Programs, systems, servers, and methods

Abstract

This will make it easier for users to identify characters that can be enhanced beyond their limits by exchanging them for other resources. [Solution] The memory unit stores an enhancement pattern that defines the number of evolutions, which is a combination of the rank and quantity of material characters consumed as materials for performing limit break enhancement, and a purchase table that defines the quantity of resources required to exchange characters. The determination unit determines whether or not there is a shortage of material characters at any of the evolution numbers based on the possession list, enhancement pattern, and purchase table. The identification unit identifies the resources required to exchange material characters for each character to be enhanced if there is a shortage of material characters. The extraction unit creates a limit break list by consuming the necessary resources to extract characters that can be enhanced to the limit break. The display control unit highlights the characters included in the limit break list on the user terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, a system, a server, and a method.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of online games, particularly in the field of so-called social games, various systems for strengthening the characters possessed by users have been implemented. One of the typical strengthening systems is "limit break", in which, for a target character to be strengthened (the target character for strengthening), by consuming the same character or a character of the same type (material character) as the target character for strengthening as a material, the upper limit of the character level is released or a new skill is acquired. By repeating the strengthening by this limit break, the user can gradually improve the performance of the character and proceed with the game advantageously.

[0003] In addition, for a target character for strengthening that can be strengthened by limit break by consuming a material character already possessed by the user, it is explicitly displayed in the game and can be grasped by the user.

[0004] In order to perform such strengthening by limit break of a character, for each target character for strengthening, a material character as the corresponding limit break material or a resource in an amount that can be exchanged for the material character is required. The user needs to check the resource situation he / she possesses, grasp which target characters for strengthening can be limit broken and what resources are lacking, and then strengthen the characters in a planned manner.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a game in which by multiplying game media (material characters in the present application) depicting the same character, an upper limit release for raising the maximum value of the level of the game media can be performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5642309 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, it was difficult for users to keep track of which characters could be strengthened beyond their limits by exchanging material characters for other resources.

[0008] Therefore, this disclosure aims to provide a program, system, server, and method that can enhance user convenience and improve the game experience by allowing users to easily identify characters that can be strengthened beyond their limits by exchanging material characters for other resources. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a program is provided for providing a game to a user's terminal. The program includes the names, ranks, attributes, and quantities of characters owned by the user from among the characters provided in the game, and the types and quantities of resources, which are in-game materials, owned by the user and usable for exchanging characters. The program causes the computer to function as a storage unit that stores a user-specific ownership list in the game, an enhancement pattern that defines the evolution number, which is a combination of the rank and quantity of material characters consumed as materials to perform limit break enhancement on multiple target characters that are characters that are targets for limit break enhancement to increase their rank, and a purchase table that defines the quantity of resources required to exchange characters. Based on the ownership list, enhancement pattern, and purchase table, the program causes the computer to function as a determination unit that determines whether or not there is a shortage of material characters for the evolution number of at least one of the target characters. If there is a shortage of material characters, the program causes the computer to function as an identification unit that identifies the necessary resources for exchanging the material characters that are insufficient for the evolution number, for each target character. The program causes the computer to function as an extraction unit, creating a limit break list, which is a list of characters that can be enhanced beyond their limits, by consuming the necessary resources. The program also causes the computer to function as a display control unit on the user terminal, highlighting the characters included in the limit break list.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a system is provided for providing a game to a user's terminal. The system includes a storage unit that stores a user-specific inventory list in the game, which includes the names, ranks, attributes, and quantities of characters owned by the user from among the characters provided in the game, and the types and quantities of resources, which are in-game materials, owned by the user and usable for exchanging characters. The storage unit also stores an enhancement pattern that defines the number of evolutions, which is a combination of the rank and quantity of material characters consumed as materials to perform limit break enhancement on multiple target characters that are characters that are the target of limit break enhancement to increase their rank, and a purchase table that defines the quantity of resources required to exchange characters. Based on the inventory list, enhancement pattern, and purchase table, the system includes a determination unit that determines whether there is a shortage of material characters for at least one of the target characters' evolution numbers, and an identification unit that, if there is a shortage of material characters, identifies the necessary resources for exchanging the material characters that are lacking for the evolution number, for each target character. The system also includes an extraction unit that creates a limit break list, which is a list of target characters that can undergo limit break enhancement by consuming the necessary resources. The system includes a display control unit that highlights characters included in the limit break list on the user terminal.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a server is provided that provides a game to a user's terminal. The server includes a storage unit that stores a user's possession list in the game, which includes the names, ranks, attributes, and quantities of characters owned by the user from among the characters provided in the game, and the types and quantities of resources, which are in-game materials, owned by the user and usable for exchanging characters. The storage unit also stores an enhancement pattern that defines the number of evolutions, which is a combination of the rank and quantity of material characters consumed as materials to perform limit break enhancement on multiple target characters that are characters that are the target of limit break enhancement to increase their rank, and a purchase table that defines the quantity of resources required to exchange characters. Based on the possession list, enhancement pattern, and purchase table, the server includes a determination unit that determines whether or not there is a shortage of material characters for the number of evolutions of at least one of the target characters. If there is a shortage of material characters, the server includes an identification unit that identifies the necessary resources for each target character to exchange for the material characters that are insufficient for the number of evolutions. The server includes an extraction unit that creates a limit break list, which is a list of target characters that can undergo limit break enhancement by consuming the necessary resources. The server includes a display control unit that highlights characters included in the limit break list on the user terminal.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is provided for causing a computer to function as the system described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this disclosure, by exchanging material characters for other resources, users can easily identify characters that can be enhanced beyond their limits, thereby improving user convenience and enhancing the game experience.

