JP7534682B2 - Information processing device and information processing program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to electronic games that use displays capable of displaying two or more dimensions.

Online electronic games that allow multiplayer quests are known. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a method in which, when a quest is cleared through multiplayer play, each player who participated in the multiplayer play is given a clear reward according to the player's degree of contribution.

JP 2017-209311 A

The reward for clearing an electronic game may include multiple types of items. When multiple players belonging to a team clear the electronic game in multiplayer, each item included in the reward for clearing must be assigned to one of the players on that team.

When the clear reward is distributed equally or randomly among multiple players, at least some of the players may be given items that they do not need. Also, when the clear reward is given according to the degree of contribution, as in the method described in Patent Document 1, at least some of the players may be given items that they do not need.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to reduce the possibility that unnecessary or less necessary rewards are given to each player when distributing rewards to multiple players who make up a team.

To solve the above problem, an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an identification unit that, when a team including multiple players achieves a predetermined condition defined in a target game, identifies a relationship between an attribute of an object possessed by a player belonging to the team and an attribute of a reward defined in the target game, and a distribution unit that distributes the reward to each of the multiple players based on the relationship identified by the identification unit.

To solve the above problem, an information processing program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to execute a process that, when a team including multiple players achieves a predetermined condition defined in a target game, identifies a relationship between an attribute of an object possessed by at least one player belonging to the team and an attribute of a reward defined in the target game, and distributes the reward to each of the multiple players based on the relationship. The information processing program may be non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

The present invention reduces the possibility that unnecessary or less necessary rewards are given to each player when distributing rewards to multiple players who make up a team.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a network configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of a server device (embodiment); 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of a user device (embodiment); FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a user management server according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a database configuration (embodiment); FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a database configuration (embodiment); FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure for executing a multiplay game (embodiment); FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating a procedure for distributing a strategy reward (embodiment); FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of distribution according to the second distribution method (embodiment); FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of distribution according to the second distribution method (embodiment);

1. Embodiment
[1-1. Premise]
The present embodiment relates to an electronic game using a display capable of displaying two or more dimensions. In the electronic game according to the embodiment, when a team including a plurality of players achieves a predetermined condition defined in a target game, a reward defined in the target game is distributed to each of the plurality of players belonging to the team.

The electronic game may include multiple stages. Each stage may have a different level of difficulty.

The target game refers to the electronic game itself or any of the individual stages included in the electronic game. One or more reward rules are set for the target game. Each reward rule preferably sets the conditions (award conditions) under which a specific reward is given to the player, and the content of the reward (award content) that is given to the player when the conditions are met.

The above-mentioned condition for granting the bonus may be to challenge the target game, to achieve a specified result in the target game, or to conquer (clear) the target game. Conquering the target game means, for example, defeating a specified enemy object (enemy character) that appears in the game. Defeating a specified enemy object means, for example, launching various attacks on the enemy object and changing the enemy object to a specified state. The specified state is, for example, a state in which a specified parameter has decreased to below a specified value.

An object is an in-game element that appears in the electronic game and is operated by a player. The object is, for example, a character that has an on-screen appearance and a variable state (status). The characters include an action character and equipment items that change the state of the action character. The appearance of the action character is, for example, the appearance of a person, an animal, a machine, a monster, etc. The state of the action character is expressed as values such as HP (Hit Point), SP (Skill Point), attack power, defense power, experience points, level, etc. The appearance of the equipment item is, for example, the appearance of a weapon, an accessory, etc. The state of the equipment item is expressed as values such as attack power, defense power, etc. Each action character is preferably set with an attribute that can identify the type of the action character. Each equipment item is preferably set with an attribute that can identify the type of the equipment item.

The above-mentioned content of the award includes the award target and the amount of the award. The above-mentioned content of the award may be fixed, or may vary depending on the performance of the game.

The above-mentioned object to be granted may include an item. The above-mentioned item is an in-game element that appears in the above-mentioned electronic game and is used to bring about a predetermined effect on the above-mentioned object. The above-mentioned item is, for example, a synthesis material in which an appearance on the screen and the content of the above-mentioned effect are set. The appearance of the synthesis material is, for example, the appearance of a drop, a jewel, or the like. The content of the above-mentioned effect is, for example, changing the state of the above-mentioned action character or the above-mentioned equipment item. The amount of change may be set as a number of changes, or may be set as a rate of change. The above-mentioned change may be a temporary change or a permanent change. It is preferable that each synthesis material is set with an attribute that can identify the type of synthesis material. It is preferable that each synthesis material brings about the above-mentioned effect on the corresponding type of object.

In summary, in the electronic game according to this embodiment, when a team including multiple players achieves the granting conditions (predetermined conditions) related to the rules (reward rules) set for the target game, the team is granted the grant object (reward) set as the grant content related to the rules in the amount of the grant object, and the grant object is further distributed to each of the multiple players belonging to the team.

