Program, system, and method

Abstract

To provide a program, a system, and a method capable of improving amusement properties.SOLUTION: A program is caused to function as: reception means for receiving, from a host user, an application for holding an event that can be participated in by a plurality of users playing a game; recovery means for recovering a compensation for participation from each of the plurality of users participating in the event; and reward imparting means for imparting a reward according to the compensation recovered by the recovery means to each of the plurality of users participating in the event according to a result of the event held on the basis of the application.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, a system, and a method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been known online games in which a plurality of users can participate in an event online, and rewards prepared by the operator can be awarded to each user depending on the results of the event (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of online game, each user plays with the aim of achieving the highest score, such as winning. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6868518 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Recently, various elaborate online games have appeared, and simply granting rewards prepared by the operator to each user based on the results of an event, as in the online game described in Patent Document 1, makes the online game less interesting. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of increasing the interest.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a program, a system, and a method that can improve interest. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the program according to the present invention comprises: The processor, an accepting means for accepting from a host user an application to hold an event in which a plurality of users who play the game can participate; a collection means for collecting a participation fee from each of the plurality of users participating in the event; a name determination means for allowing any one of the plurality of users to determine a name for the event by paying a fee different from the fee; a display means for displaying the name of the event determined by the name determination means; and functioning as a reward granting means that can grant a reward according to the consideration collected by the collection means to each of the plurality of users who participated in the event according to the result of the event held based on the application. height, The display means displays the event at a higher position on a screen that lists a plurality of events to be held, the higher the consideration paid to determine the name of the event. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve interest. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a game server. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a user terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a game server. [Figure 5] (a) is the home screen of the game according to this embodiment, and (b) is the item exchange screen. [Figure 6] (a) is the event condition setting screen, and (b) is the classification setting screen. [Figure 7] (a) is the event information screen, and (b) is the event selection screen. [Figure 8] (a) is the Event 1 details screen, and (b) is the reward selection screen. [Figure 9] This is an event selection screen. [Figure 10] This is an advertisement display screen. [Figure 11] This is an event application screen. [Figure 12] This is event data. [Figure 13] (a) is the event selection screen, and (b) is the prediction screen. [Figure 14] (a) is the event in progress screen, and (b) is the chat restriction screen. [Figure 15] This is an invalidity determination screen. [Figure 16] This is the reward granting screen. [Figure 17] (a) is the event execution screen, and (b) is the trading screen. [Figure 18] (a) and (b) are the trading screens. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments of the present invention described below are examples of how the present invention can be realized, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the described embodiments. Therefore, the present invention can be implemented by adding various modifications to the embodiments.

[0010] [System 1 Overview] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a game server 10 and user terminals 20A to 20D (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as "user terminals 20"). Note that while four user terminals 20 are illustrated in FIG. 1, examples of the user terminals 20 included in the system 1 are not limited to this. The game server 10 and the user terminals 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network 2. Specific examples of the communication network 2 are not particularly limited, and may include, for example, the Internet, a mobile communication system (e.g., 4G, 5G, etc.), a wireless network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or a combination of these.

[0011] The system 1 is a system for allowing each user of a plurality of user terminals 20A to 20D to play an online game provided by a game server 10. More specifically, a golf game is provided to the user terminals 20 via the game server 10 as an example of an online game.

[0012] Furthermore, the user terminal 20 transmits play data of the golf game and the like to the game server 10 via the communication network 2. The game server 10 transmits the play data of the golf game received from the user terminal 20 to the other user terminals 20 via the communication network 2. The other user terminals 20 then update their existing play data based on the play data received from the game server 10. In this manner, the golf game progresses on the user terminal 20. In the golf game of this embodiment, when predetermined conditions are met, the host user can apply to the management for an event that he or she has set up, and the event can be held.

[0013] The user terminal 20 may be an HMD set, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like, and the specific form of the user terminal is not limited to the examples described above.

[0014] [Game Server 10 Configuration] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the game server 10. The game server 10 is realized by, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. As shown in FIG. 2, the game server 10 mainly includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, an input / output interface 14, and a communication interface 15. Each component of the game server 10 is connected to a communication bus 19.

[0015] The processor 11 performs the processes described below by executing a series of instructions included in a server program 13P stored in the memory 12 or the storage 13. The processor 11 is realized as, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other devices.

[0016] The memory 12 temporarily stores a server program 13P and data. The server program 13P is loaded from, for example, the storage 13. The data includes data input to the game server 10 and data generated by the processor 11. In this embodiment, the memory 12 also stores event data 111 and odds data 191, which will be described later. For example, the memory 12 is realized as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memory.

[0017] The storage 13 permanently stores the server program 13P and data. The storage 13 is realized, for example, as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or other non-volatile storage device. The storage 13 may also be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. As yet another example, the storage 13 may be connected to the game server 10 as an external storage device instead of being built into the game server 10. With this configuration, for example, in a situation where multiple user terminals 20 are used, such as an amusement facility, it becomes possible to collectively update the server program 13P and data.

[0018] The input / output interface 14 is an interface for connecting external devices such as a monitor, input device (e.g., keyboard, pointing device), external storage device, speaker, camera, microphone, sensor, etc. to the game server 10. The processor 11 communicates with the external devices through the input / output interface 14. The input / output interface 14 is realized using, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a Digital Visual Interface (DVI), a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI, registered trademark), or other terminals.

[0019] The communication interface 15 communicates with other devices (e.g., user terminal 20) connected to the communication network 2. The communication interface 15 is realized as, for example, a wired communication interface such as a LAN (Local Area Network), or a wireless communication interface such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0020] [Configuration of user terminal 20] The user terminal 20 is realized as, for example, an HMD set, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a feature phone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, etc. In this embodiment, an example of the user terminal 20 as a tablet terminal will be described as shown in FIG.

[0021] Fig. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the user terminal 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the user terminal 20 mainly includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage 23, a communication interface 25, a monitor 31, cameras 33 and 34, a microphone 35, a speaker 36, a motion sensor 41, and an operation device 42. The components of the user terminal 20 are connected to a communication bus 29.

[0022] The processor 21 performs the processes described below by executing a series of instructions included in a terminal program 23P stored in the memory 22 or the storage 23. The processor 21 is realized as, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other devices.

[0023] The memory 22 temporarily stores the terminal program 23P and data. The terminal program 23P is loaded from, for example, the storage 23. The data includes data input to the user terminal 20 and data generated by the processor 21. For example, the memory 22 is realized as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memory.

