Program and System

Abstract

The objective of this invention is to provide a program and system that can facilitate players playing a game. [Solution] The program according to the present invention causes a computer control device to execute a display control means, an increase means, and a reward granting means. Parameters necessary to play the game part set in the game are set for the player. If the parameters are not equal to or greater than the values ​​necessary to play the game part, the display control means displays an increase image on the computer display prompting the player to increase the parameters. When the player performs an operation to increase the parameters, the increase means increases the parameters, and the reward granting means grants the player a reward different from the parameters.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0006] , , , , , ,

[0005] , , , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] As an invention related to a conventional program, for example, a game program described in Patent Document 1 is known. This game program causes a processor to, when a user operation instructing execution of a first event is received and a first parameter stored in a memory in association with the user is greater than or equal to a required amount corresponding to the first event, decrease the first parameter by the required amount and start the first event; execute a first process of increasing the first parameter in accordance with the passage of time; execute a second process of increasing the first parameter in accordance with the user's operation and update the cumulative number of executions of the second process; and when the cumulative number of executions of the second process reaches a threshold value, set a first period starting from the time of reaching and prohibit execution of the second process during the first period.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the field of games, there is a desire to encourage players to play games.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a program and a system that can encourage players to play games.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The first aspect is The program causes the computer's control unit to execute the display control means, the increase means, and the reward granting means. The player has parameters set for the game parts that are configured in the game. If the parameter is not equal to or greater than the value required to play the game part, the display control means causes an increasing image to be displayed on the computer's display prompting the player to increase the parameter. If the player performs an operation to increase the parameter, the increasing means increases the parameter, and the reward granting means grants the player a reward different from the parameter. It is a program.

[0007] The second aspect is, The aforementioned benefits are game assets in the aforementioned game, This is the program described on the first side.

[0008] The third aspect is, The aforementioned bonus is the first item that allows the player to play the game part to their advantage. This is the program described in the first or second side.

[0009] The fourth aspect is, The aforementioned bonus is used in the first game part played by the player after the parameter has been increased. This is the program described on the third side.

[0010] The fifth aspect is, The reward granting means is limited in the number of times it can grant the reward to the player within a predetermined period. The program is one of the programs described in either the first or fourth aspect.

[0011] The sixth aspect is, If the parameter is greater than or equal to the value required to play the game part, and the player performs an operation to increase the parameter, the increasing means increases the parameter, and the reward granting means does not grant the player a reward different from the parameter. The program is one of the programs described in Aspect 1 through Aspect 5.

[0012] The seventh aspect is, The aforementioned parameter increases over time. The program is one of the programs described in Aspect 1 through Aspect 6.

[0013] The eighth side is, The aforementioned increase image includes a reward granting description indicating that the reward is granted when the parameter increases, If the parameter increases over time and exceeds the value required to play the game part, the display control means removes the bonus granting description from the increased image. This is the program described on side 7.

[0014] The ninth side is, If the player performs the operations necessary to play the game part, and the parameter is not greater than or equal to the value required to play the game part, the display control means causes the increased image to be displayed on the computer's display. The program is one of the programs described in Aspect 1 through Aspect 8.

[0015] The tenth aspect is, The aforementioned player has in-game currency assigned to them. If the player uses the in-game currency and the increase means increases the parameter, the reward granting means grants the player a reward different from the parameter. The program is one of the programs described in Aspect 1 through Aspect 10.

[0016] The 11th aspect is that a second item is set for the player, when the player uses the second item and the increasing means increases the parameter, the privilege granting means does not grant a privilege different from the parameter to the player. It is a program according to any one of the 1st to 11th aspects.

