Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program capable of urging a user to satisfy an accomplishment condition in the same game by changing organization contents of a deck while aiming at advantageous impartation of privilege.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a privilege-imparting part. The privilege-imparting part imparts privilege to a user more advantageously when a second deck is organized by excluding at least one game medium included in a first deck and an accomplishment condition is satisfied in a first game than when an accomplishment condition is satisfied in the first game by the first deck after a user organizes the first deck including at least one game medium and an accomplishment condition is satisfied in the first game.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in computer games such as communication-type (online) games, a game is known in which a player composes a deck including game media such as a plurality of characters, and operates the characters included in the deck to play various quests prepared in the game. Further, in such a game, the player can store the deck used in the past and play the quest again using the same deck.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses that a battle deck history used by a player for each stage is stored, and when the player selects that stage again, a battle deck based on the stored battle deck history can be set.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in a game in which a deck including game media such as a plurality of characters is composed and various quests are played, there is a problem that it is not possible to prompt the user to change the composition content of the deck to satisfy the achievement conditions (for example, clearing the game) in the same game aiming at being advantageously given a privilege.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can encourage a user to change the contents of their deck in order to be granted advantageous rewards and to fulfill achievement conditions in the same game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is Equipped with a special benefits section, The reward granting unit grants the user a reward more favorably than if the user had met the achievement conditions in the first game using the first deck, when the user has assembled a first deck containing at least one game medium and met the achievement conditions in the first game, and then assembled a second deck by removing at least one game medium from the first deck and met the achievement conditions in the first game. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, users can be encouraged to change the contents of their decks in order to be granted advantageous rewards and to fulfill the achievement conditions in the same game. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the game system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the server hardware configuration in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the server's functional configuration in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an example of a home screen displayed on the user's terminal. [Figure 6] This is an example of how to assemble multiple characters into different decks, ensuring that there are no duplicates. [Figure 7]This flowchart shows an example of the reward granting process performed by the server. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing an example of the server's functional configuration in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an example of a character recommendation screen displayed on the user's terminal. [Figure 10] This is an example of a warning screen displayed on the user terminal's display. [Figure 11] This is an example of a training recommendation screen displayed on the user's terminal. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, components denoted by the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations.

[0011] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows the configuration of the game system 1 in the first embodiment. The game system 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a server 10 (game server) and a plurality of user terminals 20 (user terminal 20a, user terminal 20b, user terminal 20c). The server 10 and the user terminals 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via a communication line 5 such as the Internet, intranet, wireless LAN, or mobile communication. The server 10 functions as the "information processing device" of the present invention.

[0012] In this embodiment, the users who use user terminals 20a, 20b, and 20c are referred to as user U1, user U2, and user U3, respectively. If it is not necessary to distinguish between user U1, user U2, and user U3, they are all referred to as user U.

[0013] Furthermore, if there is no need to distinguish between user terminals 20a, 20b, and 20c, they are all referred to as user terminal 20.

[0014] Note that the number of user terminals 20 included in the game system 1 is not limited to three, and it may have at least one or more user terminals 20.

[0015] The user terminal 20 is an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and provides games to the user U. The user U can log in to the game and execute the game by operating the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 may be any terminal such as a mobile phone, a personal computer (PC), a notebook PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a home game device, etc. The user terminal 20 may notify the server 10 of its own position detected using GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like.

[0016] The server 10 is a device that performs some functions in providing games to the user terminal 20, such as managing various information related to the user U and executing some processes of the game. The server 10 may be composed of one or more information processing devices, or may be configured using a virtual server (such as a cloud server).

[0017] (Game overview) Next, the overview of the game provided by the game system 1 will be described. In the game provided by the game system 1, the user U can select a character from a plurality of characters (game media) he or she owns to form a deck, and clear quests using the formed deck to obtain new characters and items.

[0018] The user U can grow into a stronger character by synthesizing the obtained plurality of characters, or challenge quests with a higher difficulty level by strengthening the attributes of the characters using items.

[0019] Here, "quest" refers to a task that can be completed by fulfilling certain predetermined conditions. Quests are also commonly called explorations, tasks, or missions. A user U who participates in a quest can complete it by fulfilling those conditions. Upon completion, the user U will receive rewards (also called "rewards") or the game's story will progress. Furthermore, the user U may also receive rewards for completing the quest they participated in.

[0020] A deck is a term that refers to a group of characters combined together. When user U executes a quest, they select characters with abilities suitable for clearing that quest to form a deck and then execute the quest. In this embodiment, the act of user U "executing" a quest may be referred to as "quest play."

[0021] User U must consume stamina (corresponding to the "in-game value" in this invention) to perform quests. For example, if stamina runs out (becomes 0), quests cannot be performed until stamina recovers. Stamina can be recovered over time; for example, 1 stamina can be recovered every predetermined time (3 minutes). Stamina is also fully recovered when User U's rank increases due to experience points awarded upon clearing quests. Furthermore, stamina can be fully recovered by using one Orb (corresponding to the "in-game value" in this invention), which is a paid item. User U can easily check their current stamina by referring to the gauge (stamina gauge) displayed on the screen.

[0022] Rewards include items usable in the game (e.g., orbs) and characters (hereinafter referred to as "items, etc."), or valuable items that can be exchanged for items, etc. (e.g., virtual currency usable in the game, or items necessary for conducting draws for items, etc. in the game). Additionally, temporary effects that can be enjoyed during gameplay (e.g., effects that increase character stats) may be granted as rewards. Furthermore, coupons usable at real-world stores may also be granted as rewards.

