Method and apparatus for providing game services

Abstract

To provide a user in a game with a game service for diversifying a method for reinforcing equipped items.SOLUTION: Provided is a method that allows a game providing device to provide game services, and includes a stage for acquiring reinforcement information showing information related to the reinforcement of equipped items to be reinforced from among items in a game, a stage for identifying first input for reinforcing an equipped item, and a stage for reflecting a result of reinforcement of an equipped item and generating a first auxiliary item for reinforcing the equipped item on the basis of the reinforcement information and the first input.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a game service, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for providing a game service that diversifies ways to enhance equipment items. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, many games across a wide range of genres have been developed, which has led to an explosive increase in the number of users. As more games across a wide range of genres are developed and the performance of devices used to enjoy games improves, games are becoming a mainstream hobby.

[0003] In the game industry, various systems are introduced to encourage user participation in games and encourage users to try new strategies as they progress through the game, thereby increasing users' interest in the game. For example, a system that allows users to play games using enhanced characters, abilities, or items can be introduced, encouraging users to collect and upgrade items related to the enhancements, thereby increasing users' enjoyment and interest in the game. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method and device for providing a game service that allows in-game users to diversify the ways in which they can strengthen equipment items. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for a game providing device to provide a game service, the method including the steps of: acquiring enhancement information indicating information related to the enhancement of an equipment item that is the target of enhancement among in-game items; identifying a first input for enhancing the equipment item; and generating a first auxiliary item that enhances the equipment item based on the enhancement information and the first input, and reflecting the results of the enhancement of the equipment item.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a game providing device including: a memory that stores instructions; and at least one processor operatively coupled to the memory and configured to execute the instructions, wherein the at least one processor executes the instructions to obtain enhancement information indicating information related to the enhancement of an equipment item that is the target of enhancement among in-game items; identify a first input for enhancing the equipment item; and generate a first auxiliary item that enhances the equipment item based on the enhancement information and the first input, reflecting the results of the enhancement of the equipment item.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a server including: a memory that stores instructions; and at least one processor operatively coupled to the memory and configured to execute the instructions, wherein the at least one processor executes the instructions to obtain enhancement information indicating information related to enhancement of an equipment item that is the target of enhancement among in-game items; identify a first input for enhancing the equipment item; and generate a first auxiliary item that enhances the equipment item based on the enhancement information and the first input, reflecting the results of the enhancement of the equipment item.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a user terminal for providing game services, the user terminal including: a user interface for receiving user input; a memory for storing instructions; and at least one processor functionally coupled to the user interface and the memory and configured to execute the instructions, wherein the at least one processor executes the instructions to obtain enhancement information indicating information related to the enhancement of an equipment item that is the target of enhancement among in-game items; identify a first input for enhancing the equipment item; and generate a first auxiliary item that enhances the equipment item based on the enhancement information and the first input, reflecting the results of the enhancement of the equipment item.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium having stored thereon a program for executing on a computer a method for providing a game service, the method including the steps of: acquiring enhancement information indicating information related to the enhancement of an equipment item that is the target of enhancement among in-game items; identifying a first input for enhancing the equipment item; and generating a first auxiliary item that reflects the results of the enhancement of the equipment item based on the enhancement information and the first input and definitively enhances the equipment item. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] Through various embodiments of the present disclosure, the in-game system can provide various enhancement methods to encourage user participation in enhancing items. Furthermore, by allowing users to enhance items without limiting the liquidity of the items, the user's demand for enhancement of items with low liquidity can be measured. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a game providing system including a server and a user terminal according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an operation of generating a first auxiliary item according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of applying a first auxiliary item to an equipment item to strengthen the equipment item according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing game services according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of generating a second auxiliary item according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation of strengthening equipment depending on whether or not an equipment item is held, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation of strengthening equipment depending on whether or not an equipment item is held, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation of strengthening equipment depending on whether or not an equipment item is held, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation of strengthening depending on whether or not an equipment item is possessed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation of setting a validity period for an auxiliary item according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11A] 10 is a diagram illustrating a user interface for generating a first auxiliary item according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] 10 is a diagram illustrating a user interface for generating a first auxiliary item according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11C] 10 is a diagram illustrating a user interface for generating a first auxiliary item according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation for setting a base price associated with an enhancement, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 10 is a diagram illustrating a user interface for purchasing or selling auxiliary items according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a game providing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 1 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 1 is a diagram for explaining a detailed configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012]

[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals or characters in the drawings denote parts or components that perform substantially the same functions.

[0024] Methods of constructing and using electronic devices according to embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals or characters in the drawings denote parts or components that perform substantially the same functions.

[0013] In this disclosure, the phrase "at least one of a, b, or c" may refer to "a," "b," "c," "a and b," "a and c," "b and c," "any of a, b, and c," or variations thereof.

[0014] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first" and "second," may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms. Such terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be designated a second element, and similarly, the second element may be designated the first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple associated items or any one item of multiple associated items.

[0015] The terms used in this specification are used to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit and / or restrict the present invention. The singular expressions include the plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprise" or "have" specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0016] Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be connected to another part, this includes not only direct connection but also electrical connection via an intervening element. Furthermore, when a part includes a component, this does not mean excluding other components, but also includes other components, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "unit" and "module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be implemented by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0017] In the following disclosure, the game providing device may be a game server, a user terminal, a game system including a game server and a user terminal, or an independent device.

[0018] In the following disclosure, the term "a server controls a user terminal" may mean that the server provides output (all outputs of the user terminal, such as screen display, sound output, vibration output, and lamp illumination) and data for the user terminal to perform a predetermined operation through communication with the user terminal. Here, the user terminal can also control the output of the user terminal using previously stored data, but needless to say, this is not limited to the above example.

[0019] In the following disclosure, the meaning of transmitting or receiving information or data to or from a user (or user account) also includes the meaning of transmitting or receiving information or data to or from a corresponding or linked device (or user terminal) to or from a user (or user account).

[0020] In the following disclosure, the terms "user," "player," "user account," and "gamer" may be used interchangeably. It should be understood that in this disclosure, a user terminal may refer to a user, player, user account, or gamer, or a device used by them, depending on the context. It should be understood that in this disclosure, a user, player, user account, or gamer may refer to an avatar or character operated by them, or a device used by them, depending on the context.

[0021] In the following disclosure, "item" includes any goods, merchandise, content, etc., and may refer to equipment worn by in-game characters such as weapons, defensive gear, accessories, clothing, and crystals, vehicles ridden by in-game characters, consumables such as food, drink, and potions, experience points, buffs, and all digital content and cyber objects that users can acquire in the game, but is not limited to the above examples.

[0022] In the following disclosure, "equipment items" include items such as weapons, defensive equipment, accessories, clothing, and crystals that an in-game character can equip, possess, or wear to improve in-game ability values, but are not limited to the above examples.

[0023] In the following disclosure, an "auxiliary item" is an item that reflects the results of strengthening an equipment item, and also includes items that are used as an auxiliary to change the performance of the equipment item.

[0024] In the following disclosure, "enhancement" also includes actions to change the performance of the item to be enhanced. Changing the performance of the item to be enhanced includes improving the quantified ability parameters of the item to be enhanced, or attempts to improve the quantified ability parameters of the item to be enhanced, and also includes all actions that change the quantified parameters related to the item to be enhanced. Furthermore, the methods of enhancement are not limited to the examples given above, and include direct or indirect means for the item to be enhanced.

