Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that allows participation in a game according to the time when a game account is issued.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: an issuing unit for issuing an account related to a game to a user; and a control unit for controlling whether or not a first special game can be executed depending on whether or not a timing for playing the game without satisfying a predetermined condition in the game is within a valid period of the first special game that is specified on the basis of the issuing time of the account, after the account is issued.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is a known game in which quests are cleared using a group called a deck. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a game in which a user executes a quest using a player character possessed by the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described game, in order not to bore users, quests collaborated with popular anime programs, movies, etc. are provided for a limited period. Also, there are users who newly start the game to play such quests. However, since such quests mainly target existing users who are familiar with the game, they are difficult for users who have newly started the game and are often difficult to play.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that enables a user to participate in a game according to the timing when a game account is issued.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an issuing unit that issues a game account to a user; and a control unit that, after the issuance of the account, controls whether or not to execute the first special game depending on whether or not the timing of playing the game while not meeting predetermined conditions in the game falls within the validity period of the first special game, which is determined based on the issuance time of the account. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to participate in games according to when the game account was issued. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the system configuration of the game system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a game server and terminal. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the functional block structure of a game server. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a user management database and a quest definition database. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the functional block configuration of a terminal. [Figure 6] This flowchart illustrates an example of the processing steps a game server performs when a user plays a quest. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing an example of the screen display. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an example of the screen display. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, components denoted by the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations.

[0010] <System Configuration> Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of the game system 1 according to this embodiment. The game system 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a game server 10 and one or more terminals 20. The game server 10 and the terminals 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via a communication network N such as the Internet, intranet, wireless LAN, or mobile communication.

[0011] The game server 10 is a device that performs some of the functions necessary for the terminal 20 to provide the game, such as managing various information about the user or executing some of the game's processing. The game server 10 may consist of one or more information processing devices, or it may be configured using a virtual server (such as a cloud server).

[0012] Terminal 20 is an information processing device that provides games to the user, and the user can run the game according to this embodiment by operating Terminal 20. Terminal 20 is a computer such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone), tablet, personal computer, arcade game machine, or consumer game machine. Terminal 20 is GPS The system notifies the game server 10 of its own position, which has been detected using a Global Positioning System (GPS) or similar method.

[0013] <Game Overview> Next, an overview of the game provided by Game System 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the game provided by Game System 1, users (who may also be called players) can play various quests using a deck they have assembled.

[0014] A deck refers to a group of multiple game media. A user can assemble a deck using game media selected from among those they own. These game media may also be called game objects. Furthermore, game media may include characters, items, and game cards.

[0015] A quest means a task that can be cleared by meeting certain predetermined conditions. A quest may also be called an exploration, a task, or a mission. A quest may be called a sub-game. A user who plays a quest can clear the quest by meeting the certain conditions. When the user clears the quest, the user is given a reward such as a game medium, or the game story progresses.

[0016] The user forms a deck by combining a plurality of game media from the game media they possess, and plays a quest using the formed deck. At this time, in addition to the game media the user possesses, it may be possible to combine game media possessed by other users or pre-set game media in the deck.

[0017] Quests include quests that can be played at all times (hereinafter referred to as "normal quests"), quests that can be played within a defined validity period (hereinafter referred to as "time-limited quests"), and quests for learning how to play the game (hereinafter referred to as "tutorial quests"). New user can learn the basic way to play the game by playing the tutorial quest first. Normal quests include quests of various difficulty levels. Also, the time-limited quests may be set to a high difficulty level so that existing users who are familiar with the game can enjoy them. Difficulty is an index indicating the difficulty of playing a quest and / or the difficulty of clearing a quest, and it may indicate that the higher the value, the more difficult the quest. For example, a quest with a difficulty level of 2 may be a quest that is more difficult to play / clear than a quest with a difficulty level of 1. A quest that is difficult to play / clear includes, but is not limited to, a quest that is difficult to play / clear because the enemy's game medium is strong, a quest that is difficult to play / clear because the operation is difficult, and a quest that is difficult to play / clear because the play time is long.

[0018] The game server 10 provides a tutorial quest associated with a time-limited quest. This tutorial quest may be referred to as a "special tutorial quest" or a "special game". The special tutorial quest may be playable only by users who have created a game account within a specified period.

