JP6887170B2 - Game system, its control method and computer program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game system or the like that gives a user an item that can be used only in a game.

As a mechanism for collecting compensation when providing some service to the user in the game, the user is made to possess an item with in-game currency value that is valid only in the game, and the item is consumed in the game. In exchange for this, the method of providing services is widely adopted. Such items may be exchanged for economic value expressed in either money or an alternative, that is, for a paid item given to the user by purchase and for the economic value described above. It is common that there are items that are given to users free of charge without needing to be required (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Japanese Patent No. 6004362 Japanese Patent No. 6143141

In a conventional game system, how to use paid items is left to the user's will, and depending on the user, a considerable amount of paid items may be stored in an unused state. However, the existence of unused items that have been exchanged for a fee can be a debt that obliges the business operator that provides or operates the game system to provide services as consideration for selling the items. Therefore, it may not always be desirable for the scale of unused paid items to expand more than necessary. As an example, if the exchange ratio between the value of money etc. consumed at the time of purchase and the amount of items given to the user in exchange for the consumption of that value is not constant, for example, for items purchased by the user at a bargain price. , The debt that the business operator should bear for the profit obtained from the sale becomes relatively large. Therefore, it may not be desirable to increase the number of items by discount exchange in an unused state.

Regarding the purchase of items, from the viewpoint of preventing the user from spending excessively, there is also a game system that takes measures such as setting an upper limit on the purchase amount of items within a certain period of time. However, such restrictions limit only the purchase amount of the user and are not associated with the use of items sold for a fee. Therefore, it is not possible to control the amount of items that have been exchanged for a fee and are in an unused state.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system or the like capable of appropriately managing the amount of items that are exchanged for a fee and are in an unused state.

A game system according to an aspect of the present invention exchanges a first item, which is valid only in a game, with a value expressed by either money by a user or a substitute for the money, according to a predetermined computer program. On the other hand, the second item that is valid only in the game is given to the user without requiring the exchange for the value by the user, and the granting means given to the user. The amount of each of the first item and the second item is distinguished for each item, accumulated as the possession amount of the user, and the first item given to the user in association with the use of the user in the game. And a management means that consumes the possession amount of the second item, and a limiting means that restricts the exchange of the value by the granting means into the first item based on the possession amount of the first item. Includes a computer configured to function as.

The method for controlling the game system according to one aspect of the present invention is to use the computer of the game system as a first item that is valid only in the game according to a predetermined computer program, either in money by the user or in a substitute for the money. While giving to the user in exchange for the value expressed by the above, a second item that is valid only in the game is given to the user without requiring the exchange for the value by the user. Means, the amount of each of the first item and the second item given to the user is distinguished for each item and accumulated as the possession amount of the user, and the user is associated with the use of the user in the game. Based on the management means that consumes the possession amount of the first item and the second item given to the first item, and the possession amount of the first item, the first item is based on the value of the granting means. It functions as a limiting means to limit the exchange to.

In the computer program for a game system according to one aspect of the present invention, the computer of the game system is represented by either money by the user or a substitute for the money as the first item that is valid only in the game. An granting means for granting a second item, which is valid only in the game, to the user by exchanging it for value, without requiring the user to exchange it for value, to the user. The amount of the first item and the second item given to each item is distinguished for each item, accumulated as the amount possessed by the user, and given to the user in association with the use of the user in the game. Based on the management means that consumes the possession amount of the first item and the second item, and the possession amount of the first item, the exchange of the value by the granting means for the first item is restricted. It is configured to function as a limiting means.

The figure which shows an example of the whole structure of the game system which concerns on one form of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the mechanism of the addition of an item and the consumption accompanying the use thereof. A functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system of a game server for controlling the purchase, consumption, etc. of items. A flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a purchase process executed by a game server in order to give a paid item to a user. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the free grant process executed by the game server to grant the free item to the user. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the item consumption process executed by the game server to consume the item. A flowchart showing another example of a purchase process procedure performed by the game server to grant a paid item to a user. A flowchart showing a further example of the procedure of the purchase process performed by the game server to grant a paid item to the user.

First, an example of the overall configuration of the game system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The game system 1 is configured as a client-server type system including a plurality of user terminals 2 and a game server 3 connected to the user terminals 2 via a network NT (for example, the Internet). Each of the user terminal 2 and the game server 3 is an example of a computer constituting the game system 1. The user terminal 2 is a portable information communication terminal that can be connected to a network and can be carried by a user. As an example, the user terminal 2 is a smartphone having a communication call function. However, as the user terminal 2, a terminal capable of connecting to a network, such as a portable game machine or a tablet terminal, may be used. The game server 3 may be configured by appropriately combining a plurality of server units, etc., or may be configured by a single server unit. The game server 3 may be configured as a cloud server using cloud computing technology.

The game server 3 provides the user with various services related to the game played on the user terminal 2 while appropriately referring to various data recorded in the database DB. The game provided by the game system 1 and services related to the game may be appropriately set. As an example, for example, an application program for playing a game is distributed from the game server 3 or another server to the user terminal 2, and the application program is executed on the user terminal 2, so that the user terminal 2 and the game server are executed. The game system 1 is configured so that the user can play the game on the user terminal 2 in cooperation with the 3. The game server 3 provides various services associated with the game, such as storing play data in a database DB, providing contents used in the game, and matching between users. User authentication is required to use at least a part of the various services of the game server 3 on the user terminal 2. Similar to various well-known systems, user authentication may be performed using user identification information (user ID as an example) uniquely set for each user and authentication information such as a password. The user identification information may be issued by an appropriate method.

In the game system 1, a paid item is sold to a user as an example of the first item. Paid items are given to a user in exchange for a value expressed by either money or an alternative thereof, and serve as an example of an in-game currency that is valid only in-game. Money here means a value quantitatively expressed by legal tender, and does not necessarily have to be cash. Money substitutes are appropriately used as money substitutes, for example, if they have various economic values or exchange values such as electronic currencies, points, coupons, etc. issued by a specific business operator. It's okay. The monetary alternative may be one that has a wider range of exchange value in comparison to the paid item. For example, a substitute may be set so that the exchange value is recognized for a game other game different from the game for which the paid item is accepted, or a certain range of services related to the other game. On the other hand, the alternative may have a narrow range of exchange value in comparison with legal tender. In the following, money or its substitutes may be referred to as money, etc., and the value expressed by either money or its substitutes may be referred to as the value of money, etc.

The user can proceed with the game while receiving various services related to the game by appropriately using the paid items in the game. For example, the user can use the paid item by exchanging the paid item for another secondary item prepared in the game. The paid item used by the user is consumed in exchange for the provision of the service to be used (for example, the granting of the secondary item to be exchanged). Consumption here means that the value of the paid item has disappeared and cannot be used again.

Further, in the game system 1, a free item as an example of the second item is also given to the user. A free item is an item that is given to a user free of charge without requiring exchange for a value such as money, and functions as an example of in-game currency like a paid item. For example, a free item is given to the user when the user meets a predetermined condition in the game. The conditions for granting free items may be set in association with appropriate matters such as game results and login to the game.

