Computer programs and computer devices
A computer program facilitates user interaction to increase game active users by generating access information and providing rewards, addressing high advertising costs and enhancing user engagement through social networking, thus promoting the game without traditional advertising.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CAPCOM CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-01-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
Smart Images
Figure 0007867173000001 
Figure 0007867173000002 
Figure 0007867173000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a computer program and a computer device.
Background Art
[0002] There are games that progress silently on one's own, but there are also games that are enjoyable because there are users participating in the games. In such games, the number of active users may directly relate to the fun of the game including its liveliness.
[0003] In this regard, in order to increase the number of active users, there are cases where game operators deploy advertisements on videos or the Internet (for example, Non-Patent Document 1).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Non-Patent Document 1
Disclosure of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] However, advertising costs are generally high, and game operators often cannot easily secure advertising costs.
[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a computer program capable of increasing the number of active users of a game without incurring advertising costs.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0007] The first disclosure is A computer program that causes a terminal device, including a first terminal device operated by a first user and a second terminal device operated by a second user, to perform the following steps by the functions of a first application, In the execution step, a predetermined game is executed based on the operation of the first user. In the generation step, access information is generated within the game as a result of the first user's actions. The access information is information that enables the second terminal device to perform the functions of the first application based on the operation of the second user. In the provision step, the second application running on the second terminal device performs a process to provide the access information to the second user based on the operation of the first user. It is a computer program.
[0008] Furthermore, in the first disclosure, A computer program that causes the terminal device to perform the next step according to the functions of the first application, In the granting step, when the functions of the first application are activated via the access information on the second terminal device, the first benefit is associated with the first user. It is possible.
[0009] Furthermore, in the first disclosure, A computer program that causes the terminal device to perform the next step according to the functions of the first application, In the granting step, when the functions of the first application are activated via the access information on the second terminal device, the second benefit is associated with the second user. It is possible.
[0010] Furthermore, in the first disclosure, A computer program that causes the terminal device to perform the next step according to the functions of the first application, In the setup step, the content of the second benefit is set based on the operation of the first user. It is possible.
[0011] Furthermore, in the first disclosure, The second benefit is at least one of the following: performing a process to establish a predetermined relationship between the first user and the second user; performing a process to associate a predetermined game medium used in the game with the second user; and performing a process to associate the game medium associated with the first user with the second user for a predetermined period of time. It is possible.
[0012] Furthermore, in the first disclosure, A computer program that causes the terminal device to perform the next step according to the functions of the first application, In the granting step, the third benefit is associated with the first user according to the number of second users operating the second terminal device through which the functions of the first application are performed via the access information, and / or the progress of the game being played on the second terminal device through which the functions of the first application are performed via the access information. It is possible.
[0013] Furthermore, in the first disclosure, A computer program that causes the terminal device to perform the next step according to the functions of the first application, The terminal device further includes a third terminal device operated by a third user, In the granting step, if the functions of the first application are activated in the third terminal device via new access information, the fourth benefit is associated with the first user and the second user. The new access information is information generated due to an operation by the second user in the second terminal device in which the function of the first application is exerted via the access information generated due to an operation by the first user. It can be.
[0014] Also, in the first disclosure, A computer program for causing the terminal device to further execute the following steps by the function of the first application, In the evaluation step, it receives an evaluation based on an operation by the second user for the access information provided by the first user in the provision step and information regarding the first application. In the determination step, based on the evaluation, it determines the treatment of the first user in the game. It can be.
[0015] Also, in the first disclosure, In the generation step, it sets the frequency, number of times, and / or the period during which the first user can generate the access information and information regarding the first application. It can be.
[0016] Also, in the first disclosure, The access information is information for causing the second terminal device to migrate to an introduction site for downloading and / or installing the first application. It can be.
[0017] Also, in the first disclosure, In the generation step, in addition to the access information, it generates advertisement information for introducing the first application input by the first user as information regarding the first application. In the aforementioned provision step, the second application running on the second terminal device further performs a process to provide the second user with information about the first application based on the first user's actions. It is possible.
[0018] The second disclosure is, A storage unit for storing the computer program of the first disclosure, A control unit that executes the aforementioned computer program, Equipped with, It is a computer device.
[0019] The third disclosure is, A system that causes a terminal device, including a first terminal device operated by a first user and a second terminal device operated by a second user, to perform the following steps: In the execution step, based on the operation of the first user, a predetermined game is executed by the functions of the first application. In the generation step, access information is generated within the game by the functions of the first application in response to the actions of the first user, The access information is information that enables the second terminal device to perform the functions of the first application based on the operation of the second user. In the provision step, the second application running on the second terminal device performs a process to provide the access information to the second user based on the operation of the first user. It is a system. [Effects of the Invention]
[0020] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a computer program that can increase the number of active users of a game without incurring advertising costs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0021] [Figure 1]This is a diagram showing the configuration of the advertising system in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a game screen for a game executed by the advertising system in this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the advertising process in this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0022] [Embodiment] The advertising system 1 according to the embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. As shown in Figure 1, the advertising system 1 comprises a game server device 2, an SNS server device 3, and a user terminal device 4. Note that the advertising system 1 and the processing procedure described later are examples, and the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to these. The advertising system 1 and the processing procedure can be modified as appropriate without changing the gist of this disclosure.
[0023] <Game Description> The game server device 2 provides the following game (hereinafter referred to as "Game A") which is executed on the user terminal device 4. Game A is a game in which the user controls a player character in a virtual game space via the touchpad 450, and multiple events (hereinafter referred to as "quests") progress as a result.
[0024] In this embodiment, Game A includes a quest section in which the player character, which is set as a playable character based on user input and controlled by the user, defeats monsters that are enemy characters. For example, in one quest in Game A, the quest's clear condition is met if the player character defeats the monster within the time limit. This quest progresses by the user operating the touchpad 450.