[1-2. Main features]
In this embodiment, in order to reduce the possibility that a player is given a reward that is unnecessary or of little need, the information processing device includes a determination unit and a distribution unit. When a team including multiple players achieves a predetermined condition defined in a target game, the determination unit determines a relationship between an attribute of an object possessed by a player belonging to the team and an attribute of a reward defined in the target game. The distribution unit distributes the reward to each of the multiple players based on the relationship determined by the determination unit.

When the electronic game is provided in a client-server information processing system, the information processing device according to the embodiment is configured as a server-side device capable of providing the electronic game to a plurality of client-side devices via a communication network. In this case, the client-side devices may be commercial game machines (arcade game machines) installed in game centers or the like, or personal game machines owned by each player. The personal game machines may be stationary game machines or portable game machines. The stationary game machines and portable game machines may be dedicated game machines or general-purpose terminals.

When the electronic game is provided by a stand-alone game device, the game device corresponds to the information processing device according to the embodiment. In this case, the game device may be an arcade game machine installed in a game center or the like, or a personal game machine owned by each player. The personal game machine may be a stationary game machine or a portable game machine. The stationary game machine and the portable game machine may be dedicated game machines or general-purpose terminals.

[1-3. Optional limitations]
(1) The determination unit may determine the relationship based on the magnitude of the effect that the reward will have on the object when the reward is distributed to the player. For example, the determination unit may evaluate that the relationship is stronger as the effect is greater. This makes it easier for a highly necessary reward to be given to each player.

(2) The identification unit may identify the relationship using attributes of the object whose frequency of use by the player is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. In other words, the identification unit may identify the relationship without using attributes of the object whose frequency of use by the player is less than the threshold. Objects that are used frequently are more likely to be targets for development by each player. Therefore, if a reward that brings about the above effect for an object whose frequency of use is equal to or greater than the threshold is preferentially given to a player who uses the object, it becomes easier to give a more necessary reward to each player. The frequency of use of each object can be identified by referring to the play history of each player.

(3) The identification unit may identify the relationship by excluding from the objects whose frequency of use is equal to or greater than the threshold, those objects for which the effect will not occur even if the reward is distributed to the player. For example, the effect will not occur for an object that has been developed to a preset upper limit. Therefore, if the identification of the relationship is configured to exclude objects for which the effect will not occur, rewards that are less necessary will be less likely to be given to each player.

2. Examples
[2-1. Overview]
This embodiment relates to a game service (service of the embodiment) at least a part of which is provided online. In the service of the embodiment, a role-playing game (electronic game) is provided to a player in which the player controls a plurality of action characters (objects) that constitute a party and sequentially challenges a plurality of stages (target games) prepared in the game. Hereinafter, the stage is referred to as a "quest."

Each action character can be distinguished from other action characters by their attributes and status. The status of each action character can change in a direction advantageous to the player by playing quests, equipping equipment items (objects), and synthesizing synthesis materials (rewards). In the following, advantageous changes to an action character will be referred to as "growth." Additionally, the process by which a player grows an action character that he or she owns will be referred to as "development."

Each equipment item can be distinguished from other equipment items by its attributes and condition. The state of each equipment item can change in a direction that is advantageous to the player by synthesizing synthesis materials (rewards). In what follows, advantageous changes to equipment items will be referred to as "evolution." Additionally, the process by which a player evolves an equipment item that they own will be referred to as "strengthening."

There are two types of play styles for playing quests: solo play (normal play) where one player challenges the quest alone, and multiplayer (cooperative play) where two to four players challenge the quest together. In multiplayer, a cooperative relationship (team) is formed between the host who organizes the multiplayer and recruits companions, and the guests who respond to the recruitment and participate in the multiplayer, and the progress of the play is synchronized between the players.

Each quest has a set of rules (reward rules) regarding rewards for clearing the quest. Each rule specifies the conditions for granting rewards (granting conditions) and the contents of rewards (granting contents). The granting conditions (predetermined conditions) are clearing the quest. The granting contents include the type of item granted (granted object) and the amount granted (granted quantity). Items include virtual value and synthesis materials. For example, when a quest is cleared by a party (team) in a multiplayer game, an item that is a reward for clearing the quest is granted to the party. The items granted to the party are distributed to multiple players who participated in the multiplayer game. The virtual value is, for example, distributed equally to all players. As a rule, synthesis materials are distributed randomly to all players. In the following explanation, the method of randomly distributing synthesis materials is called the "first distribution method."

[2-2. Features]
In the service of the embodiment, in order to reduce the possibility that players are given synthesis materials (rewards) that are not necessary, when a certain quest is cleared in a multiplayer game, the synthesis materials given to the party that challenged the multiplayer game as a clearing reward for the quest are distributed to the multiple players based on the relationship between the attributes of the action characters or equipment items that are used by players belonging to the team related to the party at a frequency equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold and the attributes of the synthesis materials. In the following description, the method of distributing the synthesis materials based on the relationship is called the "second distribution method."

When determining the above relationship, the degree to which the action character will grow or the equipment item will evolve when the synthesis material is distributed to the player (the magnitude of the effect on the object) is taken into consideration. In the service of the embodiment, the greater the degree, the stronger the relationship is evaluated to be. In addition, action characters that have already grown to a set upper limit (objects that cannot produce the above effect) and equipment items that have already evolved to a set upper limit (objects that cannot produce the above effect) are excluded when determining the above relationship. This makes it easier for highly necessary synthesis materials to be given to each player, and makes it harder for less necessary synthesis materials to be given to each player.