The term "item" in paid items and free items is used for convenience as an example of the name of the in-game currency, and the name may be appropriately set as long as it can be distinguished from the legal tender. Each of the paid item and the free item may be expressed by using appropriate names such as "token", "credit", "stone", and "gold". For example, a paid item is called a "paid stone" and a free item is called a "free stone". In addition, each amount of the paid item and the free item may be quantitatively expressed by the number of units according to an appropriate unit. For example, when a paid item and a free item are called by the name of "token", the amount of the item possessed may be expressed by the number of tokens possessed, such as 10 tokens in units of 1 token.

The game server 3 cooperates with the payment server 4 via the network NT, if necessary, in order to settle the fee when the user purchases the paid item. The payment server 4 may be, for example, a server of a card company or a financial institution that realizes payment processing using a credit card or a debit card, or may be a server that manages electronic currency issued by a specific business operator. Good.

Next, an example of the mechanism of giving an item in the game system 1 and consuming it with reference to FIG. 2 will be described. In order to manage the respective amounts (possessed amount) of the paid items and the free items possessed by the user, the game server 3 holds the item data Di for each user. The item data Di may be appropriately stored in a database DB (see FIG. 1) accessible to the game server 3. The item data Di is configured to describe, for example, the user ID as the user identification information and the possession amount of each of the paid item and the free item in association with each other.

When the user selects to purchase a paid item in the game, the user terminal 2 requests the game server 3 to purchase the paid item. The game server 3 processes the payment in cooperation with the payment server 4, and when the payment is successful, the game server 3 updates the possession amount of the paid item of the item data Di to the value obtained by adding the purchase amount. In this case, it is not always necessary that the consumption amount of the value such as money required for purchasing the paid item and the amount of the paid item (purchase amount) given to the user in exchange for the consumption are one-to-one. , The unit system of money and the like and the unit system of paid items may be appropriately determined. For example, 100 tokens are given for 1000 yen.

When the ratio between the amount of money consumed when purchasing a paid item and the amount of paid item purchased in exchange for the consumption is taken as the exchange ratio, the exchange ratio must always be constant. do not. For example, when the standard ratio for the exchange ratio is set as the standard ratio and the amount of paid items obtained when money etc. is exchanged for paid items according to the standard ratio is used as the standard exchange amount, the same amount of money etc. A discount ratio in which the exchange ratio is changed so that the user is given a paid item in an amount larger than the standard exchange amount with respect to the consumption of the item may be appropriately applied. In the above example, when the exchange ratio when 100 tokens are given by consuming 1000 yen is used as the reference ratio, for example, when the discount ratio is applied, 120 tokens are given by consuming 1000 yen, or 800 yen is consumed. It is like 100 tokens are given. In this case, the paid tokens were sold at a discounted rate of 20% compared to the exchange at the standard ratio.

The application of the reference ratio and the discount ratio may be set as appropriate. For example, when a user purchases a paid item for the first time, when a certain amount of purchase is reached from the first purchase, or when an event such as a campaign or sale is being held, the discount ratio is applied, otherwise the discount ratio is applied. It is possible to set the ratio to be applied. Alternatively, when the user meets certain conditions in the game, the discount ratio can be applied by limiting the purchase amount, period, or number of times. A plurality of discount ratios may be set, and any ratio may be appropriately selected and applied from the reference ratio and the plurality of discount ratios.

Corresponding to the setting of the reference ratio and the discount ratio, in the item data Di, the possession amount of the paid item may be recorded separately for each of the reference ratio and the discount ratio. Further, when a plurality of discount ratios are used properly, the amount of paid items possessed may be recorded separately for each discount ratio. In the example of FIG. 2, the item data Di is configured so that the possession amount of the paid item is separately recorded for each of the discount ratios A, B, C ... X. Therefore, when a paid item is purchased, the game server 3 adds the purchased amount to the possession amount of the paid item in the category corresponding to the exchange ratio at the time of purchase.

For free items, there is no concept of exchange ratio. Therefore, when a free item is given to a user in the game, the game server 3 adds the amount of the newly given free item to the possession amount of the free item recorded in the item data Di of the user. To do.

On the other hand, when the user intends to receive the service by using the paid item or the free item in the game, the user terminal 2 instructs the game server 3 to use the item together with the usage amount. The game server 3 updates the possession amount of the item data Di so that the instructed usage amount is subtracted from the possession amount of the paid item or the free item, consumes the paid item or the free item, and in exchange for the consumption, the user. Provides the service specified by. Priorities are set for the consumption of paid and free items, which will be described later. When using items, the value of paid items and free items is the same. For example, when consuming 10 units of items to receive a service, the amount of items to be consumed in exchange for it is 10 regardless of whether it is a paid item or a free item. Even if there are multiple exchange ratios when purchasing a paid item, the value when using the paid item is the same without being discriminated by the exchange ratio. However, whether or not the item to be exchanged is paid, such as the service provided only for the use of paid items, or the service provided only for the use of paid items exchanged at the standard ratio, or the exchange of items There may be a service whose availability changes depending on the ratio.

Further, the game server 3 has a function of restricting the purchase of paid items so that the possession amount of the paid items recorded in the item data Di does not exceed a predetermined permissible range. For example, when the possession amount of a paid item reaches a predetermined upper limit value, the game server 3 prohibits the purchase of the paid item until the possession amount is reduced to less than the upper limit value due to the consumption of the paid item. Alternatively, only the paid items purchased at the discount ratio may be restricted from purchasing the paid items at the discount ratio so that the amount of possession does not exceed the permissible range. In short, restrictions on the purchase of paid items may be enforced for the total amount of possession of the paid items, or may be enforced for a part of the paid items. Specific examples of purchase restrictions will be described later. In order to determine whether or not the purchase of paid items is restricted, for example, information on the purchase restriction setting (as an example, a determination flag) may be further recorded in the item data Di. The purchase restriction setting information may be set separately for each exchange ratio, may be set uniformly for the entire paid item, or may be set separately for the standard ratio and the discount ratio. Good.

The amount of paid items and the amount of free items recorded in the item data Di are, in short, the amount of paid items and free items that the user is not using, and the amount of paid items possessed is the amount of money required to purchase them. It corresponds to the amount of debt owed to the user by the business operator who operates the game system 1 in response to the value such as. Therefore, by limiting the purchase of paid items based on the amount of paid items possessed, it is possible to appropriately suppress the amount of unused paid items. Even if the amount of possession reaches the upper limit and the purchase is restricted, the user can purchase a new paid item by using the paid item and reducing the amount of possession. If you set an upper limit on the purchase amount of paid items, you will not be able to make new purchases until the limit is lifted, and as a result, the amount of paid items used will also be limited. On the other hand, when limiting the amount of unused paid items possessed as described above, the purchase restriction is lifted if the user uses the paid items. Therefore, the possibility that the user cannot newly purchase the required amount of paid items is eliminated or reduced.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, an example of the configuration of the control system of the game server 3 for controlling the purchase, consumption, etc. of paid items will be described. In the client-server type game system, there are various forms regarding the division of processing between the client and the server, but in the example of FIG. 3, at least the processing corresponding to the addition and use of the item is performed by the game server 3. Will be explained as being in charge.

As shown in FIG. 3, a game program PG for operating a server unit as a physical computer as a game server 3 is implemented in the game server 3. When the game server 3 executes the game program PG, the game server 3 is provided with a game control unit 11, an item granting unit 12, an item management unit 13, and a purchase restriction unit 14. Each part 11 to 14 is a logical device realized by the cooperation of computer hardware and software. The game control unit 11 is in charge of overall control of the game in cooperation with the user terminal 2. For example, the game control unit 11 acquires information on the user's input operation from the user terminal 2, executes various calculations necessary for advancing the game according to the obtained information, and outputs the execution result on the user terminal 2. Information necessary for reflecting in the game is transmitted to the user terminal 2.

