Information processing programs, information processing methods, information processing systems, and game devices

By implementing a two-stage lottery system with player choice and probability adjustments, the system addresses the sense of loss in lottery games by managing special game medium availability and offering alternatives.

JP7833574B1Active Publication Date: 2026-03-19CYGAMES INC
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-01-20
Publication Date
2026-03-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In lottery games, winning the same game medium repeatedly can lead to a sense of loss for players.

Method used

Implement a first lottery to determine a special game medium with an upper limit, followed by a second lottery to offer benefits based on a management value, allowing players to choose acceptance, and adjust winning probabilities or exclude the special medium if the limit is reached.

Benefits of technology

Reduces the player's perception of loss by managing the availability and probabilities of special game media, offering alternative benefits when limits are reached.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Reduces the player's sense of loss. [Solution] The information processing program causes the computer to perform the following processes: a first lottery to determine one of a plurality of game media, including a special game media; a first lottery to assign the game media determined in the first lottery to the player ID upon fulfillment of a first assignment condition, including the determination in the first lottery; a second lottery to assign a special game media to the player ID upon fulfillment of a second assignment condition; and, if the first and second assignment conditions are met and the special game media is assigned to the player ID, a second lottery to update the assignment value indicating the number of times the special game media has been assigned to the player ID. In the process of performing the first lottery, special game media whose assignment value has reached an upper limit are excluded from the game media that may be selected in the first lottery, or the probability of winning a special game media after its assignment value has reached an upper limit is reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing program, an information processing method, an information processing system, and a game device.

Background Art

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1, there is known a lottery game in which game media such as items and characters that can be used in a game are determined by lottery, and the game media won by lottery are given to a player.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a lottery game, if the same game medium is won, there is a risk of giving the player a sense of loss.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing program, an information processing method, an information processing system, and a game device that can reduce the player's sense of loss.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the information processing program executes a first lottery in which any one of a plurality of game media including a special game medium with an upper limit value set indicating the upper limit of the number of possessions that can be given to a player ID is a lottery target, and any one of the game media of the lottery target is determined; before a process of giving the game medium determined in the first lottery to the player ID; Based on the execution of the first lottery, a process is performed to update a predetermined management value, A process that enables a second lottery to determine one of several types of benefits, including the special game medium, based on the fact that the aforementioned management value has reached a first value, A process to allow the player to choose whether or not to accept the prize determined in the second lottery, If the recipient chooses to receive the aforementioned benefit, the process of granting the aforementioned benefit determined in the second lottery to the player ID is performed. When the aforementioned benefit is granted to the player ID, the process involves subtracting the amount of the first value from the management value. Based on the fact that the management value reaches a second value after the player has chosen not to receive the aforementioned benefit, a process is performed to allow the player to select the aforementioned special game medium, A process of assigning the special game medium selected by the player to the player ID, When the special game medium selected by the player is assigned to the player ID, the process of subtracting the second value from the management value is performed. before special mention When a different game medium is assigned to the aforementioned player ID If, A process to update the assigned value indicating the number of times the special game medium has been assigned to the player ID, Have the computer perform this task. In the process of performing the first lottery described above, The special game medium whose assigned value reaches the upper limit can be determined by the first lottery. The aforementioned To exclude the aforementioned game medium from the lottery, or to make the winning probability of the special game medium after the aforementioned value has reached the aforementioned upper limit lower than the winning probability of the special game medium before the aforementioned value has reached the aforementioned upper limit.

[0008] In the process that enables the second lottery, To exclude a special game medium whose assigned value has reached the upper limit from the prizes that can be determined by the second lottery, or to make the winning probability of a special game medium after its assigned value has reached the upper limit lower than the winning probability of a special game medium before its assigned value reached the upper limit. That is also acceptable.

[0011] The value of all of the aforementioned special game media has reached the upper limit. In this state, the control value reaches the second value. In that case, a process is performed to grant the player a predetermined benefit different from the special game medium mentioned above. You could also have a computer perform this task.

[0012] Information processing programs are If the grant value for all of the aforementioned special game media reaches the upper limit, a process is performed to grant the player a predetermined benefit different from that of the aforementioned special game media. to cause a computer to perform may be used

[0013] The information processing program processing for displaying the winning probability of each of the plurality of game media to be selected in the first lottery and the assigned value of the special game media to cause a computer to perform may be used

[0014] To solve the above problems, an information processing method is an information processing method performed by one or more computers, where the computer performs a first lottery in which any one of a plurality of game media including a special game media with an upper limit value set indicating the upper limit of the number of possessions that can be assigned to the player ID is selected as the lottery target, and any one of the game media of the lottery target is determined; before processing for assigning the game media determined in the first lottery to the player ID; Based on the execution of the first lottery, a process is performed to update a predetermined management value, A process that enables a second lottery to determine one of several types of benefits, including the special game medium, based on the fact that the aforementioned management value has reached a first value, A process to allow the player to choose whether or not to accept the prize determined in the second lottery, If the recipient chooses to receive the aforementioned benefit, the process of granting the aforementioned benefit determined in the second lottery to the player ID is performed. When the aforementioned benefit is granted to the player ID, the process involves subtracting the amount of the first value from the management value. Based on the fact that the management value reaches a second value after the player has chosen not to receive the aforementioned benefit, a process is performed to allow the player to select the aforementioned special game medium, A process of assigning the special game medium selected by the player to the player ID, When the special game medium selected by the player is assigned to the player ID, the process of subtracting the second value from the management value is performed. before special note when the special game media is assigned to the player ID If, processing for updating the assigned value indicating the number of times the special game media has been assigned to the player ID; performs In the process of performing the first lottery, the special game media whose assigned value has reached the upper limit value can be determined in the first lottery The aforementionedTo exclude the aforementioned game medium from the lottery, or to make the winning probability of the special game medium after the aforementioned value has reached the aforementioned upper limit lower than the winning probability of the special game medium before the aforementioned value has reached the aforementioned upper limit.

[0015] To solve the above problems, the information processing system will Equipped with one or more computers, The aforementioned computer, A process in which one of several game media, including a special game media for which an upper limit value indicating the maximum number that can be assigned to a player ID is set, is selected as the subject of the lottery, and a first lottery is performed to determine one of the game media selected as the subject of the lottery, before The process of assigning the game medium determined by the first lottery to the player ID, Based on the execution of the first lottery, a process is performed to update a predetermined management value, A process that enables a second lottery to determine one of several types of benefits, including the special game medium, based on the fact that the aforementioned management value has reached a first value, A process to allow the player to choose whether or not to accept the prize determined in the second lottery, If the recipient chooses to receive the aforementioned benefit, the process of granting the aforementioned benefit determined in the second lottery to the player ID is performed. When the aforementioned benefit is granted to the player ID, the process involves subtracting the amount of the first value from the management value. Based on the fact that the management value reaches a second value after the player has chosen not to receive the aforementioned benefit, a process is performed to allow the player to select the aforementioned special game medium, A process of assigning the special game medium selected by the player to the player ID, When the special game medium selected by the player is assigned to the player ID, the process of subtracting the second value from the management value is performed. before special note When a different game medium is assigned to the aforementioned player ID If, A process to update the assigned value indicating the number of times the special game medium has been assigned to the player ID, To carry out, In the process of performing the first lottery described above, The special game medium whose assigned value reaches the upper limit can be determined by the first lottery. The aforementioned To exclude the aforementioned game medium from the lottery, or to make the winning probability of the special game medium after the aforementioned value has reached the aforementioned upper limit lower than the winning probability of the special game medium before the aforementioned value has reached the aforementioned upper limit.

[0016] To solve the above problems, the game device is Equipped with one or more computers, The aforementioned computer, A process in which one of several game media, including a special game media for which an upper limit value indicating the maximum number that can be assigned to a player ID is set, is selected as the subject of the lottery, and a first lottery is performed to determine one of the game media selected as the subject of the lottery, before The process of assigning the game medium determined by the first lottery to the player ID, Based on the execution of the first lottery, a process is performed to update a predetermined management value, A process that enables a second lottery to determine one of several types of benefits, including the special game medium, based on the fact that the aforementioned management value has reached a first value, A process to allow the player to choose whether or not to accept the prize determined in the second lottery, If the recipient chooses to receive the aforementioned benefit, the process of granting the aforementioned benefit determined in the second lottery to the player ID is performed. When the aforementioned benefit is granted to the player ID, the process involves subtracting the amount of the first value from the management value. Based on the fact that the management value reaches a second value after the player has chosen not to receive the aforementioned benefit, a process is performed to allow the player to select the aforementioned special game medium, A process of assigning the special game medium selected by the player to the player ID, When the special game medium selected by the player is assigned to the player ID, the process of subtracting the second value from the management value is performed. before special note When a different game medium is assigned to the aforementioned player ID If, A process to update the assigned value indicating the number of times the special game medium has been assigned to the player ID, To carry out, In the process of performing the first lottery described above, The special game medium whose assigned value reaches the upper limit can be determined by the first lottery. The aforementioned To exclude the aforementioned game medium from the lottery, or to make the winning probability of the special game medium after the aforementioned value has reached the aforementioned upper limit lower than the winning probability of the special game medium before the aforementioned value has reached the aforementioned upper limit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, the player's perception of loss can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the information processing system. [Figure 2] Figure 2A is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the player terminal. Figure 2B is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the server. [Figure 3] Figure 3 illustrates an example of the target of a lottery game. [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates an example of an exchange ticket. [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a winning probability. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lottery table. [Figure 7] Figure 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of information on acquiring exchange tickets. Figure 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of the correspondence between the acquired information and the exchange ticket lottery table. [Figure 8] Figure 8A illustrates an example of the first table. Figure 8B illustrates an example of the sixth table. Figure 8C illustrates an example of the fourteenth table. [Figure 9] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a conversion right. [Figure 10] Figure 10 illustrates an example of the first and second conversion rights. [Figure 11] Figure 11A illustrates an example of a special lottery. Figure 11B illustrates another example of a special lottery. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the top screen of the lottery game. [Figure 13] Figure 13 illustrates an example of a special reward screen. [Figure 14] Figure 14A is the first diagram illustrating an example of the details screen. Figure 14B is the first diagram illustrating an example of the individual list screen. [Figure 15] Figure 15A is a second diagram illustrating an example of the details screen. Figure 15B is a second diagram illustrating an example of the individual list screen. [Figure 16] Figure 16A illustrates an example of a screen for specifying the number of attempts. Figure 16B illustrates an example of a results screen. [Figure 17] Figure 17A is the first diagram illustrating an example of a treasure chest chance animation. Figure 17B is the second diagram illustrating an example of a treasure chest chance animation. [Figure 18] Figure 18A illustrates an example of a conversion selection screen. Figure 18B illustrates an example of a confirmation dialog box. [Figure 19] Figure 19A illustrates an example of the exchange target selection screen. Figure 19B illustrates an example of the point confirmation screen. [Figure 20] Figure 20A illustrates an example of a points exchange dialog. Figure 20B illustrates an example of a special reward selection screen. [Figure 21] Figure 21 illustrates the computer functions of the player terminal. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating the functions of a server as a computer. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a flowchart illustrating the terminal-side lottery game execution process on the player terminal. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a flowchart illustrating the server-side lottery game execution process on the server. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a flowchart illustrating the conversion process on the server. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a first flowchart illustrating the process of receiving winning information on the player terminal. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a second flowchart illustrating the process of receiving winning information on the player terminal. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a flowchart illustrating the command reception process on the server. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The numerical values ​​and other figures shown in this embodiment are merely illustrative for ease of understanding and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the illustration.