[0019] <Hardware Configuration> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the game server 10 and the terminal 20. The game server 10 and the terminal 20 include a processor 11 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), a memory, a storage device 12 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and / or an SSD (Solid State Drive), a communication IF (Interface) 13, an input device 14 that accepts input operations, and an output device 15 that outputs information. The input device 14 is, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, and / or a microphone, etc. The output device 15 is, for example, a display, a touch panel, and / or a speaker, etc.

[0020] <Functional Block Configuration> (Game Server) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional block configuration of the game server 10. The game server 10 includes a storage unit 100, an issuance unit 101, and a control unit 102. The storage unit 100 can be realized by using the storage device 12 provided in the game server 10. Also, the issuance unit 101 and the control unit 102 can be realized by the processor 11 of the game server 10 executing a program stored in the storage device 12. Also, the program can be stored in a storage medium. The storage medium storing the program may be a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium (Non-transitory computer readable medium). The non-transitory storage medium is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a storage medium such as a USB memory or a CD-ROM.

[0021] The memory unit 100 stores the game data necessary for the game server 10 to run the game. The game data includes various databases.

[0022] The issuing unit 101 processes the issuance of a game account. The account may be associated with a program installed on the terminal 20, or it may be associated with a user (more specifically, the user's email address or phone number, etc.). If the account is associated with a program installed on the terminal 20, the issuing unit 101 may issue an account to the terminal 20 based on a request from the program when the program for running the game is installed on the terminal 20. If a user possesses multiple terminals 20, or multiple email addresses, etc., a single user may be allowed to have multiple accounts.

[0023] After the account is issued by the issuing unit 101, the control unit 102 controls whether or not the special tutorial quest (first special game), which is determined based on the account issuance time, can be executed depending on whether or not the timing when the user plays the game without meeting the predetermined conditions falls within the validity period of the special tutorial quest. In other words, if the user does not meet the predetermined conditions, the control unit 102 may control whether or not to allow the user to play the special tutorial quest, depending on when the account was issued. On the other hand, if the user meets the predetermined conditions in the game, the control unit 102 may not allow the user to play the special tutorial quest.

[0024] Here, the predetermined condition may be that the number of times the special tutorial quest has been played is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (for example, once or more). In other words, the control unit 102 may not allow the execution of the special tutorial quest if the number of times the user has played the special tutorial quest is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

[0025] Furthermore, the control unit 102 may grant rewards to users who have completed the special tutorial quest that enable them to fulfill the participation requirements for a limited-time quest associated with the special tutorial quest (a game different from the first special game, and related to the validity period of the first special game). For example, suppose the limited-time quest is set so that it cannot be played unless the user's level is 30 or higher. In this case, the control unit 102 may grant the user an amount of experience points that will allow the user to reach level 30 or higher by completing the special tutorial quest.

[0026] Furthermore, the validity period for playing a special tutorial quest may be linked to the validity period for playing a limited-time quest associated with that special tutorial quest. For example, the validity period for playing a special tutorial quest may be the same as the validity period for playing a limited-time quest, or at least some of the periods may overlap. Therefore, a limited-time quest associated with a special tutorial quest may be called a "game associated with the validity period of the special tutorial quest."

[0027] Furthermore, the control unit 102 may prevent the user from executing the special tutorial quest after its validity period has expired, regardless of whether the user has already completed the special tutorial quest. In other words, after the validity period of the special tutorial quest, which is determined based on when the user's account was issued, has expired, the user may no longer be able to play the special tutorial quest.

[0028] Furthermore, if the user does not complete a special tutorial quest and the validity period of that special tutorial quest expires, the control unit 102 may control whether other special tutorial quests, which are identified based on an account issuance date later than the user's account issuance date, can be completed depending on whether the timing of playing the game falls within the validity period of those other special tutorial quests. In other words, special tutorial quest A is available during validity period A, and special tutorial quest B is available during validity period B, which is later than validity period A. Also, the special tutorial quest identified by the account issuance date is special tutorial quest A. In this case, if the user has not completed special tutorial quest A, the control unit 102 may allow the user to complete special tutorial quest B when playing the game during validity period B.