[0024] The storage 23 permanently stores the terminal program 23P and data. The storage 23 is realized, for example, as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk drive, flash memory, or other non-volatile storage device. The storage 23 may also be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. As yet another example, the storage 23 may be connected to the user terminal 20 as an external storage device instead of being built into the user terminal 20. With this configuration, for example, in a situation where multiple user terminals 20 are used, such as an amusement facility, it becomes possible to collectively update the terminal program 23P and data.

[0025] The communication interface 25 communicates with other devices (e.g., the game server 10) connected to the communication network 2. The communication interface 25 is realized as, for example, a wired communication interface such as a LAN (Local Area Network), or a wireless communication interface such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0026] Monitor 31 is provided on the surface of a flat housing, as shown in Fig. 1, for example. Monitor 31 is a display device (display unit) that displays images or videos. Camera 33 is a so-called in-camera that is attached to the surface of the flat housing and captures an image of the face of a user viewing monitor 31. Camera 34 is a so-called out-camera that is attached to the back surface of the flat housing (the surface opposite to monitor 31) and captures an image of the surroundings.

[0027] The microphone 35 converts the user's speech into an audio signal (electrical signal) and outputs it to the computer 26. The speaker 36 converts the audio signal output from the computer 26 into sound and outputs it to the user. Note that the user terminal 20 may include earphones instead of the speaker 36.

[0028] The motion sensor 41 detects the motion of the housing (for example, rotation around three mutually orthogonal axes). The motion sensor 41 may be realized by, for example, an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or an acceleration sensor.

[0029] The operation device 42 accepts input (operation) of commands by the user to the user terminal 20. The operation device 42 is, for example, a touch panel that is superimposed on the monitor 31 and accepts various touch operations by the user. In other words, the monitor 31 according to this embodiment is a touch panel display unit. However, the specific hardware configuration of the user terminal 20 is not limited to the example described above.

[0030] [Game Server 10 Functional Block Diagram] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the game server 10. As shown in Figure 4, the server program 13P loaded into the memory 12 causes the game server 10 (processor) to function as a receiving means 110, a collecting means 120, a reward granting means 130, a division determining means 140, a reward selecting means (participation means) 150, a right granting means 160, a name determining means 170, a name displaying means 180, a prediction means 190, a management means 210, a fraud prevention means 220, and a transaction means 230.

[0031] The accepting unit 110 accepts from a host user an application to hold an event in which multiple users who play a golf game (game) can participate (first step). Specifically, the accepting unit 110 receives information related to the application to hold an event transmitted from the user terminal 20 of the host user, and stores the received information in the memory 12 as event data 111 (see FIG. 12). In this embodiment, when applying to hold an event, the host user can set various conditions related to the event (hereinafter referred to as "event conditions") in advance. For example, the host user can set in advance the date and time of the event, the number of participants who can participate in the event, the participation fee per person, the golf course (hole) to play, rewards based on the results of the event, etc.

[0032] The collection means 120 collects a participation fee (amount of compensation for participation) from each of the multiple users participating in the event (second step). The multiple users include a host user and guest users different from the host user. The collection means 120 collects the participation fee from the host user when setting the event conditions, and collects the participation fee from the guest user when applying to participate in the event. In this embodiment, the participation fee is a predetermined amount of coins. The coins are free items that can only be obtained by users playing the golf game. The collection means 120 also collects compensation for acquiring the right to decide on a name, which will be described later, from users who have acquired the right.

[0033] The reward granting means 130 can grant a reward to each of the multiple users who participated in the event according to the results of the event held based on the host user's application, in accordance with the participation fees collected by the collection means 120 (third step). Here, the participation fees collected by the collection means 120 refer to the total amount of participation fees collected from each of the multiple users. The reward granting means 130 can grant a reward to each user according to the reward division method decided by the host user by the division method decision means 140, as will be described later. Here, the reward granting means 130 "can grant" a reward because there is a possibility that some users will not receive any reward at all, depending on the reward division method decided by the host user.

[0034] The division method determination means 140 allows the host user to decide how to divide the reward as part of the event conditions. In this embodiment, the division method determination means 140 allows the host user to decide one of multiple prepared reward division methods when applying for an event. However, the reward division method determined here does not necessarily become the official reward division method. The division method determination means 140 allows the host user to ultimately decide how to divide the reward based on information received from the reward selection means 150, as described below.

[0035] When a guest user applies to participate in an event, the reward selection means (participation means) 150 involves the guest user in determining how the host user will divide the reward. In this embodiment, the reward selection means 150 allows the guest user to select one of the multiple reward division methods, just as when the host user sets the event conditions. The reward selection means 150 then determines the reward division method that is most popular among the users (host user and guest users) by majority vote, and sends information related to that reward division method to the division method determination means 140.

[0036] If the reward selection means 150 cannot determine the reward with the highest majority vote (for example, when there are multiple ways to divide rewards of the same rank), it sends a message to that effect to the division determination means 140. In this case, the division determination means 140 adopts the division method of the reward determined by the host user.

[0037] The right granting means 160 grants the host user the right to host an event based on the host user's acquisition and use (consumption) of a predetermined item. In this embodiment, the predetermined item is an event hosting ticket. The event hosting ticket can be exchanged for a predetermined amount of coins (e.g., 2,500, 5,000, 7,500 coins, etc.) owned by the host user, for example, at an item exchange. The amount of the event hosting ticket is determined in advance by the management. By using the event hosting ticket, the host user can set the event conditions described above.

[0038] Furthermore, the right granting means 160 grants the host user the right to host events of different scales according to the amount of the event hosting ticket. Specifically, the greater the amount (compensation) of the event hosting ticket, the more right the right granting means 160 grants to the host user to host a larger scale event. For example, if the amount of the event hosting ticket is 5,000 coins, the right granting means 160 sets the maximum number of participants to four and the number of playable holes to two. If the amount of the event hosting ticket is 2,500 coins, the right granting means 160 sets the maximum number of participants to three and the number of playable holes to one. If the amount of the event hosting ticket is 7,500 coins, the right granting means 160 sets the maximum number of participants to five and the number of playable holes to three.

[0039] When a guest user applies to participate in an event, the name determination means 170 allows the guest user to acquire the right to determine the name of the event. Then, the name determination means 170 allows the guest user to determine the name of the event based on the guest user's acquisition of the right. Here, the right to determine the name of the event can be exchanged for a predetermined amount of coins (e.g., 500 coins) separate from the participation fee.

[0040] Furthermore, the name determination means 170 allows the user who has determined the name of the event to create an advertisement about himself / herself. Here, the advertisement about himself / herself may be, for example, the details of the business that the guest user is running.

[0041] The name display means 180 displays the name of the event determined by the guest user on the event selection screen. The event selection screen is a screen for displaying a list of events held by the host user. The name display means 180 displays the name of the event higher on the event selection screen, the greater the cost required to acquire the right to determine the name. The name display means 180 also displays an advertisement about the guest user created by the guest user when transitioning to the event selection screen.

