Information processing device, information processing method, program, and information processing system

Abstract

To prevent a user from becoming bored with a game.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: a reception unit 131 that receives a user's story selection for each branch of a story in which multiple branches are provided, each of which has multiple options during the progression of the story in a game; a progress management unit 132 that progresses the branch story, which is a story corresponding to the story selection received by the reception unit 131 for each branch; and a lottery management unit 133 that allows the user to execute a story lottery which corresponds to each branch story and which corresponds to the branch story which satisfies a predetermined condition, among the lotteries for dispensing game media that can be used in the game when the progress status of the branch story satisfies a predetermined condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a game that awards items to users by lottery, it is known to change the lottery probability of awarding advantageous items according to the progress of the story (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, there has been a problem that the conditions for obtaining advantageous items for users are satisfied early, and users who have obtained advantageous items become bored with the game.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to suppress the boredom of the user's game.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In the first aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus includes: a reception unit that receives a user's story selection at each branch of a story in which there are multiple branches, each having multiple choices in the progression of the story in a game; a progress management unit that advances the branch story, which is the story corresponding to the story selection received by the reception unit at each branch; and a lottery management unit that, when the progress of the branch story satisfies predetermined conditions, permits the user to execute a story lottery, which is a lottery for dispensing a game medium that can be used in the game, corresponding to each branch story, and which is the story lottery corresponding to the branch story that satisfies the predetermined conditions.

[0007] The reception unit further accepts the selection of a restart point that the user has reached in the progression of the story and that is designated as a point to resume the story. The progress management unit advances the story from the restart point accepted by the reception unit. The lottery management unit may, if the progress of a branch story different from the branch story that satisfies the predetermined conditions satisfies the predetermined conditions, allow the user to perform a story lottery corresponding to each of the branch stories that satisfies the predetermined conditions.

[0008] The lottery management unit may allow the user to perform each of the story lotteries corresponding to the branching stories that satisfy the predetermined conditions, up to a maximum number of times determined for each predetermined period.

[0009] The system further includes a storage unit for storing game media owned by the user, and the lottery management unit may, if the number of times the user has performed each of the story lotteries corresponding to a branch story that satisfies the predetermined conditions is greater than or equal to the upper limit, permit the execution of the story lottery in exchange for game media to perform the story lottery beyond the upper limit.

[0010] Each of the aforementioned story draws may have different probabilities for the content of the candidate game media or for each of the candidate game media, depending on the corresponding branching story.

[0011] The probability of obtaining the contents of the candidate game media or each of the candidate game media in the aforementioned story lottery may differ from the probability of obtaining the contents of the candidate game media or each of the candidate game media in a lottery that can be performed regardless of the progress of the branching story.

[0012] The story lottery may have different probabilities for the content of the candidate game media or for each of the candidate game media depending on the number of times the progress of the branching story meets predetermined conditions.

[0013] The system may further include a reward granting unit that grants different game media depending on the number of times the story lottery has been performed, if the user meets the conditions for granting game media as a reward.

[0014] The reception unit may accept a selection of a predetermined story from a user who has received a predetermined game medium through the story lottery.

[0015] In a second aspect of the present invention, the information processing method includes the steps of: accepting a user's story selection at each branch of a story in which a computer has multiple branches, each of which has multiple choices in the progression of the story in a game; progressing the branch story, which is the story corresponding to the story selection accepted in the acceptance step, at each branch; and, when the progress of the branch story satisfies predetermined conditions, allowing the user to execute a story lottery, which is a lottery for dispensing a game medium that can be used in the game, corresponding to each branch story, and which satisfies the predetermined conditions.

[0016] A program according to a third aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: receiving a user's story selection at each branch of a story in which a computer is to execute a story in which a story has multiple branches, each of which has multiple choices in the progression of the story; progressing the branch story, which is the story corresponding to the story selection received in the receiving step, at each branch; and, when the progress of the branch story satisfies predetermined conditions, allowing the user to execute a story lottery, which is a lottery for dispensing a game medium that can be used in the game, and which corresponds to each branch story, and which corresponds to the branch story that satisfies the predetermined conditions.