[0029] Furthermore, the control unit 102 may execute a special tutorial quest using a deck (group) that includes game media owned by the user (first game media) and game media not owned by the user (second game media). Here, the game media not owned by the user (second game media) may be game media related to the special tutorial quest (for example, a powerful character that only appears in the special tutorial quest).

[0030] Furthermore, the control unit 102 may prevent the user from executing quests (games) other than the special tutorial quest until the user completes the special tutorial quest or until the validity period of the special tutorial quest expires. In other words, the user may be unable to play quests other than the special tutorial quest unless they play the special tutorial quest until its validity period expires.

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit 102 may cause various game-related screens to be displayed on the terminal 20's display (display unit). The functional block that displays various screens may be called the "display control unit."

[0032] (DB configuration) Figure 4 shows an example of a user management DB (Data Base) 100a and a quest definition DB 100b. The user management DB 100a and quest definition DB 100b are stored in the storage unit 100 as game data.

[0033] User Management DB100a is a database that stores various information about users. "Account" indicates a user's account. Note that a user's account may also be referred to as a User ID (identification). "Creation Date" is the date or time the account was created. "Nickname" is the username used within the game. "Owned Game Media" indicates the game media owned by the user. "Location Information" indicates the current location of the terminal 20 used by the user. "Experience Points," "Level," and "Stamina" are some of the various parameters related to the user. "Deck Information" stores information about decks pre-assembled by the user or pre-set decks, including information about the combination of characters used in the deck and the name of the deck entered by the user. "Quest Play History" stores information about quests played by the user (quest name, deck used, play date and time, success / failure of completion, etc.).

[0034] The Quest Definition DB100b is a database that stores information about quests that appear in the game. The Quest ID is an identifier that identifies a quest. The Type indicates the type of quest. "Normal," "Limited," and "Special" correspond to normal quests, limited-time quests, and special tutorial quests, respectively. The Name indicates the name of the quest as it appears on the game screen. Special tutorial quests are associated with limited-time quests. In the example in Figure 4, the "Welcome (X Movie Collaboration)" quest is associated with the "X Movie Collaboration" quest, and the "Welcome (Y Anime Collaboration)" quest is associated with the "Y Anime Collaboration" quest.

[0035] The validity period is the period set for limited-time quests and special tutorial quests, indicating the period during which the quest can be played. The play conditions indicate the conditions that must be met in order to be permitted to play the quest. For example, the validity period for the "X Movie Collaboration" quest is from January 10, 2022 to February 20, 2022, and the play condition is level 40 or higher. This means that the "X Movie Collaboration" quest can only be played between January 10, 2022 and February 20, 2022, and only by users who are level 40 or higher. The clear reward indicates the reward given to the user upon clearing the quest. Auxiliary game media refers to game media owned by other users or pre-set game media that can be combined into the deck in addition to the game media owned by the user. In the example in Figure 4, for regular quests and limited-time quests, game media owned by other users will be incorporated into the deck, and for special tutorial quests, game media S or game media owned by other users will be incorporated into the deck. Note that game media S may be a powerful game media prepared for special tutorial quests.

[0036] (terminal) Figure 5 shows an example of the functional block configuration of terminal 20. Terminal 20 includes a storage unit 200, a communication unit 201, a UI (User Interface) unit 202, and a control unit 203. The storage unit 200 can be implemented using a storage device 12 provided by terminal 20. The communication unit 201, the UI unit 202, and the control unit 203 can be implemented by the processor 11 of terminal 20 executing a program (game program) stored in the storage device 12. This program can be stored in a storage medium. The storage medium storing this program may be a computer-readable non-temporary storage medium. The non-temporary storage medium is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a USB memory or a CD-ROM.

[0037] The memory unit 200 stores the game data necessary for the control unit 203 to run the game. The game data includes various image data and game scenarios.

[0038] The communication unit 201 has the function of performing various types of communication with the game server 10 using the communication IF 13.

[0039] The UI unit 202 has the function of receiving various inputs from the user and displaying various game screens on the display. The UI unit 202 also displays the game screen on the display (display unit) of the terminal 20 according to the instructions of the game server 10.

[0040] The control unit 203 works in conjunction with the game server 10 to provide various functions necessary to run the game. For example, the control unit 203 provides functions such as obtaining various information (icon image data, text data, etc.) from the game server 10 for drawing on the game screen.

