Game delivery server, game delivery system, game delivery method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a game server, game system, game method, and program that can encourage users to participate in the lottery even if the desired pick-up item is not available in the lottery during the event period, by retaining points corresponding to the number of times the user has drawn a lottery as accumulated points, even after the lottery period has ended. [Solution] A game provision server that provides a game to a user's terminal, in which a lottery is implemented whose content is updated each time a lottery is held, and comprises a granting unit 131 that updates the accumulated points, which are the cumulative points added each time a lottery is accepted, a control unit 132 that causes the granting unit 131 to update the accumulated points when a lottery is accepted from the user terminal, and a storage unit 120 that stores the accumulated points, wherein the control unit 132 does not reset the accumulated points even when the lottery period ends and the content of the lottery is updated in a new period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a game providing server, a game providing system, a game providing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of online games, especially in the so-called social games, a content called so-called gacha (lottery) is known. As an example, in gacha, by drawing with a paid virtual currency or the like as a price, a lottery result is output, and so-called digital contents such as characters that can be used in the game corresponding to the lottery result and items for promoting the game advantageously are provided to the user of the game.

[0003] In such gacha, an event such as a pickup gacha in which a lottery target of a hit called a pickup target is set may be held for a limited period. The pickup target is one or more selected from the lottery targets of the gacha, and in a normal gacha, the discharge rate (winning rate) is usually extremely low. In the pickup gacha, the discharge rate of the lottery target set for the pickup target is provided to the user in a state where it is higher than normal. Therefore, it has a feature that it is easy to attract gacha to users who want to obtain the pickup target.

[0004] In addition, in many games, a mechanism called a "ceiling system" is introduced for the purpose of preventing excessive arousal of the user's gambling mentality and guaranteeing a certain price to a user who has made a large amount of charges. This is, for example, a mechanism for definitely discharging rare characters and items that are pickup targets to a user who has performed a predetermined number of lotteries. Each time the user performs a lottery, the number of lottery times up to a predetermined number (so-called ceiling) is consumed, and when the consumption reaches the predetermined number, the pickup target is given by the lottery.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a game in which players can purchase items by spending a predetermined currency within the game. Furthermore, the form of item charging is not limited to a sales method in which players (users) can individually specify and purchase desired items or other objects, but also includes cases where objects selected by lottery are given to the user (so-called "gacha"). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-008988 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, with conventional pity systems, when the lottery period ended, the featured characters for the lottery would change, and the number of attempts a user had accumulated up to the pity limit would be reset. As a result, if a user did not find the featured character set as the pity limit appealing during the lottery period, they would hesitate to participate in the lottery even if they wanted other characters that could be obtained.

[0008] Therefore, this disclosure aims to provide a game server, game system, game method, and program that can encourage users to participate in the lottery even if there are no desired pick-up items in the lottery during the event period, by retaining points corresponding to the number of times the user has drawn a lottery as accumulated points, even after the lottery period has ended. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A game provision server according to the first aspect of this disclosure is a game provision server that provides a game to a user terminal used by a user, in which a lottery is implemented whose content is updated each time the lottery is accepted, and comprises: an awarding unit that updates accumulated points which are the accumulation of points added each time the lottery is accepted; a control unit that, when the lottery is accepted from the user terminal, causes the awarding unit to update the accumulated points; and a storage unit that stores the accumulated points, wherein the control unit does not initialize the accumulated points even when the lottery's holding period ends and the content of the lottery is updated in a new holding period.

[0010] A game provision system according to a second aspect of this disclosure is a game provision server that provides a game to a user terminal used by a user, in which a lottery is implemented whose content is updated each time the lottery is accepted, and comprises: an awarding unit that updates accumulated points which are the accumulation of points added each time the lottery is accepted; a control unit that, when the lottery is accepted from the user terminal, causes the awarding unit to update the accumulated points; and a storage unit that stores the accumulated points, wherein the control unit does not initialize the accumulated points even when the lottery's holding period ends and the content of the lottery is updated in a new holding period.

[0011] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a game provision method in which a computer provides a game to a user terminal used by a user, in which a lottery is implemented whose content is updated for each event period, the method comprising: an awarding step of updating accumulated points, which are accumulated points stored in a memory unit and added each time the lottery is accepted; and a control step of updating the accumulated points in the awarding step when the lottery is accepted from the user terminal, wherein the control step does not initialize the accumulated points even when the event period for the lottery ends and the content of the lottery is updated for a new event period.