[0014] It should be noted that the above summary of the invention does not enumerate all the features necessary for this disclosure. Furthermore, subcombinations of these features may also constitute an invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] An example of the configuration of the game system 1 on which the game server 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is operated is schematically shown. [Figure 2] An example of the functional configuration of the game server 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is schematically shown. [Figure 3] An example of the highlighting processing flow of the game server 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is schematically shown. [Figure 4] An example of a possession list 710 stored in the storage unit 150 of the game server 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is schematically shown. [Figure 5] An example of an information enhancement pattern 720 stored in the memory unit 150 of the game server 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is schematically shown. [Figure 6] An example of a purchase table 730 of information stored in the storage unit 150 of the game server 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is schematically shown. [Figure 7] An example of the hardware configuration of the computer 900 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is schematically shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The present disclosure will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but these embodiments are not intended to limit the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of the configuration of a game system 1 in which a game server 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is operated. The game system 1 may be an example of a system. The game system 1 includes a game server 100 that manages the overall processing of the game and executes the main processing of the present disclosure, and a user terminal 200 used by a user to play the game. The game system 1 may be equipped with a gacha system that provides a lottery by charging and discharges digital contents (such as characters) available to the user in the game. The user terminal 200 is any computer capable of executing a program, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, a home game console, etc. The game server 100 and the user terminal 200 are communicably connected to each other via a network NW.

[0018] Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the game server 100 uses the user terminal 200 to consume resources for a user who is playing the game, thereby enhancing a character by limit break. The character includes an enhancement target character to be enhanced and a material character that disappears as a material during enhancement. The enhancement by consuming resources supplements the material characters required for the enhancement by limit break and highlights the enhancement target characters that can be enhanced by limit break. The enhancement by limit break may be to release the level upper limit of the character or acquire a new skill by consuming the same material character or the same type of material character.

[0019] The game server 100 may be any one as long as it is operated by a game operating company and provides a game play environment to the user terminal 200.

[0020] The user terminal 200 may be any one as long as it is used by the user. The user terminal 200 is used for the user to play the game and is used for operating the game. The user terminal 200 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, a home game console, etc.

[0021] Figure 2 schematically shows an example of the functional configuration of the game server 100. The game server 100 includes a communication unit 110, a processing unit 130, and a storage unit 150.

[0022] The communication unit 110 exchanges information with the user terminal 200 via a network.

[0023] The storage unit 150 stores various data related to each user and the entire game. The various data includes an inventory list, enhancement patterns, purchase tables, priority settings, and enhancement target extraction conditions.

[0024] The inventory list is a list of data of characters and resources that the user currently holds as electronic data. Regarding the characters, it includes information on their identification information (name), strength indicator (rank), type (attribute), and quantity held. Resources are in-game materials (e.g., coins, diamonds) used for character limit breaks or exchanges, and include information on their type and quantity.

[0025] The inventory list includes information on the types and quantities of exchange items that can be exchanged by consuming resources. Exchange items can be exchanged with material characters by using them.

[0026] The enhancement pattern is recipe information for character limit breaks. The enhancement pattern defines which rank of target character to be enhanced, how many characters of which rank of material characters need to be consumed to achieve a limit break (evolution number). The enhancement pattern includes a first condition where the material character has the same name as the target character to be enhanced, or a second condition where the attributes of the target character to be enhanced are of the same type.

[0027] The purchase table has data that defines the rate of resources, exchange items, and the required quantity when exchanging (purchasing) exchange items that can exchange characters, etc. by consuming specific resources in the in-game shop, etc.

[0028] Priority settings determine which characters to prioritize when highlighting them.

[0029] The enhancement target extraction criteria are the conditions for selecting characters to be enhanced from the limit break list that has been pre-registered by the user.

[0030] The processing unit 130 performs processing related to the operation of the game system 1. The processing unit 130 includes a determination unit 132, a identification unit 134, an extraction unit 136, a display control unit 137, and an acquisition unit 139.

[0031] Based on the information stored in the memory unit 150, the determination unit 132 determines whether or not the user possesses material characters that satisfy the number of evolutions specified in the enhancement pattern for each character to be enhanced.

