Program and Information Processing Device

Abstract

The present invention provides a program and information processing device that suppress the unreasonable removal of predetermined statuses and / or privileges assigned to a player. [Solution] The computer functions as a setting means 38 for assigning a status to a player, a receiving means 32 for receiving applications from players who have been assigned a status, a determination means 40 for making a first determination of whether the receiving means 32 has accepted the application and a second determination of whether the player meets predetermined conditions, and a release means 42 for releasing the status assigned to the player based on the results of the first and second determinations.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a multi-player game in which a plurality of players participate. In such a game, a specification in which a group (for example, a party, a guild, etc.) to which one or more players belong is generated by one player making a generation request has become widespread.

[0003] In the above specification, a predetermined status or / and authority may be set for the one player who made the generation request. However, if a situation occurs where the one player with the predetermined status or / and authority, for example, does not play for a long period of time, etc., the operation of the group to which the one player belongs may become difficult. Therefore, in such a situation, the predetermined status or / and authority may be removed from the player, and the predetermined status or / and authority may be set for another player belonging to the same group to smooth the operation of the group.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, there is a risk of unfairly revoking a player's designated status and / or privileges. For example, this could occur if a player is unable to play for an extended period due to unavoidable circumstances, or if the player is unaware of the mechanism for revoking their designated status and / or privileges and is suddenly revoked one day. In such cases, the player may experience significant displeasure.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a program and information processing device that suppress the unreasonable termination of a predetermined status and / or authority set for a player. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, a program according to a first aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a setting means for setting a status for a player, a receiving means for receiving an application from the player who has been given the status, a determination means for making a first determination of whether the receiving means has received the application and a second determination of whether the player meets predetermined conditions, and a release means for releasing the status set for the player based on the results of the first and second determinations.

[0008] Furthermore, in a second aspect of the present invention, the receiving means further receives a request to create a group to which one or more players, including the player, belong, and causes the computer to function further as an execution means for executing a game, and a generation means for creating the group for use in the game when the receiving means receives the creation request, and the setting means sets the status for the player when the receiving means receives the creation request or when the generation means creates the group.

[0009] Furthermore, in a third aspect of the present invention, when the release means releases the status set for the player, the setting means sets the status for another player belonging to the same group as the player.

[0010] Furthermore, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined condition is that the period during which the player to whom the status has been set has not played the game is longer than a predetermined period, and the release means releases the status set on the player if the first determination is a negative determination and the second determination is a positive determination.

[0011] Furthermore, the program according to the fifth aspect of the present invention causes the computer to function as: execution means for executing a game; setting means for setting privileges that can be executed in the game for a player; determination means for determining whether the period during which the player who has been granted the privileges has not played the game is longer than a predetermined period; and switching means that, if the determination is positive, disables the privileges set for the player, and when the player who has been disabled starts playing the game, enables the player to execute the privileges.

[0012] Furthermore, in a sixth aspect of the present invention, the computer is further configured to function as a receiving means for receiving a request to create a group to which one or more players, including the player, belong, and a generating means for creating the group for use in the game when the receiving means receives the creation request, and the setting means sets the authority for the player when the receiving means receives the creation request or when the generating means creates the group.

[0013] Furthermore, in a seventh aspect of the present invention, the setting means sets the authority set on the player to another player belonging to the same group as the player during a period when the authority set on the player is unavailable.

[0014] Furthermore, the program according to the eighth aspect of the present invention causes the computer to function as an execution means for executing a game, a setting means for setting a player a status in the game and / or privileges that can be executed in the game for a certain period of time, a determination means for determining whether the player, who has been set with the status and / or privileges and is not currently playing the game, has started playing the game, and an extension means for extending the certain period of time if the determination is positive.

[0015] Furthermore, in the ninth aspect of the present invention, the computer is further made to function as a notification means that notifies the player when the determination means makes an affirmative determination, or when the extension means extends the specified period.

[0016] Furthermore, in the tenth aspect of the present invention, the computer is further configured to function as a receiving means for receiving a request to create a group to which one or more players, including the player, belong, and a generating means for creating the group for use in the game when the receiving means receives the creation request, and the setting means sets the status and / or the authority for the player for a certain period of time when the receiving means receives the creation request or when the generating means creates the group.

[0017] Furthermore, the program according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention causes the computer to function as: execution means for executing a game; setting means for setting a player's status in the game and / or the privileges that can be executed in the game; determination means for making a first determination of whether the period during which the player who has been set the status and / or the privileges has not played the game is longer than a first predetermined period, and for making a second determination of whether the period during which the player has not played the game is longer than the first predetermined period and is longer than a second predetermined period; notification means for notifying the player if the first determination is positive and the second determination is negative; and release means for releasing the status and / or the privileges set for the player if the first determination is positive and the second determination is positive.

[0018] Furthermore, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the determination means further makes a third determination of whether the player, who has been given the status and / or authority and is not playing the game, has started playing the game, and the notification means makes the notification if the first determination is an affirmative determination, the second determination is a negative determination, and the third determination is an affirmative determination.

[0019] Furthermore, in a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the computer further functions as a receiving means for receiving applications from the player to whom the status and / or authority has been set, the determination means further performs a fourth determination of whether or not the receiving means has received the application, and the notification means makes the notification if the first determination is an affirmative determination, the second determination is a negative determination, the third determination is an affirmative determination, and the fourth determination is an affirmative determination.

[0020] Furthermore, in the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the computer is further made to function as an extension means for extending the second predetermined period based on the result of the fourth determination.

[0021] Furthermore, in a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the computer is further configured to function as a receiving means for receiving a request to create a group to which one or more players, including the player, belong, and a generating means for creating the group for use in the game when the receiving means receives the creation request, and the setting means sets the status and / or the authority for the player when the receiving means receives the creation request or when the generating means creates the group.

[0022] Furthermore, an information processing device according to sixteen aspects of the present invention includes setting means for setting a status for a player, receiving means for receiving an application from the player to whom the status has been set, determination means for making a first determination of whether the receiving means has received the application and a second determination of whether the player satisfies predetermined conditions, and release means for releasing the status set for the player based on the results of the first and second determinations.

[0023] Further, the information processing apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention includes an execution unit that executes a game, a setting unit that sets permissions executable by the player in the game, a determination unit that determines whether or not a period during which the player with the set permissions is not playing the game is equal to or longer than a predetermined period, and a switching unit that, when the determination is an affirmative determination, makes the permissions set for the player non-executable and makes the permissions executable for the player when the player starts playing the game after making the permissions non-executable.

[0024] Further, the information processing apparatus according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention includes an execution unit that executes a game, a setting unit that sets the status in the game or / and the permissions executable in the game for the player for a certain period, a determination unit that determines whether or not the player in a state where the status or / and the permissions are set and the player is not playing the game has started playing the game, and an extension unit that extends the certain period when the determination is an affirmative determination.

[0025] Further, the information processing apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention includes an execution unit that executes a game, a setting unit that sets the status in the game or / and the permissions executable in the game for the player, a determination unit that makes a first determination as to whether or not a period during which the player with the set status or / and the permissions is not playing the game is equal to or longer than a first predetermined period and makes a second determination as to whether or not the period during which the player is not playing the game is equal to or longer than a second predetermined period that is longer than the first predetermined period, a notification unit that notifies the player when the first determination is an affirmative determination and the second determination is a negative determination, and a release unit that releases the status or / and the permissions set for the player when the first determination is an affirmative determination and the second determination is an affirmative determination.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress unreasonably releasing a predetermined status or / and permissions set for a player.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a smartphone as the terminal device in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional means of the server device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the input screen in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display screen in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the application screen in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional means of the server device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional means of the server device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the notification in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional means of the server device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an application screen in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a warning in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same reference numerals are used for identical components and steps in each drawing whenever possible, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0029] ===First Embodiment=== First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0030] ≪Overall Structure≫ Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the game system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the game system 1 comprises a server device 2 and one or more terminal devices 4. These server device 2 and terminal devices 4 are connected to each other via a communication network NT such as the Internet, intranet, or telephone line.

[0032] Server device 2 is an information processing device (computer) that provides the game execution results obtained by executing game program 2A, or game program 2A itself, to players on each terminal device 4 via the communication network NT.

[0033] Each terminal device 4 is an information processing device owned by each player. Each terminal device 4 is an information processing device that provides the game to each player by executing the game program 2A received from the server device 2 after it has been installed. Examples of terminal devices 4 include mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, personal computers, video game consoles, and arcade game machines.

[0034] Hardware Configuration Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of server device 2 shown in Figure 1.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the server device 2 comprises a control device 6, a communication device 8, and a storage device 10. The control device 6 is mainly composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 6A and memory 6B.

[0036] In the control device 6, the CPU 6A executes a predetermined program, such as a game program 2A, stored in memory 6B or storage device 10, thereby functioning as various functional means. Details of these functional means will be described later.