[0025] In the quest part, users progress through the game by building a deck consisting of characters they own (associated with their user ID). Specifically, the characters included in this deck fight enemy characters based on the user's actions. This quest is executed by consuming a required amount of stamina, which recovers over time (releasing the association between stamina and the user).
[0026] In addition to the quest part mentioned above, Game A also has a medium selection part (gacha part). In this gacha part, one of several types of game mediums (for example, characters, items) is selected.
[0027] Specifically, in the gacha part, when a user requests a gacha using their in-game currency, a game medium is selected from several types of game mediums stored in a pre-prepared lottery table (gacha table), and the selected game medium (information about the game medium) is associated with the user (user ID).
[0028] In the gacha part of this embodiment, multiple gacha events are available. These gacha events include, for example, gacha events offered for a limited time, or gacha events offered at all times. After selecting one of the gacha events, the user can perform a gacha based on the gacha table prepared for that event.
[0029] Furthermore, each gacha event offers two types of gacha: a single gacha where one game item is selected with each draw request (gacha request), and a 10-pull gacha where 10 consecutive gacha draws are performed with one request, selecting 10 game items.
[0030] In this embodiment, the game medium selected by gacha or, for example, the game medium given as a clear reward for quests is a character. In addition, for each character, parameters such as physical strength value, attack power, defense power, skill value, occupation, as well as attribute and rarity (scarcity) are provided.
[0031] For example, in this embodiment, as parameters for the attributes set for characters, there are provided fire attribute, water attribute, wind attribute, etc. This attribute is an example of the nature set for each character, and by the effect of this attribute being exerted, the progress of the game becomes rich in variety.
[0032] In addition, for rarity, normal, rare, super rare, and ultra super rare are provided as parameters. Rarity is in the order of ultra super rare, super rare, rare, normal in terms of decreasing scarcity. This rarity is an index representing the difficulty of acquisition.
[0033] In addition, occupation is a role given to a character in the virtual game space, and parameters other than occupation such as skill value or defense value may differ for each occupation.
[0034] For each character, one occupation, one attribute, and one rarity are set.
[0035] The user can incorporate the character obtained by gacha or the clear reward of the quest into the deck and set it as the character to be used.
[0036] <Explanation of SNS> The SNS server device 3 provides the following SNS (Social Networking Service) on the user terminal device 4.
[0037] In this embodiment, the SNS is a messaging service. This SNS allows users to send and receive content such as messages, stamps, images (still images and videos), and various file data.
[0038] This allows the user to send messages, images, and other content to followers (other users who follow that user), friends, etc., via the touchpad 450 of the user terminal device 4.
[0039] On social media, for example, content posted by user A will appear on the timelines of other users who follow user A (for example, user B). User B can reply to, quote, or show agreement (for example, by clicking "like") to user A's posts that appear on their timeline.
[0040] Furthermore, if User B follows User A, and then User A follows User B, a mutual follow relationship is established.
[0041] In the following, a user who has installed the SNS application and the Game A application on User Terminal Device 4 will be referred to as "First User," and a user who has installed the SNS application on User Terminal Device 4 but has not installed the Game A application will be referred to as "Second User." Furthermore, the term "User" alone will refer to both First User and Second User.
[0042] Furthermore, the device operated by the first user is referred to as "User Terminal Device 4A," the device operated by the second user is referred to as "User Terminal Device 4B," and when referring to both, it is simply called "User Terminal Device 4."
[0043] Furthermore, each first user is assigned a user account for Game A, associated with the user terminal device 4. This user account is managed by user account information (hereinafter referred to as "Game ID").
[0044] Furthermore, each user is assigned a user account for SNS, associated with the user terminal device 4. This user account is managed as user account information (hereinafter referred to as "SNSID").
[0045] <Hardware Configuration> Referring to Figure 1, the hardware and functional configurations of the game server device 2, the SNS server device 3, and the user terminal device 4 on which game A is executed will be described.
[0046] When user terminal device 4A communicates with game server device 2 via communication network 5, a game ID is transmitted from user terminal device 4. The transmitted game ID is then authenticated by game server device 2. This enables communication between game server device 2 and user terminal device 4.
[0047] <Hardware configuration of game server device 2> As shown in Figure 1, the game server device 2 comprises a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, and a network interface 22.
[0048] The storage unit 21 and the network interface 22 are connected to the control unit 20 of the game server device 2 via the bus 29.
[0049] The control unit 20 consists of a CPU, memory (RAM), various input / output interfaces, etc., and controls the operation of the game server device 2. Further details will be described later.
[0050] The memory unit 21 mainly consists of HDD (Hard Disk Drive), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.
[0051] The memory unit 21 stores, for example, the computer program of this disclosure, a distribution program and data for distributing a game program (application for game A) for running a game played on the user terminal device 4, and user data (game ID, user-owned objects, game progress, etc.).
[0052] The network interface 22 is connected to the communication network 5 to send and receive data between the game server device 2 and the user terminal device 4.
[0053] <Description of the functions of the control unit 20 of the game server device 2> The control unit 20 of the game server device 2 functions as the following means and performs the following steps by executing a computer program.
[0054] <Explanation of Authentication Steps> The control unit 20 performs the authentication step by functioning as an authentication means. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 20 as an authentication means.
[0055] The control unit 20 authenticates the user account using the game ID of the first user transmitted from the user terminal device 4A.
[0056] <Explanation of the steps> The control unit 20 executes the progression steps by functioning as a game progress management means. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 20 as a game progress management means.
[0057] The control unit 20 advances game A based on the operations of the first user.
[0058] Specifically, the control unit 20 provides the user with multiple quests that occur at regular intervals (for example, a quest in which enemy characters appear between 1 PM and 3 PM), quests that occur at regular intervals, or quests that can be executed at any time.