[0025] Note that applying or using an auxiliary item (including the first auxiliary item and the second auxiliary item) to an equipment item to strengthen the equipment item guarantees the strengthening of the equipment item, while directly strengthening the equipment item or strengthening it to create an auxiliary item does not guarantee the strengthening of the equipment item.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a game providing system including a server and a user terminal according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] The game providing system 100 of the present disclosure also includes a server 170 and at least one user terminal 110 to 160. The server 170 can provide various online activities to the at least one user terminal 110 to 160 via a network. The server 170 can simultaneously provide online activities to the at least one user terminal 110 to 160.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the server 170 may include, but is not limited to, a single server, a collection of servers, a cloud server, etc. The server 170 provides various online activities to at least one user terminal 110 to 160 and includes a database that stores data for the online activities of at least one user terminal 110 to 160. The server 170 also includes a payment server that generates and processes payment events. As described above, the server 170 is also a game providing device.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a network refers to a connection established (or formed) using any communication method, and may refer to a communication network connected via any communication method for transmitting and receiving data between terminals or between a terminal and a server.

[0030] The term "all communication methods" includes all communication methods such as communication using a predetermined communication standard, a predetermined frequency band, a predetermined protocol, or a predetermined channel. For example, it includes Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Zigbee, 3G (3rd generation), LTE (long term evolution), and ultrasonic communication methods, but also includes short-range communication, long-range communication, wireless communication, and wired communication. It goes without saying that the term is not limited to the above examples.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a short-range communication method refers to a communication method in which communication is possible only when the communicating devices (terminals or servers) are within a predetermined range, and includes, for example, Bluetooth and near-field communication (NFC). A long-range communication method refers to a communication method in which the communicating devices can communicate regardless of distance. For example, the long-range communication method refers to a method in which two devices communicating via a repeater such as an access point (AP) can communicate even when the distance is greater than a predetermined distance, and includes communication methods using short message service (SMS) and cellular networks such as telephone (3G, LTE). It goes without saying that the above examples are not limiting. Providing online activities using a network also means that communication between a server and a terminal can be performed via any communication method.

[0032] Throughout the specification, the at least one user terminal 110-160 may refer to not only a personal computer 110, a tablet 120, a cellular phone 130, a laptop 140, a smartphone 150, and a television 160, but also various electronic devices such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation system, an MP3 player, a digital camera, a refrigerator, a washing machine, and a vacuum cleaner, but is not limited to the above examples. As mentioned above, the at least one user terminal 110-160 may also be a game providing device.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, online activities may include, but are not limited to, online games, portal services, and social networking services (SNS). The online games may also include various genres, such as sports, MMORPGs, AOS, FPS, TCGs, and CCGs. The online games may be competitive games between users or games between users and computers (e.g., artificial intelligence). The online games may be of any type, and the above examples are not limiting.

[0034] A game providing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can enhance an equipment item independently of whether the equipment item is held, and can provide a game service that generates an auxiliary item by reflecting the results of the enhancement of the equipment item, independent of whether the equipment item is held, via an in-game enhancement system, and uses the generated auxiliary item to enhance the equipment item.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing system 100 may acquire enhancement information indicating information related to the enhancement of an equipment item to be enhanced among in-game items. The game providing system 100 may identify a first input for enhancing the equipment item. The game providing system 100 may generate an auxiliary item for enhancing the equipment item based on the enhancement information and the first input, reflecting the results of the enhancement of the equipment item. The generated auxiliary item may be referred to as a first auxiliary item.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, auxiliary items also include a first auxiliary item and a second auxiliary item, and the first auxiliary item and the second auxiliary item are described using ordinal numbers only for the purpose of distinguishing them from each other, and are not limited by terminology.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, server 170 may acquire enhancement information indicating information related to the enhancement of an equipment item to be enhanced among in-game items. Server 170 may identify a first input for enhancing the equipment item. Server 170 may generate an auxiliary item that enhances the equipment item based on the enhancement information and the first input, reflecting the results of the enhancement of the equipment item. The generated auxiliary item may be referred to as a first auxiliary item.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the user terminals 110-160 may acquire enhancement information indicating information related to the enhancement of an equipment item to be enhanced among in-game items. The at least one of the user terminals 110-160 may identify a first input for enhancing the equipment item. The at least one of the user terminals 110-160 may generate an auxiliary item that enhances the equipment item based on the enhancement information and the first input, reflecting the results of the enhancement of the equipment item. The generated auxiliary item may be referred to as a first auxiliary item.

[0039] In one embodiment, some or all of the operations of the server 170 may be performed by the user terminals 110 to 160. For example, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for providing game services may be performed by the user terminals 110 to 160 without communication with the server 170.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of generating a first auxiliary item according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device can strengthen an equipment item regardless of whether the user owns the equipment item. For example, the game providing device can strengthen an equipment item even if the user does not own the equipment item. For example, the game providing device can strengthen an equipment item even if the user owns the equipment item. Note that "strengthening an equipment item" includes both direct and indirect means for strengthening the equipment item.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may generate an auxiliary item that strengthens an equipment item in a manner similar to the manner in which the equipment item is directly strengthened, and the auxiliary item that strengthens the equipment item is also a first auxiliary item.

[0043] For example, a game providing device may perform a probabilistic strengthening of an equipment item with a 95.0% success rate and a 5.0% failure rate. Using a method of directly strengthening an equipment item, if the game providing device directly strengthens the equipment item and the strengthening is successful with a 95.0% success rate, an effect corresponding to the successful strengthening may be imparted to the equipment item within a predetermined time after the strengthening. If the game providing device directly strengthens the equipment item and the strengthening fails with a 5.0% success rate, an effect corresponding to the unsuccessful strengthening may be imparted to the equipment item or the user.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may reflect the results of strengthening an equipment item in a first auxiliary item in a manner similar to the manner of direct strengthening, and the game providing device may ensure the strengthening of the equipment item by applying the first auxiliary item to the equipment item and transmitting the results of the strengthening to the equipment item.

[0045] For example, the game providing device may perform an enhancement on an equipment item with a success rate of 95.0% and, if the enhancement is successful, generate a first auxiliary item. The generated first auxiliary item may also include information related to an effect corresponding to the successful enhancement of the equipment item. For example, the effect corresponding to the successful enhancement may be an improvement in a quantified attribute parameter of the equipment item. While generating the first auxiliary item, the game providing device may include information related to the improvement in the quantified attribute parameter of the equipment item in the first auxiliary item.

[0046] When the generated first auxiliary item is applied to an equipment item to be enhanced, the game providing device may impart an effect corresponding to successful enhancement to the equipment item within a predetermined time. If the game providing device attempts to enhance an equipment item with a success rate of 95.0% but fails, the game providing device may impart an effect corresponding to the failure to enhance the equipment item to the equipment item or the user, or may impart a penalty to an auxiliary item generated by subsequently enhancing the equipment item.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may acquire enhancement information indicating information related to the enhancement of an equipment item to be enhanced among in-game items, and the game providing device may provide a user interface 210 (hereinafter referred to as the "enhancement interface") including the acquired enhancement information. However, none of the components illustrated in FIG. 2 are essential components, and the enhancement interface 210 may be displayed using more components than those illustrated. For example, if there is a limit on the number of enhancements, the enhancement interface 210 may also include the total enhancement limit and the remaining number of enhancements. The enhancement interface 210 may also include other components for changing the quantified ability parameters, wearing level limit, and enhancement probability of the equipment item to be enhanced, but is not limited to the disclosed examples.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the enhancement interface 210 includes at least one of the name 212 of the equipment item to be enhanced, the shape 214 of the auxiliary item generated to reflect the results of enhancing the equipment item, the probability of enhancement success, the probability of enhancement failure, the amount of money required for the enhancement, and an effect corresponding to the success of the enhancement. The enhancement interface 210 also includes an enhancement banner 216 for obtaining user input for enhancing the equipment item. For example, the name 212 of the equipment item to be enhanced is "Legendary Sword." The auxiliary item generated to reflect the results of enhancing the equipment item is also "Legendary Sword 1-Star Enhanced Sword."

