Self-Restriction Mechanism for Game Continuation Rates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing social-network games face challenges in maintaining player engagement and continuation rates, as self-imposed game play restrictions can lead to player withdrawal, and existing mechanisms do not effectively allow players to limit their game play without impacting continuation rates.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that allows users to restrict their own game functions on a user account, with the option to specify a period of restriction or limited usage hours, and grants benefits upon expiration of the restriction, thereby motivating players to return to the game.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a function is provided that allows the player to restrict his/her own game play, then the player can control game play time, but the player is likely to withdraw from the computer game

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayer control over game playVSAvoidplayer continuation rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of restriction-induced withdrawal into a beneficial retention mechanism by granting in-game benefits (virtual items, currency, or privileges) to players who complete restriction periods. This transforms the negative experience of limited access into a positive incentive structure that encourages players to return after restrictions, thereby maintaining continuation rates while preserving player autonomy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-arranging benefit grants before restriction periods end. The server stores restriction period information and automatically determines and grants benefits when restrictions are lifted, creating a seamless transition that prevents player churn during the critical return-to-game moment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the estimated age of the user is less than a predetermined age, then the functions executable in the social-network game are limited, but the player cannot restrict the game play by himself/herself

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveage-appropriate function limitationVSAvoidplayer self-restriction capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling players to autonomously set and manage their own game play restrictions through user interface operations. Players can independently configure restriction periods and manage their accounts without requiring parental or system intervention, transforming a previously adult-only self-service feature into an age-appropriate tool that empowers younger players with personal control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11341276B2Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 KOEI TECMO GAMES CO LTD

AI summary

There is provision of an information processing apparatus configured to cause a user having a user account to use functions on the user account. The information processing apparatus is configured to receive an instruction from the user to restrict use of the functions on the user account, to restrict the use of the functions on the user account in response to the receiving of the instruction, and to perform information processing for granting benefit to the user in accordance with a period of time when the use of the functions is restricted.