Program and game device

Abstract

To provide games that increase players' motivation to access them. [Solution] The program causes the computer to function as a login recording means for recording player logins, and as a reward provision means capable of providing rewards only within a predetermined period after the player's login.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and a game device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, games that can be executed on player terminals such as smartphones and game terminals that can access a server via a network have been provided (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such games, a technique for improving the motivation for players to access the game is desired, and it is important for improving the interest of the game for users.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game program and a game device that improve the motivation for players to access the game.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as login recording means for recording a player's login and privilege providing means for providing a privilege only within a predetermined period from the player's login.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a game device including login recording means for recording a player's login and privilege providing means for providing a privilege only within a predetermined period from the player's login.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game that enhances the motivation for players to access the game. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of the game system in this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of a player terminal 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of player terminal 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the player information database D1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the screen for the regular login bonus service. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a special offer service that is offered for a limited time. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a login bonus service for new players. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the screen for the player's birthday reward service. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the screen for the return login bonus service. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of the login-based purchase benefits service screen. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of game server 2. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of the store screen presented to the player terminal 1 when the transition button 39 is selected. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the login reward service presentation process. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the determination process for login reward services with a fixed time limit. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is an operation flowchart for determining a new player login privilege service. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an operation flowchart for determining a player birthday privilege service. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an operation flowchart for determining a return login privilege service.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0011] <OVERALL CONFIGURATION> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system includes player terminals 1 prepared for each of players A and B of the game, and a game server 2. The player terminal 1 and the game server 2 can be connected to a communication line N and can communicate with each other.

[0012] The communication line N means a communication path capable of data communication. That is, the communication line N includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), and communication networks such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet, and the communication method may be wired or wireless.

[0013] The player terminal 1 is a computer capable of executing a game program, connects to the communication line N via a wireless communication base station or the like, and can perform data communication with the game server 2. The player terminal 1 is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a portable game device, a stationary home game device, a business game device, a tablet computer, a controller of a stationary home game device, etc. Basically, there are a plurality of player terminals 1, which are operated by each player.

[0014] Game Server 2 is a server system comprising one or more server devices, storage devices, etc. Game Server 2 provides various services for operating the game of this embodiment, and can manage data necessary for game operation, and distribute game programs and data necessary for running the game on Player Terminal 1.

[0015] Figure 2 shows an example of the device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of a player terminal 1. As shown in Figure 2, the player terminal 1 comprises a display 11, a touch operation panel 12 integrated with the display 11, and a speaker 13. The player terminal 1 is also equipped with a control board, a built-in battery, a power button, volume control buttons, etc., which are not shown.

[0016] The control board is equipped with various microprocessors such as CPUs, GPUs, and DSPs, ASICs, various IC memories such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a wireless communication module for wireless communication with mobile phone base stations. The control board also includes so-called I / F circuits (interface circuits), such as the driver circuit for the touch operation panel 12. Each of these elements mounted on the control board is electrically connected via bus circuits, etc., enabling data reading and writing, and signal transmission and reception.

[0017] Next, we will explain the configuration of each device.

[0018] <Configuration of Player Terminal 1> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of player terminal 1.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, terminal 1 includes a display unit 21, an operation input unit 22, an audio output unit 23, a communication unit 24, a storage unit 25, and a processing unit 26.

[0020] The display unit 21 displays various game screens based on the input image signal. The functions of the display unit 21 can be realized by display devices such as a flat panel display such as an LCD, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. In the example of the smartphone in Figure 2, the display unit 21 corresponds to the display 11.

[0021] The input unit 22 is for the player to input various game-related operations and outputs an input signal to the processing unit 26 in accordance with the input. The functions of the input unit 22 can be realized not only by elements that the player directly operates with their fingers, such as a keyboard, mouse, touch pad, home button, button switch, joystick, and trackball, but also by elements that detect movement and posture, such as an accelerometer, angular velocity sensor, tilt sensor, and geomagnetic sensor. In the example of the smartphone in Figure 2, the input unit 22 corresponds to the touch panel 12.