[0023] Furthermore, "granting a reward" means providing the user U, who is the recipient of the reward, with data that allows them to use the reward in-game or at a real-world store. For example, when granting rewards usable in-game, such as items, their exchangeable value, and their effects, data is provided to allow the user to progress through the game with the reward already acquired. When granting rewards usable at a real-world store, such as coupons, text data or image data is provided to allow the user to present the reward at the store.

[0024] The game of this embodiment is a multiplayer game in which multiple users U can play together by operating their respective user terminals 20. That is, users U can not only play alone (solo play), but can also play together with other users U in so-called multiplayer (also called cooperative play) mode, where they play a common quest simultaneously. In multiplayer mode, each user U operates the character assigned to them from among multiple characters that make up a deck.

[0025] In this multiplayer mode, a collaborative relationship is formed between a user U who hosts a multiplayer session for a specific quest and recruits teammates (hereinafter referred to as the host user), and other users U who respond to the invitation and participate in the multiplayer session (hereinafter referred to as the guest users). The progress of the game is synchronized between the users U (host user and guest users) participating in the multiplayer session. In addition, a user U (host user) can also directly invite other users U (potential guest users) to the multiplayer session by sending them an invitation message via a messaging app.

[0026] Multiplayer is conducted through the communication function of each user U's user terminal 20. Specifically, a guest user makes a matching request to a host user who is hosting a multiplayer game and recruiting players, and confirms one or more host users displayed in response to that request. The guest user then applies to join a multiplayer game hosted by the desired host user, and if the host user accepts the application, a communication path for multiplayer is established between the guest user and the host user. There are no particular restrictions on eligibility to apply for multiplayer, and can be set arbitrarily. For example, an application may be made to a host user's game that is within a predetermined distance from the guest user making the application, or another user U who has a friendship with a certain user U and has been mutually approved as a friend (guest user) may be allowed to apply.

[0027] Subsequently, the transmission and reception of various data required for multiplayer is carried out according to a known communication method. This data may be transmitted via a client-server system through server 10, or via a peer-to-peer (P2P) system without server 10. Furthermore, the multiplayer format can be classified into fully synchronous and asynchronous types, and either format may be adopted.

[0028] Multiplayer games include cooperative games where multiple users cooperate, and competitive games where users compete against each other; either type is acceptable. Furthermore, there is no particular limit on the number of users (maximum number of players) in a single multiplayer session; it can be set to any number, although setting it to around 4 players is recommended.

[0029] (Hardware configuration of Server 10) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 10 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the server 10 is configured to include a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an operation input unit 14, and a monitor 15.

[0030] The control unit 11 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and controls the overall operation of the server 10.

[0031] A portion of the memory unit 12 is composed of, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the control unit 11 executes processing based on various programs.

[0032] Furthermore, a portion of the storage unit 12 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), which stores various data and programs used for processing by the control unit 11. The storage unit 12 can also maintain a database that includes one or more tables for recording various information and processing results.

[0033] The programs stored in the memory unit 12 include, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of the server 10, drivers for controlling various hardware, and programs for realizing various functions, and include programs that function as the "information processing program" of the present invention.

[0034] The communication unit 13 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) and has the function of connecting to the communication line 5. Alternatively, the communication unit 13 may have functions to connect to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network), short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®, and infrared communication, either in place of or in conjunction with the NIC. The server 10 is connected to user terminals 20, etc., via the communication line 5 and can send and receive various types of data with the user terminals 20, etc.

[0035] The operation input unit 14 consists of a keyboard and mouse, and accepts input of various operations from users using the server 10. The monitor 15 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and displays various images.

[0036] The control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, operation input unit 14, and monitor 15 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 16. Therefore, the control unit 11 can access the storage unit 12, display images on the monitor 15, understand the user's operation status on the operation input unit 14, and access various communication networks and user terminals 20 via the communication unit 13.

[0037] (Hardware configuration of user terminal 20) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 20 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the user terminal 20 is configured to include a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, a display unit 24, a speaker 25, a microphone 26, a camera 27, and operation buttons 28.

[0038] The control unit 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and controls the overall operation of the user terminal 20.

[0039] A portion of the memory unit 22 is composed of, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the control unit 21 executes processing based on various programs.

[0040] Furthermore, a portion of the storage unit 22 is, for example, non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive), which stores various data and programs used for processing by the control unit 21. The storage unit 22 can also maintain a database including one or more tables for recording various information and processing results.

[0041] The programs stored in the memory unit 22 include, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of the user terminal 20, drivers for controlling various hardware, and programs for realizing various functions.

[0042] The communication unit 23 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) and has the function of connecting to the communication line 5. Alternatively, the communication unit 23 may have functions to connect to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network), short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®, and infrared communication, either in place of or in conjunction with the NIC. The user terminal 20 is connected to the server 10 and other user terminals 20 via the communication line 5, and can send and receive various types of data between the server 10 and other user terminals 20.

[0043] The display unit 24 is a touch panel display or the like, capable of displaying images and accepting operations from the user U.

[0044] The speaker 25 outputs various sounds under the control of the control unit 21. The microphone 26 receives various sounds under the control of the control unit 21. The camera 27 captures images of the subject under the control of the control unit 21.