[0012] A program relating to a fourth aspect of this disclosure is a game provision server that provides a computer to a user terminal used by a user, a game in which a lottery is implemented whose content is updated each time the lottery is accepted, the program comprising: a granting unit that updates accumulated points which are the accumulation of points added each time the lottery is accepted; a control unit that, when the lottery is accepted from the user terminal, causes the granting unit to update the accumulated points; and a storage unit that stores the accumulated points, wherein the control unit does not initialize the accumulated points even when the lottery's holding period ends and the content of the lottery is updated in a new holding period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to each of the embodiments described above, even after the lottery period has ended, the points corresponding to the number of times the user has drawn a lottery are retained as accumulated points, thereby incentivizing the user to participate in the lottery even if the desired pick-up item is not available in the lottery during the period.

[0014] It should be noted that the above summary of disclosures does not enumerate all the necessary features of this disclosure. Furthermore, subcombinations of these features may also constitute an invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] A schematic example of the configuration of the game provision system 1 on which the game provision server 100 operates is shown below. [Figure 2] A schematic example of the functional configuration of game server 100 is shown below. [Figure 3] This diagram outlines an example of the exchange request processing flow for game server 100. [Figure 4] An example of a point award rate table 710 stored in the memory unit 120 of the game provision server 100 is shown schematically. [Figure 5] A schematic example of a user information table 720 stored in the memory unit 120 of the game provision server 100 is shown below. [Figure 6]Schematically shows an example of the replaceable notification screen 730 of the game providing server 100. [Figure 7] Schematically shows an example of the expiration notification screen 740 of the game providing server 100. [Figure 8] Schematically shows an example of the hardware configuration of the computer 900.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described through embodiments of the invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Also, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of the configuration of a game providing system 1 in which the game providing server 100 operates. The game providing system 1 includes a game providing server 100 and user terminals 200, which are connected via a NW. The game providing system 1 provides a gacha system as part of the content of the online game and social game to the user terminals 200 by the game providing server 100.

[0018] The game providing server 100 provides functions of an online game and a lottery (so-called gacha) provided as content in the game to the user terminals 200.

[0019] The game providing server 100 is a server composed of one or more computers managed by the game operator. The game providing server 100 executes all information processing necessary for game operation, such as game progress, user data management, billing processing, and lottery and associated point management, which are the main parts of this embodiment. The game providing server 100 transmits game scenario data, character data, data of other users, etc. in response to requests from the user terminals 200, receives the play results of the game (operation history, item acquisition, character growth, etc.) transmitted from the user terminals 200, and updates the user database.

[0020] The user terminal 200 is an information processing terminal used by a user to play a game. For example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, a home game console, etc. are assumed. A dedicated client application for playing the game is installed on the user terminal 200, or a web browser is installed. The user experiences the game world through the game screen displayed on the user terminal 200 and operates the character via an input device such as a touch panel or a controller. The user terminal 200 communicates with the game providing server 100 periodically or as needed, and progresses the game while synchronizing the game state. When the user performs an operation to execute a lottery within the game, the user terminal 200 sends a request to execute the lottery to the game providing server 100. Then, it receives information on the lottery result and cumulative points from the game providing server 100 and displays the content on the screen.

[0021] FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of the functional configuration of the game providing server 100. The game providing server 100 provides a game in which a lottery with updated content is implemented for each holding period to the user terminal 200 used by the user. The game providing server 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a processing unit 130.

[0022] The communication unit 110 exchanges information with the user terminal 200 via a network.

[0023] The processing unit 130 performs processing related to the overall operation of the game system. The processing unit 130 includes an awarding unit 131, a control unit 132, an exchange reception unit 133, a display unit 134, and a privilege awarding unit 135.

[0024] The awarding unit 131 updates the cumulative points, which are the accumulation of points added each time a lottery is received. The cumulative points are held for each user and are points used for picking up a target or exchanging with an arbitrary character by the user's operation. The cumulative points may have an expiration date set in advance.