[0059] Furthermore, after the control unit 20 receives information from the user terminal device 4A that the amount of stamina required to select a quest will be consumed, it starts the selected quest.
[0060] Furthermore, the control unit 20 receives operation signals from the first user of the user terminal device 4A and manages the progress of the main game (quest) based on the deck configuration set by the user.
[0061] Specifically, the control unit 20, for example, controls the character's movements in the virtual game space and manages the character's health value.
[0062] <Explanation of the interlocking steps> The control unit 20 executes the interlocking step by functioning as an interlocking means. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 20 as an interlocking means.
[0063] Based on receiving linkage request information (described later) from the user terminal device 4A, the control unit 20 links the Game A application with the SNS application. Specifically, when the "Link with SNS" button (not shown) is tapped on the menu screen of Game A on the user terminal device 4A, the control unit 20 associates the Game ID of Game A with the SNS ID on SNS.
[0064] <Explanation of instruction steps> The control unit 20 executes the instruction step by functioning as an instruction means. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 20 as an instruction means.
[0065] When a second user taps on an advertisement URL (see Figures 2(c) and (d)) in a post advertising game A (hereinafter, the "advertisement URL" and "advertisement information" described later are collectively referred to as "advertisement post") on the SNS (when installation request information is sent from the user terminal device 4B), the control unit 20 sends an instruction to the second user's user terminal device 4B to launch the download application (see Figure 2(e)) for downloading game A. This allows the second user to install game A on their user terminal device 4B.
[0066] Furthermore, when the control unit 20 receives installation request information from the second user's user terminal device 4B, it also receives the first user's game ID associated with the advertisement URL tapped by the second user, and the second user's SNS ID, associates them with the installation request information, and stores them in the user DB of the storage unit 21.
[0067] As will be explained in more detail later, the game ID of the first user who created the ad is automatically associated with the ad URL. Therefore, the game server device 2 does not need to check the first user's game ID with the SNS server device 3 to determine which first user created the ad URL that the second user tapped. This allows the game server device 2 to identify "which first user's ad URL caused the second user to download the Game A application."
[0068] When the Game A application is downloaded on the second user's user terminal device 4B via an advertisement posted by the first user, the control unit 20 generates a first reward granting instruction to grant a reward (first reward) to the first user who created the advertisement post. This first reward granting instruction is sent to the first user's user terminal device 4A.
[0069] In addition, when the application of Game A is installed on the user terminal device 4B of the second user via an advertisement post, and further a predetermined condition (for example, the second user has linked the SNS during Game A) is satisfied, the control unit 20 generates a second privilege grant instruction for granting a privilege (second privilege) to the second user. This second privilege grant instruction is transmitted to the user terminal device 4B of the second user together with privilege content information described later.
[0070] <Explanation of communication steps> The control unit 20 executes the communication steps by functioning as a communication means. Hereinafter, the processing executed by the control unit 20 as the communication means will be described.
[0071] The control unit 20 transmits and receives SNS IDs and the like to and from the SNS server device 3, and transmits and receives game IDs, information related to advertisement posts, first privilege grant instructions, second privilege grant instructions, and the like to and from the user terminal device 4A.
[0072] In addition, the control unit 20 receives an operation signal (including operation information) from the first user, quest start request information, gacha request information, linkage request information, etc. from the user terminal device 4A, and installation request information, etc. from the second user from the user terminal device 4B.
[0073] In addition, the control unit 20 transmits the application of Game A, game data, information on the progress of quests, information on winning characters, etc. to the user terminal device 4A.
[0074] <Hardware configuration of SNS server device 3> As shown in FIG. 1, the SNS server device 3 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, and a network interface 32.
[0075] The storage unit 31 and the network interface 32 are connected to the control unit 30 of the SNS server device 3 via a bus 39.
[0076] The control unit 30 is composed of a CPU, a memory (RAM), various input / output interfaces, etc., and controls the operation of the SNS server device 3. Details will be described later.
[0077] The storage unit 31 is mainly composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.
[0078] In the storage unit 31, for example, the computer program of the present disclosure, a distribution program and data for distributing an SNS program (SNS application) for providing a service by the user terminal device 4, and user data (SNS ID, user setting information, etc.) are stored.
[0079] The network interface 32 is connected to the communication network 5 in order to transmit and receive data between the SNS server device 3 and the user terminal device 4.
[0080] <Explanation of the functions of the control unit 30 of the SNS server device 3> By executing a computer program, the control unit 30 of the SNS server device 3 functions as the following respective means and executes the following respective steps.
[0081] <Explanation of the authentication step> The control unit 30 executes the authentication step by functioning as an authentication means. Hereinafter, the processing executed by the control unit 30 as the authentication means will be described.
[0082] The control unit 30 authenticates the user account using the SNS ID of the user transmitted from the user terminal device 4.
[0083] When user terminal device 4 communicates with SNS server device 3 via communication network 5, an SNSID is transmitted from user terminal device 4. The transmitted SNSID is then authenticated by SNS server device 3. This enables communication between SNS server device 3 and user terminal device 4.
[0084] <Explanation of display control steps> The control unit 30 executes the display step by functioning as a display control means. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 30 as a display control means.
[0085] The control unit 30 generates information for displaying a timeline on the user terminal device 4, which displays user posts (including "information related to advertising posts") in chronological order. This allows, for example, a second user to view advertising posts like Figure 2(d) created by the first user via the SNS application.
[0086] <Explanation of posting steps> The control unit 30 executes the posting step by functioning as a posting means. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 30 as a posting means.
[0087] The control unit 30 generates information for displaying user-submitted posts on the timelines of users who are followers of the user who made the post. For example, based on the actions of the first user, the control unit 30 makes an advertisement post as shown in Figure 2(d).