[0042] The prediction means 190 allows multiple users participating in the event and other users (e.g., spectators) to predict the outcome of the event. The prediction means 190 also stores information related to the predictions of these users in the memory 12 as odds data 191. Furthermore, the prediction means 190 awards a predetermined amount of coins to users whose predictions are correct, and does not award any coins to users whose predictions are incorrect.

[0043] When the event date and time set by the host user arrives, the management unit 210 manages the progress of the event. Here, the management unit 210 progresses the event according to the event conditions set by the host user. However, the management unit 210 can change parts of the event according to the participation fee collected by the collection unit 120. For example, if the participation fee is high (e.g., 5,000 coins or more), the management unit 210 changes the effects executed within the event (e.g., effects executed when moving between holes) to special effects (e.g., luxurious effects). On the other hand, if the participation fee is low (e.g., less than 1,000 coins), the management unit 210 changes the effects executed within the event to normal effects (e.g., simple effects). Note that the management unit 210 manages the progress of the entire golf game in addition to the progress of the above-mentioned event. For example, the management unit 210 transitions the monitor 31 of the user terminal 20 to a predetermined screen in response to a user operation on the home screen of the golf game.

[0044] The fraud prevention means 220 prevents users from committing fraud during the event. The fraud prevention means 220 includes a determination means 221, an invalidation means 222, and a restriction means 223.

[0045] The determination means 221 determines whether multiple users playing in an event are cheating. In this embodiment, the determination means 221 counts the number of OBs by a user, and if the counted number of OBs reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10 times) or more, determines that the user is intentionally cheating.

[0046] The invalidation means 222 can invalidate an event based on the determination of the determination means 221. Specifically, if the determination means 221 determines that a user is intentionally cheating, the invalidation means 222 invalidates the match currently being played. Then, the invalidation means 222 returns the participation fee collected by the collection means 120 to the user who participated in the event. On the other hand, if the determination means 221 does not determine that a user is intentionally cheating, the invalidation means 222 does not invalidate the match currently being played.

[0047] The limiting means 223 limits communication (e.g., chat) between multiple users playing in the event, depending on the reward division method finally decided by the host user. Specifically, the limiting means 223 limits communication between multiple users if the reward division method is not equal. Such a limit is imposed here to prevent cheating, such as one user intentionally requesting that another user lose using text chat.

[0048] During the execution of an event held based on a request from a host user, the trading means 230 enables a plurality of users playing the event to agree on a reward distribution method and then execute a reward transaction. For example, if a user is unable to continue a match due to personal reasons, the trading means 230 allows the user to propose a transaction to other users, and if all other users agree to the proposed transaction, the trading means 230 determines that the transaction has been concluded. The trading means 230 then grants rewards to each user according to the reward distribution method agreed upon in the transaction. On the other hand, if all other users do not agree to the proposed transaction, the trading means 230 determines that the transaction has not been concluded. Note that if the transaction has been concluded, the management means 210 ends the event. On the other hand, if the transaction has not been concluded, the management means 210 continues the event.

[0049] Next, with reference to Figures 5 to 18, the golf game of this embodiment will be described while showing the monitor 31 of the user terminal 20. Here, based on instructions from the game server 10 (for example, the management means 210, etc.), the processor 21 of the user terminal 20 displays a predetermined screen on the monitor 31, and the user terminal 20 notifies the game server 10 of the content of an operation accepted by the user. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the processing of the user terminal 20 will be omitted, and it will be assumed that the game server 10 displays a predetermined screen on the monitor 31 (accepts an operation from the user). Furthermore, the user of the user terminal 20A will be referred to as the host user, and the users of the user terminals 20B to 20D will be referred to as guest users.

[0050] FIG. 5(a) is the home screen of the golf game according to this embodiment, and (b) is the item exchange screen transitioned to from the home screen.

[0051] 5(a), the management means 210 displays a home screen on the monitor 31 of the user terminal 20A. The home screen includes an owned coins etc. display area A1, a main area A2, and an event information etc. display area A3.

[0052] The coins and other information display area A1 is an area for displaying the amount of coins and gems the user owns, as well as the user's rank. Coins and gems are items that the user can acquire by playing battles (playing golf games against each other). However, gems are also an item that the user can acquire by paying. The rank indicates the user's rank in the game, and can be increased by playing battles.

[0053] The main area A2 is an area for displaying the character used by the user and its name (Hanako in this example), a button for transitioning to battle play (battle play button), and a button for transitioning to an item exchange screen (item exchange button). When the processor 21 of the user terminal 20 accepts pressing of the battle play button, the management means 210 transitions the monitor 31 to the battle play mode screen. Also, when the processor 21 of the user terminal 20 accepts pressing of the item exchange button, the management means 210 transitions the monitor 31 to the item exchange screen.

[0054] The event information display area A3 is an area for displaying a button for transitioning to an event information screen, a button for transitioning to a gacha screen, and a button for transitioning to an event holding screen (event holding button). When the processor 21 of the user terminal 20 accepts pressing of any of the above buttons displayed in the event information display area A3, the management means 210 causes the monitor 31 to transition to the screen corresponding to the pressed button. The event holding screen is a screen on which the host user sets the above-mentioned event conditions.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the item exchange screen is a screen for displaying various items that a user can exchange in exchange for coins. In this example, the item exchange screen displays three types of event hosting tickets, gacha tickets, and Club A. When a host user exchanges any of the event hosting tickets for coins, the right granting means 160 grants the host user the right to host an event. Then, when the processor 21 of the user terminal 20A accepts a press of the event hosting button on the home screen (see FIG. 5(a)) by the host user who has been granted that right, the management means 210 transitions the monitor 31 of the user terminal 20A to the event hosting screen.

[0056] FIG. 6(a) is an event condition setting screen, and (b) is a division setting screen.

[0057] When the monitor 31 of the user terminal 20A transitions to the event condition setting screen, the right granting means 160 allows the host user to set the conditions for the event they are hosting. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the event condition setting screen includes an event date and time setting area B1, a number of participants setting area B2, a participation fee setting area B3, a course setting area B4, a reward setting area B5, a name determination right setting area B6, and a decision button display area B7. Each area has a radio button that the host user can check. The host user can then set the details of each area by checking the radio button corresponding to that area.

[0058] The event date and time setting area B1 is an area where the host user sets the date and time when the event will be held. In this example, the event date and time is set to September 9th at 9:00 PM.

