Information processing system and game management program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system and a game management program capable of improving a game continuation ratio in a game that can execute any piece of game content of a plurality of pieces of game content by satisfying a predetermined condition.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes an information processing device that can execute any piece of game content of a plurality of pieces of game content by satisfying a predetermined condition, and a server communicably connected to the information processing device for managing the game content executed in the information processing device. The server includes a control part for executing control so that on the basis of the information transmitted from the information processing device, the information processing device, which is the transmission source of the information, can execute any piece of the plurality of pieces of game content.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in social games (server management) using smartphones installed with game applications, there are games in which the game progresses by a player operating an operation panel or a touch panel of the smartphone. Such games include multiple types of content (for example, slot games) in the game, and are configured to be playable with new content by satisfying predetermined conditions in the game, and encourage the player to continue playing the game.

[0003]

[0004] In such games, by configuring to be able to play new game content when a predetermined condition such as position information is satisfied, the willingness of the player to continue playing the game can be improved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Incidentally, when a game exhibition is held, as a perk for visitors, the organizers often set up the venue so that all game content, which would normally be playable sequentially according to the game's progression, can be played immediately and without restriction using smartphones or other terminal devices installed at the venue. Visitors can then find their favorite game content by playing the provided game content using the terminal devices installed at the venue.

[0007] However, for game content that is unlocked sequentially as the game progresses, even if a visitor finds game content they like at the exhibition, if they are downloading the game application to their mobile device for the first time, or if they have already downloaded it but haven't progressed through the game, they may not be able to immediately play the game content on their mobile device, potentially leading them to stop playing the game continuously.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an information processing system and a game management program that can improve the game retention rate in a game in which any of multiple game contents can be executed by satisfying predetermined conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The information processing system of the present invention is An information processing device that, when certain conditions are met, enables the execution of any of multiple game contents (slot games), A server that is communicatively connected to the information processing device and manages the game content executed in the information processing device, An information processing system comprising, The aforementioned server, The system is characterized by comprising a control unit that controls any of the plurality of game contents to be executable by the information processing device that transmits the information (for example, access information) based on the information transmitted from the information processing device.

[0010] In the above configuration, when information is transmitted from an information processing device, regardless of whether the player has met predetermined conditions, the information processing device that transmitted the information is controlled to enable the execution of any game content. This provides the player playing on the information processing device with an opportunity to immediately play game content. Therefore, the game retention rate can be improved.

[0011] Furthermore, the information processing system of the present invention is the above-mentioned information processing system, The aforementioned server, If all of the aforementioned game contents are executable, instead of controlling to enable any of the game contents, the system controls to make the items used to advance the game contents available for use on the information processing device that is the source of the transmission. The information processing system according to feature 1.

[0012] In the above configuration, if all game content is already playable, the information processing device can control whether items used to advance the game become available, thereby giving the player an incentive to continue playing. Therefore, the game retention rate can be improved.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention may also be a game management program executed on a server that is communicatively connected to an information processing device on which any of a plurality of game contents can be executed, and which manages the game contents executed on the information processing device. The game management program will execute the following process. a) A process of receiving information transmitted from the information processing device. b) A process of controlling, based on the information, any one of the plurality of game contents to be executable with respect to the information processing device that is the source of the information.

Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing system and a game management program that can improve the continuation rate of a game in which any one of a plurality of game contents becomes executable by satisfying a predetermined condition.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a smartphone (information processing device) and a server according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram showing the display content of the display of a smartphone according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory diagram showing the display state of a slot game on a smartphone (information processing device) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing information stored in a server according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing a slot game processing procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing a release processing procedure for an unreleased model in a server according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram showing a display example of a smartphone according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram showing a display example of a smartphone according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10]A schematic diagram showing a display example (casino mode) of a smartphone according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] A schematic diagram showing a display example (casino mode) of a smartphone according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] (Embodiment) The information processing apparatus of the present embodiment will be described based on the drawings.

[0017] The information processing apparatus 1 is connected to the server 10 via the Internet line 101 so as to be capable of data communication, and a game system 100 including the information processing apparatus 1 and the server 10 is configured. Note that the game system 100 is not limited to this and may be configured only by the information processing apparatus 1. Further, the information processing apparatus 1 may mean the game system itself having a terminal device such as a smartphone and a server. Further, the functions of the information processing apparatus 1 described in the present embodiment may be provided by any component of the game system.