[0017] The 12th aspect is that a system including one or more computers, parameters necessary for playing a game part set in a game are set for a player, the control device of the one or more computers when the parameter is not greater than the value necessary for playing the game part, causes an increase image prompting the player to increase the parameter to be displayed on a display of the one or more computers, when the player performs an operation to increase the parameter, increases the parameter and grants a privilege different from the parameter to the player. It is a system.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to promote a player to play a game.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the image displayed on the computer 10's display 20. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the image displayed on the computer 10's display 20. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the image displayed on the computer 10's display 20. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the image displayed on the computer 10's display 20. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the image displayed on the computer 10's display 20. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an image displayed on the computer 10's display 20. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the image displayed on the computer 10's display 20. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows the image displayed on the computer 10's display 20. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows the image displayed on the computer 10's display 20. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows the image displayed on the computer 10's display 20. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows the image displayed on the computer 10's display 20. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows the image displayed on the computer 10's display 20. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows the image displayed on the computer 10's display 20. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] (Embodiment) System 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] [Structure of System 1] First, I will explain the overall configuration of System 1 with reference to the diagram. Figure 1 is a block diagram of System 1.

[0022] System 1, shown in Figure 1, comprises a computer 10 and a server 110. Computer 10 and server 110 can communicate with each other via a communication network. This network could be the internet, an intranet, or similar.

[0023] Computer 10 is an information processing device used by the player. Computer 10 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet device, a home game console, a portable game console, or a personal computer.

[0024] Server 110 is a computer. Server 110 provides responses to computer 10 in response to requests from computer 10. Server 110 is a server for computer 10 to play a communication game. In this embodiment, the game is a puzzle game.

[0025] [Structure of Computer 10] Next, the structure of computer 10 will be explained with reference to the diagram. Figure 2 is a block diagram of computer 10.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the computer 10 includes a control unit 12, a storage device 14, a network interface 16, a graphics processing unit 18, a display 20, an audio processing unit 22, a speaker 24, and an operation unit 26.

[0027] The storage device 14 stores programs and data. The storage device 14 is, for example, a combination of ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and storage (for example, flash memory or hard disk).

[0028] The program includes, for example, the following: • OS (Operating System) programs • Programs for applications that perform information processing (e.g., web browsers, or target applications described later)

[0029] The data includes, for example, the following: • Databases referenced in information processing • Data obtained by performing information processing (i.e., the results of information processing)

[0030] The control device 12 implements the functions of the computer 10 by executing the program PG stored in the storage device 14. The control device 12 is, for example, at least one of the following: ·CPU(Central Processing Unit) ·GPU(Graphic Processing Unit) ·ASIC(Application Specific Integrated Circuit) ·FPGA(Field Programmable Array)

[0031] The control device 12 includes a display control means 120, an increase means 122, and a reward granting means 124 as functional blocks.

[0032] The network interface 16 controls communication between the computer 10 and an external device. The external device is a server 110.

[0033] The graphics processing unit 18 displays an image on the display 20 based on the image data generated by the control device 12. The display 20 is either a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0034] The audio processing unit 22 causes the speaker 24 to output sound based on the audio data generated by the control device 12.

[0035] The operation unit 26 generates operation signals based on the player's actions and outputs operation signals to the control device 12. The operation unit 26 is, for example, a gamepad, a touch panel, a keyboard or mouse, or a combination thereof. In this embodiment, the operation unit 26 is a touch panel.

[0036] [Structure of Server 110] Next, the structure of server 110 will be explained with reference to the diagram. Figure 3 is a block diagram of server 110.

[0037] Server 110 is a game server. Server 110 comprises a control unit 112, a storage device 114, and a network interface 116.

[0038] The storage device 114 stores programs and data. The storage device 114 is, for example, a combination of ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and storage (for example, flash memory or hard disk).

[0039] The program includes, for example, the following: • OS (Operating System) programs • Programs for applications that perform information processing (e.g., web browsers, or target applications described later)

[0040] The data includes, for example, the following: • Databases referenced in information processing • Data obtained by performing information processing (i.e., the results of information processing)

[0041] The control device 112 implements the functions of the server 110 by executing the program stored in the storage device 114. The control device 112 is, for example, at least one of the following: ·CPU(Central Processing Unit) ·GPU(Graphic Processing Unit) ·ASIC(Application Specific Integrated Circuit) ·FPGA(Field Programmable Array)

[0042] The network interface 116 controls communication between the server 110 and an external device. The external device is a computer 10.