[2-3. System configuration of the embodiment]
2-3-1. Network configuration
(1) Overview Fig. 1 illustrates a network configuration of a system according to an embodiment. The system according to the embodiment provides a service according to the embodiment to a user.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the system of the embodiment includes a user management server 10 that manages users of the service of the embodiment, a data management server 20 that manages data related to the service of the embodiment, and multiple user terminals 30 (30-1, 30-2, ... 30-n) (n: natural number) used by multiple users.

The user management server 10 and the user terminal 30 can exchange data via a communication network 40. The data management server 20 can access a built-in or externally connectable storage 21. The user management server 10 can access data stored in the storage 21 via the data management server 20.

The communication network 40 may include at least one of the existing networks such as the Internet, a mobile phone network, a wireless wide area network (WAN), a wireless local area network (LAN), and Ethernet (registered trademark).

(2) User Management Server The user management server 10 is a server device (computer) on which a Web server program is installed. In response to a request, the user management server 10 causes the data management server 20 to obtain necessary data from the storage 21 and provides the data to the requester (response). In response to a request, the user management server 10 also causes the data management server 20 to register necessary data in the storage 21. Note that a server system may be configured by linking multiple server devices to share the functions of the user management server 10 or distribute the load on the user management server 10.

(3) Data Management Server The data management server 20 is a server device (computer) in which a DB (Data Base) server program is installed. The data management server 20 and the storage 21 constitute a DBMS (Data Base Management System). The data management server 20 acquires necessary data from the storage 21 in response to a request, and provides (responses) the data to the requester. The data management server 20 also registers necessary data in the storage 21 in response to a request. The storage 21 is a storage device that stores data related to the service of the embodiment. Note that a server system may be configured by linking multiple server devices, and the functions of the data management server 20 may be shared or the load on the data management server 20 may be distributed.

(4) User Terminal The user terminal 30 is a user device (computer) in which a predetermined game program is installed. In this embodiment, the user device may be a general-purpose portable device in which a program can be installed (e.g., a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a tablet PC (personal computer), a wearable device, etc.) or a general-purpose processing device (e.g., a PC (personal computer)).

[2-3-2. Electrical configuration]
(1) Electrical Configuration of the Server Device Fig. 2 illustrates an example of the electrical configuration of the server device. The server device illustrated in Fig. 2 includes a CPU
The computer has a control processing device 210 including a central processing unit (Central Processing Unit) and a read only memory (ROM), a main memory device 220 including a random access memory (RAM), an auxiliary memory device 230 including a hard disk drive (HDD), an input device 240 including a mouse and a keyboard, an output device 250 including a display and a speaker, and a communication control device 260 including a network card (Network Interface Card). Note that a device such as an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) may be used instead of the CPU.

The main memory device 220, the auxiliary memory device 230, the input device 240, the output device 250, and the communication control device 260 are each connected to the control processing device 210 via a bus line. The control processing device 210 (1) loads a program stored in the auxiliary memory device 230 onto the main memory device 220, (2) acquires data from at least one of the input device 240, the auxiliary memory device 230, and the communication control device 260 according to instructions from the program, (3) calculates and processes the acquired data according to a procedure specified in the program, and (4) provides the calculated and processed data to at least one of the auxiliary memory device 230, the output device 250, and the communication control device 260.

(2) Electrical Configuration of the User Device Fig. 3 illustrates an electrical configuration of the user device. The user device illustrated in Fig. 3 includes at least a DSP 311 constituting a control processing unit, a RAM 321 constituting a main storage unit, a ROM 322 and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) 323 constituting an auxiliary storage unit, a touch panel display 331 constituting an input unit and a display unit, a speaker 332 constituting an audio output unit, and a NIC (Network Interface Controller) 341 and a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) chip 342 constituting a communication control unit.

RAM321, ROM322, EEPROM323, touch panel display 331, speaker 332, NIC341, and wireless LAN chip 342 are each connected to DSP311 via a bus line. DSP311 (1) loads a program stored in ROM322 or EEPROM323 onto RAM321, (2) acquires data from at least one of touch panel display 331, EEPROM323, NIC341, and wireless LAN chip 342 according to instructions from the program, (3) calculates and processes the acquired data according to a procedure defined in the program, and (4) provides the calculated and processed data to at least one of EEPROM323, touch panel display 331, speaker 332, NIC341, and wireless LAN chip 342.

[2-3-3. Functional configuration]
(1) Overview The functions of the user management server 10 and the data management server 20 are realized by installing an OS (Operating System) for server devices and a program (information processing program) that runs on the OS in the server devices. The program to be installed in the server device may be distributed in a state in which it is non-temporarily recorded on a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an MO disk (Magneto-Optical disk), or a flash memory, and read from the recording medium to the server device, or may be supplied to the server device by being superimposed on a carrier wave via a communication network 40 or other communication network.