[0018] Common applications are installed in the plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 via a server 10 or the like corresponding to the OS (Operating System) of each information processing apparatus 1. In the present embodiment, a slot game is made playable as a game element in the application installed in the information processing apparatus 1. That is, a player can play a slot game on this application. Note that the slot game may be an add-on of the application. That is, the slot game may be provided by the server 10 or the like separately from the application as an additional function of the application. Further, in the application, a plurality of types of slot games having different production modes and rules may be made playable. Note that the application may be a web browser.

[0019] As will be explained in more detail later, the slot game is initiated upon the consumption of cumulative game value. If a win occurs as a result of the slot game, the game value corresponding to the type of win and the consumed game value is added to the cumulative game value as a payout. In this way, the information processing device 1 executes a slot game that increases or decreases the cumulative game value according to the result. The game value may be information (game points) that does not have monetary value and is used only to start the slot game, or it may be electronically valuable information equivalent to monetary value.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 1 illustrated in this embodiment is a so-called smartphone, and has a display 120 provided on the front of the housing 11 and a touch panel 5 provided on the entire surface of the display 120. The display 120 is provided with a symbol display area 21 on which symbols change and stop when a game is started.

[0021] In this embodiment, the information processing device 1 is exemplified as a smartphone, but it may be either portable or stationary. Examples of portable information processing devices 1 include portable computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, handheld computers, PDAs (Personal Data Assistants), and other portable information devices.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the smartphone 1 has a CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, flash memory 104, operation buttons 108, power switch 109, bus line 110, network interface 111, camera 112, image sensor interface 113, microphone 114, speaker 115, sound input / output interface 116, display interface 117, sensor controller 118, short-range communication circuit 119, and antenna 119a for the short-range communication circuit 119, all housed within the casing 11. In addition, a display 120 with a touch panel 5 (input section) is incorporated on the front of the casing 11.

[0023] The display 120 is configured to display images. Examples of display methods for the display 120 include liquid crystal displays, organic electroluminescent displays, CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) displays, and plasma displays.

[0024] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 controls the overall operation of the smartphone 1. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 stores programs used to drive the CPU 101, such as the IPL (Initial Program Loader).

[0025] The RAM (Random Access Memory) 103 is used as the work area of ​​the CPU 101. The flash memory 104 stores various data such as application software (program) for running the game of this embodiment, communication programs, image data, and sound data. The operation button 108 is a button that is operated when initializing the smartphone 1, etc. The power switch 109 is a switch for turning the power of the smartphone 1 ON / OFF.

[0026] The network interface (I / F) 111 is an interface for data communication with the server 10 and other devices using a communication network such as the Internet. The camera 112 is a type of built-in imaging device that captures images of a subject and obtains image data according to the control of the CPU 101. The image sensor interface (I / F) 113 is a circuit that controls the driving of the camera 112. The microphone 114 is a type of built-in sound collection device that inputs sound. The sound input / output interface (I / F) 116 is a circuit that processes the input and output of sound signals between the microphone 114 and the speaker 115 according to the control of the CPU 101. The display interface (I / F) 117 is a circuit that transmits image data to the display 120 according to the control of the CPU 101. The sensor controller (I / F) 118 is a circuit that receives input from the touch panel 5 provided on the display 120. The near-field communication circuit (I / F) 119 is a communication circuit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The bus line (I / F) 110 is an address bus, data bus, etc., for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 101.

[0027] Furthermore, Server 10 is a so-called computer equipped with a CPU 1101, ROM 1102, RAM 1103, a storage device 1104 such as a hard disk drive, and a network interface 1111. It is used to provide applications to smartphones 1, and by slot game administrators, etc., when operating and managing social game services. The CPU 1101 functions as the main controller component in Server 10 and controls the operation of the entire Server 10. ROM (Read Only Memory) 1102 stores programs used to drive the CPU 101, such as the IPL (Initial Program Loader). RAM 1103 is used as the work area for the CPU 1101. The storage device 1104 functions as a database and is a computer-readable, non-transient recording medium that stores game data for each of the multiple information processing devices 1. Server 10 responds to requests from the game programs of the information processing devices 1 by appropriately referring to the database in the storage device 1104. The network interface 1111 is an interface for data communication using a communication network such as the Internet.