[0059] The number-of-participants setting area B2 is an area for setting the maximum number of users who can participate in the event. In this example, the maximum number of participants is set to four. Here, the host user has acquired and is using a 5,000-coin event event ticket from the three types of event event tickets shown in FIG. 5(b), so the maximum number of participants is four. However, if the host user uses, for example, a 2,500-coin event event ticket, the maximum number of participants is three. Also, if the host user uses, for example, a 7,500-coin event event ticket, the maximum number of participants is five.

[0060] The participation fee setting area B3 is an area for setting a participation fee as compensation for users participating in the event. In this example, the participation fee is 1000 coins per person.

[0061] The course setting area B4 is an area for setting golf courses that users participating in the event can play. In this example, the golf courses that can be played are set to HOLES 10 and 11. Here, the host user has acquired and is using the 5,000 coin event hosting ticket shown in FIG. 5(b), so the number of golf courses that can be played is set to two. However, if the host user uses, for example, a 2,500 coin event hosting ticket, the number of golf courses that can be played will be one. Also, if the host user uses a 7,500 coin event hosting ticket, the number of golf courses that can be played will be three.

[0062] The reward setting area B5 is an area for setting rewards according to the results of the event. Here, a division setting button for setting how the rewards will be divided is displayed in the reward setting area B5. When the processor 21 of the user terminal 20A accepts pressing of the division setting button, the management means 210 causes the monitor 31 of the user terminal 20A to transition to a division setting screen.

[0063] When the monitor 31 of the user terminal 20A transitions to the division method determination screen, the right granting means 160 allows the host user to set one of multiple types of reward division methods. As shown in FIG. 6(b), the division method setting screen includes a pattern 1 setting area B51, a pattern 2 setting area B52, a pattern 3 setting area B53, and a decision button display area B54. Each area is provided with a radio button that the host user can check.

[0064] In this example, in pattern 1 displayed in pattern 1 setting area B51, the reward is divided into 2,000 coins for first place, 1,000 coins for second place, 800 coins for third place, and 200 coins for fourth place. In pattern 2 displayed in pattern 2 setting area B52, the reward is divided into 4,000 coins for first place and 0 coins for second to fourth place. In pattern 3 displayed in pattern 3 setting area B53, the reward is divided into 1,000 coins for each of first to fourth place. The host user can select how the reward is divided by checking the radio button corresponding to each area. Then, when processor 21 of user terminal 20A accepts pressing of the decision button displayed in decision button display area B54, the reward division is decided and reflected on the event holding screen (see FIG. 6(a)).

[0065] 6(a), the naming right setting area B6 is an area for setting the price for the right to decide the name of the event. In this example, the naming right is set to 500 coins.

[0066] When the processor 21 of the user terminal 20A accepts pressing of the decision button displayed in the decision button display area B7, the conditions for holding the event are confirmed and are reflected on an event information screen, which will be described later.

[0067] FIG. 7(a) is the event information screen, and (b) is the event selection screen.

[0068] When the processor 21 of each of the user terminals 20B to 20D receives a press of the event information button, the management unit 210 causes the monitor 31 of each of the user terminals 20B to 20D to transition to an event information screen on the home screen. As shown in FIG. 7(a), the event information screen is a screen for announcing currently held events. In this example, the event information screen displays events held by the host user, summer events, daily events, etc.

[0069] A host user event is an event held under the conditions set by the host user in Fig. 6(a). When the processor 21 of the user terminals 20B to 20D accepts a press of a host user event, the management means 210 causes the monitor 31 of the user terminal 20B to 20D to transition to an event selection screen. Note that a summer event is an event held during the summer, and a weekly event is an event held every week.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 7(b), the event selection screen is a screen for displaying a list of multiple events set by the host user. In this example, events 1 to 10 are displayed in a list, and the remaining number of participants for the corresponding event is displayed to the right of each event. When a guest user selects and presses an event in which they are interested, the management means 210 causes the monitor 31 of the user terminal 20B to 20D to transition to a details screen for that event.

[0071] 8(a) is the Event 1 details screen, and (b) is the reward selection screen. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the Event 1 details screen is the screen to which the guest user transitions when they select and press Event 1 in FIG. 7(b). The Event 1 details screen includes an event date and time display area C1, a confirmed number of participants display area C2, a participation fee display area C3, a course display area C4, a reward display area C5, a name determination right display area C6, and a participation application display area C7.

[0072] The event date and time display area C1 is an area for displaying the event date and time, and reflects the contents set by the host user shown in FIG.

[0073] The confirmed number of participants display area C2 is an area for displaying the number of people who are currently confirmed to participate in the event 1. In this example, three out of four people are confirmed.

[0074] The participation fee display area C3 is an area for displaying the participation fee as compensation for users participating in the event. The participation fee display area C3 reflects the content set by the host user shown in FIG. 6(a).

[0075] The course display area C4 is an area for displaying golf courses that users can play in the event. The course display area C4 reflects the content set by the host user shown in FIG. 6(a).

[0076] The reward display area C5 is an area for displaying rewards according to the results of the event. The reward display area C5 reflects the content set by the host user shown in FIG. 6(a).

[0077] Here, a reward selection button is displayed in the reward display area C5. When the processor 21 of the user terminal 20B to 20D accepts pressing of the reward selection button, the management means 210 transitions the monitor 31 of the user terminal 20B to 20D to a reward selection screen. As shown in FIG. 8(b), the reward selection means 150 allows the guest user to select how to divide the reward on the reward selection screen. The guest user can select one of multiple types of rewards. The method of dividing the reward has already been explained, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0078] The name determination right display area C6 is an area for displaying the compensation for the right to determine the name of the event. The name determination right display area C6 reflects the content set by the host user shown in FIG. 6(a). In this example, the right to determine the name is granted to the guest user who acquires the right to determine the name first among multiple guest users. The name determination means 170 allows the guest user who has acquired the right to determine the name to decide the name of the event. In addition, the collection means 120 collects the compensation (in this example, 500 coins) from the guest user who has acquired the right to determine the name.

[0079] 9 shows the event selection screen after a specific guest user has acquired the right to decide on the name and decided on the name of the event to be “ABC Company Cup.” Based on the guest user's decision on the name of the event to be “ABC Company Cup,” the name display means 180 changes the name “Event 1” shown in FIG. 7(a) to “ABC Company Cup” and displays the changed name on the event selection screen.

[0080] Here, the name display means 180 displays the names of events higher on the event selection screen, the higher the cost required to acquire the right to decide the name of the events displayed on the event selection screen. In this example, the participation fees increase in the order of Event 10, ..., Event 2, and ABC Company Cup, so the events are displayed in the order of ABC Company Cup, Event 2, ..., and Event 10 from the top of the event selection screen.