[0017] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the information processing system comprises an information processing device and an information terminal, wherein the information processing device includes: a reception unit that receives a user's story selection at each branch of a story, each of which has multiple branches with multiple choices in the progression of the story in a game; a progress management unit that advances the branch story, which is the story corresponding to the story selection received by the reception unit at each branch, and transmits information indicating the branch story to be advanced to the information terminal; and a lottery management unit that, when the progress of the branch story satisfies predetermined conditions, permits the user to execute a story lottery, which is a lottery for dispensing a game medium that can be used in the game, corresponding to each branch story, and transmits information indicating the story lottery permitted to the user to the information terminal, wherein the information terminal includes: an operation reception unit that transmits the user's story selection at each branch of the story to the information processing device; and a presentation unit that receives information indicating the branch story to be advanced from the information processing device and displays a screen corresponding to the received information indicating the branch story to be advanced.

[0018] In the program according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the computer is caused to function as a selection reception unit that receives a user's story selection at each branch of a story provided with a plurality of branches each having a plurality of options in the process of the story progression in the game, and transmits the received user's story selection to an information processing device that manages the game, an acquisition unit that acquires, from the information processing device, information indicating a branch story to be progressed specified in the information processing device as a story corresponding to the story selection received by the selection reception unit, and information indicating the progress status of the game, and a presentation unit that presents a screen corresponding to the information indicating the branch story to be progressed acquired by the acquisition unit, and when the progress status of the branch story indicated by the information indicating the progress status of the game acquired by the acquisition unit satisfies a predetermined condition, the presentation unit further presents a screen that enables selection of a story lottery corresponding to each branch story among lotteries for discharging a game medium that can be used in the game, and that is a lottery corresponding to the branch story that satisfies the predetermined condition.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, there is an effect of suppressing the user's boredom with the game.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a diagram for explaining the outline of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram for explaining the outline of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 1. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the game medium management table stored in the storage unit 12. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the lottery management table stored in the storage unit 12. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed on the information terminal 2. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the information terminal 2. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the discharge table stored in the storage unit 12. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the discharge table stored in the storage unit 12. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the privilege table stored in the storage unit 12. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the information processing apparatus 1. [Figure 12] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information terminal 2.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] <The First Embodiment> [Overview of the Information Processing System S] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are diagrams for explaining the overview of the information processing system S according to the embodiment. The information processing system S is a system for providing a game to a user. The information processing system S includes an information processing apparatus 1 and an information terminal 2. The information processing apparatus 1 and the information terminal 2 are communicably connected via a network N. In the information processing system S, a game for advancing a story divided into a plurality of chapters is provided. The network N is, for example, the Internet.

[0022] The information processing apparatus 1 manages the progress of the game, the items given to the user in the lottery, the game media possessed by the user, and the like. The information processing apparatus 1 acquires the operation content and the progress of the game from the information terminal 2, and enables the user to execute a story lottery when the conditions are satisfied. The information processing apparatus 1 acquires a lottery execution request from the information terminal 2, and determines the game media to be discharged by the lottery indicated by the acquired execution request. The information processing apparatus 1 is, for example, a server.

[0023] Information terminal 2 runs a game program to execute the game, accepts user input, and displays a screen according to the user's selection or the progress of the story. Information terminal 2 is, for example, a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or game device. Information terminal 2 has an input unit such as a touch panel or keyboard to accept user input and a display unit such as a liquid crystal display to display information.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2(a), the game provided by the information processing system S consists of a main story and multiple branching stories that branch off from multiple branching points established in the progression of the main story. The main story is a story that all users progress through, regardless of their choices, while the branching stories are stories that progress in accordance with the choices made by the user at the branching points. In the game provided by the information processing system S, for example, if the end point of a branching story is reached, the main story continues to progress.