[0025] Accumulated points can be used across all draws during the event period. "Drawings during the event period" may refer to the period between a draw in which points were earned and another draw held concurrently with that draw. It may also refer to the period between a draw in which points were earned and another draw held after the end of the event period for that draw.

[0026] Accumulated points may be usable across other games operated by the organization that runs the game in question. Accumulated points may also be real goods, etc., provided outside of the game in question. Accumulated points may be used in place of in-game virtual currency (such as stones) to directly conduct raffles.

[0027] The exchange reception unit 133 executes the exchange with the selected item and updates the accumulated points consumed in the exchange. The exchange reception unit 133 may also execute the exchange with any character and update the accumulated points consumed in the exchange.

[0028] Accumulated points are deducted each time an exchange is made, for each draw, by the amount of accumulated points required to exchange for the featured item corresponding to the winning slot in the draw. Accumulated points are deducted each time an exchange is made, for each draw, by the amount of accumulated points required to exchange for any character corresponding to the winning slot in the draw.

[0029] The display unit 134 displays the exchangeable items on the user terminal 200 based on the user's accumulated points. The display unit 134 may also display the expiration date on the user terminal 200. The display unit 134 may also display the amount of accumulated points required for the exchange along with the expiration date.

[0030] The reward granting unit 135 grants rewards to the user.

[0031] The reward could be a so-called general-purpose enhancement item that allows players to strengthen any character or equipment usable in the game by increasing its level cap, without any restrictions on type. The reward could also be an evolution material item used for level cap increases in the game. The reward could also be something like a so-called select ticket that allows the user to specify the type of character or equipment usable in the game and exchange it for.

[0032] The reward may be a lottery ticket (or similar) that allows only the recipient of the reward to participate in a limited-time draw (such as a gacha). The reward may also be an exclusive skin that includes customizable backgrounds, characters, and other elements that can be applied to the user within the game.

[0033] The reward may include access to exclusive content offered within the game, such as high-difficulty dungeons or high-efficiency dungeons. The reward may also include the ability to hide advertisements provided within the game. This hiding of advertisements may be permanent.

[0034] The rewards may be so-called "paid gems" provided for a fee through external payment within the game. Such paid gems obtained through external payment may differ in form from paid gems obtained through in-platform purchases. For example, if paid gems obtained through in-platform purchases are blue, paid gems obtained through external payment may be red. Such paid gems obtained through external payment may be usable for the same purposes as paid gems obtained through in-platform purchases, or they may be usable for exclusive purposes that are not possible with paid gems obtained through in-platform purchases.

[0035] When the control unit 132 receives a lottery entry from the user terminal 200, it instructs the awarding unit 131 to update the accumulated points. The control unit 132 does not reset the accumulated points even if the lottery period ends and the lottery details are updated for a new period.

[0036] When the control unit 132 receives a request from the user terminal 200 to exchange an item to be picked up, it instructs the exchange acceptance unit 133 to perform the exchange of the item to be picked up. The control unit 132 also instructs the awarding unit 131 to change the point awarding rate relative to the number of times the lottery is performed, according to the content of the lottery during the event period.

[0037] The point accrual rate for the number of draws may be such that, for example, 1 point is awarded each time a user draws a lottery. Alternatively, the point accrual rate for the number of draws may be such that, for example, 15 points are awarded each time a user performs a 10-draw lottery (a so-called 10-draw gacha).

[0038] Based on accumulated points, the control unit 132 causes the display unit 134 to display an exchangeable notification indicating that the points can be exchanged for a featured item during the lottery held during the event period. The display unit 134 may also display an exchangeable notification indicating that the points can be exchanged for any character instead of a featured item.

[0039] When the notification period, which is a pre-set grace period until the expiration date, arrives, the control unit 132 displays the expiration date of the accumulated points on the display unit 134.

[0040] The notification period may be a predetermined number of hours, days, etc. For example, if the notification period is 3 days, the control unit 132 will display the expiration date on the display unit 134 when there are 3 days remaining until the expiration date.

[0041] The period until the expiration date of accumulated points may vary depending on the type of lottery. For example, the expiration period of accumulated points may be shorter for the portion of points awarded at the beginning of a particular lottery period than for the portion of points awarded at the end of that lottery period. In this case, the expiration dates of points awarded at the beginning and end of a particular lottery period may be set to expire on the same day, for example.