[0022] The sound output unit 23 is for outputting sound effects and other sounds related to the game based on the input sound signal. In the example of the smartphone in Figure 2, the sound output unit 23 corresponds to the speaker 13.

[0023] The communication unit 24 connects to the communication line N to enable communication. The functions of the communication unit 24 can be realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc.

[0024] The storage unit 25 pre-stores programs for operating the player terminal 1 and realizing the various functions of the player terminal 1, as well as data used during the execution of these programs, or temporarily stores them each time processing is performed. The storage unit 25 can be implemented using, for example, a solid-state drive using IC memory such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD.

[0025] The memory unit 25 stores the system program and the game program. The system program is a program that implements the basic computer functions of the player terminal 1. The game program is a program that enables the processing unit 26 to perform the functions described later. This program is delivered from the game server 2 or other application distribution server, etc., once the player has completed account registration. The memory unit 25 also stores the database necessary to run the game. In this embodiment, the memory unit 25 stores the player information database, which contains player information, etc.

[0026] The processing unit 26 comprehensively controls the operation of terminal 1 based on programs and data stored in the memory unit 25, various input signals from the operation input unit 22, etc. The functions of the processing unit 26 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, or an IC memory. The main functional units of this processing unit 26 include a player information management unit 101, a game execution control unit 102, and a login bonus granting unit 103.

[0027] The player information management unit 101 manages player information using the player information database D1. When there are updates to this information, the player information management unit 101 updates the player information database D1 and records the update date. The player information management unit 101 also manages game logins and logouts and records the login date and time and the logout date and time.

[0028] Figure 4 shows an example of the player information database D1. The player information database D1 in Figure 4 includes the player's player ID, login information, reward service information, and player information. The login information field records the login date and time when the player logged into the game and the logout date and time when the player logged out. The reward service information field records the application conditions, duration, rewards to be granted, and player service information (login date and time, type of reward granted to the player, etc.) for each reward service described later. The player information field records information such as the player's name, the player's birthday, or the birthday of the character selected by the player, and the date the game was first started.

[0029] The game execution control unit 102 controls and manages the overall progress of the game. For example, the game execution control unit 102 displays a menu screen such as the home screen and executes the process selected by the player. In this embodiment, the player selects one character (the first character) from among several characters, and the game progresses centered around that first character. Each character has a unique personality, and their way of speaking and behavioral patterns differ depending on that personality. Action points for the first character are required to progress in the game. Action points are consumed as the game progresses, but they are naturally recovered through the use of items and the passage of time. For example, natural recovery is controlled by recovering 10 action points for the character every hour while the game is not running.

[0030] The Login Bonus Granting Unit 103 presents login bonus services to players when they log into the game. These bonus services include both time-limited and indefinite bonus services. Furthermore, these bonus services include those applicable to all players and those applicable only to certain specific players. Types of bonus services include regular login bonus services, limited-time login bonus services, new player login bonus services, player birthday bonus services, returning player login bonus services, login-based preferential purchase bonus services, etc. The following describes each bonus service.

[0031] (1) Regular login bonus service The regular login bonus service is a bonus service that is granted to players each time they log into the game. The regular login bonus service is a year-round bonus service with no time limit and applies to all players. The bonuses granted can be of any type except for paid in-game currency (paid currency). For example, they can be free in-game currency (free currency), items to strengthen characters, items to restore character action points, etc. Figure 5 shows an example of the screen for the regular login bonus service. The login bonus granting unit 103 grants players free currency other than paid currency, items, etc., each time they log into the game. The bonuses to be granted are pre-stored in the bonus granting service information of the player information database D1.