[0028] (Overview of the game running on smartphone 1) In the smartphone 1 having the above configuration, the CPU 101 is programmed to execute game application software.

[0029] When the game application software is executed on smartphone 1, various game start animations and other visuals are displayed, and then, as shown in Figure 3, an image of "Adventure Mode" is displayed on the display 120.

[0030] The game provided in this embodiment includes multiple stages for playing a slot game. Each stage includes multiple quests. Players can play a slot game in each quest, and through this game, they can win payouts or acquire items that give them an advantage in the game.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the display 120 of the smartphone 1 shows a map for playing the slot game, with each stage having its own set of maps. Each stage has multiple quests Q11 to Q20, and each quest Q11 to Q20 has a slot game available.

[0032] Players can set a character CA representing themselves, determine the destination of that character CA via the operation of touch panel 5, and play a slot game while sequentially advancing character CA through each quest Q11 to Q20.

[0033] Specifically, when a player controls the character CA and progresses to the first quest Q11, the scrolling screen of reels R1-R5 (described later in Figure 4) is displayed on the smartphone 1's display 120, allowing the player to play the slot game. Each of the quests Q11-Q20 has conditions that must be met, and by playing the slot game multiple times provided within the quest and meeting the conditions set for payouts and number of games, the player can unlock the next quest (e.g., quest Q12) after the current quest (e.g., quest Q11). Once a new quest is unlocked, the player can advance their character CA to the new quest (e.g., quest Q12) and take on the challenge. Each of the quests Q11-Q20 has multiple missions, and the player can also take on these missions while playing the slot game in that quest. The number of missions completed in each quest is one of the conditions for clearing that stage.

[0034] Furthermore, by clearing specific quests in each stage, players can, for example, move from quest Q19 to the next quest Q20, allowing them to challenge the next quest. Alternatively, by touching the area labeled "Casino" as shown in Figure 3, they can switch to Casino Mode, where they can unlock one of several slot games to play. In short, by clearing specific quests in Adventure Mode, players can enjoy the next game progression, potentially giving them a sense of accomplishment and encouraging them to continue playing.

[0035] (Slot game overview) The slot games (game content) selected in each quest Q11-Q20 of Adventure Mode or in Casino Mode are made playable by the player as game elements in an application installed on smartphone 1. When a request is made from smartphone 1, the application installed on smartphone 1 can execute a slot game in which multiple symbols are rearranged in a symbol display area 21 consisting of 20 areas in a 5x4 matrix, as shown in Figure 4.

[0036] In Casino Mode, multiple slot games are available, and by clearing certain conditions in Adventure Mode, the corresponding slot games will be unlocked and become playable.

[0037] In this embodiment, to start the slot game, the player basically consumes a predetermined amount of coins (game currency) they possess. However, if certain conditions are met, the slot game can be started without consuming coins (for example, if the conditions for granting a free game are met).

[0038] The coins held by players are electronic information, and players can exchange credits for coins by accessing server 10 from their smartphone 1 and following the payment method specified by the slot game operator. The coins held by players can be used in a variety of ways, such as paying for effects that influence the slot game (purchasing items) or paying to change the appearance of the character that represents the player.

[0039] Furthermore, the game medium is not particularly limited and may include electronic money or game points that do not contain any valuable information.

[0040] Server 10 stores the game status of each player, identified by their user ID (for example, unlocked machine information that identifies unlocked machines, the number of coins owned, etc.) in the storage device 1104 (Figure 2). When the results of a game played on smartphone 1 are sent from smartphone 1 to server 10, server 10 updates the information regarding the player's game status.

[0041] For example, as shown in Figure 5, the storage device 1104 of the server 10 stores a user management table containing information such as released machine information (representing the released machine models corresponding to the user ID) and the number of coins owned. In the example shown in Figure 5, for example, the player (user) assigned user ID "00001" is associated with the information that the released machines are models A and B, and that the player owns "1,000,000" coins. Note that the player information stored in the server 10 is not limited to this; for example, information on the ownership of items usable in the game (for example, items that give an advantage in the game) is also stored. This information is updated each time it is transmitted from the smartphone 1.

[0042] (Game control processing) Referring to Figure 6, the game control process executed on smartphone 1 will be explained.