[0032] If the determination unit 132 determines that there is a shortage of material characters, the identification unit 134 calculates (determines) how much resources are needed to compensate for the shortage by referring to the purchase table.

[0033] The extraction unit 136 extracts characters that can be enhanced using the resources possessed by the user, which are the necessary resources identified by the identification unit 134, and compiles them as a "limit break list". This list corresponds to a list of characters that can be enhanced by exchanging material characters with resources. The extraction unit 136 may further extract the limit break list based on the enhancement target extraction conditions.

[0034] The criteria for selecting characters to be enhanced may include, for example, the user specifying the characters to be enhanced based on at least one of the following conditions: level, rarity, frequency of use, and type.

[0035] The level condition may specify the level range of the character to be enhanced. The rarity condition may specify the rarity range of the character to be enhanced. The frequency of use condition may specify the number of times the character has been selected in the past. The number of past selections may be, for example, the number of times the character to be enhanced has been included in a team and used in battle.

[0036] The type conditions may be at least one of the following: character growth type, content suitability, unit type, and acquisition type. The character growth type may be the growth characteristics of the character being enhanced. The characteristics may be specified by the level or limit break rank of the character being enhanced, or by whether they are early bloomers or late bloomers.

[0037] Content suitability may refer to how easily the character being strengthened can perform well in the target content. The content may be specified in at least one of the following categories: PvE (Player vs Enemy), which is high-difficulty combat such as raid bosses; PvP (Player vs Player), which is player-versus-player combat; and GvG (Guild vs Guild), which is group combat between guilds.

[0038] The unit type may be similar to the profession of the character being enhanced. The profession may be specified as, for example, Warrior, Sniper, Sorcerer, Healer, Physical, Magic, Melee, and Ranged. The acquisition type may be the method of obtaining the character being enhanced. The acquisition method may be specified as either a collaboration character or a limited-time acquisition character.

[0039] The display control unit 137 controls the display of the relevant character on the user terminal 200 screen to be highlighted and distinguished from other characters, based on the limit break list created by the extraction unit 136. When one of the enhancement target characters included in the displayed limit break list is selected on the user terminal 200, the display control unit 137 displays an exchange screen for exchanging the selected enhancement target character for resources.

[0040] The display control unit 137 does not display the exchange screen or highlight any characters that are eligible for enhancement if there are no characters to be enhanced included in the limit break list. The display control unit 137 quantitatively displays the type and number of resources required for each enhancement pattern for each character to be enhanced. Quantitatively, this could be, for example, that 1000 coins are needed. The display control unit 137 rearranges the display of the highlighted characters to be enhanced in the limit break list according to the priority setting. This prevents situations where, if a user has multiple characters that meet the conditions for limit breaking, all characters are explicitly shown as being eligible for limit breaking, making it difficult for the user to decide which character to limit break.

[0041] The display control unit 137 displays the Limit Break list on any screen that can be accessed from the screen after logging into the game by a predetermined number of user actions (e.g., taps or clicks). Such user actions may be, for example, up to 5 taps. The display control unit 137 may also display the Limit Break list on at least one of the following: the character list screen, the screen used for character formation, the game battle preparation screen, and the screen after a battle defeat.

[0042] When a battle is lost, the winning formation of other characters in that battle may also be displayed. This allows users to effectively consider which characters they should strengthen.

[0043] The acquisition unit 139 acquires from the user the character to be highlighted and the priority of the display as a priority setting.

[0044] Priority settings may allow users to specify which characters to enhance based on at least one of the following criteria: character name, level, rarity, and frequency of use.

[0045] The character name condition may be configured to display the character to be enhanced with the highest priority, corresponding to the specified character name.

[0046] The level requirements may be displayed in order of the level of the character to be strengthened. The level order may be specified as descending or ascending.

[0047] The rarity criteria may be displayed in order of the rarity of the characters to be enhanced. The rarity order may be specified as either descending or ascending.

[0048] The usage frequency criteria may be displayed in order of past selection counts. The selection count can be specified in descending or ascending order.

[0049] Highlighting includes a display pattern of at least one of the following: color change, effect, animation, or text display. Highlighting includes specific forms of highlighting. Specific forms include, for example, making the character's frame glow (effect), shaking the character icon (animation), changing the icon's color (color change), or displaying text information such as "Limit Break Available!" (text display). Highlighting may also include a form of displaying specific resource types and quantities, such as "You need 5000 more coins to break the limit," near the character icon, in conjunction with the highlighting.

[0050] Figure 3 schematically shows an example of the highlighting process flow of the game server 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure. The highlighting process is performed when a user has a specific screen open and there is a character that can be strengthened by exceeding the limit, but whose current material characters are insufficient for limit breaking, but which can be strengthened by exceeding the limit by consuming resources.

[0051] In Figure 3, the starting state is defined as the user operating the user terminal 200 to display the character list screen, etc.