[0088] <Explanation of follow-up steps> The control unit 30 executes the follow step by functioning as a follow means. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 30 as a follow means.
[0089] When the control unit 30 receives follow request information from a user, it associates the SNS ID of the user who made the follow request with the SNS ID of the user who was followed.
[0090] <Explanation of communication steps> The control unit 30 executes the communication step by functioning as a communication means. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 30 as a communication means.
[0091] The control unit 30 transmits and receives SNS IDs and user operation signals (including posting information related to advertisement postings) between the game server device 2 and the user terminal device 4.
[0092] <Hardware configuration of user terminal device 4> As shown in Figure 1, the user terminal device 4 is a terminal device such as a smartphone, which has a built-in speaker 430, LCD screen 440, and touchpad 450. In this user terminal device 4, game A progresses based on the game A application and data distributed from the game server device 2.
[0093] Furthermore, the user terminal device 4 can communicate data with the game server device 2 via a communication network 5 such as the Internet or a LAN.
[0094] The user terminal device 4 comprises a control unit 40, a storage unit 41, a network interface 42, an audio processing unit 43, a graphics processing unit 44, and an operation unit 45.
[0095] The storage unit 41, network interface 42, audio processing unit 43, graphics processing unit 44, and operation unit 45 are connected to the control unit 40 via the bus 49.
[0096] The control unit 40 consists of a CPU, memory (RAM), various input / output interfaces, etc., and controls the operation of the user terminal device 4.
[0097] The memory unit 41 mainly consists of an HDD, RAM, ROM, SSD, etc. For example, the application and data of game A are stored in the memory unit 41.
[0098] The network interface 42 is connected to the communication network 5 to send and receive data between the user terminal device 4 and the game server device 2. This allows the application and game data for game A to be downloaded to the user terminal device 4.
[0099] The audio processing unit 43 plays and synthesizes digital game audio according to instructions from the control unit 40. A speaker 430 is also connected to the audio processing unit 43. Game audio is output from the speaker 430.
[0100] The graphics processing unit 44 renders game images, including the virtual game space and player characters, in video format according to instructions from the control unit 40. The game images rendered in video format by the graphics processing unit 44 are displayed as the game screen on the liquid crystal display screen 440.
[0101] The operation unit 45 receives operation signals from the user. In this embodiment, the operation unit 45 receives operation signals from the user via a touchpad 450, which is an input position detection device. By touching the touchpad 450, the user can perform actions such as arranging characters (configuring a deck), selecting quests, controlling player characters, or posting to and viewing social media.
[0102] <Description of the functions of the control unit 40 of the user terminal device 4> The control unit 40 functions as the following means and performs the following steps by executing the application of game A downloaded from the game server device 2.
[0103] <Explanation of execution steps> The control unit 40 functions as an execution means according to instructions from the Game A application, thereby executing execution steps. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 40 as an execution means.
[0104] The control unit 40 causes the user terminal device 4 to execute a game that includes a quest part and a gacha part, based on the operation of the touchpad 450 by the first user.
[0105] The control unit 40 advances the game based on the operations of the first user and information transmitted from the control unit 20 of the game server device 2.
[0106] Specifically, the control unit 40 reads data such as game space objects and textures included in the game data from the storage unit 41 and generates a two-dimensional or three-dimensional virtual game space.
[0107] Furthermore, the control unit 40 places the player character in the virtual game space. The control unit 40 then controls the actions of the player character in the virtual game space according to the operation of the touchpad 450 by the user 1 and the game progress transmitted from the control unit 20 of the game server device 2.
[0108] Furthermore, the control unit 40 generates information for displaying the virtual game space, player character, and virtual buttons as a game screen on the liquid crystal screen 440. According to this information, the graphics processing unit 44 draws the game image on the liquid crystal screen 440.
[0109] Furthermore, the control unit 40 generates quest start request information to request the start of a quest based on the operation of the first user. The quest start request information is transmitted to the game server device 2 in the communication step.
[0110] <Explanation of the linked request step> The control unit 40 functions as an interlocking request means according to the instructions of the Game A application, thereby executing the interlocking request step. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 40 as an interlocking request means.
[0111] Based on the actions of the first user, the control unit 40 links Game A with the SNS within Game A. Specifically, when the first user taps the "Link with SNS" button (not shown) on the menu screen of Game A, the control unit 40 launches the SNS application to obtain the SNS ID and sends the linking request information, including the obtained SNS ID, to the game server device 2.
[0112] As a result, the "Open SNS" button B1 is displayed based on the functionality of the Game A application, as shown in Figure 2(a). By tapping the "Open SNS" button B1, the first user can open the posting screen (SNS menu) for posting to SNS, as shown in Figure 2(b). In other words, the first user can activate the SNS application while keeping the Game A application active.
[0113] <Description of generation steps> The control unit 40 functions as a generation means according to the instructions of the Game A application, thereby executing the generation step. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 40 as a generation means.
[0114] The control unit 40 generates information for posting game A-related content to the social networking service (SNS) when the first user taps the "Open SNS" button B1 and then the "Post Message" button B2. This allows the first user to, for example, post things like calling friends, posting game videos, progress updates, and impressions, as well as requesting help, via the SNS.
[0115] Furthermore, when the first user taps the "Open SNS" button B1 and then taps the "Post Ad" button B3 (an example of "caused by the first user's actions"), the control unit 40 displays the "Create Ad" screen as shown in Figure 2(c) and automatically generates an ad URL (an example of access information) within game A.
[0116] This advertisement URL is information that causes the user terminal device 4B to download and install the application for game A (an example of "activating functionality") based on the actions of a second user, and is a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for launching the downloaded application on the user terminal device 4B.
