JP7534683B2 - Information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

Conventionally, there are known games, such as online games, in which a lottery is held in response to a user's request, and an object selected by the lottery (e.g., a character or item that can be used in the game) is given to the user.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that in a lottery, objects are selected from a deck containing a finite number of objects (referred to as "game media" in Patent Document 1) based on a probability of winning set for each object, and the selected objects are then removed from the deck and given to the user.

JP 2013-247977 A

In a lottery such as that shown in Patent Document 1, the number of objects contained in the deck that are the subject of the lottery decreases as the lottery is repeated, so it is necessary to initialize the deck as appropriate under specified initialization conditions to restore the number of objects. However, if the initialization conditions are lenient, a state in which rare objects (strictly speaking, rare objects with a low probability of winning in the lottery) are selected with a high probability will continue for a long time, which may reduce the value of rare objects and ultimately make the game less interesting. On the other hand, if the initialization conditions are strict, users will become dissatisfied. Thus, in games that involve lotteries, it has been difficult to set an optimal game balance that can improve users' satisfaction with the game while maintaining the value of rare objects.

The present invention aims to provide an information processing device, information processing method, and program that can increase the sense of anticipation for the lottery while maintaining game balance, thereby improving users' game satisfaction.

An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention has a lottery unit that draws for objects that can be used in a game, and the lottery unit provides a switchable mode between a first mode that restricts the drawing so that an object identical to a lottery result object is not drawn until the user uses the lottery result object that is the result of the drawing, and a second mode that does not restrict the drawing, regardless of whether the user uses the lottery result object.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a first mode that restricts the lottery so that an object identical to an object already drawn is not drawn until the lottery result object is used, and a second mode that does not restrict the lottery but the use of the lottery result object does not affect the lottery result are switchably provided, thereby increasing the expectation for the lottery while maintaining game balance, and improving the user's satisfaction with the game.

1 is a conceptual diagram of a game system including an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition when a lottery mode is selected. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery result list screen in the first mode. 1 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of an information processing device and a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of functions of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of functions of a server constituting an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a lottery mode switching process. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a lottery mode switching process. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of a lottery process in a first mode. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a lottery process in a second mode. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of an object conversion process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An information processing device, an information processing method, and a program according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
The embodiment described below is merely an example given to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved from the embodiment described below without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Naturally, the present invention also includes equivalents thereof.
Furthermore, the screen examples shown in each of the figures referenced in the following description are merely examples, and examples of the screen configuration, the information displayed, and the specific contents of the GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc., can be freely designed and changed according to the design specifications and user preferences.

<About the game>
The communication system shown in FIG. 1 (hereinafter referred to as game system S) is a communication system including an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as server 30), and provides a game to a user U.

A "game" is an online game provided using the game system S, and is an electronic game that is played by progressing through various quests (events) that arise (hereinafter referred to as "play"). In this embodiment, an example of a game is a game in which a user U forms a team of multiple characters (for example, a group of four), controls the characters through specific actions to fight enemy characters, and progresses by sequentially challenging and clearing multiple quests prepared in the game. In the game of this embodiment, the user U can also enter into a lottery to obtain various objects that can be used in the game.

A "quest" refers to a task given to user U within the game, i.e., an individual event that constitutes the game. Quests each have a set implementation period and achievement conditions, and various types arise as the game progresses. Examples of quests include quests whose objective is to reach a certain point, quests in which the player encounters or fights enemy characters, and quests in which items can be obtained. Completing a quest by satisfying the set achievement conditions is referred to as clearing the quest, and upon clearing the quest user U can receive a clear reward.

"Objects" include, for example, characters that move in response to user U's operations in the game, and items that give an advantage in the game. The number of objects held increases depending on the results of a lottery (winning), etc., and the number of objects held decreases as the objects are consumed or discarded in the game.

A "lottery" is one of the events in the game in which the above objects can be obtained, and is carried out at the request of user U while playing the game. In the lottery, multiple objects with different winning probabilities are prepared as candidates, and one or a predetermined number of objects are selected from the multiple candidate objects, and the selected objects are given to user U as lottery result objects. Generally, rare objects with a low winning probability are called high rarity objects.