[0041] Regarding the functional block configuration described above, it is also possible to configure the terminal 20 to have all or part of the storage unit 100, the issuing unit 101, and the control unit 102 included in the game server 10. In other words, the various processes according to this embodiment may be executed on the game server 10, on the terminal 20, or by the game server 10 and the terminal 20 working together.

[0042] <Processing Procedure> Next, the processing procedures performed by the game server 10 will be described in detail. In the following description, it is assumed that the user management DB 100a and the quest definition DB 100b store the data shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, a user account may be automatically issued by the issuing unit 101 when the game program is installed on the terminal 20, and the issued account may be stored in the game server 10 and the terminal 20. Alternatively, each time the game program installed on the terminal 20 is started, the user account stored in the terminal 20 may be sent from the terminal 20 to the game server 10. Furthermore, although not limited to this, when a user plays the game, they may enter a pre-created user account (for example, a user ID and login password) on the screen.

[0043] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing steps performed by the game server 10 when a user plays a quest. Using Figure 6, we will explain an example of the processing steps when a user who has already created a game account plays a quest.

[0044] In step S10, the control unit 102 refers to the user management DB 100a and checks the "creation date" of the record corresponding to the user's account to confirm when the user's account (user ID) was issued.

[0045] In step S11, the control unit 102 refers to the quest definition DB 100b and identifies the special tutorial quest corresponding to the account issuance date. Specifically, the control unit 102 refers to the "play conditions" in the quest definition DB 100b and checks whether a special tutorial quest playable on the account creation date exists, thereby identifying the special tutorial quest corresponding to the account issuance date. If a special tutorial quest corresponding to the account issuance date is identified, the process proceeds to step S12. If a special tutorial quest corresponding to the account issuance date is not identified (i.e., does not exist), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0046] In step S12, the control unit 102 checks whether the timing of playing the game (i.e., the current date) is within the "validity period" of the specified special tutorial quest. If the current date is within the validity period, the control unit 102 proceeds to the processing procedure in step 13. If the current date is not within the validity period, the control unit 102 proceeds to the processing procedure in step 14.

[0047] In step S13, the control unit 102 checks whether the user meets a predetermined condition. If the user meets the predetermined condition, the process proceeds to step S14. If the user does not meet the predetermined condition, the process proceeds to step S15. Here, the predetermined condition may be that the number of times the special tutorial quest has been completed is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. In this case, the control unit 102 refers to the "quest play history" in the user management DB 100a and checks whether the user has played the specified special tutorial quest more than or equal to a predetermined number of times. If the user has played the special tutorial quest more than or equal to a predetermined number of times, the process proceeds to step S14. If the user has not played the special tutorial quest more than or equal to a predetermined number of times, the process proceeds to step S15. The predetermined number of times is arbitrary, but for example, it may be set to 1.

[0048] Furthermore, the predetermined condition may be that the special tutorial quest has been completed. In this case, the control unit 102 refers to the "quest play history" in the user management DB 100a to check whether the user has completed the specified special tutorial quest. If the user has completed the special tutorial quest, the process proceeds to step S14. If the user has not completed the special tutorial quest, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0049] Furthermore, the predetermined conditions may also be the conditions for participating in a limited-time quest associated with the special tutorial quest. The control unit 102 refers to the "play conditions" in the quest definition DB 100b and checks whether the user has met the conditions for participating in the limited-time quest associated with the special tutorial quest. If the user has met the conditions for participating in the limited-time quest, the process proceeds to step S14. If the user has not met the conditions for participating in the limited-time quest, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0050] In step S14, the control unit 102 displays a list of quests other than the special tutorial quest that meet the play conditions and whose validity period includes the current date, as a quest selection screen on the terminal 20. In other words, even if the control unit 102 identifies the special tutorial quest in the processing procedure of step S11, if the timing of playing is not within the validity period, or if the user meets the predetermined conditions, it will not display the special tutorial quest on the quest selection screen, thereby preventing the execution of the special tutorial quest.