[0025] The game provided in the information processing system S is a game in which the player progresses through the story by using game media to achieve game progression conditions (e.g., clearing quests). Game media are objects that generate various game effects. Examples of game media include tools, equipment, magic, and characters. Game media may also be tools for performing draws or tools for performing draws beyond the upper limit of the number of times, as will be described later. For example, game media may be awarded by draw, or they may be awarded when the game progress meets predetermined conditions (e.g., so-called clear rewards) or when the user's usage meets predetermined conditions (e.g., so-called login bonuses).

[0026] In the game provided by the information processing system S, multiple types of lotteries can be performed. Each of the multiple types of lotteries differs in the content of the game medium dispensed, the probability of dispenseing the game medium, and the conditions under which the lottery can be performed. One example of a condition under which a lottery can be performed is that the progress of the branching story meets predetermined conditions (for example, reaching a predetermined point). In this specification, lotteries that can be performed based on the progress of the branching story are specifically called "story lotteries," and lotteries that can be performed regardless of the progress of the branching story are called "permanent lotteries." Compared to permanent lotteries, story lotteries are set to dispense game mediums that have an effect that gives an advantage in the game (sometimes simply called "advantageous game mediums"). Examples of game mediums that have an effect that gives an advantage in the game include those with high strength in the game (attack power, defense power, effects, etc. of the game medium), those with a high price when converted into in-game assets, and those with rarity corresponding to a low probability of acquisition. Hereafter, the conditions under which a story lottery can be performed may be called "unlock conditions."

[0027] As shown in Figure 2(b), the information processing system S accepts a user's selection when the story progresses to a branching point. The information processing system S advances the branching story corresponding to the accepted selection, and when the progress of the branching story meets the release conditions, it makes the user able to perform a lottery corresponding to that branching story.

[0028] [Configuration of Information Processing Device 1] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13. The control unit 13 includes a reception unit 131, a progress management unit 132, a lottery management unit 133, and a reward granting unit 134.

[0029] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface for sending and receiving data with other devices via a network. The storage unit 12 is a storage medium including ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), hard disk drive, etc. The storage unit 12 pre-stores programs to be executed by the control unit 13.

[0030] The storage unit 12 stores the game media owned by the user. Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of the game media management table stored by the storage unit 12. In the game media management table, "game media" and "number owned" are associated. "Game media" indicates the type of game media owned by the user. "Game media" may also be indicated by an ID that identifies the game media. The number owned indicates the number of copies of the game media owned. In the game media management table, a user ID may also be associated.

[0031] The control unit 13 is a processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 13 functions as a reception unit 131, a progress management unit 132, a lottery management unit 133, and a prize granting unit 134 by executing a program stored in the memory unit 12.

[0032] The reception unit 131 acquires information from the information terminal 2 indicating the user's choices and the progress of the story. The reception unit 131 accepts the user's story selection at each branch of the story, where multiple branches exist, each with multiple choices, during the progression of the story in the game. For example, in the screen shown in Figure 2(b) displayed on the information terminal 2, the information terminal 2 accepts the user's selection and transmits information indicating the choice the user has made to the information processing device 1. The reception unit 131 acquires the information indicating the choice transmitted by the information terminal 2.

[0033] The progress management unit 132 advances the branch story corresponding to the story selection received by the reception unit 131 at each branch. The progress management unit 132 sends an instruction to the information processing device 1 to advance the branch story corresponding to the choice received by the reception unit 131. The progress management unit 132 may store the user's progress of the story in the storage unit 12.

[0034] The lottery management unit 133 manages whether or not a user can perform a lottery. Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of the lottery management table stored in the storage unit 12. The lottery management table is a table for managing whether or not a user can perform a lottery. In the lottery management table, "lottery ID", "release condition", and "released flag" are associated. The "lottery ID" is an ID (identification) that identifies the lottery. The "release condition" indicates the branching story that is the condition for making the lottery executable. That is, a lottery with a "release condition" set is a story lottery. The "released flag" indicates whether or not the lottery can be executed. If the "released flag" is "completed", it indicates that the lottery can be executed, and if it is "not yet", it indicates that the lottery cannot be executed. The user ID of the user may be further associated in the lottery management table. The number of times the lottery has been executed may also be further associated in the lottery management table.