There are various types of lotteries, including, for example, a "single-shot" lottery that is held only once, and an "N-type" lottery in which N lotteries (N is a natural number equal to or greater than 2) are held in succession. There are also various conditions for holding a lottery, including a lottery that can be held by consuming a lottery item that can be obtained for free, a lottery that can be held by consuming a lottery item that has been purchased for a fee, and a lottery that can be held as a reward for clearing a quest.

In this embodiment, for example, a lottery result object won in a lottery that can be held as a clear reward is an item that has the effect of changing the ability of the character who used the lottery result object. There are various effects that change these abilities, and a rank is set according to the magnitude of the effect. Note that in this embodiment, the user U can determine the rank of the lottery result object when he or she wins, but cannot determine the type of effect that occurs when the lottery result object is used until it is actually used. Also, the effect that occurs as a result of using the lottery result object will be reflected from the next quest onwards.

"Changing abilities" refers to changing the abilities of a character, and includes, as examples, the following changes. Note that, basically, these changes are advantageous to the user U, but do not exclude changes that are disadvantageous to the user U.
(a) Strengthen the character by improving the parameters (setting data related to level, stamina, attack power, speed, luck, etc.) possessed by the character.
(b) The maximum value of a predefined ability of the parameters of the character is increased to further strengthen the character.
(c) Adding special abilities (techniques, etc.) to the character.
(d) Changing the special abilities possessed by a character.
(e) Granting the character the ability to take on special quests.
(f) Changing the attributes of a character. For example, changing the character's occupation from Occupation A to Occupation B.

In addition, the lottery result object won in the lottery that can be held as a clear reward can only be used by the character set as the team leader. In other words, one lottery result object cannot be used by multiple characters, and cannot be used by any character other than the team leader.

A "leader" is, for example, a character set at the head of a team, who can use the lottery result object that he or she has obtained. Conditions may be set for the characters that can be set as leaders, for example, they may be limited to characters who possess a certain item, or to characters above a certain level, etc.

As a general rule, only one lottery result object can have an effect per character, and if a character is used multiple times, the effect of the lottery result object used later will overwrite the effect of the lottery result object used last. However, for characters who have reached a certain level, the effects of multiple lottery result objects may be generated simultaneously.

In this embodiment, for example, two types of lottery modes with different specifications are prepared for the lottery that can be held as a clear reward, and the user U can select and set any lottery mode for each stage or each character owned. Note that, "each stage" here may mean each quest, a quest that is further subdivided into a quest (small quest), or a quest that combines multiple quests (large quest).

Here, with reference to FIG. 2, a screen transition when selecting and setting a lottery mode for each stage will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, when the user U challenges a specific quest in which a lottery is conducted as a clear reward, the user terminal 10 first displays a lottery mode selection screen 40 for selecting one of two lottery modes, a first mode and a second mode. The lottery mode selection screen 40 displays a first mode selection button 41 and a second mode selection button 42, and when the user U taps the first mode selection button 41, the screen transitions to a first mode selection screen 43. On the other hand, when the user U taps the second mode selection button 42, the screen transitions to a second mode selection screen 44. Then, the first mode selection screen 43 or the second mode selection screen 44 displays a screen for selecting a plurality of small quests (e.g., quests such as "XXXX (A)" or "YYYY (A)") that are included in the quest and have different difficulty levels or types of objects that can be obtained. At this time, the contents of the displayed small quest candidates are the same whether in the first mode or the second mode, but due to the difference in specifications between the two modes, a counter 45 indicating the number of lottery result objects is displayed on the first mode selection screen 43. Then, the user U selects and taps any small quest on the first mode selection screen 43 or the second mode selection screen 44 to play the game. Note that in this embodiment, the lottery mode can be set every time the small quest is selected, and the user U can check the lottery mode that is set both when challenging the small quest and when clearing the small quest.