[0020] (Overall configuration of information processing system S) Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the information processing system S. The information processing system S is a so-called client-server system in which a player terminal 1 and a server 100 are connected via a communication network N having a communication base station Na.

[0021] The player terminal 1 can establish communication with the server 100 via the communication network N. The player terminal 1 broadly includes electronic devices capable of wireless or wired communication with the server 100. Examples of player terminals 1 include smartphones, mobile phones, tablet devices, personal computers, and game consoles. In this embodiment, the case in which a smartphone is used as the player terminal 1 will be described.

[0022] Server 100 communicates with multiple player terminals 1. Server 100 stores player information for each player playing the game. Server 100 also updates the stored information and controls the game's progress based on the operations input from the player terminals 1.

[0023] The communication base station Na is connected to the communication network N and transmits and receives information wirelessly with the player terminal 1. The communication network N consists of a mobile phone network, the internet network, a LAN (Local Area Network), a dedicated line, etc., and enables wireless or wired communication between the player terminal 1 and the server 100.

[0024] In this embodiment, the information processing system S consists of a player terminal 1 and a server 100 that function as a game device G. The player terminal 1 and the server 100 are each assigned a specific role in controlling the progress of the game. The game can be played through the cooperation of the player terminal 1 and the server 100.

[0025] (Hardware configuration of player terminal 1 and server 100) Figure 2A is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of player terminal 1. Figure 2B is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of server 100. As shown in Figure 2A, player terminal 1 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a storage device 12, a bus 14, an input / output interface 16, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 20, an input unit 22, and an output unit 24.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2B, the server 100 is composed of a CPU 110, a storage device 112, a bus 114, an input / output interface 116, a storage unit 118, a communication unit 120, an input unit 122, and an output unit 124.

[0027] Furthermore, the configuration and functions of the CPU 110, storage device 112, bus 114, input / output interface 116, memory unit 118, communication unit 120, input unit 122, and output unit 124 of the server 100 are substantially the same as those of the CPU 10, storage device 12, bus 14, input / output interface 16, memory unit 18, communication unit 20, input unit 22, and output unit 24 of the player terminal 1, respectively. Therefore, the hardware configuration of the player terminal 1 will be described below, and the server 100 will not be described.

[0028] The CPU 10 controls the game's progress by running the program stored in the storage device 12. The storage device 12 consists of ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory) and stores the program and various data necessary for controlling the game's progress. The storage device 12 is connected to the CPU 10 via the bus 14.

[0029] An input / output interface 16 is connected to bus 14. A storage unit 18, a communication unit 20, an input unit 22, and an output unit 24 are connected to the input / output interface 16.

[0030] The memory unit 18 is composed of semiconductor memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and stores various programs and data. In the player terminal 1, the programs and data stored in the memory unit 18 are loaded into the memory device 12 (RAM) by the CPU 10.

[0031] The communication unit 20 is wirelessly connected to the communication base station Na and transmits and receives various data and information such as programs to and from the server 100 via the communication network N. In the player terminal 1, programs and other information received from the server 100 are stored in the storage device 12 or the storage unit 18.

[0032] The input unit 22 is composed of, for example, a touch panel, buttons, keyboard, mouse, directional pad, analog controller, etc., which receive (accept) the player's operations. Alternatively, the input unit 22 may be a dedicated controller provided on the player terminal 1 or connected to (externally attached to) the player terminal 1. Furthermore, the input unit 22 may consist of an accelerometer that detects the tilt or movement of the player terminal 1, or a microphone that detects the player's voice. In other words, the input unit 22 broadly includes devices that allow the player's intentions to be input in an identifiable manner.

[0033] The output unit 24 includes a display device and a speaker. The output unit 24 may also be an external device connected to the player terminal 1. In this embodiment, the player terminal 1 includes a display 26 as the output unit 24 and a touch panel superimposed on the display 26 as the input unit 22.

[0034] The information processing system S and the game device G of this embodiment are applicable to all game genres. In other words, the content of the game to which the information processing system S and the game device G of this embodiment are applied is not particularly limited. For example, the games provided by the information processing system S and the game device G include digital card games, RPGs (Roll Playing Games), shooting games, breeding games, action games, sports games, simulation games, puzzle games, and the like. However, the information processing system S and the game device G are widely applicable to other games than those described above.

[0035] In this embodiment, as an example, the case where the information processing system S and the game device G are applied to a digital card game will be described. According to the information processing system S and the game device G of this embodiment, a lottery game called a so-called gacha is provided. The player can execute the lottery game by consuming in-game currency. In the lottery game, one of a plurality of game media is determined by lottery. The player can acquire and possess the game media won in the lottery game. Here, the game media that the player can acquire and possess in the lottery game are cards that can be used in a digital card game. Here, the case where the game media is a card will be described, but the game media may be an item or a character used in games of various game genres.

[0036] Although detailed description is omitted, the digital card game can be a对战 game in which two players对战 via online communication. However, the digital card game may be a game in which one player对战s against a computer. In the digital card game, a deck composed of a plurality of cards is used. The player can compile a plurality of cards possessed by himself / herself into the deck. That is, the digital card game progresses using the cards compiled by the player into the deck.

[0037] Figure 3 illustrates an example of the cards to be drawn in the lottery game. As described above, in the lottery game of this embodiment, one card is randomly selected from among several cards. Here, the cards that are won in the lottery game, i.e., the cards to be drawn, are classified into one of four card categories based on their rarity: Legend, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. In the following, cards classified as Legend will be referred to as Legend cards. Similarly, cards classified as Gold, Silver, and Bronze will be referred to as Gold cards, Silver cards, and Bronze cards, respectively. Legend cards have the highest rarity, followed by Gold cards, Silver cards, and Bronze cards, in that order of decreasing rarity.

[0038] Here, cards with higher rarity have better performance than cards with lower rarity. For example, each card has parameters assigned to it, and cards with higher parameters have better performance and greater value in the digital card game. Alternatively, cards may have effects that are activated in the digital card game. In this case, cards with higher rarity may activate more advantageous effects. However, the relationship between rarity and card performance is not limited to this. For example, there may be multiple cards with the same performance but classified into different card categories. In this case, the only difference between multiple cards with different card categories may be how they are displayed on the game screen.

[0039] In this embodiment, the cards eligible for the lottery include 23 types of Legend cards, 37 types of Gold cards, 37 types of Silver cards, and 45 types of Bronze cards. Players can possess any of these 142 types of cards that they win in the lottery game.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lottery game includes exchange tickets as prizes. An exchange ticket is the right to exchange it for a predetermined item. Players can use the exchange tickets they possess to acquire and possess their desired items.

[0041] Figure 4 illustrates an example of an exchange ticket. In this embodiment, there are a total of four types of exchange tickets: the first exchange ticket, the second exchange ticket, the third exchange ticket, and the fourth exchange ticket. Each exchange ticket has an exchange target set for it, and a player can obtain one of the exchange targets set for that exchange ticket in exchange for an exchange ticket they possess.

[0042] Here, the first exchange ticket has items A, B, and C set as exchange targets; the second exchange ticket has items A, B, and C set as exchange targets; the third exchange ticket has items A, B, and C set as exchange targets; and the fourth exchange ticket has items A, B, and C set as exchange targets. For example, a player can use the first exchange ticket to select one of items A, B, or C and obtain the selected item.

[0043] Here, each exchange ticket has an acquisition limit set. The acquisition limit is the maximum number of times a player can acquire each exchange ticket. In this case, the acquisition limit is set to "3," meaning a player can acquire each exchange ticket a maximum of three times. As mentioned above, each exchange ticket has three items that can be exchanged for it. Since the acquisition limit set for each exchange ticket is "3," a player can acquire all the exchangeable items by acquiring the maximum number of tickets (3) for each exchange ticket.

[0044] Here, we have assumed that the number of exchangeable items and the acquisition limit are the same for each exchange ticket, but the number of exchangeable items and the acquisition limit may be different. For example, if the acquisition limit is set to be greater than the number of exchangeable items, a player can acquire the same exchangeable item multiple times. Conversely, if the acquisition limit is set to be less than the number of exchangeable items, a player will not be able to acquire any of the exchangeable items.

[0045] In this system, players can only obtain each exchangeable item with an exchange ticket once. Therefore, players cannot obtain the same exchangeable item multiple times. However, players may be able to obtain the same exchangeable item multiple times.

[0046] Furthermore, the content and intended use of the items to be exchanged are not particularly limited. For example, the items to be exchanged with the exchange ticket may be cards usable in a digital card game. Alternatively, the items to be exchanged may be items to change the display appearance of cards owned by the player, i.e., items to change the appearance, or items to change the parameters, effects, etc., set on cards owned by the player. Here, the items to be exchanged with the exchange ticket are not included in the draw for the lottery game, however, some of the draw for the lottery game may be included in the items to be exchanged with the exchange ticket.

[0047] Figure 5 illustrates an example of the probability of winning. In this embodiment, eight lottery games are provided as one pack. That is, the minimum number of lottery games a player can play is eight. A player can play one pack = eight lottery games by spending a predetermined amount of in-game currency. However, the minimum number of lottery games played is not limited to eight; it may be one or multiple times other than eight.

[0048] In this embodiment, the lottery game for one pack is configured to guarantee that a card of Silver rarity or higher, or an exchange ticket, will be won. In other words, after eight lottery games are played, at least one card of Silver rarity or higher, i.e., a card classified as either a Legend card, Gold card, or Silver card, or an exchange ticket, will be determined. This is achieved by using different lottery tables for the 1st to 7th lottery games and the 8th lottery game when one pack of lottery games is played.

[0049] Specifically, the draw table used for the 1st to 7th draw games includes cards classified as Bronze cards. In contrast, the draw table used for the 8th draw game does not include cards classified as Bronze cards. As a result, in the 8th draw game, the winner is guaranteed to receive a card of Silver rarity or higher, or an exchange ticket. Below, the 1st to 7th draw games in a pack will be referred to as the "normal" draw games. The 8th draw game in a pack, where the winner is guaranteed to receive a card of Silver rarity or higher, or an exchange ticket, will be referred to as the "guaranteed" draw game. Note that the probability of winning items within the same draw table may be varied between the 1st to 7th draw games and the 8th draw game.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not a special condition is met when the lottery game is executed. Here, the special condition is set that the player has already acquired all types of exchange tickets three times, which is the maximum number of times each ticket can be acquired. As mentioned above, exchange tickets are included in the lottery draw for the lottery game, and the player can acquire each exchange ticket by playing the lottery game. Also, as will be explained in more detail later, the player can acquire exchange tickets by means other than the lottery game.

[0051] Here, regardless of the means or method by which the player acquired the exchange tickets, the state in which all types of exchange tickets have been acquired three times is referred to as the "special condition fulfilled state." Conversely, the state in which all types of exchange tickets have not been acquired three times is referred to as the "special condition not fulfilled state." Therefore, for example, a state in which the first, second, and third exchange tickets have each been acquired three times, and the fourth exchange ticket has been acquired twice, is considered the "special condition not fulfilled state."