[0037] The communication device 8 consists of a communication interface and the like for communicating with an external device. For example, the communication device 8 sends and receives various types of information with the terminal device 4.

[0038] The storage device 10 is composed of a hard disk or the like. This storage device 10 stores various programs and information necessary for executing processing in the control device 6, including the game program 2A, as well as information on the processing results.

[0039] The server device 2 can be implemented using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. Furthermore, the server device 2 may consist of a single information processing device or multiple information processing devices distributed across the communication network NT. Also, Figure 2 only shows a portion of the main hardware configuration of the server device 2; the server device 2 may have other configurations that are generally found in servers. Similarly, the hardware configuration of the multiple terminal devices 4 may be similar to that of the server device 2, except for, for example, the inclusion of operating means, display devices, and sound output devices.

[0040] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a smartphone, which is the terminal device 4 in Figure 1.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the terminal device 4 comprises a main control unit 14, a touch panel (touchscreen) 16, a camera 18A, a microphone 18B, a mobile communication unit 20, a wireless LAN communication unit 22, a storage unit 24, and a speaker 26.

[0042] The main control unit 14 is composed of a CPU, memory, and other components. This main control unit 14 is connected to a touch panel 16 (which serves as a display input device), a camera 18A, a microphone 18B, a mobile communication unit 20, a wireless LAN communication unit 22, a storage unit 24, and a speaker 26. The main control unit 14 also has the function of controlling these connected devices.

[0043] The touch panel 16 has both display and input functions, and more specifically, it consists of a display 16A that handles the display function and a touch sensor 16B that handles the input function. The display 16A can display various screens, including operation input screens such as button images, directional key images, and joystick images. The touch sensor 16B can detect the player's input position.

[0044] Camera 18A has the function of capturing still images and / or videos and saving them to the memory unit 24. Microphone 18B has the function of inputting audio and saving it to the memory unit 24. Speaker 26 has the function of outputting various sounds.

[0045] The mobile communication unit 20 has the function of connecting to a mobile communication network via the antenna 20A and communicating with other devices such as other terminal devices 4 that are connected to the mobile communication network.

[0046] The wireless LAN communication unit 22 connects to the communication network NT via the antenna 22A and has the function of communicating with other devices such as the server device 2 that are connected to the communication network NT.

[0047] The memory unit 24 stores various programs and data, such as the game program 2A and play data indicating the game's progress and player information. The play data may also be stored in the server device 2.

[0048] Furthermore, Figure 3 only shows a portion of the main hardware configuration of terminal device 4, and terminal device 4 may have other configurations that are generally found in terminal devices such as smartphones.

[0049] ≪Game Overview≫ The game according to the first embodiment includes a lottery game and quests that allow players to acquire characters, items, and other content as examples. The lottery game may be referred to as gacha, lottery, summoning, etc. The quest may be referred to as dungeon, subjugation, exploration, etc.

[0050] The lottery game according to the first embodiment can be executed by the player selecting one lottery game from multiple types of lottery games on the lottery game execution menu screen or the like. In this lottery game, the player can choose between a single draw, where the draw is performed once, or a series of draws, where the draw is performed 10 times in a row. This single draw may be called a single gacha, a single lottery, a single summon, etc. This series of draws may be called a 10-pull gacha, a 10-draw lottery, a 10-summon, etc. By issuing an instruction (request) to execute a single draw or a series of draws, the player can acquire a character randomly selected from the group of target characters (group of target content) corresponding to the lottery game. This lottery game is executed on the basis of consuming a price. This price may include paid items (charged items) or free items (non-charged items). Paid items are items that players can obtain through purchase procedures (payment with cash, electronic money, credit card, etc.). Examples of paid items include paid gems and paid gacha tickets. Free items are items that players can obtain through gameplay (performing various game actions). This includes logging in, completing quests, achieving missions, and interacting with other players who have been added as friends. Examples of free items include free gems and free gacha tickets. Paid items are generally more valuable than free items. For example, in a lottery game that can only be played using paid items, it is easier to obtain characters of higher rarity (scarcity value) than in a lottery game that can only be played using free items. Note that paid gems and free gems are sometimes referred to simply as "gems" without distinction.

[0051] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, quests are executed by the player selecting one quest from several types of quests on the quest menu screen. These quests include normal quests and event quests (also simply called events). Normal quests are quests in which the next quest becomes playable when the player clears the playable quest. Event quests are quests in which the playable quests change depending on the time of day or period. In addition, each quest is executed based on the consumption of stamina value associated with the quest from the player's current stamina value. Stamina may also be called life, action points (AP), battle points (BP), etc. Note that the player's current stamina value may be consumed at the end of the quest (when cleared or when retired).

[0052] Furthermore, in the quest according to the first embodiment, a competitive game is played in which a team composed of one or more characters owned by the player battles against enemy characters that appear. In this quest, for example, the player gives instructions to the characters that make up the team (the characters being used) to attack, etc. If the quest is cleared, the player will receive (be granted) rewards such as free items, game coins, characters, and player experience points. However, if the player has already cleared a quest, they may not receive free items.

[0053] ≪Update Summary≫ In the game according to the first embodiment, updates that add new quests to existing quests, or updates that add new characters (content) to existing characters (content), are performed periodically or irregularly. These updates may be referred to as version upgrades or updates. These additions may be referred to as releases or unlocks. Existing quests refer to quests added before a predetermined date (for example, June 2024). On the other hand, new quests refer to quests added after that predetermined date. Existing characters refer to characters added before the preferential period (predetermined date) corresponding to each quest. On the other hand, new characters refer to characters added after that preferential period. This preferential period is, for example, a date based on the date the quest was added (the date the quest becomes executable).

[0054] In the game according to the first embodiment, a new quest becomes playable based on an update that adds the new quest. This new quest may, for example, be more difficult than existing quests, have higher parameters for the enemy characters that appear, or have many disadvantageous gimmicks for the player (for example, damage tiles). If the new quest is a normal quest, the player can play it after the update, provided that they have cleared all existing normal quests. If the new quest is an event quest, the player can play it during a predetermined time period or duration after the update.

[0055] Furthermore, in the game according to the first embodiment, new characters (content) become available based on updates that add new characters (content). These new characters may include, for example, evolved versions of existing characters. These new characters may also have higher parameters or parameter limits compared to existing characters, or they may have skills that are advantageous against enemy characters or gimmicks that appear in new quests. After such updates, players can acquire these new characters by playing lottery games in which the new characters are included as draw subjects, or by playing quests (for example, new quests) in which the new characters are included as rewards. Players can then use the acquired new characters in quests, missions, etc.

[0056] ≪Overview of Synthesis≫ The synthesis according to the first embodiment refers to the process of developing one character from the player's owned characters (owned content) by using one character as the source character (source content) and other characters as material characters (material content). The material characters used in the synthesis are removed (deleted) from the player's owned characters.

[0057] Furthermore, the synthesis according to the first embodiment includes enhancement synthesis and evolution synthesis. Enhancement synthesis is a synthesis that changes the parameters (e.g., level) of the source character. Evolution synthesis is a synthesis that evolves (changes) the source character into another character.

[0058] The enhancement synthesis according to the first embodiment can be performed by the player selecting the enhancement synthesis menu on the owned character management menu screen. In this enhancement synthesis, the player selects a source character and material characters from the player's owned characters. For example, in enhancement synthesis, a certain number (e.g., 20) or fewer material characters are selected for one source character.

[0059] Furthermore, in the enhancement synthesis according to the first embodiment, instead of consuming the selected material character, the parameters of the selected source character are changed to be advantageous in the game (e.g., quest). For example, if a different type of material character is used in enhancement synthesis with a source character, the parameters of the source character will increase.

[0060] Furthermore, the evolution synthesis according to the first embodiment can be performed by the player selecting the evolution synthesis menu on the owned character management menu screen. In this evolution synthesis, the player selects the source character and material characters from the player's owned characters. For example, in evolution synthesis, for one source character, a certain number (e.g., 5) of material characters pre-associated with that source character are selected.

[0061] Furthermore, in the evolution synthesis according to the first embodiment, instead of consuming the selected material character, the selected source character is evolved (transformed) into another character. In other words, the source character is associated with the character ID of another character through evolution synthesis, and the character's name, image, skills, rarity, etc., change. This source character is referred to as the pre-evolution character. This other character is referred to as the post-evolution character. In the first embodiment, the post-evolution character has a rarity one level higher than the pre-evolution character, and for example, the upper limit of its parameters is higher than that of the pre-evolution character.

[0062] <<Means of Server Device Functionality>> Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the functional means of the server device 2.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, the server device 2 comprises, as its main functional components, a storage means 30, a receiving means 32, an execution means 34, a generation means 36, a setting means 38, a determination means 40, a release means 42, a notification means 44, and a display control means 46. Some or all of these functional components may be provided in the terminal device 4.