[0043] First, the CPU 101 proceeds to the end-of-game initialization process (S11) in order to start the slot game. In the end-of-game initialization process (S11), the CPU 101 clears data that is no longer needed for each unit game in the working area of ​​RAM 103, such as the paylines that were active in the previous unit game, the bet counter values ​​in the BET number memory area, and the symbols that were decided to be displayed in the symbol display area 21 by lottery.

[0044] Next, the CPU 101 performs a bet start check (S12). In this bet start check, the CPU determines which paylines to activate. Then, through input checks such as touch operations of the "+" and "-" buttons (see Figure 4) of the bet button 244 on the operation display area 24 of the smartphone 1's display 120, the number of coins bet by the player on the activated paylines is determined. The number of coins bet corresponding to the activated paylines is then stored in the BET counter of RAM 103. In this way, once the activated paylines and the number of coins bet are determined, when a win occurs in the slot game, the payout corresponding to the win (symbol arrangement pattern) that occurred on the activated paylines is multiplied by the number of coins bet to determine the payout for that win. In addition, in this bet start check, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the spin button 241 has been touched. If the spin button 241 has been touched, the process proceeds to S13 to continue the slot game.

[0045] Next, the CPU 101 performs a symbol lottery process (S13). Here, the symbols to be stopped are determined by lottery from among the multiple symbols arranged on each video reel (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) as shown in Figure 4. These symbols to be stopped are the data for the five symbols to be displayed in the lower center of each column of the symbol display area 21, out of the multiple symbols that make up each video reel. This determines the 20 symbols to be displayed in the symbol display area 21.

[0046] The CPU 101 then stores the five symbols that have been determined to be stopped in the symbol storage area provided in the RAM 103.

[0047] Next, CPU 101 performs a process to determine the content of the performance (S14). CPU 101 extracts random values ​​for the performance and randomly selects one of several predetermined performance contents.

[0048] Next, the CPU 101 performs symbol display control processing (S15). In this symbol display control processing, scrolling of each symbol column of video reels R1 to R5 is started, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the five symbols scheduled to stop, determined in the symbol lottery processing of S13, are sequentially rearranged in the lower center of each of columns 1 to 5 of the symbol display area 21. In other words, 20 symbols, including the symbols scheduled to stop, are rearranged within the symbol display area 21.

[0049] Next, the CPU 101 performs a payout determination process (S16). In this process, the payout amount and bonus are determined based on the slot game symbol combination data stored in the RAM 103. The determined payout and bonus are stored in the payout memory area provided in the RAM 103.

[0050] Next, the CPU 101 performs the payout process (S17). The CPU 101 adds the value stored in the payout count memory area of ​​the RAM 103 to the value of the coin counter provided in the RAM 103. For example, in the payout count determination process in S16, the value stored in the payout count memory area is added to the value of the coin counter.

[0051] Next, the CPU 101 determines, based on the game result, whether the payout amount and quest completion conditions (for example, the cumulative amount of payouts awarded within the quest) have been met (S18), and sends the determination result to the server 10 as game result information (S19). The server 10 receives the game result information sent from the smartphone 1 and updates the information associated with the player identified by the user ID (Figure 5). Note that the information sent to the server 10 as game result information is not limited to this; for example, information such as game items acquired by the player in the game is also sent.

[0052] Based on the judgment result in S18, CPU 101 decides whether to terminate the game if the quest completion conditions are not met (S20: NO) (S22). If the judgment result is to terminate the game (S22: YES), this could be due to, for example, the player performing a game termination operation, and CPU 101 saves the data and terminates processing. On the other hand, if the judgment result is not to terminate the game (S22: NO), CPU 101 proceeds to processing S11. On the other hand, if the quest completion conditions are met (S20: YES), CPU 101 terminates processing for the current quest and performs the transition process to the next quest (such as the process of unlocking the next quest) (S21), and then proceeds to processing S11.

[0053] (Attendance Bonus) Game exhibitions, held with the aim of promoting new games and cultivating new fan bases, often offer incentives to attendees to increase their interest in the games and thereby promote their wider adoption.

[0054] One of the perks given to visitors is the ability to immediately unlock slot game titles that would normally only be available after clearing certain conditions within the game. By receiving this perk, visitors can immediately play slot games that would normally require progressing through the game and clearing certain conditions to be playable.