[0052] In each lottery game, the draw is conducted using a lottery table that sets the winning probability for each target. Here, four types of lottery tables are set up, depending on the combination of whether the special conditions are met or not, and whether it is a normal state or a confirmed state.

[0053] When no special conditions are met and the game is running under normal circumstances, the combined probability of winning any of the 23 types of Legend cards (hereinafter referred to as the total probability) is set to 1.50%. Similarly, when no special conditions are met and the game is running under normal circumstances, the combined probability of winning any of the 37 types of Gold cards, any of the 37 types of Silver cards, any of the 45 types of Bronze cards, and any of the exchange tickets are set to 6.00%, 25.00%, 67.44%, and 0.06%, respectively.

[0054] Furthermore, when no special conditions are met and the result is confirmed, the total probability of obtaining a Legend card is set to 1.50%, the total probability of obtaining a Gold card is set to 6.00%, and the probability of winning an exchange ticket is set to 0.06%. In other words, when no special conditions are met, the total probability of obtaining a Legend card, the total probability of obtaining a Gold card, and the probability of winning an exchange ticket are the same as in normal circumstances and when the result is confirmed.

[0055] In contrast, when no special conditions are met and the draw is confirmed, the total probability of winning a Silver Card is set to 92.44%, and the total probability of winning a Bronze Card is set to 0%. In other words, when the draw is confirmed, the total probability of winning a Bronze Card under normal circumstances is absorbed into the Silver Card, increasing the probability of winning a Silver Card. Furthermore, when the draw is confirmed, the total probability of winning a Bronze Card under normal circumstances may be absorbed into either a Legend Card or a Gold Card, or both. In this case, when the draw is confirmed, the probability of winning a Legend Card or a Gold Card will be higher than under normal circumstances.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, when the special conditions are met, the probability of winning an exchange ticket is set to 0% in both normal and confirmed states. When the special conditions are met and the state is normal, the 0.06% probability of winning an exchange ticket in the state where the special conditions are not met and the state is normal is absorbed into the bronze card. Therefore, when the special conditions are met and the state is normal, the probability of winning a bronze card is 0.06% higher than when the special conditions are not met and the state is normal. Also, when the special conditions are met and the state is confirmed, the 0.06% probability of winning an exchange ticket in the state where the special conditions are not met and the state is confirmed is absorbed into the silver card. Therefore, when the special conditions are met and the state is confirmed, the probability of winning a silver card is 0.06% higher than when the special conditions are not met and the state is confirmed.

[0057] As is clear from Figure 5, in the four card classifications, the probability of winning a Legend card is the lowest, and the probability of winning a Bronze card is the highest. In other words, cards with a lower probability of winning are of higher rarity, and cards with a higher probability of winning are of lower rarity. Furthermore, the probability of winning an exchange ticket is a maximum of 0.06%, which is lower than the combined probability of winning a Legend card. Therefore, it can be said that exchange tickets are of extremely high rarity.

[0058] Furthermore, if a special condition is met, that is, if the maximum number of exchange tickets of all types has been acquired, the player will not win an exchange ticket in the lottery game. Acquiring the maximum number of exchange tickets of all types means that all exchangeable items have been acquired or are available for acquisition. In this embodiment, the player can acquire each item set as an exchangeable item for the exchange ticket only once. Therefore, even if the player acquires more exchange tickets when the maximum number of exchange tickets of all types has been acquired, the player cannot exchange the exchange tickets for any exchangeable item. Nevertheless, if the player wins an exchange ticket of high rarity in the lottery game, the player will feel a great sense of loss. In this embodiment, since the player will not win an exchange ticket when the special condition is met, the player will not feel a sense of loss. The lottery method for the lottery game described above will be explained below.

[0059] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a lottery table. Figure 6 shows the lottery table under normal conditions when no special conditions are met. Each card is associated with a card ID. The card ID is unique identification information that identifies the card. The lottery table has a winning probability set for each card ID of the cards being drawn. As shown in Figure 6, the winning probability for all 23 types of Legend cards is 0.0652%, the winning probability for all 37 types of Gold cards is 0.1621%, the winning probability for all 37 types of Silver cards is 0.6757%, and the winning probability for all 45 types of Bronze cards is 1.4987%. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, the winning probabilities of some cards have been adjusted so that the sum of the winning probabilities equals 100%.

[0060] Here, the lottery table includes a slot for exchange tickets as a target for the lottery. The card ID for the exchange ticket slot is set to "0". The probability of winning this exchange ticket slot, in other words, the probability of winning card ID=0, is 0.06%. Thus, according to the lottery table, one card ID will be determined by lottery. If the card ID that is won in the lottery is a card ID linked to any of the cards, the card with the winning card ID will be given to the player. On the other hand, if the winning card ID is "0", that is, if the exchange ticket slot is won, the type of exchange ticket will be determined.

[0061] In this explanation, we have described the lottery table for normal conditions when no special conditions are met, out of the four lottery tables. However, in the other lottery tables as well, the winning probabilities for each card are set so that the total probability for each card category and the winning probability of an exchange ticket are as shown in Figure 5.

[0062] Figure 7A illustrates an example of exchange ticket acquisition information. Figure 7B illustrates an example of the correspondence between acquisition information and the exchange ticket lottery table. Each exchange ticket is associated with an exchange ticket ID. The exchange ticket ID is unique identification information that identifies the type of exchange ticket. The storage device 112 or storage unit 118 of the server 100 stores the exchange ticket acquisition information associated with each unique player ID assigned to each player. The exchange ticket acquisition information indicates the number of times each exchange ticket has been acquired and is stored associated with the exchange ticket ID.

[0063] As mentioned above, each exchange ticket has a maximum acquisition limit of "3," and players can acquire each exchange ticket a maximum of three times, regardless of the means or method of acquisition. Here, a player can acquire each exchange ticket only three times throughout their lifetime, in other words, as long as they play the game. The acquisition information for exchange tickets includes a lifetime acquisition count, which shows the total number of times the player has acquired exchange tickets throughout their lifetime. The lifetime acquisition count is stored in association with each exchange ticket ID. When a player acquires an exchange ticket, the lifetime acquisition count associated with the acquired exchange ticket ID is increased by 1. Figure 7A shows a state where the first and third exchange tickets have not been acquired, the second exchange ticket has been acquired once, and the fourth exchange ticket has been acquired twice.

[0064] Then, if you win an exchange ticket in the lottery game, the type of exchange ticket will be determined based on the exchange ticket lottery table. There are 15 types of exchange ticket lottery tables, from Table 1 to Table 15, and one of these tables will be determined based on the information you have acquired for exchange tickets.

[0065] Figure 7B shows whether the lifetime acquisition limit has been reached for each type of exchange ticket. In Figure 7B, a circle (○) indicates that the lifetime acquisition limit has not been reached, meaning that it is still possible to acquire exchange tickets, while a cross (×) indicates that the lifetime acquisition limit has been reached, meaning that it is not possible to acquire any more exchange tickets. For example, if the lifetime acquisition limit has not been reached for all four types of exchange tickets, from the first to the fourth exchange ticket, then the first table of the exchange ticket lottery tables will be selected.

[0066] Furthermore, for example, if the lifetime acquisition limits for the first and second exchange tickets have been reached, but the lifetime acquisition limits for the third and fourth exchange tickets have not been reached, then the sixth table of the exchange ticket lottery tables will be selected. Also, for example, if the lifetime acquisition limits for the first, third, and fourth exchange tickets have been reached, but the lifetime acquisition limit for the second exchange ticket has not been reached, then the fourteenth table of the exchange ticket lottery tables will be selected. In this way, once an exchange ticket lottery table is selected based on the acquisition information of the exchange tickets, the type of exchange ticket is determined based on the selected exchange ticket lottery table.

[0067] Figure 8A illustrates an example of Table 1. Figure 8B illustrates an example of Table 6. Figure 8C illustrates an example of Table 14. Each exchange ticket lottery table has a set probability of winning for each exchange ticket ID of the exchange tickets being drawn. As shown in Figure 8A, according to Table 1, the probability of winning each of the four exchange tickets is 25%. Also, as shown in Figure 8B, according to Table 6, the probability of winning the third and fourth exchange tickets is 50% each, and it is impossible to win the first and second exchange tickets. Also, as shown in Figure 8C, according to Table 14, the second exchange ticket is always won.

[0068] In this example, 15 exchange ticket lottery tables are provided, but the probability of winning each exchange ticket in one lottery table may be varied so that exchange tickets whose lifetime acquisition limit has been reached are excluded from the lottery.

[0069] As described above, according to this embodiment, in the lottery game, first, the card ID of the card to be drawn is determined by a lottery (hereinafter referred to as the card lottery). If the card ID associated with the card is selected, the card with the selected card ID is given to the player. On the other hand, if the card ID associated with the exchange ticket slot is selected, i.e., the exchange ticket slot is selected, an exchange ticket lottery table is selected based on the exchange ticket acquisition information, and the type of exchange ticket is determined by a lottery (hereinafter referred to as the exchange ticket type lottery) based on the selected exchange ticket lottery table. In this case, the exchange ticket type lottery determines only the types of exchange tickets for which the lifetime acquisition count has not reached the acquisition limit.

[0070] It should be noted that the lottery method described above is merely one example. In this embodiment, when a player wins an exchange ticket in the card lottery, a lottery for the type of exchange ticket is performed to determine the type of exchange ticket. However, for example, the type of exchange ticket could also be determined by the card lottery used to determine the card ID. In this case, a lottery table for the card lottery would be provided for each piece of acquired information, and the winning probability for each lottery table would be set so that only exchange tickets for which the lifetime acquisition count has not reached the acquisition limit can be won, as described above.

[0071] Alternatively, for example, in the first stage, one of the card classifications may be determined by lottery with the probabilities shown in Figure 5, and in the second stage, one card ID may be determined by lottery from among the cards belonging to the determined card classification. In any case, the lottery method for the lottery game can be designed as appropriate. Also, as long as at least one type of exchange ticket is included, the items to be drawn in the lottery game are not particularly limited.

[0072] In this embodiment, when a lottery game is played, points are awarded to the player. Here, one point is awarded to the player each time a pack (8 rounds) of the lottery game is played. In other words, the number of times the lottery game is played, i.e., the number of lottery game packs purchased by the player, is managed as points. Therefore, in this case, points are synonymous with the number of lottery games purchased or played.

[0073] However, the number of points awarded to players and the conditions under which points are awarded are not limited to these. For example, the number of points awarded to players may be determined by lottery each time a lottery game is played. Alternatively, the points awarded to players may be determined by the content of the lottery prizes won in the lottery game. Specifically, if the lottery prizes won include items of high rarity, more points may be awarded. Conversely, if the lottery prizes won do not include items of high rarity, more points may be awarded.

[0074] When a player's points reach a predetermined value, they can use their points to exercise a specified right. In other words, a player can convert their points into the exercise of a specified right. Hereafter, the right that a player can exercise by using points, or in other words, by converting points, will be referred to as a converted right.

