conditions; (B3) Changing the number of bonus acquisition option information that can be set for a player (adding a new bonus acquisition option), (B4) Changing the validity period; and (B5) Treating a player who does not meet a specific condition as if the player meets the specific condition; These include:

[0211] It is preferable that the special cooperation benefit be a benefit that is more advantageous to the player than the no-frills benefit, but this is not limited to this.

[0212] On the other hand, when a player who meets the conditions for the special bonus when two or more option-setting players are linked (i.e., the first option-setting player and the second option-setting player) meets a specific condition, the bonus granted to a player who does not meet the specific condition may be the same bonus as that granted to the player who meets the specific condition.

[0213] Specifically, the same benefit is preferably a benefit that has not yet been acquired by a player who does not satisfy the patent conditions. Furthermore, granting the same benefit means granting a benefit of the same type as at least one of the benefits already granted to a player who satisfies the benefit conditions. However, this does not necessarily mean that the same benefit will be granted, and includes the possibility that the same benefit will be granted with a certain probability, and that a different benefit may also be granted.

[0214] In addition, the same benefit includes, when a player who meets the benefit conditions has been granted multiple different types of benefits, being granted one or more benefits of the same type as the benefit that has been granted, being granted benefits of the same type and number, and being granted benefits of each of the different types that have been granted, but with a different number of benefits than the number of benefits granted.

[0215] In particular, the same benefit includes, for example, when a player who meets the benefit conditions is granted multiple benefits of the same type, not only the same number of benefits of the same type being granted, but also the case where different numbers of benefits of the same type are granted.

[0216] On the other hand, when two or more linked option-setting players (i.e., a first option-setting player and a second option-setting player) both meet a specific condition, a special linking benefit may be granted to the player that has a more advantageous effect than the benefit specified in the benefit acquisition option information in association with a task achievement condition that has the same content as the specific condition.

[0217] In addition, a benefit that has a more advantageous effect on the player may be a benefit that is different from the benefit specified in the benefit option information, or may be a benefit that has been modified to have a more advantageous effect on the player, such as by increasing the level of the benefit specified in the benefit option information or by evolving the abilities.

[0218] [4.3] Benefit acquisition option setting process Next, a description will be given of a bonus acquisition option setting process including a cooperation process (option setting player cooperation process) in which a plurality of option setting players of this embodiment cooperate with each other.

[0219] (Benefit acquisition option setting process) The option management unit 105 executes a privilege acquisition option setting process for setting a privilege acquisition option for each player based on the player's instruction.

[0220] Furthermore, when there are multiple bonus acquisition options, the option management unit 105 sets the bonus acquisition option designated from the multiple bonus acquisition options for the corresponding player based on the player's instructions, and registers the type of bonus acquisition option (e.g., option ID) set in association with each player in the bonus acquisition option information storage unit 148.

[0221] When the option management unit 105 sets the bonus acquisition option, it causes the information providing unit 110 to generate display control information for displaying to the relevant player that the bonus acquisition option has been set, and provides this to the relevant terminal device 20.

[0222] In addition, when setting a bonus acquisition option, the option management unit 105 may execute the bonus acquisition option setting process based on the player's instructions, such as when the bonus acquisition option is acquired through purchase or lottery processing, or may execute a bonus acquisition option setting process that sets the bonus acquisition option to the relevant player by automatically setting it (selecting it if there are multiple bonus acquisition options), for example, by randomly selecting it from items prepared by the game administrator or the game system or according to a program.

[0223] Furthermore, the bonus acquisition option may be set before the validity period of the bonus acquisition option, in which case the game management unit 103 performs various game controls to grant the bonus (to allow the option-setting player to acquire the bonus) from the start of the validity period.

[0224] In other words, if a bonus acquisition option is set before the validity period of the bonus acquisition option, the game management unit 103 executes a game control process to progress the game with respect to the option-setting player or the player character for the option player, based on the operation instructions of the option-setting player and the bonus acquisition option associated with the bonus acquisition option set for the option-setting player, from the start of the validity period until the validity period ends.

[0225] In addition, if the validity period has already started and a bonus acquisition option has been set, the game management unit 103 performs various game controls to grant a bonus to the option-setting player after the bonus acquisition option has been set.

[0226] In particular, if the validity period has already started, when the bonus acquisition option is set, the game management unit 103 resumes the game, and from that time until the validity period ends, similar to the above, executes game control processing to progress the game with respect to the option-setting player or the player character for the option player that is the object of operation by the option-setting player, based on the operation instructions of the option-setting player and the bonus acquisition option that is associated with the bonus acquisition option set for the option-setting player.

[0227] (Optional setting player linkage processing) The option management unit 105 executes, for each option-setting player, an option-setting player cooperation process that cooperates with the player set in the option-setting player, based on an instruction from the player.

[0228] In particular, the option management unit 105 sets, for each option-setting player, a linked option-setting player that links with the other option-setting players, without the consent of the other option-setting players or based on the consent of the other option-setting players.

[0229] Specifically, for each option-setting player who wishes to cooperate (hereinafter referred to as the "cooperation-desiring player"), the option management unit 105 selects a candidate for the cooperation option-setting player (hereinafter referred to as the "cooperation player candidate") from among one or more other option-setting players based on instructions from the cooperation-desiring player, and, assuming that an instruction of agreement has been received from the selected cooperation player candidate, registers the identification information (e.g., player ID) of the cooperation player candidate in the bonus acquisition option information storage unit 148 in association with the corresponding option-setting player as the option-setting player to cooperate with.

[0230] At this time, the option management unit 105 may register identification information such as the player ID of the player desiring to cooperate, in association with the candidate cooperate player, as identification information of the option-set player to be cooperated with, in the bonus acquisition option information storage unit 148. However, in this case, the option management unit 105 does not have to register identification information of the player desiring to cooperate, in association with the candidate cooperate player, in the bonus acquisition option information storage unit 148, as identification information of the option-set player to be cooperated with.

[0231] [4.4] Normal bonus control process [4.4.1] Task Judgment Processing Next, the task determination process of this embodiment will be described.

[0232] The task / specific condition management unit 107 executes a task determination process for determining whether or not a currently set task from among a plurality of tasks specified in stages in the benefit acquisition option has been achieved for each option-setting player during the validity period.