[0064] Of these, the storage means 30 is implemented by one or more storage devices 10. Furthermore, the other functional means are implemented by the control device 6 executing the game program 2A stored in the storage device 10 or the like.

[0065] The memory means 30 has the function of storing player information 30A, character information 30B, item information 30C, lottery game information 30D, and quest information 30E, etc.

[0066] Player information 30A is stored for each player, associated with that player's player ID. This player information 30A includes, for example, one or more of the following information about the player: name, player rank, ability scores, age, owned character information, team composition information, owned item information, stamina information, and friend information. Owned character information includes the character ID and parameters of each owned character. Parameters include level, hit points, attack power, defense power, etc. The level increases (changes) when a character (the character used for synthesis) gains character experience points through synthesis. When the level increases, hit points, attack power, defense power, character experience points, etc. also increase. Team composition information includes one or more predetermined numbers (e.g., 7) of teams pre-configured by the player. Each team includes, for example, a predetermined number (e.g., 3) or fewer owned characters selected in advance by the player. Ability scores may be calculated, for example, based on the parameters of all or some of the owned characters included in the team. However, if a player has pre-configured multiple teams, ability values ​​may be calculated based on the parameters of all or some of the owned characters included in one team that the player has set up for use in a quest. Owned item information is associated with the item ID of each owned item and includes the number of such items. Examples of such items include paid gems and free gems. Stamina information includes the player's current stamina value and stamina limit. Current stamina is the value consumed when the player executes a quest. This current stamina value increases by a predetermined amount (e.g., 1) over time (e.g., 3 minutes) and recovers up to the stamina limit. Also, the current stamina value recovers by the same amount as the stamina limit when the player consumes paid gems, free gems, stamina recovery items, etc. This stamina limit increases as the player's player rank increases. Player rank increases, for example, when the player gains player experience points by playing quests. Friend information includes the player IDs of other players who have been registered as friends.

[0067] Furthermore, player information 30A includes group information and status information. Group information includes the group ID of the group to which the player belongs, and various information about the group. This various information is associated with the group ID. A group is a collection of one or more players, and is also called a party or guild. Players belonging to a group can cooperate with each other in quests and other activities. Status information includes the player's status within the group. Status is also called a position or title, and includes, for example, a party leader or guild master. Players with a status may also be granted privileges, or they may not be granted any privileges. However, privileges may include, for example, the authority to allow other players to join the group, to manage various aspects of each player belonging to the group, to make various decisions when playing the game using the group, and to delete the group. Privileges may be linked to status and stored in the storage means 30.

[0068] Character information 30B is stored for each character, associated with the character's character ID. This character information 30B includes, for example, the character's name, image, rarity, initial and maximum parameter values, skills, and availability period. Rarity includes, for example, a number from 1 to 6. This number may be indicated by, for example, the number of stars. For example, characters with higher rarity have higher parameters and parameter limits. Availability period includes the time when the character became available, i.e., the time when the character was added. This period may be, for example, the time when game operation started or when the game was updated. For example, the availability period for character X includes January 2021, when character X was added with the start of game operation.

[0069] Item information 30C is stored for each item, associated with the item's item ID. This item information 30C includes, for example, the item's name, image, and availability period. The availability period includes the time when the item became available, i.e., the time when the item was added. This period could be, for example, the time when the game operation started or when the game was updated. For example, the availability period for item Y includes January 2021, when item Y was added due to the start of game operation.

[0070] The lottery game information 30D is stored for each lottery game, associated with the lottery game ID of that game. This lottery game information 30D includes, for example, the name (title), image, lottery target information, and the price. The lottery target information includes the content ID of each content that makes up the group of content (multiple content) that is the target of the lottery game, and the winning probability associated with that content ID. This lottery target includes multiple content that are available at different times. Also, for example, if the content is a character, a lower probability is set for characters of higher rarity, and a higher probability is set for characters of lower rarity. In addition, in this winning probability, there may be characters (pickup characters) that have a higher winning probability than other characters within the same rarity. The price includes the number of items (consumption) required to perform one lottery. Furthermore, the lottery games include lottery games for new players and general lottery games. The lottery games for new players are lottery games that can be performed once or multiple times when a player creates an account when starting the game for the first time. The general lottery game is a different type of lottery game, and each player can participate in it.

[0071] Quest Information 30E is stored for each quest (including events), associated with the quest's quest ID. This quest information 30E includes, for example, the name (title), image, character information, stamina cost, completion conditions, reward information, playable period, and preferential period. Character information includes the parameters (level, hit points, etc.) of enemy characters appearing in the quest. Stamina cost is the stamina required to complete the quest. Completion conditions include the criteria for clearing the quest. Examples of completion conditions include reducing the hit points of all enemy characters to 0 or less, or occupying the enemy characters' territories. Reward information includes information about the rewards given to the player upon completing the quest. This reward information includes, for example, the character ID of the reward character, the level at which the character is given, the drop rate (probability) of obtaining the character, the number of game coins, the amount of player experience points, and the number of free items. Playable period includes the time when the quest became playable, i.e., the time when the quest was added. This period includes, for example, the time when the game operation began or when the game was updated. For example, the time when Quest E can be completed includes March 2021, when Quest E was added in the first update after the game operation began. Also, for example, the time when Quest G can be completed includes October 2021, when Quest G was added in the fifth update after the game operation began. Also, for example, the time when Quest R can be completed includes April 2024, when Quest R was added in the 25th update after the game operation began. The preferential period includes a predetermined period for preferential rewards. In the first embodiment, if the time when the character used in a quest becomes available is before the predetermined period, the rewards for that quest will be preferential. For example, the preferential period (predetermined period) for Quest E includes March 2021, which is the same as the time when Quest E can be completed. Also, for example, the preferential period for Quest G includes April 2022, which is six months after the time when Quest G can be completed. Furthermore, for example, the period during which Quest R is given preferential treatment includes April 2023, which is one year prior to the period when Quest R becomes available.

[0072] The reception means 32 is a functional means for receiving various requests and input information when the player operates the terminal device 4. The requests include the following: Generation Request: A request from one player to create a group to which one or more players, including that player, belong. Request to join: This is a request from another player to join the group. Permission Request: This is a request from one player to grant permission for another player who has made the request to join the group. Suspension Request: This is a request to prevent a player from incurring any disadvantages that would otherwise result from not playing the game for a specified period. For example, it prevents the cancellation means 42, described later, from canceling a player's status. The suspension request must be made before the player stops playing the game. When a player makes a suspension request, they may also set the effective period (hereinafter referred to as the "suspension period") within a predetermined range (for example, within 60 days, or within twice the specified period described later). In this case, the range is stored in the storage means 30.

[0073] The execution means 34 is a functional means for executing a game. The game here includes at least a quest, and may also include a lottery game.

[0074] The generation means 36 is a functional means that generates a group when the receiving means 32 receives a generation request from a player. The group generated by the generation means 36 is made available for use in the game executed by the execution means 34. Furthermore, when the receiving means 32 receives a permission request from a player, the generation means 36 adds other players to the group.

[0075] The setting means 38 is a functional means for setting a status (for example, a position such as guild master) for a player. For example, when the receiving means 32 receives a generation request, or when the generation means 36 generates a group, the setting means 38 sets a status for the player who made the request to generate the group. Furthermore, when the deactivation means 42, which will be described later, deactivates the status set for a player, the setting means 38 sets that status for other players belonging to the same group as that player.

[0076] The determination means 40 is a functional means that performs a first determination of whether the reception means 32 has received a leave of absence application from a player whose status has been set, and a second determination of whether the player meets predetermined conditions.

[0077] The above predetermined condition may be, for example, that the period during which a player with assigned status has not played the game is longer than a predetermined period (e.g., 30 days). Specifically, "not playing the game" may mean "not having launched the game executed by the execution means 34" or "not being logged into (logged out of) the game executed by the execution means 34". The same applies to other embodiments.

[0078] Furthermore, as already explained, if the suspension period is set at the time of the suspension application, it is preferable that the determination means 40 perform a third determination of whether or not the current status is within the suspension period.

[0079] The release means 42 is a functional means that releases the status assigned to a player based on the results of the first and second judgments. Specifically, the release means 42 releases the status assigned to a player if the first judgment is a negative judgment and the second judgment is a positive judgment.

[0080] Furthermore, if the determination means 40 performs a third determination, it is preferable that the release means 42 releases the status set for a player based on the results of the first determination, the second determination, and the third determination.

[0081] Notification means 44 is a functional means for notifying a player's terminal device 4 of various information. The terminal device 4 displays this information on the display 16A or outputs sound from the speaker 26. Examples of the various information include that a player has been assigned status, that a request to join a group has been received from another player, that a player's status has been removed, and that another player has been assigned status.