[0042] The period until the expiration date of accumulated points may be set shorter for lotteries that are analyzed from past statistics to be likely to be popular among users. Conversely, the period until the expiration date of accumulated points may be set longer for lotteries that are analyzed from past statistics to be unlikely to be popular among users.

[0043] A gacha with accumulated points that have a long expiration period may be set up for a period prior to a lottery that is analyzed from past statistics to be likely to be popular among users. This way, even if the lottery is analyzed to be unlikely to be popular, it is possible to attract users who are interested in accumulated points with a long expiration period to the gacha.

[0044] The expiration date of accumulated points may be updated to the same expiration date for all accumulated points at once, based on when the accumulated points were last awarded. Alternatively, the expiration date update may be performed by adding a certain period to the original expiration date of each accumulated point.

[0045] The control unit 132 instructs the reward granting unit 135 to grant a reward when the user meets the granting conditions. The granting conditions include the number of times accumulated points have been carried over to the lottery being held.

[0046] The number of times points are carried over may be counted as one when, for example, a user holds onto accumulated points (points earned by participating in a lottery during the event period) without using them during that period, until the next lottery period. The number of times points are carried over may also be counted as one time when, for example, the period from the end of the provision period for the first lottery process until the start of the second lottery process in which points can be used is counted as one time.

[0047] The granting conditions may include a threshold for the amount of accumulated points carried over, in addition to the number of times points have been carried over. For example, the granting conditions may be that the number of times points have been carried over spans three lottery periods, and the accumulated points carried over are 3000 or more.

[0048] This allows us to offer users a new value proposition to the lottery, specifically a lottery where the awarded accumulated points have a long validity period. This creates a strategic element for users, as they must efficiently exchange their accumulated points for their desired items within the validity period, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

[0049] When the control unit 132 receives a request from the user terminal 200 to exchange any character, it instructs the exchange reception unit 133 to perform the exchange of the desired character.

[0050] The memory unit 120 stores the accumulated points. For each draw, the memory unit 120 stores the required points, which are the amount of accumulated points that can be exchanged for a pick-up target corresponding to the winning slot in the draw. For each draw, the memory unit 120 stores the required points, which are the amount of accumulated points that can be exchanged for any character usable in the game.

[0051] The memory unit 120 stores information about the expiration date, which is the deadline for exchanging a pickup target with accumulated points. The memory unit 120 also stores information about the expiration date, which is the deadline for exchanging any character with accumulated points. The memory unit 120 also stores the granting conditions, which are the conditions for granting a reward to the user.

[0052] The memory unit 120 stores the required points, which are the amount of accumulated points that can be exchanged for any character.

[0053] Figure 3 schematically shows an example of the exchange request processing flow of the game provision server 100. The exchange request processing is the process related to the management and exchange of accumulated points. The start state of the exchange request processing is assumed to be when the user opens the game's lottery screen on the user terminal 200.

[0054] In step S102, the control unit 132 determines whether or not it has received a request to execute the lottery. The control unit 132 determines whether or not it has received a request to execute the lottery from the user terminal 200. If the control unit 132 has not received a request to execute the lottery from the user terminal 200, the process returns to S102. If the control unit 132 determines that it has received a request to execute the lottery from the user terminal 200, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0055] In step S103, the awarding unit 131 updates the accumulated points. The control unit 132 issues an instruction to the awarding unit 131, and the awarding unit 131 refers to the award rate table 710 according to the type and number of draws performed. The awarding unit 131 calculates the number of points to be awarded and adds it to the user's accumulated points to update them. The accumulated points are stored in the user information table 720.

[0056] In step S104, the control unit 132 determines whether the current accumulated points can be exchanged for any of the exchangeable items. The control unit 132 determines whether the current accumulated points can be exchanged for any of the exchangeable items. If the control unit 132 determines that the current accumulated points can be exchanged for any of the exchangeable items, the process proceeds to step S105. If the control unit 132 determines that the current accumulated points cannot be exchanged for any of the exchangeable items, the process returns to step S104.

[0057] In step S105, the control unit 132 displays a replaceable notification. The control unit 132 issues an instruction to the display unit 134, and the display unit 134 transmits data to the user terminal 200 to display a replaceable notification indicating that the part can be replaced.