[0075] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a conversion right. In this embodiment, when the points reach "200", the player can exercise the first conversion right as a conversion right. Hereafter, the first conversion right may be referred to as a treasure chest chance. The player also has the right to refuse, or discard, the first conversion right. Therefore, when the points reach "200", the player can choose to either spend "200" points to exercise the first conversion right, or discard the first conversion right. If the first conversion right is exercised, the points held by the player are reduced by "200". On the other hand, if the first conversion right is discarded, the points held by the player remain unchanged.

[0076] Furthermore, once a player's points reach 300, they can exercise their second conversion right. Players cannot refuse this second conversion right. Therefore, when a player reaches 300 points, they must use 300 points to exercise their second conversion right. When the second conversion right is exercised, 300 points are deducted from the player's total points.

[0077] Figure 10 illustrates an example of the first and second conversion rights. Both the first and second conversion rights are rights to acquire rewards by consuming points. In other words, the first and second conversion rights can be described as rights to convert points into rewards. However, the first conversion right differs in that the player cannot arbitrarily select the reward, whereas the second conversion right allows the player to arbitrarily select the reward. Here, the rewards, i.e., the items that can be converted from points, are the first exchange ticket, the second exchange ticket, the third exchange ticket, the fourth exchange ticket, the first premium card set, the second premium card set, and the third premium card set.

[0078] The 1st Exchange Ticket, 2nd Exchange Ticket, 3rd Exchange Ticket, and 4th Exchange Ticket are, as mentioned above, exchange tickets included in the lottery game. The 1st Premium Card Set, 2nd Premium Card Set, and 3rd Premium Card Set are each sets of three cards. Hereafter, when the 1st Premium Card Set, 2nd Premium Card Set, and 3rd Premium Card Set are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as Premium Card Sets. The three cards included in a Premium Card Set will be referred to as Premium Cards. Furthermore, below, the rewards that can be obtained by exercising the 1st Conversion Right and 2nd Conversion Right, namely the Exchange Tickets and Premium Card Sets, will be referred to as Special Rewards.

[0079] For example, a player can acquire three premium cards by obtaining the first premium card set. The three premium cards included in each premium card set are different for the first, second, and third premium card sets. Therefore, a total of nine different premium cards are available. None of these premium cards are included in the lottery draw. Therefore, players can only acquire premium cards by exercising their conversion rights. However, premium cards may be included in the lottery draw. Alternatively, premium cards may be available to players through free distribution by the game operator or by spending in-game currency.

[0080] As mentioned above, there is a limit to the number of exchange tickets that can be acquired, and on Server 100, the lifetime acquisition limit for each type of exchange ticket is recorded. Similarly, there is a limit to the number of premium card sets that can be acquired, and on Server 100, the lifetime acquisition limit for each type of premium card ticket is recorded. Here, the acquisition limit for premium card sets is set to "1".

[0081] When a player's points reach 300, they must exercise their second conversion right and choose one of the conversion options. At this time, the player cannot choose a conversion option for which their lifetime acquisition limit has been reached. Therefore, when exercising their second conversion right, the player must choose one conversion option for which their lifetime acquisition limit has not been reached. Once the player has chosen a conversion option in this way, 300 points will be consumed, and in exchange for the points consumed, the player will receive the exchange ticket or premium card set of their choice. When a conversion option is acquired in this way, the lifetime acquisition limit for that conversion option will be increased by 1.

[0082] Furthermore, when a player's points reach "200," the item they can obtain through the exercise of their first conversion right is determined by lottery. In the following, to distinguish it from the card lottery in the lottery game described above, the lottery to determine the conversion item will be referred to as the special lottery. For example, suppose that the lifetime acquisition limit for all seven conversion items (special rewards) shown in Figure 10 has not yet been reached. In this case, all seven conversion items are set as targets for the lottery, and one of them is determined by the special lottery. Conversion items whose lifetime acquisition limit has been reached are excluded from the lottery. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 10, the second premium card set is excluded from the lottery, and one of the six other lottery items is determined by the special lottery.

[0083] Figure 11A illustrates an example of a special lottery. Figure 11B illustrates another example of a special lottery. In a special lottery, the probability of winning each lottery target is set based on the acquired information. As shown in Figure 11A, if the lifetime acquisition limit for all seven conversion targets has not been reached, the probability of winning each of the seven lottery targets is set to 14.29%. Also, for example, as shown in Figure 11B, suppose the lifetime acquisition limit for the second exchange ticket and the first premium card set has been reached. In this case, the second exchange ticket and the first premium card set are excluded from the lottery, and the remaining five conversion targets are set as lottery targets. At this time, the probability of winning each of the five lottery targets is set to 20%.

[0084] In the special lottery, the probability of winning each item is equal. However, in the special lottery, the probability of winning some items is adjusted so that the sum of the probabilities of all items is 100%. In the special lottery, the probabilities of winning each item may differ from one another. For example, the probability of winning an exchange ticket may be different from the probability of winning a premium card set. Alternatively, the probability of winning an item may be set according to the number of times it has been acquired in a lifetime. For example, the probability of winning an item may be set to be higher for items that have been acquired fewer times in a lifetime.

[0085] Furthermore, the probability of winning is set according to whether or not the lifetime number of times each lottery target has reached the maximum number of times it can be acquired. However, a lottery table may be prepared in advance for each combination pattern of lottery targets for which the lifetime number of times has reached the maximum number of times it can be acquired.

[0086] In this way, when a player's points reach "200", a lottery target is set based on the acquired information, and the probability of winning is set for each target. Then, a special lottery is held based on the set winning probabilities, and one conversion target is determined. The conversion target determined by the special lottery is notified to the player. The player can then choose whether or not to acquire the determined conversion target by exercising their first conversion right. If the first conversion right is exercised, "200" points are consumed, and in exchange for consuming points, the player can acquire the exchange ticket or premium card set determined by the special lottery. When a conversion target is acquired in this way, the lifetime acquisition count of that conversion target is increased by 1. If the player discards their first conversion right without exercising it, the result of the special lottery is discarded. In this case, no points are consumed.

[0087] Furthermore, if the lifetime acquisition limit for all convertible items has been reached when the points reach "200", the special lottery will not be held. In this case, even if the points reach "200", the player will not be granted the first conversion right or any other benefits. Also, if the lifetime acquisition limit for all convertible items has been reached when the points reach "300", the player will be granted additional benefits separate from the seven types of convertible items. The content of these additional benefits is not particularly limited. For example, additional benefits could include in-game currency required to play the lottery game, cards usable in the digital card game, items, etc.

[0088] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the lottery game top screen 30. When the dedicated game application is launched on the player terminal 1, the top screen is displayed on the display 26. When a predetermined operation unit is operated on the top screen, the lottery game top screen 30 shown in Figure 12 is displayed. The lottery game top screen 30 displays the exchange operation unit 32, the remaining number of attempts display unit 34, the special reward operation unit 36, the detailed operation unit 38, and the purchase operation unit 40. In this case, the purchase operation unit 40 is provided as a first purchase operation unit 40a and a second purchase operation unit 40b.

[0089] The exchange operation unit 32 functions as an operation unit that receives input from the player. If the player possesses an exchange ticket, the exchange operation unit 32 may display a message indicating that the player possesses an exchange ticket. This makes it easier for the player to be aware that they possess an exchange ticket. When the player inputs an operation to the exchange operation unit 32, an exchange screen (not shown) is displayed on the display 26. On the exchange screen, the player can use the exchange ticket they possess to obtain the item that is the target of the exchange specified for that ticket. Server 100 manages the number of exchange tickets that the player possesses. When an exchange ticket is consumed, the number of exchange tickets held by the player is decreased on server 100. Server 100 also manages the number of each game medium that the player possesses. When the target item is obtained, the number of acquired items held by the player is increased on server 100.

[0090] The remaining number display unit 34 shows the number of pack purchases remaining until the right to convert is acquired. In other words, the remaining number display unit 34 shows the number of points remaining required to acquire the right to convert. If the number of points the player possesses is less than "200", the remaining number display unit 34 shows the number of points remaining required to acquire the first right to convert. On the other hand, if the first right to convert is forfeited, that is, if the number of points the player possesses is "200" or more, the number of points remaining required to acquire the second right to convert is displayed.

[0091] Therefore, if the number of points the player possesses is less than "200", "Treasure Chest Chance: Remaining" will be displayed near the remaining attempts display unit 34, as shown in Figure 12. This suggests that the number displayed on the remaining attempts display unit 34 is the number of points remaining needed to obtain a Treasure Chest Chance, i.e., the first conversion right. On the other hand, if the number of points the player possesses is "200" or more, for example, "To the Ceiling: Remaining" will be displayed near the remaining attempts display unit 34. This suggests that the number displayed on the remaining attempts display unit 34 is the number of points remaining needed to obtain the second conversion right. This makes it easier for the player to understand the number of remaining purchases needed to obtain the conversion right.

[0092] Furthermore, if a player has already acquired all special rewards, that is, if the lifetime acquisition limit for all exchange tickets and premium card sets has been reached, the first conversion right will not be granted. In this case, even if the second conversion right is exercised, the player will not acquire any special rewards, only additional benefits. Therefore, if the lifetime acquisition limit for all exchange tickets and premium card sets has been reached, the remaining number display unit 34 will show the number of points remaining until the points reach "300". At this time, it would be preferable to display something like "Until additional benefits: remaining" near the remaining number display unit 34.

[0093] The special reward control unit 36 ​​functions as a control unit that receives input from the player. When the player inputs an operation to the special reward control unit 36, the special reward screen 50 is displayed on the display 26.

[0094] Figure 13 illustrates an example of the Special Rewards screen 50. As shown in Figure 13, the Special Rewards screen 50 displays a list of special rewards. Here, the name of the special reward and the card image associated with each special reward are displayed. For exchange tickets, the lifetime acquisition count (number of times exchanged: numerator) relative to the acquisition limit (denominator) is displayed. In addition, the upper right corner of the Special Rewards screen 50 displays the number of points the player currently possesses (numerator) relative to the number of points required to acquire the second conversion right (denominator). Note that the Special Rewards screen 50 may also display only the number of points the player currently possesses. For example, if the number of points the player possesses is less than 200, "200" may be displayed in the denominator, and if the number of points the player possesses is 200 or more, "300" may be displayed in the denominator. Furthermore, the Special Rewards screen 50 may also display information indicating whether or not a premium card set has been acquired. In this way, the Special Rewards screen 50 displays information about special rewards that can be acquired by consuming points. Furthermore, if the player inputs an action on the "Close" button in the special rewards screen 50, the special rewards screen 50 will disappear and the lottery game top screen 30 will be displayed.

[0095] Returning to Figure 12, the detailed operation unit 38 functions as an operation unit that receives input from the player. When the player inputs an operation to the detailed operation unit 38, the detailed screen 55 is displayed on the display 26.

[0096] Figure 14A is the first diagram illustrating an example of the details screen 55. Figure 14B is the first diagram illustrating an example of the individual list screen 60. Figure 15A is the second diagram illustrating an example of the details screen 55. Figure 15B is the second diagram illustrating an example of the individual list screen 60. The details screen 55 displays the probability of winning an exchange ticket and the total probability for each card category in the lottery game. The details screen 55 includes a normal display area 55a that shows the probability of winning an exchange ticket and the total probability for each card category during normal play, and a confirmed display area 55b that shows the probability of winning an exchange ticket and the total probability for each card category during confirmed play. On the details screen 55, the player can view the entire normal display area 55a and the confirmed display area 55b by inputting a vertical scroll operation.