[0051] In step S15, the control unit 102 displays a list of quests on the terminal 20 as a quest selection screen, which includes the identified special tutorial quest, and which meet the play conditions and whose expiration date falls within the current date. The control unit 102 may also gray out all quests other than the identified special tutorial quest on the quest selection screen, or display only the special tutorial quest. For example, if the user has not played the special tutorial quest more than a predetermined number of times, the control unit 102 may gray out all quests other than the special tutorial quest until the user has played the special tutorial quest more than a predetermined number of times, thereby preventing the user from playing quests other than the special tutorial quest.

[0052] In step S16, the control unit 102 accepts the user's selection of a quest from among the quests displayed on the quest selection screen. At this time, the control unit 102 may refer to the "auxiliary game medium" in the quest definition DB 100b and accept the user's selection of game mediums to include in the user's deck from among other user game mediums or game mediums related to the special tutorial quest. For example, a powerful game medium may be set as the game medium related to the special tutorial quest. This makes it possible for the user to easily clear the special tutorial quest by playing it with a deck that includes a powerful game medium.

[0053] In step S17, the control unit 102 executes the quest selected by the user.

[0054] In step S18, the control unit 102 grants the user a reward according to the "Completion Reward" in the quest definition DB 100b if the user completes the quest. For example, in the example of the quest definition DB 100b in Figure 4, the completion reward for the limited-time quest "X Movie Collaboration" quest is 500 experience points, while the completion reward for the special tutorial quest "Welcome (X Movie Collaboration)" quest is 5000 experience points. 5000 experience points may be the amount of experience points that can raise a level 1 user to level 40. Since the play condition for the "X Movie Collaboration" quest is level 40 or higher, the user can complete the Welcome (X Movie Collaboration) quest and obtain 5000 experience points, thereby instantly raising their level to 40 and enabling them to play the "X Movie Collaboration" quest.

[0055] (Variation 1) In the processing procedure described above, if the user's validity period expires without completing the special tutorial quest identified in step S11, the user was unable to complete the special tutorial quest thereafter. In other words, if the validity period expires without playing the special tutorial quest, the user loses the right to play it. However, the control unit 102 may allow the user to play other special tutorial quests with validity periods set later than the validity period of the special tutorial quest, even if the validity period expires without the user playing the special tutorial quest.

[0056] In other words, if the user does not complete a special tutorial quest and the validity period of that special tutorial quest expires, the control unit 102 may control whether other special tutorial quests, which are identified based on an issuance date later than the issuance date of the user's account, can be completed depending on whether the timing of playing the game coincides with the validity period of those other special tutorial quests. For example, in the example of the quest definition DB 100b in Figure 4, the validity period of the special tutorial quest "Welcome (X Movie Collaboration)" quest is from January 10, 2022 to February 20, 2022, and the validity period of the special tutorial quest "Welcome (Y Anime Collaboration)" quest is from February 21, 2022 to March 10, 2022. Also, the user's account creation date is assumed to be January 30, 2022. In other words, the special tutorial quest corresponding to the account issuance date is the "Welcome (X Movie Collaboration)" quest. In this case, if the user does not play (or complete) the "Welcome (X Movie Collaboration)" quest a predetermined number of times within the validity period of the quest, the control unit 102 may allow the user to play the "Welcome (Y Anime Collaboration)" quest if the timing of the user playing the game is within the validity period of the "Welcome (Y Anime Collaboration)" quest. The predetermined number of times may be the same as the predetermined number of times in the processing procedure of step S13.

[0057] This means that even if the validity period expires without playing a special tutorial quest, users will not lose the right to play that special tutorial quest and will be able to play other special tutorial quests.

[0058] (Modification 2) The processing procedure described above assumed that there is only one special tutorial quest identified based on the account issuance date. However, in this embodiment, it is permissible for there to be multiple special tutorial quests identified based on the account issuance date. For example, there may be a first special tutorial quest and a second special tutorial quest identified based on the account issuance date. In this case, the control unit 102 may control the special tutorial quest to be executable if the start date of the validity period of the first special tutorial quest is closer to the account issuance date. Specifically, the control unit 102 may control the first special tutorial quest to be executable if the start date of the validity period of the first special tutorial quest is closer to the account issuance date than the start date of the validity period of the second special tutorial quest is closer to the account issuance date than the start date of the validity period of the first special tutorial quest, and control the second special tutorial quest to be executable if the start date of the validity period of the second special tutorial quest is closer to the account issuance date than the start date of the validity period of the first special tutorial quest.