[0233] Specifically, the task / specific condition management unit 107 identifies, for each option-setting player, a task that has not yet been achieved and is currently being attempted based on the bonus acquisition option, and also identifies the task achievement conditions for the identified task.

[0234] Then, the task / specific condition management unit 107 manages the game status of the corresponding option-set player based on the specified task achievement condition, and executes a task determination process to determine whether the task achievement condition is met.

[0235] Furthermore, when the task / specific condition management unit 107 determines that the corresponding task achievement conditions are met for each option-setting player based on the game situation detected by the game situation detection process, it registers a flag indicating that the task has been achieved (hereinafter also referred to as a "task achievement flag") in the corresponding bonus information in the bonus acquisition option information storage unit 148, assuming that the task has been achieved.

[0236] For example, assume that the task A currently being attempted by option setting player A has a task achievement condition of "defeat five enemy characters."

[0237] In this case, the task / specific condition management unit 107 counts the number of times the option-setting player A fights an enemy character and defeats the enemy character, and when the count finally reaches "5", updates (registers) the information of the task achievement flag in the benefit information of the benefit acquisition option for task A, which indicates that the option-setting player A has met the task achievement conditions.

[0238] Also, for example, assume that the task achievement condition "to reach 100 experience points" is Task B that option-setting Player B is currently attempting.

[0239] In this case, the task and specific condition management unit 107 determines whether option setting player A is an enemy player. When various game actions are performed that can earn experience points, such as fighting against Rakuta and defeating the enemy character (experience points "+10"), performing magic to heal other player characters (experience points "+5"), or finding a specific item (experience points "+3"), the experience points set for each game action are acquired and added up sequentially.

[0240] Then, when the experience value of option-setting player B reaches "100", the task / specific condition management unit 107 updates (registers) the information of the task progress flag, which indicates that option-setting player B has met the task achievement conditions, in the benefit information of the benefit acquisition option for task B.

[0241] [4.4.2] Normal reward control process Next, the normal benefit granting control process of this embodiment will be described.

[0242] The benefit control unit 108 executes a normal benefit granting control process for granting a given benefit (i.e., a normal benefit) to the corresponding player (i.e., terminal device 20) for each option-setting player (including a linked option-setting player) or for each player character for an option player, when it is determined that the specific conditions are not met and the task determination process determines that the corresponding task has been accomplished (i.e., when it is determined that the achievement conditions for the corresponding task are met).

[0243] In particular, the benefit control unit 108, as described above, (A1) Benefits that give you an advantage in terms of the parameters that change as the game progresses, (A2) Benefits that make it easier to acquire items used in the game, (A3) Benefits to weaken or strengthen enemy characters, (A4) Benefits that make a task easier or more difficult, (A5) A bonus that increases the player's chances of winning the gacha. (A6) Benefits that reduce the parameters consumed during the game, (A7) A privilege that changes the appearance, ability, attribute, number, value, or release of restrictions on an item; (A8) A privilege that allows the acquisition of an item, a player character, or parameters such as in-game currency, points, or stamina; (A9) Benefits for obtaining trophies, medals, titles, and emotes, and (A10) Benefits that change the appearance, abilities, and attributes of the player character, The player is given benefits that give him an advantage in the game and normal benefits that satisfy his desire to acquire.

[0244] Specifically, when it is determined that a specific condition is not met, but the task determination process determines that the corresponding task achievement condition is met, the benefit control unit 108 identifies the benefit ID included in the benefit information in which the task achievement condition is specified.

[0245] Then, the bonus control unit 108 searches for bonus information based on the identified bonus ID, and executes a normal bonus granting control process for granting a normal bonus to the corresponding option-setting player based on the bonus information having the corresponding bonus ID.

[0246] In addition, when a task is accomplished (i.e., when the task accomplishment conditions are met), the bonus control unit 108 may allow the player to acquire a normal bonus based on the player's intention (e.g., an operational instruction indicating the intention to acquire the bonus), or on the assumption that the player consumes in-game currency or points (including stamina parameters, etc.) or pays a fee (assuming that the task specified in this manner has been identified and registered in the normal bonus acquisition option information).

[0247] In particular, the bonus control unit 108 performs normal bonus award control processing to award the corresponding bonus to the player. In addition to allowing the player to acquire the bonus unconditionally, the bonus may be acquired on the condition that the player pays a fee or consumes in-game currency or points, and if the player does not express an intention to acquire the bonus (for example, by giving an operational instruction), the acquisition of the normal bonus may be withheld, or whether or not the bonus can be acquired may be determined after a process is executed to determine whether or not the bonus can actually be acquired in a lottery event such as a gacha.

[0248] In addition, the reward control unit 108 may allow a normal reward with a set usage period to be acquired when a task is completed (again, assuming that a task with such specifications has been identified and registered in the normal reward acquisition option information).

[0249] [4.5] Benefit control process when linked [4.5.1] Specific condition judgment processing Next, the specific condition determination process of this embodiment will be described.

[0250] The task / specific condition management unit 107 executes a specific condition determination process to determine whether or not at least one of the first option-setting player and the second option-setting player, to which the bonus acquisition option is set, meets a specific condition indicating a specific condition associated with the option-setting player during the validity period.

[0251] In particular, the task / specific condition management unit 107 executes a specific condition determination process for determining whether or not the currently set specific condition from among the specific conditions specified in stages in the benefit acquisition option has been achieved for each linked option set player during the validity period.

[0252] Then, during the validity period, the task / specific condition management unit 107 executes the specific condition determination process before the normal benefit control process is executed, after the normal benefit control process is executed, or simultaneously with the normal benefit control process.

[0253] Specifically, the task and specific condition management unit 107 determines, for each cooperation option setting player (i.e., cooperation reference player), the following based on the detection results of the benefit acquisition option and game status detection process: (A1) Either the setting reference player or another link option setting player linked with the setting reference player (i.e., linked player), or (A2) Both players, The specific demand determination process is executed to determine whether or not the specific conditions are met.

[0254] Then, when the task / specific condition management unit 107 determines that the corresponding specific condition is met for each collaboration reference player based on the game status detected by the game status detection process, it updates (registers) the specific condition progress flag indicating that the specific condition is met in the corresponding collaboration special benefit acquisition option information in the benefit acquisition option information storage unit 148.