[0097] Here, the content displayed on the details screen 55 differs depending on whether the special conditions are not met or are met. Figure 14A shows the details screen 55 when the special conditions are not met, and Figure 15A shows the details screen 55 when the special conditions are met. As described above, the probability of winning an exchange ticket and the total probability of obtaining a bronze card differ between the state where the special conditions are not met and the state where the special conditions are met. Therefore, the display of the probability of winning an exchange ticket and the total probability of obtaining a bronze card differs on the details screen 55 between the state where the special conditions are not met and the state where the special conditions are met.

[0098] In particular, under the conditions of special circumstances, it is not possible to win an exchange ticket. Therefore, under the conditions of special circumstances, the details screen 55 will display the message "All tickets have already been acquired, so no tickets will be included" for the exchange ticket slots, as shown in Figure 15A. In this way, players can see the current probability of winning an exchange ticket and the total probability for each card category on the details screen 55.

[0099] Furthermore, when the player inputs a display switching operation on the details screen 55, the individual list screen 60 is displayed on the display 26, as shown in Figures 14B and 15B. The display switching operation is, for example, a tap operation on the details screen 55. The individual list screen 60 displays a list of winning probabilities for each lottery target. Here, the individual list screen 60 displays the acquisition limit (denominator) and the lifetime acquisition count (numerator) for each of the four types of exchange tickets. The individual list screen 60 also displays the winning probability for each exchange ticket. At this time, for exchange ticket types where the lifetime acquisition count has reached the acquisition limit, the message "Not included as all have already been acquired" is displayed.

[0100] Figure 14B shows the individual list screen 60 when the special conditions are not met, and Figure 15B shows the individual list screen 60 when the special conditions are met. When the special conditions are not met, as shown in Figure 14B, the probability of winning is displayed for at least one type of exchange ticket. On the other hand, when the special conditions are met, as shown in Figure 15B, the message "Not included as all have already been acquired" is displayed for all four types of exchange tickets. As the probability of winning changes for card categories and exchange tickets, the probability displayed on the details screen 55 changes, allowing players to easily understand the current probability of winning for card categories and exchange tickets. Therefore, players can decide whether or not to purchase a pack based on the current probability of winning.

[0101] Returning to Figure 12, the first purchase operation unit 40a and the second purchase operation unit 40b function as operation units that receive player input. The first purchase operation unit 40a and the second purchase operation unit 40b are operation units for executing a lottery game. The first purchase operation unit 40a is an operation unit for executing a lottery game using, for example, the first in-game currency, and the second purchase operation unit 40b is an operation unit for executing a lottery game using, for example, the second in-game currency. In other words, when executing a lottery game, the player can select the in-game currency to use on the lottery game top screen 30. When player input is made to the first purchase operation unit 40a or the second purchase operation unit 40b, the number of attempts specification screen 65 is displayed on the display 26.

[0102] Figure 16A is a diagram illustrating an example of the number of attempts screen 65. The number of attempts screen 65 displays the in-game currency display section 66. The in-game currency display section 66 displays the current amount of in-game currency corresponding to the purchase operation section 40 that was operated on the lottery game top screen 30. The number of attempts screen 65 also displays the specified number of attempts display section 67, the plus operation section 67a, and the minus operation section 67b. The specified number of attempts display section 67 displays the number of packs for the lottery game currently selected by the player.

[0103] The plus operation unit 67a is an operation unit that receives plus operations from the player. When a plus operation is input to the plus operation unit 67a, the number of packs displayed on the specified number of times display unit 67 is increased by "1". The minus operation unit 67b is an operation unit that receives minus operations from the player. When a minus operation is input to the minus operation unit 67b, the number of packs displayed on the specified number of times display unit 67 is decreased by "1". In this way, the player can specify the number of packs, i.e., the number of times the lottery game will be played, by operating the plus operation unit 67a or the minus operation unit 67b. Note that the lower limit of the number of packs that the player can specify on the number of times specification screen 65 is "1", and the upper limit is, for example, "10". However, there is no particular limit to the upper limit of the number of packs that the player can specify; for example, there may be no upper limit at all.

[0104] Furthermore, the number of attempts specification screen 65 is provided with a start operation unit 68. The start operation unit 68 functions as an operation unit that accepts the player's start operation. The start operation unit 68 displays the amount of in-game currency required to purchase the currently specified number of packs. When a start operation is entered into the start operation unit 68, a start command is sent from the player terminal 1 to the server 100. This start command includes at least pack quantity information indicating the number of packs specified by the player. When the server 100 receives the start command, it executes a lottery game for the specified number of packs and sends winning information indicating the lottery results to the player terminal 1. Based on the received winning information, the player terminal 1 displays the results screen 70.

[0105] Figure 16B is a diagram illustrating an example of the results screen 70. As shown in Figure 16B, the results screen 70 displays the results of the lottery game, that is, the cards won in the lottery game, in a list categorized by card type. The results screen 70 is provided with an exit operation unit 72 that accepts the player's close operation. When a close operation is input to the exit operation unit 72, the results screen 70 is hidden. At this point, when the lottery game is executed, points are awarded to the player according to the number of packs purchased. If the points awarded to the player reach "200", and the player has not yet acquired all special rewards up to the maximum amount, a special lottery is executed on server 100. If a special lottery is executed on server 100, a treasure chest chance event occurs after the results screen 70 is hidden.

[0106] Figure 17A is the first diagram illustrating an example of the Treasure Chest Chance animation. Figure 17B is the second diagram illustrating an example of the Treasure Chest Chance animation. In the Treasure Chest Chance animation, as shown in Figure 17A, an image resembling a treasure chest is displayed, followed by an image of cards popping out of the treasure chest, as shown in Figure 17B. The image of the card displayed at this time is unique to each special reward, and the image of the card corresponding to the special reward determined by the special lottery is displayed. Thus, the Treasure Chest Chance animation suggests the special reward that the player can obtain by exercising their first conversion right. After the Treasure Chest Chance animation ends, a conversion selection screen 75 is displayed, allowing the player to choose whether to exercise or discard their first conversion right.

[0107] Figure 18A illustrates an example of the conversion selection screen 75. The conversion selection screen 75 includes an item display area 76 and a special reward display area 78. The item display area 76 displays a list of item images corresponding to the items set as exchange targets for exchange tickets and the premium cards included in the premium card set. At this time, item images corresponding to items or premium cards already acquired by the player are displayed grayed out, as shown by the cross-hatching in the figure. This makes it easy for the player to check items they have not yet acquired.

[0108] Furthermore, the special reward display area 78 displays an image of a card corresponding to the special reward determined by the special lottery, similar to the treasure chest chance animation, that is, the special reward that the player can obtain by exercising their first conversion right. The item display area 76 is provided with a rejection operation unit 76a that functions as an operation unit to accept the player's rejection operation. The special reward display area 78 is also provided with a right exercise operation unit 78a that functions as an operation unit to accept the player's right exercise operation. When a rejection operation is entered into the rejection operation unit 76a, a confirmation dialog 79 is displayed on the display 26.

[0109] Figure 18B illustrates an example of a confirmation dialog 79. As shown in Figure 18B, the confirmation dialog 79 displays a message explaining that the special reward determined by the special lottery will not be awarded and that the points will not be consumed. The confirmation dialog 79 is equipped with an end confirmation operation unit 79a that accepts the player's end confirmation operation and a cancel operation unit 79b that accepts the player's cancel operation. When an end confirmation operation is entered into the end confirmation operation unit 79a, the confirmation dialog 79 is hidden and the lottery game top screen 30 is displayed. In this case, the result of the special lottery is discarded and the current points are maintained. When a cancel operation is entered into the cancel operation unit 79b, the confirmation dialog 79 is hidden and the conversion selection screen 75 is displayed.

[0110] Furthermore, let's assume that a rights exercise operation is entered into the rights exercise operation unit 78a on the conversion selection screen 75. At this time, if a premium card was determined in the special lottery, the points confirmation screen 83, which will be described later, will be displayed. Also, if an exchange ticket was determined in the special lottery, the exchange target selection screen 80 will be displayed.

[0111] Figure 19A illustrates an example of the exchange item selection screen 80. The exchange item selection screen 80 displays the exchange items that can be obtained in exchange for the exchange tickets determined by the special lottery. Here, an exchange image 81 corresponding to each of the three exchange items is displayed. Below the exchange image 81, a selection operation section 81a is provided. The selection operation section 81a functions as an operation section that accepts the player's selection operation. Note that the exchange image 81 and selection operation section 81a corresponding to an exchange item that the player already possesses are displayed grayed out, as shown by the cross-hatching in the figure. Input of a selection operation to the grayed-out selection operation section 81a is treated as invalid. When the player inputs an operation to the back operation section 82 provided on the exchange item selection screen 80, the exchange item selection screen 80 is hidden and the conversion selection screen 75 is displayed. When a selection operation is input to the selection operation section 81a, the point confirmation screen 83 is displayed.

[0112] Figure 19B is a diagram illustrating an example of the points confirmation screen 83. On the points confirmation screen 83, the player is notified that "200," which is required to exercise the first conversion right, will be deducted from the points they currently possess. The points confirmation screen 83 is equipped with a conversion execution operation unit 83a and a cancellation operation unit 83b. The conversion execution operation unit 83a functions as an operation unit that accepts the player's confirmation operation. When a confirmation operation is entered into the conversion execution operation unit 83a, the lifetime number of times the special reward determined by the special lottery has been obtained is increased by 1, and the number of acquired premium cards or exchange items held is updated. In this case, the points confirmation screen 83 is hidden, and the lottery game top screen 30 is displayed. If the cancellation operation unit 83b is operated, the screen displayed before the points confirmation screen 83 is shown.

[0113] Furthermore, suppose that after the lottery game is played and points are awarded to the player, the player's points reach "300". In this case, if the player has not already acquired all special rewards up to the maximum amount, the points exchange dialog 85 will be displayed when the results screen 70 shown in Figure 16B is hidden.

[0114] Figure 20A illustrates an example of a points exchange dialog 85. The points exchange dialog 85 displays a message indicating that points can be exchanged for a special reward. The points exchange dialog 85 is also provided with an acceptance operation unit 85a. When the player inputs an operation into the acceptance operation unit 85a, the special reward selection screen 86 is displayed.

[0115] Figure 20B illustrates an example of the Special Reward Selection Screen 86. As shown in Figure 20B, the Special Reward Selection Screen 86 displays a list of special rewards, similar to the Special Reward Screen 50. Here, the name of the special reward and the card image associated with each special reward are displayed. For exchange tickets, the lifetime acquisition count (number of times exchanged: numerator) relative to the acquisition limit (denominator) is displayed. In addition, the upper right corner of the Special Reward Selection Screen 86 displays the number of points the player currently possesses (numerator) relative to the number of points required to acquire the second conversion right (denominator).

[0116] Here, the card images displayed on the special reward selection screen 86 function as an operation unit that accepts the player's provisional selection operation. When a provisional selection operation is input to a card image, the special reward corresponding to the card image in which the provisional selection operation was input becomes provisionally selected. When any special reward is provisionally selected, input of a conversion operation to the conversion operation unit 86a provided on the special reward selection screen 86 becomes active.