[0052] The determination unit 132 reads the user's possession list and enhancement patterns from the memory unit 150 and determines whether or not the user lacks the necessary material characters for limit breaking for each character to be enhanced that the user possesses (S102).

[0053] If it is determined that there is a shortage of material characters (YES in S102), the process moves to the identification unit 134. The identification unit 134 refers to the memory unit 150 and identifies the type and quantity of resources required to replace the missing material characters as "required resources" for each character to be enhanced (S104).

[0054] The extraction unit 136 compares the identified required resources with the amount of resources in the user's possession list. The extraction unit 136 extracts all characters that can be enhanced with the amount of resources in the user's possession list that can provide the identified required resources, and creates a "limit break list" (S106).

[0055] The display control unit 137 determines whether the character to be displayed as an enhanced character exists in the limit break list (S108).

[0056] If present (YES in S108), the display control unit 137 controls the user terminal 200 to highlight the enhancement target character included in the limit break list on the corresponding screen (e.g., the character list screen) (S110). At this time, the highlighting may quantitatively display the type and number of resources required for the enhancement pattern for each enhancement target character. The highlighting may rearrange the display of the enhancement target characters highlighted in the limit break list according to the priority setting.

[0057] On the other hand, if there is no shortage of material characters in S102, or if it is determined in S108 that the character to be strengthened does not exist in the limit break list (NO in S108), the display control unit 137 will terminate the process without highlighting the character.

[0058] Thus, according to this embodiment, the user is automatically presented with characters that can be enhanced through resource exchange, even without the user's awareness, allowing the user to efficiently strengthen their combat power.

[0059] Figure 4 schematically shows an example of an ownership list 710 stored in the storage unit 150 of the game server 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure. The ownership list 710 is a list of characters and resources currently owned by the user. The ownership list 710 includes categories such as No., character, resource, and exchange item.

[0060] The "No." category is used to uniquely identify each piece of data within other categories. For example, the character category with No. 1 refers to the first registered piece of data within the character category.

[0061] The character category represents the characters owned by the user. The character category includes data such as name, rank, attribute, and quantity. For example, data with character category No. 1 indicates that the name is A, the rank is SR, the attribute is water, and the quantity is 1. For example, in the second pattern of enhancement through limit break, other characters with the same attribute category (water) can also be used as material characters for a character whose attribute category is water.

[0062] Resource categories represent resources owned by a user that can be exchanged for material characters. Resource categories have data for type and quantity. For example, data with resource category No. 1 indicates that the type is diamond and the quantity is 2000.

[0063] The exchange item category represents the exchange items the user possesses. Exchange items are items that can be exchanged for material characters when used. The exchange item category includes data on type and quantity. For example, data with resource category No. 1 indicates that it is a heart fragment of type A and has a quantity of 10.

[0064] Figure 5 schematically shows an example of an enhancement pattern 720 of information stored in the memory unit 150 of the game server 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure. The enhancement pattern 720 is recipe information for breaking the limits of a character. The enhancement pattern 720 includes classifications of No., rank before enhancement, rank after enhancement, whether the same attribute is possible or not, and the number of evolutions.

[0065] The "No." category is data used to uniquely distinguish records within reinforcement pattern 720.

[0066] The rank classification before enhancement indicates the rank the character possessed before enhancement. The ranks are, for example, SR, SR+, SSR, SSR+, and UR, in descending order of increasing rank.

[0067] The rank classification after enhancement indicates the new rank a character will belong to when enhancement is performed through limit break on a character that previously belonged to the same record's pre-enhancement rank.

[0068] The "Same Attribute Compatibility" classification indicates the pattern of enhancement through limit break. Limit break stages with an "x" in the "Same Attribute Compatibility" classification represent the first pattern, where the material character must be the same as the character being enhanced. Limit break stages with a "○" in the "Same Attribute Compatibility" classification represent the second pattern, where the material character must be of the same type as the character being enhanced.

[0069] The evolution level category indicates the number of material characters required for enhancement through limit break.

[0070] Let's consider how the enhancement pattern 720 is referenced when the processing unit 130 performs an enhancement process by limit breaking on a character whose current rank is SR. In this case, the enhancement pattern 720 that is applied will be the record with No. 1. The processing unit 130 refers to the fact that in order to raise the rank of a character whose rank before enhancement is SR to SR+ after enhancement, the same material character as the character to be enhanced is required, and the number of material characters required (number of evolutions) is 1.

[0071] Figure 6 schematically shows an example of a purchase table 730 of information stored in the storage unit 150 of the game server 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure. The purchase table 730 is data that defines the rates for exchanging (purchasing) characters or items by consuming specific resources in an in-game shop, etc. The purchase table 730 has the categories of No., exchange item, resource, and required quantity.

[0072] The "No." category is data used to uniquely distinguish records within reinforcement pattern 720.

[0073] The category of exchange item indicates the name of the exchange item being exchanged.