[0058] In step S106, the control unit 132 determines whether or not it has accepted the exchange request. The control unit 132 determines whether or not it has received a request from the user terminal 200 to perform an exchange with a specific target. If the control unit 132 determines that it has received a request from the user terminal 200 to perform an exchange with a specific target, the process proceeds to step S107. If the control unit 132 determines that it has not received a request from the user terminal 200 to perform an exchange with a specific target, the process returns to step S106.

[0059] In step S107, the control unit 132 performs the exchange. The control unit 132 issues an instruction to the exchange reception unit 133, and the exchange reception unit 133 performs the exchange process, such as adding the requested exchange item to the user's owned data.

[0060] In step S108, the exchange acceptance unit 133 updates the accumulated points. The exchange acceptance unit 133 deducts the required points for the exchange from the user's accumulated points and updates them, then stores the result in the storage unit 120. This completes the series of exchange processes, and this flow ends.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the game provision server 100 described above, even after the lottery period has ended, the points corresponding to the number of times the user has drawn a lottery are retained as accumulated points, thereby inviting the user to draw a lottery even if the user's desired pick-up item is not available in the lottery during the period.

[0062] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the game provision server 100 described above, the control unit 132 displays the expiration date of the accumulated points on the display unit 134 when the notification period, which is a pre-set grace period until the expiration date, arrives. This allows the control unit 132 to entice users to participate in the lottery each time the notification period arrives, so that they can accumulate enough accumulated points to redeem any of the exchangeable items within the expiration date of the accumulated points.

[0063] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the game provision server 100 described above, the control unit 132 can instruct the awarding unit 131 to change the point awarding rate relative to the number of times the lottery is performed, depending on the content of the lottery during the event period. For example, by increasing the awarding rate for lotteries that are not popular for the featured items, it is possible to encourage users to participate in the lottery.

[0064] Figure 4 schematically shows an example of a point award rate table 710 stored in the memory unit 120 of the game provision server 100. The award rate table 710 is a table that defines the point award rate for each lottery event. This table has at least the following columns (items): "Event Period", "Lottery Type", "Number of Executions", and "Points Awarded".

[0065] The "Event Period" specifies the period during which the lottery is valid (e.g., "2025 / 9 / 1 - 2025 / 9 / 30").

[0066] The "Draw Type" field stores an identifier (e.g., "Gacha A", "Gacha B").

[0067] The "Number of Executions" field is set to the number of times the lottery, which serves as the unit for awarding points, has been executed (e.g., "1 time", "10 times").

[0068] The "Points Awarded" column contains the number of points awarded for each execution count described above. When the awarding unit 131 of the game provision server 100 receives a lottery execution request from a user, it refers to this table based on the current date, the requested lottery type, and the number of execution counts, and determines the number of points to be awarded. The control unit 132 can flexibly control the point awarding rate by changing the contents of this table for each event.

[0069] Figure 5 schematically shows an example of a user information table 720 stored in the memory unit 120 of the game provision server 100. The user information table 720 is a core table for managing point information for each user. This table has a "User ID" as its primary key to uniquely identify a user, and has at least columns such as "Points," "Expiration Date," and "Accumulated Points."

[0070] This table may be configured so that a record is added for each lottery in which points are earned. In that case, "Points" will record the number of points earned in that lottery. "Expiration Date" will record the date on which the points expire (e.g., "20251001").

[0071] When using points, a so-called FIFO (First-In, First-Out) method may be adopted, in which points are consumed in order from the oldest expiration date.

[0072] "Accumulated points" is the total value of valid points currently held by the user, and is calculated by summing the "points" of all records in this table, or by keeping the latest total value in a separate column. The control unit 132 refers to these "accumulated points" to determine whether or not they are redeemable. This table configuration enables each function of this embodiment, such as point carryover across events, flexible award rate setting, and expiration date management.

[0073] Figure 6 schematically shows an example of an exchangeable notification screen 730 stored in the memory unit 120 of the game provision server 100. This is an example of how the exchangeable notification screen 730 is displayed. This notification is displayed when the user's accumulated points reach the required number of points to be exchanged for a certain item.