[0117] At this time, if a conversion operation is input to the conversion operation unit 86a while an exchange ticket is in a provisional selection state, the exchange target selection screen 80 shown in Figure 19A is displayed. In this case, if the selection operation unit 81a is operated on the exchange target selection screen 80, the point confirmation screen 83 is displayed, and when the conversion execution operation unit 83a is operated, 300 points are deducted, and the provisionally selected exchange target is granted to the player. Note that here, if an exchange ticket is selected, the player must select the exchange target for that exchange ticket. However, if an exchange ticket is selected, the exchange ticket may be granted to the player, and the right to exchange the exchange ticket for an exchange target may be reserved. Also, if a conversion operation is input to the conversion operation unit 86a while a premium card set is in a provisional selection state, the point confirmation screen 83 is displayed, and when the conversion execution operation unit 83a is operated, 300 points are deducted, and the provisionally selected premium card set is granted to the player.

[0118] As described above, in this embodiment, the player can choose to exercise the first conversion right and obtain the prize won in the special lottery, or to discard the first conversion right and exercise the second conversion right to obtain the desired prize. In other words, the player can choose to accumulate 300 points to reliably obtain the desired prize, or to spend 200 points to obtain the prize early. This enhances the enjoyment of the game. Furthermore, by providing multiple stages at which the conversion right can be exercised, the sense of accomplishment from accumulating points can be given to the player multiple times.

[0119] Next, we will describe the functional configuration of player terminal 1 and server 100, as well as the specific processing performed by server 100. Note that the following will only describe the configuration and processing related to the lottery game and points mentioned above; other configurations and processing will not be explained.

[0120] (Functional configuration of player terminal 1) Figure 21 illustrates the computer functions of the player terminal 1. The storage device 12 is provided with a program storage area 12a. At the start of the game, the CPU 10 stores various programs in the program storage area 12a. The programs stored in the program storage area 12a include a lottery game control program 90 and an operation judgment program 92. Note that the programs shown in Figure 21 are just examples, and the player terminal 1 is equipped with many other programs.

[0121] The CPU 10 runs each program stored in the program storage area 12a, causing the player terminal 1 (computer) to function as the game control unit 1A. The game control unit 1A includes a lottery game control unit 90a and an operation determination unit 92a.

[0122] Specifically, the CPU 10 runs the lottery game control program 90, causing the computer to function as the lottery game control unit 90a. Similarly, the CPU 10 runs the operation judgment program 92, causing it to function as the operation judgment unit 92a.

[0123] The lottery game control unit 90a displays game images related to the lottery game on the display 26 based on the player's input or information received from the server 100. The operation determination unit 92a analyzes the operation entered on the touch panel and sends a command corresponding to the operation to the server 100.

[0124] (Functional configuration of Server 100) Figure 22 illustrates the computer functions of server 100. The storage device 112 is provided with a program storage area 112a and a data storage area 112b. The CPU 110 stores various programs in the program storage area 112a. Programs stored in the program storage area 112a include a game execution program 130, a lottery game execution program 132, an acquisition information update program 134, a possession information update program 136, and a point management program 138. Note that the programs shown in Figure 22 are just examples, and server 100 is equipped with many other programs.

[0125] The data storage area 112b is equipped with three memory units for storing data: an acquisition information storage unit 150, a possession information storage unit 152, and a point storage unit 154. Note that these are just examples, and the data storage area 112b contains many other memory units. Furthermore, each of these memory units is provided for each player, or more precisely, for each player's unique identification information, the player ID. The acquisition information storage unit 150 stores the acquisition information, namely the lifetime acquisition counts of various exchange tickets and the lifetime acquisition counts of various premium card sets. The possession information storage unit 152 stores possession information, including the number of game media such as cards and items, as well as the number of in-game currencies held. The point storage unit 154 stores the number of points held by the player. In short, acquisition information, possession information, and point counts are stored and managed in conjunction with the player ID.

[0126] The CPU 110 runs each program stored in the program storage area 112a and updates the data in each storage unit of the data storage area 112b. The CPU 110 then makes the server 100 (computer) function as a game control unit 100A by running each program stored in the program storage area 112a. The game control unit 100A includes a game execution unit 130a, a lottery game execution unit 132a, an acquisition information update unit 134a, a possession information update unit 136a, and a point management unit 138a.

[0127] Specifically, the CPU 110 runs the game execution program 130, causing the computer to function as a game execution unit 130a. Similarly, the CPU 110 runs the lottery game execution program 132, the acquisition information update program 134, the possession information update program 136, and the point management program 138, causing them to function as a lottery game execution unit 132a, an acquisition information update unit 134a, a possession information update unit 136a, and a point management unit 138a, respectively.

[0128] The game execution unit 130a controls the progress of the digital card game, i.e., the competitive game. The lottery game execution unit 132a executes the processes related to the lottery game described above. The acquisition information update unit 134a updates the acquisition information in the acquisition information storage unit 150. The possession information update unit 136a updates the possession information in the possession information storage unit 152. The point management unit 138a updates the number of points in the point storage unit 154.

[0129] Next, we will explain the processing performed by player terminal 1 and server 100 in relation to the lottery game described above. For the sake of clarity, the processing performed by player terminal 1 and the processing performed by server 100 will be explained in the following, with the order being changed as appropriate. In the following, the processing performed by player terminal 1 will be denoted as Pn (where n is any integer), and the processing performed by server 100 will be denoted as Sn (where n is any integer).

[0130] (Specific processing of player terminal 1 and server 100) Figure 23 is a flowchart illustrating the terminal-side lottery game execution process in player terminal 1. The terminal-side lottery game execution process shown in Figure 23 is executed when an operation input is made in player terminal 1 to display the lottery game top screen 30. The lottery game control unit 90a executes the lottery game top screen display process to display the lottery game top screen 30 on the display 26 (P1-1).

[0131] Here, the lottery game control unit 90a acquires various information from the server 100, including acquisition information, possession information, and point count. Based on the acquired acquisition information and point count, the lottery game control unit 90a displays the remaining number of attempts information on the remaining attempts display unit 34. Note that if the lifetime acquisition count of all special rewards has reached the acquisition limit, the lottery game control unit 90a may hide the remaining attempts display unit 34 or the special reward operation unit 36.

[0132] If the operation determination unit 92a determines that an operation input has been made to the exchange operation unit 32 on the lottery game top screen 30 (YES in P1-2), the lottery game control unit 90a executes an exchange screen display process to display the exchange screen (P1-3). In the exchange screen display process, a process is executed to obtain the item to be exchanged by consuming an exchange ticket, based on the player's operation input.

[0133] If the operation determination unit 92a determines that an operation input has been made to the special reward operation unit 82 (YES in P1-4), the lottery game control unit 90a executes a special reward screen display process to display the special reward screen 50 (P1-5). Here, the lottery game control unit 90a displays the special reward screen 50 shown in Figure 13 on the display 26 based on the acquired information and the number of points received from the server 100.

[0134] If the operation determination unit 92a determines that an operation input has been made to the detailed operation unit 38 (YES in P1-6), the lottery game control unit 90a executes a detailed screen display process to display the detailed screen 55 (P1-7). Here, the lottery game control unit 90a determines whether the special condition is not met or met based on the acquisition information received from the server 100, and based on the determination result, displays the detailed screen 55 shown in Figure 14A or Figure 15A on the display 26. The lottery game control unit 90a also generates the individual list screen 60 shown in Figure 14B or Figure 15B based on the received acquisition information.

[0135] If the operation determination unit 92a determines that an operation input has been made to the purchase operation unit 40 (YES in P1-8), the lottery game control unit 90a executes a count specification screen display process to display the count specification screen 65 (P1-9). Here, the lottery game control unit 90a displays the count specification screen 65 shown in Figure 16A on the display 26 based on the possession information received from the server 100. In addition, during the count specification screen display process, if the operation determination unit 92a determines that an operation input has been made to the start operation unit 68, a start command is sent to the server 100. This start command includes pack quantity information indicating the number of packs selected by the player's operation input, that is, the number of packs the player will purchase.

[0136] Figure 24 is a flowchart illustrating the server-side lottery game execution process on server 100. The server-side lottery game execution process shown in Figure 24 is started when server 100 receives a start command. The lottery game execution unit 132a sets the number of packs specified by the player in a predetermined memory area based on the pack number information included in the received start command (S1-1). Next, the lottery game execution unit 132a sets the counter value to 8 in the execution count counter, which counts the number of times a card draw is performed in one pack (S1-2). Next, the lottery game execution unit 132a determines whether the special condition has been met based on the acquisition information stored in the acquisition information storage unit 150 (S1-3). Here, if the lifetime acquisition count of all special rewards has reached the acquisition limit, it is determined that the special condition has been met, i.e., the special condition is met; otherwise, it is determined that the special condition has not been met, i.e., the special condition is not met.

[0137] The lottery game execution unit 132a determines the lottery table to be used for the card draw based on the current counter value of the execution count counter and the information on whether special conditions are met (S1-4). In this case, the lottery table for the confirmed draw is determined when the counter value of the execution count counter is 1, and the lottery table for the normal draw is determined when the counter value of the execution count counter is between 2 and 8.

[0138] The lottery game execution unit 132a performs a card lottery to determine a card ID based on the lottery table determined in S1-4 (S1-5). The lottery game execution unit 132a then stores the card ID won in S1-5 in a predetermined memory area (S1-6). If the winning card ID is not "0", which indicates an exchange ticket slot, the possession information update unit 136a increments the number of possessions of the winning card ID in the possession information storage unit 152 by 1. As a result, the card won in the card lottery is assigned to the player.

[0139] Furthermore, if the winning card ID is "0" (YES in S1-7), the lottery game execution unit 132a checks the acquired information in the acquired information storage unit 150 (S1-8) and determines the exchange ticket lottery table based on the acquired information (S1-9). The lottery game execution unit 132a performs an exchange ticket type lottery based on the exchange ticket lottery table determined in S1-9 (S1-10) and stores the determined exchange ticket ID in a predetermined storage area (S1-11). Also, here, the possession information update unit 136a increments the number of the winning exchange ticket ID held in the possession information storage unit 152 by 1. As a result, the exchange ticket is granted to the player. Then, the acquired information update unit 134a increments the lifetime acquisition count of the exchange ticket ID determined in S1-10 by 1 in the acquired information storage unit 150 (S1-12).

[0140] When the card draw is performed as described above, the draw game execution unit 132a decrements the counter value of the execution count counter (S1-13). If the counter value updated in S1-13 is not 0 (NO in S1-14), the draw game execution unit 132a repeats the process from S1-3. If the counter value updated in S1-13 is 0 (YES in S1-14), the possession information update unit 136a subtracts the amount of in-game currency by 1 pack in the possession information storage unit 152, and the point management unit 138a adds the amount of points by 1 pack in the point storage unit 154 (S1-15).

[0141] Then, the lottery game execution unit 132a decrements the number of packs set in S1-1 (S1-16). If the number of packs updated in S1-16 is not 0 (NO in S1-17), the lottery game execution unit 132a repeats the process from S1-2. On the other hand, if the number of packs updated in S1-16 is 0 (YES in S1-17), the lottery game execution unit 132a executes the conversion process (S2).