[0074] Resource classifications represent the type and number of resources required for exchanging exchange items.

[0075] The required quantity category represents the number of exchange items needed to exchange for material characters.

[0076] Let's consider how the purchase table 730 is referenced when the processing unit 130 performs a process to enhance a target character named A by breaking the limit. In this case, the applicable purchase table records will be those with a No. category of 1 or 50.

[0077] A record in purchase table 730 with a No. of 1 indicates that one "A's Heart Fragment" can be purchased by consuming 700 coins in resources. For example, 60 "A's Heart Fragments" can be used to purchase a material character named "A". In other words, processing unit 130 refers to a record with a No. of 1 indicating that 60 "A's Heart Fragments," or 42,000 coins in resources, are required to exchange for one material character named "A".

[0078] For example, if the target user has material characters or exchange items corresponding to the character to be strengthened in the possession list 710, the processing unit 130 may process the information contained in the possession list 710 and the information contained in the purchase table 730 together.

[0079] The record in purchase table 730 with category No. 50 indicates that one "Random Letter" exchange item can be purchased by consuming 600 diamonds. By consuming one "Random Letter," for example, one material character of the same attribute as the character being enhanced in enhancement pattern 720 can be obtained.

[0080] In other words, the processing unit 130 refers to the record with the No. category being 50, which means that in order to exchange one material character corresponding to the enhancement stage of the enhancement target character named 'A' with the same attribute compatibility set to ○, one 'Random Letter' is required, or in other words, 600 diamonds as a resource.

[0081] <Basic Computer Configuration> Figure 7 schematically shows an example of the hardware configuration of a computer 900 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The computer 900 functions as a game server 100 and a user terminal 200. The computer 900 includes a control unit 901, a storage unit 902, a communication unit 903, an input unit 904, and an output unit 905. The control unit 901, storage unit 902, communication unit 903, input unit 904, and output unit 905 are electrically connected to each other via a communication bus 910.

[0082] The control unit 901 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit, also called a processor) and controls various parts of the computer 900, as well as reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 902.

[0083] The memory unit 902 includes a main memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and an auxiliary memory such as a hard disk, and is a device for storing various programs for running the operating system and various applications of the computer 900, as well as data used by these programs. The processes shown in the flowcharts described above are realized by the control units 901 of each computer constituting the game system 1, game server 100, user terminal 200, and game server 100 executing the programs stored in their respective memory units 902.

[0084] The communication unit 903 is a device for communicating with external devices and sends and receives data according to instructions from the control unit 901. Each computer constituting the game system 1, game server 100, and user terminal 200 uses this communication unit 903 to communicate with other devices, including the network NW shown in Figure 1.

[0085] The input unit 904 is a device that receives input from an external source and supplies it to the control unit 901, and includes, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, and camera. The output unit 905 is a device that outputs the processing results of the control unit 901 to the outside, and includes, for example, a display and speaker.

[0086] <Program> Here, we will describe the programs for realizing each functional unit of the game system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0087] Game system 1 is implemented in computer 900. The operation of each component of game system 1 is stored in the auxiliary storage device of memory unit 902 in the form of a program. Control unit 901 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device of memory unit 902, loads it into the main memory of memory unit 902, and executes the above process according to the program. Also, control unit 901 reserves a memory area in the main memory of memory unit 902 corresponding to the memory unit 150 described above, according to the program.

[0088] Specifically, the program is a program for providing a game to a user terminal used by a user, on a computer 900 equipped with a processor and a memory unit, and includes the names, ranks, attributes, and quantities of characters owned by the user from among the characters provided in the game, and the types and quantities of resources, which are in-game materials owned by the user and usable for character exchange, and a user-specific ownership list in the game, an enhancement pattern that defines the evolution number, which is a combination of the rank and quantity of material characters consumed as materials in order to perform limit break enhancement on multiple enhancement target characters that are characters that are the target of limit break enhancement to increase their rank, and character exchange The program includes a storage unit that stores a purchase table defining the quantity of resources required, a determination unit that determines whether there is a shortage of material characters for at least one of the evolution stages of the character to be enhanced, based on the possession list, enhancement patterns, and the purchase table, an identification unit that identifies the necessary resources for each character to be enhanced to exchange for the missing material characters relative to the evolution stage if there is a shortage of material characters, an extraction unit that creates a limit break list, which is a list of characters that can be enhanced beyond their limit by consuming the necessary resources, and a program that causes the computer to function as a display control unit that highlights the characters included in the limit break list on the user terminal.

[0089] Each of the above operation flows can be performed not only independently, but also in combination of two or more operation flows. For example, some steps of one operation flow may be added to another operation flow, or some steps of one operation flow may be replaced with some steps of another operation flow. It is not necessary to execute all steps in each flow; only some steps may be executed. Also, the order of steps in each flow may be changed as appropriate.