[0082] The display control means 46 is a functional means that controls the terminal device 4 to display various screens, which will be described later. The terminal device 4 also displays these on the display 16A.

[0083] <<Processing Flow>> An example of the process in the first embodiment will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 5. The order and content of the following steps may be changed as needed.

[0084] (Step SP2) One player operates terminal device 4 to log in, or starts the game. After step SP2 is completed, the process moves on to step SP4.

[0085] (Step SP4) The reception means 32 receives a generation request from one player (its terminal device 4).

[0086] Here, Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an input screen displayed on the display 16A of a player's terminal device 4, controlled by the display control means 46.

[0087] The input screen 52 shown in Figure 6 is a screen on which the player can submit a generation request, and is provided with an input section 54 and a generation button 56.

[0088] The input section 54 allows players to input various pieces of information, such as the group name, a detailed description of the group, and a recommended rank. The group name is the name of the group. The detailed description is something that players can freely fill in, and may include, for example, an explanation of the group's activity policy or unique rules (e.g., "Beginners welcome," "Quotas apply," "Let's have fun together"). The recommended rank is the player rank that one player recommends to other players who wish to join the group. However, instead of a recommended rank (player rank), a player may also recommend a specific ability score. In Figure 6, as an example, the group name and detailed group description are entered as text, while the recommended level is selected from a dropdown menu.

[0089] Furthermore, the generate button 56 is a button that, when pressed by the player, requests the generation of a group containing the information entered into the input unit 54. Returning to Figure 5, after step SP4 is completed, the process moves to step SP6.

[0090] (Step SP6) The generation means 36 generates a group including one player, making it usable in the game executed by the execution means 34. After step SP6 is completed, the process moves on to step SP8.

[0091] (Step SP8) The setting means 38 assigns a status to one player. The notification means 44 also notifies the terminal device 4 of one player that a status has been assigned to that player. After step SP8 is completed, the process moves on to step SP10.

[0092] (Step SP10) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether the reception means 32 has received a subscription request from another player (or their terminal device 4). If a subscription request has been received, the process proceeds to step SP12; if no subscription request has been received, the process proceeds to step SP18.

[0093] (Step SP12) The notification means 44 notifies one player (or their terminal device 4) that another player has requested to join, and provides some of the other player's player information 30A (such as name, player rank, ability scores, and one or more of their team composition information). After step SP12 is completed, the process moves on to step SP14.

[0094] (Step SP14) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether the receiving means 32 has received a permission request from one player (its terminal device 4) to another player. If the permission request has been received, the process proceeds to step SP16; if the permission request has not been received, the process proceeds to step SP18. However, the other players referred to here are those who were determined to have submitted a request to join in Step SP10. Regarding permission requests, the display control means 46 displays a screen (not shown) on the terminal device 4 of one player on which such permission requests can be entered, and one player can make a predetermined input on that screen.

[0095] (Step SP16) The generation means 36 performs a formation by adding other players to the group generated in step SP6.

[0096] Here, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen that is displayed on the display 16A of each player's terminal device 4 belonging to the group, controlled by the display control means 46.

[0097] As an example, the display screen 60 shown in Figure 7 includes an information field 62 that shows information about players belonging to a group generated and organized by the generation means 36.

[0098] Information section 62 displays a list of some of the player information 30A for each player (name, status information, player rank, ability scores, formation information, etc., one or more of these). Figure 7 shows, as an example, status information (party leader, member 1, member 2), player rank (rank), ability scores (combat power), etc.

[0099] Each time a new player joins via the generation means 36, a portion of the player information 30A related to that player is added to the information field 62 (in Figure 7, in addition to the player with the title of leader, information for the player as member 1 and the player as member 2 are displayed). Returning to Figure 5, after step SP16 is completed, the process moves on to step SP18.

[0100] (Step SP18) The execution means 34 executes the quest. The quest may be played by a single player alone, or it may be played by a group. After step SP18 is completed, the process moves on to step SP20.

[0101] (Step SP20) One player logs out of the game, or quits the game. After step SP20 is completed, the process moves on to step SP22.

[0102] (Step SP22) The determination means 40 makes a first determination to determine whether the reception means 32 has received a leave of absence request from a player whose status has been set. If the result of the first determination is positive, the process moves to step SP23; if the result of the first determination is negative, the process moves to step SP24. Note that the reception means 32 can accept leave of absence requests at any time before logging out in SP20.

[0103] Here, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an application screen displayed on the display 16A of a player's terminal device 4, controlled by the display control means 46.

[0104] The application screen 64 shown in Figure 8 is provided with an input section 66 and an application button 68.

[0105] The input unit 66 allows the player to input a period of suspension. During the suspension period, the player's status will not be terminated by the termination means 42. In Figure 8, as an example, the suspension period is entered using a dropdown menu.

[0106] Furthermore, by pressing the application button 68, the player can apply to take a leave of absence (leave of absence application) for the leave of absence period entered in the input unit 66. This leave of absence application is received by the reception means 32.

[0107] (Step SP23) The determination means 40 makes a third determination to determine whether or not the current session is in a period of suspension. If the result of the third determination is positive, the process ends; if the result of the third determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP24.

[0108] (Step SP24) The determination means 40 makes a second determination to determine whether the period during which a player has not played the game is longer than a predetermined period (i.e., whether the predetermined period has elapsed). If the result of the second determination is positive, the process moves to step SP26; if the result of the second determination is negative, the process ends. However, if the process moves from step SP23 to step SP24, it is preferable that the determination means 40 counts the period during which a player has not played the game from the end of the suspension period and makes the second determination.

[0109] (Step SP26) The release means 42 releases the status set for one player by the setting means 38 in step SP8. The notification means 44 also notifies the terminal device 4 of one player that the status set for one player has been released. After step SP26 is completed, the process moves on to step SP28.

[0110] (Step SP28) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether or not other players belong to the same group as player 1. If other players belong to the same group, the process proceeds to step SP30; if no other players belong to the same group, the process ends.

[0111] (Step SP30) The setting means 38 sets the same status that was set for one player in step SP8 to other players belonging to the same group as that player. The notification means 44 also notifies the terminal device 4 of the player that the status has been set for the other players. After step SP30 is completed, the process will end.

[0112] ≪Effects≫ In the program according to the first embodiment, the computer (server device 2) functions as a setting means 38 for setting a status for a player, a receiving means 32 for receiving an application from a player whose status has been set, a determination means 40 for making a first determination of whether the receiving means 32 has received the application and a second determination of whether the player meets predetermined conditions, and a release means 42 for releasing the status set for the player based on the results of the first and second determinations.

[0113] This configuration allows for the decision of whether or not to terminate a player's status based on whether or not the player has submitted an application, thus preventing the unreasonable termination of a player's status.

[0114] Furthermore, in the program according to the first embodiment, the receiving means 32 further receives a request to create a group to which one or more players, including the above-mentioned player, belong, and causes the computer to function further as an execution means 34 for executing the game, and a generation means 36 for creating the group for use in the game when the receiving means 32 receives a generation request, and the setting means 38 sets a status for the above-mentioned player when the receiving means 32 receives a generation request or when the generation means 36 creates a group.

[0115] This configuration grants status to players who request group creation, thereby increasing the motivation for each player to create a group.

[0116] Furthermore, in the program according to the first embodiment, when the release means 42 releases the status set for a player, the setting means 38 sets the status for another player belonging to the same group as that player.

[0117] This configuration allows for the smooth operation of the group by revoking a player's status and then assigning that status to another player belonging to the same group.

[0118] Furthermore, in the program according to the first embodiment, the predetermined condition is that the period during which a player with a designated status has not played the game is longer than a predetermined period, and the release means 42 releases the status assigned to the player if the first determination is a negative determination and the second determination is a positive determination.

[0119] This configuration further deters the unreasonable removal of a player's status by removing their status if they have not played the game for a predetermined period of time or longer, unless they submit a request.

[0120] ===Second Embodiment=== Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0121] The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment of the present invention in that it does not set or remove a player's status, but rather changes whether or not the player can exercise authority. In the following description, points that overlap with the functional means and processes of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0122] <<Means of Server Device Functionality>> Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the functional means of the server device 72 according to the second embodiment.

[0123] As shown in Figure 9, the server device 72 comprises, as its main functional components, a storage means 30, a receiving means 74, an execution means 34, a generation means 36, a setting means 76, a determination means 78, a switching means 80, a release means 82, a notification means 84, and a display control means 46. Some or all of these functional components may be provided in the terminal device 4.

[0124] Furthermore, the descriptions of the storage means 30, execution means 34, generation means 36, and display control means 46 are the same as in the first embodiment and will therefore be omitted.

[0125] The reception means 74 is a functional means for receiving various requests and input information when the player operates the terminal device 4. Among these requests, there are the generation request, the join request, and the permission request as described in the first embodiment (however, the leave of absence application as described in the first embodiment is not included).

