In-game advertisement system

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an in-game advertisement system allowing a player to enjoy a game in a state in which the player has received, without making a purchase, various rewards that were previously available by making a purchase. [Solution] An in-game advertisement system 10 is for performing advertisement by adding marks to characters controlled by players 4 and is characterized by comprising: a company-side input unit 12 through which a plurality of companies 6, which each desire to add a mark of own company to the characters, make an input; a player-side input unit 14 which is for selecting, from among the marks of the plurality of companies 6, marks to be added to the characters controlled by the respective players 4; an advertisement fee charging unit 16 which is for charging, when the marks selected by the respective players 4 have been added to the characters, advertisement fees to companies 6 corresponding to the marks; and a reward granting unit 19 which is for granting predetermined rewards when the respective players 4 have added the marks to the characters.

Description

Advertising system for games

[0001] The present invention relates to an advertising system for games.

[0002] Conventionally, with the spread of smartphones, tablet terminals, etc. and the improvement of infrastructure technologies such as networks, the number of players enjoying online games has been increasing. Also, in online games, it is necessary to make payments to obtain items or view advertising videos for free play.

[0003] As a technology related to the present invention, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an advertising system that advertises to users who use a game via an online game playable using the Internet, having a server connected to the Internet and managing the online game, the server creating a dedicated web page for the user using information registered by the user who plays the game via the Internet, and displaying an advertisement of an advertiser registered as a sponsor from the user on the dedicated web page of the user.

[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-77691

[0005] There is sometimes a problem that the charging within the game is unstoppable for players. Regarding such a problem, it is desirable that players can play the game without making payments and receive various benefits that were conventionally obtained by making payments for free.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an advertising system for games that allows players to enjoy the game without making payments and receive various benefits that were conventionally obtained by making payments for free.

[0007] The advertising system according to the present invention is a game advertising system for advertising in a game in which multiple players are connected on a network and play together, by attaching a trademark to a character operated by each of the players, and is characterized by comprising: a company-side input unit for multiple companies that wish to attach their trademarks to the characters to input information; a player-side input unit for selecting a trademark from among the trademarks of the multiple companies to attach to each of the characters operated by each of the players; an advertising fee billing unit for billing the company corresponding to the trademark when the trademark selected by each player is attached to the character; and a benefit granting unit for granting certain benefits when each player attaches the trademark to the character.

[0008] Furthermore, in the game advertising system according to the present invention, it is preferable to include a regulatory processing unit that restricts the affixing of the mark to a predetermined part of the character.

[0009] Furthermore, in the game advertising system according to the present invention, it is preferable to include a deprivation processing unit that revokes the mark if a player operating the character bearing the mark engages in play that violates public order and morals.

[0010] According to this invention, players can enjoy games without having to pay for them themselves, receiving various benefits that were previously only available through in-game purchases.

[0011] This figure shows a game advertising system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows a logo mark attached to a character operated by the player in the game advertising system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements in all drawings, and redundant explanations will be omitted. In addition, in the descriptions within the text, reference numerals previously mentioned will be used as necessary.

[0013] Figure 1 shows a game advertising system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a logo mark 9 attached to a character operated by player 4 in the game advertising system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] The game advertising system 10 is a system that allows players 4 to enjoy games without having to pay for various benefits that would normally be obtained through payment, all for free. The game advertising system 10 is a system that has the function of advertising by attaching a mark to the character controlled by each player 4 within a game where multiple players 4 are connected via a network 8 and play together.

[0015] The game advertising system 10 comprises a company-side input unit 12, a player-side input unit 14, an advertising fee billing unit 16, a reward granting unit 18, a regulation processing unit 20, a deprivation processing unit 22, and a storage unit 24. In this system, the game advertising system 10 is connected to an operating company 2, multiple players 4, and multiple companies 6 via a network 8.

[0016] Operating company 2 is a company that operates games in which players 4 connect and play together via network 8. Examples of game types include MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) and FPS (First Person Shooters), but of course, it can be applied to other games as well.

[0017] Player 4 is a user who plays a game operated by Company 2. For example, in an MMORPG game, Player 4 can receive benefits by attaching Company 6's logo 9 to the sword equipped by the character they control.

[0018] Company 6 is an organization that conducts business activities, but wishes to affix its trademark to the character controlled by Player 4 in the game in order to advertise the products and services it sells.

[0019] The corporate input unit 12 has a function for inputting information from multiple companies 6 that wish to affix their company's trademark to the character controlled by the player 4. Here, "trademark" includes various things such as company logos, symbols, and emblems. The objects to which the trademark can be affixed include not only the character's body, but also the equipment the character wears (for example, swords, shields, armor, helmets, clothing, and footwear).

[0020] Companies should preferably be involved in a wide range of industries, including fisheries, agriculture and forestry, and manufacturers such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, stationery, office equipment and interior design, apparel, clothing, general merchandise and leather goods, printing, automobiles, transportation equipment, machinery, plant engineering, general electrical equipment, medical equipment, precision instruments, heavy electrical equipment and industrial electrical equipment, computers, communication equipment and office equipment, semiconductors, electronic components and others, home appliances and audio equipment, games and amusement equipment, housing, construction, equipment and installation work, building materials and exterior products, textiles, paper and pulp, glass and ceramics, tires and rubber products, petroleum and coal, metal products, non-ferrous metals, iron and steel, mining and cement, agriculture and forestry, and fisheries.