[0055] This allows us to increase interest in the game among players who have just downloaded the game application to their smartphone for the first time, as well as players who have already downloaded it and made some progress, by unlocking and allowing them to play on devices that are not yet supported.

[0056] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure on server 10 when releasing unreleased models as a visitor benefit.

[0057] At the reception desk of the game exhibition, a QR code for accessing the device availability page provided by server 10 is printed on brochures and other materials and given to visitors. Visitors then scan the QR code with their smartphone 1 to access the device availability page. In this embodiment, a two-dimensional barcode is used as an example, but it is not limited to this. A one-dimensional barcode may also be used, or any information provision format that can provide access information to the device unlock page in a format that can be captured by a game-playing device such as a smartphone. Server 10 identifies the player who will receive the benefit based on the user ID transmitted along with the access information to the device release page from smartphone 1. Then, it searches for the unreleased device corresponding to the user ID stored in storage device 1104 (S130).

[0058] Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the storage device 1104 of the server 10 stores the released models associated with the user ID. For example, released models A and B are stored associated with the player assigned user ID "00001". By referring to the information stored in this storage device 1104, the server 10 can determine which released model is associated with the user ID transmitted from the smartphone 1 (S130).

[0059] Some players may have already progressed through the game and, as a result, unlocked all available consoles. On the other hand, players who have just started the game or have just downloaded the game application will have a wide range of choices, as all of the consoles available for unlocking are still unreleased. However, because they have not yet met the conditions to unlock a console, they cannot immediately unlock and play with a console. Conversely, players who have progressed sufficiently in the game may have already unlocked all available consoles.

[0060] Depending on the player's situation, the reward granting process in this embodiment unlocks one of the unreleased models as a reward if the player has already unlocked any models. If all models have already been unlocked and there are no new models to unlock, an alternative reward is granted instead of unlocking a model as a reward. Alternative rewards include items necessary to continue playing the game. For example, by granting coins necessary to play the game, or other items to gain an advantage in the game, the player is more likely to continue playing the game in order to use the reward in later games.

[0061] Server 10 identifies the unreleased models associated with the user ID through the processing in S130 and determines whether or not there are any unreleased models (S131). If there are unreleased models (S131: YES), it sends information about the unreleased models to smartphone 1, which is the source of the user ID (S132). For example, if there are 20 models available for release, from model A to model T, and the player identified by user ID "00001" has released two models, model A and model B, then the remaining 18 models from model C to model T are unreleased models, and information about these 18 models (unreleased model information) is sent to smartphone 1.

[0062] In response to this, if there are no unreleased models (S131: NO), server 10 sends alternative benefit information (alternative benefit information) to smartphone 1, which is the source of the user ID (S134).

[0063] Furthermore, the server 10 determines whether or not it has received information from the smartphone 1 (S136), and if it has received information (S136:YES), it determines whether or not the received information is information for selecting a model to be released (S137). If the received information is information for selecting a model to be released (S137:YES), the selected model is added to the information of released models in the user management table (Figure 5) of the storage device 1104 (S138). Specifically, for example, if model C, which was previously an unreleased model, is released as a bonus for the player with user ID "00001", model C will be added to the list of released models corresponding to user ID "00001".

[0064] In this way, by adding the unreleased machines selected as bonuses to the user management table (Figure 5) as released machine information, when a player then operates smartphone 1 and opens the casino mode machine list (Figures 9 and 10) from the game application, the key mark K for the released machine will disappear, and when the player taps on that machine, the game data for that machine will be downloaded from server 10.

[0065] Furthermore, if the received information is not release model selection information (S137: NO), the server 10 determines whether the received information is alternative reward determination information (S139). If it is alternative reward determination information (S139: YES), the determined alternative reward (for example, a predetermined number of coins) is added to the owned coin count information in the user management table (Figure 5) of the storage device 1104 (S140). By adding the number of coins selected as a reward to the owned coin count information in the user management table (Figure 5), when the player then operates the smartphone 1 and starts the game from the game application, the displayed number of owned coins will be the number that includes the coins granted as a reward.

[0066] In response to this, if it is determined that the information sent from server 10 is not alternative benefit determination information (S139: NO), this means that the information received from smartphone 1 is neither release model selection information nor alternative benefit determination information, and server 10 performs other processing according to the received information (S141).