[0035] The lottery management unit 133, when the progress of a branching story meets the unlock conditions, allows the user to execute a story lottery, which is a lottery corresponding to each branching story, for distributing game media that can be used in the game, and which corresponds to the story lottery corresponding to the branching story whose unlock conditions have been met. One example of an unlock condition is clearing a branching story. An unlock condition may be that the branching story has started, or that the story has progressed to a predetermined point. Alternatively, an unlock condition may be that the stage in the branching story has been cleared within a predetermined time, or that a predetermined number of enemy characters have been defeated. When the progress of a branching story meets the unlock conditions, the lottery management unit 133 sets a flag in the lottery management table indicating that the lottery has become available in the "unlocked flag" of the story lottery corresponding to the branching story whose unlock conditions have been met.

[0036] Information terminal 2 displays a screen for executing the lottery shown in Figure 6. On the screen shown in Figure 6, multiple executable lotteries (B01, B02, B03) are displayed for selection. When the user presses the execute button B04, information terminal 2 sends a lottery execution request to information processing device 1, which includes the lottery ID of the lottery selected by the user. When the lottery management unit 133 receives the lottery execution request, it determines the game medium to be dispensed based on the lottery ID included in the execution request and sends information indicating the determined game medium to information terminal 2. The method for determining the game medium to be dispensed in the lottery will be described later. On the screen shown in Figure 6, button B05, which displays a key mark, is configured to be unpressable because the progress of the corresponding branching story has not met the unlock conditions.

[0037] The system may be configured to display the unlock conditions for a selected story lottery if the selected story lottery does not meet the unlock conditions. Figure 7 shows an example of the screen displayed by the information terminal 2 in this case. In the screen shown in Figure 7, the user has selected button B05 to execute story lottery C, which does not meet the unlock conditions. In this case, the information terminal 2 displays the unlock conditions for unlocking story lottery C.

[0038] With the information processing device 1 configured in this way, it is possible to motivate the user to tackle more branching storylines in order to perform story selection, thereby suppressing user boredom with the game.

[0039] In games provided by the information processing system S, there may be pre-set points where players can resume playing a completed story. One example of a resumption point is the starting point of each chapter that makes up the main story.

[0040] The reception unit 131 further accepts the selection of a restart point that the user has reached during the progression of the story and that has been designated as a point where the story can be resumed. For example, the information terminal 2 inquires with the information processing device 1 about the progress of the story. The progress management unit 132 sends information to the information terminal 2 indicating a restart point that the user can resume. The information terminal 2 displays a screen that allows the user to select a restart point for the story. The information terminal 2 sends information indicating the restart point selected by the user to the information processing device 1, and the reception unit 131 receives this information.

[0041] The progress management unit 132 advances the story from the restart point received by the reception unit 131. The progress management unit 132 instructs the information processing device 1 to advance the story from the restart point received by the reception unit 131. The progress management unit 132 may store information indicating the story corresponding to the restart point received by the reception unit 131 as the story in progress.

[0042] The lottery management unit 133 allows the user to execute the story lottery corresponding to each branch story whose unlock conditions have been met, if the progress in a branch story different from the branch story whose unlock conditions have been met also meets the unlock conditions. The lottery management unit 133 sets an unlocked flag in the story lottery corresponding to the branch story whose unlock conditions have been met in the lottery management table stored in the memory unit 12.

[0043] With the information processing device 1 configured in this way, for example, a user can resume the game from the nearest restart point that meets the unlock conditions for the story lottery they wish to unlock, thereby maintaining the user's motivation to play the game.

[0044] Since the story lottery is set to have a higher probability of obtaining more advantageous game items than the regular lottery, if users are allowed to perform the story lottery without limit, it may lead to the problem of users quickly obtaining advantageous game items and becoming bored with the game. Therefore, in the game provided by the information processing system S, a limit may be placed on the number of times the story lottery can be performed.