[0126] The setting means 76 is a functional means for setting executable privileges for a player in the game. For example, when the receiving means 74 receives a creation request, or when the creation means 36 creates a group, the setting means 76 sets privileges for the player who made the request to create the group. Furthermore, during a period when the privileges set for a player are unavailable, the setting means 76 sets those privileges for other players belonging to the same group as that player. Alternatively, the privileges may be linked to a status, and the setting means 76 may set both the status and the privileges for a player.

[0127] The determination means 78 is a functional means that determines whether the period during which a player with assigned privileges has not played the game is longer than a predetermined period (for example, 30 days).

[0128] The switching means 80 is a functional means that, when the determination means 78 makes a positive determination, disables the execution of the privileges set for one player, and when that player starts playing the game, enables that player to execute those privileges.

[0129] The release means 82 is a functional means for releasing the privileges set on other players. Specifically, when a player who has been given privileges and whose privileges are disabled starts playing the game, the privileges set on other players are released. Note that "starting to play the game" may also mean "launching the game" or "logging into the game," etc. The same applies to other embodiments.

[0130] Notification means 84 is a functional means for notifying one player and other players of various information. The terminal device 4 displays this information on the display 16A or outputs sound from the speaker 26. The content that notification means 84 notifies one player of is, for example, that permission has been set for one player, that a request to join the group has been received from another player, that one player's permission has become unexecutable, and that one player's permission has become executable. The content that notification means 84 notifies one player and other players of is, for example, that permission has been set for another player, and that permission set for another player has been removed.

[0131] <<Processing Flow>> An example of the process in the second embodiment will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 10. The order and content of the following steps may be changed as needed. Furthermore, steps SP32 to SP36 and steps SP40 to SP50 in Figure 10 are the same as steps SP2 to SP6 and steps SP10 to SP20 in Figure 5, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0132] (Step SP38) The setting means 76 sets permissions for one player. The notification means 84 also notifies the terminal device 4 of one player that permissions have been set for that player. After step SP38 is completed, the process moves on to step SP40.

[0133] (Step SP52) The determination means 78 determines whether the period during which a player has not played the game is longer than a predetermined period (i.e., whether the predetermined period has elapsed). If the determination result is positive, the process proceeds to step SP54; if the determination result is negative, the process ends.

[0134] (Step SP54) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether or not other players belong to the same group as player 1. If other players belong to the same group, the process proceeds to step SP56; if no other players belong to the same group, the process ends.

[0135] (Step SP56) The switching means 80 disables the privileges set for one player by the setting means 76 in step SP38. The notification means 84 also notifies the terminal device 4 of the one player that the privileges set for that player have become unexecutable. After step SP56 is completed, the process moves on to step SP58.

[0136] (Step SP58) The setting means 76 sets the same permissions that were set for one player in step SP38 on other players belonging to the same group as the first player. The notification means 84 also notifies each terminal device 4 of the first player and the other players that permissions have been set on the other players. After step SP58 is completed, the process moves on to step SP60.

[0137] (Step SP60) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether or not the first player has logged in again. If the first player has logged in again, the process proceeds to step SP62; if the first player has not logged in again, the process loops through step SP60 until the first player logs in again.

[0138] (Step SP62) The release means 82 releases the privileges that were set for the other player in step SP58. The notification means 84 also notifies each terminal device 4 of one player and the other player that the privileges set for the other player have been released. After step SP62 is completed, the process moves on to step SP64.

[0139] (Step SP64) The switching means 80 enables the execution of the privileges set for one player that were previously disabled in step SP56 (i.e., permits the execution of the privileges). The notification means 84 also notifies the terminal device 4 of the player that the privileges set for that player have been enabled. After step SP64 is completed, the process ends.

[0140] ≪Effects≫ In the program according to the second embodiment, the computer (server device 72) functions as an execution means 34 for running the game, a setting means 76 for setting playable privileges for the player in the game, a determination means 78 for determining whether a player with granted privileges has not played the game for a predetermined period of time or longer, and a switching means 80 that, if the determination is positive, disables the privileges set for the player, and enables the player to execute the privileges when the player with disabled privileges starts playing the game.

[0141] This configuration prevents the unreasonable removal of permissions granted to a player by disabling the execution of permissions while the player is not playing the game and enabling the execution of permissions once the player starts playing the game.

[0142] Furthermore, in the program according to the second embodiment, the computer is further configured to function as a receiving means 74 that receives a request to create a group to which one or more players, including the above-mentioned player, belong, and a creation means 36 that creates the group for use in the game when the receiving means 74 receives a creation request, and the setting means 76 sets permissions for the above-mentioned player when the receiving means 74 receives a creation request or when the creation means 36 creates a group.

[0143] This configuration grants permissions to players who request group creation, thereby increasing the motivation for each player to create groups.

[0144] Furthermore, in the program according to the second embodiment, the setting means 76 sets the privileges to other players belonging to the same group as the player during a period when the privileges set for the player are unavailable.

[0145] With this configuration, if one player is unable to exercise their privileges, the privileges can be granted to other players belonging to the same group, thus ensuring the smooth operation of the group.

[0146] ===Third Embodiment=== Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0147] The third embodiment of the present invention differs from the first and second embodiments in that the duration of the status assigned to the player is predetermined. In the following, points that overlap with the functional means and processes described in the first and second embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0148] <<Means of Server Device Functionality>> Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a server device according to the third embodiment.

[0149] As shown in Figure 11, the server device 92 comprises, as its main functional components, a storage means 30, a receiving means 74, an execution means 34, a generation means 36, a setting means 94, a determination means 96, an extension means 98, a notification means 100, and a display control means 46. Some or all of these functional components may be provided in the terminal device 4.

[0150] Furthermore, the memory means 30, execution means 34, generation means 36, and display control means 46 are the same as in the first embodiment, and the reception means 74 is the same as in the second embodiment, so their descriptions will be omitted.

[0151] The setting means 94 is a functional means for setting a player's status in the game for a certain period of time (for example, 30 days). For example, when the receiving means 74 receives a generation request, or when the generation means 36 generates a group, the setting means 94 sets the status of the player who made the group generation request for a certain period of time.

[0152] The determination means 96 is a functional means that determines whether a player who has been assigned a status and is not currently playing the game has started playing the game.

[0153] The extension means 98 is a functional means that extends the above-mentioned fixed period if the determination means 96 determines that the determination is positive.

[0154] The notification means 100 is a functional means for notifying a player's terminal device 4 of various information. The terminal device 4 displays this information on the display 16A or outputs sound from the speaker 26. Examples of the various information include that a player's status has been set for a certain period, that a request to join a group has been received from another player, that a player's status has been released, and that the status has been extended for a certain period.

[0155] Furthermore, notification means 100 is a functional means that notifies the player that the period will be extended if the determination means 96 makes a positive determination. Alternatively, notification means 100 notifies the player that the period will be extended if the extension means 98 extends the period.

[0156] <<Processing Flow>> An example of the process in the third embodiment will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 12. The order and content of the following steps may be changed as needed. Furthermore, steps SP72 to SP76 in Figure 12 are the same as steps SP2 to SP6 in Figure 5, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0157] (Step SP78) The setting means 94 sets a status for a player for a certain period of time. The notification means 100 also notifies a player's terminal device 4 that the player has been set to a status for a certain period of time. After step SP78 is completed, the process moves on to step SP80. However, after step SP78 is completed, the receiving means 74 may receive requests to join from other players and requests for permission from players, the generating means 36 may organize the joining of other players into groups, and the players may play the game.

[0158] (Step SP80) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether a certain period of time has elapsed since the setting means 94 set the player's status. If a certain period of time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step SP88; if a certain period of time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step SP82.

[0159] (Step SP82) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether the player has logged out or not. If the player has logged out, the process proceeds to step SP84; if the player has not logged out, the process returns to step SP80.

[0160] However, the logout in step SP82 may be a logout initiated by the player, a forced logout during a game update, or a forced logout that occurs automatically at a predetermined time each day (for example, 4 AM). For forced logouts at predetermined times, a message such as "The date has changed" may be displayed on the screen before the logout.

[0161] (Step SP84) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether the player logs in again or not. If the player logs in, the process proceeds to step SP90; if the player does not log in, the process proceeds to step SP86.

[0162] However, the login in step SP84 may be either a login initiated by the player or an automatic login (for example, if a forced logout occurs in step SP82, the home screen after login will be displayed instead of the start screen).

[0163] (Step SP86) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether a certain period of time has elapsed since the setting means 94 set the player's status. If a certain period of time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step SP88; if a certain period of time has not elapsed, the process returns to step SP84.

[0164] (Step SP88) In step SP78, the status assigned to the player for a certain period of time is released (due to the expiration of the period). The notification means 100 also notifies the player's terminal device 4 that the status has been released. After step SP88 is completed, the process ends.