The item granting unit 12 is in charge of processing related to the granting of paid items and free items to the user according to the instruction from the game control unit 11. For example, the item granting unit 12 is in charge of processing related to the purchase of paid items or processing related to the granting of free items. The item management unit 13 accesses the item data Di of the database DB according to the instruction from the game control unit 11, determines the amount of paid items and free items recorded in the database DB, or from the game control unit 11. Update their possession according to the instructions in. The purchase restriction unit 14 accesses the item data Di according to the instruction of the game control unit 11, and controls the purchase restriction of the paid item based on the possession amount of the paid item.

The game server 3 may be further provided with various devices as physical devices or logical devices in charge of various processes required for the game. For example, the game server 3 is provided with various devices such as a communication control unit that controls communication with the user terminal 2 and a matching control unit that controls matching between users. In FIG. 3, the illustration of these devices is omitted.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9, various processes executed by the game server 3 in connection with the granting or consumption of paid items and free items will be described. However, since there may be a plurality of examples in the purchase process of the paid item, the first process example and the second process example will be described separately below. In each of the following processing examples, the reference ratio and at least one discount ratio are appropriately used for the exchange ratio at the time of purchasing the paid item. The selection of the exchange ratio may be selected by the user on the user terminal 2, or may be selected by the game server 3 itself without leaving it to the user's selection. Further, in the following processing, it is assumed that the user authentication for the user of the user terminal 2 is completed and the game server 3 has already acquired the user ID of the user.

(First processing example)
FIG. 4 shows a procedure in the first processing example regarding the purchase processing executed by the game server 3 regarding the purchase of the paid item. The first processing example is an example in which the purchase restriction is applied assuming that the possession amount exceeds the permissible range when the total possession amount of the paid item reaches a predetermined upper limit value. However, not only when the upper limit has already been reached, but also when the user purchases a paid item and the amount of possession exceeds the upper limit, the purchase is restricted as one aspect of reaching the upper limit.

When the purchase of the paid item is requested from the user terminal 2, the game server 3 starts the purchase process of FIG. 4, and first, the purchase restriction unit 14 confirms whether or not the purchase is restricted (step S101). In this case, the purchase restriction unit 14 acquires the user ID of the user terminal 2 from the game control unit 11, and whether or not the purchase of the paid item is restricted according to the information of the purchase restriction setting of the item data Di corresponding to the user ID. To determine. When the purchase is restricted, the purchase restriction unit 14 notifies the game control unit 11 that the purchase is being restricted, and the game control unit 11 notifies the user terminal 2 that the purchase is being restricted (step S121). In this case, the process of FIG. 4 is completed, and the user of the user terminal 2 cannot purchase the paid item. In the user terminal 2 notified of the purchase restriction, for example, a process of graying out icons, operation buttons, menu items, etc. for the user to instruct the purchase of paid items and not accepting the user's selection operation is applied. Therefore, the game may be controlled so that the start of the purchase process cannot be instructed in the first place during the purchase restriction.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S101 that the purchase is not restricted, the purchase restriction unit 14 receives the user's purchase request (purchase content) via the game control unit 11, and based on the obtained purchase request. Acquire the purchase amount and exchange ratio of paid items (step S102). Subsequently, the purchase restriction unit 14 acquires the possession amount of the paid item recorded in the item data Di corresponding to the user ID via the game control unit 11 and the item management unit 13 (step S103). It is determined whether or not the value obtained by adding the current purchase amount to the possession amount, that is, whether or not the possession amount after purchase when it is assumed that the paid item is purchased exceeds a predetermined upper limit value (step S104). When it is determined that the upper limit value is exceeded, the purchase restriction unit 14 notifies the game control unit 11 that the purchase is impossible because the upper limit value is exceeded, and the game control unit 11 notifies that the purchase is impossible. Notify the user terminal 2 (step S122). After that, the game control unit 11 determines whether or not the user has instructed the user to cancel the purchase on the user terminal 2 (step S123). When the purchase is instructed to be canceled, the process of FIG. 4 ends. On the other hand, if the purchase cancellation is not instructed, the process is returned to step S102. This is because the user reduces the purchase amount on the user terminal 2 so as to leave room for purchasing paid items within a range not exceeding the upper limit value.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the upper limit value is not exceeded, the purchase restriction unit 14 notifies the game control unit 11 of the determination result, and the game control unit 11 purchases a paid item from the item granting unit 12. The processing according to the request is instructed. In response to this, the item granting unit 12 calculates the purchase amount according to the purchase amount and unit price (determined by the exchange ratio) of the paid item (step S105), and executes the payment process in cooperation with the payment server 4 (step S106). ). Next, the item granting unit 12 determines whether or not the payment process is successful (step S107), and if successful, adds the current purchase amount to the possession amount of the paid item recorded in the item data Di. Instruct the item management unit 13 via the game control unit 11 (step S108). The item management unit 13 updates the possession amount of the paid item in the item data Di in response to the instruction, so that the paid item is given to the user. If it is determined in step S107 that the payment process has failed, a payment error is notified to the user terminal 2 (step S109), and then the process of FIG. 4 ends.

When the possession amount of the paid item is added in step S108, the purchase restriction unit 14 is notified via the game control unit 11. The purchase restriction unit 14 determines whether or not the possessed amount after addition has reached the upper limit value (step S110), and if it has reached, the purchase restriction is being performed in the information of the purchase restriction setting of the item data Di. A value indicating that is set (step S111). When the process of step S111 is completed, the game control unit 11 notifies the user terminal 2 that the purchase is completed (step S112). This completes the process of FIG. If the possessed amount of the paid item has not reached the upper limit value in step S110, the process of step S111 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S112.

According to the above processing, when the user's possession amount of the paid item reaches the upper limit value, the purchase limit is set (steps S110 and S111), and thereafter, step S101 is positively determined until the limit is lifted and the paid item is released. Is prohibited from purchasing. Even if the purchase limit is not set, if the amount of possession exceeds the upper limit due to a new purchase, step S104 is positively determined, and a paid item is purchased unless the purchase amount is changed within the range not exceeding the upper limit. Can't be done. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that the amount of paid items possessed by each user exceeds a predetermined permissible range.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the procedure of the free grant process executed by the game server 3 in order to grant the free item to the user. The game server 3 executes the process of FIG. 5 at a predetermined cycle, such as when the user logs in. When the process of FIG. 5 is started, the game control unit 11 first determines the state of the game at that time (step S201), and based on the determination result, is the condition for granting the free item satisfied? Whether or not it is determined (step S202). This condition may be set as appropriate. However, the granting of free items is not contingent on the consumption of value such as money. Therefore, the condition determined in step S202 is set so that the free item is not given in exchange for the consumption of money or the like by the user. It should be noted that conditions may be set so that the consumption of value such as money is indirectly related to the conditions for granting free items, such as granting additional free items on the condition of purchasing paid items. Even in this case, since the value of money or the like is completely consumed by the purchase of the paid item, the free item is not given on condition that the value of the money or the like is exchanged.

