Game delivery server, game delivery system, game delivery method, and game delivery program

Abstract

Even if other versions of a character whose intimacy level has been increased appear as draw subjects in the lottery, this can increase the user's motivation to participate in the lottery. [Solution] The game provision server 100 operates a game that provides multiple versions of the same character to a user terminal 200 as a result of a lottery, and comprises a storage unit 120, a reception unit 131, a closeness management unit 132, and a buff application unit 133. The storage unit stores groups of characters with the same name, characters owned by each user terminal, and closeness levels for each group of characters with the same name. The reception unit receives closeness-increasing actions from the user terminal for each group of characters with the same name. The closeness management unit increases the closeness level for each group of characters with the same name that is the target of the closeness-increasing action. The buff application unit applies enhancement buffs that provide advantageous effects in the game to each group of characters with the same name that corresponds to the closeness level.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, social games and application games that can be used on smartphones and the like have become widely popular. Many of these games adopt a business model that increases revenue by providing items, characters, etc. available in the game to users有偿 using mechanisms such as lottery (so-called "gacha") while making the basic play free.

[0003] Particularly, in games of the type where characters are collected and cultivated, in order to gather the popularity of users, various versions (for example, season-limited versions, event-limited versions, collaboration versions, etc.) that have different costumes, different attributes, different skills, or different rarities while being the same character are successively added and provided as lottery targets.

[0004] While users find enjoyment in collecting various versions of their favorite characters, these different versions are often treated as independent individual characters even if the character names are the same. Therefore, users need to newly invest cultivation resources (experience value items, enhancement materials, in-game currency, etc.) separately from the existing versions in order to strengthen the newly obtained version.

[0005] In addition, there are games equipped with a system related to intimacy, which is the relationship between the user and the character, as an element of character cultivation. In such games, a character can receive an enhancement buff that strengthens the performance of the character's version when the user raises the intimacy regarding a specific version of the character.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a game in which players can purchase items by spending a predetermined currency within the game. Furthermore, the form of item charging is not limited to a sales method in which players (users) can individually specify and purchase desired items or other objects, but also includes cases where objects selected by lottery are given to the user (so-called "gacha"). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-008988 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] In conventional game systems, in environments where multiple versions of a character with the same name are possessed, increasing the affinity level of one version of the same character does not apply the enhancement buff to other versions of the same character. This presented a problem where, if another version of a character whose affinity level has been increased appeared as a target for a lottery, it would reduce the user's motivation to participate in the lottery.

[0009] Therefore, this embodiment was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a game provision server, game provision system, game provision method, and game provision program that can improve the user's motivation to participate in the lottery, even when other versions of a character whose intimacy level has been increased appear as targets for the lottery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A game provision server according to a first aspect of this disclosure is a game provision server that operates a game which provides multiple versions of the same character that can be used in the game to a user terminal used by a user as the result of a lottery, and comprises: a storage unit that stores, for each character name, a group of characters with the same name including multiple versions of the character; owned characters, including the type of character owned, and intimacy levels, including a parameter representing the intimacy level for each group of characters with the same name, for each user terminal; a reception unit that receives intimacy-raising actions from the user terminal for each group of characters with the same name that increase the intimacy level; an intimacy-management unit that increases the intimacy level for each group of characters with the same name that is the target of the intimacy-raising action; and a buff application unit that applies enhancement buffs that provide advantageous effects in the game for each group of characters with the same name that corresponds to the intimacy level.

[0011] A game provision system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a game provision system that operates a game which provides multiple versions of the same character that can be used in the game to a user terminal used by a user as the result of a lottery, comprising: a storage unit that stores, for each character name, a group of characters with the same name including multiple versions of the character; owned characters, including the types of characters owned, and intimacy levels, including parameters representing intimacy for each group of characters with the same name, for each user terminal; a receiving unit that receives intimacy-raising actions from the user terminal for each group of characters with the same name that increase the intimacy level; an intimacy-management unit that increases the intimacy level for each group of characters with the same name that is the target of the intimacy-raising action; and a buff application unit that applies enhancement buffs that provide advantageous effects in the game for each group of characters with the same name that correspond to the intimacy level.

[0012] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a game provision method in which a computer operates a game in which it provides multiple versions of the same character that can be used in the game to a user terminal used by a user as the result of a lottery, wherein the computer functions as a storage unit that stores, for each character name, a group of characters with the same name including multiple versions of the character, owned characters including the types of characters owned by the user terminal, and intimacy levels including parameters representing the intimacy level for each group of characters with the same name, a receiving unit that receives intimacy-raising actions from the user terminal for each group of characters with the same name that increase the intimacy level, an intimacy-management unit that increases the intimacy level for each group of characters with the same name that is the target of the intimacy-raising action, and a buff application unit that applies enhancement buffs that can obtain advantageous effects in the game for each group of characters with the same name that corresponds to the intimacy level.

[0013] A game provision program according to a fourth aspect of this disclosure is a game provision program that causes a computer to operate a game that provides a user terminal used by a user with multiple versions of the same character that can be used in the game as the result of a lottery, and the computer functions as follows: a storage unit that stores, for each character name, a group of characters with the same name including multiple versions of the character; owned characters, including the types of characters owned, for each user terminal; and intimacy levels, including parameters representing the intimacy level for each group of characters with the same name; a receiving unit that receives intimacy-raising actions from the user terminal for each group of characters with the same name that increase the intimacy level; an intimacy-management unit that increases the intimacy level for each group of characters with the same name that is the target of the intimacy-raising action; and a buff application unit that applies enhancement buffs that provide advantageous effects in the game for each group of characters with the same name that correspond to the intimacy level. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] Even if another version of the character with increased intimacy appears as a lottery target in the lottery, the user's motivation to participate in the lottery can be enhanced.