[0032] Regarding the method of granting rewards, it is possible to prepare multiple rewards other than paid currency, and allow players to acquire all of them in one day. For example, in the example in Figure 5, the login rewards include 30 free currency, 31 enhancement items, and 32 recovery items, and one reward can be obtained each time a player logs in. The word "Get" will be displayed to indicate that a reward has been acquired. In order to acquire all rewards, the player needs to log in three times a day. Note that the rewards to be granted should not be of the same type.

[0033] The login reward granting unit 103 retrieves the login date and time and logout date and time from the player information database D1, grants 30 free currency upon the first login of the day, grants 31 enhancement items upon the second login of the day, and grants 32 recovery items upon the third login of the day. If it is not possible to grant all rewards during a day's login, the first reward to be granted (for example, 30 free currency) is granted upon the first login of the next day. Each time a reward is granted, the login reward granting unit 103 writes the login date and time, logout date and time, and the granted reward to the player information database D1.

[0034] (2) Limited-time login bonus service Limited-time login bonus services are bonus services that are offered for a limited time. These bonus services have a defined duration and apply to all players. The type of bonus granted does not matter, except for paid in-game currency. Examples include free in-game currency, items to strengthen characters, and items to restore character action points.

[0035] The login reward granting unit 103 retrieves the period of the limited-time login reward service and the reward to be granted from the reward granting service information in the player information database D1. When a player logs in, it determines whether the login is within the period of the limited-time login reward service, and if it is, it applies the limited-time login reward service to that login. While the limited-time login reward service is being applied, the login reward granting unit 103 retrieves the last login date and time and logout date and time from the player information database D1, and grants the reward if the login is the first login of the day. Each time a reward is granted, the login reward granting unit 103 writes the login date and time, logout date and time and the granted reward to the player information database D1.

[0036] Figure 6 shows an example of a limited-time reward service. The login reward granting unit 103 grants players free currency other than paid currency, items, etc., upon logging in once a day. The method of granting rewards is to prepare rewards other than paid currency and grant them upon logging in once a day. For example, in the example in Figure 6, players can obtain 32 units of free currency as a login reward. The word "Get" is displayed to indicate that the reward has been obtained.

[0037] (3) New Player Login Bonus Service The New Player Login Bonus Service is a bonus service given to new players who install the game application and start playing the game. This bonus service has no set duration and applies only to certain players. The New Player Login Bonus is granted only for a specified period or a specified number of logins from the initial game start date. The type of bonus granted does not matter, except for paid in-game currency. Examples include free in-game currency, items to strengthen characters, and items to restore character action points.

[0038] The login bonus granting unit 103 retrieves the period and the bonus to be granted for the new player login bonus service from the bonus granting service information in the player information database D1, retrieves the first game start date from the player information, and when a player logs in, determines whether the login is within the period or a predetermined number of logins for the new player login bonus service, and if it is within the period or a predetermined number of logins, applies the new player login bonus service to that login. While the new player login bonus service is being applied, the login bonus granting unit 103 retrieves the last login date and time and logout date and time from the player information database D1, and grants the bonus if the login is the first login of the day. Each time a bonus is granted, the login bonus granting unit 103 writes the login date and time, logout date and time and the granted bonus to the player information database D1.

[0039] Figure 7 shows an example of a login bonus service for new players. The login bonus granting unit 103 grants players free currency other than paid currency, items, etc., upon login once a day. The bonuses to be granted are pre-set in the bonus granting service information of the player information database D1. The method of granting bonuses is to prepare bonuses other than paid currency and grant them upon login once a day. For example, in the example in Figure 7, players can obtain 33 free currency as a login bonus. The word "Get" is displayed to indicate that the acquired bonus has been obtained.

[0040] (4) Player birthday special service The Player Birthday Reward Service is a perpetual benefit service that applies only to certain players. It is granted once a year when a player logs in on their birthday or the date and time registered as their character's birthday. The player's birthday or character's birthday is recorded in the Player Information Database D1 as part of the player information.