When it is determined in step S202 that the condition is satisfied, the game control unit 11 instructs the item granting unit 12 to grant the free item. The item giving unit 12 receives an instruction from the game control unit 11 and receives an instruction from the game control unit 11 and uses the item management unit 11 via the game control unit 11 so that a predetermined amount is added to the possession amount of free items recorded in the user's item data Di. Instruct 13 (step S203). As a result, free items are given to the user, and the given amount is accumulated as the possession amount of the user. The addition amount in this case may be a constant value, or may be dynamically changed according to the condition determined to be satisfied in step S202. After adding the amount of possession of the free item, the game control unit 11 notifies the user terminal 2 that the free item has been granted (step S204). This completes the process of FIG. If it is determined in step S202 that the condition is not satisfied, the processes of steps S203 and S204 are skipped and the process of FIG. 5 is completed.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a procedure of item consumption processing executed by the game server 3 in order to consume those items in response to the use of paid items or free items. When the use of the item is requested from the user terminal 2, the game server 3 starts the item consumption process of FIG. 6, and the game control unit 11 first sets the usage content of the item, for example, the usage amount and the service to be used by the user. Obtained from terminal 2 (step S301). Next, the game control unit 11 determines the usage amount of the item from the usage content acquired in step S301 (step S302), and then, through the item management unit 13, the total value of the possession amount of each of the paid item and the free item. Is determined whether or not is equal to or greater than the amount used this time (step S303).

When it is determined that the possessed amount is equal to or more than the used amount, the game control unit 304 notifies the item management unit 13 of the used amount, and in response to this, the item management unit 13 consumes the paid item or the free item according to the used amount. Execute in the following order. First, the item management unit 13 preferentially consumes the free item by subtracting the usage amount determined in step S302 from the possession amount of the free item recorded in the item data Di (step S304). In this case, the item management unit 13 sets the possession amount of the free item to 0 if the possession amount of the free item is less than the usage amount, and holds the difference between the possession amount and the usage amount of the free item as the insufficient amount.

Next, the item management unit 13 determines whether or not the consumption is completed in step S304, that is, whether or not the entire amount of usage can be covered by the consumption of the free item (step S305). If the consumption is not completed, that is, if there is a shortage in step S304, the item management unit 13 starts from the possession amount of the paid item (hereinafter, may be referred to as a discount exchange item) exchanged according to the discount ratio. The shortage amount is subtracted (step S306). When the possession amount of a plurality of paid items with a discount ratio is recorded in the item data Di, the possession amount may be subtracted in a certain order, for example, in order from the one having the largest discount ratio. The magnitude of the discount ratio referred to here may be treated as a large discount ratio so that a larger amount of paid items can be given in comparison with the standard ratio. If the shortage cannot be covered even after consuming all the discount exchange items, the difference between the possession amount of the discount exchange item and the shortage amount is retained as a further shortage amount.

Next, the item management unit 13 determines whether or not the consumption is completed in step S306, that is, whether or not the entire shortage amount can be covered by the consumption of the discount exchange item (step S307). If the consumption is not completed, that is, if the consumption amount of the paid item is insufficient with respect to the usage amount even by the consumption in step S307, the item management unit 13 exchanges the paid item according to the reference ratio (hereinafter, normal exchange). The shortage amount is subtracted from the possession amount of (sometimes called an item) (step S308). After that, the item management unit 13 notifies the game control unit 11 that the consumption of the item is completed (step S309). As a result, the game control unit 11 starts to provide a service corresponding to the use of the item. If it is determined in step S305 that the consumption is completed, the processes of steps S306 to S308 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S309. If it is determined in step S307 that the consumption is completed, the process of step S308 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S309.

After the process of step S309, the game control unit 11 receives the latest paid item possession amount after consumption from the item management unit 13 and provides it to the purchase restriction unit 14. The purchase restriction unit 14 determines whether or not the purchase restriction should be lifted based on the given amount of possession (step S310). The purchase restriction unit 14 determines that the purchase restriction should be released if the latest possession amount of the paid item is less than the upper limit value, and sets the purchase restriction information recorded in the item data Di to the value for which the restriction is released. By setting, the purchase restriction is released (step S311). If the restriction has already been lifted, that state is maintained. When the process of step S311 is completed, the process of FIG. 6 is completed. If it is determined in step S310 that the purchase restriction should not be lifted, that is, if it is determined that the amount of paid items possessed is the upper limit, step S311 is skipped and the process of FIG. 6 is completed. .. For example, if the amount used this time can be completed only by consuming free items (when affirmative judgment is made in step S305), the amount of paid items possessed does not change, so if the purchase is restricted, step S310 Will be judged negative. Further, when it is determined in step S303 that the possessed amount is less than the used amount, the game control unit 11 notifies the user terminal 2 that the item cannot be used without proceeding to step S304 or lower (step S320). After that, the process of FIG. 6 is completed.

According to the process of FIG. 6, when the user uses the paid item and the possession amount of the item data Di decreases to less than the upper limit value, step S310 is determined affirmatively and the purchase restriction is released. Therefore, even if the purchase limit of the paid item is set in step S111 of FIG. 4, if the user subsequently uses the paid item to reduce the possession amount, it is possible to purchase a new paid item. ..

Further, in the process of FIG. 6, items are consumed in the order of free item, discount exchange item, and normal exchange item regarding the use of the item. Therefore, there is no risk that the items purchased for a fee will be consumed first even though the items acquired free of charge remain. Paid items have a credit value acquired by the user by consuming the value of money, etc., and it is convenient for the user who wants to keep this as much as possible to consume the free item in advance. .. As a result, it is possible to increase the user's sense of conviction regarding the consumption of the item. In particular, when there is a service provided only for the use of paid items, the in-game value of the paid items is relatively higher than that of the free items. In this case, giving priority to the consumption of free items makes it easy to suppress the consumption of items having a relatively large value and obtain a sense of conviction of the user.

In addition, from the perspective of the operator of the game system 1, the paid items exchanged according to the discount ratio have a debt to be borne by the profits obtained from the item sales in comparison with the paid items exchanged according to the standard ratio. It can be a relatively large item. From the user's point of view, a paid item purchased according to the standard ratio is an item acquired by consuming more value in comparison with the paid item purchased according to the discount ratio. In such a case, if the paid items exchanged according to the discount ratio are consumed in advance, it is possible to match the convenience of the user and the business operator with respect to the consumption of the items. However, the priority regarding the use of the paid items and the free items shown in FIG. 6 is an example, and the priority of consumption may be appropriately changed according to the convenience of the game system 1.

(Second processing example)
FIG. 7 shows a procedure in the second processing example regarding the purchase processing executed by the game server 3 regarding the purchase of the paid item. In the second processing example, among the paid items, only the paid items exchanged at the discount ratio have an upper limit set on the amount of possession, and when the amount of possession reaches the upper limit, the amount of possession reaches the allowable range. This is an example of limiting only the purchase of paid items by the discount ratio as something that exceeds. However, not only when the upper limit has already been reached, but also when the user purchases a paid item at a discount rate and the amount of possession exceeds the upper limit, the purchase is restricted as one mode of reaching the upper limit. Further, in the second processing example, no restriction is set regarding the purchase of paid items according to the reference ratio. Unless otherwise specified, the processing for purchasing free items and the processing for consuming items may be carried out in the same manner as in the processes shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

When the purchase of the paid item is requested from the user terminal 2, the game server 3 starts the purchase process shown in FIG. 7, and first confirms whether or not the purchase restriction unit 14 restricts the purchase regarding the discount ratio (step S401). ). In this case, the purchase restriction unit 14 acquires the user ID of the user terminal 2 from the game control unit 11, and is the purchase of the discount exchange item restricted according to the information of the purchase restriction setting of the item data Di corresponding to the user ID? Determine if not. However, the information regarding the purchase restriction of the item data Di may be set uniformly regardless of the difference in the exchange ratio.