[0015] Note that the above summary of the disclosure does not list all the necessary features of the present disclosure. Also, sub-combinations of these feature groups can also be inventions.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] An example of the configuration of the game providing system 1 in which the game providing server 100 operates is schematically shown. [Figure 2] An example of the functional configuration of the game providing server 100 is schematically shown. [Figure 3] An example of the flow of the buff application process of the game providing server 100 is schematically shown. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the same-name character group table 710. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the intimacy increase action table 720. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the intimacy table 730. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the intimacy application target table 740. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the intimacy level table 750. [Figure 9] An example of the character status screen 760. [Figure 10] It is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer functioning as the game providing server 100 and the user terminal 200.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described through embodiments of the invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Also, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of the configuration of a game providing system 1 in which a game providing server 100 operates. The game providing system 1 includes a game providing server 100 and user terminals 200, which are connected via a network. The game providing system 1 provides a gacha system as part of the content of the online game and social game to the user terminals 200 by the game providing server 100.

[0019] The game providing server 100 is a server composed of one or more computers managed by the game operator. The game providing server 100 executes all information processing necessary for game operation, such as game progress, user data management, charging processing, and lottery and associated point management, which are the main parts of this embodiment.

[0020] In response to requests from the user terminals 200, the game providing server 100 transmits game scenario data, character data, data of other users, etc., and receives the play results of the game (operation history, item acquisition, character growth, etc.) transmitted from the user terminals 200 to update the user database.

[0021] The game providing server 100 manages a parameter called "intimacy" for each of a plurality of versions of characters having the same character name (character group with the same name) among the characters possessed by the user, increases the intimacy in response to a specific in-game action (intimacy increase action) by the user, and applies a "strengthening buff" common to all characters belonging to the character group with the same name, or has a function of releasing content such as additional stories and additional effects according to the value or level of the intimacy.

[0022] The user terminal 200 is an information processing terminal used by the user to play the game, and may be, for example, a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or home game console. The user terminal 200 has a dedicated client application for playing the game installed, or it has a web browser.

[0023] The user terminal 200 communicates with the game server 100 periodically or as needed to synchronize the game state and advance the game. When the user performs an operation to execute a lottery within the game, the user terminal 200 sends a lottery execution request to the game server 100. The user terminal 200 then receives information on the lottery results and accumulated points from the game server 100 and displays this information on the screen.

[0024] Figure 2 schematically shows an example of the functional configuration of the game provision server 100. The game provision server 100 operates a game that provides multiple versions of the same character usable in the game to the user terminal used by the user as the result of a lottery. The game provision server 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a processing unit 130.

[0025] The communications unit 110 exchanges information with the user terminal 200 via the network.

[0026] The communication unit 110 receives requests from the user terminal 200 (such as login requests, game operation information, and notifications of intimacy-increasing actions) and passes them to the processing unit 130, and then sends the processing results from the processing unit 130 (such as game data, game screen information, and enhancement buff application results) to the user terminal 200. The communication unit 110 may also be a network interface such as a network card or network port.

[0027] The memory unit 120 stores the information necessary to provide the game to the user terminal 200. The memory unit 120 may be a storage medium such as an HDD, SSD, or RAM.

[0028] The memory unit 120 functions as a database (DB) that stores, for example, game provision programs for realizing each function of the game provision server 100, user account information, game data for each user (character information, item information, progress, intimacy information, etc.), and game master data (character parameters, item data, quest data, intimacy system definition data, etc.).

[0029] The memory unit 120 stores, for each character's name, a group of characters with the same name, including multiple versions of the character; for each user terminal, owned characters, including the types of characters owned; and intimacy levels, including parameters representing the level of intimacy for each group of characters with the same name. The memory unit 120 also stores information related to the group of characters with the same name table 710, the intimacy level increase action table 720, the intimacy level table 730, the intimacy level application target table 740, the intimacy level stage table 750, and the character status screen 760.

[0030] The processing unit 130 controls the operation of the entire game provision server 100 and performs various information processing related to the game by reading and executing the game provision program from the storage unit 120. The processing unit 130 may include a processor such as a CPU and its peripheral circuits.

[0031] The processing unit 130 includes a reception unit 131, a closeness management unit 132, a buff application unit 133, and a release unit 134.

[0032] The reception unit 131 receives intimacy-increasing actions from the user terminal 200 for each group of characters with the same name. Intimacy may represent the relationship between the user and the group of characters with the same name. The higher the level of intimacy, the closer the relationship between the user and the group of characters with the same name may be.

[0033] Actions that increase intimacy may include, for example, viewing the individual character story of any of the characters in the group with the same name, completing individual character quests, giving items to any of the characters in the group with the same name, or participating in battles with any of the characters in the group with the same name in your party.

[0034] The reception unit 131 receives notifications from the user terminal 200 regarding the occurrence of "affinity-increasing actions," which are predefined as triggers that increase affinity among specific actions performed by the user in the game. The notification usually includes information identifying the user ID, the type of action, and the character (or group of characters with the same name) that was targeted by the action.

[0035] The affinity management unit 132 increases the affinity for each group of characters with the same name that are the target of the affinity-increasing action.

[0036] When the reception unit 131 receives an action to increase intimacy, the intimacy management unit 132 performs a process to increase (add) the intimacy value (total intimacy, or specific category intimacy) stored in the memory unit 120 for the group of characters with the same name that are the target of that action, according to predetermined rules.

[0037] The buff application unit 133 applies an enhancement buff that provides a favorable effect in the game to each group of characters with the same name corresponding to their affinity level.

[0038] The buff application unit 133 applies an enhancement buff to groups of characters with the same name for each category of in-game content corresponding to the category of intimacy level.

[0039] The buff application unit 133 changes the content of the enhancement buff according to the level of intimacy.