[0043] [System 1 Operation] Next, the operation of System 1 will be explained with reference to the diagrams. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the actions performed by the control device 12. Figures 5 through 18 are images displayed on the computer 10's display 20.

[0044] The control unit 12 of the computer 10 reads the game program PG stored in the memory device 14, and these program PGs cause the control unit 12 of the computer 10 to execute the operations described below. The game is a match-3 puzzle game. The program PGs then cause the control unit 12 of the computer 10 to execute a display control means 120, an increase means 122, and a bonus granting means 124.

[0045] First, let's describe the operation of the control unit 12 of the computer 10. The control unit 12 of the computer 10 executes the program PG for the match-3 puzzle game. In the match-3 puzzle game, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 eliminates some of the multiple objects according to the rules by moving at least one of the multiple objects based on the player's operation information.

[0046] A match-3 puzzle game consists of a map part and a game part. As shown in Figure 5, in the map part, the player can select a stage to play the match-3 puzzle game on from stages ST1 to ST8. As shown in Figure 6, if the player selects stage ST3 in the map part, as shown in Figure 7, the player can play the match-3 game on stage ST3 in the game part. Hereafter, playing the match-3 game in the game part will simply be referred to as "playing the game part."

[0047] Here, parameters necessary to play the game part set in the game are set for the player. In this embodiment, the parameter is the number of hearts 350. The player can possess a maximum of 5 hearts 350. If the player possesses one or more hearts 350, the player can play the game part. On the other hand, if the player does not possess any hearts 350, the player cannot play the game part.

[0048] However, each player is given 352 in-game currency. 352 in-game currency is the currency that players can use within the match-3 puzzle game. Players can purchase 352 in-game currency with real-world currency. As shown in Figure 8, players can increase their hearts by 350 by using 352 in-game currency. Therefore, if a player has 0 hearts, they can play the game by increasing their hearts by 350 using 352 in-game currency.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, if a player increases their hearts by 350 by using 352 in-game currency, the player can obtain a bonus of 354. By using the bonus of 354, the player can gain an advantage in the game.

[0050] The operation of the control unit 12 of the computer 10 will be described below with reference to Figure 4. First, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 performs a login process (step S1). More specifically, the player inputs login information by operating the operation unit 26 of the computer 10. The login information includes the player ID and password. The control unit 12 of the computer 10 then obtains the login information.

[0051] Next, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 transmits login information to the server 110 via the network interface 16 (step S2). Accordingly, the network interface 116 of the server 110 receives the login information and outputs it to the control unit 112. As a result, the control unit 112 of the server 110 obtains the login information.

[0052] Next, the control unit 112 of the server 110 performs authentication processing for login information. In the authentication process, the control unit 112 of the server 110 verifies that the player's login is not an unauthorized login. Note that the authentication process for login information is a general process, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Then, the control unit 112 of the server 110 sends a play permission notification to the computer 10 via the network interface 116. The play permission notification indicates that the player is allowed to play the game. The play permission notification also includes information about the player's game play history. The play history information includes information such as the number of hearts 350 the player possesses, the amount of in-game currency 352 the player possesses, the items the player possesses, and the stages the player has cleared. Accordingly, the network interface 16 of the computer 10 receives the play permission notification and outputs the play permission notification to the control unit 12. As a result, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 acquires the play permission notification (step S3). The control device 12 of the computer 10 stores the play history information included in the play permission notification in the storage device 14.

[0053] Next, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 displays the selection image shown in Figure 5 on the display 20 based on the play history information (step S4). The selection image is an image of the map part, including stages ST1 to ST8. Each of stages ST1 to ST8 has two plates placed on it. The player can select any of stages ST1 to ST8 by operating the control unit 26. The player can then play the game part set for the stage. The selection image also includes the number of hearts 350 and the amount of in-game currency 352. The control unit 12 of the computer 10 describes the number of hearts 350 and the amount of in-game currency 352 based on the play history information.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6, the player selects one of the stages ST1 to ST8 by operating the control unit 26. In this embodiment, the player selects stage ST3. Accordingly, the control device 12 of the computer 10 acquires stage information indicating that the player has selected stage ST3 (step S5).