[0059] In other words, in the processing procedure of step S11 in Figure 6, if multiple special tutorial quests are identified, the control unit 102 may consider the special tutorial quest whose expiration start date is closest to the account issuance date as the identified special tutorial quest.

[0060] This ensures that even if multiple special tutorial quests exist simultaneously, only one of them can be completed at a time. This helps prevent users from feeling unfairly treated due to receiving excessive rewards for completing multiple quests.

[0061] (Variation 3) The account issued by the issuing unit 101 may be a common account issued for one or more games, including the game according to this embodiment. In this case, the control unit 102 may control whether or not the special tutorial quest can be executed depending on whether or not the timing of playing the game while the predetermined conditions are not met falls within the validity period of the special tutorial quest, which is determined based on the issuance time of the common account. That is, the term "account" in the processing procedures of steps S10 and S11 in Figure 6 may be replaced with "common account".

[0062] (Modification 4) A game account may be a different account from a common account issued for one or more games, including the game according to this embodiment. In this case, the common account may be issued by another game system. The issuing unit 101 may also associate the account according to this embodiment with a common account at the user's request. In this case, the control unit 102 may control whether or not a special tutorial quest can be executed, which is determined based on the issuance date of the common account, when the user associates an account with a common account. More specifically, the control unit 102 may control whether or not a special tutorial quest can be executed, depending on whether the timing of playing the game without meeting predetermined conditions after the issuance of the account by the issuing unit 101 falls within the validity period of the special tutorial quest, which is determined based on the issuance date of the common account associated with that account. That is, step S10 in Figure 6 may be omitted, and "account" in the processing procedure of step S11 may be replaced with "common account associated with the account".

[0063] (Variation 5) Similar to Modification 2, it is permissible for there to be multiple special tutorial quests identified based on the account issuance date. For example, there may be a first special tutorial quest and a second special tutorial quest as special tutorial quests identified based on the account issuance date. Also, similar to Modification 4, the issuance unit 101 may associate the account according to this embodiment with a common account upon user request. In this case, the control unit 102 may control whether either the first special tutorial quest or the second special tutorial quest is executable based on the issuance date of the common account to which the account is associated.

[0064] More specifically, the control unit 102 may control the execution of the special tutorial quest whose expiration start date is closer to the issuance date of the common account to which the account is associated. For example, if the expiration start date of the first special tutorial quest is closer to the issuance date of the common account than the expiration start date of the second special tutorial quest, the control unit 102 may control the execution of the first special tutorial quest, and if the expiration start date of the second special tutorial quest is closer to the issuance date of the common account than the expiration start date of the first special tutorial quest, the control unit 102 may control the execution of the second special tutorial quest.

[0065] In other words, in the processing procedure of step S11 in Figure 6, if multiple special tutorial quests are identified, the control unit 102 may consider the special tutorial quest whose expiration start date is closer to the issuance date of the common account to which the account is associated as the identified special tutorial quest.

[0066] <Screen display example> Figures 7 and 8 show examples of screen displays. When the game starts, the control unit 102 displays the menu screen M100 on the terminal 20. When "Quest" is pressed on the menu screen M100, the control unit 102 transitions to the quest selection screen M101. The quest selection screen M101 is displayed in a state where only the special tutorial quest, which is identified based on the account issuance date, can be selected. After the user plays or completes the special tutorial quest, it may become possible to select quests other than the special tutorial quest. The quest selection screen M101 may also display the validity period R101 of the special tutorial quest. The quest selection screen M101 may also display a message P101 prompting the user to play the special tutorial quest.

[0067] Furthermore, when the control unit 102 first displays the quest selection screen M101 to the user, it may pop up a help message H102 regarding the special tutorial quest, as shown on the quest selection screen M102. Help message H102 may display a description of the special tutorial quest and the number of times it can be played. When "Close" is pressed, help message H102 is dismissed and the system returns to the quest selection screen M101.