[0142] Figure 25 is a flowchart illustrating the conversion process in server 100. In S1-15, if the number of points is updated to "200" or more (YES in S2-1), the lottery game execution unit 132a checks the acquired information in the acquired information storage unit 150 (S2-2) and determines whether the special conditions are not met (S2-3). If the special conditions are not met (YES in S2-3), the lottery game execution unit 132a sets the targets for the special lottery from among the special rewards (S2-4). Here, special rewards whose lifetime acquisition count has not reached the acquisition limit are set as targets for the lottery.

[0143] Furthermore, the lottery game execution unit 132a sets the winning probability for each of the lottery targets set in S2-4 (S2-5), and executes a special lottery based on the set winning probabilities (S2-6). This special lottery determines one special reward. The lottery game execution unit 132a then stores special reward acquisition waiting information that can identify the type of special reward determined in a predetermined memory area (S2-7). The lottery game execution unit 132a also sets the special reward acquisition waiting information and sends it to the player terminal 1 for reception (S2-8).

[0144] Furthermore, in S1-15, if the number of points is updated to "300" or more (YES in S2-9), the lottery game execution unit 132a checks the acquired information in the acquired information storage unit 150 (S2-10) and determines whether the special condition is met (S2-11). If the special condition is met (YES in S2-11), the lottery game execution unit 132a sets additional bonus information indicating the content of the additional bonus and has the player terminal 1 receive it (S2-12). In addition, the possession information update unit 136a adds the number of items, etc., that are set as additional bonuses in the possession information storage unit 152 (S2-13). As a result, the additional bonus is granted to the player.

[0145] On the other hand, if the special conditions are not met (NO in S2-11), the lottery game execution unit 132a sets the conversion waiting information and has the player terminal 1 receive it (S2-14). As will be explained in more detail later, the conversion waiting information is information that allows the player to exercise the second conversion right. Finally, the lottery game execution unit 132a sets the winning information, which includes all the card IDs that were won in the card lottery, and has the player terminal 1 receive it (S2-15).

[0146] Figure 26 is a first flowchart illustrating the process of receiving winning information at the player terminal 1. Figure 27 is a second flowchart illustrating the process of receiving winning information at the player terminal 1. The process of receiving winning information shown in Figures 26 and 27 is initiated when the player terminal 1 receives winning information. When the lottery game control unit 90a receives winning information, it executes a result screen display process to display the result screen 70 on the display 26 based on the received winning information (P2-1). If the operation determination unit 92a determines that an operation input has been made to the termination operation unit 72 of the result screen 70 (YES in P2-2), the lottery game control unit 90a determines whether it has received information waiting to acquire a special reward (P2-3).

[0147] If information indicating awaiting acquisition of a special reward is received (YES in P2-3), the lottery game control unit 90a executes the treasure chest chance sequence (P2-4). Here, the lottery game control unit 90a displays the images shown in Figures 17A and 17B on the display 26. Subsequently, the lottery game control unit 90a executes a conversion selection screen display process that displays the conversion selection screen 75 shown in Figure 18A on the display 26 (P2-5). Here, based on the player's input, the lottery game control unit 90a displays the conversion selection screen 75, the confirmation dialog 79 shown in Figure 18B, the exchange target selection screen 80 shown in Figure 19A, and the point confirmation screen 83 shown in Figure 19B.

[0148] If the operation determination unit 92a determines that an end confirmation operation has been input to the end confirmation operation unit 79a of the conversion selection screen 75 (YES in P2-6), the lottery game control unit 90a sends a discard command to the server 100 (P2-7). Also, if the operation determination unit 92a determines that a confirmation operation has been input to the conversion execution operation unit 83a of the point confirmation screen 83 (YES in P2-8), the lottery game control unit 90a sends a confirmation command to the server 100 (P2-9). The confirmation command includes information that can identify the type of special reward selected by the player.

[0149] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 27, if conversion waiting information is received (YES in P2-11), the lottery game control unit 90a executes a point exchange dialog display process to display the point exchange dialog 85 shown in Figure 20A on the display 26 (P2-12). When the operation determination unit 92a determines that an operation input has been made to the acceptance operation unit 85a of the point exchange dialog 85, the lottery game control unit 90a executes a special reward selection screen display process to display the special reward selection screen 86 shown in Figure 20B on the display 26 (P2-13). Here, the lottery game control unit 90a makes it impossible to select any special reward from among several special rewards for which the lifetime acquisition limit has been reached.

[0150] Furthermore, when the operation determination unit 92a determines that a conversion operation has been input to the conversion operation unit 86a of the special reward selection screen 86 (YES in P2-14), the lottery game control unit 90a executes a point confirmation screen display process to display the point confirmation screen 83 shown in Figure 19B on the display 26 (P2-15). When the operation determination unit 92a determines that a confirmation operation has been input to the conversion execution operation unit 83a of the point confirmation screen 83 (YES in P2-16), the lottery game control unit 90a sends a confirmation command to the server 100 (P2-17).

[0151] Furthermore, if additional bonus information has been received (YES in P2-18), the lottery game control unit 90a executes an additional bonus display process to display an additional bonus display (not shown) on the display 26 indicating that an additional bonus has been awarded (P2-19). Finally, the lottery game control unit 90a executes a display termination process to end the display of the game screen related to the lottery game (P2-20).

[0152] Figure 28 is a flowchart illustrating the command reception process in server 100. The command reception process shown in Figure 28 is initiated when server 100 receives a discard command or a confirmation command. When server 100 receives a discard command (YES in S3-1), the lottery game execution unit 132a discards the information waiting to acquire the special reward (S3-2). As a result, the information regarding the special reward determined in the special lottery is erased, and the first conversion right is extinguished.

[0153] Furthermore, when server 100 receives a confirmation command (YES in S3-3), acquisition information update unit 134a increments the lifetime acquisition count in acquisition information storage unit 150 by 1 (S3-4). Also, possession information update unit 136a updates the number of special rewards or exchange items selected by the player in possession information storage unit 152 (S3-5). Also, point management unit 138a subtracts "200" or "300" from the point count in point storage unit 154.

[0154] Although one embodiment has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or variations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these are also understood to fall within the technical scope.

[0155] In the above embodiment, multiple exchange tickets are provided as special game media, each with an upper limit (acquisition limit) indicating the maximum number that can be given to a player. However, the special game media with an upper limit is not limited to exchange tickets. For example, the special game media may be any predetermined game media, such as a card of high rarity, and the specific content is not limited. Furthermore, there may be only one special game media, not multiple.

[0156] Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the upper limit set for special game media; it can be one or multiple. For example, in well-known games, if a player possesses multiple identical game media, a system may be employed that allows for the parameter limit to be increased by consuming other identical game media, such as limit release or synthesis. Suppose a player possesses five identical special game media, and it is possible to raise the parameter of that special game media to its maximum value. In this case, the upper limit set for the special game media can be set to "5," which is the number of times the parameter of that special game media can reach its maximum value. This way, the sense of loss that may arise when a player acquires a sixth special game media can be mitigated.

[0157] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, there may or may not be an upper limit on the number of game media that a player can possess. If there is an upper limit on the number of game media that a player can possess, even if a player wins a game media in the lottery game for which the number of players possessing the upper limit has been reached, that game media will not be given to the player. In this case, some other benefit may be given to the player instead of the game media. In other words, if there is an upper limit on the number of game media that a player can possess, the conditions for granting a prize include not only winning the lottery game, but also the fact that the number of players possessing the won game media has not reached the upper limit. Note that the conditions for granting a game media won in the lottery game to a player are not limited to these, and other conditions may also be included as granting conditions.

[0158] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in addition to winning the lottery game, a special game medium, such as an exchange ticket, may also be awarded to the player when their points reach "200" or "300". However, the conditions for awarding a special game medium other than winning the lottery game are not limited to these. For example, when the operator distributes it free of charge, the special game medium may be awarded on the condition that the player logs in or performs a predetermined receiving operation. Moreover, conditions for awarding a special game medium other than winning the lottery game may include clearing a predetermined game, completing a mission presented to the player, or purchasing it using in-game currency.

[0159] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, special game media (exchange tickets) whose granted value (lifetime acquisition count) has reached its upper limit (acquisition limit) are excluded from the game media that may be selected in the first lottery (card lottery). However, the probability of winning a special game media after the granted value has reached its upper limit may be set lower than the probability of winning a special game media before the granted value has reached its upper limit. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, special game media (exchange tickets) whose granted value (lifetime acquisition count) has reached its upper limit (acquisition limit) are excluded from the rewards that may be selected in the second lottery (special lottery). However, in the second lottery, the probability of winning a special game media after the granted value has reached its upper limit may be set lower than the probability of winning a special game media before the granted value has reached its upper limit. Even in this case, the possibility of so-called wasted draws by players is reduced, thus suppressing the possibility of giving players a sense of loss.

[0160] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a premium card set is included as a special reward that can be obtained when the points reach "200" or "300". However, the premium card set is not mandatory, and the special reward that can be obtained by spending points may be limited to only exchange tickets.

[0161] Furthermore, if a player decides to spend "200" points, a special lottery may be held, and the player may be granted the conversion target determined by the special lottery. However, if points are spent to hold a special lottery, there is a risk that the points will be wasted if the special lottery determines a conversion target that is unnecessary for the player. As in this embodiment, by allowing the player to choose whether or not to acquire the conversion target determined by the special lottery, it becomes easier for the player to make decisions about spending points, and points will not be spent on conversion targets that are unnecessary.

[0162] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a first conversion right and a second conversion right are provided as conversion rights, but either the first conversion right or the second conversion right alone may be provided.

[0163] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the possession information storage unit 152 uses information indicating the number of items possessed as possession information for each item. However, the possession information for each item is not limited to this. For example, for items where the number or number of times a player can possess is "1", information indicating whether or not the player has obtained the item may be linked to the player ID. In the above embodiment, a player can only possess one of each item that is the target of the exchange ticket. Therefore, in the above embodiment, the possession information for items that are the target of the exchange ticket may be information indicating whether or not there is a history of possession, instead of the number of items possessed.

[0164] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the lifetime acquisition count is updated when a game medium won in a card lottery is assigned to the player ID, and when a player exercises their conversion right and a game medium is assigned to the player ID. In other words, in the above embodiment, the lifetime acquisition count is updated when a game medium is assigned to the player ID. However, the lifetime acquisition count may be updated before the game medium is assigned to the player ID. For example, after winning an exchange ticket in a card lottery, the lifetime acquisition count may be updated before the winning exchange ticket is assigned to the player ID. Similarly, after exercising a conversion right, the lifetime acquisition count may be updated before the exchange ticket is assigned to the player ID.

[0165] In any case, an information processing program only needs to have the computer perform the following processes.