[0090] A program may be provided that causes a computer to execute each of the processes described in the above embodiment. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. Using a computer-readable medium, it is possible to install the program on a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transient storage medium. The non-transient storage medium is not particularly limited, but may be a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. Furthermore, the circuits that execute each of the processes performed by the device according to the above embodiment may be integrated, and at least a part of the device may be configured as a semiconductor integrated circuit (chipset, SoC).

[0091] The functions realized by the apparatus according to the above embodiments may be implemented in a circuit or processing circuitry, including a general-purpose processor, an application-specific processor, an integrated circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a CPU (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or a combination thereof, programmed to realize the described functions. A processor, including transistors and other circuits, is considered a circuit or processing circuitry. A processor may be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in memory. In this disclosure, circuitry, unit, and means are hardware programmed to realize or perform the described functions. Such hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein, or any hardware known to be programmed to realize or perform the described functions. If such hardware is a processor that is considered to be a type of circuitry, then such circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software used to constitute such hardware and / or processor.

[0092] The terms "based on" and "depending on / in response to" used in this disclosure do not mean "based solely on" or "depending solely on" unless otherwise specified. "Based on" means both "based solely on" and "at least partially on." Similarly, "depending on" means both "at least partially on" and "at least partially on." The terms "include," "comprise," and their variations do not mean to include only the listed items, but may include only the listed items or may include additional items in addition to the listed items. Furthermore, the term "or" used in this disclosure is not intended to mean exclusive OR. Additionally, any reference to elements using designations such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used herein as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Therefore, references to the first and second elements do not imply that only two elements may be adopted therein, or that the first element must precede the second element in any way. In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, these articles shall be plural unless it is clearly indicated by the context that they are not.

[0093] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to those described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0094] • Note 1 A program for providing a game to a user's terminal, Among the characters provided in the aforementioned game, the name, rank, attributes, and quantity of the characters owned by the user, The types and quantities of resources that the user possesses and can use to exchange the character, and This includes the user-specific possession list in the game, For multiple characters that are the target of the limit break enhancement that increases the rank, an enhancement pattern is defined which defines the number of evolutions, which is a combination of the rank and quantity of the material characters that are consumed as materials in order to perform the limit break enhancement, and Purchase table defining the quantity of resources required for the exchange of the aforementioned characters A memory unit that stores, A determination unit that determines whether or not there is a shortage of material characters at the evolution number of at least one of the characters to be enhanced, based on the possession list, the enhancement pattern, and the purchase table. When a shortage of the aforementioned material characters occurs, the identification unit identifies the necessary resources for each of the enhancement target characters to replace the material characters that are insufficient relative to the number of evolutions, An extraction unit that creates a limit break list, which is a list of characters that can be enhanced beyond their limits, by consuming the necessary resources mentioned above. A program characterized in that, on the user terminal, the computer functions as a display control unit that highlights the characters included in the limit break list.

[0095] • Appendix 2 The enhancement pattern is the program described in Appendix 1, which includes a first condition that the material character has the same name as the character to be enhanced, or a second condition that the attributes of the character to be enhanced are of the same type.

[0096] • Appendix 3 The display control unit is a program according to any one of Appendix 1 to 2, which displays an exchange screen for exchanging the selected enhancement target character with the resource when any of the enhancement target characters included in the displayed limit break list are selected on the user terminal.

[0097] • Appendix 4 The display control unit does not display the exchange screen if there are no characters to be enhanced included in the limit break list. A program described in any of the appendices 1 to 3 that does not perform the aforementioned highlighting.

[0098] • Appendix 5 The aforementioned highlighting is a program as described in any of Appendix 1 to 4, which includes at least one of a color change, an effect, an animation, or text display.

[0099] • Appendix 6 The display control unit is a program according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, which quantitatively displays the type and number of necessary resources required for the enhancement pattern for each of the characters to be enhanced.

[0100] • Appendix 7 The system further includes an acquisition unit that acquires, from the user, the character to be enhanced and the display priority as priority settings. The display control unit is a program according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, which rearranges the display of the enhanced characters that are the target of the highlighting in the limit break list according to the priority setting.

[0101] • Appendix 8 The display control unit is a program according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, which displays the limit break list on any screen that can be accessed within a predetermined number of operations from the screen after logging into the game.

[0102] • Appendix 9 The display control unit displays the limit break list on at least one of the following: the character list screen, the screen used for forming the character formation, the game battle preparation screen, the battle defeat screen, and the screen after logging into the game, according to any of the programs described in Appendix 1 to 8.

[0103] • Appendix 10 The memory unit stores the enhancement target extraction conditions, which are the conditions for the enhancement target characters to be extracted from the limit break list that have been previously registered with the user. The extraction unit is a program according to any one of the appendices 1 to 9, which extracts the limit break list based on the enhancement target extraction conditions.