[0074] The exchangeable notification screen 730 is displayed as a pop-up window on the game's main screen and is designed to effectively attract the user's attention. The exchangeable notification screen 730 displays user information such as "Username: Yoshida Level: 52" to clearly indicate that the notification is addressed to the user. The message reads, "The following characters are available for exchange based on accumulated points," and below that, the exchangeable characters such as "Character A," "Character B," etc., are listed.

[0075] This notification allows users to know that their accumulated points have reached the limit.

[0076] Figure 7 schematically shows an example of an expiration date notification screen 740 stored in the memory unit 120 of the game provision server 100. This is an example of how the expiration date notification screen 740 is displayed. This notification is displayed when some of the accumulated points held by the user are nearing their expiration date. Similar to the exchangeable notification screen 730, it can be displayed as a pop-up on the game screen.

[0077] The expiration notification screen 740 displays a warning message stating, "The expiration date of your accumulated points is approaching," to alert the user. Furthermore, it clearly indicates which points will expire and by when. For example, it displays "Until 20251001 > 1000 points" and "Until 20251101 > 2000 points," showing the date and the number of points that will expire.

[0078] This encourages users to exchange their points or participate in additional draws to aim for other exchange items before they go to waste. This is expected to prevent points from accumulating and stimulate the in-game economy.

[0079] (Other Embodiment 1) In another embodiment, the points that the awarding unit 131 adds each time a lottery is accepted may include both unlimited common points and limited-time points that are valid only during a specific period or event.

[0080] Both common points and limited-time points may be awarded each time a lottery is held. Alternatively, either common points or limited-time points may be awarded each time a lottery is held, depending on specific conditions. These specific conditions may include, for example, that the lottery was held during the event period.

[0081] Events may include limited-time raid battles and scenarios held within the game, as well as limited-time real-world events such as concerts and fan festivals related to the game. Accumulated points may be kept separately as common points and limited-time points.

[0082] A "limited-time" point can be a specific period that can be designated in advance, such as a specific number of days, a specific month, or a specific time from the date of issuance. Between common points and limited-time points, when points are used, limited-time points may be used first.

[0083] (Another Embodiment 2) In another embodiment, the points added by the awarding unit 131 each time a lottery is accepted may include multiple types of points. These multiple types of points may include collaboration points awarded in lotteries during collaboration events, festival points awarded in lotteries during festival events, and regular points awarded when neither collaboration events nor festival events are being held.

[0084] Regular points, collaboration points, and festival points may be exchangeable with each other. Point exchange may be such that, for example, if a user wants to exchange 1 festival point, 1.2 regular points that the user already possesses are consumed.

[0085] <Basic Computer Configuration> Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 900 that functions as a game provision system 1, a game provision server 100, and a user terminal 200. The computer 900 has a control unit 901, a storage unit 902, a communication unit 903, an input unit 904, and an output unit 905. The control unit 901, storage unit 902, communication unit 903, input unit 904, and output unit 905 are electrically connected to each other via a communication bus 910.

[0086] The control unit 901 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit, also called a processor) and controls various parts of the computer 900, as well as reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 902.

[0087] The memory unit 902 includes a main memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and an auxiliary memory such as a hard disk, and is a device for storing various programs for running the operating system and various applications of the computer 900, as well as data used by these programs. The processes shown in the flowcharts described above are realized by the control units 901 of each computer constituting the game provision system 1, the game provision server 100, and the user terminal 200 executing the programs stored in their respective memory units 902.

[0088] The communication unit 903 is a device for communicating with external devices and sends and receives data according to instructions from the control unit 901. Each computer constituting the game provision system 1, the game provision server 100, and the user terminal 200 uses this communication unit 903 to communicate with other devices, including the network NW shown in Figure 1.

[0089] The input unit 904 is a device that receives input from an external source and supplies it to the control unit 901, and includes, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, and camera. The output unit 905 is a device that outputs the processing results of the control unit 901 to the outside, and includes, for example, a display and speaker.

[0090] <Program> Here, we will describe the programs for realizing each functional unit of the game provision system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0091] The game provision system 1 is implemented in the computer 900. The operation of each component of the game provision system 1 is stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory unit 902 in the form of a program. The control unit 901 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device of the memory unit 902, loads it into the main memory of the memory unit 902, and executes the above process according to the program. The control unit 901 also reserves a memory area in the main memory of the memory unit 902 corresponding to the memory unit 902, according to the program.