[0117] The advertisement URL is represented, for example, as "https: / / www.xxxx.co.jp / gameA / xtuh0qti7j". The last part of this advertisement URL, "xtuh0qti7j", is the game ID of the first user, as shown in Figure 2(a). In other words, the game ID of the first user creating the advertisement is automatically associated with the advertisement URL.
[0118] Furthermore, the information that the control unit 40 provides to the second user through the SNS application running on the user terminal device 4B includes not only the advertisement URL, but also advertisement information about the game application, which is entered by the first user and described in text data, etc.
[0119] Specifically, the first user can input advertising information via the touch panel 450, including text data (for example, "This is a god-tier game!") to promote the Game A application, as well as screenshots of the game screen, in order to entice the second user to access the advertising URL. In this way, a variety of advertisements are created depending on the individuality of the first user who creates the advertising information.
[0120] This allows the first user to create an ad post consisting of ad information and an ad URL. The second user can view the ad information created by the first user and the first user's unique ad URL, which corresponds to the first user's game ID, via social media. Then, for example, the second user who is interested in the ad information can access the ad URL.
[0121] <Explanation of the delivery steps> The control unit 40 functions as a providing means according to the instructions of the Game A application, thereby executing the providing step. The following describes the processing performed by the control unit 40 as a providing means.
[0122] Based on the operation of the first user, the control unit 40 executes a process for posting an advertisement in the SNS application running on the second user's user terminal device 4B.
[0123] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2(c), when the first user taps the "Post" button B4, the control unit 40 sends information about the advertisement post created by the first user to the game server device 2 and the SNS server device 3. Subsequently, the SNS server device 3, having received the information about the advertisement post, makes the advertisement post.
[0124] Furthermore, if the second user taps the advertisement URL of an advertisement post created by the first user, the second user's user terminal device 4B will be redirected to a download site provided by the operator of Game A. On this download site, a download application for downloading the Game A application will be launched on the second user's user terminal device 4B.
[0125] <Explanation of the follow-up request step> The control unit 40 functions as a follow request means according to instructions from the SNS application, thereby executing the follow request step. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 40 as a follow request means.
[0126] The control unit 40 generates follow request information to follow any other user (another user of the SNS) identified based on the actions of the user using the SNS. This follow request information is transmitted to the SNS server device 3.
[0127] <Installation Steps> The control unit 40 functions as an installation means according to the instructions of the download application, thereby executing the installation steps. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 40 as an installation means.
[0128] Based on the operation of the second user, the control unit 40 generates installation request information for downloading and installing the application for game A. This installation request information is transmitted not only to the download application management server device (not shown) but also to the game server device 2.
[0129] <Explanation of granting steps> The control unit 40 functions as an granting means according to the instructions of the Game A application, thereby executing the granting step. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 40 as an granting means.
[0130] When the control unit 40 receives a first reward granting instruction from the game server device 2, it grants the reward (first reward) to the first user who created the advertisement post.
[0131] The benefits granted to the first user include in-game currency, stamina, items, characters, points, and the right to use gacha (gacha tickets), which can be used in Game A. In the example in Figure 2(f), the first user is granted 100 gold (in-game currency) as a benefit.
[0132] Furthermore, when the control unit 40 receives a second reward granting instruction from the game server device 2, it grants the second reward (second reward) to the second user as shown in Figure 2(f). The reward granted to the second user is set in the setting step described later.
[0133] <Explanation of setup steps> The control unit 40 functions as a setting means according to the instructions of the Game A application, thereby executing the setting step. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 40 as a setting means.
[0134] The control unit 40 sets the content of the rewards to be granted to the second user who installed the Game A application via an advertisement post, based on the actions of the first user. In other words, the first user can specify the rewards to be granted to the second user. This reward content information is transmitted to the game server device 2.
[0135] The benefits granted to the second user include at least one of the following: establishing a predetermined relationship between the first user and the second user (for example, friends, or special friends established between the first user and the second user who downloaded the Game A application via an advertisement post); granting the second user predetermined game materials used within Game A (for example, characters, items); or renting a character owned by the first user to the second user for a certain period of time.
[0136] In the example shown in Figure 2(f), the second user receives the first user's character (character A) as a reward, and a friendship relationship is established between them.
[0137] <Explanation of communication steps> The control unit 40 functions as a communication means according to instructions from the Game A application or the SNS application, thereby executing communication steps. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 40 as a communication means.
[0138] The control unit 40 receives information such as the game program related to game A and information about the winning character from the game server device 2, and also receives posted information from the SNS server device 3.
[0139] Furthermore, the control unit 40 transmits, for example, the game ID, installation request information, quest start request information, gacha request information, linking request information, and posting information (including "information related to advertising posts") to the game server device 2 based on user operations, and also transmits the SNS ID, posting information (including "information related to advertising posts") to the SNS server device 3.
[0140] <Explanation of ad processing> The advertising processing of this disclosure will be explained below with reference to Figure 3.
[0141] First, the control unit 40 of the first user's user terminal device 4A detects that the first user has tapped the "Open SNS" button B1 while playing game A (step S1).
[0142] Next, the control unit 40 of the user terminal device 4A determines whether the first user tapped the "Post Ad" button B3 of the "Post Message" button B2 and "Post Ad" buttons B3 in the SNS menu (step S2).
[0143] If the first user does not tap the "Post Ad" button B3 (S2:NO), the control unit 40 of the user terminal device 4A switches the display on the LCD screen 440 to the menu screen, or the control unit 30 of the SNS server device 3 posts the message entered by the first user to the SNS timeline on the first user and each of their followers' user terminal devices 4 (step S3). After that, the process returns to step S1.
[0144] On the other hand, if it is determined that the first user has tapped the "Post Ad" button B3 (S2: YES), the control unit 40 of the user terminal device 4A automatically generates an ad URL associated with the first user's game ID (step S4).