[0045] The operation buttons 28 are located on the side of the user terminal 20, for example, and include power buttons for starting or stopping the user terminal 20, and buttons for adjusting the volume of sound output from the speaker 25.

[0046] The control unit 21, storage unit 22, communication unit 23, display unit 24, speaker 25, microphone 26, camera 27, and operation buttons 28 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 29. Therefore, the control unit 21 can access the storage unit 22, display images on the display unit 24, understand the operation status of the touch panel display (display unit 24) and operation buttons 28 by the user U, input sound to the microphone 26, output sound from the speaker 25, control the camera 27, and access various communication networks, the server 10, and other user terminals 20 via the communication unit 23.

[0047] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 11 provided in the server 10 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 11 has a functional configuration consisting of a reception unit 11a, a deck organization unit 11b, a game play control unit 11c, and a bonus granting unit 11d. In general, the control unit 11 of the server 10 has various other functions besides those described above, but here only the functions characteristic of the game system 1 in this embodiment will be described, and other known functions will not be shown or described.

[0048] The reception unit 11a receives a request from user U to play a first game (quest) that can be played by consuming in-game value (e.g., stamina, orbs) via user U's operation on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20.

[0049] Figure 5 shows an example of the home screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20. The home screen shown in Figure 5 is displayed when the user U starts the game after logging in. Each screen described below is displayed based on game screen display data sent from the server 10 to the user terminal 20.

[0050] The home screen displays game buttons 30, 32, etc. When user U presses game button 30, the deck building unit 11b displays a deck building screen (not shown) for user U to build a deck using characters selected from among the multiple characters (game media) that user U possesses. The deck building unit 11b builds a deck using characters selected by user U from among the multiple characters (game media) that user U possesses. This allows user U to manually build any deck using the multiple characters they possess.

[0051] On the other hand, when user U presses the game button 32, the deck building unit 11b automatically selects a character from among the multiple characters owned by user U and builds a deck with the selected character. This allows user U to have a deck automatically built using the multiple characters they own.

[0052] The gameplay control unit 11c controls the user U's play of the first game after the deck has been assembled by the deck building unit 11b.

[0053] The reward granting unit 11d grants a reward to user U if user U assembles a first deck containing at least one character and fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game. Here, the achievement conditions are, for example, playing the first game, successfully clearing the first game, failing to clear the first game, or successfully clearing a predetermined mission in the first game. In this embodiment, the achievement condition is successfully clearing the first game.

[0054] The reward granting unit 11d grants rewards to user U in a more favorable manner compared to when user U fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game by forming a first deck containing at least one character, and then forming a second deck by removing at least one character from the first deck and fulfilling the achievement conditions in the first game, compared to when user U fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game using only the first deck. For example, if user U fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game by forming a second deck by removing a character from the first deck, the reward granting unit 11d grants user U items or characters with higher predetermined parameters (e.g., attack power, defense power, speed) as rewards compared to when user U fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game using only the first deck.

[0055] In other words, the reward granting unit 11d grants a more favorable reward to user U if, after forming a first deck and fulfilling the achievement conditions in the first game, the user changes the contents of the deck to form a second deck and fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game, compared to if the user fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game using the first deck without changing the contents of the deck. This encourages user U to change the contents of their deck from the first deck to the second deck and fulfill the achievement conditions in the same game (first game) in order to receive a more favorable reward.

[0056] Furthermore, if User U assembles a first deck containing at least one character and fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game, and then assembles a second deck by removing at least one character from the first deck and fulfills the achievement conditions in the second game (a different game from the first game), the reward granting unit 11d will not grant User U a more favorable reward compared to when the achievement conditions are fulfilled in the second game using the first deck. In other words, the reward granted to User U when the achievement conditions are fulfilled in the second game using the second deck is the same as the reward granted to User U when the achievement conditions are fulfilled in the second game using the first deck.

[0057] The reward granting unit 11d grants rewards to user U more favorably than if user U had met the achievement conditions in the first game using the second deck, if user U then formed a third deck by removing at least one character from the second deck and met the achievement conditions in the first game using that deck. Here, the deck formation unit 11b controls the formation of the third deck so as not to include the character that was removed from the first deck when forming the second deck.

[0058] In other words, the reward granting unit 11d grants a more favorable reward to user U if, after forming a second deck and fulfilling the achievement conditions in the first game, the user further modifies the contents of the deck to form a third deck and fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game, compared to if the user fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game using only the second deck without changing the contents of the deck. This encourages user U to further modify the contents of their deck from the second deck to the third deck and fulfill the achievement conditions in the same game (first game) in order to receive a more favorable reward.

[0059] The reward granting unit 11d determines the rewards granted to user U depending on the number of characters excluded when forming the second deck. In this embodiment, when the number of excluded characters is a first number, the reward granting unit 11d grants user U more favorable rewards than when the number of excluded characters is a second number of 1 or more, which is less than the first number (first number > second number). This encourages user U to increase the number of characters excluded when forming the second deck, in other words, to change the contents of the deck more, with the aim of receiving more favorable rewards. In this embodiment, when changing the contents of the deck from the first deck to the second deck, if characters of the same type (for example, pre-growth character A and post-growth character A) are excluded, or if characters of different types but corresponding to each other, such as character A and character B, are excluded, the number of characters excluded when forming the second deck is counted as 1 instead of 2.