[0049] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the enhancement banner 216 may also be a banner including the word "enhance." The game providing device may identify a user input for enhancing an equipment item. For example, the game providing device may acquire a user input for enhancing a "legendary sword" from a user through a touch input related to an enhancement banner displayed on a display. The user input for enhancing the equipment item may be referred to as a "first input" to distinguish it from subsequent user inputs. However, the user input may be described using an ordinal number to distinguish it from other user inputs, and is not limited by the terminology. The user input may be at least one of a touch input, a voice input, a keyboard input, and a sensor data input, but is not limited to the disclosed examples.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may perform or attempt to perform an enhancement on the equipment item based on identifying the first input. The game providing device may generate a first auxiliary item 220 based on successfully performing the enhancement on the equipment item. If the game providing device fails to enhance the equipment item, it does not deduct the amount of money required for the enhancement and does not generate the first auxiliary item 220. For example, if the game providing device successfully performs an enhancement on a "legendary sword," it may deduct 1,890 meso ("meso" means a unit of currency) as the enhancement cost, which is the amount of money required for the enhancement, and generate the first auxiliary item 220 called a "legendary sword, 1-star enhanced sword." If the game providing device fails to enhance the equipment item, it does not deduct 1,890 meso ("meso" means a unit of currency) as the enhancement cost, which is the amount of money required for the enhancement, and does not generate the "legendary sword, 1-star enhanced sword." The effects of successfully upgrading the equipment item and of failing to upgrade the equipment item are not limited to the disclosed examples. The upgrade cost does not have to be fixed, but can be variable.

[0051] Although the above description assumes that the probability of generating a first auxiliary item is the same as the probability of successfully strengthening an equipment item, this is not limiting. The probability of generating a first auxiliary item may indicate the probability of successfully strengthening an equipment item and generating the first auxiliary item.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the probability of generating the first auxiliary item is also different from the probability of successfully performing a direct enhancement on the equipment item, e.g., the probability of generating the first auxiliary item is higher or lower than the probability of successfully performing a direct enhancement on the equipment item.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, taking into account the possible penalty that may occur when directly strengthening an equipment item, the probability of generating a first auxiliary item is lower than the probability of successfully strengthening the equipment item. For example, if the probability of successfully strengthening the equipment item to be strengthened is 50.0%, and if the strengthening fails and there is a penalty of destroying the equipment, the probability of generating the first auxiliary item is 10.0%.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the probability of generating the first auxiliary item is higher than the probability of successfully performing a direct enhancement on an equipment item. For example, if the probability of successfully performing a direct enhancement on an equipment item to be enhanced is 40.0%, the probability of generating the first auxiliary item is 50.0%.

[0055] Although the equipment item "legendary sword" is used as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. Also, although "probabilistic reinforcement" is used as an example, the type of reinforcement is not limited to this.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of applying a first auxiliary item to an equipment item to strengthen the equipment item according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a game providing device may identify whether a user possesses an equipment item 310 to be enhanced and a first auxiliary item 320, which is an auxiliary item that reflects the results of enhancing the equipment item 310. For example, the game providing device may identify whether the user possesses the equipment item 310 and the first auxiliary item 320 in their item inventory. Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of an operation of the game providing device applying the first auxiliary item 320 to the equipment item 310 to enhance the equipment item 310 when the game providing device identifies that the item inventory includes the equipment item 310 and the first auxiliary item 320.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may acquire or identify a drag input or a touch input from a user using a mouse or a touch screen, and acquire an enhanced equipment item 330. The drag input is an input from a user using a mouse or a touch screen to click and move the first auxiliary item to the equipment item, and the touch input is an input from a user using a mouse or a touch screen to touch the first auxiliary item one or more times.

[0059] It should be noted that the user input that the game providing device identifies to acquire the enhanced equipment item 330 is not limited to the disclosed example.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may acquire from the user a drag input of dragging the first auxiliary item 320, a legendary sword (1-star enhanced sword), onto the "legendary sword" which is the equipment item 310. Based on the acquired drag input, the game providing device may guarantee acquisition of the "legendary sword (1-star)" which is the enhanced equipment item 310.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first auxiliary item also includes information related to at least one type and at least one enhancement for the equipment item. The information related to the enhancement included in the first auxiliary item also includes information related to stage-specific enhancement for two or more stages of enhancement. For example, the first auxiliary item may be a "Legendary Sword, 2-Star Enhanced Sword." In this case, the first auxiliary item may be applied to a Legendary Sword (0 stars) or a Legendary Sword (1 star) and used to obtain a "2-Star Legendary Sword."

[0062] Although the explanation will be given using an equipment item called "Legendary Sword" as an example, it is not limited to this, and the "star N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 0)" added before or after the item name also indicates the number of times the item can be strengthened for a specified stage of strengthening.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing game services according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 4, in operation S410, the game providing device may acquire enhancement information indicating information related to the enhancement of an equipment item to be enhanced among in-game items.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may identify an equipment item that is a target for enhancement from among in-game items, and obtain enhancement information that indicates information related to the enhancement of the equipment item that is a target for enhancement.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the enhancement information also includes at least one of the equipment item to be enhanced, the quantified ability parameters of the equipment item to be enhanced, the total enhancement limit, the remaining enhancement count, the types of enhancement that can be performed on the equipment item, the amount of money required to perform the enhancement, the enhancement success probability, the enhancement failure probability, the effect corresponding to the enhancement success, and the effect corresponding to the enhancement failure.

[0067] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device provides a user with an enhancement interface based on the acquired enhancement information, the enhancement interface including a configuration for acquiring a user input for enhancing an equipment item, regardless of whether the user owns the equipment item.

[0068] The enhanced interface may be provided using a display or audio, but is not limited to the disclosed examples.

[0069] In step S420, the game providing device may identify a first input for enhancing the equipment item.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may acquire a user input for enhancing an equipment item, and the user input for enhancing the equipment item may be referred to as a first input. For example, the game providing device may acquire a user input for enhancing the equipment item in response to providing an enhancement interface.

[0071] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first input for strengthening an equipment item is not an input for directly strengthening the equipment item, but also an input for generating an auxiliary item that ensures the strengthening of the equipment item.

[0072] The first input may be at least one of a touch input, a voice input, a keyboard input, and a sensor data input obtained from a user, but is not limited to the disclosed examples.

[0073] In operation S430, the game providing device may generate a first auxiliary item for enhancing the equipment item by reflecting the result of enhancing the equipment item based on the enhancement information and the first input.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may perform an enhancement to the equipment item based on the first input and generate a first auxiliary item based on the enhancement information. By identifying the first input from the user, the game providing device may perform the enhancement to the equipment item independently of whether the user owns the equipment item.

[0075] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may attempt to enhance the equipment item based on the enhancement success probability included in the enhancement information, and the game providing device may generate a first auxiliary item based on the successful enhancement. The game providing device may include in the first auxiliary item an effect that is directly imparted to the equipment item if the enhancement is successful. For example, the first auxiliary item may also include information related to at least one of the type of enhancement performed, the amount of change in the equipment item's quantified ability parameter, the effective period, and the number of remaining enhancements.

[0076] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may acquire an effect corresponding to the failed enhancement based on the failure of the enhancement. The effect corresponding to the failed enhancement may include, but is not limited to, the deduction of the goods required for the enhancement, or, if the enhancement is performed later, the deduction of the remaining number of enhancements. The validity period of the auxiliary item will be specifically explained with reference to FIG. 10.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first auxiliary item also includes information related to the remaining number of reinforcements, which is the number of times that reinforcements have been performed minus the number of times that reinforcements have been performed. Note that the first auxiliary item is not limited to the disclosed example, and may include other effects corresponding to successful reinforcements.

[0078] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the enhancement cost, which is the amount of goods required for enhancement, is a value that changes based on user demand. The user's actions to generate the auxiliary item may be taken into consideration as a factor in determining the enhancement cost. For example, if the enhancement cost is determined taking into account the number of attempts to generate the auxiliary item, even if there is a shortage of equipment items to be enhanced, the enhancement cost of the equipment item may be prevented from falling excessively compared to its in-game value. Furthermore, if the enhancement cost of the equipment item is stabilized, the market price of the equipment item may also be stabilized as a result.