[0145] Next, the control unit 40 of the user terminal device 4A generates advertising information, including text and images, that promotes game A, based on the operation of the first user (step S5).
[0146] Next, the control unit 40 of the user terminal device 4A transmits information related to the advertisement post, including the advertisement URL in step S4 and the advertisement information in step S5, to the game server device 2 and the SNS server device 3 based on the operation of the first user (the first user taps the "Post" button B4) (step S6).
[0147] Next, the control unit 30 of the SNS server device 3 displays the advertisement post on the SNS timeline of the first user and the second user who is a follower of the first user (step S7).
[0148] Next, the control unit 20 of the game server device 2 determines whether or not the second user tapped the advertisement URL on the user terminal device 4B (step S8).
[0149] If the second user has not tapped the ad URL (S8:NO), the process repeats step S8.
[0150] If it is determined that the second user has tapped an advertisement URL (S8:YES), the control unit 20 of the game server device 2 launches a download application to download the Game A application via the download site (step S9). Then, when the second user requests the installation of Game A in the download application, the Game A application is downloaded and installed on the second user's user terminal device 4B.
[0151] Furthermore, the control unit 20 of the server device 2 grants benefits to the first user associated with the tapped advertisement URL, and to the second user who tapped the advertisement URL and meets predetermined conditions (step S10). After that, the advertisement processing of this disclosure is terminated. The advertising processing described in this disclosure is performed by following the steps outlined above.
[0152] In summary, this disclosure is: A computer program that causes a user terminal device 4, which includes a user terminal device 4A operated by a first user and a user terminal device 4B operated by a second user, to perform the following steps according to the functions of the application of game A, In the execution step, game A is executed based on the actions of the first user. In the generation step, when the first user taps the "Post Ad" button B3, an ad URL associated with the first user's game ID is automatically generated within game A. The advertisement URL is information that, based on the actions of the second user, causes the second user's user terminal device 4B to download and install the application for game A. In the delivery step, the SNS application running on the second user's user terminal device 4B performs a process to provide the second user with an advertisement URL based on the first user's tap of the "Post" button B4. It is a computer program.
[0153] <Effects> According to the computer program of this embodiment, game operators can increase the number of active users through social networking services (SNS) without incurring advertising costs.
[0154] Furthermore, when a game is installed via an advertisement post, both the first user who created the advertisement post and the second user who installs the game via the advertisement post receive benefits. Therefore, according to this disclosure, not only the game operator but also the game users can benefit.
[0155] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiments, the execution step, generation step, provision step, etc., are described as being performed by the user terminal device alone, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. These steps may be performed by the game server device alone, or by the cooperation of the game server device and the user terminal device.
[0156] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes an example in which the SNS ID of the second user is transmitted to the game server device when the second user taps an advertisement URL, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, if the second user downloads game A in accordance with an advertisement posted by the first user, the SNS ID and other information may not be transmitted to the game server device.
[0157] In this case, the game server device may be able to recognize which first user's advertisement post led to the installation of game A on the second user's user terminal device 4B by having the game server device request the necessary information from the SNS server device at a predetermined time (or by having the SNS server device periodically send the necessary information to the game server device).
[0158] Furthermore, when a second user taps an advertisement URL, the download application may be launched on the second user's device without being redirected to the download site.
[0159] The above embodiment describes an example in which a reward is granted to the first user when the second user downloads game A via an advertising URL, but the disclosure is not limited to this.
[0160] The timing at which the first user receives the reward could be, for example, when the second user downloads game A via the advertisement URL and then logs into game A 10 times. Alternatively, the first user who made the advertisement may receive the reward when they post an advertisement, when the second user logs into game A, or when the second user completes a specific quest.
[0161] Furthermore, the first user may be granted rewards according to a predetermined schedule. In addition, the control unit of the game server device may grant rewards to the first user in multiple stages, such as when the first user posts an advertisement and / or when the second user logs into game A.
[0162] Furthermore, the rewards granted to the first user are not limited to objects used within Game A, but may also include, for example, cash or virtual currency. In this case, for example, the first user can register their account information with the game server in advance, and the operator of Game A can then grant the first user a success reward based on the first user's performance (number of downloads by the second user).
[0163] Furthermore, the benefits granted to the first user may be determined by the number of followers that first user has on social media. For example, the more followers a first user has, the greater the advertising effect, so the benefits can be made more generous (higher grade of benefits, more benefits).
[0164] Furthermore, if a second user sees the advertisement posted on the SNS timeline and taps the "Like" button (i.e., the second user endorses the advertisement posted by the first user), the first user who posted the advertisement may be awarded points. The game server device may then accumulate these points, and when a predetermined value is reached, it may award the first user with a reward (for example, in-game currency, stamina, items, characters, or gacha tickets).
[0165] Furthermore, not limited to advertising posts, the game server or SNS server may count the number of posts made by a first user when they use hashtags (for example, "#GameA" or "#LimitedTimeEvent"). If the first user's game ID and SNS ID are associated in Game A, that first user may be granted rewards based on the cumulative number of posts.
[0166] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes an example in which a reward is granted to a second user when the second user downloads game A via an advertising URL and links game A with social networking services within game A, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a reward may be granted to a second user when they download game A via an advertising URL, or when they log in to game A 10 times.
[0167] Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the benefits granted to the second user may be the same as the benefits granted to the first user.
[0168] Furthermore, the embodiment is not limited to the above, and items, characters, etc. that the first user has registered as favorites may be granted to the second user as a reward, and the reward to be granted may be determined by lottery from items, characters, etc. that the first user possesses. In this case, the first user's favorite character may be granted to the second user, or the first user's favorite character may be lent to the second user for a certain period (as a temporary reward with a limited period).