[0060] The reward granting unit 11d sets the content of the rewards to be granted to user U in a favorable manner according to the number of times the achievement conditions are met in the first game. In this embodiment, the reward granting unit 11d sets the content of the rewards to be granted to user U in a favorable manner as the number of times the achievement conditions are met in the first game increases.

[0061] When the game button 32 is pressed by user U (see Figure 5), the deck building unit 11b selects multiple characters from user U's collection that are advantageous for clearing the first game, and arranges them into a number of decks corresponding to the maximum number of times user U can be granted a bonus (10 in this embodiment), ensuring that there are no duplicates. This distributes multiple characters advantageous for clearing the game to a number of decks corresponding to the maximum number of times user U can be granted a bonus, thereby equalizing the chances of clearing the game for each deck. Here, characters advantageous for clearing the first game include, for example, characters with attributes, gimmicks, or predetermined parameters (e.g., attack power, defense power, speed) above a predetermined value that are considered advantageous for clearing the first game, or characters that are statistically used by many users U when clearing the first game. There is a limited number of characters advantageous for clearing the first game, and the number of advantageous characters varies depending on the characters user U possesses. Therefore, it is necessary to distribute multiple characters advantageous for clearing the game to equalize the chances of clearing the game for each deck.

[0062] Figure 6 shows an example of arranging multiple characters in multiple decks so that there are no duplicates. As shown in Figure 6, the deck arranging unit 11b uses the characters 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 owned by user U, which are advantageous for clearing the first game, in decks A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J, a number of which corresponds to the maximum number of times that benefits can be granted to user U (10), so that there are no duplicates.

[0063] If the game button 32 is pressed by user U before the number of times the achievement conditions are met in the first game reaches the maximum number of times that can grant rewards to user U (see Figure 5), the deck building unit 11b controls the number of times that user U can specify a reward that is no more than or equal to the number obtained by subtracting the number of times that user U met the achievement conditions in the first game (e.g., 6 times) from the maximum number of times that can grant rewards to user U (10) (e.g., 4 times: remaining times). The deck building unit 11b then selects multiple characters from the characters owned by user U that were not used in deck building in the first game and are advantageous for clearing the first game, and assembles them into a number of decks corresponding to the number of times specified by user U (e.g., 3 times), ensuring that there are no duplicates in each deck. This distributes multiple (e.g., 3) characters that are advantageous for clearing the game into the number of decks corresponding to the number of times specified by the user, thereby equalizing the probability of clearing the game with each deck.

[0064] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the reward granting process (corresponding to the "information processing method" of the present invention) performed by the server 10 in this embodiment. The process shown in Figure 7 is executed after user U has assembled a first deck containing at least one character and fulfilled the achievement conditions in the first game.

[0065] First, the reception unit 11a receives a request from user U to play a first game (quest) that can be played by consuming in-game value (e.g., stamina, orbs) via user U's operation on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20 (step S100).

[0066] The deck building unit 11b builds a second deck using multiple characters owned by user U (step S110). Specifically, when user U presses the game button 30 on the home screen, the deck building unit 11b displays a deck building screen for user U to build a deck using characters selected from among the multiple characters owned by user U, and builds a deck using the characters selected by user U. On the other hand, when user U presses the game button 32 on the home screen, the deck building unit 11b automatically selects characters from among the multiple characters owned by user U and builds a deck using the selected characters.

[0067] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the second deck was formed by excluding at least one character from the first deck, that is, whether the contents of the first deck were changed to form the second deck (step S120). If the determination is made and the contents of the first deck were changed to form the second deck (step S120, YES), the gameplay control unit 11c controls the user U's play of the first game (step S130).

[0068] Next, the reward granting unit 11d determines whether the achievement conditions were met in the first game with the second deck, whose contents were changed (step S140). If the determination shows that the achievement conditions were not met (step S140, NO), the server 10 terminates the process shown in Figure 7.

[0069] On the other hand, if the achievement conditions are met (step S140, YES), the reward granting unit 11d grants the first reward to user U in a more favorable manner than if the achievement conditions were met in the first game using the first deck (step S150). Upon completion of the process in step S150, the server 10 terminates the process shown in Figure 7.

[0070] Returning to the judgment process in step S120, if the first deck is assembled without changing the contents of the deck (step S120, NO), the game play control unit 11c controls the user U's play of the first game (step S160).

[0071] Next, the reward granting unit 11d determines whether the achievement conditions were met in the first game with the first deck, whose contents have not been changed (step S170). If the determination shows that the achievement conditions were not met (step S170, NO), the server 10 terminates the process shown in Figure 7.

[0072] On the other hand, if the achievement conditions are met (step S170, YES), the reward granting unit 11d grants the second reward to user U (step S180). Upon completion of the process in step S180, the server 10 terminates the process shown in Figure 7.

[0073] As explained in detail above, in this embodiment, the server 10 (information processing device) includes a reward granting unit 11d. When user U assembles a first deck containing at least one game medium (character) and fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game, and then assembles a second deck by removing at least one game medium (character) from the first deck and fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game, the reward granting unit 11d grants user U a more favorable reward compared to when the achievement conditions were fulfilled in the first game using only the first deck.

[0074] With this configuration, the embodiment can encourage user U to change the contents of their deck from the first deck to the second deck in order to receive advantageous rewards and fulfill the achievement conditions in the same game. Furthermore, compared to playing the game with the same deck contents, it is possible to prevent users from getting bored with the game. In addition, it is possible to create a sense of freshness in the game with a small number of games provided.