[0255] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the specific conditions are as described above. (B1) A predetermined parameter such as a player's or player character's game level, experience points, points, in-game currency, or a player character's ability value reaches a preset value; (B2) A game in which a predetermined in-game action (i.e., game action) is performed by a player or a player character, such as fighting an enemy character or accomplishing a predetermined task. (B3) Challenges imposed on the player or player character, such as logging in every day, and (B4) Winning a lottery; Includes:

[0256] For example, it is assumed that the specific condition is that the linked player reaches a predetermined game level.

[0257] In this case, the task / specific condition management unit 107 executes a specific condition determination process to determine whether the linked player has reached a predetermined game level at a predetermined first timing before a predetermined second timing arrives.

[0258] Then, when the linked player reaches a predetermined game level, the task / specific condition management unit 107 determines that the specific condition is met, and updates (registers) information on the specific condition progress flag indicating this.

[0259] Also, for example, it is assumed that the specific condition is that the cooperation reference player and the cooperation target player win a predetermined item through a predetermined lottery process.

[0260] In this case, the task / specific condition management unit 107 executes a specific condition determination process to determine whether or not a specific item has been won for the linkage reference player and the linkage target player at a predetermined first timing and before a predetermined second timing arrives.

[0261] Then, if both the collaboration reference player and the collaboration target player win a specified item, the task / specific condition management unit 107 determines that the specific condition is met, and updates (registers) the information of the specific condition progress flag indicating this.

[0262] [4.5.2] Special reward granting control process when linked Next, the linkage special benefit granting control process of this embodiment will be described.

[0263] (Outline of special benefit granting control process when linked) The bonus control unit 108 executes a special bonus granting control process for granting a given bonus (i.e., a special bonus at the time of cooperation) to the corresponding cooperation option setting player (i.e., the terminal device 20 of the corresponding cooperation option setting player) when it is determined by the specific condition determination process that the corresponding specific condition is met for each cooperation option setting player or for each player character of the cooperation option setting player (hereinafter referred to as "cooperation option setting player character").

[0264] Then, the benefit control unit 108 performs the following during the validity period: (A1) When a linked player satisfies a specific condition, a linkage special benefit granting control process is executed to allow a player who does not satisfy the specific condition to acquire a linkage special benefit; (A2) When the cooperation reference player and the cooperation destination player satisfy specific conditions, a cooperation special benefit granting control process is executed to grant a cooperation special benefit to the cooperation reference player or to both players.

[0265] The game management unit 103 executes control to progress various games based on the benefits thus granted and the operation instructions of the option setting player.

[0266] (Special benefit granting control process 1 when linked) When the bonus control unit 108 grants a cooperation special bonus to a player who does not satisfy the specific condition and is the cooperation reference player, (A1-1) A benefit that requires specific conditions to be met, or (A1-2) The same benefits as those granted to players who fulfill certain conditions (if multiple benefits are granted) (If the number of awards is the same, the number of awards will be the same type) These will be given as special benefits when you link up.

[0267] In particular, the award control unit 108 awards the same award as at least one of the awards awarded to players who satisfy the award conditions, as described above. However, this does not necessarily mean that the same award will be awarded, and it also includes the possibility that the award will be given with a certain probability.

[0268] For example, if a player who meets the conditions for a special award is granted a plurality of different types of special awards, the special award control unit 108 may: (B1) Grant one or more benefits of the same type as the granted benefit; (B2) The same types and numbers of benefits are granted; and (B3) The number of granted benefits may differ from the type of benefits granted.

[0269] Furthermore, for example, when a player who meets the privilege conditions is granted multiple privileges of the same type, the privilege control unit 108 may grant not only the same number of privileges of the same type, but also different numbers of privileges of the same type.

[0270] (Special benefit granting control process 2 when linked) When the bonus control unit 108 grants a bonus to both the player who satisfies the specific condition as the bonus destination player and the player who does not satisfy the specific condition as the bonus reference player, (A2-1) While granting the above benefits to the cooperation standard player, (A2-2) The linkage reference player or the linked player is granted a special benefit that is not granted by the normal benefit control process, or, if the same condition as the task achievement condition is set as the specific condition, a benefit that has an effect that is more advantageous to the player (higher value, higher rarity, or more items) than the benefit granted based on the task achievement condition.

[0271] (Special benefit granting control process 3 when linked) When granting a cooperation special benefit to players who meet specific conditions, both the cooperation reference player and the cooperation destination player, the benefit control unit 108: (A3-1) A benefit that has a more advantageous effect on a player than a benefit that is specified in the benefit acquisition option information in association with the same specific condition for a player who meets a specific condition in both the link reference player and the link destination player (i.e., a benefit that is specified when only one of the link reference player and the link destination player meets the specific condition), or (A3-2) For players who meet certain conditions for both the link reference player and the link destination player, A benefit that is different from the benefit specified in the benefit acquisition option information in association with the same specific condition (i.e., a benefit specified when only one of the link reference player and the link destination player meets the specific condition), is granted.

[0272] In particular, when the bonus control unit 108 grants a special bonus to both the linkage reference player and the linked player who meet specific conditions, in the case of (A3-1), it grants a bonus as the special bonus at the time of linkage that has a more advantageous effect on both players than the bonus specified in the bonus acquisition option information in association with the same specific condition (i.e., the normal bonus that is granted when only one of the linkage option setting players meets the specific condition).

[0273] In addition, when a special benefit that has a more advantageous effect on both players is granted, The bonus may be a bonus that is different from the bonus specified in the bonus option information in correspondence with specific conditions, or may be a bonus that has been modified to have a more advantageous effect on the player, such as by increasing the level of the bonus specified in the bonus option information or by evolving the abilities.

[0274] (Special benefit granting control process 4 when linked) When different types of bonus acquisition options (e.g., bonus acquisition options with different bonus levels or bonus uses) are set for a linkage reference player (e.g., a first linkage option-setting player) and a linked player (e.g., a second linkage option-setting player), the bonus control unit 108 may grant a bonus at the time of linkage to a player who does not meet a specific condition, to the player who does not meet the specific condition and a player who meets the specific condition, and to multiple players who meet the specific condition, depending on the difference between the first bonus acquisition option (e.g., bonus acquisition option A with bonus level 1) set for the linkage reference player and the second bonus acquisition option (e.g., bonus acquisition option B with bonus level 2) set for the linked player.