"First mode" is a mode in which a lottery restriction is imposed so that an object identical to the lottery result object is not drawn until the lottery result object is used by user U. Specifically, in the first mode, objects that are candidates for the lottery result object are contained in a virtual box, and the number of objects in the box is limited, setting an upper limit on the number of objects (for example, 96). Once an object has been drawn, it is removed from the box, thereby restricting the drawing so that it cannot be drawn in subsequent lotteries. The initial setting for the game is this first mode, which is generally advantageous for many users U.

The lottery restriction is lifted when user U uses a lottery result object or when the number of lottery result objects reaches the upper limit (when all objects have been obtained). Therefore, in the first mode, the lottery restriction is on until user U uses a lottery result object or the number of lottery result objects reaches the upper limit, and by repeating the lottery, the probability of winning a rare object gradually improves. On the other hand, when user U uses a lottery result object or the number of lottery result objects reaches the upper limit, the lottery restriction is lifted and all winning probabilities, including the probability of winning a rare object, are restored to normal.

In the first mode, since the lottery results up to now affect the winning probability of subsequent objects, the user terminal 10 displays a lottery result list screen 47 which is information about the box after the lottery, showing that the lottery result object has been deleted from within the box.
3, in the lottery result list screen 47, the objects are classified by type of effect (for example, "attack power", "defense power", "recovery power", "power", "speed" or "intelligence") and by rank (A rank 48a, B rank 48b, C rank 48c) according to the magnitude of the effect. In addition, for each of these objects, unobtained objects 49a and obtained objects 49b (lottery result objects) are displayed so that they can be distinguished from each other.

"Second mode" is a mode in which there is no lottery restriction, regardless of whether user U uses the lottery result object. Specifically, like the first mode, objects that are candidates for the lottery result object are contained in a virtual box, and the number of objects in the box is finite (for example, 96); however, in second mode, even if an object has been selected once, it is not deleted from the box, and there is no lottery restriction so that it can be selected in subsequent lotteries. In other words, in second mode, the probability of each object being selected does not change even if the lottery is repeated. Furthermore, the probability of selection does not change even if user U uses the lottery result object.

In the case of the above-mentioned "N-consecutive" lottery, the N lottery result objects for the N lotteries conducted at once will not overlap in the first mode, which has a lottery restriction, but they may also not overlap in the second mode, which does not have a lottery restriction. Also, since there is no lottery restriction in the second mode, the probability of winning a rare object may be set slightly higher than in the first mode.

In this embodiment, since the first mode and the second mode can be switched, the user U can select a lottery mode that is easy for the user U to play in or that matches the user U's purpose of playing. That is, although the first mode has a risk that the lottery result object cannot be used casually, the lottery limit is imposed so that an object identical to an object already drawn is not drawn until the lottery result object is used, so the first mode is suitable for the user U who wants to obtain the most desired specific object with certainty. On the other hand, the second mode has a risk that the most desired specific object cannot be obtained no matter how much time passes because there is no lottery limit, but the use of the lottery result object does not affect the lottery result, and even if the lottery result object is not the most desired specific object (if it is another object that is relatively advantageous), it can be used casually, so the second mode is suitable for the user U who wants to obtain as many advantageous objects as possible without waste.
For user U, being able to switch the lottery mode to suit his/her own playing style in this way makes the game more interesting and increases his/her motivation to play the game.

In addition, in this embodiment, even when switching between the first mode and the second mode, the lottery restriction in the first mode is continued with the lottery history of the lottery result object in the first mode remaining. Furthermore, even when the user U uses the lottery result object in the second mode after switching, the lottery restriction in the first mode may be continued with the lottery history of the lottery result object in the first mode remaining.

In addition, in both the first and second lottery modes, if a lottery result object is not used, it is discarded immediately as a general rule. Therefore, the user U needs to decide whether to keep or discard the lottery result object when he or she obtains it, which is a relatively strict condition for removing the lottery restriction in the first mode in particular. However, it may be possible to hold unused lottery result objects for a specified period of time, and to convert unused lottery result objects into other objects when unused lottery result objects remain after a stage is cleared, etc. Examples of other objects may be objects of the same rank or fragments of such objects (objects that can be exchanged for a specified object when multiple objects are collected). Also, a lottery may be held when converting into other objects.