[0045] The lottery management unit 133 allows the user to perform each story lottery corresponding to a branching story whose unlock conditions have been met, up to a predetermined maximum number of times within a set period. The predetermined period is, for example, one day. The lottery management table stored in the memory unit 12 may store the number of times the user can perform a story lottery for each story lottery. Furthermore, the lottery management table may manage the number of times a story lottery can be performed for free and the number of times it can be performed using an item that can be purchased with a game medium. As an example, when the lottery management unit 133 receives a request to perform a lottery from the information terminal 2, it refers to the lottery management table and determines whether the number of times the lottery can be performed exceeds a predetermined threshold in the lottery management table. If it does not exceed the predetermined threshold, it allows the information terminal 2 to perform the story lottery.

[0046] This configuration of the information processing device 1 allows the user to quickly acquire advantageous game modes, thus preventing them from becoming bored with the game.

[0047] The information processing device 1 may be configured to remove the limit on the number of times a lottery can be performed for users who meet certain conditions. Specifically, if the number of times a user has performed a story lottery corresponding to a branch story for which the unlock conditions have been met exceeds the upper limit, the lottery management unit 133 will allow the user to perform the story lottery beyond the upper limit in exchange for an item (hereinafter referred to as a "lottery ticket") that allows the user to perform the story lottery beyond the upper limit. In the screen shown in Figure 6, a button B06 labeled "Use Ticket" is displayed. When a user presses the B06 button displayed on the information terminal 2, the lottery management unit 133 decreases the number of lottery tickets held by the user from the game media management table by 1, and allows the user to perform the story lottery regardless of the number of times the story lottery has been performed within the predetermined period to which the time the lottery ticket was used belongs. The lottery management unit 133 may, when a user uses a lottery ticket, allow the user to perform the story lottery on the condition that they use a game medium that can be purchased for a fee.

[0048] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 may be configured to grant lottery tickets on the condition that the branching story is completed. This configuration can motivate users to play the story multiple times.

[0049] By setting each story lottery to dispense a different game item, users can be motivated to complete branching storylines in order to obtain various game items.

[0050] Figure 8 shows an example of the data structure of the dispensing table stored in the memory unit 12. The dispensing table is used to determine which game media will be dispensed in the lottery. When the lottery management unit 133 receives a request to execute a lottery, it refers to the dispensing table and determines which game media to dispense. In the dispensing table, "lottery ID", "media ID", and "dispensing probability" are associated. The "lottery ID" is an ID that indicates the type of lottery. The "media ID" and "dispensing probability" indicate the type of game media that is a candidate for dispensing in that lottery and the probability of it being dispensed, respectively. A "dispensing probability" of 0% indicates that the game media will not be dispensed in that lottery.

[0051] In the dispensing table shown in Figure 8, each draw has a different probability of dispensing the content of the candidate game media or each of the candidate game media. For example, in the draw management table shown in Figure 8, the "G102" draw is set so that the "O101" game media will not be dispensed ("0%"), while the "G101" draw is set so that the "O101" game media will be dispensed ("2%").

[0052] In the story lottery, the probability of obtaining the contents of the candidate game media or each of the candidate game media may differ from the probability of obtaining the contents of the candidate game media or each of the candidate game media in a lottery that can be run regardless of the progress of the branching story. For example, in the story lottery, game media that produce advantageous game effects are set to be more likely to occur compared to the regular lottery. In the example of the drop table shown in Figure 8, game media "O101" and "O201" are game media that have a high effect on advancing the game to an advantage, but they are set not to be obtained in the regular lottery with lottery ID "G001", while in the story lottery with lottery IDs "G101", "G102", and "G103", at least one of "O101" and "O201" is set to be obtained.

[0053] The information processing device 1 may be configured such that the contents of the game media dispensed differ depending on the number of times the branching story has been cleared. That is, the story lottery has different probabilities of dispensing the contents of the candidate game media or each of the candidate game media depending on the number of times the progress of the branching story has met the unlocking conditions. Specifically, the progress management unit 132 may store in the memory unit 12 the number of times the progress of the branching story has met the unlocking conditions. For example, the progress management unit 132 may store the number of times the progress of the branching story has met the unlocking conditions in place of, or in addition to, the unlocked flag in the lottery management table stored in the memory unit 12.