[0067] Furthermore, when server 10 sends release data or alternative reward data to smartphone 1 (S138, S140), it stores that the granting of attendance rewards has been completed. This prevents, for example, the granting of rewards based on the same user ID multiple times on the same day. Also, for example, at a game exhibition, by offering different rewards to the same user ID on a daily basis, it is possible to encourage players to visit the venue over multiple days.

[0068] (Display 120) Figures 8 and 9 show examples of how the above-mentioned benefits are displayed on the display 120 of smartphone 1. When a player receives a two-dimensional barcode at the venue and scans it with smartphone 1, and accesses the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the two-dimensional barcode, a user ID input request screen 301 is displayed on the display 120, requesting the input of a user ID. When the player enters their user ID according to this screen, an account information display screen 302, which displays account information corresponding to that user ID, is displayed on the display 120. If the user ID entered by the player is not registered, smartphone 1 displays an error screen 303 on the display 120. The player will then need to enter their user ID again.

[0069] Furthermore, if the player has already received a bonus (unlocking an unreleased model or an alternative bonus), a screen 304 indicating that the bonus has already been used will be displayed on display 120.

[0070] If the entered user ID is correct and the reward has not been used, the display 120 will show the Unlocked Model Selection Screen 305 (Figure 9), which displays the unlocked models available to the player as icons. In the example display in Figure 9, the icon ICs indicate that nine models are unlocked, and any of these can be selected as the target for unlocking as a reward. Although nine icons are displayed on one screen of the display 120, it is possible to display more than ten icons by scrolling the screen. The player can select their desired model from these and input their selection by selecting the corresponding icon on the touch panel 5.

[0071] For example, if the player selects an unreleased model "C", only the icon for the selected unreleased model "C" will be displayed on the display 120 as a selection confirmation screen 307. When the player operates the "Confirm" icon on this selection confirmation screen 307, the selected model is determined to be unlocked as a bonus, and the selection result is sent to the server 10 as unlocked model selection information and added to the unlocked models in the server 10's user management table (Figure 5).

[0072] On smartphone 1, after the desired model is unlocked, the game application is launched, and after waiting for the operation of tapping the corresponding model on the casino mode's model list screen, the application data for that model is downloaded. For example, at a game exhibition venue, only the model can be unlocked, and then downloaded later at home or in a Wi-Fi environment. This allows players to immediately play the model that was unlocked as a bonus, even if they have not met certain conditions in the game's progression.

[0073] On the other hand, if all models are unlocked and there are no unreleased models available to select, smartphone 1 receives alternative reward data from server 10 and displays the alternative reward information screen 306 on display 120. The alternative reward information screen 306 displays the content of the alternative reward offered in place of unlocking an unreleased model (for example, the granting of a predetermined number of coins as a reward). If the player agrees to the displayed alternative reward, they operate the "Confirm" icon on the alternative reward information screen 306, and data such as the number of coins managed in the server 10's user management table (Figure 5) is sent to smartphone 1. As a result, the smartphone 1's display 120 displays the alternative reward grant screen 308, indicating that the selected alternative reward has been granted. This screen displays the content of the alternative reward and an "Launch App" icon to launch the application. By operating this icon, the player executes a process to make the alternative reward stored on smartphone 1 available for use within the game application, and the player can use the coins, items, etc. granted by the reward within the game.

[0074] As shown in Figure 10, when Casino Mode is selected, the display 120 of the smartphone 1 clearly displays icons IC1 and IC2 representing playable unlocked machines (e.g., machine A and machine B) and icons IC3, IC4, ... representing unplayable ununlocked machines (e.g., machine C, machine D, ...). For example, an ununlocked machine displays a key mark K, while unlocked machines do not display the key mark K, and the icon itself is displayed brighter than the icon for ununlocked machines.

[0075] In this state, if, for example, model C is unlocked as a visitor bonus and the application for model C is downloaded, the key mark K disappears from the icon IC3 of model C, and the icon IC3 is displayed brightly, as shown in Figure 11. This allows the player to recognize that model C has been unlocked. Note that the icon IC3 representing model C unlocked as a bonus may be displayed in a different manner (for example, by changing the color) than the icons IC1 and IC2 representing other unlocked models.