Although the above describes the case where a lottery mode is set for each stage, user U may also be able to set a lottery mode for each character owned. When setting a lottery mode for each character, if the set character is the leader, user U will play the game in the set lottery mode. On the other hand, if the set character is not the leader, i.e., if an unset character is the leader, user U will play the game in the second mode while maintaining the lottery restriction for the set character.

In the first mode, since the probability of winning thereafter changes depending on the number of lottery result objects and the lottery results due to the lottery restriction, a counter 45 (Fig. 2) showing the number of lottery result objects and a lottery result list screen 47 (Fig. 3) are displayed. On the other hand, in the second mode, the probability of winning does not change depending on the number of lottery result objects and the lottery results, so there is no need to display the progress such as the counter 45 and the lottery result list screen 47 as in the first mode.

In this embodiment, not only can a user U play alone, but multiple users U can also operate their own user terminals 10 to play a common quest simultaneously in what is known as multiplay (hereafter referred to as cooperative play). In this cooperative play, a cooperative relationship is formed between a user U (hereafter referred to as a host) who hosts a cooperative play for a specific quest and recruits companions, and a user U (hereafter referred to as a guest) who responds to the recruitment and participates in the cooperative play, and the progress of the play is synchronized between the users playing cooperatively.

Even in this case of collaborative play, user U can switch the lottery mode. The timing of switching may be limited to when collaborative play begins, or it may be possible to switch at any time during collaborative play. Furthermore, during collaborative play, a lottery mode may be selected for each user U, and the lottery mode during collaborative play may be determined for each user U, the host and guest.

Cooperative play is conducted through the communication function of the user terminal 10 of each user U. Specifically, when a user U applies to participate in a cooperative play invited by a host and the host accepts the application, a communication path for cooperative play is established between the user U as a guest and the host. The qualifications for applying for cooperative play are not particularly limited and can be set arbitrarily. For example, a friend user who has a friendship with a user U and has been mutually approved by the users U may apply.

Then, various data required for cooperative play is sent and received according to a known communication method. The data at this time may be sent in a client-server manner via the server 30, or in a P2P (peer-to-peer) manner without the server 30. The cooperative play style is classified into a fully synchronous type and an asynchronous type, but either style may be adopted. The fully synchronous type includes a key input synchronization type and a command input type, and the asynchronous type includes a server-centralized processing type and a client-distributed processing type.

Note that games that support cooperative play include cooperative play games in which multiple users U cooperate, and competitive games in which users U compete against each other, but either type is acceptable. Also, the upper limit (maximum number of players) on the number of users U that can play in one cooperative play session is not particularly limited and may be set to any number, but it is recommended to set it to a maximum of about four people, for example.

<Configuration of Game System S>
Next, the configuration of a game system S for providing the above game to the user U will be described.
1, the game system S is constructed so that a user U can play a game, and is composed of an information terminal (hereinafter referred to as a user terminal 10) operated by the user U, and a server 30. The user terminal 10 and the server 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network N such as the Internet.

The user terminal 10 is equipped with a program stored therein and a processor that executes the program, and is carried by its owner, the user U, who operates the user terminal 10 when playing. The user terminal 10 may be any known device used as a gaming terminal, such as a smartphone, mobile phone, laptop PC, tablet terminal, wearable terminal, or dedicated gaming device with communication functions. The number of user terminals 10 constituting the game system S is not particularly limited and may be any number, but in FIG. 1, for convenience of illustration, the number of user terminals 10 is shown as three.

The server 30 is a computer that constitutes the information processing device of the present invention. For example, it is constituted by a server computer managed by a game provider, and is responsible for processing the progress of the game. Specifically, it manages the game account and status of each user U, and distributes game progress data to each user U. Furthermore, the server 30 is not limited to a server device consisting of a single computer that performs a specific function on its own, but may be constituted by a group of server devices consisting of multiple computers that are distributed and work together to perform a specific function.