When it is determined in step S401 that the purchase by the discount ratio is restricted, the purchase restriction unit 14 notifies the game control unit 11 that the purchase is being restricted, and the game control unit 11 purchases the paid item by the discount ratio. Notify the user terminal 2 that the selection cannot be made (step S402). In this case, the user terminal 2 controls the purchase operation of the paid item so that only the purchase of the paid item based on the reference ratio can be selected.

After the process of step S402, the purchase restriction unit 14 proceeds to step S403. If it is determined in step S401 that the purchase is not restricted, the purchase restriction unit 14 skips step S402 and proceeds to step S403. In step S403, the purchase restriction unit 14 receives the user's purchase request (purchase content) via the game control unit 11, and acquires the purchase amount and exchange ratio of the paid item based on the obtained purchase request. Subsequently, the purchase restriction unit 14 determines whether or not the purchase request this time is based on the discount ratio (step S404). If step S401 is determined affirmatively, step S404 is determined to be negative because there are only options for purchasing based on the reference ratio, but if step S401 is determined to be negative, the exchange ratio determined in step S403 is used. The determination result of step S404 is divided.

When it is determined in step S404 that the purchase is based on the discount ratio, the purchase restriction unit 14 determines the amount of the discount exchange item recorded in the item data Di corresponding to the user ID to the game control unit 11 and the item management unit 13. Obtained via (step S405). In this case, if the possession amount is recorded separately for each of the plurality of discount ratios, the total value of the possession amount may be acquired as the possession amount of the discount exchange item. After that, the purchase restriction unit 14 determines whether the value obtained by adding the current purchase amount to the obtained possession amount, that is, whether the possession amount after purchase exceeds a predetermined upper limit value when it is assumed that the paid item is purchased according to the discount ratio. Whether or not it is determined (step S406). When it is determined that the upper limit value is exceeded, the purchase restriction unit 14 notifies the game control unit 11 that the purchase at the discount ratio is impossible because the upper limit value is exceeded, and the game control unit 11 cannot purchase the upper limit value. Notify the user terminal 2 (step S421). After that, the game control unit 11 determines whether or not the user has instructed the user to cancel the purchase on the user terminal 2 (step S422). When the purchase is instructed to be canceled, the process of FIG. 7 ends. On the other hand, if the purchase cancellation is not instructed, the process is returned to step S403. This is because there is room for the user to purchase a paid item on the user terminal 2 by reducing the purchase amount based on the discount ratio or changing to the purchase based on the reference ratio.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S406 that the upper limit value is not exceeded, the purchase restriction unit 14 notifies the game control unit 11 of the determination result, and the game control unit 11 purchases a paid item from the item granting unit 12. The processing according to the request is instructed. In response to this, the item granting unit 12 calculates the purchase amount according to the purchase amount and unit price (determined by the exchange ratio) of the paid item (step S407), and executes the payment process in cooperation with the payment server 4 (step S408). ). Next, the item granting unit 12 determines whether or not the settlement process is successful (step S409), and if it is successful, it is obtained in step S403 out of the possession amount of the paid item recorded in the item data Di. The item management unit 13 is instructed to update the data via the game control unit 11 so as to add the purchase amount this time to the possession amount corresponding to the exchange ratio (step S410). When the item management unit 13 updates the possession amount of the paid item of the item data Di in response to the instruction, the paid item is given to the user, and the given amount is accumulated as the possession amount of the user. If it is determined in step S409 that the payment process has failed, a payment error is notified to the user terminal 2 (step S411), and then the process of FIG. 7 ends.

When the amount of paid items possessed is added, the purchase restriction unit 14 is notified via the game control unit 11. The purchase restriction unit 14 determines whether or not the possession amount of the discount exchange item after addition has reached the upper limit value (step S412), and if it has reached the purchase restriction setting information of the item data Di. A value indicating that the restriction is in progress is set (step S413). When the process of step S413 is completed, the game control unit 11 notifies the user terminal 2 that the purchase is completed (step S414). As a result, the process of FIG. 7 is completed. If the amount of paid items possessed does not reach the upper limit in step 412, the process of step S413 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S414.

According to the above processing, when the possession amount of the discount exchange item among the possession amount of the paid item possessed by the user reaches the upper limit, the purchase limit of the discount exchange item is set (steps S412, S413), and thereafter. Is determined affirmatively in step S401 until the restriction is lifted, and the purchase of paid items at the discount rate is prohibited. Even if the purchase limit is not set, step S406 is positively judged if the amount of possession exceeds the upper limit due to the new purchase of the paid item by the discount ratio, and the purchase amount does not exceed the upper limit. Paid items cannot be purchased unless changed or changed to purchase at the base ratio. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that the amount of discount exchange items possessed by each user exceeds a predetermined permissible range. On the other hand, the purchase of paid items at the standard ratio is allowed without restriction. Such processing is particularly suitable when it is desired to eliminate the risk of excessively increasing the amount of unused paid items purchased at a discount rate. However, in the second processing example, some restrictions may be set regarding the purchase of paid items based on the reference ratio. In that case, the threshold value of the upper limit value that should cause a limit between the normal exchange item and the discount exchange item based on the discount ratio may be the same or different from each other.

(Third processing example)
FIG. 8 shows a procedure in a third processing example regarding a purchase processing executed by the game server 3 regarding the purchase of a paid item. The third processing example assumes that there are a plurality of discount ratios regarding the exchange ratio at the time of purchasing the paid item, and determines whether or not the possession amount of the paid item exceeds a predetermined upper limit for each discount ratio. This is an example of restricting the purchase of paid items by the discount ratio only for the discount ratio that reaches the upper limit value. In other words, this is an example in which purchase restrictions based on the amount of possession are set separately for each discount ratio. Not only when the upper limit has already been reached, but also when the user purchases a paid item and the amount of possession exceeds the upper limit, the purchase is restricted as one aspect when the upper limit is reached. It is the same as the processing example of 2. Further, in the third processing example, as in the second processing example, no restriction is set regarding the purchase of paid items according to the reference ratio. Unless otherwise specified, the processing for purchasing free items and the processing for consuming items may be carried out in the same manner as in the processes shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. However, since the purchase limit is controlled for each discount ratio, it is necessary to record the amount of possession of item data Di separately for each discount ratio, and the information for setting the purchase limit is also distinguished for each discount ratio. It takes that. Further, in the process of step S310 of FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the possessed amount has reached the upper limit value by distinguishing each discount ratio, and the purchase restriction is released in step S311 only for the discount ratio that has not reached the upper limit value. It is necessary to update the information of the purchase restriction setting so that it will be done.