[0021] Furthermore, service infrastructure includes travel, hotels, leisure / amusement / pachinko, entertainment / arts, sports / fitness / health-related facilities, education, real estate, public corporations / government offices, aviation / airports, railways, shipping, land transportation, taxis / buses / tour buses, warehouses, electricity / electricity, energy, gas / water, food service / restaurants / food service, human resource services (recruitment / staffing), consultants / specialized consultants, construction consultants, think tanks, medical-related / medical institutions, welfare / nursing care, bridal / wedding / funeral services, esthetics / barber / beauty salons, organizations / associations, architectural design, security / safety / maintenance / cleaning, and mechanical design.

[0022] Trading companies (general and specialized) include general trading companies, food products, chemical products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, apparel / fashion accessories / precious metals, interior goods, sporting goods, education, machinery, medical equipment, automobiles / transportation equipment, office equipment, electrical / electronic / semiconductors, metals, building materials / exterior products, paper, and petroleum products. In addition, banks, securities firms, insurance firms, and financial institutions include city banks / trust banks, regional banks, credit unions / credit cooperatives / labor banks / mutual aid associations, foreign financial institutions, government-affiliated / system financial institutions, life insurance, non-life insurance, securities, credit / consumer finance, leasing / rental, and consumer finance.

[0023] Furthermore, information (advertising, communications, mass media) includes advertising, publishing / magazines, broadcasting / television / radio, newspapers, and communications. Also, department stores, specialty stores, distribution, and retail include department stores, shopping malls, supermarkets, convenience stores, home centers, consumer cooperatives, music / books / interiors, fashion / clothing accessories / textiles, drugstores / pharmacies / pharmacies, sporting goods, automobiles / transportation equipment, home appliances / office equipment / cameras, eyeglasses / contact lenses / medical devices. And finally, IT / software / information processing includes information processing, software, the internet / web / smartphone apps, and game software.

[0024] The player-side input unit 14 has the function of selecting a trademark from among the trademarks of multiple companies 6 to be attached to each character controlled by each player 4. As described above, the game advertising system 10 has a wide variety of companies 6 participating, so players 4 can choose their favorite company 6 or a company 6 they want to support.

[0025] For example, you can choose your favorite apparel brand (company 6), your favorite car manufacturer (company 6), or the home improvement store you usually use. Furthermore, you can choose not only your favorite companies (company 6), but also companies you want to support, such as those actively promoting disability employment or the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) (company 6).

[0026] The advertising fee billing unit 16 has the function of billing the company 6 corresponding to the mark selected by each player 4 when that mark is attached to the character. For example, in an MMORPG, when the character controlled by player 4 selects a weapon with the logo mark 9 of the company 6 that the player supports, resulting in a character like the one shown in Figure 2, the company 6 corresponding to the logo mark 9 will be billed.

[0027] While this explanation assumes the logo is attached to a weapon, it can also be attached to the character's body, or to armor instead of weapons, and can be applied to various types of equipment.

[0028] The reward granting unit 18 has the function of granting certain rewards when each player 4 attaches the mark to their character. This means that the rewards that player 4 would have traditionally paid for themselves within the online game are now displayed on the character controlled by player 4, and it appears as if company 6 is paying advertising fees to the operating company 2 on behalf of player 4.

[0029] As a bonus, in MMORPGs, attaching Logo Mark 9 to clothing and weapons, or directly to your character (avatar), can increase your attack power by a few percent, your defense power by a few percent, increase the number of dropped items when you win battles, or grant you special items. Also, in MMORPGs, attaching Logo Mark 9 to means of transportation such as carriages can make you travel faster or increase (or decrease) the chance of encountering monsters.

[0030] In shooting games, having the logo mark 9 can grant bonuses such as extra lives, temporary invincibility, or increased bullet rate. Additionally, attaching it to buildings can provide various benefits, such as faster life recovery, unlock premium buildings in sandbox games, or access services like rental servers.

[0031] The regulatory processing unit 20 has the function of restricting the placement of trademarks on predetermined parts of the character. Multiple companies 6 that wish to place their trademarks on the character operated by the player 4 can restrict the placement of the trademarks based on their own policies, etc. Here, the placement of the trademarks is described as being set by the companies 6, but it may also be set by the operating company 2.

[0032] For example, the regulatory processing unit 20 can prohibit things like affixing a trademark to the crotch area of ​​a character. Also, for example, a manufacturer selling infant products could regulate weapons such as swords that are used for attacks if it is deemed likely to damage the company's image.

[0033] The deprivation processing unit 22 has the function of depriving a player 4 who is operating a character bearing the trademark of the trademark if the player engages in play that violates public order and morals. The operating company 2 can, for example, set the system to revoke the trademark if the player cheats in the game or engages in play that harms public order or morals, as this could damage the company's image.