[0081] As described above, the name determination means 170 allows the guest user who has determined the name of the event to create an advertisement about the guest user. Then, the name display means 171 displays the created advertisement about the guest user on the advertisement display screen during the transition from the event information screen to the event selection screen.

[0082] FIG. 10 shows an advertisement display screen. The advertisement display screen is a screen for displaying advertisements. In this example, the advertisement displays the event name, the date and time of the event, and the business details of the guest user. Specifically, "ABC Company Cup" is displayed as the event name, and "Starting on XX / XX / XX time" is displayed as the date and time of the event. Also, "ABC Company is a company that does... This year marks its XX anniversary" is displayed as the business details.

[0083] Returning to FIG. 8(a), when the processor 21 of the user terminal 20B to 20D accepts pressing of the participation request button displayed in the participation request display area C7, participation in event 1 is accepted. Then, the collection means 120 collects the participation fee for event 1 from the guest user. When the number of participants in event 1 (ABC Company Cup) reaches the upper limit, the host user will be able to apply to the management to hold another event.

[0084] Fig. 11 shows an event application screen. As shown in Fig. 11, the event application screen is a screen for applying for an event to be held by a host user. The event application screen includes an event name display area D1, an event date and time display area D2, a participating user display area D3, a participation fee display area D4, a course display area D5, a reward display area D6, and an application display area D7.

[0085] The event name display area D1, the event date and time display area D2, the participation fee display area D4, the course display area D5, and the reward display area D6 are the same as those shown in Figures 6(a) and 8(a), so their explanation will be omitted.

[0086] On the other hand, the participating user display area D3 is an area for displaying the types and names of users participating in the event. Specifically, Hanako, who is the host user, is displayed for User 1, Taro, who is the guest user, is displayed for User 2, Mary, who is the guest user, is displayed for User 3, and Michael, who is the guest user, is displayed for User 4.

[0087] An application button is displayed in the application display area D7, and when the processor 21 of the user terminal 20A accepts pressing of the application button, the reception means 110 accepts an application to hold an event from the host user. At this time, the collection means 120 collects the participation fee for the ABC Company Cup from the host user. Then, when the reception means 110 accepts the application to hold an event, it stores the information shown in FIG. 11 and the like in the memory 12 as event data 111.

[0088] FIG. 12 shows event data 111 stored in memory 12. As shown in FIG. 12, the event data 111 includes a tournament ID, tournament name, participating user names, participating user IDs, user type, course, participation fee, and total participation fee. In this example, for the tournament ID "COL1," "ABC Company Cup" is stored as the tournament name. Also, "Hanako, Taro, Mary, and Michael" are stored as the participating users. Furthermore, "USR001 in the column corresponding to Hanako, USR002 in the column corresponding to Taro, USR003 in the column corresponding to Mary, and USR004 in the column corresponding to Michael" are stored as the participating user ID. Also, "host user in the column corresponding to Hanako, guest user in the column corresponding to other users" are stored as the user type. Also, "HOLE10, 11" is stored as the course, "1000" is stored as the participation fee for each user, and "4000" is stored as the total participation fee.

[0089] In this way, when the event data 111 relating to Event 1 (ABC Company Cup) is stored in memory 12, users participating in the event and other users (e.g., spectators) can make predictions about the outcome of the ABC Company Cup on the event selection screen shown in FIG. 9.

[0090] FIG. 13(a) shows the event selection screen after event data 111 related to the ABC Company Cup has been stored in memory 12, and FIG. 13(b) shows the prediction screen. As shown in FIG. 13(a), on the event selection screen, a prediction button is displayed to the right of the deadline display for the ABC Company Cup. When any user terminal 20 accepts pressing of the prediction button, the management means 210 transitions the monitor 31 of the user terminal 20 to the prediction screen. Then, the prediction means 190 allows the user to predict the outcome of the ABC Company Cup. Note that users who can make predictions here include participating users and users other than participating users (e.g., spectators, etc.).

[0091] As shown in FIG. 13(b), the prediction screen includes a prediction target selection area E1 and a bet setting area E2.

[0092] The prediction target selection area E1 displays "Predict the user who will come in first place!!" and below that, the participating users (names) of the ABC Company Cup and the odds are displayed. In this example, Hanako's odds are 4.51, Taro's odds are 2.86, Mary's odds are 10.79, and Michael's odds are 1.22. Radio buttons are provided to the left of each participating user, which the user can check. The user can then predict which participating user will come in first place and select the radio button corresponding to the predicted participating user. In this example, Hanako is selected as the participating user who will come in first place.

[0093] The bet setting area E2 displays a bet input section and a decision button. In the bet input section, the user making a prediction can freely set the bet. In this example, the bet is set to 500 coins. When any of the user terminals 20 accepts the pressing of the decision button, the prediction means 190 stores information about the predictions of these users in the memory 12 as odds data 191, and the predictions are accepted by the operator.

[0094] In this way, applications and predictions for Event 1 (ABC Company Cup) are made, and then when the event date and time arrives, the ABC Company Cup is held. In this embodiment, a means is provided to prevent fraudulent activities so that the ABC Company Cup is conducted fairly. Fraudulent activities include fraudulent activities resulting from miscommunication between participating users in the event and fraudulent activities resulting from the play of participating users.

[0095] First, we will explain how to prevent fraudulent behavior resulting from communication between participating users. FIG. 14(a) shows an event execution screen, and FIG. 14(b) shows a chat restriction screen. As shown in FIG. 14(a), the event execution screen displays a character operated by a participating user (e.g., Hanako). A menu button is displayed in the upper right corner of the event execution screen. When the processor 21 of any of the user terminals 20A to 20D receives a press of the menu button, multiple items are displayed below the menu button. These multiple items include chat. Chat is a text message that enables communication between participating users. For example, a participating user waiting to play can chat with a participating user who is playing, saying, "Please lose!" However, in an event hosted by a host user (e.g., the ABC Company Cup), the restriction means 223 restricts such chat. In this example, if a participating user waiting to play sends the above-mentioned chat message to a participating user who is playing, the restriction means 223 displays "Chat not permitted" in the center of the chat restriction screen.

[0096] Next, prevention of cheating resulting from the play of participating users will be described. FIG. 15 shows an invalidation determination screen. As shown in FIG. 15, a specific participating user has made an out-of-game play for the tenth time during a match in an event. In this event, if one participating user makes an out-of-game play ten times during a match in the event, the determination means 221 determines that the participating user has engaged in cheating by intentionally attempting to lower their own ranking. If the determination means 221 determines that cheating has occurred, the invalidation means 222 displays "invalid match" on the invalidation determination screen and invalidates the match in the event. In this case, the invalidation means 222 returns the participation fee collected by the collection means 120 to the participating user.