[0075] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 10 (control unit 11A) according to the second embodiment. In Figure 8, components with the same reference numerals as those shown in Figure 4 have the same function, so redundant explanations will be omitted here.

[0076] As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 11A according to the second embodiment is configured to include, in addition to the reception unit 11a, deck formation unit 11b, game play control unit 11c, and bonus granting unit 11d, a game medium recommendation unit 11e, a warning output unit 11f, a training recommendation unit 11g, and a difficulty level change unit 11h.

[0077] When forming a second deck, the game media recommendation unit 11e recommends to user U that, in place of the excluded characters specified by user U, the characters to be included in the second deck have predetermined parameter values ​​(e.g., attack power, defense power, speed) within a predetermined range compared to the excluded characters. If user U specifies multiple excluded characters, the game media recommendation unit 11e may recommend to user U that, compared to the multiple excluded characters, one or more characters have predetermined parameter values ​​(total values) within a predetermined range compared to the excluded characters.

[0078] Examples of character recommendation methods include recommending information audibly by playing an audio signal through the speaker 25 of the user terminal 20, recommending information visually by displaying an image on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20, recommending information visually by generating light by controlling the color, lighting / flashing pattern, and intensity of light on the user terminal 20, and recommending information tactilely by generating vibrations using the vibration function of the user terminal 20 by controlling the vibration pattern and intensity. The audio signal includes human voice messages, buzzer sounds, chime sounds, and alarm sounds. The image displayed on the display unit 24 is an image that includes at least one element such as a figure, computer graphics, photograph, character, number, and symbol, and may also include a combination of two or more elements. Furthermore, the image may be either monochrome or color video, and may be either a still image or a moving image.

[0079] Figure 9 shows an example of a character recommendation screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20. The character recommendation screen displays a message 50 indicating that, when forming a second deck, character B, whose predetermined parameter values ​​are within a predetermined range compared to excluded character A, is recommended instead of excluded character A, which is specified by user U. This allows for the appropriate recommendation of character B, which does not differ significantly in predetermined parameter values ​​from excluded character A, to user U who has referred to the character recommendation screen.

[0080] When the game button 30 is pressed by user U on the home screen, the deck building unit 11b, based on user U's specification (selection), builds decks using characters from among the characters owned by user U that are advantageous for clearing the first game, for a number of decks corresponding to the maximum number of times that benefits can be granted to user U (10 in this embodiment).

[0081] The warning output unit 11f outputs a warning if the assembled deck contains more than a predetermined number (for example, 2) of characters that are advantageous for winning the first game, which are owned by user U and are advantageous for winning the first game.

[0082] Examples of warning output methods include outputting warning information audibly by playing an acoustic signal through the speaker 25 of the user terminal 20; outputting warning information visually by displaying an image on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20; outputting warning information visually by generating light by controlling the color, lighting / flashing pattern, and intensity of light in the user terminal 20; and outputting warning information tactilely by generating vibration using the vibration function of the user terminal 20 by controlling the vibration pattern and intensity. The acoustic signal includes human voice messages, buzzer sounds, chime sounds, and alarm sounds. The image displayed on the display unit 24 is an image that includes at least one element such as a figure, computer graphics, photograph, character, number, and symbol, and may also include a combination of two or more elements. Furthermore, the image may be either monochrome or color video, and may be either a still image or a moving image.

[0083] Figure 10 shows an example of a warning screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20. The warning screen displays a message 52 indicating that there is a deck that contains more than a predetermined number of characters that are advantageous for winning the first game, i.e., a deck with excessive combat power. This allows the user U who views the warning screen to be appropriately warned that the deck they have assembled contains more game elements than necessary that are advantageous for winning the first game.

[0084] When the user U presses the game button 32 on the home screen, the deck building unit 11b uses the characters owned by user U to build decks such that the total number of characters has a predetermined parameter value equal to or greater than the value required to fulfill the achievement conditions in the first game, corresponding to the maximum number of times that benefits can be granted to user U (for example, 10).

[0085] If User U is unable to assemble a deck of a number of characters (e.g., 10) corresponding to the maximum number of times benefits can be granted to User U, such that the total number of characters possesses a predetermined parameter value equal to or greater than the value required to meet the achievement conditions in the first game, the training recommendation unit 11g recommends that User U train characters that were not used in deck formation in the first game, i.e., characters that may be newly used in deck formation with the aim of receiving advantageous benefits.

[0086] Recommended methods for providing training include: a method of audibly recommending recommended information by playing an acoustic signal through the speaker 25 of the user terminal 20; a method of visually recommending recommended information by displaying an image on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20; a method of visually recommending recommended information by generating light by controlling the color, lighting / flashing pattern, and intensity of light on the user terminal 20; and a method of tactilely recommending recommended information by generating vibrations using the vibration function of the user terminal 20 by controlling the vibration pattern and intensity. The acoustic signal includes human voice messages, buzzer sounds, chime sounds, and alarm sounds. The image displayed on the display unit 24 is an image that includes at least one element such as a figure, computer graphics, photograph, character, number, and symbol, and may also include a combination of two or more elements. Furthermore, the image may be either monochrome or color video, and may be either a still image or a video.