[0040] The stages of intimacy may be simple numerical levels, or they may be stages divided into ranks or levels at certain thresholds. For example, if the level of intimacy is 10, it may be 10 points. For example, if the level of intimacy is 10 and the thresholds for the rank of intimacy are intimacy levels 10, 20, and 30, it may be rank 2.

[0041] The buff application unit 133 may apply the enhancement buff to only certain content. Content may refer to a unit of playable content within the game. The types of content may include, for example, main quests, subquests, event quests, raid battles, character quests, and limited-time quests.

[0042] The buff application unit 133 also applies the enhancement buff to other groups of characters with the same name that are related to the group of characters with the same name. The group of characters with the same name may include all other versions of a character with the same name. For example, if the character name is Character A, the group of characters with the same name may include the summer version of Character A, the New Year version of Character A, and so on.

[0043] The level of intimacy may include the level of intimacy for multiple categories. The level of intimacy may be a numerical value, and the sum of the level of intimacy for multiple categories may equal the total level of intimacy.

[0044] The classification of intimacy may include classifications based on the type of content. The classification of intimacy may include multiple types, each of which may be referenced individually at the stage necessary for determination. Multiple classifications of intimacy may be set for main quests, subquests, event quests, raid battles, and character quests, each corresponding to a specific classification of intimacy.

[0045] The intimacy level categories may include categories based on validity period. The expiration date may be synchronized with, for example, the duration of a limited-time quest. The expiration date may also be the period from the time the intimacy level category was updated.

[0046] The intimacy classification may include classifications based on the type of intimacy with characters of the same name. The type of intimacy may include classifications such as friendship, love, and rivalry.

[0047] The buff application unit 133 determines whether the user's current intimacy level (total intimacy level, or category intimacy level) has reached a predetermined stage (level). If it has, it applies the enhancement buff (e.g., status increase, damage increase, etc.) associated with that stage to all characters belonging to the target group of characters with the same name (those owned by the user).

[0048] The buff application unit 133, for example, takes into account the correction value due to the enhancement buff when transmitting character status data during communication with the user terminal 200, or reflects the buff effect in calculations during battle processing.

[0049] The unlocking unit 134 unlocks additional storylines or scenes within the game according to the level of intimacy.

[0050] When the release unit 134 detects that the intimacy level has reached a certain stage, it updates the user data in the memory unit 120 (by setting a release flag, etc.) so that the user can access additional stories that were previously unavailable for viewing and additional effects (special voices, motions, etc.) that were previously unavailable for playback.

[0051] Figure 3 schematically shows an example of the buff application process flow on the game server 100. The buff application process is the basic process related to intimacy, from when intimacy increases until the enhancement buff is applied (or released). The starting state of the buff application process is, for example, when the user completes an action in the game that triggers an increase in intimacy.

[0052] In step S102, the reception unit 131 accepts the action to increase intimacy.

[0053] When a user plays the game on user terminal 200 and completes an action that increases intimacy (e.g., forming a team with a specific character and clearing a battle, viewing a character story, using an intimacy item, etc.), user terminal 200 sends a notification to the game server 100 indicating that an intimacy-increasing action has occurred (including the type of action, the ID of the target character, the user ID, etc.).

[0054] The reception unit 131 receives a notification from the user terminal 200 that an action to increase intimacy has occurred. From the received information, the reception unit 131 identifies which action was performed, by which user, and on which character (and the group of characters with the same name to which it belongs).

[0055] In step S104, the intimacy management unit 132 increases the intimacy level.

[0056] The intimacy management unit 132 executes a process to increase intimacy based on the intimacy increase action received by the reception unit 131. Specifically, the intimacy management unit 132 first refers to the intimacy increase action table 720 in the storage unit 120 and obtains the "increase value" and the type of "intimacy category" (A, B, C, etc.) corresponding to the action identified in step S102.

[0057] Next, the intimacy management unit 132 accesses the intimacy table 730 in the memory unit 120 and identifies the record for the corresponding user ID and the corresponding character group ID with the same name. Then, it adds the acquired "increase value" to the current value of the corresponding "category intimacy" (e.g., "category intimacy C") of the identified record. At the same time, it also adds it to the "total intimacy" value (or calculates it separately as the total value of category intimacy). In this way, the results of the user's actions are accumulated as parameter values ​​in the intimacy table 730.

[0058] In step S106, the buff application unit 133 determines whether the intimacy level has reached any stage.

[0059] The buff application unit 133, after increasing intimacy, determines whether the increased intimacy value has reached a new stage (level). Specifically, the buff application unit 133 refers to the intimacy stage table 750 in the memory unit 120. It then compares the intimacy value updated in step S104 (total intimacy, or increased category intimacy) with the intimacy value before the update, and determines whether the updated value has exceeded the "threshold" of one of the stages defined in the intimacy stage table 750 for the first time as a result of this update.

[0060] The buff application unit 133 determines, for example, that if the "Total Affection" increases from "58" to "61", it has newly exceeded the threshold of "60" for "Stage 1" in the Affection Stage Table 750. If the determination shows that the increased Affection does not exceed the threshold of any of the new stages (for example, an increase from "61" to "64"), no new rewards will be unlocked. In this case, the Affection Management Unit 132 confirms only the update of the values ​​in the Affection Table 730 and terminates the buff application process. The user terminal 200 may be notified of the increase in Affection (e.g., "Affection has increased by +3") as needed.

[0061] If the assessment determines that the increased intimacy level has exceeded the threshold for any new stage (e.g., "Stage 1"), the process proceeds to step S108.

[0062] In step S108, the buff application unit 133 applies an enhancement buff.

[0063] If it is determined in step S106 that a new stage has been reached, the buff application unit 133 and / or release unit 134 execute the process of applying or releasing the reward (perk) corresponding to the new stage. Specifically, the processing unit 130 refers to the reward table in the memory unit 120 and obtains the reward content associated with the stage that has been reached this time (e.g., "Stage 1" of "Total Affection").