[0169] Furthermore, the benefits granted to the second user may also include the first user being set as a "special friend" (for example, a pre-friend status such as a master-apprentice relationship, where the second user can borrow a character from the first user until a certain game progress is reached). In this case, restrictions may be imposed, such as the first user's level being 100 or higher, in order for the master-apprentice relationship to be established.
[0170] Furthermore, the benefits granted to the first user and / or the second user may be predetermined, may be changed, for example, every month, or may be determined by a lottery performed by the game server device.
[0171] Furthermore, although not limited to the above embodiment, the first user may be granted a benefit (third benefit) depending on the number of second users operating a user terminal device on which the application functions of Game A are displayed via an advertising URL, and / or the progress of Game A being played on the user terminal device on which the application functions of Game A are displayed via an advertising URL.
[0172] In this scenario, if the advertising URL created by the first user leads to many second users downloading the game application, the first user can earn additional rewards. Furthermore, the operator of Game A can reap the benefits of advertising Game A without incurring any advertising costs.
[0173] In the above case, the progress of Game A refers to, for example, the second user reaching level 10, clearing up to stage 5, defeating a specific enemy character, and / or reaching a total play time of 20 hours. The game server device can then convert these progress levels into points and grant rewards to the first user according to those points.
[0174] Furthermore, if the functionality of the Game A application is activated via a new advertising URL on a user terminal device operated by a third user, the game server device may grant the first user and / or the second user a reward (fourth reward). Note that the new advertising URL is a newly generated advertising URL resulting from the actions of the second user who downloaded the Game A application via the first user's advertising URL.
[0175] In this case, if one user creates an advertisement URL, the user who created the advertisement can receive rewards in a chain reaction based on the download of the Game A application on another user's device.
[0176] In other words, the advertising URL from the first user will be viewed by the first user's followers. And if the first user has multiple followers, there may be multiple second users who download the Game A application via the advertising URL from the first user.
[0177] Furthermore, a second user who downloads the Game A application may create their own advertisement and post it on social media. As a result, another third user may download the Game A application in a chain reaction via the advertisement URL created by the second user.
[0178] In this case, not only will the second user receive the reward, but the first user who initiated the chain reaction of downloads as described above will also receive the reward. The rewards given to the first user and the rewards given to the second user in this case may be the same or different.
[0179] However, if this chain of downloads occurs frequently, the first user could potentially receive benefits indefinitely. Therefore, to curb this, it is possible to set a finite period for granting benefits to the first user in this chain of downloads, reduce the benefits given to the first user as the user hierarchy progresses, or set an upper limit on the benefits granted to the first user.
[0180] Furthermore, the frequency, number of times, and / or the period during which the first user can generate ad posts may be set. For example, the frequency at which the first user generates ad posts can be set to "once per month". This setting may be registered in the game server device in advance, or it may be changed as appropriate by input from the operator of Game A.
[0181] In this case, frequent ad posting could lead to a decline in ad quality, but this can be prevented. Furthermore, it can prevent frequent rewards from being granted simply because an ad URL has been generated.
[0182] Furthermore, the second user may rate each of the one or more ad posts from the first user that are displayed in the SNS application.
[0183] In this case, a second user who has not downloaded / installed the Game A application may still evaluate the advertisement, and a second user who has actually downloaded / installed the application may also evaluate the advertisement.
[0184] The game server device can collect the results of second users' evaluations of first users' advertisements at predetermined times (for example, once a month or every Sunday) (for example, by collecting the average evaluation value for each first user), and reward the first user according to the results.
[0185] The game server device can, for example, award a first amount (e.g., 100 gold) of in-game currency to a first user with a high rating (e.g., an average rating of 4-5 out of 5), and award a second amount (e.g., 30 gold) less than the first amount to a first user with a low rating (e.g., an average rating of 1-2).
[0186] Furthermore, the game server system can, for example, grant high-rarity items to the first user with a high rating, in addition to (or instead of) a first amount of in-game currency.
[0187] On the other hand, the game server device stores information about a first user with a low rating, such as all ratings being 1, and associates this information with the first user's game ID. Based on this, the operator of game A may, for example, revoke the first user's game ID depending on the content of the advertisement posted.
[0188] Thus, ratings can be used not only for awarding rewards, but also as one of the factors for making decisions that will ensure the smooth operation of the game. For example, a first user with a low rating might intentionally post advertisements that will lower the rating of a game, such as Game A, in order to cause controversy. If such a user continues to play the game, it could negatively impact other users who are enjoying the game.
[0189] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the advertising URL and advertising information are posted to SNS at the same time, but this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the advertising URL and advertising information may be posted to SNS at different times.
[0190] The type of SNS is not limited to the service of the embodiment described above; the technology of this disclosure can be applied to any SNS that allows users to post messages, images, etc.
[0191] Furthermore, the embodiment is not limited to the above, and the SNS does not necessarily have a follow system. That is, for example, the advertising posts of the first user may be randomly displayed on the timeline of a second user. Also, the advertising posts of the first user may be displayed on the timelines of an unspecified number of second users.
[0192] Furthermore, the advertising information may include a list of characters and / or items owned by the first user, although this is not limited to the above embodiment. A second user who downloads / installs the Game A application via the advertisement post may be granted the right to participate in a gacha (gacha ticket) where the characters and other items currently owned by the first user who posted the advertisement are the targets of the draw (target of duplication). The characters won in this gacha are then given to the second user.
[0193] In this case, the second user can determine which characters the first user owns and then decide which first user's advertisement URL to use to download the Game A application, in order to gain an advantage.
[0194] Furthermore, the games to which the concept of this disclosure applies are not limited to the embodiments described above, but may include action games, RPGs, sports games, fighting games, simulation games, and the like.