The network N may be any network that connects the user terminal 10 and the server 30 in a state that enables data communication. It may be wired or wireless, and includes the Internet, mobile communication networks, LANs (Local Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks), intranets, Ethernet (registered trademark), and the like. In addition, the user terminals 10 may communicate with each other via the network N, or may communicate directly without going through the network N via Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wifi-Direct, etc.

In the game system S of this embodiment, the game progresses as a result of the user terminal 10 and the server 30 working together in the above configuration. Specifically, part of the game progress processing is performed on the server 30 side, and part of the graphic processing, etc. is executed on the user terminal 10 side. For example, the server 30 side executes a program including certain rules, logic, and algorithms. Meanwhile, the user terminal 10 side synchronizes with the server 30 and generates various quests according to the same rules, logic, and algorithms as the program executed on the server 30, thereby progressing the game.

<Configuration of User Terminal 10>
Next, the configuration of the user terminal 10 according to this embodiment will be described.
As shown in Figure 4, the user terminal 10 has, as its hardware configuration, a processor 11, a memory device 12, a communication interface (referred to as communication I/F in Figure 4) 13, an input device 14 and an output device 15, and these devices are electrically connected via a bus not shown.

The processor 11 includes, for example, a central processing unit, a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit, or a digital signal processor, and executes various types of arithmetic processing based on programs or data stored in the storage device 12, and controls each part of the user terminal 10. The programs executed by the processor 11 include an OS (Operating System), which is system software for controlling the entire user terminal 10, and application programs for games, and the functions of the user terminal 10 that constitutes the game system S are fulfilled by reading and executing these various programs by the processor 11.

The storage device 12 includes, for example, a memory or storage, and stores various programs and data.
The memory is composed of semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and provides a working area for the processor 11 by temporarily storing programs and data, and temporarily stores various data generated by the processing executed by the processor 11.
The storage stores various data related to the game, and may be composed of, for example, flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), FD (Flexible Disc), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disc), CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card), and USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory).

The communication interface 13 is, for example, configured with a network interface card (NIC) or the like, and controls the communication processing of the user terminal 10. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used by the communication interface 13, and any public communication standard can be applied without restrictions. In addition, the communication method used by the communication interface 13 may be a wireless method or a wired method.

The input device 14 is a device that receives operations by the user U and generates data indicating the content of the received operations. Examples that can be used include operation keys, operation buttons, a microphone for collecting sound, and a camera for taking pictures that are provided on the user terminal 10.

The output device 15 is a device that draws a screen to display images and character string information, and plays audio. As an example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display provided in the user terminal 10, a head-mounted display, and a speaker can be used. In this embodiment, the output device 15 has at least a display. The display may have the functions of both the input device 14 and the output device 15, such as a touch panel display.

Next, the configuration of the user terminal 10 will be described again from a functional perspective with reference to FIG.
5, the user terminal 10 includes a plurality of functional units, specifically, an operation identification unit 16, a terminal-side storage unit 17, a terminal-side generation unit 18, a terminal-side transmission/reception unit 19, and a display processing unit 20. These functional units are realized by cooperation between the hardware devices of the user terminal 10 and programs stored in the user terminal 10 as software.

[Operation identification unit 16]
The operation identification unit 16 is mainly realized by the processor 11 and the input device 14, and identifies the contents of various operations performed by the user U through the input device 14 of the user terminal 10. The operations identified by the operation identification unit 16 include operations for game progression and operations related to joint play (operations related to soliciting participation in joint play, applying for joint play, and whether or not the application is accepted), etc. The operations for game progression also include an operation for instructing switching of the lottery mode, an operation for instructing application for a lottery, etc.

[Terminal side storage unit 17]
The terminal-side memory unit 17 is realized mainly by the processor 11 and the storage device 12, and stores various data related to the progress of the game (for example, video data, image data, audio data, etc.).