The functions of the user terminal 30 are realized by installing an OS (Operating System) for the user device and a game program (control program) that runs on the OS on the user device. Note that instead of a game program, the functions of the user terminal 30 can also be realized by installing a web browser program that runs on the OS for the user device and a game program (plug-in) that runs on the web browser program on the user device.

The OS for the user device is generally installed in the user device from the time of shipment. Other programs to be installed in the user device are generally supplied to the user device by being superimposed on a carrier wave via the communication network 40. Note that the above-mentioned other programs to be installed in the user device may be distributed in a state in which they are non-temporarily recorded on a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disk), or flash memory, and may be read from the recording medium into the user device.

(2) Functional configuration of the user management server (portion related to the second distribution method)
Fig. 4 illustrates the functional configuration of the user management server. Fig. 4 illustrates a portion related to the second distribution method. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the user management server 10 includes a reception/provision unit 410, a setting unit 420, a specification unit 430, a distribution unit 440, a notification unit 450, and a synchronization unit 460. The reception/provision unit 410, the setting unit 420, the specification unit 430, the distribution unit 440, the notification unit 450, and the synchronization unit 460 each include a control processing device 210 and a communication control device 260 of the server device that operates as the user management server 10.

The reception/provision unit 410 accepts the player's designation of the distribution method via the user terminal 30 before the start of a quest. In multiplay in the service of the embodiment, the player can designate either the first distribution method or the second distribution method. The distribution method is designated, for example, by the host who organizes the multiplay, and is carried out with the consent of the guests participating in the multiplay. In addition, the reception/provision unit 410 provides the user terminal 30 with result display data for producing a result display after the quest ends.

The setting unit 420 sets the distribution method of the composite material to be used by the distribution unit 440 to either the first distribution method or the second distribution method, depending on the player's selection.

When a party conquers a quest in a multiplay and the second distribution method is specified, the determination unit 430 determines the relationship between the attributes of the action characters and equipment items that are used more frequently than a predetermined threshold and that are owned by each of the players who hosted or participated in the multiplay, and the attributes of the synthesis material that is set as the grant target in the reward regulations set for the quest. Specifically, the determination unit 430 determines the relationship based on the degree to which the action characters grow or the equipment items evolve when the synthesis material to be granted is granted to each player. As an example, the determination unit 430 may evaluate the relationship as being stronger (deeper) the greater the degree. It is preferable that the determination unit 430 excludes action characters and equipment items that are used more frequently than the threshold and that have already grown to the set upper limit and equipment items that have already evolved to the set upper limit.

The distribution unit 440 distributes the virtual value and synthesis materials to be awarded to each player who hosted or participated in the multiplayer game. The virtual value is distributed equally to all players. The synthesis materials are distributed using the first or second distribution method based on the player's designation. If the second distribution method is designated, the distribution unit 440 distributes the synthesis materials to be awarded as capture rewards to the players who hosted or participated in the multiplayer game based on the relationship identified by the identification unit 430.

The notification unit 450 outputs result display data for producing a result display to the reception/provision unit 410, which then provides the data to the user terminal 30. The result display data includes the details of the strategy reward. The details of the strategy reward include, for example, the virtual value and the items and quantities to be awarded for each synthesis material.

The synchronization unit 460 transmits cache update data to the user terminal 30 at a predetermined update timing, thereby updating the cache data held in the user terminal 30. The predetermined update timing is, for example, immediately after the game program is started in the user terminal 30 and the user management server 10 is accessed, or immediately before a quest is started in the user terminal 30 and immediately after the quest is completed. The synchronization unit 460 also receives various data from the user terminal 30 at a predetermined timing, and updates the data managed by the data management server 20 as necessary.

2-3-4. Database configuration
5 and 6 show examples of database configurations in the system of the embodiment. These data are stored in the storage 21 and are accessible via the data management server 20. Cached update data including at least a part of these data is stored in the user management server 10.
The data is provided from the synchronization unit 460 to the user terminal 30 and is stored as cache data in the user terminal 30 .

(1) Player Management Information The player management information is management information for managing various parameters related to each player. The player management information is added at the time of initial setting by each player, and can be updated as needed. As exemplified in FIG. 5(a), the player management information associates at least a "player ID (identification information)" unique to each player with a "virtual value holding amount."

(2) Quest Setting Information The quest setting information is setting information that sets various parameters related to each quest. The quest setting information may be updated at any time by the service provider of the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 5(b), the quest setting information at least associates a "quest ID (identification information)" that is unique to each quest with a "reward provision ID (identification information)."

(3) Remuneration provision definition information Remuneration provision definition information is definition information that defines the content of each remuneration provision. The remuneration provision definition information may be updated at any time by the provider of the service of the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 5(c), the remuneration provision definition information at least associates a "remuneration provision ID (identification information)" that is unique to each remuneration provision with a "file path." The file path is the path of a definition file that defines the remuneration provision that determines the conditions under which a remuneration is granted (granting conditions) and the content of the remuneration (granting content).