[0275] For example, consider the case where the bonus acquisition option A set for the linked reference player (player 1) of a player who does not meet the specific conditions is a bonus acquisition option of bonus level 1, in which multiple specific conditions are specified in stages and bonuses are specified corresponding to each specific condition, and the bonus acquisition option A set for the linked player (player 2) of a player who meets the specific conditions is a bonus acquisition option of bonus level 3 (i.e., the same type of bonus acquisition option but different bonus levels).

[0276] In this case, if the bonus control unit 108 determines in the specific condition determination process for player 1, who is the linkage reference player and does not meet the specific condition, that player 2, who is the linked player and meets the specific condition, meets the specific condition set to the second stage of level 3, it will grant player 1 a bonus of the second stage of bonus level 1.

[0277] In other words, in this case, the bonus control unit 108 may grant a bonus according to the bonus level of the target player who is the subject of the special bonus granting control at the time of collaboration, rather than the level of the bonus acquisition option of the linked player who is the subject of the judgment, in order to take into account the bonus level difference.

[0278] [4.6] Game status detection process Next, the game situation detection process of this embodiment will be described.

[0279] (Basic principles of game situation detection processing) During the validity period, the situation detection unit 106 executes a game situation detection process for each option-setting player (including a linked option-setting player) for whom a bonus acquisition option has been set, to detect indicators and status information (hereinafter referred to as "game element information") relating to the game of each player at a predetermined timing as the game situation.

[0280] Specifically, the situation detection unit 106 detects the following as the game situation: (A1) Parameters that change as the game progresses for an individual player or player character, such as level and experience points (hereinafter referred to as "game variable parameters"); (A2) game element information including at least one of the presence or absence of a game element for the player or player character and the type of the game element; (A3) Information on at least one of the presence or absence of a player's gaming behavior, such as the timing of logging in or obtaining a bonus acquisition option, and the time element (timing, duration, etc.) related to the gaming behavior (hereinafter also referred to as "gaming behavior information"), or (A4) Information (hereinafter also referred to as "related player information") about other players (hereinafter referred to as "related players") related to the player; The game status detection process is executed to detect the above.

[0281] Then, the situation detection unit 106 instructs the benefit control unit 108 to execute a benefit change process for changing the benefit according to the detected game situation.

[0282] In principle, the situation detection unit 106 detects one of the game elements (A1) to (A4) as the game situation, but may detect two or more of these game elements as the game situation.

[0283] (Game situation detection process for game variable parameters) The situation detection unit 106 may execute a game situation detection process to detect, as the game situation, game variable parameters that vary with the progress of the game of the option-setting player or the player character for the option player.

[0284] Specifically, the status detection unit 106 detects one or more parameters of the current or past game variable parameters of the corresponding option-setting player or player character for the option player, such as player level, player character level, charge amount (total charge amount within a specified period or cumulative charge amount since the start of the game), experience points, points, amount of in-game currency, and number of items held.

[0285] (Game status detection process for game elements) The situation detection unit 106 may execute a game situation detection process to detect, as the game situation, at least one of information on the presence or absence of a game element for the option-setting player or the player character for the option player, and the type of the game element.

[0286] Specifically, the situation detection unit 106 detects one or more game elements as the game situation, which are current or past game elements of the relevant option-setting player or player character for the option player, such as whether or not the option-setting player or player character for the option player owns an item or character (including the number of items or characters owned) and the type of items or characters owned.

[0287] (Game situation detection process based on game behavior and its time element) The situation detection unit 106 may execute a game situation detection process to detect, as the game situation, at least one of game actions relating to the option setting player or the player character for the option player, and time factors relating to the game actions.

[0288] Specifically, the status detection unit 106 detects various game actions such as logging in, executing (playing) a game, charging, acquiring bonus options (including paid and free options), and participating in events such as lottery events and mini-games as game status.

[0289] Furthermore, the situation detection unit 106 detects, as a time element relating to a gaming action, the above-mentioned various gaming actions relating to a timing time element or a continuous time element as a gaming situation.

[0290] In particular, in terms of timing-related time elements, the situation detection unit 106 may detect, as the game situation, the game behavior of the option-setting player or the player character for the option player at a given timing.

[0291] Then, the situation detection unit 106 may detect, as a game situation, the situation of accessing the game as a game behavior of the option setting player in terms of a continuous time element. .

[0292] For example, the situation detection unit 106 detects the following as timing-related time elements related to various game actions: (B1) The timing when the reward acquisition option was set; (B2) Login timing (specific login timing such as the first login timing or multiple login timings), (B3) the timing of charging (the timing of charging for a benefit, such as the timing of the first charging), and (B4) the timing when the charging reaches a predetermined amount; (B5) When the game starts, (B6) The timing at which a predetermined level is reached, and (B7) The timing of obtaining a specific item, These are detected as game situations.

[0293] Furthermore, for example, the situation detection unit 106 detects the following as continuous time factors related to various game actions: (C1) Number of logins (number of accesses), (C2) Login frequency (number of consecutive login days and number of accesses per day), and (C3) Time of access to the game (within the validity period, total time from the start of the game, and within a specific period), Detects etc.

[0294] [4.7] Notification control processing Next, the notification control process of this embodiment will be described.

[0295] During the game, the information providing unit 110 provides the terminal device 20 with information on benefits, such as benefit acquisition options set for each player, benefit information, or benefit information, along with various game information related to the control and display of the game, at a given timing, such as at the start of the game, during the game, or at the end of the game.

[0296] In particular, when at least one of the cooperation reference player and the cooperation destination player satisfies a specific condition, the information providing unit 110 (A1) To the terminal device 20 of the player who does not satisfy the specific condition, (A2) To the terminal devices 20 of both the player who satisfies the specific condition and the player who does not satisfy the specific condition, or (A3) to the terminal devices 20 of the plurality of players who satisfy the specific conditions, A notification control process is executed to notify that the specific condition is met.