[0054] Figure 9 shows an example of the data structure of the drop table referenced by the lottery management unit 133 in this case. In the drop table shown in Figure 9, the "number of times achieved" is further associated. The "number of times achieved" is the number of times the progress of the branching story that serves as the unlock condition for the lottery has met the unlock condition. In the drop table shown in Figure 9, different drop contents are set for each number of times achieved. As an example, the higher the number of times achieved, the more likely it is that items that have an effect that gives you an advantage in the game will be dropped.

[0055] When the lottery management unit 133 receives a request to execute a lottery from the information terminal 2, it refers to the lottery management table, refers to the probability of obtaining the game medium corresponding to the number of times the user has achieved the goal, and determines which game medium to dispense.

[0056] With the information processing device 1 configured in this way, it is expected that users will play repeatedly to fulfill the unlock conditions in order to obtain game media with more advantageous effects, thereby preventing users from getting bored.

[0057] If the rewards given vary depending on the number of times the story lottery is performed, users can be motivated to complete more stories in order to perform the story lottery.

[0058] The reward granting unit 134 grants different game media depending on the number of times the story lottery has been performed, when the user fulfills the conditions for granting game media as a reward (hereinafter referred to as "reward granting conditions"). The conditions for granting game media as a reward include, for example, logging into the game or clearing a predetermined story. In this case, when the lottery management unit 133 performs the story lottery, it stores the number of times it has been performed in the storage unit 12.

[0059] The memory unit 12 stores a reward table that shows the content of rewards that will be given to the user when they meet the reward granting conditions. Figure 10 shows an example of the data structure of the reward table stored in the memory unit 12. In the reward table, "reward type," "number of story lottery executions," and "game medium" are associated. "Reward type" is information corresponding to the conditions for which the reward is granted, such as "login bonus" or "clear bonus." "Number of story lottery executions" indicates that the corresponding game medium will be dispensed when the number of story lottery executions meets the condition. A record with no value for "number of story lottery executions" indicates that it is a record selected when the number of story lottery executions does not match any of the conditions. "Game medium" indicates the game medium that will be dispensed when the condition is met. For example, the game medium that will be dispensed when a condition is set for the number of story lottery executions will be a game medium that has a more advantageous effect than the game medium that will be dispensed when there is no condition for the number of story lottery executions.

[0060] The reward granting unit 134, when a user meets the reward granting conditions, refers to the storage unit 12 and obtains the number of times the user has performed the story lottery. The reward granting unit 134 refers to the reward table, identifies the type of reward corresponding to the reward granting conditions met by the user and the game medium corresponding to the number of times the user has performed the story lottery, and decides to grant the identified game medium to the user.

[0061] With the information processing device 1 configured in this way, users can be motivated to progress through the story in order to obtain more advantageous rewards, thereby preventing them from becoming bored.

[0062] The information processing device 1 may be configured to have selectable stories by obtaining a specific game medium that can only be acquired through a story lottery.

[0063] The reception unit 131 accepts the selection of a predetermined story from users who have received a predetermined game medium through a story lottery. The predetermined story is a story that is different from both the main story and the branching story, and is set up to be selectable when certain conditions are met.

[0064] Specifically, the reception unit 131 refers to the game media owned by the user stored in the memory unit 12 and determines whether the user owns a predetermined game media. The predetermined game media is a game media that can only be obtained through a story lottery. If the user owns the predetermined game media, the reception unit 131 displays a selection screen configured to allow the user to select a predetermined story on the user's information terminal 2, the information terminal 2 accepts the user's story selection and transmits the user's selection to the information processing device 1.

[0065] [Processing flow in Information Processing Device 1] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the processing flow in the information processing device 1. The flowchart shown in Figure 11 starts from the point when the information processing device 1 receives a selection from the user.

[0066] The reception unit 131 accepts the user's selection of a branching story (S01). The progress management unit 132 advances the branching story corresponding to the selection accepted by the reception unit 131 (S02).