[0079] After the game providing device performs the operation of generating the first auxiliary item, the operation of generating the second auxiliary item that strengthens the equipment item by reflecting the results of strengthening the first auxiliary item will be described with reference to Figure 5.

[0080] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of generating a second auxiliary item according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a game providing device may perform multiple enhancements on an equipment item to be enhanced. The game providing device may perform multiple enhancements on an auxiliary item generated in response to the multiple enhancements on the equipment item, thereby generating the auxiliary item by reflecting the results of the enhancements on the equipment item. The auxiliary item generated in response to the multiple enhancements may be referred to as a second auxiliary item.

[0082] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an initial enhancement to an equipment item may be referred to as a first enhancement to the equipment item. Accordingly, the first enhancement to the equipment item may correspond to the creation of a first auxiliary item. The additional enhancement of the equipment item by the game providing device may be referred to as a second enhancement to the equipment item. Accordingly, the second enhancement to the equipment item may correspond to the creation of a second auxiliary item.

[0083] The second reinforcement does not have to be the same type as the first reinforcement, and the effect of the second reinforcement may be the same as or different from the effect of the first reinforcement. Also, although the term "multiple reinforcements" is used to explain that reinforcements can be made to the first auxiliary item, the first auxiliary item or the second auxiliary item may be an auxiliary item created by multiple reinforcements or multiple types of reinforcements.

[0084] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may acquire or identify a user input for enhancing a first auxiliary item, corresponding to adding and enhancing an equipment item. The user input for enhancing the first auxiliary item may be referred to as a second input to distinguish it from the first input. The second input may be at least one of a touch input, a voice input, a keyboard input, and a sensor data input acquired from the user, but is not limited to the disclosed examples.

[0085] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may generate a second auxiliary item 520 that enhances the equipment item, reflecting the results of the enhancement of the first auxiliary item based on the enhancement information and the second input. The game providing device may enhance the equipment item independently of whether the user owns the equipment item by identifying the second input. The game providing device may enhance the first auxiliary item based on the second input, and may generate the second auxiliary item 520 based on the successful enhancement of the first auxiliary item. The second auxiliary item 520 may also include information related to effects corresponding to the success of the first and second enhancements of the equipment item.

[0086] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may perform or attempt to perform an enhancement on the first auxiliary item based on the enhancement success probability of the second enhancement on the equipment item included in the enhancement information, and the game providing device may generate the second auxiliary item 520 based on the successful enhancement. For example, if the enhancement success probability of the second enhancement on the equipment item is 90.0%, the enhancement success probability of the enhancement on the first auxiliary item is also 90.0%.

[0087] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may obtain an effect corresponding to a failure in a second enhancement of an equipment item based on a failure in an enhancement of a first auxiliary item. For example, the effect corresponding to a failure in the second enhancement may include, but is not limited to, at least one of: a deduction in the remaining number of enhancements included in the first auxiliary item, a deduction in the owned goods, a reduction in the amount of change in a quantified ability parameter included in the first auxiliary item, and a maintenance of the effect of the first auxiliary item.

[0088] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may acquire a user interface 510 (hereinafter referred to as the "enhancement interface") including the acquired enhancement information. The enhancement information may also include information related to a second enhancement of the equipment item. The information related to the second enhancement corresponds to the enhancement information related to the enhancement of the equipment item in FIG. 2, and therefore, duplicate content will be omitted.

[0089] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device also includes at least one of a name 512 of the equipment item to be enhanced via the enhancement interface 510, a shape 514 of the auxiliary item generated to reflect the results of the enhancement of the equipment item, and an enhancement banner 516 for acquiring user input for enhancing the first auxiliary item. For example, the name 512 of the equipment item can be "Legendary Sword." The first auxiliary item can be "Legendary Sword 1-Star Enhanced Sword." The enhancement banner 516 can be a banner including the word "enhance."

[0090] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may identify or acquire a touch input on the enhancement banner as a second input for enhancing a first auxiliary item. Based on identifying the touch input on the enhancement banner, the game providing device may perform or attempt to enhance the "Legendary Sword, Enhanced Star 1 Sword." If the game providing device successfully enhances the "Legendary Sword, Enhanced Star 1 Sword," it may acquire a "Legendary Sword, Enhanced Star 2 Sword" as the second auxiliary item 520. If the game providing device fails to enhance the "Legendary Sword, Enhanced Star 1 Sword," it may partially change the attributes of the "Legendary Sword, Enhanced Star 1 Sword," or may leave them unchanged, or it may destroy the "Legendary Sword, Enhanced Star 1 Sword."

[0091] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may acquire an enhanced equipment item using a second auxiliary item. Note that the operation of applying the second auxiliary item to an equipment item to enhance the equipment item corresponds to the operation of applying the first auxiliary item to an equipment item to enhance the equipment item in FIG. 3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0092] Although the example has been described in which the probability of successfully performing additional enhancement on an equipment item is the same as the probability of generating a second auxiliary item, the probability of generating the second auxiliary item is different from the probability of successfully performing additional enhancement on an equipment item. The probability of generating the second auxiliary item corresponds to additional enhancement on the equipment item, and may indicate the probability of generating the second auxiliary item by successfully enhancing the first auxiliary item.

[0093] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the probability of generating a second auxiliary item is higher or lower than the probability of successfully performing additional reinforcement directly on an equipment item.

[0094] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when directly enhancing an equipment item, taking into account possible penalties, the probability of generating the second auxiliary item is lower than the probability of successfully enhancing the equipment item. For example, if the probability of successfully enhancing the equipment item to be enhanced is 30.0%, and if the enhancement fails and there is a penalty of destroying the equipment, the probability of generating the second auxiliary item is 5.0%.

[0095] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the probability of generating a second auxiliary item is higher than the probability of successfully performing additional enhancements directly on an equipment item. For example, the probability of successfully performing additional enhancements directly on an equipment item to be enhanced is 20.0%, and the probability of generating a second auxiliary item is 25.0%.

[0096] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation of strengthening equipment depending on whether or not an equipment item is held, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a game providing device may perform enhancement in different ways depending on whether or not a player owns an equipment item to be enhanced. For example, if the game providing device owns an equipment item to be enhanced, the game providing device may directly enhance the equipment item to be enhanced based on a first input. If the game providing device owns an equipment item to be enhanced, the game providing device may enhance the equipment item by acquiring a third input in addition to the first input, which determines whether or not to generate a first auxiliary item. If the game providing device does not own an equipment item to be enhanced, the game providing device may generate a first auxiliary item that enhances the equipment item, reflecting the results of the enhancement of the equipment item based on the first input.

[0098] In step S610, the game providing device may identify a first input for enhancing the equipment item. For example, the game providing device may identify a first input from a user. Step S610 corresponds to step S420, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] In operation S620, the game providing device may determine whether the user has an equipment item to be enhanced based on the first input.

[0100] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a game providing device may acquire information related to an equipment item to be enhanced from a user's enhancement information, and may identify whether the equipment item to be enhanced is included in the user's item inventory, thereby identifying whether the user owns the equipment item.

[0101] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may perform step S630 based on determining that the user has an equipment item, and may perform step S640 based on determining that the user does not have an equipment item.

[0102] In step S630, the game providing device may directly enhance the equipment item to be enhanced based on identifying that the user owns an equipment item. For example, the game providing device may provide the user with an interface for directly enhancing the "legendary sword" based on identifying that the user owns a "legendary sword," which is an equipment item to be enhanced. Based on providing the interface for directly enhancing the "legendary sword," the game providing device may obtain a user input for directly enhancing the "legendary sword" and enhance the legendary sword.