[0064] If the reward is an "enhancement buff" (e.g., "Attack Power +10%"), the buff application unit 133 performs a process to activate this enhancement buff (buff ID 101, etc.) for the corresponding group of characters with the same name belonging to the user. This could involve, for example, setting a flag in the table that manages the user's owned character data indicating that this enhancement buff is currently applied, or loading the buff effect into cache memory.

[0065] In this process, the buff application unit 133 refers to the affinity application target table 740 and sets the activation settings for the enhancement buff according to the application rules, such as whether the enhancement buff is effective in "all content," only in a specific "content A," or excluded in specific content (such as PVP).

[0066] If the reward is an "additional story" or "additional animation," the unlocking unit 134 records the story ID or animation ID that was unlocked this time as "unlocked" in the table that manages the content unlock information of the user concerned.

[0067] Once these processes are complete, the processing unit 130 terminates this flow. The user terminal 200 receives a message indicating that the affinity level has reached a new stage and that new enhancement buffs and content have been unlocked. This allows the user to immediately receive the results of the affinity-increasing action as a reward.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the game provision server 100 is a game provision server that operates a game that provides multiple versions of the same character that can be used in the game to a user terminal 200 used by a user as a result of a lottery, and includes a storage unit 120 that stores, for each character name, a group of characters with the same name including multiple versions of the character, owned characters including the types of characters owned by the user terminal 200, and intimacy levels including parameters representing intimacy for each group of characters with the same name, a reception unit 131 that receives intimacy-raising actions from the user terminal 200 for each group of characters with the same name that increase intimacy levels, an intimacy management unit 132 that increases intimacy levels for each group of characters with the same name that is the target of the intimacy-raising action, and a buff application unit 133 that applies enhancement buffs that provide advantageous effects in the game for each group of characters with the same name that corresponds to the intimacy level.

[0069] This allows users to collect different versions of a specific character (a character with the same name) (e.g., "Character A (Normal)", "Character A (Swimsuit)") and use them to play the game (perform intimacy-increasing actions), thereby increasing the "intimacy" of the entire group of characters with the same name, "Character A". As intimacy increases, a common enhancement buff (e.g., increased attack power) is applied to all versions belonging to that group of characters with the same name (the "Normal" and "Swimsuit" versions owned).

[0070] Therefore, instead of character development being fragmented by version as in the past, the results of character development (increased intimacy) will be accumulated and shared as a unit called "character name". When users obtain a new version of their favorite character through a lottery (gacha), they can immediately benefit from the enhancement buffs gained from already increased intimacy, thus increasing the value of acquiring the new version. Furthermore, even older versions can contribute to increasing intimacy by being used as targets for intimacy-raising actions, providing an incentive for continued use. As a result, it is expected that this will strongly stimulate users' desire (motivation) to collect and develop characters, and improve game engagement and retention rates.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the intimacy level includes intimacy levels of multiple categories, and the buff application unit 133 applies an enhancement buff to a group of characters with the same name for each category of in-game content corresponding to the intimacy level.

[0072] This allows intimacy to be subdivided into multiple "category intimacy" parameters (e.g., "category intimacy A," "category intimacy B") rather than being a single parameter. Each category of intimacy can then be associated with specific game content (e.g., "content A," "content B").

[0073] Therefore, users can experience more strategic and diverse gameplay by increasing their affinity for a particular content (for example, by selectively performing specific actions) in order to obtain advantageous enhancement buffs for that content. Game providers can use this affinity system as a measure to guide users to specific content (e.g., newly added content or content with low usage rates).

[0074] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the buff application unit 133 changes the content of the enhancement buff according to the level of intimacy.

[0075] This allows for a continuous stimulation of the user's sense of accomplishment as they increase their intimacy level. As the intimacy level increases, the effect of enhancement buffs increases (e.g., from "Attack Power +5%" to "Attack Power +10%"), or new types of enhancement buffs are added (e.g., "Defense Power +10%" and "Critical Hit +5%" are unlocked). Therefore, users have a clear goal of "becoming even stronger when they reach the next level," which motivates them to continue playing the game to increase their intimacy level in the long term.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the present invention, enhancement buffs are applied only to certain content.

[0077] This allows game providers to flexibly control the impact of the affinity system's enhancement buffs on the overall game balance. For example, if enhancement buffs were enabled in all content, users who maximize the affinity of certain character groups could gain an extreme advantage. In particular, in PVP (Player Versus Player) content where players compete against other users, or in ranking events, it may be necessary to limit or disable the effects of enhancement buffs to maintain fairness.

[0078] Therefore, by limiting the application of enhancement buffs to certain content (e.g., excluding PVP), it becomes possible to maintain appropriate game balance for each content while still providing the enjoyment of character development through the affinity system.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes an unlocking unit 134 that unlocks additional storylines or scenes within the game depending on the level of intimacy.

[0080] This allows us to provide users with not only combat strength (enhancement buffs) as an incentive to increase their affinity with characters, but also rewards that deepen their attachment to and understanding of the characters (additional stories and additional cutscenes). In particular, for users who value the game's narrative and the individuality of the characters, stories that reveal new aspects of the characters, or special voice and motion effects, can be a stronger incentive to increase affinity than status improvements.

[0081] Therefore, it is possible to increase the satisfaction of a diverse range of users and enhance the appeal of the intimacy system.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the buff application unit 133 also applies the enhancement buff to other groups of characters with the same name that are related to the group of characters with the same name.