[0067] The lottery management unit 133 determines whether the progress of the branching story meets the unlock conditions (S03). If the progress of the branching story does not meet the unlock conditions (NO in S03), the information processing device 1 terminates processing. If the progress of the branching story meets the unlock conditions (YES in S03), the lottery management unit 133 makes it possible to perform a story lottery corresponding to the branching story that meets the unlock conditions (S04). Then, the information processing device 1 terminates processing.

[0068] [Effects of Information Processing Device 1] This configuration of the information processing device 1 has the effect of suppressing user boredom with the game.

[0069] <Second Embodiment> In the above embodiment, it was explained that the information processing device 1 performs a process to enable story lottery execution. However, the information terminal 2 may be configured to perform a process to enable story lottery execution when the release condition is met. Figure 12 shows the configuration of the information terminal 2 in this case.

[0070] The information terminal 2 includes a communication unit 21, an input unit 22, a display unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a control unit 25. The control unit 25 includes a selection reception unit 251, an acquisition unit 252, and a presentation unit 253.

[0071] The communication unit 21 is a communication interface for sending and receiving data with other devices via a network. The input unit 22 is a device for receiving user input, such as a touch panel or keyboard. The display unit 23 is a display for showing the screen generated by the presentation unit 253.

[0072] The memory unit 24 is a storage medium including ROM, RAM, SSD, hard disk drive, etc. The memory unit 24 pre-stores programs to be executed by the control unit 25. The control unit 25 is a processor such as a CPU. By executing the programs stored in the memory unit 24, the control unit 25 functions as a selection receiving unit 251, an acquisition unit 252, and a presentation unit 253.

[0073] The selection reception unit 251 receives the user's story selection at each branch of the story, where multiple branches are provided in the progression of the game's story, each of which has multiple choices. The reception unit then transmits the user's story selection to the information processing device 1 that manages the game.

[0074] The acquisition unit 252 acquires from the information processing device 1 information indicating the branching story to be progressed, which has been identified in the information processing device 1 as the story corresponding to the story selection received by the selection acceptance unit 251, and information indicating the game's progress. The acquisition unit 252 queries the information processing device 1 for the game's progress at predetermined timings, such as when logging in. The acquisition unit 252 may also query the user for any lottery that has been set to be run.

[0075] The display unit 253 displays a screen corresponding to the information indicating the branching story to be progressed, which has been acquired by the acquisition unit 252. Furthermore, if the progress of the branching story indicated by the information indicating the game progress acquired by the acquisition unit 252 satisfies the unlocking conditions, the display unit 253 further displays a screen that allows the user to select the story lottery corresponding to the branching story whose unlocking conditions have been met, which is a lottery for distributing game media that can be used in the game, and which corresponds to each branching story. In other words, the display unit 253 displays the screen shown in Figure 6 on the display unit 23 based on the information indicating the game progress acquired by the acquisition unit 252.

[0076] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. For example, all or part of the apparatus can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating in any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combinations are combined with the effects of the original embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 1. Information Processing Device 2 Information terminals 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 13 Control Unit 21 Communications Department 22 Input section 23 Display section 24 Memory section 25 Control Unit 131 Reception Department 132 Progress Management Department 133 Lottery Management Department 134 Special Offer Section 251 Selection Reception Department 252 Acquisition Department 253 Presentation section

Claims

1. A game comprising a main story and a plurality of branching stories that branch off from a plurality of branching points provided in the progression of the main story, wherein a reception unit receives a user's story selection at each branch provided in the progression of the story, A progress management unit advances the branched story, which is the story corresponding to the story selection received by the reception unit at each of the aforementioned branches. A lottery management unit that, when the progress of the aforementioned branching story meets predetermined conditions, permits the user to execute a story lottery, which is one of the lotteries for distributing game media usable in the game, that corresponds to the aforementioned branching story. An information processing device having