[0041] The login bonus granting unit 103 retrieves information on the player birthday bonus service from the bonus granting service information in the player information database D1, retrieves the player's birthday or the character's birthday from the player information database D1, and if the current login is on the player's birthday or the character's birthday, applies the player birthday bonus service and grants the bonus. Once the bonus is granted, the login bonus granting unit 103 writes the login date and time, the logout date and time, and the granted bonus to the player information database D1.

[0042] However, due to various circumstances, players may be unable to log in on their birthday or their character's birthday. For example, this could happen if a player's birthday is February 29th, and it's not a leap year, meaning their birthday or their character's birthday doesn't exist in that year, or if they are unable to log in on their birthday due to maintenance or other reasons.

[0043] Thus, if the bonus cannot be granted on the set birthday, the login bonus granting unit 103 applies the player birthday bonus service and grants the bonus when the player logs in on the day following the set birthday, or on the first login thereafter. For example, if the player or character's birthday is set to February 29th, and it is not a leap year, the player birthday bonus service will be applied on March 1st, and the bonus will be granted when the player logs in on March 1st. Note that the bonus granted on the actual birthday and the bonus granted on a day other than the birthday are the same bonus.

[0044] Figure 8 shows an example of the player birthday reward service screen. Figure 8 shows an example where a birthday greeting is played in the voice of the character selected by the player. Note that the same animation will be used even if birthday login rewards are granted on different days. This example shows a login reward of 35 free currency. The word "Get" is displayed to indicate that the reward has been received.

[0045] When the login bonus granting unit 103 grants a bonus, it writes the login date and time, the logout date and time, and the granted bonus to the player information database D1.

[0046] (5) Return Login Bonus Service The Return Login Bonus Service is a bonus service with no set time limit and is applicable only to certain players. The Return Login Bonus Service is a bonus service granted when a player does not log in for a specified period and logs in after that period has elapsed. The specified period is, for example, 30 days. The bonus granted upon logging in after the specified period may be given only upon the first login after the specified period has elapsed, or it may be given each time the player logs in for a specified period starting from the first login after the specified period has elapsed. For example, the bonus may be given each time the player logs in for three consecutive days starting from the first login after the specified period has elapsed. Alternatively, the bonus may be given each time the player logs in a specified number of times starting from the first login after the specified period has elapsed. For example, the bonus may be given each time the player logs in for three times starting from the first login after the specified period has elapsed.

[0047] The login reward granting unit 103 obtains information on the return login reward service from the reward granting service information in the player information database D1. When a user logs in, the unit obtains the last logout date and time from the player information database D1. If the login occurs after a predetermined period has elapsed since the last logout date and time, the return login reward service is applied. While the return login reward service is being applied, the login reward granting unit 103 obtains the last login date and time and logout date and time from the player information database D1. If the login occurs after the first login of the day, the reward is granted. Each time a reward is granted, the login reward granting unit 103 writes the login date and time, logout date and time, and the granted reward to the player information database D1.

[0048] Figure 9 shows an example of the screen for the return login bonus service. In the example in Figure 9, bonuses are awarded for the first login each day for three days starting from the first login after a predetermined period has elapsed. The example shows a player logging in twice and receiving bonuses 36 and 37. The login bonus awarding unit 103 writes the login date and time, logout date and time, and awarded bonus to the player information database D1 each time a bonus is awarded. The login bonus awarding unit 103 may also notify the player if all bonuses have been awarded.

[0049] (6) Login privilege purchase benefits service The Login Bonus Purchase Reward Service is a limited-time offer that applies to all players. While the Login Bonus Purchase Reward Service doesn't grant the rewards themselves, logging in grants players the ability to purchase items at a discount or special items for a specified period of time from the time of login. Because each player's login time differs, the end date and time of the benefit period also varies for each player. The login reward granting unit 103 obtains the application period for the login preferential purchase reward service from the reward granting service information in the player information database D1. When a player logs in, if that login is the first login during the application period of the login preferential purchase reward service, the login preferential purchase reward service is applied. While the login preferential purchase reward service is being applied, the login reward granting unit 103 obtains the date and time of the first login when the login preferential purchase reward service begins from the player information database D1, calculates the remaining time by comparing it with the current time, and displays it on the login preferential purchase reward service screen.