[0103] In step S640, the game providing device may generate a first auxiliary item that enhances the equipment item based on identifying that the user does not own the equipment item. For example, based on identifying that the user does not own a "legendary sword," the game providing device may provide the user with an interface for generating the first auxiliary item, an "enhanced legendary sword, 1-star sword." Based on providing the interface for generating the "enhanced legendary sword, 1-star sword," the game providing device may obtain user input for generating the "enhanced legendary sword, 1-star sword" and enhance the "legendary sword," thereby obtaining the "enhanced legendary sword, 1-star sword."

[0104] It should be noted that whether or not different interfaces are provided depending on whether or not the player possesses an equipment item to be strengthened is preset in the game providing device.

[0105] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an operation of strengthening equipment depending on whether or not an equipment item is held, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may provide a user interface 710 (hereinafter referred to as the "enhanced interface") that includes the enhanced information. The enhanced interface 710 also includes an enhanced banner 716 for acquiring a first input.

[0107] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may acquire a first input as a user input for the enhancement banner. The game providing device may identify whether the user possesses an equipment item to be enhanced based on identifying the first input. If the game providing device identifies that the user possesses an equipment item to be enhanced, the game providing device may provide the user with a question and answer interface 720 including a question regarding whether to directly enhance the equipment item.

[0108] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the question and answer interface 720 also includes a first banner 722 that provides the user with information regarding whether or not the user owns an equipment item and allows the user to directly enhance the equipment item. The question and answer interface 720 also includes a second banner 724 that determines whether or not to generate a first auxiliary item. The user input to the second banner 724 also serves as a third input that determines whether or not to generate the first auxiliary item based on the identification of the equipment item as being owned by the user.

[0109] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third input for determining whether to generate a first auxiliary item is also an input for determining whether to generate the first auxiliary item, reflecting the results of strengthening the strengthening target item. Thus, the game providing device may strengthen the strengthening target item based on the third input, and if the strengthening is successful, generate the first auxiliary item. The operation of generating the first auxiliary item based on the third input may correspond to the operation of generating a first auxiliary item that strengthens the equipment item, reflecting the results of strengthening the equipment item based on the strengthening information and the first input.

[0110] It should be noted that the first input, second input, and third input are described with ordinal numbers included only for the purpose of distinguishing them from one another, and are not limited by terminology.

[0111] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the question and answer interface 720 may provide the user with information regarding whether or not the equipment item is in their possession, such as a message saying "There is a 'Legendary Sword' in your item inventory," along with a message asking whether or not to directly strengthen the equipment item, such as "Do you want to directly strengthen the 'Legendary Sword'?"

[0112] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the question and answer interface 720 also includes a banner containing "yes" as a first banner 722 and a banner containing "no" as a second banner 724.

[0113] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the game providing device identifies that the user has an equipment item that can be enhanced, the game providing device may provide a question and answer interface 720 while also providing an inventory interface 730 that includes an in-game item inventory window.

[0114] The interface provided in response to identifying an input to the question and answer interface 720 will be described in detail in FIGS.

[0115] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an operation of strengthening equipment depending on whether or not an equipment item is possessed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in response to providing a question and answer interface, if the game providing device obtains input for a first banner that allows direct enhancement, the game providing device may provide a direct enhancement interface 820 for directly enhancing an equipment item.

[0117] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device, based on identifying an input to the enhancement banner 826 included in the direct enhancement interface 826, performs enhancement on the equipment item "Legendary Sword (0 stars)" 810 with a 95.0% success rate of enhancement, and if the enhancement is successful, may acquire or generate the enhanced equipment item, Legendary Sword (1 star) 830.

[0118] It should be noted that the operation of directly reinforcing is not limited to the disclosed example.

[0119] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an operation of strengthening depending on whether or not an equipment item is possessed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may obtain an input for a second banner that generates a first auxiliary item in response to providing the question and answer interface. When the game providing device obtains the input for the second banner, the game providing device may provide an enhanced interface 910 including enhanced information. The enhanced interface 910 corresponds to the enhanced interface of FIG. 2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0121] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device identifies an input to an enhancement banner 916 included in the enhancement interface 910, and based on identifying the input to the enhancement banner 916, the game providing device performs enhancement on a "legendary sword" with an enhancement success probability of 95.0%, and if the enhancement is successful, the first auxiliary item 920, a "legendary sword 1-star enhanced sword", can be obtained.

[0122] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation of setting a validity period for an auxiliary item according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when generating an auxiliary item, the game providing device may set a validity period during which the user may possess the auxiliary item based on the time when the auxiliary item is generated.

[0124] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the validity period of auxiliary items may be set to differ depending on the type of equipment item to be enhanced, and each item may have a different validity period. For example, the validity period of a "Legendary Sword 1-Star Enhanced Sword," which is an auxiliary item for a "Legendary Sword" item, may be set to six months from the time the "Legendary Sword 1-Star Enhanced Sword" is created. The validity period of a "Noble Ring 1-Star Enhanced Sword," which is an auxiliary item for a "Noble Ring" item, may be set to three months from the time the "Noble Ring 1-Star Enhanced Sword" is created.

[0125] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the validity period of the auxiliary item may be set to vary depending on information related to the enhancement included in the auxiliary item. For example, the validity period of the "Legendary Sword, Enhanced Star 1 Sword" may be set to five months from the time of creation of the "Legendary Sword, Enhanced Star 1 Sword." The validity period of the "Legendary Sword, Enhanced Star 2 Sword" may be set to four months from the time of creation of the "Legendary Sword, Enhanced Star 1 Sword." In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may generate a first auxiliary item 1010. The game providing device may set a first validity period 1014 based on the time of creation of the first auxiliary item 1010. The first validity period 1014 may indicate, for the first auxiliary item 1010, the period during which the user may possess the first auxiliary item 1010.

[0126] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first validity period 1014 corresponding to the first auxiliary item 1010 is also preset to a predetermined period from the time 1012 when the first auxiliary item is created. For example, the first validity period 1014 is also preset to six months from the time 1012 when the first auxiliary item is created. Therefore, if the time 1012 when the first auxiliary item is created is 16:52 on August 8, 2023, the first validity period 1014 is also 16:52 on February 8, 2024.

[0127] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may perform an enhancement on the first auxiliary item 1010, and if the enhancement is successful, may generate a second auxiliary item 1020. In response to generating the second auxiliary item 1020, the game providing device may update a second validity period 1024 based on a time 1022 when the second auxiliary item is generated. The second validity period 1024 also indicates a period during which the user may possess the second auxiliary item 1020.

[0128] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the game providing device successfully enhances the first auxiliary item 1010 and generates the second auxiliary item 1020, the game providing device also eliminates the first auxiliary item 1010 and generates the second auxiliary item 1020. Therefore, when the game providing device generates the second auxiliary item 1020, the game providing device may update the first validity period 1014 of the first auxiliary item 1010 to the second validity period 1024.

[0129] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second validity period 1024 corresponding to the second auxiliary item 1020 is also preset to a predetermined period from the time 1022 when the second auxiliary item is created. For example, the second validity period 1024 is also preset to six months from the time 1022 when the second auxiliary item is created. Therefore, if the time 1022 when the second auxiliary item is created is 17:26 on September 8, 2023, the second validity period 1024 is also 17:26 on March 8, 2024.

[0130] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when generating the second auxiliary item 1020, the game providing device may update the first validity period 1014 of the first auxiliary item 1010, which is "February 8, 2024, 16:52", to the second validity period 1024, which is "March 8, 2024, 16:26".

[0131] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device can eliminate the first auxiliary item 1010 or the second auxiliary item 1020 when the first valid period 1014 or the second valid period 1024 has expired.

[0132] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an effective period may be set for the auxiliary item to prevent the auxiliary item from being accumulated. If an effective period is set for the auxiliary item, the use or sale of the auxiliary item by the user may be promoted, and enhancement of in-game equipment items may be activated.

[0133] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating a user interface for generating a first auxiliary item according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a user interface for generating a first auxiliary item.