[0083] This allows the "relationships" between characters in the game's world and story (e.g., parent and child, siblings, rivals, belonging to the same team, etc.) to be reflected in the affinity system and enhancement buffs. When a user increases the affinity of a specific group of characters with the same name (e.g., the "protagonist" group), it can be set up so that some kind of enhancement buff is applied (automatically or additionally) to another group of characters with the same name who have a close relationship with that group (e.g., the "protagonist's partner" group).

[0084] Therefore, users can deepen their immersion in the game's world and also gain the strategic advantage of being able to strengthen related character groups together, which motivates them to raise and use multiple character groups.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the classification intimacy includes classification by content type.

[0086] This clarifies that "content classification" is determined based on the type of specific gameplay (content) within the game (e.g., story, events, battles).

[0087] Therefore, users will be able to intuitively understand which content will increase which affinity levels and which content will provide effective enhancement buffs. For game providers, it will be easier to design strategies to guide users to specific content (e.g., main story "Content A", event "Content B") (e.g., "Viewing the story" increases "Affinity Level A", "Completing event quests" increases "Affinity Level B").

[0088] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the classification of intimacy includes classification by validity period.

[0089] This makes it possible to impose a time constraint, such as an "effective period," on the intimacy level classification.

[0090] Therefore, game providers can implement intimacy strategies that are only effective for specific periods (e.g., seasonal events, collaboration events, anniversary campaigns, etc.). For example, by introducing an "event-specific intimacy" that can only be increased and applied during the event period, and allowing players to obtain powerful enhancement buffs within the event by increasing this intimacy, it is possible to intensively increase users' motivation to participate in the event in a short period of time. Furthermore, since the effects of that intimacy and enhancement buffs can be made to expire when the event ends, it is possible to create a sense of exclusivity for the event while suppressing constant inflation of the game balance.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the classification of intimacy includes classifications based on the type of intimacy with a group of characters of the same name.

[0092] This makes it possible to define the concept of "intimacy" between the user and the character not by a single measure, but by multiple different aspects (types). For example, different types of intimacy, such as "trust in combat" and "personal affection," can be set as separate intimacy categories (e.g., "trust level" and "romantic level").

[0093] Therefore, different types of intimacy levels can be increased depending on the user's actions (e.g., "fighting together" and "giving gifts"), and each can be designed to lead to different types of rewards (e.g., "trust level" grants combat enhancement buffs, "romance level" unlocks additional story content). For the user, this creates the enjoyment of building deeper and more multifaceted relationships with characters, improving the breadth of character development and immersion.

[0094] Figure 4 shows an example of the structure of the Same-Named Character Group Table 710. This Same-Named Character Group Table 710 is master data that defines the relationship between the versions of characters that exist in the game and the same-named character groups to which they belong.

[0095] The same-named character group table 710 includes, for example, a "same-named character group" ID column, a "character name" column, and a "version" column. The "same-named character group" ID is an ID that uniquely identifies each same-named character group (e.g., "character A" group, "character B" group).

[0096] "Character Name" indicates the name of a group of characters with the same name (e.g., "Character A", "Character B"). "Version" indicates the name of a specific character version belonging to that group of characters with the same name (e.g., "Normal", "Swimsuit", "Christmas").

[0097] The same-name character group table 710 indicates that the same-name character group ID "1" corresponds to the character name "Character A," which includes the "Normal," "Swimsuit," "Christmas," "Halloween," and "New Year" versions. Similarly, ID "2" corresponds to the "Character B" group, and ID "3" corresponds to the "Character C" group. By referring to the same-name character group table 710, the game server 100 can instantly identify which same-name character group (e.g., ID "1") a particular character version owned by a user (e.g., "Character A (Swimsuit)") belongs to.

[0098] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of the Intimacy Increase Action Table 720. The Intimacy Increase Action Table 720 is master data that defines what user actions increase intimacy, by how much, and which intimacy level increases.

[0099] The intimacy increase action table 720 includes, for example, a "Intimacy Increase Action" column, an "Intimacy Increase Value" column, and a "Category Intimacy" column.

[0100] "Affection-increasing action" refers to an in-game action that triggers an increase in intimacy (e.g., "Form a party and battle", "View character-specific story for the first time"). "Increase value" refers to the amount of intimacy increased per action. "Intimacy category" refers to the category of intimacy that is subject to increase (corresponding to claim 2) (e.g., "A", "B", "C").

[0101] The affinity-increasing action table 720 indicates that "Forming a party and engaging in battle" increases "Affinity Category C" by "1", "Viewing a character's story for the first time" increases "Affinity Category A" by "20", "Using an affinity item" increases "Affinity Category C" by "5", and "Clearing the target quest for the first time" increases "Affinity Category B" by "10". When the affinity management unit 132 receives notification of an action from the reception unit 131, it refers to the affinity-increasing action table 720 and updates the values ​​in the affinity table 730, which will be described later.

[0102] Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of the affinity table 730. The affinity table 730 is user data that records the current affinity level for each group of characters with the same name for each user. The affinity table 730 is actually associated with the user table and managed for each user ID.

[0103] The affinity table 730 includes, for example, the "Same Name Character Group" ID column, the "Affinity (Total)" column, the "Category Affinity A" column, the "Category Bffinity Bffinity Cffinity" column, and so on. The "Same Name Character Group" ID corresponds to the ID in the Same Name Character Group table 710.

[0104] "Total Affection" represents the sum of all category affection values, or the overall affection value accumulated separately. "Category Affection A," "Category Affection B," and "Category Affection C" represent the accumulated affection values ​​corresponding to the categories defined in Affection Increase Action Table 720.

[0105] The affinity table 730 shows that the affinity of a certain user's character group ID "1" (character group A) is a total of "60", with affinity category A being "10", affinity category B being "20", and affinity category C being "30". The affinity management unit 132 adds and updates the corresponding values ​​in this affinity table 730 in response to an affinity increase action.