[0166] (Processes to be performed by a computer) A process (S1-5, S1-10 in the embodiment for example) is performed in which one of several game media, including a special game medium (an exchange ticket in the embodiment for example) for which an upper limit value indicating the maximum number that can be assigned to a player ID is set (an acquisition limit value in the embodiment for example), is the subject of the lottery, and one of the game media subject to the lottery is determined. A process to assign the game medium determined in the first lottery to the player ID upon fulfillment of a first granting condition which at least includes the fact that the game medium was determined in the first lottery (S1-6, S1-11 as an example in this embodiment). A process to assign a special game medium to a player ID upon fulfillment of a second granting condition that differs from the first granting condition (S3-5 in this embodiment is an example). In both cases where the first granting condition is met and the special game medium is granted to the player ID, and in both cases where the second granting condition is met and the special game medium is granted to the player ID, or in both cases where the first granting condition is met and the second granting condition is met, a process is performed to update the granting value (in this embodiment, the lifetime acquisition count as an example) that indicates the number of times the special game medium has been granted to the player ID (in this embodiment, for example, S3-4). Then, in the process of executing the first lottery, special game media whose assigned value has reached the upper limit are excluded from the game media that may be selected in the first lottery, or the probability of winning a special game media after its assigned value has reached the upper limit is made lower than the probability of winning a special game media before its assigned value reached the upper limit.

[0167] Furthermore, the information processing program may have the computer perform the following processes: A process (S1-15 in the embodiment) to update a predetermined management value (points in the embodiment) based on the execution of the first lottery. A process (S2-6 in the embodiment for example) that enables a second lottery (a special lottery in the embodiment for example) to determine one of several types of benefits based on the management value reaching a first value (200 in the embodiment for example). Furthermore, the bonus items may include special game media. The second granting condition may include at least the fact that a special game medium was determined as a prize in the second lottery. In the process of providing a special game medium to the player, The special game media determined as a prize in the second drawing may be assigned to the player ID. In the process of updating the assigned value, If the special game media determined as a prize in the second lottery is assigned to the player ID, the assigned value may be updated as the second assignment condition has been met.

[0168] In the process that enables the second draw, Special game media whose bonus value has reached its upper limit may be excluded from the prizes that can be determined in the second lottery, or the probability of winning a special game media after its bonus value has reached its upper limit may be made lower than the probability of winning a special game media before its bonus value reached its upper limit.

[0169] Furthermore, the information processing program may have the computer perform the following processes: A process to allow the player to choose whether or not to accept the prize determined in the second lottery (P2-5 in this embodiment is an example). When a special game medium determined as a bonus is assigned to the player ID, the management value is subtracted by the first value (S3-6 is an example in this embodiment). Furthermore, the second granting condition may include the player selecting to receive the special game medium determined as a prize in the second lottery. In the process of assigning special game media to the player ID, If a player chooses to receive a special game medium as a reward, the special game medium may be assigned to the player ID.

[0170] Furthermore, the information processing program may have the computer perform the following processes: A process to update a predetermined management value (points as an example in this embodiment) based on the execution of the first lottery. Based on the fact that the control value has reached a second value (for example, "300" in this embodiment), a process is performed to allow the player to select one of several special game media (for example, P2-13 in this embodiment). And in the process of providing the special game medium to the player, When the management value reaches the second value and a special game medium is selected by the player, the second granting condition may be met, and the special game medium may be granted to the player ID.

[0171] Furthermore, in the process of updating the assigned value, If the number of special game media selected by the player is updated, the second granting condition may be met and the granting value may be updated. Furthermore, in the process of allowing the player to select one of several special game media, Among multiple special game media, it is possible to make it impossible to select a special game media whose awarded value has reached its upper limit. And the information processing program is When a special game medium selected by the player is assigned to the player ID, the management value is subtracted by the second value (S3-6 is an example in this embodiment). You may have a computer perform this task.

[0172] Furthermore, the information processing program may have the computer perform the following processes: If the total bonus value for all of the multiple special game media reaches the upper limit, a process is performed to grant the player a predetermined bonus (an additional bonus as an example in this embodiment) that is different from the bonus for the special game media (S2-13 as an example in this embodiment).

[0173] Furthermore, the information processing program may have the computer perform the following processes: A process to display the winning probability for each of the multiple game media targeted in the first lottery, and the assigned value for the special game media (P1-7 as an example in this embodiment).

[0174] In the above embodiment, the information processing system S, which is a client-server system, performs each of the above information processing tasks. However, the functions of the server 100 in the above embodiment may also be provided by the player terminal 1. In this case, communication functionality is not essential, and image generation and various processing tasks may be performed on the player terminal 1.

[0175] Furthermore, the programs in the above embodiments and modifications may be stored in a computer-readable non-temporary storage medium and provided as such. They may also be provided as a game device or server device including this storage medium. Moreover, the above embodiments and modifications may also be information processing methods that implement each function and the steps shown in the flowchart. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0176] 1 Player terminal 100 servers G Game Device S Information Processing System

Claims

1. A process in which one of several game media, including a special game media for which an upper limit value indicating the maximum number that can be assigned to a player ID is set, is selected as the subject of the lottery, and a first lottery is performed to determine one of the game media selected as the subject of the lottery, A process of assigning the game medium determined by the first lottery to the player ID, Based on the execution of the first lottery, a process is performed to update a predetermined management value, A process that enables a second lottery to determine one of several types of benefits, including the special game medium, based on the fact that the aforementioned management value has reached a first value, A process to allow the player to choose whether or not to accept the prize determined in the second lottery, If the recipient chooses to receive the aforementioned benefit, the process of granting the benefit determined in the second lottery to the player ID is performed. When the aforementioned benefit is granted to the player ID, the process involves subtracting the first value from the management value. Based on the fact that the management value reaches a second value after the player has chosen not to receive the aforementioned benefit, a process is performed to allow the player to select the aforementioned special game medium, A process of assigning the special game medium selected by the player to the player ID, When the special game medium selected by the player is assigned to the player ID, the process of subtracting the second value from the management value is performed. When the special game medium is assigned to the player ID, the process of updating the assignment value indicating the number of times the special game medium has been assigned to the player ID is performed. Have the computer perform this task. In the process of performing the first lottery described above, To exclude a special game medium whose assigned value has reached the upper limit from the game mediums that may be selected in the first lottery, or to make the winning probability of a special game medium after its assigned value has reached the upper limit lower than the winning probability of a special game medium before its assigned value reached the upper limit. Information processing program.

2. In the process that enables the second lottery, The special game medium whose assigned value has reached the upper limit is excluded from the prizes that can be determined by the second lottery, or the probability of winning for the special game medium after its assigned value has reached the upper limit is made lower than the probability of winning for the special game medium before its assigned value reached the upper limit. The information processing program according to claim 1.

3. In the process of allowing the player to select the special game medium, Among the multiple special game media, the special game media whose assigned value has reached the upper limit is made unselectable. The information processing program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the grant values ​​for all of the aforementioned special game media have reached the upper limit, and the management value reaches the second value, a process is performed to grant the player a predetermined benefit different from that of the aforementioned special game media. To have the computer perform the task. The information processing program according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A process for displaying the winning probability for each of the multiple game media targeted in the first lottery, and the assigned value for the special game media. To have the computer perform the task. The information processing program according to claim 1.

6. An information processing method performed by one or more computers, The aforementioned computer, A process in which one of several game media, including a special game media for which an upper limit value indicating the maximum number that can be assigned to a player ID is set, is selected as the subject of the lottery, and a first lottery is performed to determine one of the game media selected as the subject of the lottery, A process of assigning the game medium determined by the first lottery to the player ID, Based on the execution of the first lottery, a process is performed to update a predetermined management value, A process that enables a second lottery to determine one of several types of benefits, including the special game medium, based on the fact that the aforementioned management value has reached a first value, A process to allow the player to choose whether or not to accept the prize determined in the second lottery, If the recipient chooses to receive the aforementioned benefit, the process of granting the benefit determined in the second lottery to the player ID is performed. When the aforementioned benefit is granted to the player ID, the process involves subtracting the first value from the management value. Based on the fact that the management value reaches a second value after the player has chosen not to receive the aforementioned benefit, a process is performed to allow the player to select the aforementioned special game medium, A process of assigning the special game medium selected by the player to the player ID, When the special game medium selected by the player is assigned to the player ID, the process of subtracting the second value from the management value is performed. When the special game medium is assigned to the player ID, the process of updating the assignment value indicating the number of times the special game medium has been assigned to the player ID is performed. To carry out, In the process of performing the first lottery described above, To exclude a special game medium whose assigned value has reached the upper limit from the game mediums that may be selected in the first lottery, or to make the winning probability of a special game medium after its assigned value has reached the upper limit lower than the winning probability of a special game medium before its assigned value reached the upper limit. Information processing methods.

7. Equipped with one or more computers, The aforementioned computer, A process in which one of several game media, including a special game media for which an upper limit value indicating the maximum number that can be assigned to a player ID is set, is selected as the subject of the lottery, and a first lottery is performed to determine one of the game media selected as the subject of the lottery, A process of assigning the game medium determined by the first lottery to the player ID, Based on the execution of the first lottery, a process is performed to update a predetermined management value, A process that enables a second lottery to determine one of several types of benefits, including the special game medium, based on the fact that the aforementioned management value has reached a first value, A process to allow the player to choose whether or not to accept the prize determined in the second lottery, If the recipient chooses to receive the aforementioned benefit, the process of granting the benefit determined in the second lottery to the player ID is performed. When the aforementioned benefit is granted to the player ID, the process involves subtracting the first value from the management value. Based on the fact that the management value reaches a second value after the player has chosen not to receive the aforementioned benefit, a process is performed to allow the player to select the aforementioned special game medium, A process of assigning the special game medium selected by the player to the player ID, When the special game medium selected by the player is assigned to the player ID, the process of subtracting the second value from the management value is performed. When the special game medium is assigned to the player ID, the process of updating the assignment value indicating the number of times the special game medium has been assigned to the player ID is performed. To carry out, In the process of performing the first lottery described above, To exclude a special game medium whose assigned value has reached the upper limit from the game mediums that may be selected in the first lottery, or to make the winning probability of a special game medium after its assigned value has reached the upper limit lower than the winning probability of a special game medium before its assigned value reached the upper limit. Information processing system.

8. Equipped with one or more computers, The aforementioned computer, A process in which one of several game media, including a special game media for which an upper limit value indicating the maximum number that can be assigned to a player ID is set, is selected as the subject of the lottery, and a first lottery is performed to determine one of the game media selected as the subject of the lottery, A process of assigning the game medium determined by the first lottery to the player ID, Based on the execution of the first lottery, a process is performed to update a predetermined management value, A process that enables a second lottery to determine one of several types of benefits, including the special game medium, based on the fact that the aforementioned management value has reached a first value, A process to allow the player to choose whether or not to accept the prize determined in the second lottery, If the recipient chooses to receive the aforementioned benefit, the process of granting the benefit determined in the second lottery to the player ID is performed. When the aforementioned benefit is granted to the player ID, the process involves subtracting the first value from the management value. Based on the fact that the management value reaches a second value after the player has chosen not to receive the aforementioned benefit, a process is performed to allow the player to select the aforementioned special game medium, A process of assigning the special game medium selected by the player to the player ID, When the special game medium selected by the player is assigned to the player ID, the process of subtracting the second value from the management value is performed. When the special game medium is assigned to the player ID, the process of updating the assignment value indicating the number of times the special game medium has been assigned to the player ID is performed. To carry out, In the process of performing the first lottery described above, To exclude a special game medium whose assigned value has reached the upper limit from the game mediums that may be selected in the first lottery, or to make the winning probability of a special game medium after its assigned value has reached the upper limit lower than the winning probability of a special game medium before its assigned value reached the upper limit. Game device.

Citation Information

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