(4) Action character definition information Action character definition information is definition information that defines various parameters related to action characters of each type of action character. The action character definition information may be updated at any time by the provider of the service of the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 5(d), the action character definition information at least associates "action character type ID (identification information)" that is unique to the type of action character with "attributes." The attributes of an action character correspond to a role (i.e., a role, a profession) in a role-playing game provided in the service of the embodiment.

(5) Acting character setting information Acting character setting information is setting information that sets upper limits for various parameters related to an acting character. The acting character setting information can be updated at any time by the provider of the service of the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 5(e), the acting character setting information at least associates various "status upper limits" with an "acting character type ID" and a "level". In the service of the embodiment, the higher the level, the higher the upper limit is set. The status represents the state of the acting character. The state of the acting character is represented by status such as HP (Hit Point), SP (Skill Point), attack power, and defense power.

(6) Equipment Item Definition Information The equipment item definition information is definition information that defines various parameters related to equipment items of each type of equipment item. The equipment item definition information may be updated at any time by the provider of the service of the embodiment. As exemplified in Fig. 5(f), the equipment item definition information associates at least "rarity" and "attribute" with an "equipment item type ID (identification information)" that is unique to the type of equipment item.

(7) Equipment Item Setting Information Equipment item setting information is setting information that sets upper limits for various parameters related to an equipment item. The equipment item setting information may be updated at any time by the provider of the service of the embodiment. As exemplified in FIG. 5(g), the equipment item setting information associates at least various "status upper limits" with an "equipment item type ID" and a "rarity." In the service of the embodiment, the higher the rarity, the higher the upper limit is set. The status represents the state of the equipment item. The state of the equipment item is represented by, for example, status such as attack power, defense power, etc.

(8) Synthesis material definition information The synthesis material definition information is definition information that defines various parameters related to the synthesis material of each type of synthesis material. The synthesis material definition information may be updated at any time by the provider of the service of the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 5(h), the synthesis material definition information associates at least a "synthetic material type ID (identification information)" that is unique to each type of synthesis material with a "rank" and an "attribute".

(9) Equipment Effect Setting Information Equipment effect setting information is setting information that sets the action character that brings about the equipment effect for each type of equipment item and the contents of the equipment effect. The equipment effect setting information may be updated at any time by the provider of the service of the embodiment. As exemplified in FIG. 5(i), the equipment effect setting information at least associates an "equipment effect" with an "equipment item type ID" and an "action character attribute". The action character attribute corresponds to the attribute of the action character. The equipment effect includes, for example, an amount of increase in one or more statuses associated with the action character having the attribute.

(10) Composite effect setting information A
The synthesis effect setting information A is setting information for setting the action character that brings about the synthesis effect for each type of synthesis material and the content of the synthesis effect. The synthesis effect setting information A can be updated at any time by the provider of the service of the embodiment. As exemplified in FIG. 5(j), the synthesis effect setting information A at least associates a "synthesis effect" with a "synthesis material type ID" and an "action character attribute". The action character attribute corresponds to the attribute of the action character. The synthesis effect includes, for example, the amount by which one or more statuses associated with the action character having the attribute are increased, and a statistical value based on the performance of synthesizing the synthesis material into the action character having the attribute.

(11) Composite effect setting information B
The synthesis effect setting information B is setting information for setting the equipment item that brings about a synthesis effect for each synthesis material and the content of the synthesis effect. The synthesis effect setting information B can be updated at any time by the provider of the service of the embodiment. As exemplified in FIG. 5( k ), the synthesis effect setting information B at least associates a “synthesis effect” with a “synthesis material type ID” and an “equipment item attribute”. The equipment item attribute corresponds to the attribute of the equipment item. The synthesis effect includes, for example, an amount of increase in one or more statuses associated with an equipment item having the attribute, and a statistical value based on the performance of synthesizing the synthesis material into an equipment item having the attribute.

(12) Action character management information Action character management information is management information that manages various parameters related to action characters owned by a player. Action character management information is added each time a player acquires an action character, and can be updated at any time. As exemplified in FIG. 6(l), action character management information associates at least "action character type ID", "frequency of use", "experience value", "level", and "status" with a "player ID" and a "BOX number". Experience value can increase by clearing a quest. Level increases in stages with an increase in experience value. The BOX number is a number unique to a storage area in a BOX that stores an action character. The frequency of use is, for example, the number of times or duration of use in the most recent specified period. The status is various statuses.

(13) Equipment Item Management Information Equipment item management information is management information that manages various parameters related to equipment items owned by a player. The equipment item management information is added each time a player acquires an equipment item, and can be updated at any time. As exemplified in FIG. 6(m), the equipment item management information associates at least an "equipment item type ID", a "frequency of use", a "status", and an "equipment status" with a "player ID" and a "box number". The box number is a number unique to a storage area in a box that stores an equipment item. The frequency of use is, for example, the number of times an item has been strengthened in a recent specified period. The status is various statuses. The equipment status includes information that can identify an action character that is equipping the equipment item.