[0034] This means that Player 4 is expected to be aware that they are using Company 6's logo 9 and to play in accordance with the rules.

[0035] The memory unit 24 can store information such as that entered into or set in the company-side input unit 12, the player-side input unit 14, the advertising fee billing unit 16, the benefit granting unit 18, the regulation processing unit 20, and the deprivation processing unit 22.

[0036] Each function of the game advertising system 10 can be implemented through either a hardware configuration or a software configuration. For example, when implemented through software, these functions can be implemented by application software stored on a recording medium such as RAM, ROM, or hard disk, running on a server device that is actually configured with a CPU or MPU, RAM, ROM, etc.

[0037] Next, the operation of the game advertising system 10 with the above configuration will be explained. In the game advertising system 10, companies 6 that wish to have their company's mark (logo mark 9, etc.) attached to the character controlled by the player 4 input it using the company input unit 12. Since it is preferable for the player 4 to select the company they want to support, it is preferable that the industries of the multiple companies 6 include a wide variety of types.

[0038] When Player 4 joins the game, Player 4 can choose whether or not to display the Company 6 logo on their character. For example, in an MMORPG, when entering a weapons shop, Player 4 can freely choose between weapons with the Company 6 logo (logo mark 9, etc.) and weapons without the logo. While a weapons shop is used as an example here, this choice could also be made available when entering other shops or booths. Although this explanation assumes that the weapons already have the logo, Player 4 may freely decide where to attach the logo.

[0039] When selecting weapons bearing the logo of Company 6, Player 4 can choose a Company 6 they wish to support (for example, a manufacturer of products they regularly use or a company promoting SDGs). It is preferable that Company 6 include a wide variety of industries, but once Player 4 has made a selection, the system may prioritize displaying the Company 6 preferred by Player 4.

[0040] When the logo mark 9 of company 6 selected by player 4 is displayed in a manner such as shown in Figure 2, it is as if player 4 has entered into a sponsorship agreement with company 6 of the logo mark 9, and the company pays advertising fees to the operating company 2.

[0041] The advertising fees paid by company 6 to the operating company 2 are allocated to the expenses required for the benefits that player 4 used to obtain by self - charging. As a result, player 4 can receive such benefits for free. Examples of benefits include an increase in remaining lives in a shooting game, becoming invincible for a certain period of time, or having more bullets fired for a certain period of time. In an MMORPG, it is possible to increase attack power or defense power, or receive special items. Additionally, during battles, within a range that does not disrupt the game balance, the logo mark 9 of company 6 may be displayed during effects.

[0042] Also, when player 4 can freely determine the position to attach the logo of company 6 to the character, company 6 can regulate the attachment target area. For example, this is to prevent damage to the company image when the logo of company 6 is attached to the crotch of the character.

[0043] When player 4 engages in behavior that violates public order and good customs, such as performing indecent or discriminatory acts using the character, in order to prevent damage to the company image, the logo of that company 6 can also be deprived.

[0044] Player 4 takes on a form as if having a sponsorship contract with company 6 and can have an awareness of representing that company 6. Therefore, it is expected that player 4 will strive for better gameplay. Also, in an open - world game, it is expected that a sense of solidarity will arise by finding game users with the same logo mark 9, etc.

[0045] Thus, since the logo mark 9 and other marks can be seen by a large number of players 4 participating in the game, it leads to the promotion of company 6, and it is possible to appeal to other players 4 that one agrees with and supports the CSR - related efforts of company 6. Also, company 6 may appeal with company information and product information in the in - game guidance mail, etc.

[0046] In this explanation, we have assumed that Player 4's sponsor is Company 6, but it does not have to be an organization; it could be an individual. For example, in an election, a company, organization, or individual supporting a candidate may become a sponsor, provided they comply with the laws of the country in question, and may display small items such as charms, bracelets, or handkerchiefs instead of a trademark.

[0047] 2 Operating company, 4 Player, 6 Company, 8 Network, 9 Logo, 10 Game advertising system, 12 Company-side input unit, 14 Player-side input unit, 16 Advertising fee billing unit, 18 Reward granting unit, 20 Regulation processing unit, 22 Deprivation processing unit, 24 Memory unit.

Claims

1. A game advertising system for advertising in a game in which multiple players are connected on a network and play together, by attaching a trademark to a character operated by each of the players, comprising: a company-side input unit for multiple companies that wish to attach their trademarks to the characters to input information; a player-side input unit for selecting a trademark from among the trademarks of the multiple companies to attach to each of the characters operated by each of the players; an advertising fee billing unit for billing the company corresponding to the trademark when the trademark selected by each player is attached to the character; and a reward granting unit for granting certain benefits when each player attaches the trademark to the character.

2. A game advertising system according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a regulatory processing unit that restricts the affixing of the mark to a predetermined part of the character.

3. A game advertising system according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a deprivation processing unit that deprives a player who operates the character bearing the mark of the mark of the mark if the player engages in play that violates public order and morals.

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