[0195] Other examples include, A computer program that causes a terminal device, including a first terminal device operated by a first user and a second terminal device operated by a second user, to perform the following steps by the functions of a first application, In the execution step, based on the operation of the first user, a predetermined service (for example, a golf reservation system, a betting system for horse racing, etc.) is executed. In the generation step, based on the first user's actions (for example, tapping the "Create Ad" button), access information (information related to ad posting) is automatically generated within the service in a manner that allows for the identification of the first user who performed the action. The aforementioned access information is information for introducing the first application on the second terminal device, In the provision step, the second application running on the second terminal device (for example, an application that launches social networking services, an application that displays a blog) performs a process to provide the access information to the second user based on the operation of the first user. There is a computer program.
[0196] In this case, the principles of this disclosure can be used not only for games but also for advertising various services. Furthermore, these applications do not need to be installed on the user's terminal device; they may, for example, be applications provided through a cloud service.
[0197] Furthermore, in this case, other users who view the ad post may also tap the "Like" button on that ad post. In this case, the SNS server device may accumulate the number of likes and, accordingly, grant rewards (for example, cryptocurrency) to the user who posted the ad.
[0198] Furthermore, while the above embodiments describe the user terminal device as a terminal device such as a smartphone, this disclosure is not limited to this. The user terminal device may be, for example, a stationary game console to which a display and controller are externally connected, or a personal computer. [Explanation of symbols]
[0199] 1. Advertising System 2 Game Server Devices 3. SNS server device 4. User terminal device 5. Communication Network
Claims
1. A computer program that causes a terminal device, including a first terminal device operated by a first user and a second terminal device operated by a second user, to perform the following steps by the functions of a first application, In the execution step, a predetermined game is executed based on the operation of the first user. In the generation step, access information is generated within the game as a result of the first user's actions. The access information is information that enables the second terminal device to perform the functions of the first application based on the operation of the second user. In the provision step, the second application running on the second terminal device performs a process to provide the access information to the second user based on the operation of the first user. In the setup step, the content of the second benefit is set based on the operation of the first user. In the granting step, when the functions of the first application are activated via the access information on the second terminal device, the second benefit is associated with the second user. Computer program.
2. A computer program that causes a terminal device, including a first terminal device operated by a first user and a second terminal device operated by a second user, to perform the following steps by the functions of a first application, In the execution step, a predetermined game is executed based on the operation of the first user. In the generation step, access information is generated within the game as a result of the first user's actions. The access information is information that enables the second terminal device to perform the functions of the first application based on the operation of the second user. In the provision step, the second application running on the second terminal device performs a process to provide the access information to the second user based on the operation of the first user. In the generation step, the frequency, number of times, and / or period during which the first user can generate the access information and the information related to the first application are set. Computer program.
3. A computer program that causes a terminal device, including a first terminal device operated by a first user and a second terminal device operated by a second user, to perform the following steps by the functions of a first application, In the execution step, a predetermined game is executed based on the operation of the first user. In the generation step, access information is generated within the game as a result of the first user's actions. The access information is information that enables the second terminal device to perform the functions of the first application based on the operation of the second user. In the provision step, the second application running on the second terminal device performs a process to provide the access information to the second user based on the operation of the first user. In the granting step, a fifth benefit is associated with the first user based on the number of times the first user has used the second application. The number of activities mentioned above is the number of times information related to the game is transmitted. Computer program.
4. A computer program that causes a terminal device, including a first terminal device operated by a first user and a second terminal device operated by a second user, to perform the following steps by the functions of a first application, In the execution step, a predetermined game is executed based on the operation of the first user. In the generation step, access information is generated within the game as a result of the first user's actions. The access information is information that enables the second terminal device to perform the functions of the first application based on the operation of the second user, and includes game images and text data related to the game entered by the first user. In the provision step, the second application running on the second terminal device performs a process to provide the access information to the second user based on the operation of the first user. Computer program.
5. A computer program that causes the terminal device to perform the next step according to the functions of the first application, In the granting step, when the functions of the first application are activated via the access information on the second terminal device, the first benefit is associated with the first user. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. The second benefit is at least one of the following: performing a process to establish a predetermined relationship between the first user and the second user; performing a process to associate a predetermined game medium used in the game with the second user; and performing a process to associate the game medium associated with the first user with the second user for a predetermined period of time. The computer program according to claim 1.
7. A computer program that causes the terminal device to perform the next step according to the functions of the first application, In the granting step, the third benefit is associated with the first user according to the number of second users operating the second terminal device through which the functions of the first application are performed via the access information, and / or the progress of the game being played on the second terminal device through which the functions of the first application are performed via the access information. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
8. A computer program that causes the terminal device to perform the next step according to the functions of the first application, The terminal device further includes a third terminal device operated by a third user, In the granting step, if the functions of the first application are activated in the third terminal device via new access information, the fourth benefit is associated with the first user and the second user. The new access information is information generated as a result of the second user's operation in the second terminal device, where the functions of the first application are performed via the access information generated as a result of the first user's operation. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
9. A computer program that causes the terminal device to perform the next step according to the functions of the first application, In the evaluation step, an evaluation based on the second user's actions is received regarding the access information and information about the first application provided by the first user in the provision step. In the decision step, based on the evaluation, the treatment of the first user in the game is determined. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
10. The aforementioned access information is information for directing the second terminal device to an installation site for downloading and / or installing the first application. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
11. In the generation step, in addition to the access information, advertising information for introducing the first application entered by the first user is generated as information about the first application. In the aforementioned provision step, the second application running on the second terminal device further performs a process for providing the second user with information about the first application based on the first user's operation. The computer program according to claims 1 to 10.
12. A storage unit for storing a computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 11, A control unit that executes the aforementioned computer program, Equipped with, Computer device.
13. One or more storage units for storing the computer program described in any one of claims 1 to 11, One or more computer devices that execute the aforementioned computer program, Composed of, system.