[0104] • Appendix 11 The aforementioned possession list includes the types and quantities of exchangeable items that can be exchanged by consuming the aforementioned resources. The aforementioned exchange item is a program described in any of the appendices 1 to 10, which can be exchanged for the aforementioned material character by using it.

[0105] • Appendix 12 A system for providing games to user terminals used by users, Among the characters provided in the aforementioned game, the name, rank, attributes, and quantity of the characters owned by the user, The types and quantities of resources that the user possesses and can use to exchange the character, and This includes the user-specific possession list in the game, For multiple characters that are the target of the limit break enhancement that increases the rank, an enhancement pattern is defined which defines the number of evolutions, which is a combination of the rank and quantity of the material characters that are consumed as materials in order to perform the limit break enhancement, and Purchase table defining the quantity of resources required for the exchange of the aforementioned characters A memory unit that stores, A determination unit that determines whether or not there is a shortage of material characters at the evolution number of at least one of the characters to be enhanced, based on the possession list, the enhancement pattern, and the purchase table. When a shortage of the aforementioned material characters occurs, the identification unit identifies the necessary resources for each of the enhancement target characters to replace the material characters that are insufficient relative to the number of evolutions, An extraction unit that creates a limit break list, which is a list of characters that can be enhanced beyond their limits, by consuming the necessary resources mentioned above. The user terminal includes a display control unit that highlights the characters included in the limit break list. A system that has

[0106] • Note 13 A server that provides games to user terminals used by users, Computers Among the characters provided in the aforementioned game, the name, rank, attributes, and quantity of the characters owned by the user, The types and quantities of resources that the user possesses and can use to exchange the character, and This includes the user-specific possession list in the game, For multiple characters that are the target of the limit break enhancement that increases the rank, an enhancement pattern is defined which defines the number of evolutions, which is a combination of the rank and quantity of the material characters that are consumed as materials in order to perform the limit break enhancement, and Purchase table defining the quantity of resources required for the exchange of the aforementioned characters A memory unit that stores, A determination unit that determines whether or not there is a shortage of material characters at the evolution number of at least one of the characters to be enhanced, based on the possession list, the enhancement pattern, and the purchase table. When a shortage of the aforementioned material characters occurs, the identification unit identifies the necessary resources for each of the enhancement target characters to replace the material characters that are insufficient relative to the number of evolutions, An extraction unit that creates a limit break list, which is a list of characters that can be enhanced beyond their limits, by consuming the necessary resources mentioned above. The user terminal includes a display control unit that highlights the characters included in the limit break list. A server.

[0107] • Appendix 14 A method for making a computer function as the system described in Appendix 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1: Game System 100: Game Server 110: Communications Department 130: Processing Unit 132: Judgment section 134: Specific part 136:Extraction part 137: Display Control Unit 139: Acquisition Department 150: Storage section 200: User terminal 710: Inventory List 720: Enhancement Pattern 730: Purchase Table 900: Computer 901: Control Unit 902: Storage section 903: Communications Department 904: Input section 905: Output section 910: Communications bus

Claims

1. A program for providing a game to a user's terminal, Among the characters provided in the aforementioned game, the name, rank, attributes, and quantity of the characters owned by the user, The types and quantities of in-game materials possessed by the user and usable for exchanging the character, This includes the user-specific possession list in the game, For multiple characters that are the target of the limit break enhancement that increases the rank, an enhancement pattern is defined which defines the number of material characters required for enhancement by limit break, which is a combination of the rank and quantity of the material characters that are consumed as materials in order to perform the limit break enhancement, and Purchase table defining the quantity of in-game materials required to exchange the aforementioned character. A memory unit that stores, A determination unit that determines whether or not there is a shortage of the material characters necessary for strengthening at least one of the characters to be strengthened by breaking the limit, based on the possession list, the strengthening pattern, and the purchase table. When a shortage of the aforementioned material characters occurs, the identification unit identifies the necessary in-game materials for each of the characters to be strengthened, in order to exchange the material characters that are lacking in the number of material characters required for strengthening by limit breaking, as the necessary in-game materials. If a shortage of the aforementioned material characters occurs, an extraction unit creates a limit break list, which is a list of only the characters that can be strengthened through limit break enhancement, by consuming the necessary in-game materials. A program characterized in that, on the user terminal, the computer functions as a display control unit that highlights the characters included in the limit break list.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the enhancement pattern includes a first condition that the material character has the same name as the character to be enhanced, or a second condition that the attributes of the character to be enhanced are of the same type.

3. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays an exchange screen for exchanging the selected enhancement target character for the in-game materials when one of the enhancement target characters included in the displayed limit break list is selected on the user terminal.

4. The display control unit does not display the exchange screen if there are no characters to be enhanced included in the limit break list. The program according to claim 3, wherein the aforementioned highlighting is not performed.

5. The program according to claim 1, wherein the highlighting includes at least one of a color change, an effect, an animation, or text display.

6. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit quantitatively displays the type and number of necessary in-game materials required for the enhancement pattern for each of the characters to be enhanced.