[0135] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may provide a first enhancement interface 1110 for generating a first auxiliary item. The first enhancement interface 1110 may also include a search block 1112 for searching for an equipment item to be enhanced in order to obtain enhancement information. The game providing device may receive information related to at least one item included in the search block 1112 and search for an equipment item to be enhanced. The search block 1112 may include at least one of the classification of the item to be enhanced, the item name, and the wearable level of the item, but is not limited to the disclosed example.

[0136] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the classification of items to be enhanced included in the search block also includes selecting a detailed classification such as weapons, armor, accessories, clothing, etc. to identify the item to be enhanced.

[0137] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the item names contained in the search block may be used to search for items to be enhanced if the user either explicitly recognizes the item name or recognizes words contained in the item name.

[0138] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may acquire a user input to a search banner 1116 from a user who has entered at least one item included in the search block 1112. The game providing device may acquire the user input to the search banner 1116 and perform a search for an equipment item to be enhanced. Before acquiring the user input to the search banner 1116, the game providing device may provide a first enhanced interface 1110 including a message stating "No items found." In response to the search banner 1116, if the game providing device has performed a search for an equipment item to be enhanced but no search results are found, the game providing device may provide a first enhanced interface 1110 including a message stating "No items found."

[0139] The second enhancement interface 1120, which allows the game providing device to search for equipment items to be enhanced and provide search results including information related to at least one equipment item, will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 11B.

[0140] FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating a user interface for generating a first auxiliary item.

[0141] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may provide a second enhancement interface 1120 for generating a first auxiliary item. The second enhancement interface 1120 may also include a search result block 1122 obtained using the search block 1112. The search result block 1122 may also include a result of analyzing the information obtained using the search block 1112 and extracting an equipment item that the user wishes to enhance from the in-game database. For example, if a user searches for an item name "legendary sword" using the search block 1112, the game providing device may extract item information from the in-game database that includes all items containing the word "legendary sword." The item information that includes all items containing the word "legendary sword" may also include information related to the "legendary sword" item and the "noble legendary sword" item.

[0142] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may acquire a user input for selecting an item banner 1124 corresponding to one of the equipment items provided in the search result block 1122. For example, the game providing device may acquire a user input for selecting an item banner corresponding to a "legendary sword."

[0143] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may acquire user input on the selection banner 1126 to enhance an equipment item to be enhanced (hereinafter referred to as the "selected item") selected from the provided equipment items.

[0144] Additionally, when the game providing device acquires a user input on the selection banner 1126, it may provide a third enhanced interface 1130 for acquiring enhanced information.

[0145] FIG. 11C is a diagram illustrating a user interface for generating a first auxiliary item.

[0146] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may provide a third enhancement interface 1130 for generating the first auxiliary item. The third enhancement interface 1130 may also include an enhancement block 1132 in response to selecting an item in the search result block 1122. The enhancement block 1132 may also include information regarding types of enhancements that can be performed on the selected item.

[0147] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may acquire an input for at least one type of reinforcement in the reinforcement type tab 1134. In addition, if a step-by-step reinforcement is input as the type of reinforcement, the game providing device may also acquire an input for the step of reinforcement to be performed.

[0148] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may provide the enhancement interface 210 of FIG. 2 when acquiring input for the crafting banner 1136 for generating the first auxiliary item by reflecting the results of the enhancement made to the equipment item.

[0149] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an operation of setting a base value associated with reinforcement according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0150] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may provide an option interface 1210 for setting a base value associated with an enhancement. For example, the game providing device may set, as the enhancement option 1220, a base value related to whether or not to provide the user with the question and answer interface 720 of FIG. 7 when the game providing device identifies a first input. The game providing device may provide the enhancement option 1220 for setting a base value related to whether or not to provide the user with the question and answer interface when the game providing device identifies that the user possesses an equipment item that is the target of enhancement.

[0151] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may provide a question and answer interface depending on the situation when the "Display direct enhancement confirmation when crafting an enhanced sword" item (1225) is checked. For example, the game providing device may provide a question and answer interface to the user when it is determined that the user possesses an equipment item that can be enhanced after identifying the first input. On the other hand, the game providing device does not provide a question and answer interface to the user when the "Display direct enhancement confirmation when crafting an enhanced sword" item 1225 is not checked. For example, even when the game providing device identifies the first input, it does not provide a question and answer interface to the user regardless of whether the user possesses an equipment item that can be enhanced.

[0152] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the enhancement options are not limited to the disclosed examples, but also include items related to the enhancement of the present disclosure that can be preset by user selection.

[0153] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a user interface for purchasing or selling auxiliary items according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0154] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing device may purchase or sell auxiliary items (including a first auxiliary item and a second auxiliary item) via an item exchange.

[0155] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a game providing device may search for items to be sold in an item exchange using at least one search element among the name of an auxiliary item, the effect of the auxiliary item, the name of an equipment item to be enhanced by the auxiliary item, and the price of the auxiliary item. The game providing device allows a user to purchase an auxiliary item through the item exchange. The game providing device also allows a user to sell an auxiliary item through the item exchange. Note that the game providing device also allows a user to directly trade an auxiliary item without using the item exchange.

[0156] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a user who owns an equipment item but finds it troublesome to upgrade it or who determines that it is more appropriate to upgrade the equipment item using an auxiliary item rather than directly upgrading the equipment item may purchase the auxiliary item. The user may also determine the market value of the auxiliary item and purchase and sell it at an appropriate price.

[0157] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the purchase of an auxiliary item may be considered as one factor in determining the enhancement cost calculated based on user demand. For example, if the enhancement cost is determined taking into account the trading volume of the auxiliary item, even if there is a shortage of equipment items to be enhanced, the enhancement cost of the equipment item may be prevented from falling excessively compared to its in-game value. Furthermore, if the enhancement cost of the equipment item is stabilized, the market price of the equipment item may also be stabilized as a result.

[0158] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a game providing device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0159] As shown in Fig. 14, the game providing device 1400 according to some embodiments may include at least one processor 1410, a communication unit 1430, and a memory 1450. However, none of the components shown in Fig. 14 are essential components of the game providing device 1400. The game providing device 1400 may be implemented with more components than those shown in Fig. 14, or may be implemented with fewer components than those shown in Fig. 14. The game providing device 1400 may be a user terminal, a server, a game network system, or a separate device.

[0160] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 1410 generally controls the overall operation of the game providing device 1400. For example, the processor 1410 may generally control the communication unit 1430, the memory 1450, etc. by executing a program stored in the memory 1450. The processor 1410 may control the operation of the game providing device 1400 described herein by controlling the communication unit 1430, the memory 1450, etc. The program stored in the memory also serves as instructions for the operation of the game providing device.

[0161] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, processor 1410 may acquire enhancement information indicating information related to the enhancement of an equipment item that is the target of enhancement among in-game items, identify a first input for enhancing the equipment item, and, based on the enhancement information and the first input, generate a first auxiliary item that enhances the equipment item by reflecting the results of the enhancement made to the equipment item.

[0162] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 1410 may identify a first input from a user, perform an enhancement to the equipment item, independent of whether the user owns the equipment item, and generate a first auxiliary item based on the successful enhancement to the equipment item.

[0163] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 1410 may correspond to adding and enhancing an equipment item, identify a second input for enhancing a first auxiliary item, and generate a second auxiliary item that enhances the equipment item based on the enhancement information and the second input, reflecting the results of the enhancement to the first auxiliary item.

[0164] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 1410 may identify whether the user possesses an equipment item based on identifying the first input, and may generate a first auxiliary item based on identifying that the user does not possess the equipment item.

[0165] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 1410 may obtain a third input that determines whether to generate the first auxiliary item based on identifying that the user has the equipment item.

[0166] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 1410 may set a first validity period for the first auxiliary item based on the time the first auxiliary item is created, the first validity period indicating the period during which the user may possess the first auxiliary item.