When the purchase of the paid item is requested from the user terminal 2, the game server 3 starts the purchase process of FIG. 8, and first, the purchase restriction unit 14 confirms whether or not the purchase is restricted with respect to any of the discount ratios. (Step S501). In this case, the purchase restriction unit 14 acquires the user ID of the user terminal 2 from the game control unit 11, and is the purchase of the discount exchange item restricted according to the information of the purchase restriction setting of the item data Di corresponding to the user ID? Whether or not it is determined by distinguishing each discount ratio.

If it is determined in step S501 that the purchase by any of the discount ratios is restricted, the purchase restriction unit 14 sets the discount ratio for which the purchase is restricted as the target ratio, and the purchase by the target ratio is being restricted. Is notified to the game control unit 11, and the game control unit 11 notifies the user terminal 2 that the purchase of the paid item according to the target ratio cannot be selected (step S502). In this case, the user terminal 2 controls the purchase operation of the paid item so that only the purchase of the paid item can be selected by the exchange ratio other than the ratio for which the purchase is restricted. In addition, when only one type of discount ratio is set as an option at the time of purchase and the purchase by that discount ratio is restricted, as a result, only the purchase by the standard ratio can be selected. Become. Alternatively, even if purchases are restricted for all discount ratios, only purchases based on the standard ratio can be selected.

After the process of step S502, the purchase restriction unit 14 proceeds to step S503. If it is determined in step S501 that the purchase is not restricted for all the discount ratios, the purchase restriction unit 14 skips step S502 and proceeds to step S503. In step S503, the purchase restriction unit 14 receives the purchase request (purchase content) of the user via the game control unit 11, and acquires the purchase amount and the exchange ratio of the paid item based on the obtained purchase request. Subsequently, the purchase restriction unit 14 determines whether or not the purchase request this time is due to any of the discount ratios (step S504). As a result of the processing of step S502, step S504 is negatively determined when only the purchase by the reference ratio is left, but when step S502 is skipped or the discount ratio that can be selected even after step S502 is selected. If it remains, the determination result in step S504 is divided according to the exchange ratio determined in step S503.

If it is determined in step S504 that the purchase is based on the discount ratio, the purchase restriction unit 14 determines the discount ratio acquired in step S503 from the possession amount of the discount exchange item recorded in the item data Di corresponding to the user ID. As a target, the possession amount corresponding to the discount ratio is acquired via the game control unit 11 and the item management unit 13 (step S505). After that, the purchase restriction unit 14 sets the value obtained by adding the current purchase amount to the obtained possession amount, that is, the possession amount after purchase assuming that the paid item is purchased according to the target discount ratio, which is a predetermined upper limit value. (Step S506). The upper limit value may be set to the same value for all discount ratios, or the upper limit value may be set separately for each discount ratio so that the upper limit value differs between at least two discount ratios. That is, the permissible range of the amount of possession may be set independently for each discount ratio.

When it is determined in step S506 that the upper limit value is exceeded, the purchase restriction unit 14 notifies the game control unit 11 that the purchase at the discount ratio selected this time is impossible because the purchase restriction unit 14 exceeds the upper limit value, and the game is played. The control unit 11 notifies the user terminal 2 that the purchase is impossible (step S521). After that, the game control unit 11 determines whether or not the user has instructed the user to cancel the purchase on the user terminal 2 (step S522). When the purchase is instructed to be canceled, the process of FIG. 8 ends. On the other hand, if the purchase cancellation is not instructed, the process is returned to step S503. This is because there is room for the user to purchase a paid item on the user terminal 2 by reducing the purchase amount at the same discount ratio or changing to the purchase at another exchange ratio.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S506 that the upper limit value is not exceeded, the purchase restriction unit 14 notifies the game control unit 11 of the determination result, and the game control unit 11 purchases a paid item from the item granting unit 12. The processing according to the request is instructed. In response to this, the item granting unit 12 calculates the purchase amount according to the purchase amount and unit price (determined by the exchange ratio) of the paid item (step S507), and executes the payment process in cooperation with the payment server 4 (step S508). ). Next, the item giving unit 12 determines whether or not the settlement process is successful (step S509), and if it is successful, it is obtained in step S503 of the possession amount of the paid item recorded in the item data Di. The item management unit 13 is instructed to update the data via the game control unit 11 so as to add the purchase amount this time to the possession amount corresponding to the exchange ratio (step S510). When the item management unit 13 updates the possession amount of the paid item of the item data Di in response to the instruction, the paid item is given to the user, and the given amount is accumulated as the possession amount of the user. If it is determined in step S509 that the payment process has failed, a payment error is notified to the user terminal 2 (step S511), and then the process of FIG. 8 ends.

When the amount of paid items possessed is added, the purchase restriction unit 14 is notified via the game control unit 11. The purchase restriction unit 14 determines whether or not the possession amount of the discount exchange item after the addition has reached the upper limit value (step S512). In this case, the determination target may be the possession amount added in step S510. If the purchase is based on the reference ratio, step S512 may be negatively determined and the process may proceed without determining the amount of possession. When the amount of possession has reached the upper limit in step S512, the purchase restriction unit 14 is in the process of restricting the purchase of the item data Di in the information of the purchase restriction setting for the discount ratio selected in this purchase. A value indicating that is set (step S513). When the process of step S513 is completed, the game control unit 11 notifies the user terminal 2 that the purchase is completed (step S514). This completes the process of FIG. If the possessed amount has not reached the upper limit value in step S512, the process of step S512 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S514.

According to the above processing, it is determined for each discount ratio whether or not the possession amount of the discount exchange item reaches the upper limit value among the possession amount of the paid item possessed by the user, and the discount ratio that reaches the upper limit value is determined. The purchase restriction of the paid item by the exchange ratio is set (steps S512 and S513), and thereafter, step S501 is positively judged until the restriction is lifted, and the purchase of the paid item by the discount ratio subject to the restriction is prohibited. .. Further, even if the purchase limit is not set, it is determined whether or not the possessed amount exceeds the upper limit value due to a new purchase of the paid item, and if the upper limit value is reached, step S506 is positively determined and the upper limit value is reached. Paid items cannot be purchased unless the purchase amount is changed within the range not exceeding the above, or the purchase is changed to a purchase with another exchange ratio. Therefore, the amount of discount exchange items possessed by each user can be distinguished for each discount ratio and kept within the permissible range. On the other hand, the purchase of paid items at the standard ratio is allowed without restriction. In addition, even for discount ratios that have not reached the upper limit, purchase of paid items is permitted within the range that does not exceed the upper limit. Similar to the second processing example, such processing is suitable when it is desired to eliminate the possibility that the amount of paid items purchased and unused by the discount ratio is excessively increased, and further, for each discount ratio. It is particularly suitable when you want to limit the amount of possession more flexibly. However, also in the third processing example, some restrictions may be set regarding the purchase of paid items based on the reference ratio. In that case, the threshold value of the upper limit value that should cause a limit between the normal exchange item and the discount exchange item based on the discount ratio may be the same or different from each other.