[0297] [4.8] Variations Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described.

[0298] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, when certain conditions are met, a specified special option is granted when linking, but the special linking benefit granted may be changed depending on when the certain conditions are met within the validity period.

[0299] For example, for each specific condition information of the linked benefit acquisition option information stored in the benefit acquisition option information storage unit 148, multiple sections (hereinafter referred to as "specific sections") are set within the validity period, and different linked benefit specific sections are stored in correspondence with each specific section.

[0300] Then, when the bonus control unit 108 determines that a specific condition is met, it identifies the specific section to which the determined timing (hereinafter referred to as the "determined timing") belongs, and grants the special bonus at the time of collaboration stored in association with the specific section to which the timing belongs to the corresponding collaboration reference player or collaboration target player.

[0301] On the other hand, each specific condition information of the linked bonus acquisition option information stored in the bonus acquisition option information storage unit 148 has one or more specific timings (hereinafter referred to as "specific timings") set therein, and different linked bonuses may be stored in association with the specific timings and specific conditions.

[0302] Then, when it is determined that the specific condition is met, the benefit control unit 108 determines whether the judgment timing is earlier than the specific timing, and if it is determined that the judgment timing is earlier than the specific timing, it may grant the special benefit at the time of collaboration that is stored in association with the specific timing to the corresponding collaboration reference player or collaboration target player.

[0303] (Variation 2) In this embodiment, the special cooperation benefit may be changed depending on the number of players participating in the game.

[0304] For example, a range of the number of players participating in multiple games (hereinafter referred to as the "player number range") is set for each specific condition information of the linked bonus acquisition option information stored in the bonus acquisition option information storage unit 148, and a different linked bonus is stored for each of the player number ranges.

[0305] Then, when it is determined that the specific conditions are met, the benefit control unit 108 detects the range of the number of players participating in the game, specifies the player number range to which the detected number of players belongs, and grants the special benefit at the time of collaboration stored in association with the specified player number range to the corresponding collaboration reference player and collaboration target player.

[0306] In addition, the number of players in this embodiment includes not only the number of people participating in the game itself, but also the number of players logged in at a given time, the number of players for whom the bonus acquisition option is set, the number of players who will be allies in the game, and the number of players participating in in-game events.

[0307] (Variation 3) In this embodiment, if the validity period is applied repeatedly during the game, the reward acquisition options may provide rewards that vary depending on the duration of the validity period.

[0308] Specifically, when the validity period is applied repeatedly, the special benefit at the time of linkage may be changed according to the number of benefit acquisition options set repeatedly in the consecutive cycles (i.e., the number of validity periods).

[0309] For example, in each piece of specific condition information of the linked privilege acquisition option information stored in the privilege acquisition option information storage unit 148, a different linked privilege is stored for each number of consecutive valid periods.

[0310] When it is determined that the specific condition is met, the benefit control unit 108 determines whether the benefit acquisition option is set repeatedly in succession, and if the benefit acquisition option is set repeatedly in succession, detects the number of consecutive settings of the benefit acquisition option, and transfers the linked special benefit stored in association with the detected number of consecutive settings to the corresponding linked standard program. It is given to the player or the linked player.

[0311] As mentioned above, the duration of the validity period refers to the total period when the bonus acquisition options for each option-setting player are set consecutively, but it does not have to be a continuous period, such as the total period from the start of the game.

[0312] [5] Operation in this embodiment [5.1] Linked bonus control process 1 Next, using Figures 8 and 9, we will explain the operation of the collaboration benefit control process executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment, which grants a collaboration special benefit to the collaboration reference player when the collaboration reference player or the collaboration target player meets specific conditions.

[0313] 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the operation of the linkage bonus control process executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment, which grants a linkage bonus to the linkage reference player when the linkage reference player or the linkage destination player meets specific conditions.

[0314] This operation includes a game status detection process and is executed for each option-setting player (i.e., linked reference player) for whom a bonus acquisition option has been set. When linked with another option-setting player (i.e., linked player), this operation is related to setting specific conditions and acquiring a special bonus when linked in accordance with the fulfillment of those specific conditions.

[0315] This operation also assumes that the player has already registered and logged into the game, and that the validity period for the bonus acquisition option has begun.

[0316] In particular, in this operation, a plurality of specific conditions with gradually different levels are defined for the bonus acquisition option, and each time a specific condition is met, a specific condition for the next step is set.

[0317] This operation will be described taking as an example a case where the same special cooperation benefit is granted when the cooperation reference player and the cooperation target player meet the specific conditions at the same stage.

[0318] In this operation, it is assumed that the game situation detected for use in the benefit change process is predetermined.

[0319] Also, an option-setting player that is not linked with other option-setting players executes an operation different from this operation.

[0320] Furthermore, in this operation, the roles of the cooperation reference player and the cooperation destination player are explained separately, but if the cooperation destination player is taken as the center, the cooperation reference player and the cooperation destination player have an inverse relationship.

[0321] First, when the communication control unit 101 receives an instruction to set a player's bonus acquisition option sent from the terminal device 20 and also receives an instruction to set it in cooperation with other option-setting players (step S101), the option management unit 105 executes a bonus acquisition option setting process to set the bonus acquisition option for the relevant player based on the player's instructions, and starts execution of a bonus control process during cooperation associated with the bonus acquisition option (step S102).

[0322] At this time, the option management unit 105 changes the cooperation setting flag to indicate that a cooperation destination player is present, and also enters the player ID of the cooperation destination player (i.e., the cooperation destination player ID) in the player information. Register for Ya Collaboration Information.

[0323] At this time, the task / specific condition management unit 107 also sets the first specific condition defined in the cooperation special benefit acquisition option for the relevant player.

[0324] Next, the game management unit 103 determines whether the validity period of the bonus acquisition option has expired (step S103), and if it determines that the validity period has expired, the option management unit 105 cancels the bonus acquisition option for the relevant player (step S121) and terminates this operation.

[0325] In addition, to cancel the bonus acquisition option for the relevant player, the game management unit 103 deletes the relevant player's player ID, linked player ID, and link setting flag from the normal bonus acquisition option and the link setting flag in the player link information.