[0087] Figure 11 shows an example of a training recommendation screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20. The training recommendation screen displays a message 54 indicating that it is recommended to train characters that were not used in the deck formation in the first game (characters with insufficient combat power). This allows the system to appropriately recommend to user U, who refers to the training recommendation screen, that they train game characters that were not used in the deck formation in the first game, if they are unable to form a deck that meets the achievement conditions in the first game.

[0088] The difficulty adjustment unit 11h adjusts the difficulty level required to meet the achievement conditions in the first game according to the contents of the deck in the first game (specifically, the values ​​(total values) of predetermined parameters possessed by the characters included in the deck). For example, if the values ​​of the predetermined parameters possessed by the characters included in the deck are greater than the predetermined value, the difficulty adjustment unit 11h sets the difficulty level required to meet the achievement conditions in the first game to the predetermined difficulty level or lower, and if the values ​​of the predetermined parameters possessed by the characters included in the deck are less than or equal to the predetermined value, it sets the difficulty level required to meet the achievement conditions in the first game to a level higher than the predetermined difficulty level. This makes it possible to equalize the possibility of clearing the first game with a deck according to the contents of the deck in the first game.

[0089] Furthermore, the elements of each embodiment described above may be combined as appropriate. In addition, each embodiment described above is merely one example of how the present invention can be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by these embodiments. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its gist or its main features.

[0090] <Summary> [General tasks] One of the objectives of this invention is to encourage users to change the contents of their decks in a game.

[0091] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 1] One of the objectives of this invention is to encourage users to change the contents of their decks from the first deck to the second deck in order to be granted advantageous rewards and to fulfill the achievement conditions in the same game. [Note 1] The information processing device according to this embodiment includes a reward granting unit that grants the user a more favorable reward when the user assembles a first deck containing at least one game medium and fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game, and then assembles a second deck by removing at least one game medium from the first deck and fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game, compared to when the user fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game using only the first deck. According to the above information processing device, it is possible to encourage users to change the contents of their decks from the first deck to the second deck in order to be granted advantageous rewards and to fulfill the achievement conditions in the same game.

[0092] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 2] One of the objectives of this invention is to encourage users to further modify the contents of their decks from the second deck to the third deck in order to fulfill the achievement conditions in the same game, with the aim of receiving advantageous rewards. [Note 2] The information processing device described in Note 1, further comprising a deck building unit, wherein the reward granting unit grants the user a more favorable reward when the user fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game using the second deck, then forms a third deck by excluding at least one game medium from the second deck, and fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game using the third deck, compared to when the user fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game using the second deck, and the deck building unit controls the formation of the third deck so as not to include the game medium that was excluded from the first deck when forming the second deck. This allows us to encourage users to further modify their deck composition from their second to their third deck in order to receive more advantageous rewards and fulfill the achievement conditions in the same game.

[0093] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 3] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide different benefits to the user depending on the number of game media excluded when forming the second deck. [Note 3] The bonus granting unit is an information processing device as described in Note 1 or 2, which grants different bonuses to the user depending on the number of game media excluded when forming the second deck. This allows the benefits granted to the user to be appropriately varied depending on the number of game media excluded when building the second deck.

[0094] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 4] One of the objectives of this invention is to encourage users to increase the number of game media excluded when building a second deck, with the aim of receiving advantageous bonuses. [Note 4] The bonus granting unit grants bonuses to the user more favorably when the number of excluded game media is a first number than when the number is a second number of 1 or more which is less than the first number, as described in Note 3. This encourages users to increase the number of game media excluded when building their second deck, in order to receive more advantageous rewards.

[0095] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 5] One of the objectives of this invention is to equalize the game's playability across different decks, corresponding to the maximum number of times a user can be awarded a bonus. [Appendix 5] An information processing device as described in any one of Appendix 1 to 4, further comprising a deck building section, wherein the reward granting section sets the content of the rewards to be granted to the user favorably according to the number of times the achievement conditions are met in the first game, and the deck building section assembles multiple game media from among the game media owned by the user that are advantageous for clearing the first game, so as to ensure that there are no duplicates in each of the number of decks corresponding to the maximum number of times the rewards can be granted to the user. This allows for the allocation of multiple game modes advantageous for game progression to a number of decks corresponding to the maximum number of times rewards can be granted to users, thereby equalizing the game's playability for each deck.

[0096] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 6] One of the objectives of this invention is to equalize the probability of winning the game using a number of decks corresponding to the number of times specified by the user. [Appendix 6] An information processing device as described in any one of Appendix 1 to 5, further comprising a deck building unit that controls the number of times a reward can be granted to a user to be less than or equal to the number obtained by subtracting the number of times the user fulfilled the achievement conditions in the first game from the maximum number of times the reward can be granted to the user, and that builds multiple game media from among the game media owned by the user that were not used in deck building in the first game and are advantageous for clearing the first game, so as to ensure that there are no duplicates in each of the number of decks corresponding to the number of times specified by the user. This allows for the allocation of multiple game elements advantageous for game progression to a number of decks corresponding to the number of times specified by the user, thereby equalizing the game's playability for each deck.