[0097] In this way, cheating is prevented during the execution of the event, and the event is carried out fairly. Then, when all matches in the event are over, the management means 210 switches the monitors 31 of the user terminals 20A to 20D to a reward award screen.

[0098] FIG. 16 shows the reward granting screen. As shown in FIG. 16, the reward granting screen includes an event name display area F1, an event result display area F2, and a receipt display area F3. The event name display area F1 displays the name of the completed event ("ABC Company Cup"). The event result display area F2 displays the match rankings, the corresponding user names, and the rewards. In this example, first place goes to Michael, who received a reward of 2,000 coins, second place goes to Hanako, who received a reward of 1,000 coins, third place goes to Taro, who received a reward of 800 coins, and fourth place goes to Mary, who received a reward of 200 coins. A receive button is displayed in the receipt display area F3, and when the processor 21 of the user terminal 20A to 20D receives a press of the receive button, the reward granting means 130 grants a reward according to the event participation fee to the participating user who pressed the receive button. Furthermore, the prediction means 190 awards coins equivalent to the amount of the bet multiplied by the rate to users whose predictions are correct, and does not award any coins to users whose predictions are incorrect. After that, the event ends.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the event ends after all matches have been played, but there are also cases where the event ends midway through a match. For example, one such case is when a participating user is unable to continue playing a match due to circumstances. In this embodiment, in such a case, a transaction regarding rewards can be concluded between participating users. This transaction will be explained below. In the following, FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b) show Hanako's monitor 31, and FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b) show the monitors 31 of users other than Hanako.

[0100] FIG. 17(a) shows the event execution screen, and (b) shows the transaction screen. As shown in FIG. 17(a), the menu on the event execution screen includes a transaction item. When the processor 21 of the user terminal 20A of the participating user (Hanako in this example) accepts pressing of the transaction item, the management means 210 transitions the monitor 31 of the user terminal 20A to the transaction screen. As shown in FIG. 17(b), on the transaction screen, the transaction means 230 displays a message for the transaction addressed to other participating users (Taro, etc. in this example) on the monitor 31 of the user terminal 20A of the participating user (Hanako in this example) who wishes to propose a transaction. This message is composed of a predetermined standard phrase and a reward distribution method desired by the user who wishes to conduct the transaction. In this example, the participating user (Hanako) inputs "equal" as the reward distribution method, and the rest of the message is standard phrase.

[0101] 18(a) and 18(b) show transaction screens displayed on the monitors 31 of the user terminals 20B to 20D of other participating users (e.g., Taro) who have proposed a transaction. As shown in FIG. 18(a), on the transaction screens of the other participating users, the transaction means 230 displays a message from the participating user who wishes to make a transaction. Specifically, the message displayed reads, "Due to circumstances, I am no longer able to continue playing. Would you be willing to accept a transaction that divides the reward equally and ends the event?" The transaction means 230 then displays a message below the message saying, "Would you accept Hanako's transaction?" and further displays "Yes" and "No" buttons below that.

[0102] Here, if all of the processors 21 of the user terminals 20B to 20D have accepted the pressing of the "Yes" button, the trading means 230 determines that the transaction has been concluded and displays messages such as "The transaction has been concluded" and "The match will end" on the monitors 31 of the user terminals 20B to 20D, as shown in FIG. 18(b). The trading means 230 then awards the rewards equally to each participating user. On the other hand, although not shown, if any of the processors 21 of the user terminals 20B to 20D has accepted the pressing of the "No" button, the trading means 230 determines that the transaction has not been concluded, and the management means 210 continues the match. At this time, an NPC or AI plays in place of Hanako.

[0103] [Effects of the embodiment] According to the above embodiment, a host user applies to the management to hold an event in which multiple users who play golf games (games) can participate, and the application is accepted by the management, so that users can proactively plan the holding of the event, thereby increasing the interest of the users.

[0104] Furthermore, depending on the results of the event held based on the host user's application, each of the multiple users who participated in the event can be given a reward based on the participation fee (compensation for participation) collected, so the event management does not need to prepare rewards in advance, and users can freely set participation fees and rewards. This increases the interest of the event.

[0105] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the host user can decide how to divide the reward, and the reward is awarded based on the decided division method, so the host user can reflect their own intentions in how to divide the reward, thereby further increasing the interest.

[0106] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the guest user can be involved in how the host user divides the reward, so not only the host user but also the guest user can reflect their own intentions in how the reward is divided, thereby further increasing the interest.

[0107] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the participation fee for the event is coins (items) that users can earn by playing the golf game, which increases the motivation of users to play the golf game in order to earn coins. In particular, because coins are free items, users can earn more coins the more they play the golf game without paying any fees.

[0108] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the host user is granted the right to host events of different scales depending on the amount of the event hosting ticket used, thereby enabling a variety of events to be held by the host user.

[0109] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, a user who pays coins (amount) separate from the participation fee (amount) can decide the name of the event, which can increase the motivation of the user for the event. Furthermore, the event name decided by the user is displayed on, for example, an event selection screen, which can attract the interest of other users in participating in the event.

[0110] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, it is possible to change parts of the event during the event in accordance with the participation fee collected, so that the user can be surprised by the changed parts of the event and enjoy the golf game.

[0111] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, chat (communication) between multiple users playing within an event is restricted depending on how the rewards are divided as determined by the host user, so that cheating using chat can be effectively prevented, for example, in cases where rewards are not divided equally.

[0112] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, it is determined whether multiple users playing in an event are cheating, and if it is determined that cheating is occurring, the event is invalidated, so that an event involving cheating cannot be held, thereby ensuring that the event is carried out fairly.

[0113] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, multiple users participating in the event and users different from the multiple users can make predictions about the outcome of the event, which can attract interest in the outcome of the event.

[0114] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, a method for distributing rewards is decided among multiple users playing in the event, and then transactions regarding rewards can be executed, and the event ends when the transaction is concluded. Therefore, even if, for example, one user becomes unable to continue the match due to an inconvenient situation, the event can end once the participating users are satisfied with the transaction.