[0167] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 1410 may perform an enhancement to the first auxiliary item and, in response to generating a second auxiliary item, update a second validity period indicating a period during which the user may possess the second auxiliary item based on the time the second auxiliary item is generated.

[0168] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 1410 may apply the first auxiliary item to the equipment item to enhance the equipment item.

[0169] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication unit 1430 may communicate with an external device under the control of the processor 1410. For example, the communication unit 1430 may communicate with an external device such as a payment server or an authentication server under the control of the processor 1410. The communication unit 1430 may also acquire user information or user input through communication with an external interface.

[0170] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the memory 1450 may store a program for processing and controlling the processor 1410, and may also store data input to or output from the game providing device 1400. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the memory 1450 may store item information related to items in the game, enhancement information related to the enhancement of equipment items, item inventory information for each user, etc.

[0171] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, processor 1410 may execute a method for providing a game service using a program stored in memory 1450. For example, when processor 1410 identifies a first input for strengthening an equipment item based on the strengthening information stored in memory 1450, processor 1410 may generate a first auxiliary item that strengthens the equipment item, reflecting the results of the strengthening of the equipment item. Furthermore, when processor 1410 identifies a second input based on the strengthening information stored in memory 1450, processor 1410 may generate a second auxiliary item that reflects the results of the strengthening of the first auxiliary item.

[0172] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the memory 1450 may include at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., a secure digital (SD) memory or an extreme digital (XD) memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. Also, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the programs stored in the memory 1450 may be classified into multiple modules according to their functions.

[0173] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method for providing a game service may be performed by the game providing device 1400, or may be performed by a server or a user terminal, and at least one component included in the game providing device 1400 may perform the embodiments described above with reference to Figures 1 to 13. The method for providing a game service may also be performed by the server and the user terminal individually or jointly. The components of the server and the user terminal will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 15 and 16.

[0174] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a game providing device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0175] As shown in Figure 15, a server 1500 according to some embodiments may include at least one processor 1510, a communication unit 1530, and a memory 1550. However, none of the components shown in Figure 15 are essential components of the server 1500. The server 1500 may be implemented with more components than those shown in Figure 15, or may be implemented with fewer components than those shown in Figure 15.

[0176] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, processor 1510 generally controls the overall operation of server 1500. For example, processor 1510 may generally control communication unit 1530, memory 1550, etc. by executing a program stored in memory 1550. Processor 1510 may control the operation of server 1500 herein by controlling communication unit 1530, memory 1550, etc.

[0177] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, processor 1510 may acquire enhancement information indicating information related to the enhancement of an equipment item that is the target of enhancement among in-game items, identify a first input for enhancing the equipment item, and, based on the enhancement information and the first input, generate a first auxiliary item that enhances the equipment item by reflecting the results of the enhancement made to the equipment item.

[0178] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation of the processor 1510 may correspond to the operation of the processor 1410 of the game providing device 1400 described in FIG. 14, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0179] The communication unit 1530 may provide questions to the user terminal 1600 (FIG. 16) and receive response information to the questions under the control of the processor 1510. Also, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication unit 1530 transmits and receives data to and from the user terminal 1600, and the data transmitted and received from the user terminal 1600 may include control data for controlling the user terminal 1600 or a program included in the user terminal 1600.

[0180] The memory 1550 stores programs for processing and control of the processor 1510, and may also store data input to or output from the server 1500. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the memory 1550 may store item information related to in-game items, enhancement information indicating information related to the enhancement of equipment items, etc.

[0181] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, using a program stored in memory 1550, processor 1510 may execute a method for providing gaming services.

[0182] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the memory 1550 may include at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD memory or XD memory), a RAM, an SRAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, a PROM, a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. Also, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the programs stored in the memory 1550 may be classified into a plurality of modules according to their functions.

[0183] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the game providing method may be performed separately by the server 1500 and the user terminal 1600, may be performed by the server 1500 and the user terminal 1600 individually, or may be performed by the game providing device 1400.

[0184] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a user terminal according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0185] As shown in Figure 16, a user terminal 1600 according to some embodiments may include at least one processor 1610, a communication unit 1630, a memory 1650, and a user interface 1670. However, none of the components shown in Figure 16 are required components of the user terminal 1600. The user terminal 1600 may be implemented with more components than those shown in Figure 16, or may be implemented with fewer components than those shown in Figure 16.

[0186] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, processor 1610 generally controls the overall operation of user terminal 1600. For example, processor 1610 may execute a program stored in memory 1650 to generally control communication unit 1630, memory 1650, user interface 1670, etc. Processor 1610 may control the operation of user terminal 1600 herein by controlling communication unit 1630, memory 1650, user interface 1670, etc.

[0187] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, processor 1610 may acquire enhancement information indicating information related to the enhancement of an equipment item that is the target of enhancement among in-game items, identify a first input for enhancing the equipment item, and, based on the enhancement information and the first input, generate a first auxiliary item that enhances the equipment item by reflecting the results of the enhancement made to the equipment item.

[0188] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation of the processor 1610 may correspond to the operation of the processor 1410 of the game providing device 1400 described in FIG. 14, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0189] The communication unit 1630 may provide queries to the server 1500 and receive response information to the queries under the control of the processor 1610. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication unit 1630 may transmit and receive data to and from the server 1500, and the data transmitted and received from the server 1500 may include control data for controlling the user terminal 1600 or a program included in the user terminal 1600.

[0190] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication unit 1630 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) (wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi)) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like.

[0191] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication unit 1630 transmits and receives wireless signals to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server over a mobile communication network, where the wireless signals include various types of data such as a voice call signal, a video call signal, or a text / multimedia message signal.

[0192] The memory 1650 stores programs for processing and control of the processor 1610, and may also store data input to or output from the user terminal 1600. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the memory 1650 may store game-related information. For example, the memory 1650 may store item information related to in-game items, enhancement information indicating information related to the enhancement of equipment items, etc.

[0193] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, using a program stored in memory 1650, processor 1610 may execute a method for providing gaming services.

[0194] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the memory 1650 may include at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD memory or XD memory), a RAM, an SRAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, a PROM, a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. Also, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the programs stored in the memory 1650 may be classified into a plurality of modules according to their functions.

[0195] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the user interface 1670 may include various interfaces. For example, the user interface 1670 may include various interfaces such as a keypad, a dome switch, a voice input interface, a fingerprint input interface, a touch input interface (such as a contact-type capacitance type, a pressure-type resistive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, or a piezoelectric effect type), a camera, a jog wheel, or a jog switch. Various sensors such as an acceleration sensor, a position sensor, a temperature sensor, or an optical sensor may also be linked to the user interface. It goes without saying that the user interface 1670 is not limited to the above examples.

[0196] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the user interface 1670 further includes an output unit (not shown). The output unit may include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, a 3D display, and an electrophoretic display. When the display and the touchpad have a layered structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display may be used as an input device in addition to an output device. The output unit (not shown) may include, but is not limited to, an LED (light-emitting diode) lamp, a vibration motor, a speaker, a flash, etc.

[0197] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the user interface 1670 may output notifications related to game information as images, videos, sounds, vibrations, lights, and the like.

[0198] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the user interface 1670 may include the enhanced interface 210 of Figure 2, the enhanced interface 510 of Figure 5, the enhanced interface 710 of Figure 7, the question and answer interface 720, the inventory interface 730, the direct enhanced interface 820 of Figure 8, the enhanced interface 910 of Figure 9, the first enhanced interface 1110, the second enhanced interface 1120, the third enhanced interface 1130 of Figures 11A-11C, and the options interface 1210 of Figure 12. However, the above interfaces are only described as examples of the user interface 1670, and the user interface 1670 of the present disclosure may include a variety of other interfaces.