[0326] The game management unit 103 may set the validity period of the bonus acquisition option for each option-setting player, but basically sets it uniformly for all players. Therefore, in the processing of step S121, the game management unit 103 cancels the bonus acquisition option for all option-setting players.

[0327] Next, the task / specific condition management unit 107 determines whether the game situation detected by the situation detection unit 106 satisfies the specific condition set for the cooperation reference player (step S104).

[0328] At this time, if it is determined that the cooperation reference player meets the specific condition, the information providing unit 110 notifies the terminal device 20 of the cooperation reference player of this fact (step S105).

[0329] Then, the benefit control unit 108 provides the set cooperation special benefit to the cooperation reference player (step S106), and proceeds to the processing of step S112.

[0330] On the other hand, if it is determined that the cooperation reference player does not satisfy the specific condition, the task / specific condition management unit 107 determines whether or not the cooperation destination player satisfies the specific condition (step S107).

[0331] At this time, if it is determined that the cooperation destination player satisfies the specific condition, the information providing unit 110 notifies the terminal device 20 of the cooperation reference player of this fact (step S108).

[0332] Then, the benefit control unit 108 provides the set cooperation special benefit to the cooperation reference player (step S109), and proceeds to the processing of step S111.

[0333] Furthermore, in the process of step S107, if the task / specific condition management unit 107 determines that the cooperation destination player does not satisfy the specific condition either, the process returns to the process of step S103.

[0334] Next, the task / specific condition management unit 107 determines whether there is a specific condition to be set next (step S111), and if it determines that there is a specific condition to be set next, sets the corresponding specific condition to the collaboration reference player (step S112) and proceeds to processing in step S103.

[0335] Also, at this time, if the information providing unit 110 determines that there are no specific conditions to be set next, it notifies the terminal device 20 of the corresponding player that all specific conditions have been met (step S113), and terminates this operation.

[0336] [5.2] Linked bonus control process 2 Next, using Figures 10 and 11, we will explain the operation of the collaboration benefit control process executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment, which grants a collaboration special benefit to the collaboration reference player when the collaboration reference player and the collaboration target player meet certain conditions.

[0337] 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the operation of the linkage bonus control process executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment, which grants a linkage bonus to the linkage reference player when the linkage reference player and the linkage destination player meet specific conditions.

[0338] This operation includes a game status detection process and is executed for each option-setting player (i.e., linked reference player) for whom a bonus acquisition option has been set. When linked with another option-setting player (i.e., linked player), this operation is related to setting specific conditions and acquiring a special bonus when linked in accordance with the fulfillment of those specific conditions.

[0339] This operation also assumes that the player has already registered and logged into the game, and that the validity period for the bonus acquisition option has begun.

[0340] In particular, in this operation, a plurality of specific conditions with gradually different levels are defined for the bonus acquisition option, and each time a specific condition is met, a specific condition for the next step is set.

[0341] This operation will be described taking as an example a case where the cooperation reference player is granted a cooperation special benefit that has a more advantageous effect on the player than if the cooperation reference player alone fulfilled the specific conditions.

[0342] In this operation, it is assumed that the game situation detected for use in the benefit change process is predetermined.

[0343] Also, an option-setting player that is not linked with other option-setting players executes an operation different from this operation.

[0344] First, when the communication control unit 101 receives an instruction to set a player's bonus acquisition option sent from the terminal device 20 and also receives an instruction to set it in cooperation with other option-setting players (step S201), the option management unit 105 executes a bonus acquisition option setting process to set the bonus acquisition option for the relevant player based on the player's instruction, and starts execution of a bonus control process during cooperation associated with the bonus acquisition option (step S202).

[0345] At this time, the option management unit 105 changes the cooperation setting flag to indicate cooperation destination player is present, and also registers the player ID of the cooperation destination player (that is, cooperation destination player ID).

[0346] At this time, the task and specific condition management unit 107 also sets the first specific condition defined in the benefit acquisition option to the relevant player based on the benefit information and the benefit information.

[0347] Next, the game management unit 103 determines whether the validity period of the bonus acquisition option has expired (step S203), and if it determines that the validity period has expired, the option management unit 105 cancels the bonus acquisition option for the relevant player (step S221) and terminates this operation.

[0348] In addition, to cancel the bonus acquisition option for the relevant player, the game management unit 103 deletes the relevant player's player ID, linked player ID, and link setting flag from the normal bonus acquisition option and the link setting flag in the player link information.

[0349] The game management unit 103 may set the validity period of the bonus acquisition option for each option-setting player, but basically sets it uniformly for all players. Therefore, in the processing of step S121, the game management unit 103 cancels the bonus acquisition option for all option-setting players.

[0350] Next, the task / specific condition management unit 107 determines whether the reference player already has the special cooperation benefit (hereinafter referred to as the "current cooperation special benefit") specified in accordance with the specific condition (the specific condition set in step S202 or S212) (whether or not it has already been acquired) (step S204).

[0351] At this time, if the task / specific condition management unit 107 determines that the special benefit for the current collaboration has already been acquired by the collaboration reference player, it proceeds to processing of step S208, and if it determines that the special benefit for the current collaboration has not already been acquired, it proceeds to processing of step S205.

[0352] Next, if it is determined that the special benefit for the current collaboration has not been acquired, the task / specific condition management unit 107 determines whether the detected game situation satisfies the specific condition set for the collaboration reference player (step S205).

[0353] At this time, if the task / specific condition management unit 107 determines that the collaboration reference player meets the specific condition, it proceeds to processing of step S206, and if it determines that the collaboration reference player does not meet the specific condition, it proceeds to processing of step S203.

[0354] Next, if it is determined that the cooperation reference player meets the specific condition, the information providing unit 110 notifies the terminal device 20 of the cooperation reference player of this fact (step S206).

[0355] Next, the benefit control unit 108 provides the set normal benefit to the cooperation reference player (step S207).

[0356] Next, the task / specific condition management unit 107 determines whether the cooperation destination player satisfies the specific condition (step S208).

[0357] At this time, if the task / specific condition management unit 107 determines that the linked player meets the specific condition, it proceeds to the processing of step S209, and if it determines that the linked player does not meet the specific condition, it returns to the processing of step S203.