[0115] [Other variations] In the above embodiment, the event entry fee was coins, but this is not limited to this. For example, the entry fee may be paid or free in-game currency (gems), or a combination of paid and free in-game currency. This allows for variation in the entry fee.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the reward selection means (participation means) 150 allows the guest user to select one of multiple reward division methods when applying to participate in an event, just as when setting the event conditions, but this is not limited to this. For example, a request submission means (participation means) may be provided that allows the guest user to submit a request to the host user regarding reward division, and the request submission means may request the host user to request that the user who comes in first take all the reward. In this way, the guest user's request can be directly communicated to the host user, which can further pique the guest user's interest in how the event reward is divided.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the host user is granted the right to host events of different scales depending on the value of the event hosting tickets used, but this is not limited to this. For example, the host user may be granted the right to host events of different scales depending on the number of event hosting tickets used. This can also achieve the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0118] Furthermore, the influence that the event results have on the rank of participating users may be changed depending on the type of event ticket (for example, the amount of coins). This can increase motivation for the event and provide an exciting golf game.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the prediction means 190 allows multiple users participating in the event and other users to predict the outcome of the event, but this is not limited to this. For example, it may be possible to allow predictions only when the host user uses an event hosting ticket that can be exchanged for 7,500 coins out of the multiple types of event hosting tickets. This can increase the host user's motivation to acquire event hosting tickets for events that require a lot of coins.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the guest user was able to acquire the right to decide the name of the event and determine the name of the event, but this is not limited to this. For example, the host user may acquire the right to decide the name and determine the name of the event. In this case, the name determination means 170 allows the host user to decide the name of the event by paying a fee separate from the participation fee. This allows the host user to be more involved in the event that they are planning, thereby increasing the host user's motivation for the event.

[0121] Furthermore, when deciding on a name for an event, the event name may be solicited from participating users and other users, and the most popular name may be adopted. This allows various users to be involved in deciding on the event name, which can attract users' interest in the event.

[0122] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the reward is awarded solely from the participation fee collected from the participating users of the event, but this is not limited to this. For example, the reward may be a combination of the participation fee and an item (e.g., gems, etc.) provided by the event organizers. Furthermore, the reward may be an item such as a golf club, and the golf club collected from the participating users may be selected by the participating user who placed first at the time of awarding the reward, or one of the golf clubs may be awarded by lottery. Furthermore, if the reward is awarded from the items collected from the participating users, the reward will vary depending on the number or type of items (e.g., golf clubs, golf balls, etc.) collected from the participating users. This allows various patterns of rewards to be adopted for the event, increasing the variety of rewards.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the reward division determined by the host user is not equal, text chat (communication) between multiple users playing in the event is restricted, but this is not limited to this. For example, not only text chat but also voice chat, stamps, etc. may be restricted. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent fraudulent behavior.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the fraud prevention means 220 prevented fraudulent behavior by restricting chat between participating users or treating a match as invalid when a predetermined number of out-of-games have been reached. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the fraud prevention means 220 may prevent participating users from participating in an event using both a primary account and a secondary account, or from participating in an event with users suspected of being related to each other. The fraud prevention means 220 determines whether the above cases apply by referring to various data stored in the game server 10, such as the proximity of the user terminals 20's location information, the model information, SIM information, OS, or language of the user terminals 20, the history of past match combinations, and friend / group information. If the fraud prevention means 220 determines that the above cases apply at the time of participation application, it may notify the monitor 31 of the user terminal 20 via a dialog box or other means that the user cannot participate. This ensures that the event can be carried out fairly, even when the above cases apply.

[0125] Furthermore, in an event where predictions are made, the fraud prevention means 220 may be configured to not display the odds on the prediction screen (FIG. 13(b)) on the monitor 31 of the participating users of the event. In this way, the participating users will not be able to see the odds, and therefore it is possible to prevent them from intentionally lowering their own ranking.

[0126] Furthermore, in an event where predictions are made, if a participating user's play becomes obviously sloppy or obviously improves during play, the fraud prevention means 220 may refer to the scores of other participating users and the user's own past scores among various data stored in the game server 10 and notify the management that fraudulent activity is suspected. If such a notification is received, the management may decide not to refund the predictions made to the participating user suspected of fraudulent activity. In this way, events where predictions are made can be conducted fairly.

[0127] Furthermore, the fraud prevention means 220 may store data in the game server 10 regarding users who have retired from an event a predetermined number of times during the event or who have not participated in the event a predetermined number of times despite having confirmed their participation, and may refer to this stored data to impose a penalty on the user. For example, a penalty may be displayed in the user's user information indicating that the user retired or did not participate in an event held on a certain date. Another penalty may be to restrict such users' participation in the event when they apply to participate. If the management is aware of users who repeatedly engage in such behavior, the management may manually impose a penalty. This will ensure the event runs smoothly.

[0128] Furthermore, the anti-fraud means 220 may be configured to have a spectator watching a user playing an event notify the event organizers if the spectator determines that the user is engaging in behavior that could be suspected of cheating. Here, behavior that could be suspected of cheating refers to plays that exploit glitches that have been announced by the event organizers, such as teleporting the ball, hitting a ball that would not normally be reached with the golf club used, or glitches that exploit glitches in the golf course (such as the ball bouncing abnormally). This will enable a fairer event. This is particularly effective in events that attract the attention of many users.

[0129] The fraud prevention means 220 also stores the unique information, IP address, etc. of the user terminal 20 at the time of application for event participation in the game server 10, and if the stored unique information or IP address is changed during the event, the fraud prevention means 220 may retire or force the user using the user terminal 20 to lose, or may display a warning on the monitor 31 of the user. Furthermore, if the unique information or IP address stored before the start of the event is changed, the user may be prevented from participating in the event. This can prevent fraudulent activities caused by switching participating users in remote locations using account transfer functions, sharing functions, etc.

[0130] In the above embodiment, the invalidation means 222 returns the participation fee collected by the collection means 120 to the participating user when a match being held during an event is invalidated, but this is not limited to this. For example, when a match being held during an event is invalidated, the invalidation means 222 may confiscate the participation fee collected by the collection means 120 from the participating user. This will result in a strict response to fraudulent behavior, making it possible to curb such fraudulent behavior.

[0131] Furthermore, the fraud prevention means 220 may forcibly turn on the selfie function of the camera 33 of the user terminal 20 of the participating user while the event is running. In this way, it is possible to quickly grasp changes in participating users.

[0132] The cheating prevention means 220 may also be configured to force the broadcast of voice messages to spectators or officials, making it possible to quickly determine whether a player is listening to advice from others or watching the broadcast of another player's match.

[0133] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the prediction means 190 allows multiple users participating in the event and users other than these users to predict the outcome of the event, but this is not limited to this. For example, the prediction means 190 may prevent users who do not participate in the event (non-participating users) who are strongly suspected of being related to participating users from making predictions. In this case, the relationship with participating users may include, for example, information on friend registrations between participating users and non-participating users. This can prevent participating users from rigging the event to favor the predictions of non-participating users.

[0134] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the prediction means 190 may be configured to not allow predictions to be made unless authentication via a predetermined application installed on the user terminal 20 is secured or unless the user has played the battle mode to a certain extent. In this way, it is possible to prevent the mass production of throwaway accounts (so-called steakas).