[0092] The program is a game server that provides a computer to a user's terminal, which is a game in which a lottery is implemented whose content is updated each time a lottery is accepted. The program includes a granting unit that updates the accumulated points, which are the cumulative points added each time a lottery is accepted, a control unit that causes the granting unit to update the accumulated points when a lottery is accepted from the user terminal, and a storage unit that stores the accumulated points. The control unit is characterized in that it does not reset the accumulated points even when the lottery period ends and the content of the lottery is updated in a new period.

[0093] Each of the above operation flows can be performed not only independently, but also in combination of two or more operation flows. For example, some steps of one operation flow may be added to another operation flow, or some steps of one operation flow may be replaced with some steps of another operation flow. It is not necessary to execute all steps in each flow; only some steps may be executed. Also, the order of steps in each flow may be changed as appropriate.

[0094] A program may be provided that causes a computer to execute each of the processes described in the above embodiment. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. Using a computer-readable medium, it is possible to install the program on a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transient storage medium. The non-transient storage medium is not particularly limited, but may be a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. Furthermore, the circuits that execute each of the processes performed by the device according to the above embodiment may be integrated, and at least a part of the device may be configured as a semiconductor integrated circuit (chipset, SoC).

[0095] The functions realized by the apparatus according to the above embodiments may be implemented in a circuit or processing circuitry, including a general-purpose processor, an application-specific processor, an integrated circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a CPU (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or a combination thereof, programmed to realize the described functions. A processor, including transistors and other circuits, is considered a circuit or processing circuitry. A processor may be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in memory. In this disclosure, circuitry, unit, and means are hardware programmed to realize or perform the described functions. Such hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein, or any hardware known to be programmed to realize or perform the described functions. If such hardware is a processor that is considered to be a type of circuitry, then such circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software used to constitute such hardware and / or processor.

[0096] The terms "based on" and "depending on / in response to" used in this disclosure do not mean "based solely on" or "depending solely on" unless otherwise specified. "Based on" means both "based solely on" and "at least partially on." Similarly, "depending on" means both "at least partially on" and "at least partially on." The terms "include," "comprise," and their variations do not mean to include only the listed items, but may include only the listed items or may include additional items in addition to the listed items. Furthermore, the term "or" used in this disclosure is not intended to mean exclusive OR. Moreover, any reference to elements using designations such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used herein as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Therefore, references to the first and second elements do not imply that only two elements may be adopted therein, or that the first element must precede the second element in any way. In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, these articles shall be plural unless it is clearly indicated by the context that they are not.

[0097] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to those described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 1: Game delivery system 100: Game server 110: Communications Department 120: Storage section 130: Processing Unit 131: Assignment section 132: Control Unit 133: Exchange Reception Department 134:Display section 135: Special Offer Department 200: User terminal 710: Grant Rate Table 720: User Information Table 730: Exchangeable notification screen 740: Expiration Date Notification Screen 900: Computer 901: Control Unit 902: Storage section 903: Communications Department 904: Input section 905: Output section 910: Communications bus

Claims

1. A game provider server that provides a game to a user terminal used by a user, in which a lottery is implemented whose content is updated each time the event is held, A point awarding unit that updates the accumulated points, which are the points added each time the aforementioned lottery is accepted, When the lottery is received from the user terminal, the awarding unit is configured to update the accumulated points, A storage unit that stores information on the accumulated points and the expiration date, which is the period during which the exchange between the pickup target and the accumulated points can be made. A display unit that displays the expiration date on the user terminal. Equipped with, The control unit, even when the lottery period ends and the contents of the lottery are updated in a new period, does not reset the accumulated points, and when the notification period, which is a pre-set grace period until the expiration date, arrives, displays the expiration date of the accumulated points on the display unit, a game provision server.

2. A game provision system that provides a game to a user terminal used by a user, in which a lottery is implemented whose content is updated each time the event is held, A point awarding unit that updates the accumulated points, which are the points added each time the aforementioned lottery is accepted, When the lottery is received from the user terminal, the awarding unit is configured to update the accumulated points, A storage unit that stores information on the accumulated points and the expiration date, which is the period during which the exchange between the pickup target and the accumulated points can be made. A display unit that displays the expiration date on the user terminal. Equipped with, The control unit, even when the lottery period ends and the contents of the lottery are updated in a new period, does not reset the accumulated points, and when the notification period, which is a pre-set grace period until the expiration date, arrives, displays the expiration date of the accumulated points on the display unit.