[0358] Next, if it is determined that the cooperation destination player satisfies the specific condition, the information providing unit 110 notifies the cooperation destination player's terminal device 20 of that fact (step S209).

[0359] Next, the benefit control unit 108 provides the set cooperation special benefit to the cooperation reference player (step S210), and proceeds to the processing of step S211.

[0360] At this time, if the normal benefit defined in association with the specific condition has not yet been awarded, the benefit control unit 108 awards it to the cooperation reference player together with the cooperation special benefit.

[0361] Next, the task / specific condition management unit 107 determines whether there is a specific condition to be set next (step S211), and if it determines that there is a specific condition to be set next, sets the corresponding specific condition to the collaboration reference player (step S212) and proceeds to processing in step S203.

[0362] On the other hand, if the task / specific condition management unit 107 determines that there are no specific conditions to be set next, it notifies the terminal device 20 of the corresponding player that all specific conditions have been met (step S213), and terminates this operation.

[0363] [6] Other The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, terms cited in the specification or drawings as broadly defined or synonymous terms can be replaced with broadly defined or synonymous terms in other descriptions in the specification or drawings.

[0364] In this embodiment, each game may be provided to the terminal device 20 by one server device 10, or a server system may be constructed by linking a plurality of server devices 10, and each game may be provided to the terminal device.

[0365] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game provided by the server device 10 is executed by the terminal device 20, but with the exception of operation input, each function of the processing unit 200 of the terminal device 20 and the execution of the game program may be executed by the server device 10, and the terminal device 20 may realize the above game by executing operation input and image display by streaming.

[0366] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game may be realized by a single game device having the functions of the server device 10, i.e., a device (standalone) that operates independently without relying on other devices such as a server device, in which case multiple input terminal devices are sufficient.

[0367] A plurality of such game terminal devices may be connected by wire or wirelessly, and one game device may function as the server device 10, thereby realizing the system using a plurality of game devices.

[0368] In addition, in this embodiment, the game system of the present invention is applied to a server device 10 that runs in conjunction with a terminal device 20 via a network, but it can also be applied to a tablet-type information terminal device, a personal computer, or a game device installed in an amusement park.

[0369] The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments (for example, configurations with the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effects). The present invention also includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. The present invention also includes configurations that achieve the same effects as the configurations described in the embodiments or that can achieve the same purpose. The present invention also includes configurations in which publicly known technology is added to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0370] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail as above, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without substantially departing from the novel features and effects of the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0371] 10: Server device 20: Terminal device 100: Processing section 101: Communication control unit 102: Web processing unit 103: Game Management Department 104: Player management unit 105: Option Management Department 106: Situation detection unit 107: Specific conditions management department 108: Benefit control unit 109: Timer management unit 110: Information provision department 120: Input section 130: Display section 140: Storage section 142: Main memory 144: Game data storage unit 146: Player information storage unit 148: Benefit acquisition option information storage unit 180: Information storage medium 196: Communications Department 200: Processing section 210: Communication control unit 211: Web browser 212: Game processing section 213: Display control unit 220: Drawing section 230: Sound processing unit 260: Input section 262:Detection unit 270: Storage section 271: Main memory 272: Image buffer 280: Information storage medium 290:Display section 292: Sound output unit 296: Communications Department

Claims

1. A server system that provides a game in which a reward acquisition option indicating the right to acquire a given reward within a given validity period for each player can be set to a terminal device owned by each player connected via a network, comprising: option management means for managing privilege acquisition option information, including normal privilege acquisition option information that specifies information about a normal privilege that is granted to an option-set player, indicating a player to whom the privilege acquisition option is set, regardless of other option-set players, and cooperation special privilege acquisition option information that specifies information about a special privilege that is granted when a plurality of option-set players cooperate with each other; setting means for setting the bonus acquisition option for the player who satisfies a given setting condition; cooperation management means for managing cooperation in the game between the option setting players; game control means for progressing the game based on the bonus acquisition option information, including execution of processing related to the normal bonus granted to the option-setting player in accordance with the game status of the option-setting player; a condition determining means for determining, based on the cooperation special benefit acquisition option information, whether or not at least one of a first option-setting player to which the benefit acquisition option is set and a second option-setting player linked with the first option-setting player satisfies a specific condition indicating a specific condition associated with the option-setting player during the validity period; a notification control means for executing a notification control process for notifying a corresponding terminal device that a predetermined option-setting player satisfies the specific condition during the validity period, when the predetermined option-setting player satisfies the specific condition; Equipped with When the first option-setting player is a specific-condition-unsatisfied player that does not satisfy the specific condition and the second option-setting player is a specific-condition-satisfied player that satisfies the specific condition, the corresponding terminal devices include the terminal devices of the first and second option-setting players, or the terminal device of the first option-setting player, When both the first and second option setting players are players that meet the specific conditions a server system, characterized in that the corresponding terminal devices include terminal devices of first and second option setting players, or a terminal device of a first option setting player.

2. 2. The server system according to claim 1, further comprising a bonus awarding control means for executing a normal bonus awarding control process for awarding the normal bonus to the option-setting player according to the game status of the player based on the normal bonus acquisition option information during the validity period; The benefit granting control means executes a linked special benefit control process for granting a given benefit specified in the linked special benefit acquisition option information to a corresponding player based on the linked special benefit acquisition option information during the validity period; When the first option-setting player is a specific-condition-unsatisfied player that does not satisfy the specific condition and the second option-setting player is a specific-condition-satisfied player that satisfies the specific condition, the corresponding players include the first and second option-setting players, or the first option-setting player; A server system in which, when both the first and second option-setting players are players that meet the specific conditions, the relevant players include the first and second option-setting players, or the first option-setting player.

3. 3. The server system according to claim 2, The benefit granting control means The server system executes the linked benefit control process to grant the benefit to a player who does not meet the specific condition as if the player meets the specific condition.

4. 3. The server system according to claim 2, The benefit granting control means The server system executes the linked benefit control process to grant, as the benefit, to the player not meeting the specific condition, the same benefit as that granted to the player meeting the specific condition.

5. 5. The server system according to claim 4, The linkage special benefit acquisition option information specifies a plurality of benefits, The server system, wherein the benefit granting control means executes the linked benefit control process to grant the same number and type of benefits as the same benefit to the player who does not satisfy the specific condition.