In the form described above, the item granting unit 12 of the game server 3 has any of the processes of steps S105 to S108 of FIG. 4, the processes of steps S407 to S410 of FIG. 7, and the processes of steps S507 to S510 of FIG. And by executing the process of step S203 of FIG. 5, it functions as an example of the giving means. Further, the item management unit 13 adds the possession amount of the item data Di in any one of step S108 in FIG. 4, step S410 in FIG. 7, or step S510 in FIG. 8 and step S203 in FIG. 5, or in FIG. It functions as an example of the management means by consuming (subtracting) the possessed amount of the item data Di in steps S304 to S308. Further, the purchase restriction unit 14 sets the purchase restriction in any one of step S111 in FIG. 4, step S413 in FIG. 7, or step S513 in FIG. 8, and processes S101 to S104 in FIG. 4, FIG. By executing any of the processes of steps S401 to S406 of FIG. 8 or the processes of steps S501 to S506 of FIG. 8, it functions as an example of the purchase limiting means.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned form, and may be carried out in a form which has been appropriately modified or modified. For example, in the above form, whether or not the possession amount of the entire paid item or the possession amount of the paid item exchanged at at least one discount ratio exceeds the permissible range is determined by comparing the possession amount and the upper limit value. Although it is determined, a plurality of threshold values may be set for the amount of possession, and the amount that can be purchased may be gradually reduced for each threshold value, and the limit may be set in a plurality of stages. As can be understood from this aspect, the purchase restriction is not limited to the example of prohibiting the purchase, but some restriction on the purchase as compared with the case where the restriction is not imposed, such as reducing the amount that can be purchased. May be set as appropriate as long as

In the above form, the case where the possession amount of the paid item exceeds the permissible range includes both the case where the possession amount reaches the upper limit value and the case where the possession amount exceeds the upper limit value due to a new purchase. If the value is reached, new purchases are prohibited, and if the upper limit is not reached, the permissible range is exceeded, such as being able to purchase paid items even if the upper limit is exceeded temporarily. You may give some flexibility in the judgment of whether or not.

Purchase limits do not necessarily have to be controlled by whether or not the amount of possession exceeds the permissible range. For example, the rate of increase in the amount of unused paid items is determined from, for example, the purchase amount and the usage amount per unit period, and when the increase rate is large, a control is executed such as limiting the purchase and suppressing the increase rate. By doing so, it is possible to appropriately limit the increase in unused paid items. In this case, it is not necessary to set an explicit tolerance.

In the above form, it is determined whether or not to set the purchase limit when the user uses the free item or the paid item, but the timing for determining whether or not to set the purchase limit can be changed as appropriate. .. For example, it is possible to monitor the amount of paid items possessed at regular intervals without associating them with the use of items by the user, and set a limit when the amount of possessed items reaches the upper limit. Alternatively, when the user requests the purchase of a paid item, it may be determined whether or not the possession amount has reached the upper limit value. Depending on the timing setting for determining whether or not to set a purchase limit, there may be a period during which paid items can be purchased even if the upper limit has already been reached, but even if it does occur, that period is temporary. By properly adjusting the timing of judgment, it is possible to achieve the task of appropriately managing the amount of unused paid items.

In the above mode, each of the processes of FIGS. 4 to 9 is executed by the game server 3, but by sharing the item data Di between the game server 3 and the user terminal 2, at least those processes are executed. The division of processing may be changed so that a part of the processing is executed by the user terminal 2.

The game system of the present invention is not limited to an example configured as a client-server type system that uses the portable user terminal 2 as a client. The client may be appropriately used as a game device for various computers such as a stationary game machine, a personal computer, or a business game machine to play a game.

Various aspects of the present invention derived from each of the above-described embodiments and modifications are described below. In the following description, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, the corresponding components shown in the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses, thereby limiting the present invention to the illustrated form. It's not something.

In the game system (1) according to one aspect of the present invention, according to a predetermined computer program (PG), the first item (paid item as an example) that is valid only in the game is replaced with money by the user or a substitute for the money. While giving to the user in exchange for the value expressed by any of the things, the user can exchange the second item (for example, a free item) that is valid only in the game with the value. The granting means (12, S105 to S108; S407 to S410; S507 to S510, S203) granted to the user without need, and the respective amounts of the first item and the second item granted to the user. A management means that distinguishes each item, accumulates it as the possession amount of the user, and consumes the possession amount of the first item and the second item given to the user in association with the use of the user in the game. 13, S108; S410; S510, S203, S304 to S308), and limiting means for limiting the exchange of the value by the granting means into the first item based on the amount of possession of the first item (13, S108; S410; S510, S203, S304 to S308). 14, S111; S413; S513, S101 to S104; S401 to S406, S501 to S506), which includes a computer (3) configured to function.

The game system control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a first item (as an example, paid) that allows the computer (3) of the game system (1) to be used only in the game according to a predetermined computer program (PG). A second item (as an example, a free item) that is valid only within the game, while granting the item) to the user in exchange for the value expressed by either the user's money or a substitute for the money. ) Is given to the user without requiring exchange for the value by the user (12, S105 to S108; S407 to S410; S507 to S510, S203), the first one given to the user. The amount of each of the item and the second item is distinguished for each item and accumulated as the possession amount of the user, and the first item and the first item given to the user in association with the use of the user in the game. Based on the management means (13, S108; S410; S510, S203, S304 to S308) that consumes the possession amount of the item 2 and the possession amount of the first item, the first from the value by the granting means. It functions as a limiting means (14, S111; S413; S513, S101 to S104; S401 to S406, S501 to S506) for limiting the exchange of one item.

In the computer program (PG) for a game system according to one aspect of the present invention, the computer (PG) of the game system is used as a first item (paid item as an example) that can be used only in the game. A second item (as an example, a free item) that is valid only within the game is given to the user in exchange for a value expressed by any of the monetary substitutes. Granting means (12, S105 to S108; S407 to S410; S507 to S510, S203) given to the user without requiring exchange with the user, the first item given to the user, and the second item. Each amount is distinguished for each item and accumulated as the possession amount of the user, and the possession amount of the first item and the second item given to the user in association with the use of the user in the game is consumed. The exchange of the value by the granting means into the first item is restricted based on the management means (13, S108; S410; S510, S203, S304 to S308) and the amount of the first item possessed. It is configured to function as a limiting means (14, S111; S413; S513, S101 to S104; S401 to S406, S501 to S506).

According to the above aspect, the amount of the first item given to the user in exchange for the value represented by either money or a substitute for the money is given to the user without requiring the exchange. It is accumulated as the amount of possession of the user separately from the item of 2, and the amount of possession is consumed in association with the use of the item by the user. Therefore, the amount of possession of the user with respect to the first item corresponds to the amount of items that are given to the user for a fee and are in an unused state. Then, by limiting the exchange for the first item based on the possession amount of the first item, the possession amount is appropriate so that the amount of the item that is granted for a fee and is in an unused state does not increase excessively. Can be managed.

The computer program according to one aspect of the present invention may be provided in a state of being stored in a storage medium. By using this storage medium, for example, by installing and executing the computer program according to the present invention on a computer, the system of the present invention can be realized by using the computer. The storage medium for storing the computer program may be a non-transient storage medium such as a CDROM.

In the above aspect, the limiting means may limit the exchange of the value for the first item when the possession amount of the first item exceeds a predetermined permissible range. According to this, it is possible to eliminate or reduce the possibility that the possession amount of the first item in the unused state increases beyond the permissible range.