(14) Owned Material Management Information Owned material management information is management information that manages various parameters related to synthesis materials possessed by a player. Owned material management information is added each time a player acquires a synthesis material, and is updated each time a player uses a synthesis material. As exemplified in FIG. 6(n), owned material management information associates at least a "synthesis material type ID" and a "number of possessed materials" with a "player ID" and a "BOX number". The BOX number is a number unique to the storage area in the BOX that stores the possessed materials.

(15) Party Management Information Party management information is management information that manages the action characters that compose each multiplayer party. Party management information is added each time a party is formed. As exemplified in FIG. 6(o), the party management information associates at least two to four "action characters" that belong to a party with a "party ID (identification information)" that is unique to the party. Multiplayer is performed by one host and two to three guests. The action characters are identified by the player ID of each player and the BOX number in which the action character is stored.

(16) Strategy Reward Management Information Strategy reward management information is management information that manages information related to the strategy reward for each party in a multiplayer game. Strategy reward management information is added each time a party challenges a quest, and can be updated after the challenge is completed. As illustrated in FIG. 6(p), the strategy reward management information associates at least a "quest ID", a "distribution method", and a "strategy completed flag" with a "party ID". The distribution method is a method for distributing synthesis materials for strategy rewards. In the service of the embodiment, the distribution method is a first distribution method or a second distribution method.

[2-4. Information processing by the system of the embodiment]
[2-4-1. Character status changes]
(1) Growth of the Action Character The action character can grow through a process of development by the player. The process of development includes playing quests, obtaining rewards for completing quests, equipping equipment items, and synthesizing synthesis materials.

When a certain action character is used in playing a quest, the experience value of that action character increases. In addition, when the quest is cleared through that play and experience value is awarded as a clearing reward, the experience value of that action character increases further. As the experience value increases, the level may increase. As the level increases, the upper limit of various statuses increases according to the settings in the action character setting information (Figure 5 (e)). Experience value and level can increase without the player having to go through additional procedures. Therefore, among multiple action characters owned by a certain player, an action character that is used relatively frequently is likely to be an action character that the player is developing. Hereinafter, an action character that is used more frequently than a certain threshold will be referred to as a "development target."

When a specific equipment item that can be equipped to a certain action character is equipped, a specific status of the action character is increased. The equipment items that can be equipped and the effects of the equipment are set in the equipment effect setting information (Figure 5 (i)). An equipment item can be equipped to an action character by the player through a specified equipment procedure at any time except when playing a quest.

When a specific synthesis material is synthesized with a certain action character, a specific status of the action character increases. The effect of synthesis is set in synthesis effect setting information A (Figure 5 (j)). Synthesis of synthesis materials with an action character is performed by the player through a specified synthesis procedure at any time except when playing a quest.

(2) Evolution of Equipment Items Equipment items can evolve through a strengthening procedure by the player. The strengthening procedure includes the synthesis of synthesis materials.

When a specific synthesis material is synthesized with a certain equipment item, a specific status of the equipment item increases. The effect of synthesis is set in synthesis effect setting information B (Figure 5 (k)). Synthesis of synthesis materials with equipment items is performed by the player through a specified synthesis procedure at any time except when playing a quest.

[2-4-2. Multiplayer execution]
(1) Execution Procedure Fig. 7 illustrates an example of the execution procedure of a multiplayer game by the system of the embodiment. Fig. 7 shows the procedure after a quest is selected by player A using the user terminal 30a, a multiplayer game is invited by player A, players including player B using the user terminal 30b apply for the invitation, and a party is formed.

In step S705, the user management server 10 sets progress parameters for the host and the guest, respectively. In step S710, the user management server 10 (synchronization unit 460) provides the progress parameters to the user terminal 30a and the user terminal 30b, respectively. In steps S715a-c, the user terminal 30a and the user terminal 30b each progress the quest. The progress parameters are used to progress the quest. The user management server 10 connects to the user terminal 30a and the user terminal 30b, respectively, and relays the exchange of data including operation information to synchronize the progress of the quest.

In step S720, after the quest is completed, the user management server 10 distributes rewards. In step S725, the user management server 10 sets data for displaying results. In step S730, the user management server 10 provides the data for displaying results to the user terminal 30a and the user terminal 30b, respectively. In steps S735a, b, the user terminal 30a and the user terminal 30b each display the results including the acquired rewards. For example, the pre-update data is shown changing to the updated data by a predetermined audiovisual effect.

(2) Distribution of the achievement reward Fig. 8 illustrates an example of a procedure for distributing the achievement reward by the user management server 10. Fig. 8 illustrates the procedure for the distribution process by the second distribution method, which is performed by the user management server 10 in step S720 of Fig. 7.

In step S805, the identification unit 430 identifies the players who hosted or participated in the multiplay. Specifically, the identification unit 430 refers to the party management information (FIG. 6(o)) to identify the players who own the action characters that make up the party.

In step S810, the identification unit 430 identifies a development target for each player identified in step S805. Specifically, the identification unit 430 refers to the action character management information (FIG. 6(l)) corresponding to each player, and identifies an action character whose frequency of use is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold as a development target. Each player may have one or more development targets. A player who does not possess an action character whose frequency of use is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold is deemed not to have a development target. In addition, it is preferable to exclude from the development targets an action character whose frequency of use is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold but has no room for growth.