[0097] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 7] One of the objectives of the present invention is to recommend to the user a game medium to be included in the second deck in place of the excluded game medium, which does not differ significantly in the value of predetermined parameters compared to the excluded game medium. [Appendix 7] The information processing device according to any one of Appendix 1 to 6, further comprising a game medium recommendation unit that, when forming a second deck, recommends to the user a game medium whose predetermined parameter values ​​are within a predetermined range compared to the excluded game medium, to be included in the second deck in place of the excluded game medium designated by the user as an excluded game medium. This allows us to recommend to the user, as a replacement for the excluded game media in the second deck, game media that do not differ significantly in the values ​​of predetermined parameters compared to the excluded game media.

[0098] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 8] One of the objectives of the present invention is to warn the user if the assembled deck contains an excessive amount of game cards that would give an advantage in winning the first game. [Appendix 8] An information processing device according to any one of Appendix 1 to 7, further comprising: a deck building unit that, based on the user's designation, assembles a number of decks corresponding to the maximum number of times the user can be granted a bonus, using game media from among the game media owned by the user that are advantageous for completing the first game; and a warning output unit that outputs a warning if the assembled deck contains more than a predetermined number of game media advantageous for completing the first game, which are owned by the user and are set based on the number of game media advantageous for completing the first game. This allows for a suitable warning to the user if the assembled deck contains an excessive amount of game elements that would be advantageous for winning the first game.

[0099] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 9] One of the objectives of the present invention is to assemble a number of decks corresponding to the maximum number of times a reward can be given to a user, such that the total number of predetermined parameters across one or more game media are greater than or equal to the value required to satisfy the achievement conditions in the first game. [Appendix 9] An information processing device as described in any one of Appendix 1 to 8, further comprising a deck building unit, wherein the reward granting unit sets the content of the rewards to be granted to the user favorably according to the number of times the achievement conditions are met in the first game, and the deck building unit uses the game media owned by the user to assemble a number of decks corresponding to the maximum number of times the rewards can be granted to the user, such that the total number of predetermined parameters across one or more game media are equal to or greater than the value required to meet the achievement conditions in the first game. This allows for the creation of a number of decks corresponding to the maximum number of times a reward can be given to a user, such that each of the decks, across one or more game media, possesses a predetermined parameter value greater than or equal to the value required to meet the achievement conditions in the first game.

[0100] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 10] One of the objectives of the present invention is to recommend to the user that, if they are unable to assemble a deck that satisfies the achievement conditions in the first game, they should focus on developing game media that were not used in deck construction in the first game. [Appendix 10] The information processing device described in Appendix 9, further comprising a training recommendation unit that recommends to the user that the user train game media that were not used to build decks in the first game, if the user is unable to assemble a number of decks corresponding to the maximum number of times that a reward can be given to the user, such that the total number of game media has a predetermined parameter value equal to or greater than the value required to fulfill the achievement conditions in the first game. This allows us to appropriately recommend to the user the development of game elements not used in deck building during the first game, in cases where the user is unable to assemble a deck that meets the achievement conditions in the first game.

[0101] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 11] One of the objectives of the present invention is to vary the difficulty level required to fulfill the achievement conditions in the first game, depending on the contents of the deck in the first game. [Appendix 11] The information processing device described in Appendices 1 to 10, further comprising a difficulty adjustment section that varies the difficulty required to fulfill the achievement conditions in the first game depending on the contents of the deck in the first game. This allows the difficulty level required to meet the achievement conditions in the first game to be appropriately varied depending on the contents of the deck in the first game.

[0102] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 12] One of the objectives of this invention is to encourage users to change the contents of their decks from the first deck to the second deck in order to be granted advantageous rewards and to fulfill the achievement conditions in the same game. [Note 12] In the information processing method according to this embodiment, if the user assembles a first deck containing at least one game medium and fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game, and then assembles a second deck by removing at least one game medium from the first deck and fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game, the processor grants the user a more favorable reward compared to when the achievement conditions are fulfilled in the first game using only the first deck. According to the above information processing method, it is possible to encourage users to change the contents of their decks from the first deck to the second deck in order to be granted advantageous rewards and to fulfill the achievement conditions in the same game.

[0103] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 13] One of the objectives of this invention is to encourage users to change the contents of their decks from the first deck to the second deck in order to be granted advantageous rewards and to fulfill the achievement conditions in the same game. [Note 13] In this embodiment, the information processing program causes the processor to execute a process that grants the user a more favorable reward compared to when the user assembles a first deck containing at least one game medium and fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game, and then assembles a second deck by removing at least one game medium from the first deck and fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game. According to the above information processing program, it is possible to encourage users to change the contents of their decks from the first deck to the second deck in order to receive advantageous rewards and fulfill the achievement conditions in the same game. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1: Game system, 10: Server, 11, 11A: Control unit, 11a: Reception unit, 11b: Deck formation unit, 11c: Gameplay control unit, 11d: Bonus granting unit, 11e: Game media recommendation unit, 11f: Warning output unit, 11g: Training recommendation unit, 11h: Difficulty change unit, 12: Memory unit, 13: Communication unit, 14: Operation input unit, 15: Monitor, 16: System bus, 20, 20a, 20b, 20c: User terminal, 21: Control unit, 22: Memory unit, 23: Communication unit, 24: Display unit, 25: Speaker, 26: Microphone, 27: Camera, 28: Operation buttons, 29: System bus, 30, 32: Game buttons, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45: Characters, 50, 52, 54: Display messages, U, U1, U2, U3: User