[0106] Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of the Affinity Application Target Table 740. The Affinity Application Target Table 740 is master data that defines which game content categories each type of affinity (total or category) is eligible for buff application.

[0107] The affinity application target table 740 includes, for example, a "Affinity" column and a "Target Content" column. The "Affinity" column shows each affinity level (total, category affinity A, B, C) from affinity table 730. The "Target Content" column shows the category of game content to which the enhancement buff based on that affinity level is effective.

[0108] The affinity application table 740 indicates that buffs based on "Affinity (Total)" are effective in "All Content," enhancement buffs based on "Affinity Category A" are effective only in "Content A" (e.g., Main Story), enhancement buffs based on "Affinity Category B" are effective only in "Content B" (e.g., Events), and enhancement buffs based on "Affinity Category C" are effective only in "Content C" (e.g., PVP).

[0109] The buff application unit 133, when a user plays each piece of content, refers to the affinity application target table 740 to determine which affinity-based enhancement buff should be applied.

[0110] Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of the intimacy level table 750. The intimacy level table 750 is master data that defines the intimacy threshold required to reach each stage (level) for each type of intimacy (total or category).

[0111] The intimacy level table 750, for example, uses rows for the type of intimacy and columns for the levels (e.g., "Level 1" to "Level 4"), storing the required threshold in each cell. In the intimacy level table 750, "Intimacy (Total)" shows that a value of "60" reaches "Level 1" and "120" reaches "Level 2". "Category Intimacy A" shows that a value of "10" reaches "Level 1" and "20" reaches "Level 2".

[0112] The buff application unit 133 and the release unit 134 determine which stage the user has reached by comparing the current intimacy level in the intimacy table 730 with the threshold level in the intimacy stage table 750, and then apply or release the enhancement buffs and release content corresponding to that stage.

[0113] The memory unit 120 may also store a "reward table" that defines the specific rewards corresponding to each intimacy level. This reward table may store information such as, for example, "When the total intimacy reaches level 3, apply buff ID 101 (attack power +10%)" or "When the total intimacy reaches level 1, unlock story ID 501 (additional story)."

[0114] Figure 9 shows an example of the character status screen 760 displayed on the user terminal 200. The character status screen 760 displays detailed information about the character. The character status screen 760 is displayed when the user selects a specific character version they own (e.g., the "SR" rarity version of the character named "Yoshida").

[0115] The top of the character status screen 760 displays the illustration of the character version, the character name "Yoshida", rarity, and basic information such as the current level (e.g., Lv.99 / 99). The center of the character status screen 760 displays the current stats of the character version (e.g., HP, attack power, defense power, speed, etc.).

[0116] The status values ​​may already reflect the enhancement buffs applied by the affinity level, as described later, or they may show both the base value before the buffs are applied and the increase due to the enhancement buffs. At the bottom of the character status screen 760, there is a section that displays information about "affinity," which is a characteristic element of this embodiment.

[0117] The section first displays the current intimacy level (stage) of the group of characters with the same name ("Yoshida" group) to which this character "Yoshida" belongs, for example, "Lv.4 / 5". This indicates to the user that the current intimacy level has reached level 4, and the next level, level 5, is the maximum (or the next goal).

[0118] Below the section, a list of rewards (perks) unlocked by reaching each level (stage) of intimacy will be displayed. Rewards may take the form of, for example, "Lv.1: Unlock additional story", "Lv.2: Unlock additional animation", "Lv.3: Attack power +10% (enhancement buff)", "Lv.4: Defense power +10% (enhancement buff)", "Lv.5: Critical hit +5% (enhancement buff, next goal)".

[0119] On character status screen 760, since the current intimacy level is "Lv.4", the rewards from Lv.1 to Lv.4 are marked with "(Achieved)", indicating that the user has already obtained these rewards (access to view additional stories, access to additional animations, a +10% attack buff, and a +10% defense buff). On character status screen 760, the next goal, "Lv.5: Critical +5%", is clearly displayed as an unachieved reward.

[0120] In this way, information regarding the affinity system can be integrated and displayed on the character status screen 760. By looking at the character status screen 760, users can be motivated to raise Yoshida's affinity to Lv. 5 and obtain the "Critical +5%" enhancement buff. To that end, they will then consider taking actions that increase affinity, such as obtaining other versions of Yoshida (e.g., Yoshida (Swimsuit)) to read her story, or forming a team with the Yoshida versions they own and using them in battle.

[0121] <Basic Computer Configuration> Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 900 that functions as a game provision system 1, a game provision server 100, and a user terminal 200. The computer 900 has 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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 provision system 1, the game provision server 100, and the user terminal 200 executing the programs stored in their respective memory units 902.

[0124] 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 provision system 1, the game provision server 100, and the user terminal 200 uses this communication unit 903 to communicate with other devices, including the network NW shown in Figure 1.

[0125] 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. <Program> Here, we will describe the programs for realizing each functional unit of the game provision system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0126] The game provision system 1 is implemented in the computer 900. The operation of each component of the game provision system 1 is stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory unit 902 in the form of a program. The control unit 901 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device of the memory unit 902, loads it into the main memory of the memory unit 902, and executes the above process according to the program. The control unit 901 also reserves a memory area in the main memory of the memory unit 902 corresponding to the memory unit 902, according to the program.

[0127] The program is a game provision program that causes a computer to run a game that provides multiple versions of the same character usable in the game to a user terminal 200 used by a user as the result of a lottery. The program includes a storage unit 120 that stores, for each character name, a group of characters with the same name including multiple versions of the character; for each user terminal, owned characters including the types of characters owned; and intimacy levels including parameters representing intimacy for each group of characters with the same name; a reception unit 131 that receives intimacy-increasing actions from the user terminal 200 for each group of characters with the same name to increase intimacy levels; an intimacy management unit 132 that increases intimacy levels for each group of characters with the same name that is the target of the intimacy-increasing action; and a buff application unit 133 that applies enhancement buffs that provide advantageous effects in the game for each group of characters with the same name corresponding to the intimacy level.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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).