[0199] The devices described above may be implemented using hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware and software components. For example, the devices and components described in the present embodiments may be implemented using one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers, such as a processor, controller, arithmetic logic unit (ALU), digital signal processor, microcomputer, field programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable logic unit (PLU), microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing and responding to instructions. The processing device may execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the operating system (OS). The processing device may also access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of software. For ease of understanding, the processing device may be described as being a single processing element, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the processing device may also include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, the processing unit may include multiple processors or a single processor and a controller. Other processing configurations are also possible, such as parallel processors.

[0200] Software may include computer programs, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more thereof, which may configure a processing device to operate in a desired manner or, independently or collectively, instruct the processing device. The software and / or data may be permanently or temporarily embodied in some type of machine, component, physical device, virtual device, computer storage medium or device, or transmitted signal wave to be interpreted by the processing device or to provide instructions or data to the processing device. The software may also be distributed across computer systems coupled to a network, stored or executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable storage media.

[0201] The method according to the present invention may be embodied in the form of program instructions that can be executed by various computer means and stored on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like, alone or in combination. The program instructions stored on the medium may be specially designed and constructed for the present invention, or may be well known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable storage media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs) and digital versatile discs (DVDs); magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include not only machine language code, such as that produced by a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The aforementioned hardware devices may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the present invention, or vice versa.

[0202] As described above, even though the present embodiment has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations may be made from the foregoing description. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than described, and / or the described components, such as systems, structures, devices, and circuits, may be combined or combined in a different manner than described, or may be substituted or replaced by other components or equivalents, and still achieve suitable results.

[0203] Accordingly, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method in which a game providing device provides a game service, Identifying a first input for performing a probability-based enhancement on an equipment item to be enhanced among in-game items, the first input being independent of whether or not the user owns the equipment item; performing a probabilistic enhancement on the equipment item based on the first input, independent of whether the equipment item is possessed; generating a first auxiliary item that has the same effect as a direct success of a probability-based enhancement of the equipment item when the probability-based enhancement of the equipment item is attempted independently of whether the equipment item is possessed or not, and that is applied to the equipment item to ensure the enhancement of the equipment item; The step of generating the first auxiliary item comprises: identifying whether a user owns the equipment item based on identifying the first input; generating the first auxiliary item based on the user identifying that they do not possess the equipment item.

2. identifying a second input for enhancing the first auxiliary item; 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: generating a second auxiliary item based on the second input, the second auxiliary item ensuring an enhancement of the equipment item, the first enhancement being a success effect of a probability-based enhancement of the equipment item independent of whether the equipment item is possessed, and the second enhancement being a success effect of a probability-based enhancement of the first auxiliary item independent of whether the equipment item is possessed.

3. The method described in claim 2, wherein the second auxiliary item is different from the first auxiliary item.

4. The step of generating the first auxiliary item comprises: and further comprising a step of acquiring a third input for determining whether to generate the first auxiliary item based on the user having identified that the user owns the equipment item. The method of claim 1.

5. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: setting a first validity period for the first auxiliary item based on when the first auxiliary item is created, the first validity period indicating a period during which a user may possess the first auxiliary item.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: updating a second validity period indicating a period during which the user may possess the second auxiliary item in response to an enhancement to the first auxiliary item and the generation of the second auxiliary item, based on the time at which the second auxiliary item is generated.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising applying the first auxiliary item to the equipment item to enhance the equipment item.

8. a memory for storing instructions; at least one processor operatively coupled to the memory and configured to execute the instructions; the at least one processor executes the instructions; Identifying a first input for performing a probabilistic enhancement on an equipment item that is a target for enhancement among in-game items, the enhancement being independent of whether or not the user owns the equipment item; Based on the first input, a probability-based reinforcement is performed on the equipment item, independent of whether or not the equipment item is possessed; When a probability-based strengthening of the equipment item is attempted independently of whether the equipment item is possessed or not and is successful, a first auxiliary item is generated that has the same effect as a direct probability-based strengthening of the equipment item and is applied to the equipment item to ensure the strengthening of the equipment item; When generating the first auxiliary item, Identifying whether the user owns the equipment item based on identifying the first input; The game providing device generates the first auxiliary item based on the determination that the user does not possess the equipment item.

9. the at least one processor executes the instructions; identifying a second input for enhancing the first auxiliary item; 9. The game providing device of claim 8, further comprising: generating a second auxiliary item based on the second input, the second auxiliary item ensuring enhancement of the equipment item, including a first successful enhancement effect, which is a probability-based enhancement of the equipment item independent of whether the equipment item is possessed, and a second successful enhancement effect, which is a probability-based enhancement of the first auxiliary item independent of whether the equipment item is possessed.

10. A game providing device as described in Claim 9, characterized in that the second auxiliary item is different from the first auxiliary item.

11. In generating the first auxiliary item, the at least one processor executes the instructions, The game providing device according to claim 8 , further comprising: a third input for determining whether or not to generate the first auxiliary item based on the identification that the user possesses the equipment item.

12. The at least one processor executes the instructions; The game providing device according to claim 9 , wherein a first validity period indicating a period during which a user may possess the first auxiliary item is set for the first auxiliary item based on the time at which the first auxiliary item is generated.

13. The at least one processor executes the instructions; 13. The game providing device according to claim 12, wherein, in response to strengthening the first auxiliary item and generating the second auxiliary item, a second validity period indicating a period during which the user may possess the second auxiliary item is updated based on the time at which the second auxiliary item is generated.

14. The game providing device according to claim 8 , wherein the first auxiliary item is applied to the equipment item to strengthen the equipment item.

15. a memory for storing instructions; at least one processor operatively coupled to the memory and configured to execute the instructions; the at least one processor executes the instructions; Identifying a first input for performing a probabilistic enhancement on an equipment item that is a target for enhancement among in-game items, the enhancement being independent of whether or not the user owns the equipment item; Based on the first input, a probability-based reinforcement is performed on the equipment item, independent of whether or not the equipment item is possessed; When a probability-based strengthening of the equipment item is attempted independently of whether the equipment item is possessed or not and is successful, a first auxiliary item is generated that has the same effect as a direct probability-based strengthening of the equipment item and is applied to the equipment item to ensure the strengthening of the equipment item; When generating the first auxiliary item, Identifying whether the user owns the equipment item based on identifying the first input; A server that generates the first auxiliary item based on the determination that the user does not possess the equipment item.

16. In a user terminal that provides a game service, the user terminal: a user interface for receiving user input; a memory for storing instructions; at least one processor operatively coupled to the user interface and the memory and configured to execute the instructions; the at least one processor executes the instructions; Identifying a first input for performing a probabilistic enhancement on an equipment item that is a target for enhancement among in-game items, the enhancement being independent of whether or not the user owns the equipment item; Based on the first input, a probability-based reinforcement is performed on the equipment item, independent of whether or not the equipment item is possessed; When a probability-based strengthening of the equipment item is attempted independently of whether the equipment item is possessed or not and is successful, a first auxiliary item is generated that has the same effect as a direct probability-based strengthening of the equipment item and is applied to the equipment item to ensure the strengthening of the equipment item; When generating the first auxiliary item, Identifying whether the user owns the equipment item based on identifying the first input; A user terminal that generates the first auxiliary item based on the determination that the user does not possess the equipment item.

17. Identifying a first input for performing a probability-based enhancement on an equipment item to be enhanced among in-game items, the first input being independent of whether or not the user owns the equipment item; performing a probabilistic enhancement on the equipment item based on the first input, independent of whether the equipment item is possessed; generating a first auxiliary item that has the same effect as a direct success of a probability-based enhancement of the equipment item when the probability-based enhancement of the equipment item is attempted independently of whether the equipment item is possessed or not, and that is applied to the equipment item to ensure the enhancement of the equipment item; The step of generating the first auxiliary item comprises: identifying whether a user owns the equipment item based on identifying the first input; A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing on a computer a method for providing a game service, the method including a step of generating the first auxiliary item based on identification that the user does not possess the equipment item.

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