2. The reception unit further accepts the selection of a restart point, which is a point reached by the user during the progression of the story and is designated as a point to resume the story. The progress management unit advances the story from the restart point that was received by the reception unit. The lottery management unit, when the progress of a branching story different from the branching story that satisfies the predetermined conditions satisfies the predetermined conditions, permits the user to execute a story lottery corresponding to each branching story that satisfies the predetermined conditions. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The lottery management unit allows the user to execute each of the story lotteries corresponding to the selection branch story that satisfies the predetermined conditions, up to a predetermined maximum number of times within a predetermined period. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The system further includes a storage unit for storing game media owned by the user, The lottery management unit, when the number of times the user has performed each of the story lotteries corresponding to the selected branch story that satisfies the predetermined conditions exceeds the upper limit, permits the execution of the story lottery in exchange for a game medium that allows the user to perform the story lottery beyond the upper limit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. Each of the aforementioned story draws has a different probability of drawing the content of the candidate game media or each of the candidate game media for each corresponding branching story. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned story lottery has a probability of producing either the content of the candidate game media or each of the candidate game media, which is different from the probability of producing either the content of the candidate game media or each of the candidate game media in a lottery that can be run regardless of the progress of the branching story selection. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The aforementioned story lottery has different probabilities for drawing the content of the candidate game media or each of the candidate game media depending on the number of times the progress of the selection branch story has met predetermined conditions. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The system further includes a reward granting unit that, when the user meets the conditions for granting game media as a reward, grants different game media depending on the number of times the story lottery has been performed. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The reception unit accepts the selection of a predetermined story from a user who has received a predetermined game medium dispensed by the story lottery. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. A computer executes A game consisting of a main story and multiple branching stories that branch off from multiple branching points established in the progression of the main story, and a step of accepting the user's story selection at each branch established in the progression of the story, In each of the aforementioned branches, there is a step to advance the branched story, which is the story corresponding to the story selection received in the acceptance step, The steps include: when the progress of the aforementioned branching story meets predetermined conditions, allowing the user to perform a story lottery, which is one of the lotteries for distributing game media usable in the game, that corresponds to the aforementioned branching story; An information processing method having

11. To have the computer execute it, A game consisting of a main story and multiple branching stories that branch off from multiple branching points established in the progression of the main story, and a step of accepting the user's story selection at each branch established in the progression of the story, In each of the aforementioned branches, there is a step to advance the branched story, which is the story corresponding to the story selection received in the acceptance step, The steps include: when the progress of the aforementioned branching story meets predetermined conditions, allowing the user to perform a story lottery, which is one of the lotteries for distributing game media usable in the game, that corresponds to the aforementioned branching story; A program that has a name.

12. An information processing system comprising an information processing device and an information terminal, The aforementioned information processing device is A game consisting of a main story and multiple branching stories that branch off from multiple branching points established in the progression of the main story, and a reception unit that accepts the user's story selection at each branch in the progression of the story, A progress management unit advances the selection branch story, which is the story corresponding to the story selection received by the reception unit at each of the aforementioned branches, and transmits information indicating the selection branch story to be advanced to the information terminal. A lottery management unit, when the progress of the aforementioned branching story meets predetermined conditions, permits the user to execute a story lottery, which is one of the lotteries for distributing game media usable in the game, and transmits information indicating the story lottery permitted to the user to the information terminal, It has, The information terminal includes an operation reception unit that transmits the user's story selection at each branch of the story to the information processing device, A display unit that receives information indicating the selection branch story to be advanced from the information processing device and displays a screen corresponding to the received information indicating the selection branch story to be advanced, Having, Information processing system.

13. Computers, A selection receiving unit that accepts the user's story selection at each branch in the progression of the story in a game consisting of a main story and multiple branch stories that branch off from multiple branching points provided in the progression of the main story, and transmits the accepted user's story selection to an information processing device that manages the game. An acquisition unit acquires from the information processing device information indicating the target selection branch story that corresponds to the story selection received by the selection receiving unit, and information indicating the progress of the game. A display unit that displays a screen corresponding to the information indicating the selection branch story to be progressed, acquired by the acquisition unit, To make it function as, The display unit further displays a screen that allows the user to select a story lottery, which is the lottery corresponding to the branching story, from among the lotteries for dispensing game media usable in the game, when the progress of the branching story indicated by the information indicating the game progress acquired by the acquisition unit satisfies predetermined conditions. program.

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