[0055] Next, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 determines whether the number of hearts 350 included in the play history stored in the storage device 14 is one or more (step S6). In step S6, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 determines whether the number of hearts 350 (parameter) is greater than or equal to the value required to play the game part. The value required for the number of hearts 350 (parameter) to play the game part is one. If the number of hearts 350 is one or more, the process proceeds to step S7. If the number of hearts 350 is not one or more, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0056] If the number of hearts 350 is one or more, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 executes the game part (step S7). In step S8, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 acquires the player's operation information turn by turn and proceeds with the game based on the operation information. Step S7 is described in more detail below. The control unit 12 of the computer 10 displays an image of the 3-match puzzle game shown in Figure 7. In the 3-match puzzle game, multiple objects 300 are arranged as shown in Figure 7. In this embodiment, 81 objects 300 are arranged in 9 rows and 9 columns. Each of the multiple objects 300 belongs to one of the first type object 300-1 to the Nth type object 300-N. N is an integer of 2 or more. In this embodiment, N is 6.

[0057] Also, in the upper right of the image shown in Figure 7, Mission M1 is displayed. Mission M1 is for the player to eliminate 10 Type 1 Object 300-1. In the upper left of the image shown in Figure 7, the number of remaining turns is displayed. In the image shown in Figure 7, the player has not moved any of the Object 300 even once, so the number of remaining turns is 20, which is the standard number of turns.

[0058] Next, as shown in Figure 9, the player selects one object 300 and determines the direction of movement of that object 300 by operating the control unit 26 each turn. In a match-3 puzzle game, the user can move one object one square in one of the following directions: up, down, left, or right, in a single turn. In this embodiment, the user moves the first type object 300-1, located in row 5, column 9, to the left by operating the control unit 26. As a result, the control unit 26 generates operation information each turn. Accordingly, the control device 12 moves at least one of the multiple objects 300 each turn based on the player's operation information.

[0059] As shown in Figure 10, the first type object 300-1, which was located in row 5, column 9, moves to row 5, column 8 as a result of the user's operation. Consequently, the second type object 300-2, which was located in row 5, column 8, moves to row 5, column 9. As a result, as shown in Figure 10, three first type objects 300-1 are arranged vertically. Specifically, the three first type objects 300-1 are located in rows 4, column 8, row 5, column 8, and row 6, column 8.

[0060] In the rules of a match-3 puzzle game, if three or more objects 300 belonging to the same type are lined up in a straight line, these three or more objects 300 disappear. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, the control device 12 of the computer 10 eliminates a predetermined number of objects 300-M of the Mth type if a predetermined number or more of them are arranged in a predetermined pattern. M is an integer from 1 to N. In this embodiment, the control device 12 of the computer 10 eliminates the three first-type objects 300-1 located in rows 4 and 8, 5 and 8, and 6 and 8, because these three first-type objects 300-1 located in rows 4 and 8, 5 and 8, and 6 and 8 are lined up in a straight line.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the control device 12 of the computer 10 rearranges multiple objects in response to the disappearance of the three first-type objects 300-1. More specifically, the control device 12 of the computer 10 moves the objects 300 located above the space downwards to fill the space created by the disappearance of the three first-type objects 300-1 located in rows 4, column 8, row 5, column 8, and row 6, column 8. In this embodiment, the control device 12 of the computer 10 moves the second-type object 300-2 located in row 1, column 8, the third-type object 300-3 located in row 2, column 8, and the second-type object 300-2 located in row 3, column 8, respectively, to rows 4, column 8, row 5, column 8, and row 6, column 8.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 adds three new objects. In this case, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 randomly selects the objects to be added. In this embodiment, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 adds the first type object 300-1 to row 1, column 8, the fourth type object 300-4 to row 2, column 8, and the fifth type object 300-5 to row 3, column 8.