[0050] Figure 10 shows an example of the login-based special purchase rewards service screen. In the example in Figure 10, a special purchase offer is displayed, available for 24 hours from the time of login. The offer includes the purchase period, the items available for purchase, the remaining time until the items can be purchased, and a transition button 39 that takes you to the store screen where the items can be purchased.

[0051] The login bonus granting unit 103 presents the aforementioned bonus services in a predetermined order. The order is determined by prioritizing bonus services with a set time limit, and by prioritizing bonus services that have a large number of eligible players. For example, the screens for each bonus service will be presented in the following order: limited-time login bonus service, new player login bonus service, regular login bonus service, player birthday bonus service, returning player login bonus service, and login preferential purchase bonus service. Note that the new player login bonus service, player birthday bonus service, and returning player login bonus service will not be presented to players who are not eligible, as some players may not qualify for these services.

[0052] <Game Server 2 Configuration> Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the game server 2. The game server 2 comprises a processing unit 70, a communication unit 71, and a storage unit 72.

[0053] The processing unit 70 comprehensively controls the operation of the game server 2 based on programs and data stored in the memory unit 72, received information, etc. The functions of the processing unit 70 can be realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, an IC memory, or other electronic components. The functions of the processing unit 70 include a player information management unit 80, a game execution management unit 81, a reward granting service management unit 82, and a store management unit 83.

[0054] The player information management unit 80 manages player information. Each player has its own player information database, corresponding to their player ID.

[0055] The player information management unit 80 compares the player ID, update information for each database, and last update date and time transmitted when the player terminal 1 logs into the game with the contents of each player ID database stored on the game server 2. If they match, it sends a message to that effect; if they do not match, it sends the contents of each player ID database stored on the game server 2, thereby synchronizing the contents of each database between the player terminal 1 and the game server 2.

[0056] The game execution management unit 81 handles player matching and the sending and receiving of data necessary for the game.

[0057] The reward granting service management unit 82 manages the reward granting service described above. When implementing the reward granting service, it distributes reward granting service information, such as the period and the content of the rewards to be granted, to the login reward granting unit 103 of each player terminal 1. The distributed reward granting service information is written to the player information database D1 of the player terminal 1.

[0058] Store Management Department 83 manages the store that sells items. Items sold in the store are items traded for a fee (paid currency, items that can be purchased with paid currency). These items can be purchased by accessing the store while the game is running.

[0059] Furthermore, in response to the selection of the transition button 39 on the login-based purchase bonus service screen displayed on the player terminal 1, the store management unit 83 presents the player terminal 1 with a store screen where the benefits of the login-based purchase bonus service can be purchased, subject to payment. When presenting the store screen, the remaining time available for purchase is also displayed, taking into account the player's login date and time obtained from the login bonus granting unit 103 of the player terminal 1. Figure 12 shows an example of the store screen presented to the player terminal 1 when the transition button 39 is selected. In the example in Figure 12, the details of the benefits of the login-based purchase bonus service, the remaining time available for purchase, and a purchase button are displayed.

[0060] The communication unit 71 connects to the communication line N to enable communication.

[0061] The memory unit 72 stores the system program and the game program. The system program is a program that implements the basic functions of the game server 2 as a computer. The game program is a program that causes the processing unit 70 to function as the player information management unit 80, the game execution management unit 81, the bonus granting service management unit 82, and the store management unit 83.

[0062] Furthermore, the memory unit 72 stores various databases, such as a player information database.