In step S815, the identification unit 430 identifies the reward rules to be applied to the multiplay. Specifically, the identification unit 430 identifies a reward rules ID by referring to the quest setting information (FIG. 5(b)), identifies a file path corresponding to the reward rules ID by referring to the reward rules definition information (FIG. 5(c)), and identifies the reward rules defined in the reward rules file identified by the file path.

In step S820, the identification unit 430 identifies the synthesis material to be granted under the remuneration regulations identified in step S815. Specifically, if the granting conditions included in the remuneration regulations identified in step S815 are met, the identification unit 430 identifies the grant target and grant quantity indicated by the granting contents included in the remuneration regulations.

In step S825, the identification unit 430 identifies the relationship between the training object identified in step S810 and the synthesis material identified in step S820. Specifically, the identification unit 430 identifies the degree to which the attributes of each training object and the attributes of each synthesis material are directly or indirectly useful for the growth of the training object as the strength of the relationship. The degree to which the synthesis material is directly useful for the growth of the training object is identified as the magnitude of the synthesis effect of the synthesis effect setting information A (FIG. 5(j)). The relationship in which the synthesis material is indirectly useful for the growth of the training object refers to the relationship in which the synthesis material is directly useful for the evolution of the equipment item that can grow each training object. The equipment item that can grow the training object can be identified based on the equipment effect setting information (FIG. 5(i)). It is preferable that the equipment items identified here are prioritized or limited to equipment items already owned by the player who owns the training object. The degree to which the synthesis material is directly useful for evolving an equipment item is specified as the magnitude of the synthesis effect in synthesis effect setting information B (Figure 5 (k)).

In step S830, the identification unit 430 determines whether or not relationships have been identified for all development targets. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S835, and if the determination is negative, the process returns to step S825. In step S835, the identification unit 430 determines whether or not relationships have been identified for all synthesis materials. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S840, and if the determination is negative, the process returns to step S820.

In step S840, the distribution unit 440 distributes the synthesis materials based on the relationships identified by the identification unit 430 in step S825. Specifically, the distribution unit 440 distributes rewards using the frequency of use of each development target, the quantity of synthesis materials provided, the strength of the relationship between each development target and each synthesis material, etc.

[2-4-3. Example of reward distribution]
(1) Illustrative Example An example of the allocation of synthetic materials in the following situation is given below.
・Quest Q was conquered through multiplayer by four players, players P1 to P4.
- The training target C11 of player P1, the training target C21 of player P2, the training target C22 of player P2, the training target C31 of player P3, the training target C32 of player P3, the training target C41 of player P4, and the training target C42 of player P4 have each been identified.
・The rewards for quest Q are synthesis material E1 (4 pieces), synthesis material E2
(4), synthetic material E3 (4), and synthetic material E4 (4) were identified.
The relationship between each development target and each synthesis material was identified as shown in the table in FIG.

In the table shown in FIG. 9, each row corresponds to a training target, and each column corresponds to a synthesis material. In addition, in the boxes (cells) where the rows and columns intersect, the degree of strength of the relationship between the training target corresponding to that row and the synthesis material corresponding to that column is shown as a numerical value. The degree of strength of these relationships is determined, for example, based on statistical data on the materials (synthesis materials) used to strengthen the items (equipment items) equipped by the training target in the game and to train the training target. If there is no relationship between the training target and the synthesis material, the box is blank. For example, the number "100" in row 1, column 2 indicates the degree of strength of the relationship between player P1's training target C11 and synthesis material E2. The other boxes and numbers are similar.

For example, it is assumed that synthesis material E1 has statistical data that shows it has been frequently used to train training target C21 and training target C42 or to strengthen the equipment items equipped by these action characters. Therefore, in the example of Figure 9, based on the statistical data, the numerical value representing the relationship between synthesis material E1 and training target C21 is set to "200", and the numerical value representing the relationship between synthesis material E1 and training target C42 is set to "200".

Next, it is assumed that synthesis material E2 has statistical data that shows it has been frequently used to train training target C11 and training target C32 or to strengthen the equipment items equipped by these action characters. Therefore, in the example of Figure 9, based on the statistical data, the numerical value representing the relationship between synthesis material E2 and training target C11 is set to "100", and the numerical value representing the relationship between synthesis material E2 and training target C32 is set to "100".

Here, in the example of FIG. 9, the value "200" representing the relationship between the synthesis material E1 and the cultivation target C21 is set to be greater than the value "100" representing the relationship between the synthesis material E2 and the cultivation target C11. This indicates that the number of synthesis materials E1 used to cultivate the cultivation target C21 is greater than the number of synthesis materials E2 used to cultivate the cultivation target C11. In other words, the relationship between the synthesis materials and the cultivation target becomes stronger according to the number of synthesis materials used for the cultivation target.