[0165] (Step SP90) The extension means 98 extends the period. The notification means 100 also notifies the player and the terminal device 4 that the period has been extended.

[0166] Here, Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a pop-up notification displayed on the display 16A of the player's terminal device 4 by the notification means 100.

[0167] In Figure 13, as an example, a pop-up notification 90 is displayed on the display screen 60 (see explanation for Figure 7) on display 16A. The pop-up notification 90, as an example, contains the text "Notification" and "30 days added to your leader status." This means that the period during which the player has been assigned leader status has been extended by 30 days. Returning to Figure 12, the process ends after step SP90 is completed.

[0168] In this third embodiment, the status described may be replaced with authority.

[0169] ≪Effects≫ In the program according to the third embodiment, the computer (server device 92) functions as an execution means 34 for executing a game, a setting means 94 for setting a player's status in the game and / or the privileges they can exercise in the game for a certain period of time, a determination means 96 for determining whether a player who has been set with status and / or privileges and is not currently playing the game has started playing the game, and an extension means 98 for extending the period if the determination is positive.

[0170] With this configuration, when a player who has been assigned a status and / or privileges for a certain period starts a game, that period is extended, thus preventing the unreasonable removal of the status and / or privileges assigned to a player.

[0171] Furthermore, in the program according to the third embodiment, the computer is further made to function as a notification means 100 that notifies the player when the determination means 96 makes a positive determination, or when the extension means 98 extends a certain period of time.

[0172] This configuration allows players to recognize that their status and / or privileges are not unlimited but are set for a limited period, and that starting the game extends this period. Therefore, it further deters the unreasonable removal of privileges granted to players.

[0173] Furthermore, in the program according to the third embodiment, the computer is further configured to function as a receiving means 74 that receives a request to create a group to which one or more players, including the above-mentioned player, belong, and a creation means 36 that creates the group for use in the game when the receiving means 74 receives a creation request, and the setting means 94 sets a status and / or authority for the above-mentioned player for a certain period of time when the receiving means 74 receives a creation request or when the creation means 36 creates a group.

[0174] This configuration allows for the granting of status and / or authority to players who request the creation of a group, thereby increasing the motivation for each player to create a group.

[0175] ===Fourth Embodiment=== Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0176] The fourth embodiment of the present invention differs from the first, second, and third embodiments of the present invention in that, upon receiving a notification request from a player, it extends the period until the status or authority is terminated. In the following description, points that overlap with the functional means and processes of the first, second, and third embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0177] <<Means of Server Device Functionality>> Figure 14 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a server device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0178] As shown in Figure 14, the server device 102 comprises, as its main functional components, a storage means 30, a receiving means 104, an execution means 34, a generation means 36, a setting means 76, a determination means 106, a release means 108, an extension means 110, a notification means 112, and a display control means 46. Some or all of these functional components may be provided in the terminal device 4.

[0179] Furthermore, the memory means 30, execution means 34, generation means 36, and display control means 46 are the same as in the first embodiment, and the setting means 76 is the same as in the second embodiment, so their descriptions will be omitted.

[0180] The reception means 104 is a functional means for receiving various requests and input information when the player operates the terminal device 4. Among these requests, there are generation requests, join requests, permission requests, and notification applications as described in the first embodiment. Of these, the generation requests, join requests, and permission requests are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0181] A notification request is an application (request) to notify the player that their privileges may be revoked. It is preferable that the notification request be made before the player stops playing the game.

[0182] The determination means 106 is a functional means that performs a first determination as to whether the period during which a player with granted privileges has not played the game is longer than a first predetermined period (e.g., 25 days). The determination means 106 further performs a second determination as to whether the period during which the player has not played the game is longer than the first predetermined period (e.g., 30 days).

[0183] Furthermore, the determination means 106 performs a third determination to determine whether a player who has been granted permission but is not currently playing the game has started playing the game.

[0184] Furthermore, the determination means 106 performs a fourth determination to determine whether or not it has received a notification request from a player to whom the authority has been set.

[0185] The notification means 112 is a functional means for notifying the player's terminal device 4 of various information. The terminal device 4 displays this information on the display 16A or outputs sound from the speaker 26. The various information includes, for example, that the player has been granted permission, that a request to join a group has been received from another player, that the player's permission has been revoked, and that there is a possibility that the player's permission may be revoked (warning).

[0186] The notification means 112 issues a warning to the player if the first determination by the determination means 106 is positive and the second determination is negative. In other words, the notification means 112 issues a notification (warning) to a player who has been granted permission if the period during which the player has not played the game is longer than the first predetermined period but less than the second predetermined period. A concrete example of this notification (warning) may be "Your permission will be revoked if you do not play the game within XX days." Furthermore, the notification means 112 may display this notification (warning) in a pop-up notification format on the display 16A of the terminal device 4.

[0187] Furthermore, the notification means 112 may issue a notification (warning) to the player if the first determination is positive, the second determination is negative, and the third determination is positive. In other words, the notification means 112 may issue a notification (warning) to the player when the player who has been granted permission has not played the game for a period of time greater than or equal to the first predetermined period but less than the second predetermined period, and the player starts playing the game.

[0188] Furthermore, the notification means 112 may issue a notification (warning) to the player if the first determination of the determination means 106 is a positive determination, the second determination is a negative determination, the third determination is a positive determination, and the fourth determination is a positive determination. In other words, the notification means 112 may issue a notification (warning) to the player if the player has requested a notification when the player starts playing the game while the period during which the authorized player has not played the game is greater than or equal to the first predetermined period but less than the second predetermined period.

[0189] The deactivation means 108 is a functional means that deactivates the privileges set on a player if the first determination is a positive determination and the second determination is also a positive determination. In other words, the deactivation means 108 deactivates the privileges if the period during which the player who has been granted privileges has not played the game is longer than the second predetermined period.

[0190] The extension means 110 extends the second predetermined period based on the result of the fourth determination. In other words, the extension means 110 extends at least the second predetermined period if the player has submitted a notification request. Preferably, the extension means 110 may extend the first predetermined period and the second predetermined period based on the result of the fourth determination. Even more preferably, the extension means 110 extends the second predetermined period, or extends the first predetermined period and the second predetermined period, if the fourth determination is an affirmative determination. However, even after the extension, the first predetermined period shall remain shorter than the second predetermined period.

[0191] <<Processing Flow>> An example of the process in the fourth embodiment will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 15. The order and content of the following steps may be changed as needed. Furthermore, steps SP102 to SP106 in Figure 15 are the same as steps SP2 to SP6 in Figure 5, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0192] (Step SP108) The setting means 76 sets permissions for the player. The notification means 112 also notifies the player's terminal device 4 that permissions have been set for the player. After step SP108 is completed, the process moves on to step SP110.

[0193] (Step SP110) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether the reception means 104 has received a notification request from the player (terminal device 4). If the notification request has been received, the process moves to step SP120; if the notification request has not been received, the process moves to step SP112. However, the process may also move to step SP112 or step SP120 only after the reception means 104 has received a join request from another player and a permission request from the player, the generation means 36 has organized the other player into a group, and the player has played the game.

[0194] Here, Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an application screen displayed on the display 16A of the player's terminal device 4, controlled by the display control means 46.

[0195] The input screen 122 shown in Figure 16 is a screen on which the player can submit a notification request, and is provided with an input section 124.

[0196] The input section 124 allows the player to input various pieces of information, such as language, game speed, effects, and push notifications. Language refers to the language displayed in the game (e.g., Japanese, English, Chinese). Game speed refers to the game's progression speed (e.g., slow, normal, fast). Effects allow the player to choose whether or not to display effects during gameplay. Push notifications, when turned ON, enable notification requests. In Figure 16, these pieces of information are presented as dropdown menus as an example.

[0197] Returning to Figure 15, if the notification request is accepted, the process moves to step SP120; if the notification request is not accepted, the process moves to step SP112. However, the process may also move to step SP112 or step SP120 only after the acceptance means 104 has received a request to join from another player and a request for permission from a player, the generation means 36 has organized the other player into a group, and the player has played the game.

[0198] (Step SP112) The player logs out of the game, or quits the game. After step SP112 is completed, the process moves on to step SP114.

[0199] (Step SP114) The determination means 106 makes a second determination to determine whether the period during which the player has not played the game is longer than a second predetermined period. If the result of the second determination is a positive determination, the process moves to step SP118; if the result of the second determination is a negative determination, the process moves to step SP116.

[0200] (Step SP116) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether the player logs in again or not. If the player logs in, the process ends; if the player does not log in, the process returns to step SP114.

[0201] (Step SP118) The release means 108 releases the privileges set on the player by the setting means 76 in step SP108. The notification means 112 also notifies the player's terminal device 4 that the privileges set on the player have been released. After step SP118 is completed, the process will terminate.