In the above aspect, the granting means exchanges the value for the first item with a reference ratio and the value for the first item according to the reference ratio. From at least one discount rate in which the amount of the first item is greater than the amount of the first item, one of the ratios is selected, the value is exchanged for the first item according to the selected ratio, and the management means. Differentiates and integrates the amount of the first item exchanged according to the reference ratio and the amount of the first item exchanged according to the discount ratio, and the limiting means is the possession of the first item. Of the quantity, the exchange of the value for the first item according to the discount ratio may be restricted based on the possession amount of the first item exchanged according to the discount ratio. Further, the limiting means follows the discount ratio when the possession amount of the first item exchanged according to the discount ratio exceeds a predetermined allowable range among the possession amounts of the first item. The exchange of the value for the first item may be restricted. According to these aspects, the amount of possession of the first item that has been exchanged and is in an unused state according to the discount ratio can be appropriately managed. Therefore, it is suitable when it is necessary to appropriately limit the amount of the first item exchanged according to the discount ratio.

Further, the selection range of the exchange ratio by the granting means may include a plurality of discount ratios having different exchange ratios, in which case the management means obtains the possession amount of the first item. The reference ratio and the plurality of discount ratios are accumulated separately for each ratio, and the limiting means transfers from the value based on the possession amount of the first item exchanged according to the discount ratio to the first item. The restrictions on the exchange of items may be separately implemented for each of the discount ratios. According to this, it is possible to appropriately manage the amount of the first item in the unused state for each discount ratio.

Alternatively, when the selection range of the exchange ratio by the granting means includes a plurality of discount ratios having different exchange ratios, the management means sets the possession amount of the first item as the reference ratio and the said. The amount of possession of the first item exchanged according to the plurality of discount ratios among the amount of possession of the first item is calculated separately for each ratio of the plurality of discount ratios. Based on each total value, the exchange of the value for the first item according to each of the plurality of discount ratios may be restricted. According to this, even when a plurality of discount ratios are selectively used, the amount of the first item in the unused state can be collectively managed regardless of the difference in the discount ratios.

In the above aspect, the management means may consume the possession amount of the first item exchanged according to the discount ratio in preference to the first item exchanged according to the reference ratio. According to this, the increase in the possession amount of the first item exchanged and unused according to the discount ratio is prioritized over the increase in the possession amount of the first item exchanged and unused according to the reference ratio. It is possible to suppress it.

Further, the management means may consume the possession amount of the second item in preference to the first item. If there is a difference in the in-game handling of the first item and the second item, for example, there is a service that is allowed to be used only for the first item exchanged for a fee, the user For the first item, the in-game value of the first item may be relatively large compared to that of the second item. In such a case, by consuming the second item in preference to the first item, the consumption of the item having a relatively large value from the user's point of view is suppressed, thereby giving the user a sense of conviction regarding the consumption of the item. It is possible to increase.

1 Game system 2 User terminal 3 Game server 11 Game control unit 12 Item granting unit 13 Item management unit 14 Purchase restriction unit Di Item data PG game program

Claims (8)

According to a given computer program
The first item, which is valid only in the game, is given to the user in exchange for the value expressed by either the user's money or a substitute for the money, while being valid only in the game. A granting means for granting a second item to the user without requiring the user to exchange for the value.
The amount of each of the first item and the second item given to the user is distinguished for each item, accumulated as the possession amount of the user, and given to the user in association with the use of the user in the game. Based on the management means for consuming the possession amount of the first item and the second item, and the possession amount of the first item, the value by the granting means is transferred to the first item. Restriction measures to limit exchange,
It is configured to function as,
The granting means exchanges the value for the first item with respect to the reference ratio and the amount of the first item obtained when the value is exchanged for the first item according to the reference ratio. One of the discount rates at which the amount of the first item increases is selected, and the value is exchanged for the first item according to the selected ratio.
The management means separately integrates the amount of the first item exchanged according to the reference ratio and the amount of the first item exchanged according to the discount ratio.
The limiting means is based on the possession amount of the first item exchanged according to the discount ratio among the possession amounts of the first item, and the first item from the value according to the discount ratio. A gaming system that includes a computer configured to limit the exchange to. The limiting means is the value according to the discount ratio when the possession amount of the first item exchanged according to the discount ratio exceeds a predetermined allowable range among the possession amount of the first item. the game system according to claim 1 which limits the exchange to the first item from. The selection range of the exchange ratio by the granting means includes a plurality of discount ratios having different exchange ratios.
The management means separately integrates the amount of possession of the first item for each of the reference ratio and the plurality of discount ratios.
Said limiting means, said from the value based on the possession of the exchanged first item in accordance with the discount percentage of exchange into the first item limit, claim 1 carried out to distinguish for each of the discount percentage or The game system according to 2. The selection range of the exchange ratio by the granting means includes a plurality of discount ratios having different exchange ratios.
The management means separately integrates the amount of possession of the first item for each of the reference ratio and the plurality of discount ratios.
The limiting means is applied to each of the plurality of discount ratios based on the total value of the possessions of the first item exchanged according to the plurality of discount ratios among the possessions of the first item. The game system according to claim 1 or 2 , which limits the exchange of the value for the first item. The management means according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , which consumes the possession amount of the first item exchanged according to the discount ratio in preference to the first item exchanged according to the reference ratio. Game system. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the management means takes precedence over the first item and consumes the possessed amount of the second item. The computer of the game system, according to the prescribed computer program
The first item, which is valid only in the game, is given to the user in exchange for the value expressed by either the user's money or a substitute for the money, while being valid only in the game. A granting means for granting a second item to the user without requiring the user to exchange for the value.
The amount of each of the first item and the second item given to the user is distinguished for each item, accumulated as the possession amount of the user, and given to the user in association with the use of the user in the game. Based on the management means for consuming the possession amount of the first item and the second item, and the possession amount of the first item, the value by the granting means is transferred to the first item. Restriction measures to limit exchange,
To function as,
The granting means exchanges the value for the first item with respect to the reference ratio and the amount of the first item obtained when the value is exchanged for the first item according to the reference ratio. One of the discount rates at which the amount of the first item increases is selected, and the value is exchanged for the first item according to the selected ratio.
The management means separately integrates the amount of the first item exchanged according to the reference ratio and the amount of the first item exchanged according to the discount ratio.
The limiting means is based on the possession amount of the first item exchanged according to the discount ratio among the possession amounts of the first item, and the first item from the value according to the discount ratio. method of controlling a game system that limits the exchange to. The computer of the game system,
The first item, which is valid only in the game, is given to the user in exchange for the value expressed by either the user's money or a substitute for the money, while being valid only in the game. A granting means for granting a second item to the user without requiring the user to exchange for the value.
The amount of each of the first item and the second item given to the user is distinguished for each item, accumulated as the possession amount of the user, and given to the user in association with the use of the user in the game. Based on the management means for consuming the possession amount of the first item and the second item, and the possession amount of the first item, the value by the granting means is transferred to the first item. Restriction measures to limit exchange,
It is configured to function as,
The granting means exchanges the value for the first item with respect to the reference ratio and the amount of the first item obtained when the value is exchanged for the first item according to the reference ratio. One of the discount rates at which the amount of the first item increases is selected, and the value is exchanged for the first item according to the selected ratio.
The management means separately integrates the amount of the first item exchanged according to the reference ratio and the amount of the first item exchanged according to the discount ratio.
The limiting means is based on the possession amount of the first item exchanged according to the discount ratio among the possession amounts of the first item, and the first item from the value according to the discount ratio. A computer program for a gaming system that is configured to limit the exchange to.

Images