[0063] Here, if, after the addition of three objects 300, three or more objects 300 of the same type are newly aligned in a straight line, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 will delete these three or more objects 300. After this, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 will perform the processing described using Figures 11 to 13. The control unit 12 of the computer 10 will repeat the processing shown in Figures 11 to 13 until no more three or more objects 300 of the same type are newly aligned in a straight line. This completes one turn of processing.

[0064] Next, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 determines whether the player has completed Mission M1 (step S8). Mission M1 is for the player to eliminate 10 first-type objects 300-1. If the player has not completed Mission M1, the process proceeds to step S9. If the player has completed Mission M1, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0065] If the player fails to complete Mission M1, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 determines whether the number of remaining turns is 0 or not (step S9). If the number of remaining turns is 0, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 determines that the player failed to complete Mission M1 in fewer turns than the prescribed number of turns. In this case, the process proceeds to step S10. If the number of remaining turns is not 0, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 determines that the stage has not ended. In this case, the process returns to step S7.

[0066] If the number of remaining turns is 0, the control device 12 of the computer 10 decreases the number of hearts 350 by 1 (step S10). In this way, if the player fails to clear mission M1, the control device 12 of the computer 10 decreases the number of hearts 350. Therefore, the number of hearts 350 included in the selection image after the end of the game part shown in Figure 14 is less than the number of hearts 350 included in the selection image before the start of the game part shown in Figure 6. After this, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0067] If the player completes Mission M1, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 grants the player a reward of 200 (step S11). More specifically, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 displays the reward image shown in Figure 15 on the display 20. Furthermore, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 records the reward of 200 in a table stored in the storage device 14. The table records the rewards and items acquired by the player. If the player completes Mission M1, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 does not reduce the number of hearts 350. Therefore, the number of hearts 350 included in the selection image after the end of the game part shown in Figure 16 is the same as the number of hearts 350 included in the selection image before the start of the game part shown in Figure 6. After this, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0068] In step S12, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 determines whether or not to terminate the game (step S12). If the game is not terminated, the process returns to step S4.

[0069] If, in step S5, the player performs an operation to play the game part, and in step S6, the number of hearts 350 is not one or more (the parameter is not equal to or greater than the value required to play the game part), the control device 12 (display control means 120) of the computer 10 displays an increase image (see Figure 8) on the computer 10's display 20 prompting the player to increase the number of hearts 350 (parameter) (step S13). The increase image shown in Figure 8 includes a bonus grant description 356 indicating that a bonus 354 is granted when the number of hearts 350 (parameter) increases.

[0070] Next, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 determines whether the player has performed an operation to increase the number of hearts (350) (step S14). Specifically, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 determines whether the player has touched the "Restore All" icon in the increase image. If the player has touched the "Restore All" icon in the increase image, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 determines that the player has performed an operation to increase the number of hearts (350). After this, the process proceeds to step S15. If the player has not touched the "Restore All" icon in the increase image, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 determines that the player has not performed an operation to increase the number of hearts (350). After this, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0071] When the player performs an operation to increase the number of hearts (parameter) of 350, the control device 12 (increase means 122) of the computer 10 increases the number of hearts (parameter) of 350 (step S15). In this embodiment, the control device 12 of the computer 10 increases the number of hearts up to 5. That is, the control device 12 of the computer 10 fully restores the number of hearts.

[0072] Furthermore, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 reduces the in-game currency 352 (step S16). In this embodiment, the player possesses 15,000 P of in-game currency 352. 900 P of in-game currency 352 is needed to increase the number of hearts 350. Therefore, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 changes the in-game currency 352 possessed by the player to 14,100 P.

[0073] Furthermore, the control device 12 (reward granting means 124) of the computer 10 grants the player a reward 354 that is different from the number of hearts 350 (parameter) (step S17). In this way, if the control device 12 (increase means 122) of the computer 10 increases the number of hearts 350 (parameter) by the player using in-game currency 352, the control device 12 (reward granting means 124) of the computer 10 grants the player a reward 354. In this specification, when the reward data indicating the reward 354 is associated with the player's ID, it is referred to as "the reward 354 is granted to the player." Details of the reward 354 will be described later.