[Terminal side generation unit 18]
The terminal-side generating unit 18 is mainly realized by the processor 11 and the storage device 12, and generates game operation data and the like according to the operation content of the user U identified by the operation identifying unit 16. The game operation data generated here includes switching instruction operation data based on an instruction to switch the lottery mode, lottery application instruction operation data based on an instruction to apply for a lottery, and operation data related to joint play (including operation data related to soliciting joint play, applications for joint play, and whether or not the applications are accepted). These generated data are transmitted to the server 30 by the terminal-side transmitting/receiving unit 19.

[Terminal side transmitting/receiving unit 19]
The terminal-side transmitting/receiving unit 19 is mainly realized by the processor 11, the storage device 12, and the communication interface 13, and transmits and receives data and information between the server 30 and the user terminals 10 of other users U. For example, while playing a game, the terminal-side transmitting/receiving unit 19 receives game progress data sent from the server 30 and transmits game operation data to the server 30. Furthermore, when a game is being played jointly, the terminal-side transmitting/receiving unit 19 may transmit and receive joint play data (specifically, game operation data of each user U) between the user terminals 10 of other users U.

[Display Processing Unit 20]
The display processing unit 20 is mainly realized by the processor 11, the storage device 12, and the output device 15, and executes a display process to display data and information received by the terminal-side transmitting/receiving unit 19 on the display by a browsing function. Specifically, the display processing unit 20 draws a game screen when the game starts, and during game play, expands game progress data received by the terminal-side transmitting/receiving unit 19 from the server 30, and displays images and other information on the game screen. During game play, the display processing unit 20 also displays images that change according to game operation data generated by the terminal-side generating unit 18 (specifically, images that move according to the operation of the user U) on the game screen.

<Server configuration>
Next, the configuration of the server 30 according to the present embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, the server 30 has the same hardware configuration as a typical server computer, and includes a processor 31, a storage device 32, and a communication interface (referred to as communication I/F in FIG. 4) 33, and these devices are electrically connected via a bus (not shown).

The processor 31 is composed of a CPU, MPU, GPU, DSP, etc., and executes various processes by executing programs installed in the server 30. The programs executed by the processor 31 include an OS, which is system software for controlling the entire server 30, and application programs for causing the server 30 to function as the information processing device of the present invention.

The storage device 32 includes, for example, a memory or storage, and stores various programs and data.
The memory is composed of semiconductor memory such as ROM and RAM, and provides a working area for the processor 31 by temporarily storing programs and data, and temporarily stores data generated by various processes executed by the processor 31.
The storage stores various data related to the user U, maps, games, etc., and is composed of, for example, a flash memory, an HDD, an SSD, an FD, an MO disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD card, a USB memory, etc. Note that a server computer for a database connected to the server 30 via the network N may be used as the storage.

The communication interface 33 is, for example, configured with a network interface card or the like, and controls the communication processing of the server 30. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used by the communication interface 33, and any public communication standard can be applied without restrictions. In addition, the communication method used by the communication interface 33 may be a wireless method or a wired method.

Next, the configuration of the server 30 will be described again from the functional aspect with reference to Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 6, the server 30 has a plurality of functional units, specifically, a server-side storage unit 34, a server-side transmission/reception unit 35, a server-side generation unit 36, a lottery unit 37, and an object conversion unit 38. These functional units are realized by cooperation between the hardware devices of the server 30 and programs as software stored in the server 30. When the server 30 is composed of a plurality of computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the plurality of computers performs a different function.

[Server-side storage unit 34]
The server-side memory unit 34 is mainly realized by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and stores various data including data regarding the user U and data regarding the game progress processing (game progress data).
The data relating to user U includes an identifier (user ID or terminal ID) that identifies user U or the user terminal 10 used by user U, and various information associated with that identifier (personal information of user U, model of user terminal 10, access history, payment history, or game progress such as status, etc.).
The game progression data includes information about characters owned by user U (such as name, attributes, abilities and level), information about other objects such as items owned by user U, information about quests, or information about the lottery mode.