[0135] Furthermore, the prediction means 190 may be configured so that when a participating user makes a prediction, the participating user can only make a prediction about himself / herself. This prevents rigged behavior, such as predicting other participating users and then intentionally losing.

[0136] Furthermore, the prediction means 190 may set an upper limit on the amount of bets of users suspected of having a relationship with a participating user. In this case, the prediction means 190 may display a warning on the monitor 31 of the user in question and limit the amount of bets. This prevents users suspected of having a relationship with a participating user from placing large bets, thereby ensuring that fair predictions are made in advance.

[0137] Furthermore, as described above, the fraud prevention means 220 can prevent a specific user from participating in an event by referencing the proximity of the location information between user terminals 20, the model information, SIM information, OS, or language of the user terminals 20, etc., but there is a possibility that some users will be able to determine which information is being referenced to prevent them from participating. Therefore, if a user who has determined this is allowed to participate in the event, and the organizers later determine that the user was actually not eligible to participate, even if the user has already made predictions in the event, the prediction means 190 may return the coins bet to the user when the bet is refunded, or the organizers may confiscate the coins bet as they are due to malicious behavior. This ensures that predictions are made fairly.

[0138] Furthermore, the trading means 230 displays on the user's monitor 31 during the execution of the event, "Due to circumstances, I am unable to continue playing. Would you be willing to make a deal to end the event with an equal division of rewards?", but this is not limited to this. For example, the trading means 230 may display on another user's monitor 31, "I don't mind losing this game, so would you mind sharing 10% of the reward?" This increases the degree of freedom in trading, making it possible to flexibly respond to the circumstances of users playing the event.

[0139] In the above embodiment, an online golf game has been described as an example of a game, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to competitive online games such as racing games and fighting games. Another example of a game may be a game played via ad hoc communication between user terminals 20.

[0140] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the host user (Hanako) is the person who applies to hold an event in which multiple users can participate and plays in the event held based on that application, but this is not limited to this. For example, the host user may also be the person who only applies to hold an event on behalf of others.

[0141] Furthermore, the program according to the present invention is not limited to a single program, but may be a collection of multiple programs. Furthermore, the program according to the present invention is not limited to one executed by a single device, but may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Furthermore, the division of roles between the game server 10 and the user terminal 20 is not limited to the example described above. That is, part of the processing of the game server 10 may be executed by the user terminal 20, or part of the processing of the user terminal 20 may be executed by the game server 10.

[0142] Furthermore, some or all of the means implemented by the program can be implemented by hardware such as an integrated circuit. Furthermore, the program may be provided in a form recorded on a non-transitory recording medium that can be read by a computer. Examples of recording media include hard disks, SD cards, DVDs, and servers on the Internet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 110 Reception methods 120 Recovery Methods 130 Rewarding Means 140 Method of determining division 150 Reward Selection Method (Involvement Method) 160 Rights-granting instruments 170 Name determination means 180 Name display means 190 Prediction Methods 210 Control measures 221 Judgment means 222 Invalidated measures 223 Restrictive measures 230 Trading Instruments

Claims

1. The processor, an accepting means for accepting from a host user an application to hold an event in which a plurality of users who play the game can participate; a collection means for collecting a participation fee from each of the plurality of users participating in the event; a name determination means for allowing any one of the plurality of users to determine a name for the event by paying a fee different from the fee; a display means for displaying the name of the event determined by the name determination means; functioning as a reward granting means that can grant a reward corresponding to the consideration collected by the collection means to each of the plurality of users who participated in the event according to the result of the event held based on the application; The display means displays the event at a higher position on a screen that lists a plurality of events to be held, the higher the consideration paid to determine the name of the event.

2. In the program according to claim 1, The collection means further collects the fee paid by the user who decides the name of the event.

3. 2. The program according to claim 1, The processor, functioning as a division determination means for allowing the host user to determine how to divide the reward; The reward granting means is a program that can grant the reward based on a method of dividing the reward determined by the host user.

4. 4. The program according to claim 3, the plurality of users includes the host user and a guest user different from the host user, The processor, A program that functions as a means for allowing the guest user to participate in the host user's decision on how to divide the reward.

5. 2. The program according to claim 1, A program in which the compensation is an item that can only be obtained by the user playing the game.

6. 2. The program according to claim 1, The processor, and further functioning as a right granting means for granting the host user a right to hold the event based on the host user's consumption of a predetermined item; The right granting means grants the right to hold the event of a different scale depending on the predetermined item consumed by the host user.

7. 2. The program according to claim 1, The processor, further functioning as a management means for managing the progress of the event; The management means is a program that allows a part of the event to be changed according to the consideration collected by the collection means.

8. 4. The program according to claim 3, The processor, The program further functions as a restriction means for restricting communication between the plurality of users playing within the event in accordance with how the reward is divided as determined by the host user.

9. 2. The program according to claim 1, The processor, a determination means for determining whether the plurality of users playing in the event are engaging in cheating; The program further functions as invalidation means for invalidating the event based on the determination by the determination means.

10. 2. The program according to claim 1, The processor, The program further functions as a prediction means for allowing the plurality of users participating in the event and a user different from the plurality of users to predict the outcome of the event.

11. 2. The program according to claim 1, The processor, and further functioning as a trading means for enabling a transaction to be executed to end the event midway after determining a method for distributing the reward among the plurality of users playing in the event; The program wherein, if the transaction is concluded, the trading means distributes the reward using an agreed distribution method and ends the event midway.

12. an accepting means for accepting from a host user an application to hold an event in which a plurality of users who play the game can participate; a collection means for collecting a participation fee from each of the plurality of users participating in the event; a name determination means for allowing any one of the plurality of users to determine a name for the event by paying a fee different from the fee; a display means for displaying the name of the event determined by the name determination means; a reward granting means for granting a reward corresponding to the value collected by the collecting means to each of the users who participated in the event according to a result of the event held based on the application, The display means displays the event at a higher position on a screen that lists multiple events to be held, the higher the price paid to determine the name of the event.

13. A method for a processor to execute a program, comprising: A first step of accepting, from a host user, an application to hold an event in which multiple users who play a game can participate; a second step of collecting a participation fee from each of the plurality of users participating in the event; a third step of having any one of the plurality of users decide on a name for the event by paying a fee different from the fee; a fourth step of displaying the name of the event determined in the third step; a fifth step of granting a reward corresponding to the consideration collected in the second step to each of the users who participated in the event according to the result of the event held based on the application, In the fourth step, the higher the price paid to determine the name of the event, the higher the event is displayed on a screen that lists multiple events being held.

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