[0063] <Operation of Player Terminal 1> This section explains the operation of the player terminal. Figure 13 is a flowchart of the operation process for presenting login reward services.

[0064] The login reward granting unit 103 determines whether the player has logged in (Step 100). If the player has logged in (Step 101), the login reward granting unit 103 retrieves the reward granting service information from the player information database D1 and determines whether there are any applicable or currently applied login reward services among the time-limited login reward services (Step 102). Details of this determination will be described later.

[0065] If applicable or currently applied login bonus services exist (Step 103), the login bonus granting unit 103 retrieves bonus granting service information from the player information database D1 and determines the existence of applicable or currently applied login bonus services for the specific player (Step 104). On the other hand, if no time-limited login bonus services exist (Step 103), similarly, the unit determines the existence of applicable or currently applied login bonus services for the specific player (Step 107). Details of this determination will be described later.

[0066] If there are login bonus services with a defined period of applicability or application, and there are login bonus services that are applicable or currently applied to a specific player, the login bonus granting unit 103 will set the login bonus services, including the login bonus services with a defined period and the login bonus services applicable to the specific player, as the login bonus services to be presented, and will determine the order in which the login bonus services will be presented according to a predetermined priority order (Step 106). Then, the login bonus granting unit 103 will present each login bonus service according to the presentation order (Step 112).

[0067] Furthermore, if there are login bonus services with a defined period of applicability or application, and there are no login bonus services applicable to or currently applied to a particular player, the login bonus granting unit 103 will select login bonus services, including those with a defined period, as the login bonus services to be presented, and will determine the order in which the login bonus services will be presented according to a predetermined priority order (Step 108). Then, the login bonus granting unit 103 will present each login bonus service according to the presentation order (Step 112).

[0068] On the other hand, if there are no login bonus services with a defined period of applicability or applicability, but there are login bonus services that are applicable to or currently applied to a specific player (Step 109), the login bonus granting unit 103 will select the login bonus services, including the login bonus services applicable to the specific player, as the login bonus services to be presented, and will determine the order in which the login bonus services will be presented according to a predetermined priority order (Step 110). Then, the login bonus granting unit 103 will present each login bonus service according to the presentation order (Step 112).

[0069] Furthermore, if there are no login bonus services with a defined period of applicability or application, and no login bonus services applicable to or currently applied to a specific player (Step 109), the login bonus service that does not include login bonus services with a defined period or login bonus services applicable to a specific player is selected as the login bonus service to be presented, and the order in which the login bonus services are presented is determined according to a predetermined priority order (Step 111). Then, the login bonus granting unit 103 presents each login bonus service according to the presentation order (Step 112). Specifically, the bonus service screens exemplified in Figures 5 to 10 are presented according to the presentation order.

[0070] Next, we will explain the operation of the determination process for login reward services with a fixed time limit (Step 102). Figure 14 is a flowchart of the operation of the determination process for login reward services with a fixed time limit (Step 102).

[0071] The login bonus granting unit 103 retrieves bonus granting service information from the player information database D1 and determines the existence of applicable or currently applied limited-time login bonus services (Step 200). If a limited-time login bonus service exists for the player (Step 201), the login bonus granting unit 103 makes that limited-time login bonus service a service to be offered (Step 202). However, if the player has already received the benefits of a limited-time login bonus service from the bonus granting service information in the player information database D1, that limited-time login bonus service will not be applied. If there are no applicable or currently applied limited-time login bonus services (Step 201), the limited-time login bonus service will be a service to be offered (Step 203).

[0072] Next, the login reward granting unit 103 retrieves the reward granting service information from the player information database D1 and determines the existence of an applicable or currently applied login preferential purchase reward service (Step 204). If an applicable or currently applied login preferential purchase reward service exists and it is the first login or within the period from the first login (Step 205), the existing login preferential purchase reward service is designated as the service to be offered (Step 206). On the other hand, if no login preferential purchase reward service exists and the period from the first login has expired (Step 205), the login preferential purchase reward service is not designated as the service to be offered (Step 207).