[0202] (Step SP120) The extension means 110 extends the first predetermined period and the second predetermined period. After step SP120 is completed, the process moves on to step SP122.

[0203] (Step SP122) The player logs out of the game, or quits the game. After step SP122 is completed, the process moves on to step SP124.

[0204] (Step SP124) The determination means 106 makes a first determination to determine whether the period during which the player has not played the game is longer than a first predetermined period. If the result of the first determination is positive, the process proceeds to step SP126; if the result of the second determination is negative, the process ends.

[0205] (Step SP126) The determination means 106 makes a second determination to determine whether the period during which the player has not played the game is longer than the second predetermined period. If the result of the second determination is a positive determination, the process proceeds to step SP132; if the result of the second determination is a negative determination, the process proceeds to step SP128.

[0206] (Step SP128) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether the player logs in again or not. If the player logs in, the process proceeds to step SP130; if the player does not log in, the process returns to step SP126.

[0207] (Step SP130) Notification means 112 notifies (warns) the player's terminal device 4 that the player's privileges may be revoked.

[0208] Here, Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a pop-up notification displayed on the display 16A of the player's terminal device 4.

[0209] In Figure 17, as an example, a pop-up notification 128 (warning) is displayed on the display screen 60 (see explanation for Figure 7) on the display 16A. The pop-up notification 128 contains the text, for example, "Notice" and "Your leader will be changed if you do not log in for more than 30 days." Returning to Figure 15, the process ends after step SP130 is completed.

[0210] (Step SP132) The release means 108 releases the privileges set on the player by the setting means 76 in step SP108. The notification means 112 also notifies the player's terminal device 4 that the privileges set on the player have been released. After step SP132 is completed, the process ends.

[0211] In this fourth embodiment, the authority described may be replaced with a status (that is, in the fourth embodiment, the setting means 76 may set a status and / or authority for the player).

[0212] ≪Effects≫ In the program according to the fourth embodiment, the computer (server device 102) functions as: execution means 34 for running the game; setting means 76 for setting a player's status in the game and / or the privileges they can perform in the game; determination means 106 for making a first determination of whether the period during which a player who has been given a status and / or privileges has not played the game is longer than a first predetermined period, and for making a second determination of whether the period during which the player has not played the game is longer than a second predetermined period, which is longer than the first predetermined period; notification means 112 for notifying the player if the first determination is positive and the second determination is negative; and release means 108 for releasing the status and / or privileges set for the player if the first determination is positive and the second determination is positive.

[0213] This configuration allows for notification to be given to the player before any status or / or privileges assigned to them are removed, thereby preventing the unreasonable removal of the player's status or / or privileges.

[0214] Furthermore, in the program according to the fourth embodiment, the determination means 106 further makes a third determination of whether a player who has status and / or authority set and is not playing the game has started playing the game, and the notification means 112 makes a notification if the first determination is a positive determination, the second determination is a negative determination, and the third determination is a positive determination.

[0215] This configuration allows for the prevention of players unreasonably losing their assigned status or / or privileges when they stop playing the game the next time they do, by notifying players who started playing the game before their status or / or privileges were revoked.

[0216] Furthermore, in the program according to the fourth embodiment, the computer is further made to function as a receiving means 104 that receives applications from players with set status and / or authority, the determination means 106 further performs a fourth determination of whether or not the receiving means 104 has accepted the application, and the notification means 112 makes a notification if the first determination is an affirmative determination, the second determination is a negative determination, the third determination is an affirmative determination, and the fourth determination is an affirmative determination.

[0217] This configuration allows for the unreasonable removal of a player's status and / or privileges by notifying the player who has submitted a notification request before their status and / or privileges are terminated.

[0218] Furthermore, in the program according to the fourth embodiment, the computer is further made to function as an extension means 110 that extends the second predetermined period based on the result of the fourth determination.

[0219] This configuration allows for the extension of a second prescribed period for players who have submitted a notification request, thereby preventing the unreasonable termination of the status and / or authority granted to a player.

[0220] Furthermore, in the program according to the fourth embodiment, the computer is further configured to function as a receiving means 104 that receives a request to create a group to which one or more players, including the above-mentioned player, belong, and a creation means 36 that creates the group for use in the game when the receiving means 104 receives a creation request, and the setting means 76 sets status and / or authority for the above-mentioned player when the receiving means 104 receives a creation request or when the creation means 36 creates a group.

[0221] This configuration allows for the granting of status and / or authority to players who request the creation of a group, thereby increasing the motivation for each player to create a group.

[0222] ===Literal translation=== It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples. That is, designs modified by those skilled in the art to the above-described examples are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. Furthermore, the elements of the embodiments described above and the modifications described later can be combined to the extent that it is technically possible, and combinations thereof are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention.

[0223] For example, in each embodiment, the explanation was based on the premise that a player who made a group creation request would be assigned a status (party leader or guild master). However, for example, if there are multiple players within the same group, it may be possible to assign different types of statuses to some or all of these players. Furthermore, if multiple types of status exist in this manner, it is also possible to assign a hierarchy (ranking, superiority / inferiority) to these multiple types of status. Specific examples of multiple types of positions include party leader and sub-leader, or guild master and sub-master. Furthermore, the conditions for assigning different types of positions to players may vary. For example, positions such as party leader or guild master may be assigned to the player who made the group creation request, while positions such as sub-leader or sub-master may be assigned to players appointed by the player who holds the party leader or guild master position. Furthermore, as illustrated in the first embodiment, if authority is linked to status and authority is granted to a player when a status is assigned to that player, the authority linked to each of the multiple types of status may be different from one another. Specifically, higher-ranking statuses may be associated with stronger authority, or higher-ranking statuses may be associated with authority with a broader scope. Furthermore, regardless of the position, the authority will be revoked (or the authority will be made unexecutable) as described in each embodiment. However, for lower-ranking positions, the length of each period (predetermined period, fixed period, first predetermined period, second predetermined period) may be set longer when determining each period using the determination means described in each embodiment. Specifically, for superior positions (such as party leader or guild master), the predetermined period, fixed period, and second predetermined period in each embodiment may be set to 30 days each, and for lower-ranking positions (such as sub-leader or sub-master), the predetermined period, fixed period, and second predetermined period in each embodiment may be set to 60 days each.

[0224] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, a specific example of the predetermined condition was explained as being that the period during which a player with assigned status does not play the game is longer than a predetermined period (for example, 30 days). Alternatively, the total period during which a player is logged out (including both continuous and intermittent patterns) within a certain period (longer than the predetermined period) may be considered to be equal to or greater than the predetermined period. In other words, if a player is not playing the game intermittently (for example, repeatedly logging in and logging out), this total period may be equal to or greater than the predetermined period. The same applies to the determination by the determination means 78 in step SP52 of the second embodiment described above, and to the second determination by the determination means 106 in steps SP114 and SP126 of the fourth embodiment described above (however, in the fourth embodiment, the above-mentioned "predetermined period" is referred to as the "second predetermined period").

[0225] Furthermore, the determination means 40 in the first embodiment, the determination means 78 in the second embodiment, and the determination means 106 in the third embodiment are used to make determinations regarding periods when the player is not playing the game. Alternatively, you can do the following: First, the system further includes a means (not shown) for awarding points to a group based on a predetermined action taken by the group in the game, and / or a predetermined activity performed by each player belonging to the group in the game. These points are stored in the storage means 30, linked to the group ID. Then, each determination means performs one of the following processes A to C. A: Determine whether the points awarded to the group by the awarding means as a result of a designated player performing a designated activity during a designated period (referred to as the "third designated period" for convenience) are less than or equal to the first designated value. B: In the third predetermined period, a determination is made as to whether the points awarded to the group by the awarding means for performing the predetermined activities as a group are less than or equal to the second predetermined value. C: When a group is created, the granting means grants the group a third predetermined value of points, and when the group satisfies a predetermined condition (referred to as the "first predetermined condition" for convenience), the granting means deducts those points. In this case, a determination is made as to whether the points granted to the group have become less than or equal to a fourth predetermined value (which is less than the third predetermined value). Furthermore, in any of the above A to C judgments, the processing by other functional means when the judgment means makes an affirmative or negative judgment shall be the same as the processing described in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the fourth embodiment, respectively. As an alternative example A1 of the above A, the following may also be used (however, it is a necessary condition that there are other players besides Player I in the group to which Player I belongs). A1: Compare the points awarded to the group by the awarding means for performing the prescribed activities during the third prescribed period among all players belonging to the group, and determine whether the points of a player who has been assigned a status or authority are in the prescribed rank (or below the prescribed rank).