[0074] In steps S15 to S17, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 records in a table stored in the storage device 14 that the number of hearts 350 has been increased, that in-game currency 352 has been used, and that the bonus 354 has been obtained. Furthermore, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 notifies the server 110 that the number of hearts 350 has been increased, that in-game currency 352 has been used, and that the bonus 354 has been obtained. After this, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0075] If the player does not perform an operation to increase the number of hearts (parameter), the control device 12 of the computer 10 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the last time the number of hearts was increased (corresponding to step S19) (step S18). The predetermined time is, for example, 10 minutes. If the predetermined time has elapsed, this process proceeds to step S19. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, this process returns to step S14.

[0076] When a predetermined time has elapsed, the control device 12 of the computer 10 increases the number of hearts 350 by 1 (step S19). At this time, the control device 12 of the computer 10 notifies the server 110 that the number of hearts 350 has been increased. In this way, the number of hearts 350 (parameter) increases over time. If the number of hearts 350 (parameter) increases over time to a value greater than or equal to the value required to play the game part, the control device 12 of the computer 10 (display control means 120) deletes the bonus granting description 356 from the increased image, as shown in Figure 17. After this, the process proceeds to step S7. This concludes the explanation of the operation of system 1.

[0077] Here, we will explain Bonus 354. Bonus 354 is the first item that allows the player to play the game part to their advantage. Bonus 354 is used in the first game part played by the player after the number of hearts 350 (parameter) has increased. Specifically, in step S4 immediately after acquiring Bonus 354, when the player selects a stage, the control device 12 of the computer 10 starts the game part. At this time, the control device 12 of the computer 10 uses Bonus 354 without any input from the player. As a result, as shown in Figure 18, the control device 12 of the computer 10 replaces the first type object 300-1 located in row 5, column 9 with a special first type object 301-1. When the special first type object 301-1 is destroyed, all of the multiple objects 300 located in the same column as the special first type object 301-1 are also destroyed. If a stage is selected when the number of hearts 350 is insufficient (none), an increase image will be displayed. At this time, the player can increase the number of hearts 350. After this, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 may use the bonus 354 to start the game part.

[0078] [effect] According to the program PG, it is possible to encourage the player to play the game. If the number of hearts 350 is not equal to or greater than the value required to play the game part, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 displays an increasing image on the computer 10's display 20 to encourage the player to increase the number of hearts 350. Then, when the player performs an action to increase the number of hearts 350, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 increases the number of hearts 350 and grants the player a reward 354 that is different from the number of hearts 350 (parameter). This encourages the player to actively increase the number of hearts 350 in order to obtain the reward 354. Once the number of hearts 350 increases, the player can play the game part. As a result, according to the program PG, it is possible to encourage the player to play the game.

[0079] In Program PG, the bonus 354 is the first item that gives players an advantage in the game part. This makes it easier for players who have increased their number of hearts (350) to achieve good results in the game part. As a result, players actively increase their number of hearts (350) in order to achieve good results in the game part. When the number of hearts (350) increases, players can play the game part. Consequently, according to Program PG, this encourages players to play the game.

[0080] In the program PG, if the number of hearts 350 increases over time and exceeds the value required to play the game part, the control device 12 of the computer 10 erases the bonus grant description 356 from the increase image. This allows the player to understand that if the number of hearts 350 increases over time and exceeds the value required to play the game part, they will not receive the bonus 354 even if they increase the number of hearts 350.

[0081] In the program PG, if the player performs the actions required to play the game part, and the number of hearts (350) is not equal to or greater than the value required to play the game part, the control unit 12 of the computer 10 displays an increasing image on the computer 10's display 20. This allows the player to recognize that they do not have enough hearts (350) before starting the game part.

[0082] In program PG, if the player uses 352 in-game currency, causing the control unit 12 of computer 10 to increase the number of hearts 350, the control unit 12 of computer 10 will grant the player a reward 354. This encourages the player to actively use 352 in-game currency to obtain the reward 354, thereby stimulating game activity.