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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. Moreover, 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] <Another Embodiment 1> In another embodiment, the buff application unit 133 may change at least one of the effects, performance, and presentation of skills used by characters belonging to the same character group, depending on the level of intimacy.

[0134] The skills used by characters are set for each character and may be actions that give an advantage in the game. Changes in the effect of a skill may, for example, change it into a completely different effect. Changes in the performance of a skill may, for example, strengthen the effect of the skill. Changes in the animation of a skill may, for example, make the animation of the skill more flashy or longer.

[0135] <Another Embodiment 2> The intimacy management unit 132 may have a function to transfer or redistribute some or all of the intimacy accumulated in a specific group of characters with the same name to other groups of characters with the same name, based on user instructions.

[0136] The reception unit 131 may receive instructions from the user regarding the transfer or redistribution of intimacy. The transfer of intimacy may have an exchange rate set, similar to foreign currency exchange, depending on the difference in type between the groups of characters with the same name that are being transferred.

[0137] The rate may be configured such that, for example, groups of characters with the same name to whom intimacy is transferred each have different rarity levels, and when intimacy is transferred from a group of characters with the same name with a higher rarity to a group of characters with the same name with a lower rarity, more intimacy than the original amount is transferred. The rate may also be configured such that when intimacy is transferred from a group of characters with the same name with a lower rarity to a group of characters with the same name with a higher rarity, less intimacy than the original amount is transferred.

[0138] <Other Embodiment 3> The affinity management unit 132 may have a function to manage affinity on a group basis (e.g., a guild) to which multiple users belong. In this case, affinity-increasing actions of users belonging to the group may be accumulated in the group's affinity. The buff application unit 133 may apply an enhancement buff corresponding to the group's affinity to some or all of the users belonging to the group.

[0139] The intimacy management unit 132 may, for example, subtract the accumulated intimacy of a user from the group's intimacy if that user leaves the group.

[0140] • Note 1 A game provision server that operates the game, which provides multiple versions of the same character usable in the game to the user's terminal as the result of a lottery, A storage unit that stores, for each character name of the character, a group of characters with the same name including multiple versions of the character, owned characters including the types of characters owned by each user terminal, and intimacy levels including parameters representing the level of intimacy for each group of characters with the same name. A reception unit receives the aforementioned intimacy-increasing action for each group of characters with the same name from the user terminal, For each group of characters with the same name that are the target of the aforementioned intimacy-increasing action, there is an intimacy management unit that increases the intimacy level, A buff application unit applies an enhancement buff that provides a favorable effect within the game to each group of characters with the same name corresponding to the aforementioned intimacy level. A game server equipped with the necessary features.

[0141] • Appendix 2 The aforementioned intimacy level includes the intimacy levels of multiple categories. The buff application unit applies the enhancement buff to the group of characters with the same name for each category of in-game content corresponding to the category of intimacy, as described in Appendix 1 of the game provision server.

[0142] • Appendix 3 The buff application unit is a game service server according to either Appendix 1 or 2, which changes the content of the enhancement buff according to the level of intimacy.

[0143] • Appendix 4 A game server as described in any of Appendix 1 to 3, which applies the aforementioned enhancement buff to a limited number of content items.

[0144] • Appendix 5 Furthermore, the game server according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4 includes an unlocking unit that unlocks additional stories or scenes within the game according to the level of intimacy.

[0145] • Appendix 6 The buff application unit applies the enhancement buff to other groups of characters with the same name that are related to the group of characters with the same name, as described in any of Appendix 1 to 5 of the game provision server.

[0146] • Appendix 7 The aforementioned classification intimacy includes classifications based on the type of content, and is a game provider server as described in any of Appendix 1 to 6.

[0147] • Appendix 8 The aforementioned classification of intimacy includes classifications based on the validity period, and refers to the game provision server as described in any of Appendix 1 to 7.

[0148] • Appendix 9 The aforementioned classification of intimacy includes classifications based on the type of intimacy with the aforementioned group of characters with the same name, as described in any of the game provider servers described in Appendix 1 to 8.

[0149] • Appendix 10 A game provision system that operates the game, which provides multiple versions of the same character usable in the game to the user's terminal as the result of a lottery, A storage unit that stores, for each character name of the character, a group of characters with the same name including multiple versions of the character, owned characters including the types of characters owned by each user terminal, and intimacy levels including parameters representing the level of intimacy for each group of characters with the same name. A reception unit receives the aforementioned intimacy-increasing action for each group of characters with the same name from the user terminal, For each group of characters with the same name that are the target of the aforementioned intimacy-increasing action, there is an intimacy management unit that increases the intimacy level, For each group of characters with the same name corresponding to the aforementioned intimacy level, a buff application unit applies an enhancement buff that provides a favorable effect within the game. A game delivery system equipped with the following features.

[0150] • Appendix 11 A game provision method that operates a game in which a computer provides multiple versions of the same character usable in the game to a user terminal used by a user as the result of a lottery, A storage unit that stores, for each character name of the character, a group of characters with the same name including multiple versions of the character, owned characters including the types of characters owned by each user terminal, and intimacy levels including parameters representing the level of intimacy for each group of characters with the same name. A reception unit receives the aforementioned intimacy-increasing action for each group of characters with the same name from the user terminal, For each group of characters with the same name that are the target of the aforementioned intimacy-increasing action, there is an intimacy management unit that increases the intimacy level, For each group of characters with the same name corresponding to the aforementioned intimacy level, the computer is made to function as a buff application unit that applies an enhancement buff that provides a favorable effect within the game. How to provide the game.