[0073] Next, we will explain how login bonus services are determined for specific players.

[0074] First, let's explain how to determine eligibility for the new player login bonus service. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of determining eligibility for the new player login bonus service.

[0075] The login bonus granting unit 103 determines the game start date from the first login date and time in the login information of the player information database D1 and compares it with the current login date (Step 300). If the current login date is within a predetermined period from the game start date (Step 301), the login bonus granting unit 103 makes the new player login bonus service a service to be offered (Step 302). On the other hand, if the current login date is outside the predetermined period from the game start date (Step 301), the login bonus granting unit 103 does not make the new player login bonus service a service to be offered (Step 303).

[0076] Next, we will explain how to determine eligibility for the player's birthday benefit service. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of determining eligibility for the player's birthday benefit service.

[0077] The login bonus granting unit 103 retrieves the birthday from the player information in the player information database D1 and compares it with the current login date and time (Step 400). If the current login date is the birthday, the player birthday bonus service is selected as a service to offer (Step 402). However, if the player has already been granted the player birthday bonus service, it is excluded from the services to offer.

[0078] If the current login date is after the birthday (Step 403), the login reward granting unit 103 determines whether the user was unable to log in on their birthday (Step 404). Examples of situations where a user might be unable to log in on their birthday include cases where the birthday does not exist in that year, or where the user was unable to log in on their birthday due to maintenance or other circumstances. If the user was unable to log in on their birthday, the login reward granting unit 103 determines whether the current login date is within a predetermined period from the birthday (Step 405). The predetermined period is, for example, one day. If the current login date is within the predetermined period from the birthday, the login reward granting unit 103 designates the player birthday reward service as a service to be offered (Step 402).

[0079] On the other hand, if the login date is before the birthday (Step 403), if the login date is after the birthday but the user was able to log in on their birthday (Step 404), or if the current login date is not within the specified period from the birthday (Step 405), the login bonus granting unit 103 will not offer the player birthday bonus service as a service to be presented (Step 406).

[0080] Next, we will explain how to determine eligibility for the return login bonus service. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of determining eligibility for the return login bonus service.

[0081] The login reward granting unit 103 obtains the last logout date and time from the player information database D1 and compares it with the current login date and time (Step 500). If the difference between the current login date and the last logout date and time is greater than or equal to a predetermined period (Step 501), the login reward granting unit 103 makes the return login reward service a service to be offered (Step 502). However, if the return login reward service has already been granted, it is excluded from the services to be offered.

[0082] If the difference between the current login date and the last logout date and time is less than a predetermined period (Step 501), the login reward granting unit 103 will not offer the return login reward service as a service to be offered (Step 503).

[0083] This concludes the explanation of how login bonus services are determined for each specific player.

[0084] This embodiment provides multiple login bonus services, thereby increasing the incentive for players to access the game.

[0085] For example, the player birthday reward service allows players to receive rewards on their birthday or on the day they set as their character's birthday. It also guarantees compensation if that day doesn't exist or if the player is unable to log in, thus increasing player motivation.

[0086] Furthermore, the regular login bonus service allows players to obtain various items other than paid items each time they log in, which can increase their motivation to access the game.

[0087] Furthermore, the return login bonus service can encourage players who haven't logged into the game for a while to want to continue playing.

[0088] Furthermore, the login-based purchase bonus service allows players to purchase time-limited items immediately upon logging in, giving them a sense of special value and thus increasing their motivation to access the game.

[0089] Furthermore, regarding the order in which multiple login bonus services are presented, login bonus services with a limited time period are given priority, which is also convenient for players.