[0083] (Other embodiments) The program according to the present invention is not limited to program PG, and can be modified within the scope of its gist.

[0084] Furthermore, the game is not limited to a match-3 puzzle game; it may be any other type of puzzle game. Also, the game may be any other type of game. For example, it may be a sports game, action game, shooting game, role-playing game, simulation game, card game, or board game.

[0085] Furthermore, reward 354 can be any in-game asset. In-game assets are the content within the game. Therefore, reward 354 is not limited to items; it can also be levels, badges, in-game currency, characters, backgrounds, equipment, etc. In other words, when reward 354 is granted, for example, the player's level may increase, the player may be granted a badge, or the player may be granted in-game currency.

[0086] Furthermore, the control device 12 (reward granting means 124) of the computer 10 may have a limit on the number of times it can grant a reward 354 to a player per predetermined period (for example, one day).

[0087] Furthermore, if the number of hearts (parameter) is greater than or equal to the value required to play the game part, and the player performs an operation to increase the number of hearts (parameter), the control device 12 (increase means 122) of the computer 10 will increase the number of hearts (parameter), and the control device 12 (bonus granting means 124) of the computer 10 does not have to grant the bonus 354 to the player. Thus, bonus 354 may only be granted when the number of hearts is fully restored from a state of 0. However, if the number of hearts (parameter) is greater than or equal to the value required to play the game part, and the player performs an operation to increase the number of hearts (parameter), the control device 12 of the computer 10 may increase the number of hearts (parameter) and grant bonus 354 to the player.

[0088] The control device 12 of computer 10 executes the flowchart shown in Figure 4. However, the control device 112 of server 110 (one or more computers) may execute the flowchart shown in Figure 4. In this case, the control device 112 of server 110 is equipped with a display control means 120, an increase means 122, and a reward granting means 124 as functional blocks. The storage device 114 of server 110 stores a program PG. The program PG causes the control device 112 of server 110 to execute the display control means 120, the increase means 122, and the reward granting means 124. Then, computer 10 sends player operation information to server 110. Then, server 110 executes the flowchart shown in Figure 3 based on the operation information.

[0089] Alternatively, the control device 12 of the computer 10 may execute some of the processes in the flowchart of Figure 4, and the control device 112 of the server 110 may execute the remaining processes in the flowchart of Figure 4.

[0090] Furthermore, the player may have a second item set. In this case, the control device 12 of the computer 10 may increase the number of hearts (parameter) 350 when the player uses the second item (for example, a healing potion). In this case, the control device (bonus granting means 124) of the computer 10 will not grant the bonus 354 to the player. However, if the control device 12 of the computer 10 increases the number of hearts 350 when the player uses the second item, the control device 12 of the computer 10 may grant the bonus 354 to the player.

[0091] Bonus item 354 does not have to be used in the game part. Bonus item 354 may be used in the map part.

[0092] Furthermore, bonus 354 does not have to be used in the first game part played by the player after the number of hearts increases to 350. Therefore, bonus 354 only needs to be used in the game part played by the player after the number of hearts increases to 350. Also, bonus 354 does not have to be used automatically in the game part; it may be used in the game part through player action.

[0093] Furthermore, there is no limit to the number of times the control device 12 of the computer 10 can grant the benefit 354 to the player within a predetermined period.

[0094] In System 1, the player can play the game part if they have one or more hearts (350). If the player clears Mission M1, the number of hearts (350) does not decrease. On the other hand, if the player fails to clear Mission M1, the number of hearts (350) decreases. However, the number of hearts (350) may decrease when the player starts playing the game part. In this case, if the player fails to clear Mission M1, the number of hearts (350) does not decrease. However, if the player clears Mission M1, the number of hearts (350) may increase or may not increase.