[0226] Furthermore, in step SP30 of the first embodiment, the setting means 38 sets the same status that was set for one player (hereinafter referred to as the "first player") to another player belonging to the same group as the first player (for convenience, referred to as the "second player"). In this case, the setting means 38 may randomly select the second player whose status is to be set from among the players belonging to the same group as the first player, or it may determine the second player based on a predetermined indicator. The specified indicators may include, for example, the length of time spent playing the game (e.g., players with longer play times are given priority), or / or player rank (e.g., players with higher ranks are given priority). Furthermore, if there are multiple types of status as described above, the indicator may be status (e.g., players with higher statuses are given priority). Alternatively, if points are awarded to a group for performing a specified action as described above, the indicator may be the number of times the specified action was performed and / or the duration of that action (e.g., players with a higher number of such actions and / or durations are given priority). Alternatively, instead of forcibly assigning a status to the second player, the second player may be given the option to accept or reject the assignment of a status to themselves, and the status may be assigned to the second player only if they accept it. Alternatively, if the second player refuses, the third player may be assigned the status if they belong to the same group as the first and second players. In this case, the third player may be given the option to accept or refuse the assignment of the status to themselves. Furthermore, if the third player refuses, the same process as described above may be repeated. If no other player belonging to the same group can be assigned the status besides the first player, the status may be reset to the first player. Alternatively, the reception means 32 may accept nominations for the setting of a new player's status from other players in the same group when the status of one player is terminated, and the setting means 38 may select a player to whom the status will be set from among the nominated players.

[0227] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the suspension period refers to the period during which the release means 42 does not perform a release. Alternatively, the suspension period may be defined as a period during which the second determination by determination means 40 is not performed. Furthermore, if a player who has submitted a suspension request logs in a predetermined number of times during the suspension period, a process may be executed (for example, by the cancellation means 42) to automatically withdraw the suspension request of that player. Alternatively, the determination means 40 may perform a second determination regardless of the suspension period. However, the specified number of times mentioned above may be one or more. Note that if the specified number of times is multiple (for example, five times), one player can check on the group's activities during the break period, which increases convenience. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a system for accepting requests from a player to set a suspension period. In that case, the suspension period may be counted from the time the acceptance means 32 receives the suspension request, and the length of the suspension period may be predetermined (for example, 60 days). In that case, the length of the suspension period may be stored in the storage means 30.

[0228] Furthermore, the term "position" in the first embodiment and related modifications may be replaced with "authority."

[0229] Furthermore, in steps SP60 to SP64 of the second embodiment, when one player logs in again (starts playing the game), regardless of the period during which they were logged out (not playing the game), the privileges of other players are revoked and the first player can exercise those privileges again. Alternatively, in step SP56, the system may change whether or not to enable the privilege when a player starts playing the game, depending on the length of time a player has not played the game since the privilege became unexecutable. Similarly, the system may change whether or not to perform the procedure to enable the privilege. For example, if a player starts playing the game within the fourth predetermined period after the execution of privileges becomes impossible in step SP56, then steps SP62 (revoke privileges for other players) and SP64 (grant privileges to one player) are executed unconditionally. The fourth predetermined period may be, for example, 30 days. In this case, if the predetermined period determined in step SP52 is 30 days, the total period from when a player logs out will be 60 days. Then, if a player starts playing the game during the fourth predetermined period or longer but less than the fifth predetermined period (provided that the length of the fourth predetermined period is less than the length of the fifth predetermined period), the other players who were granted permission will grant permission, and the processes of steps SP62 and SP64 will be executed. Specifically, the terminal device 4 of other players will display a screen with a message such as, "Guild Master XX (Player 1) has logged in. Do you want to return the Guild Master privileges to Player 1?" and a screen allowing them to select "Allow" or "Deny" (these may be combined into a single screen). Additionally, a "Hold" button may be added to the "Allow" or "Deny" screen, allowing Player 1 and other players to communicate via chat or other means to discuss the handling of the privileges. The fifth prescribed period may be, for example, 60 days (if the prescribed period determined in step SP52 is 30 days, the total will be 90 days). Furthermore, if a player starts playing the game within the specified period, steps SP62 and SP64 will not be performed. In this case, another player can separately apply for a transfer of authority, and steps SP62 and SP64 will be executed. It is preferable that the determinations regarding each of the above-mentioned periods be made by the determination means 78. Furthermore, in the second embodiment and related modifications, authority may be replaced with status.

[0230] Furthermore, in step SP28 of the first embodiment, or step SP54 of the second embodiment, if the determination means 40 or 78 determines a negative result (no other players), the release means 42 or 82 may delete the group itself. In this case, the group information relating to the group included in the player information 30A of each player is deleted.

[0231] Furthermore, according to steps SP84 and SP90 of the third embodiment, when the player logs in, the notification means 100 notifies the player's terminal device 4 that a certain period has been extended. Regarding this, instead of notifying the player every time they start playing the game (log in), the notification may be sent once every predetermined number of times the player performs an action to start playing the game (e.g., logging in), and the frequency of this notification may be set by the player. Alternatively, the notification may be sent only if a sixth predetermined period (e.g., 2 or 3 days) or more has passed between the time the player stops playing the game and when they start playing the game again (e.g., when they log out and then log in).

[0232] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, it is stated that the extension means 98 extends a certain period of time. In this regard, the length of the extended period (hereinafter referred to as the "extended period") may be fixed or variable. A specific example of the variable period is explained below. In the modification example already described above, the length of the extension period may be changed according to the merits of a predetermined activity in a player group (when the group is a guild, guild battles, addition of new guild members, etc.). For example, the greater the merit, the longer the extension period may be (if the merit is less than the fifth predetermined value, it may be 30 days; if it is greater than or equal to the fifth predetermined value and less than the sixth predetermined value, it may be 60 days; if it is greater than or equal to the sixth predetermined value, it may be 90 days, etc. However, the fifth predetermined value < the sixth predetermined value). Also, the length of the extension period may be changed according to the length of the period during which a status or authority is set for the player until the extension means 98 performs the process of extending a certain period. For example, the longer the period during which a status or authority is set for the player, the longer the extension period may be (if the period during which a status or authority is set for the player is less than the seventh predetermined period, it may be 30 days; if it is greater than or equal to the seventh predetermined period and less than the eighth predetermined period, it may be 60 days; if it is greater than or equal to the eighth predetermined period, it may be 90 days, etc.). Also, the length of the extension period may be changed according to the group points already described in the modification example. For example, the more points the group to which a player with a set status or authority belongs has, the shorter the extension period may be (if the points are less than the seventh predetermined value (small group), it may be 60 days; if they are greater than or equal to the seventh predetermined value and less than the eighth predetermined value (medium group), it may be 30 days; if they are greater than or equal to the eighth predetermined value (upper group), it may be 10 days, etc. However, the seventh predetermined value < the eighth predetermined value). By setting it in this way, the larger the group, the shorter the period during which a player with a status or authority can refrain from playing the game (abandon the group), so the operation of the group becomes smoother. Also, for example, the setting means 94 may set a level (e.g., guild level) for the group and store it in the storage means 30 as part of the group information, and the above-mentioned "points" may be replaced with this "level". Note that this level may be calculated based on elements such as the number of players belonging to the group and / or the points given to the group.

[0233] Also, in each embodiment, instead of the phrases "not playing the game" and "starting to play the game", it may be "not playing using a group in the game" and "starting to play using a group in the game".

Explanation of Signs

[0234] 2, 72, 92, 102: Server device, 32, 74, 104: Reception means, 34: Execution means, 36: Generation means, 38, 76, 94: Setting means, 40, 78, 96, 106: Judgment means, 42, 82, 108: Release means, 80: Switching means, 44, 84, 98, 110: Extension means, 100, 112: Notification means

Claims

1. Computers, A means of executing a game, Setting means for assigning status to the players of the aforementioned game, A request to create a group to which one or more players, including the aforementioned player, belong, and a means for receiving an application from the aforementioned player to not revoke the aforementioned status. When the receiving means receives the generation request, a generation means generates the group so that it can be used in the game. A determination means that performs a first determination as to whether the reception means has accepted the application, and a second determination as to whether the period during which the player who has been assigned the status has not played the game is longer than a predetermined period. If the first determination is a negative determination and the second determination is a positive determination, a release means for releasing the status set for the player, To make it function as program.

2. The setting means sets the status of the player when the receiving means receives the generation request or when the generation means generates the group. The program according to claim 1.

3. When the release means releases the status set for the player, the setting means sets the status for another player belonging to the same group as the player. The program according to claim 2.

4. An execution means for executing a game, A setting means for assigning a status to the player of the aforementioned game, A means for receiving requests to create a group to which one or more players, including the aforementioned player, belong, and a means for receiving requests from the aforementioned player to not revoke the aforementioned status, When the receiving means receives the generation request, the generating means generates the group so that it can be used in the game, A determination means that performs a first determination as to whether the reception means has accepted the application, and a second determination as to whether the period during which the player who has been assigned the status has not played the game is longer than a predetermined period, If the first determination is a negative determination and the second determination is a positive determination, the release means for releasing the status set for the player, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

Images