6. 2. The server system according to claim 1, during the validity period, a normal benefit granting control process is executed for granting the normal benefit to the option-setting player in accordance with the game status of the player based on the normal benefit acquisition option information; executing a linked special benefit control process for granting a given benefit specified in the linked special benefit acquisition option information to one or both of the players who satisfy the special benefit condition when both the first option-set player and the second option-set player satisfy the specific condition during the validity period; The server system further comprises a reward granting control means.

7. 7. The server system according to claim 6, The linkage special benefit acquisition option information specifies a benefit to be granted to the player when the specific condition is met, in association with the specific condition; The benefit granting control means A server system that, when both the first option-setting player and the second option-setting player meet the same specific condition, executes the linked benefit control process to grant the player a benefit that has a more advantageous effect than the benefit specified in the benefit acquisition option information in association with the same specific condition.

8. 7. The server system according to claim 2, A server system in which the benefits include at least one of changing the content of the rewards obtained by each player in the game, changing the specific conditions, changing the number of benefit acquisition option information that can be set for the player, and changing the validity period.

9. A server system that provides a game played by each player to a terminal device owned by each player connected via a network, comprising: an option management means for managing, as bonus acquisition option information, information stored in a storage means, which defines bonus acquisition options that indicate the right of a corresponding player to acquire a given bonus in a game within a given validity period; setting means for setting the bonus acquisition option for the player who satisfies a given setting condition; cooperation management means for managing cooperation in the game between the option setting players; game control means for progressing the game based on the bonus acquisition option information for an option-setting player for whom the bonus acquisition option has been set; a condition determination means for determining whether or not at least one of a first option-setting player to which the bonus acquisition option is set and a second option-setting player linked to the first option-setting player has met a specific condition indicating a specific condition associated with the option-setting player during the validity period; a bonus awarding control means for executing a bonus awarding control process for awarding a given bonus defined in the bonus acquisition option information to the relevant player based on the result of the determination during the validity period; Equipped with When the first option-setting player is a specific-condition-unsatisfied player that does not satisfy the specific condition and the second option-setting player is a specific-condition-satisfied player that satisfies the specific condition, the corresponding players include the first and second option-setting players, or the first option-setting player; When both the first and second option-setting players are the players satisfying the specific condition, the relevant players include the first and second option-setting players or the first option-setting player; The benefit granting control means When different types of bonus acquisition options are set for the first option-setting player and the second option-setting player, the server system determines the content of the bonus to be granted to the option-setting player in accordance with the difference between the first bonus acquisition option set for the first option-setting player and the second bonus acquisition option set for the second option-setting player.

10. The server system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The server system, wherein the benefit acquisition option specifies a benefit that changes depending on the elapsed time from the start of the validity period to the time when the specific condition is met.

11. The server system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The reward acquisition options define rewards that vary depending on the number of players belonging to a given group related to the game.

12. The server system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, If the validity period is repeatedly applied during the game, The server system, wherein the reward acquisition options specify rewards that vary depending on the duration of the validity period.

13. A program for providing a game in which a reward acquisition option indicating the right to acquire a given reward within a given validity period for each player can be set to a terminal device owned by each player connected via a network, comprising: option management means for managing privilege acquisition option information, including normal privilege acquisition option information specifying information on a normal privilege to be granted to an option-set player, indicating a player to whom the privilege acquisition option is set, regardless of other option-set players, and cooperation special privilege acquisition option information specifying information on a special privilege to be granted when a plurality of option-set players cooperate with each other; setting means for setting the bonus acquisition option for the player who satisfies a given setting condition; cooperation management means for managing cooperation in the game between the option setting players; game control means for progressing the game based on the bonus acquisition option information, including execution of processing related to the normal bonus granted to the option-setting player in accordance with the game status of the option-setting player; a condition determination means for determining, based on the cooperation special benefit acquisition option information, whether or not at least one of a first option-setting player to which the benefit acquisition option is set and a second option-setting player linked with the first option-setting player satisfies a specific condition indicating a specific condition associated with the option-setting player during the validity period; and a notification control means for executing a notification control process for notifying a corresponding terminal device that a predetermined option-setting player satisfies the specific condition during the validity period, when the predetermined option-setting player satisfies the specific condition; Make the computer function as When the first option-setting player is a specific-condition-unsatisfied player that does not satisfy the specific condition and the second option-setting player is a specific-condition-satisfied player that satisfies the specific condition, the corresponding terminal devices include the terminal devices of the first and second option-setting players, or the terminal device of the first option-setting player, A program characterized in that, when both the first and second option-setting players are players that meet the specific conditions, the corresponding terminal devices include the terminal devices of the first and second option-setting players, or the terminal device of the first option-setting player.

14. A program that provides a game played by each player to a terminal device owned by each player connected via a network, an option management means for managing, as bonus acquisition option information, information stored in the storage means, which defines bonus acquisition options that give a player the right to acquire a given bonus in the game within a given validity period; setting means for setting the bonus acquisition option for the player who satisfies a given setting condition; cooperation management means for managing cooperation in the game between the option setting players; game control means for progressing the game based on the bonus acquisition option information for an option-setting player to whom the bonus acquisition option is set; a condition determination means for determining whether or not at least one of a first option-setting player to which the bonus acquisition option is set and a second option-setting player linked to the first option-setting player has met a specific condition indicating a specific condition associated with the option-setting player during the validity period; and a bonus awarding control means for executing a bonus awarding control process for awarding a given bonus defined in the bonus acquisition option information to the relevant player based on the result of the determination during the validity period; Make the computer function as When the first option-setting player is a specific-condition-unsatisfied player that does not satisfy the specific condition and the second option-setting player is a specific-condition-satisfied player that satisfies the specific condition, the corresponding players include the first and second option-setting players, or the first option-setting player; When both the first and second option-setting players are the players satisfying the specific condition, the relevant players include the first and second option-setting players or the first option-setting player; The benefit granting control means When different types of bonus acquisition options are set for the first option-setting player and the second option-setting player, the program determines the content of the bonus to be granted to the option-setting player in accordance with the difference between the first bonus acquisition option set for the first option-setting player and the second bonus acquisition option set for the second option-setting player.

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