[0090] <Example variations> The rewards granted in each of the login reward services described above are rewards of a predetermined type. However, it is also possible to conduct a lottery to determine the type of reward at the time of granting the reward, and grant the reward of the type determined by the lottery. In this case, the login reward granting unit 103 is configured to prepare multiple types of rewards, determine one or more of those types by lottery, and grant the reward of the determined type.

[0091] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiments and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of its technical concept.

[0092] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following.

[0093] [Note 1] Computers, A login recording method for recording player logins. The means by which the benefits can be provided are limited to a specified period of time from the player's login. A program that makes it function as such.

[0094] [Note 2] The aforementioned predetermined period is common to all players. The program described in Appendix 1.

[0095] [Note 3] The aforementioned means of providing benefits provides benefits on the condition of payment of a price. The program described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0096] [Note 4] The aforementioned means of providing the benefit includes presenting the content of the benefit and the end date and time when the benefit can be provided. The program described in any of the appendices 1 through 3.

[0097] [Note 5] The aforementioned reward provision means presents a transition icon that leads to a screen where the reward can be provided. The program described in any of the appendices 1 through 4.

[0098] [Note 6] The aforementioned reward provision means displays a transition icon each time the player logs in during the period in which the reward can be provided. The program described in any of the appendices 1 through 5.

[0099] [Note 7] The aforementioned reward provision means displays the period during which the reward is available each time the player logs in during the period during which the reward is available. The program described in any of the appendices 1 through 6.

[0100] [Note 8] The number of the aforementioned benefits that can be provided is limited. The program described in any of the appendices 1 through 7.

[0101] [Note 9] The aforementioned benefits include multiple types of benefits, The program described in any of the appendices 1 through 8.

[0102] [Note 10] A login recording method for recording player logins, The means by which the benefits can be provided are limited to a specified period of time from the player's login, A game device equipped with the following features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1 Game terminal 2 Game Servers 101 Player Information Management Department 102 Game Execution Control Unit 103 Login Bonus Distribution Section

Claims

1. Computers, A login recording method for recording player logins. A means of providing benefits that allows for the provision of benefits, subject to payment of a fee, for a limited period starting from the player's login. During the period in which the aforementioned benefit can be provided, a presentation means that displays the content of the benefit, the end date and time or remaining time for which the benefit can be provided, and a transition icon that transitions to a screen in which the benefit can be provided. To make it function as, The aforementioned reward provision means, when a period for the application of the reward service is defined, sets the predetermined period starting from the time of the first login during the application period, and controls the provision of the reward only within that predetermined period, provided that the login is the first login during that period. The display means controls the display so that the end date and time or the remaining time and the transition icon can be displayed each time a player logs in within the predetermined period. program.

2. The aforementioned predetermined period is common to all players. The program according to claim 1.

3. The benefit includes a preferential treatment that allows the purchase of an item at a lower price than usual, or a preferential treatment that allows the purchase of a special item. The program according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The display means calculates the remaining time based on the current time and the end date and time, and displays the remaining time. The program according to claim 3.

5. The presentation means presents a store screen where the benefits can be offered in response to the operation of the transition icon. The program according to claim 1.

6. The number of the aforementioned benefits that can be provided is limited. The program according to claim 3.

7. The aforementioned benefits include multiple types of benefits, The program according to claim 3.

8. A login recording method for recording player logins, A means of providing benefits that allows the provision of benefits, conditional on payment of a fee, for a limited period starting from the player's login, During the period in which the aforementioned benefit can be provided, a presentation means that displays the content of the aforementioned benefit, the end date and time or remaining time for which the aforementioned benefit can be provided, and a transition icon that transitions to a screen in which the aforementioned benefit can be provided. Equipped with, The aforementioned reward provision means, when a period for the application of the reward service is defined, sets the predetermined period starting from the time of the first login during the application period, and controls the provision of the reward only within that predetermined period, provided that the login is the first login during that period. The display means controls the display so that the end date and time or the remaining time and the transition icon can be displayed each time a player logs in within the predetermined period. A game device.

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