[0068] When "Welcome Quest" is pressed on the quest selection screen M101, the control unit 102 transitions to the stage selection screen M103, which accepts the selection of a stage in the special tutorial quest. The special tutorial quest may include multiple stages, and clearing all stages may be considered as completing the special tutorial quest. The order in which each stage is cleared may also be predetermined. Once a stage is selected on the stage selection screen M103, the control unit 102 transitions to the game medium selection screen M104 shown in Figure 8. The game medium selection screen M104 accepts the selection of an auxiliary game medium. "Welcome Exclusive A," "Welcome Exclusive B," and "Welcome Exclusive C" on the game medium selection screen M104 are game media prepared specifically for the special tutorial quest, while "Character A" and "Character B" are game media owned by other users. The game medium selection screen M104 may also display help explaining the meaning of auxiliary game media.

[0069] When an auxiliary game medium is selected on the game medium selection screen M104, the control unit 102 transitions to the quest screen M105 and starts the quest. When the quest is completed, the control unit 102 transitions to the reward screen M106. The reward screen M106 displays a list of rewards to be given to the user.

[0070] <Summary> According to the embodiment described above, the game server 10 provides a special tutorial quest that is identified based on the account issuance date, and controls whether or not the special tutorial quest can be executed based on whether or not the timing of the user playing the game falls within the validity period of the special tutorial quest. This allows users to play the game according to when their game account was issued. In addition, playing the special tutorial quest allows users to obtain more rewards than usual. As a result, new users can obtain more rewards by playing the special tutorial quest and progress through the game more easily, which is expected to make it easier for new users to participate in the game.

[0071] The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The flowcharts, sequences, elements of the embodiments, and their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, and sizes described in the embodiments are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate.

[0072] In this embodiment, playing a game or completing a quest may be referred to as executing a game or completing a quest. The terms "play" and "execute" can be interchanged as appropriate. Furthermore, "account" and "shared account" may be referred to as "first account" and "second account," or "second account" and "first account," respectively.

[0073] <Note> <Note 1> The issuing department issues game accounts to users, A control unit that controls whether or not the first special game can be played after the issuance of the account, depending on whether or not the timing of playing the game while not meeting predetermined conditions falls within the validity period of the first special game, which is determined based on the issuance date of the account, An information processing device having

[0074] According to Appendix 1, a mechanism can be provided that allows players to participate in the game according to when their game account was issued. <Note 2> The aforementioned account is a common account issued for one or more games, including the aforementioned game. The control unit controls whether or not the special game can be executed depending on whether the timing falls within the validity period of the first special game, which is determined based on the issuance date of the common account. The information processing device described in Appendix 1.

[0075] According to Appendix 2, the ability to run special games can be controlled based on a common account issued to one or more games. <Note 3> The control unit controls whether the first special game, which is identified based on the issuance date of the common account, can be run when the user associates the account with a common account issued in common for one or more games, including the game. The information processing device described in Appendix 1.

[0076] According to Appendix 3, users can change the specific game identified by linking their account to a shared account. <Note 4> The control unit, when there are a first special game and a second special game identified based on the issuance time of the common account, controls the system to enable the execution of either the first special game or the second special game based on the issuance time of the common account. The information processing device described in Appendix 3.

[0077] According to Appendix 4, even if there are multiple special games that can be identified based on the issuance date of the common account, it becomes possible to appropriately control which special games are available to play. <Note 5> The control unit grants the user who has cleared the first special game a reward that enables the user to fulfill the participation conditions for a game related to the validity period that is different from the first special game. The information processing device described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0078] According to Appendix 5, by clearing the special game, users will be able to play games related to the validity period of the special game. <Note 6> The predetermined condition is that the number of times the user has played the first special game is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. The control unit, if the predetermined conditions are met, does not permit the execution of the first special game. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1, 2, and 5.

[0079] According to Appendix 6, it will be possible to limit the number of times a special game can be played. <Note 7> The control unit shall not permit the execution of the first special game after the expiration of the validity period, regardless of whether the user has executed the first special game or not. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1, 2, 5, and 6.

[0080] According to Appendix 7, it becomes possible to restrict the execution of special games after the validity period of the special game has expired. <Note 8> If the user does not play the first special game and the validity period expires, the control unit controls whether or not to allow the other special game to be played, based on whether or not the timing of playing the game coincides with the validity period of that other special game, which is identified based on an issuance date later than the account issuance date. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1, 2, 5 to 7.