3. A method for providing a game to a user terminal used by a user, wherein a computer provides a game in which a lottery is implemented whose content is updated each time the event is held, The awarding step involves updating the accumulated points, which are the points added each time the aforementioned lottery is accepted, When the lottery is received from the user terminal, the granting step includes a control step to update the accumulated points, A storage step in which the accumulated points and information of the expiration date, which is the period during which the exchange between the pickup target and the accumulated points can be made, are stored in the storage unit. A display step of displaying the expiration date on the user terminal. It has, A game provision method comprising the control step, wherein even if the period for the lottery ends and the contents of the lottery are updated in a new period, the accumulated points are not reset, and when the notification period, which is a pre-set grace period until the expiration date, arrives, the expiration date of the accumulated points is displayed in the display step.

4. A computer, A game provision program that provides a game with a lottery system whose contents are updated each time the event is held, to the user's terminal, A point awarding unit that updates the accumulated points, which are the points added each time the aforementioned lottery is accepted, When the lottery is received from the user terminal, the awarding unit is configured to update the accumulated points, A storage unit that stores information on the accumulated points and the expiration date, which is the period during which the exchange between the pickup target and the accumulated points can be made. A game provision program that causes a computer to function as a display unit for displaying the expiration date on the user terminal, The control unit is a game provision program that, even if the period for the lottery ends and the contents of the lottery are updated in a new period, does not reset the accumulated points, and when the notification period, which is a pre-set grace period until the expiration date, arrives, displays the expiration date of the accumulated points on the display unit.

5. A game server that provides a game with a lottery system whose contents are updated each time the event is held, to the user's terminal, A point awarding unit that updates the accumulated points, which are the points added each time the aforementioned lottery is accepted, When the lottery is received from the user terminal, the awarding unit is configured to update the accumulated points, A storage unit that stores the accumulated points and Equipped with, The control unit, even when the lottery period ends and the contents of the lottery are updated in a new period, does not reset the accumulated points, and causes the awarding unit to change the point awarding rate relative to the number of times the lottery is executed, according to the contents of the lottery during the period, as a game provision server.

6. A game provision system that provides a game with a lottery system whose contents are updated each time the event is held, to the user's terminal, A point awarding unit that updates the accumulated points, which are the points added each time the aforementioned lottery is accepted, When the lottery is received from the user terminal, the awarding unit is configured to update the accumulated points, A storage unit that stores the accumulated points and Equipped with, The control unit, even when the period for the lottery ends and the contents of the lottery are updated in a new period, does not reset the accumulated points, and causes the awarding unit to change the rate at which the points are awarded relative to the number of times the lottery is performed, according to the contents of the lottery during the period, in order to provide a game system.

7. A method for providing a game to a user's terminal, in which a computer provides a game that implements a lottery whose content is updated each time the event is held, The awarding step involves updating the accumulated points, which are the points added each time the aforementioned lottery is accepted, When the lottery is received from the user terminal, the granting step includes a control step to update the accumulated points, A storage step of storing the accumulated points in the storage unit. Equipped with, The control step is a game provision method in which, even if the period for the lottery ends and the contents of the lottery are updated in a new period, the accumulated points are not reset, and in the granting step, the rate at which the points are granted relative to the number of times the lottery is performed is changed according to the contents of the lottery during the period.

8. Computers, A game provision program that provides a game with a lottery system whose contents are updated each time the event is held, to the user's terminal, A point awarding unit that updates the accumulated points, which are the points added each time the aforementioned lottery is accepted, When the lottery is received from the user terminal, the awarding unit is configured to update the accumulated points, A program that causes a computer to function as a memory unit for storing the aforementioned accumulated points, The control unit is a game provision program that, even when the period for the lottery ends and the contents of the lottery are updated in a new period, does not reset the accumulated points, and causes the awarding unit to change the rate at which the points are awarded relative to the number of times the lottery is executed, according to the contents of the lottery during the period.

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