Claims

1. comprising a storage unit and a processor, The memory unit stores data from the game media owned by the user, and data indicating the contents of the deck when the achievement conditions were met, as part of the user's game achievement history. The aforementioned processor functions as a reward granting unit and a deck configuration unit by executing a program. The reward granting unit grants the user a reward more favorably than if the user had achieved the achievement conditions in the first game by forming a first deck containing at least one game medium, then forming a second deck by removing at least one game medium from the first deck, and achieving the achievement conditions in the first game, compared to the case where the achievement conditions were achieved in the first game using only the first deck. Furthermore, if the user has achieved the achievement conditions in the first game using the second deck, then forming a third deck by removing at least one game medium from the second deck, and achieving the achievement conditions in the first game, the reward granting unit grants the user a reward more favorably than if the achievement conditions were achieved in the first game using only the second deck. The deck building unit, in building the third deck, refers to data indicating the contents of the first deck and data indicating the contents of the second deck stored in the storage unit to identify game media excluded from the first deck when building the second deck, and controls the system so that the identified game media cannot be included in the third deck. Information processing device.

2. The aforementioned reward granting unit will determine which rewards are granted to the user depending on the number of game media excluded when forming the second deck. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The reward granting unit grants the reward to the user more favorably when the number is a first number than when the number is a second number of one or more that is less than the first number. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The reward granting unit sets the content of the rewards granted to the user in an advantageous manner according to the number of times the achievement conditions are met in the first game. The deck building unit assembles multiple game media from among the game media owned by the user that are advantageous for conquering the first game, so that there are no duplicates in each of the number of decks corresponding to the maximum number of times that the user can be given a bonus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The deck building unit controls the number of times the user can specify a reward, which is less than or equal to the number obtained by subtracting the number of times the user has met the achievement conditions in the first game from the maximum number of times the user can be granted a reward. The unit then selects from the game media owned by the user that have not been used to build a deck in the first game and are advantageous for clearing the first game, and builds a number of decks corresponding to the number of times specified by the user, ensuring that there are no duplicates in each deck. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The processor further functions as a game medium recommendation unit, The game media recommendation unit, when assembling the second deck, recommends to the user a game media whose predetermined parameter values ​​are within a predetermined range compared to the excluded game media, as a replacement for the excluded game media specified by the user to be excluded. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The processor further functions as a warning output unit, The deck building unit, based on the user's designation, uses game media from among the game media owned by the user that are advantageous for conquering the first game to build a number of decks corresponding to the maximum number of times the user can be granted the aforementioned benefits. The warning output unit outputs a warning if the assembled deck contains more than a predetermined number of game media that are advantageous for winning the first game, based on the number of game media that the user possesses and that are advantageous for winning the first game. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The reward granting unit sets the content of the rewards granted to the user in an advantageous manner according to the number of times the achievement conditions are met in the first game. The deck building unit uses the game media owned by the user to build decks such that the total number of decks on one or more game media have a predetermined parameter value equal to or greater than the value required to fulfill the achievement conditions in the first game, corresponding to the maximum number of times the user can be granted a reward. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The processor further functions as a growth recommendation unit, If the user is unable to assemble a number of decks corresponding to the maximum number of times the reward can be granted to the user, such that the total number of predetermined parameters across one or more game media exceed the value required to fulfill the achievement conditions in the first game, the training recommendation unit recommends to the user that they train game media that were not used to assemble decks in the first game. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The processor further functions as a difficulty level changing unit, The difficulty level adjustment unit varies the difficulty level required to fulfill the achievement conditions in the first game, depending on the contents of the deck in the first game. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

11. An information processing method performed by a computer comprising a storage unit and a processor, The memory unit stores data from the game media owned by the user, and data indicating the contents of the deck when the achievement conditions were met, as part of the user's game achievement history. The processor provides the user with a more favorable reward compared to when the user assembles a first deck containing at least one game medium and fulfills the achievement conditions in a first game, and then assembles a second deck by removing at least one game medium from the first deck and fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game, compared to when the user fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game using only the first deck. If the user fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game using the second deck, and then assembles a third deck by removing at least one game medium from the second deck and fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game, the user is granted a more favorable reward compared to when the user fulfills the achievement conditions in the first game using the second deck. In forming the third deck, the process involves referring to data indicating the contents of the first deck and data indicating the contents of the second deck stored in the memory unit to identify game media excluded from the first deck when forming the second deck, and controlling the process so that the identified game media cannot be included in the third deck. An information processing method that performs the following.

12. An information processing program for causing a computer comprising a storage unit and a processor to function as a bonus granting unit and a deck organization unit, The memory unit stores data from the game media owned by the user, and data indicating the contents of the deck when the achievement conditions were met, as part of the user's game achievement history. The reward granting unit grants the user a reward more favorably than if the user had achieved the achievement conditions in the first game by forming a first deck containing at least one game medium, then forming a second deck by removing at least one game medium from the first deck, and achieving the achievement conditions in the first game, compared to the case where the achievement conditions were achieved in the first game using only the first deck. Furthermore, if the user has achieved the achievement conditions in the first game using the second deck, then forming a third deck by removing at least one game medium from the second deck, and achieving the achievement conditions in the first game, the reward granting unit grants the user a reward more favorably than if the achievement conditions were achieved in the first game using only the second deck. The deck building unit, in building the third deck, refers to data indicating the contents of the first deck and data indicating the contents of the second deck stored in the storage unit to identify game media excluded from the first deck when building the second deck, and controls the system so that the identified game media cannot be included in the third deck. Information processing program.

Images