7. The system further includes an acquisition unit that acquires, from the user, the character to be enhanced and the display priority as priority settings. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit rearranges the display of the enhanced characters that are the target of the highlighting in the limit break list according to the priority setting.

8. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the limit break list on any screen that can be accessed within a predetermined number of operations from the screen after logging into the game.

9. The program according to claim 8, wherein the display control unit displays the limit break list on at least one of the following: the character list screen, the screen used for forming the character formation, the game battle preparation screen, the battle defeat screen, and the screen after logging into the game.

10. The memory unit stores the enhancement target extraction conditions, which are the conditions for the enhancement target characters to be extracted from the limit break list that have been previously registered with the user. The program according to claim 1, wherein the extraction unit extracts the limit break list based on the enhancement target extraction conditions.

11. The aforementioned possession list includes the types and quantities of exchangeable items that can be exchanged by consuming the aforementioned in-game materials. The program according to claim 1, wherein the exchange item can be exchanged for the material character by using it.

12. A system for providing games to user terminals used by users, Among the characters provided in the aforementioned game, the name, rank, attributes, and quantity of the characters owned by the user, The types and quantities of in-game materials possessed by the user and usable for exchanging the character, This includes the user-specific possession list in the game, For multiple characters that are the target of the limit break enhancement that increases the rank, an enhancement pattern is defined which defines the number of material characters required for enhancement by limit break, which is a combination of the rank and quantity of the material characters that are consumed as materials in order to perform the limit break enhancement, and Purchase table defining the quantity of in-game materials required to exchange the aforementioned character. A memory unit that stores, A determination unit that determines whether or not there is a shortage of the material characters necessary for strengthening at least one of the characters to be strengthened by breaking the limit, based on the possession list, the strengthening pattern, and the purchase table. When a shortage of the aforementioned material characters occurs, the identification unit identifies the necessary in-game materials for each of the characters to be strengthened, in order to exchange the material characters that are lacking in the number of material characters required for strengthening by limit breaking, as the necessary in-game materials. If a shortage of the aforementioned material characters occurs, an extraction unit creates a limit break list, which is a list of only the characters that can be strengthened through limit break enhancement, by consuming the necessary in-game materials. The user terminal includes a display control unit that highlights the characters included in the limit break list. A system that has

13. A server that provides games to user terminals used by users, Among the characters provided in the aforementioned game, the name, rank, attributes, and quantity of the characters owned by the user, The types and quantities of in-game materials possessed by the user and usable for exchanging the character, This includes the user-specific possession list in the game, For multiple characters that are the target of the limit break enhancement that increases the rank, an enhancement pattern is defined which defines the number of material characters required for enhancement by limit break, which is a combination of the rank and quantity of the material characters that are consumed as materials in order to perform the limit break enhancement, and Purchase table defining the quantity of in-game materials required to exchange the aforementioned character. A memory unit that stores, A determination unit that determines whether or not there is a shortage of the material characters necessary for strengthening at least one of the characters to be strengthened by breaking the limit, based on the possession list, the strengthening pattern, and the purchase table. When a shortage of the aforementioned material characters occurs, the identification unit identifies the necessary in-game materials for each of the characters to be strengthened, in order to exchange the material characters that are lacking in the number of material characters required for strengthening by limit breaking, as the necessary in-game materials. When a shortage of the aforementioned material characters occurs, an extraction unit creates a limit break list, which is a list of the characters that can be strengthened through limit break enhancement, by consuming the necessary in-game materials. The user terminal includes a display control unit that highlights the characters included in the limit break list. A server.

14. A method for providing a game to a user's terminal, Among the characters provided in the aforementioned game, the name, rank, attributes, and quantity of the characters owned by the user, The types and quantities of in-game materials possessed by the user and usable for exchanging the character, This includes the user-specific possession list in the game, For multiple characters that are the target of the limit break enhancement that increases the rank, an enhancement pattern is defined which defines the number of material characters required for enhancement by limit break, which is a combination of the rank and quantity of the material characters that are consumed as materials in order to perform the limit break enhancement, and Purchase table defining the quantity of in-game materials required to exchange the aforementioned character. A storage step in which the data is stored in the memory unit, A determination step, based on the possession list, the enhancement pattern, and the purchase table, to determine whether or not there is a shortage of the material characters necessary for enhancing at least one of the enhancement target characters by limit breaking, In the event of a shortage of the aforementioned material characters, the necessary in-game materials for exchanging the material characters that are lacking in the number of material characters required for enhancement through limit break are identified as the necessary in-game materials for each of the characters to be enhanced. If a shortage of the aforementioned material characters occurs, the extraction step involves creating a limit break list, which is a list of only the characters that can be strengthened through limit break enhancement, by consuming the necessary in-game materials. A method characterized by causing a computer to perform a display control step of highlighting the character included in the limit break list on the user terminal.

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