There are several factors that can be taken into consideration when distributing rewards. Depending on the priority of these factors, the distribution results can change. Below, two types of distribution algorithms are shown as examples. Regardless of which distribution algorithm is adopted, if there are multiple candidates (players) to whom the synthesis materials are to be granted, it is best to divide the materials pro rata if there are multiple granted quantities of synthesis materials. The destination of synthesis materials that cannot be pro rata is left undecided. In addition, synthesis materials whose destination is undecided, such as synthesis materials that do not contribute to the growth of any of the targets, are preferably distributed to each player so that the granted quantities are roughly equal.

(2) Distribution algorithm that prioritizes frequently used training objects The distribution unit 440 can distribute synthesis materials so that the growth of the most frequently used training object (hereinafter referred to as the "first training object") of each player is prioritized. In this example, the training object C11 of the player P1, the training object C21 of the player P2, the training object C31 of the player P3, and the training object C41 of the player P4 are the first training objects of each player.

The distribution unit 440 therefore preferentially grants to each player the synthesis material for growing the first development object of each player. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 10, all of the synthesis material E2 for growing the development object C11 is granted to player P1, all of the synthesis material E1 for growing the development object C21 is granted to player P2, all of the synthesis material E4 for growing the development object C31 is granted to player P3, and all of the synthesis material E3 for growing the development object C41 is granted to player P4.

(3) Distribution algorithm prioritizing the strength of the relationship The distribution unit 440 can distribute the synthesis material so that the growth of the training object (hereinafter referred to as the "second training object") having a high degree of the strength of the relationship with the synthesis material for each player is prioritized. In this example, the training object C11 of the player P1, the training object C21 of the player P2, the training object C31 of the player P3, and the training object C42 of the player P4 are the second training objects of each player.

Therefore, the distribution unit 440 preferentially grants to each player the synthesis material for growing the second development target of each player. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 11, first, all of the synthesis material E2 for growing the development target C11 is granted to the player P1, and all of the synthesis material E4 for growing the development target C31 is granted to the player P3. On the other hand, the development target C21 and the development target C42 have a common synthesis element E1 that can greatly grow them, so the synthesis element E1 is apportioned between the players P2 and P4. Next, the development target C22 that is not the second development target of the player P2 and the development target C41 that is not the second development target of the player P4 have a common synthesis element E3 that can grow them, so the synthesis element E3 is apportioned between the players P2 and P4.

10 User management server (an example of an information processing device)
20 Data management server 21 Storage 30 User terminal 40 Communication network 410 Reception and provision unit 420 Setting unit 430 Identification unit 440 Distribution unit 450 Notification unit 460 Synchronization unit

Claims (3)

The system includes a determination unit and a remuneration determination unit,
the identification unit identifies a first game medium that is to be developed by the first player from among game media owned by the first player;
the identification unit identifies a second game medium to be developed by the second player from among game media owned by the second player;
the reward determination unit determines a first reward to be given to the first player and a second reward to be given to the second player from among a plurality of rewards determined when a plurality of players including the first player and the second player play a target game , based on a relationship between the first game medium and the second game medium and the rewards included in the plurality of rewards ;
the identification unit identifies, from among the first game medium and the second game medium, game media determined based on a frequency of use by the first player and the second player as a first first game medium and a first second game medium;
the reward determination unit distributes the first reward and the second reward to the first player and the second player so as to give priority to at least one of the first game medium and the first second game medium among the first game medium and the second game medium;
Information processing device. An information processing method executed by a computer in a system constructed using the computer, comprising:
The computer includes a determination unit and a reward determination unit,
a step of the identification unit identifying a first game medium to be developed by the first player from among game media owned by the first player;
a step of the identification unit identifying a second game medium to be developed by the second player from among game media owned by the second player;
the reward determination unit determining, from among a plurality of rewards determined when a target game is played by a plurality of players including the first player and the second player , a first reward to be given to the first player and a second reward to be given to the second player , based on a relationship between the first game medium and the second game medium and the rewards included in the plurality of rewards ;
the identification unit identifying, as a first first game medium and a first second game medium, game media determined based on a frequency of use by the first player and the second player, from the first game medium and the second game medium;
a step in which the reward determination unit distributes the first reward and the second reward to the first player and the second player such that at least one of the first game medium and the first second game medium is prioritized among the first game medium and the second game medium;
An information processing method implemented by a computer . A program for causing a computer having a specification unit and a reward determination unit to execute a process,
a step of the identification unit identifying a first game medium to be developed by the first player from among game media owned by the first player;
a step of the identification unit identifying a second game medium to be developed by the second player from among game media owned by the second player;
the reward determination unit determining a first reward to be given to the first player and a second reward to be given to the second player from among a plurality of rewards determined when a target game is played by a plurality of players including the first player and the second player , based on a relationship between the first game medium and the second game medium and the rewards included in the plurality of rewards ;
a step in which the identification unit identifies, as a first first game medium and a first second game medium, game media determined based on a frequency of use by the first player and the second player, from the first game medium and the second game medium;
a step in which the reward determination unit distributes the first reward and the second reward to the first player and the second player such that at least one of the first game medium and the first second game medium is prioritized among the first game medium and the second game medium;
A program that causes a computer to execute the following .

Images