[0081] According to Appendix 8, if the validity period of a special game expires before the user can play it, it becomes possible to allow the user to play any special games offered thereafter. <Note 9> The control unit executes the first special game on a group including a first game medium owned by the user and a second game medium not owned by the user. The second game medium is a game medium related to the first special game. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1, 2, 5 to 8.

[0082] According to Appendix 9, the group of game media used to play special games can include game media related to special games. <Note 10> The control unit shall not permit the user to play any game other than the first special game until the user has played the first special game or the validity period has elapsed. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1, 2, 5 to 9.

[0083] According to Appendix 10, it becomes possible to restrict the execution of other games until the user starts a special game. <Note 11> The control unit, when there are a first special game and a second special game identified based on the account issuance date, If the start date of the validity period of the first special game is closer to the account issuance date than the start date of the validity period of the second special game, the first special game is controlled to be playable. If the start date of the validity period of the second special game is closer to the account issuance date than the start date of the validity period of the first special game, the second special game is controlled to be playable. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1, 2, 5 to 10.

[0084] According to Appendix 11, even if there are multiple special games that can be identified based on the account issuance date, it becomes possible to appropriately control which special games are available to play. <Note 12> The information processing device issues a game account to the user, The information processing device controls whether or not the first special game can be played, depending on whether the timing of playing the game while not meeting predetermined conditions after the account is issued falls within the validity period of the first special game, which is determined based on the account issuance date. Information processing methods including

[0085] According to Appendix 12, a mechanism can be provided that allows players to participate in games according to when their game accounts were issued. <Note 13> The steps involve issuing a game account to the user, A step of controlling whether or not the first special game can be played after the issuance of the account, depending on whether or not the timing of playing the game while not meeting predetermined conditions in the game falls within the validity period of the first special game, which is determined based on the issuance date of the account; A program that causes a computer to execute something.

[0086] According to Appendix 13, a mechanism can be provided that allows players to participate in games according to when their game accounts were issued. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1...Game system, 10...Game server, 11...Processor, 12...Storage device, 13...Communication interface, 14...Input device, 15...Output device, 20...Terminal, 100...Storage unit, 100a...User management DB, 100b...Quest definition DB, 101...Issuance unit, 102...Control unit, 200...Storage unit, 201...Communication unit, 202...UI unit, 203...Control unit

Claims

1. A processor is provided, and the processor is We issue game accounts to users, The system determines whether the timing of the user playing the game falls within the validity period of the first special game, which is determined based on the account issuance date. If the aforementioned timing falls within the validity period and the user does not meet the predetermined conditions, a selection screen is displayed to allow the user to select the first special game preferentially. A reward is granted to a user who has cleared the aforementioned first special game, which allows them to fulfill the conditions for participating in a game that is different from the first special game but is limited in duration and associated with the first special game. Information processing device.

2. The processor issues a game account to the user. The processor determines whether the timing of the user playing the game falls within the validity period of the first special game, which is determined based on the account issuance date. The processor, when the timing is within the valid period and the user does not meet the predetermined conditions, displays a selection screen to prioritize the selection of the first special game. The processor grants a user who has cleared the first special game a reward that allows them to fulfill the conditions for participating in a game that is different from the first special game but is limited in duration and associated with the first special game. Information processing methods.

3. We issue game accounts to users, The system determines whether the timing of the user playing the game falls within the validity period of the first special game, which is determined based on the account issuance date. If the aforementioned timing falls within the validity period and the user does not meet the predetermined conditions, a selection screen is displayed to allow the user to select the first special game preferentially. The processor is instructed to perform a process that grants a user who has cleared the first special game a reward that allows them to fulfill the conditions for participating in a game that is different from the first special game but is limited in duration and associated with the first special game, and is related to the validity period of the first special game. program.

4. The system comprises a server and a terminal, and the server is We issue game accounts to users, The system determines whether the timing of the user playing the game falls within the validity period of the first special game, which is determined based on the account issuance date. If the aforementioned timing falls within the validity period and the user does not meet the predetermined conditions, the terminal will be shown a selection screen to prioritize the selection of the first special game. A reward is granted to a user who has cleared the aforementioned first special game, which allows them to fulfill the conditions for participating in a game that is different from the first special game but is limited in duration and associated with the first special game. system.

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