[0076] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, we described a case where, after releasing an unreleased model by adding the corresponding model to the released models on the user management table (Figure 5) based on the released model selection information or alternative reward selection information selected as a reward from the smartphone 1, the player operates the smartphone 1 at a desired time to launch the game application and then taps the corresponding released model from the list of models displayed in casino mode to download the data of the unreleased model. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and for example, the server 10 may receive the player's selection result for an unreleased model (released model selection information) from the smartphone 1 and immediately download the data of the selected model to the smartphone 1.

[0077] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment described the granting of rewards in a game in which players sequentially complete quests while playing a slot game as game content, the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied when providing various other types of game content.

[0078] Furthermore, while the above embodiment described a case where a predetermined number of coins are awarded as an alternative reward when there are no unreleased models, it is not limited to this. For example, various items used to progress in the game, such as items called "gems" in this game that would normally only be obtainable through in-game purchases, or items necessary to progress in the game advantageously, can be awarded as alternative rewards.

[0079] The slot game executed in the above embodiment may be installed and executed as game software (program, game data) on an information processing device other than the smartphone mentioned above, such as a portable computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, tablet PC, handheld PC, PDA (Personal Data Assistant), etc. In this case, the game software that runs the slot game is downloaded from a server or the like via communication means and stored in a storage device (flash memory, etc.) within the portable information device. The communication means may be a bidirectional transmission path such as the internet or cable television, or it may be broadcasting that transmits information in only one direction.

[0080] Furthermore, the game software used to run the game according to this embodiment may be stored on a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, MO (magneto-optical disk), hard disk, or flash memory, and may be read from the storage medium as needed and installed on a storage device in an information processing device such as a smartphone 1.

[0081] Furthermore, the contents described in the above embodiment may be implemented as a game program executed between each smartphone (information processing device) 1 and the server 10 via the internet (communication line). In this case, the CPU 101 of the smartphone 1 and the CPU 1101 of the server 10 will function as controllers for the game system 100 consisting of the smartphone 1 and the server 10. In this case, the game program may be stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, MO (magneto-optical disk), hard disk, or flash memory, and read from the storage medium as needed.

[0082] Furthermore, the game program executed in the above embodiment may be stored in a storage medium (MEDIUM).

[0083] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are merely illustrative examples and do not particularly limit the present invention. The specific configurations of each means, etc., can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferred effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1. Smartphone (information processing device) 5 Touch panel 10 servers 21 Symbol display area 24 Operation display area 101, 1101 CPU 102, 1102 ROM 103, 1103 RAM 104 Flash Memory 112 Cameras 120 displays 1104 Storage device

Claims

1. An information processing device that, by satisfying predetermined conditions through the execution of unlocked game content, unlocks and makes executable any of the multiple unreleased game content; A server having a communication-enabled connection to the aforementioned information processing device, and a storage device that stores a user ID transmitted from the information processing device and the unreleased game content associated with the user ID, An information processing system comprising, The aforementioned server, Information indicating that the information processing device has accessed a specific address provided in an information provision format that can be taken up by the information processing device, and based on the access information transmitted from the information processing device and the user ID, the process of referring to the unreleased game content associated with the user ID stored in the storage device and causing the information processing device to display the unreleased game content associated with the user ID, Based on the release selection information received from the information processing device, which indicates the user's selection result, the process is performed to change the game content to be released from "unreleased" to "released". An information processing system characterized by comprising a control unit.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the access information is information obtained by imaging a barcode or two-dimensional code attached to a distributed item with the camera of the information processing device.

3. A game management program is executed on a server which is communicatively connected to an information processing device that, by satisfying predetermined conditions through the execution of unlocked game content, unlocks and makes executable any of the multiple unreleased game content, and which has a user ID transmitted from the information processing device and a storage device that stores the unreleased game content associated with the user ID. The game management program will execute the following process. a) Information indicating that the information processing device has accessed a specific address provided in an information provision format that can be taken into the information processing device, and based on the access information transmitted from the information processing device and the user ID, the process of referring to the unreleased game content stored in the storage device and associated with the user ID, and causing the information processing device to display the unreleased game content associated with the user ID. b) A process to change the game content to be released from "unreleased" to "released" based on the release selection information received from the information processing device, which indicates the selection result by the user.

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