[0151] • Appendix 12 A game provision program that operates a game on a computer, which provides multiple versions of the same character usable in the game to a user terminal used by a user as the result of a lottery, A storage unit that stores, for each character name of the character, a group of characters with the same name including multiple versions of the character, owned characters including the types of characters owned by each user terminal, and intimacy levels including parameters representing the level of intimacy for each group of characters with the same name. A reception unit receives the aforementioned intimacy-increasing action for each group of characters with the same name from the user terminal, For each group of characters with the same name that are the target of the aforementioned intimacy-increasing action, there is an intimacy management unit that increases the intimacy level, For each group of characters with the same name corresponding to the aforementioned intimacy level, the computer is made to function as a buff application unit that applies an enhancement buff that provides a favorable effect within the game. Game provision program. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0152] 1: Game delivery system 100: Game server 110: Communications Department 120: Storage section 130: Processing Unit 131: Reception Department 132: Intimacy Management Department 133: Buff application area 134: Liberation Department 200: User terminal 710: Table of characters with the same name 720: Affection Increase Action Table 730: Affection Table 740: Intimacy level applicable table 750: Intimacy Level Table 760: Character Status Screen 900: Computer 901: Control Unit 902: Storage section 903: Communications Department 904: Input section 905: Output section 910: Communications bus

Claims

1. A game provision server that operates the game, which provides multiple versions of the same character usable in the game to the user's terminal as the result of a lottery, A storage unit that stores, for each character name of the character, a group of characters with the same name including multiple versions of the character, owned characters including the types of characters owned by each user terminal, and intimacy levels including parameters representing the level of intimacy for each group of characters with the same name. A reception unit receives the aforementioned intimacy-increasing action for each group of characters with the same name from the user terminal, For each group of characters with the same name that are the target of the aforementioned intimacy-increasing action, there is an intimacy management unit that increases the intimacy level, A buff application unit applies an enhancement buff that provides a favorable effect within the game to each group of characters with the same name corresponding to the aforementioned intimacy level. Equipped with, The aforementioned intimacy level includes the intimacy levels of multiple categories. The buff application unit is a game service server that applies the enhancement buff to the group of characters with the same name for each category of in-game content corresponding to the category intimacy level.

2. The game server according to claim 1, wherein the buff application unit changes the content of the enhancement buff according to the level of intimacy.

3. The game server according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned enhancement buff is applied only to certain content.

4. Furthermore, the game server according to claim 1 is further equipped with an unlocking unit that unlocks additional stories or scenes within the game according to the level of intimacy.

5. The game server according to claim 1, wherein the buff application unit also applies the enhancement buff to other groups of characters with the same name that are related to the group of characters with the same name.

6. The game provider server according to claim 1, wherein the classification intimacy includes classifications based on the type of content.

7. The game provision server according to claim 1, wherein the classification of intimacy includes classifications based on the validity period.

8. The game server according to claim 1, wherein the classification of intimacy includes classifications based on the type of intimacy with the group of characters with the same name.

9. A game provision system that operates the game, which provides multiple versions of the same character usable in the game to the user's terminal as the result of a lottery, A storage unit that stores, for each character name of the character, a group of characters with the same name including multiple versions of the character, owned characters including the types of characters owned by each user terminal, and intimacy levels including parameters representing the level of intimacy for each group of characters with the same name. A reception unit receives the aforementioned intimacy-increasing action for each group of characters with the same name from the user terminal, For each group of characters with the same name that are the target of the aforementioned intimacy-increasing action, there is an intimacy management unit that increases the intimacy level, For each group of characters with the same name corresponding to the aforementioned intimacy level, a buff application unit applies an enhancement buff that provides a favorable effect within the game. Equipped with, The aforementioned intimacy level includes the intimacy levels of multiple categories. The buff application unit is a game provision system that applies the enhancement buff to the group of characters with the same name for each category of in-game content corresponding to the category of intimacy.

10. A game provision method that operates a game in which a computer provides multiple versions of the same character usable in the game to a user terminal used by a user as the result of a lottery, A storage step in which, for each character name of the character, a group of characters with the same name including multiple versions of the character, for each user terminal, owned characters including the type of character owned, and intimacy levels including parameters representing the level of intimacy for each group of characters with the same name are stored in the storage unit. A reception step in which the intimacy-increasing action that increases the intimacy level is received from the user terminal for each group of characters with the same name, For each group of characters with the same name that are the target of the aforementioned intimacy-increasing action, the intimacy management step involves increasing the intimacy level, For each group of characters with the same name corresponding to the aforementioned intimacy level, a buff application step is performed to apply an enhancement buff that provides a favorable effect within the game. Having The aforementioned intimacy level includes the intimacy levels of multiple categories. A game provision method comprising the step of applying the buff, in which the enhancement buff is applied to the group of characters with the same name for each category of in-game content corresponding to the category intimacy.

11. A game provision program that operates a game on a computer, which provides multiple versions of the same character usable in the game to a user terminal used by a user as the result of a lottery, A storage unit that stores, for each character name of the character, a group of characters with the same name including multiple versions of the character, owned characters including the types of characters owned by each user terminal, and intimacy levels including parameters representing the level of intimacy for each group of characters with the same name. A reception unit receives the aforementioned intimacy-increasing action for each group of characters with the same name from the user terminal, For each group of characters with the same name that are the target of the aforementioned intimacy-increasing action, there is an intimacy management unit that increases the intimacy level, For each group of characters with the same name corresponding to the aforementioned intimacy level, the computer is configured to function as a buff application unit that applies an enhancement buff that provides a favorable effect within the game. The aforementioned intimacy level includes the intimacy levels of multiple categories. The buff application unit is a game provision program that applies the enhancement buff to the group of characters with the same name for each category of in-game content corresponding to the category intimacy level.

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