[0095] Furthermore, if Special Type 1 Object 301-1 is destroyed, all of the multiple objects 300 located in the same column as Special Type 1 Object 301-1 will be destroyed. However, if Special Type 1 Object 301-1 is destroyed, all of the multiple objects 300 located in the same row as Special Type 1 Object 301-1 may also be destroyed. In addition, if Special Type 1 Object 301-1 is destroyed, multiple objects 300 may be destroyed according to predetermined rules.

[0096] Furthermore, the effect of bonus 354 is not limited to the placement of special type 1 object 301-1. The effect of bonus 354 may, for example, be a reduction in the difficulty of mission M1.

[0097] Note that in step S15, it is not necessary to fully restore 350 hearts. For example, it is acceptable to restore just one heart.

[0098] In step S19, if the number of hearts 350 (parameter) increases over time and exceeds the value required to play the game part, the control device 12 of the computer 10 deletes the bonus granting description 356 from the increase image, as shown in Figure 17. However, even if the process in step S15 (increase in the number of hearts 350 using in-game currency 352) is performed, the control device 12 of the computer 10 may also delete the bonus granting description 356 from the increase image. Furthermore, if the number of hearts 350 increases due to factors other than the passage of time and the purchase of hearts 350 using in-game currency 352, the bonus granting description 356 may also be deleted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 1: System 10: Computer 12: Control device 14:Storage device 16: Network Interface 18: Graphics Processing Unit 20: Display 22: Audio Processing Unit 24: Speaker 26:Operation unit 110: Server 112: Control device 114: Storage device 116: Network Interface 120: Display control means 122: Means of increasing 124: Method of granting benefits 200: Reward 350: Heart 352: In-game currency 354: Bonus 356: Description of Bonus Granting PG: Program

Claims

1. The program causes the computer's control unit to execute the display control means, the increase means, and the reward granting means. The player has parameters set for the game parts that are configured in the game. The aforementioned parameter decreases as the player plays the game part. If the parameter is not equal to or greater than the value required to play the game part, the display control means causes an increasing image to be displayed on the computer's display prompting the player to increase the parameter. If the player performs an operation to increase the parameter, the increasing means increases the parameter, and the reward granting means grants the player a reward different from the parameter. If the parameter is greater than or equal to the value required to play the game part, and the player performs an operation to increase the parameter, the increasing means increases the parameter, and the reward granting means does not grant the player a reward different from the parameter. program.

2. The aforementioned benefits are game assets in the aforementioned game, The program according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned bonus is the first item that allows the player to play the game part to their advantage. The program according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The aforementioned bonus is used in the first game part played by the player after the parameter has been increased. The program according to claim 3.

5. The reward granting means is limited in the number of times it can grant the reward to the player within a predetermined period. The program according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The aforementioned parameter increases over time. The program according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The aforementioned increase image includes a reward granting description indicating that the reward is granted when the parameter increases, If the parameter increases over time and exceeds the value required to play the game part, the display control means removes the bonus granting description from the increased image. The program according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. If the player performs the operations necessary to play the game part, and the parameter is not greater than or equal to the value required to play the game part, the display control means causes the increased image to be displayed on the computer's display. The program according to claim 1 or claim 2.

9. The aforementioned player has in-game currency assigned to them. If the player uses the in-game currency and the increase means increases the parameter, the reward granting means grants the player a reward different from the parameter. The program according to claim 1 or claim 2.

10. The aforementioned player has a second item set, If the player uses the second item and the increasing means increases the parameter, the reward granting means does not grant the player a reward different from the parameter. The program according to claim 1 or claim 2.

11. A system comprising one or more computers, The player has parameters set for the game parts that are configured in the game. The aforementioned parameter decreases as the player plays the game part. The control devices of the one or more computers described above are: If the parameter is not equal to or greater than the value required to play the game part, an increasing image prompting the player to increase the parameter is displayed on the display of one or more computers. If the player performs an operation to increase the parameter, the parameter is increased, and a different benefit from the parameter is granted to the player. If the parameter is greater than or equal to the value required to play the game part, and the player performs an operation to increase the parameter, the parameter will be increased, and no other benefit different from the parameter will be granted to the player. system.

Images