[Server side transmitting/receiving unit 35]
The server-side transmitting/receiving unit 35 is mainly realized by the processor 31, the storage device 32, and the communication interface 33, and transmits and receives data and information to and from the user terminal 10. For example, during game play, the server-side transmitting/receiving unit 35 transmits game progress data to the user terminal 10 of the user U, and receives game operation data from the user terminal 10. Also, during joint play of the game, the server-side transmitting/receiving unit 35 receives joint play data from each of the user terminals 10 of the multiple users U who are playing jointly, and transmits data for synchronizing between the users U (game progress data in a broad sense) to each user terminal 10.

[Server-side generation unit 36]
The server-side generation unit 36 is mainly realized by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and generates data to be transmitted by the server-side transmission/reception unit 35. The data generated here specifically includes game progress data corresponding to the game operation data received from the user terminal 10. The game progress data also includes switching result display data to be displayed on the user terminal 10 when the lottery mode is switched, lottery result display data to be displayed on the user terminal 10 when the lottery mode is switched, box display data to be displayed on the user terminal 10 of the box in which the object is contained, conversion result display data to be displayed on the user terminal 10 when the object is converted, and data for synchronizing multiple users U who play the game together while the game is being played together.

[Lottery section 37]
The lottery unit 37 is mainly realized by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and draws for an object based on a lottery application instruction from the user terminal 10.
Furthermore, the lottery unit 37 switches between two types of lottery modes, the first mode and the second mode, based on a switching instruction from the user terminal 10. This switching of the lottery mode may be performed for each stage or for each character. When the lottery mode is set for each character, if the character is a leader, the lottery mode of the user U is set based on the setting of the character, and if the character is not a leader, the lottery mode of the user U is set to the second mode. The lottery mode may be switched at the start of a joint play or during play. When switching from the first mode to the second mode, if there is a lottery history of the first mode, the lottery history is retained and the lottery restriction is continued, and the mode is switched to the second mode. At this time, even if a lottery result object is used in the second mode, the lottery restriction of the first mode is not released.

[Object conversion unit 38]
The object conversion unit 38 is mainly realized by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and when an unused lottery result object exists among the lottery result objects after a predetermined condition such as clearing a stage is met, the object conversion unit 38 converts the lottery result object into another object. When converting an object, a lottery may be carried out in conjunction with the lottery unit 37 described above.

In general, the user terminal 10 and the server 30 have various functions other than those described above, but here we will only explain the characteristic functions that provide the desired effect in the game system S of the present invention, and will not illustrate or explain other known functions, etc.

<Processing flow of game system S>
Next, the flow of processing executed in the game system S configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
The information processing method of this embodiment is realized by using a game system S that functions as a computer system; in other words, the information processing method of this embodiment is applied in the information processing performed by the game system S.

The information processing executed in the game system S in this embodiment is broadly divided into four types of processing: a process for switching between lottery modes [lottery mode switching processing], a lottery process in the first mode [first mode lottery processing], a lottery process in the second mode [second mode lottery processing], and a process for converting unused objects [object conversion processing]. Each type of processing will be explained individually below.

[Lottery mode switching process]
First, the lottery mode switching process will be described with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG.
The "lottery mode switching process" refers to a process executed by the server 30, which switches the lottery mode of the user U between the first mode and the second mode in response to a request from the user U.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the server 30 receives switching instruction operation data from the user terminal 10 and accepts an instruction to switch the lottery mode from the user U (S101), the server 30 determines whether the lottery mode selected by the user U is the first mode or the second mode (S102).

When the lottery mode selected by the user U is the first mode (S102: first mode), it is determined whether there is a lottery history performed in the first mode (S103), and if there is a lottery history (S103: YES), that lottery history is reflected (S104), and the lottery mode is set to the first mode while continuing the lottery restrictions based on that lottery history (S105). Note that if there is no lottery history, such as when the first mode is being set for the first time (S103: NO), the lottery mode is set to the first mode as is (S105).

On the other hand, if the lottery mode selected by the user U is the second mode (S102: second mode), it is determined whether or not there is a history of lotteries conducted in the first mode (S106), and if there is a lottery history (S106: YES), the lottery history is stored and left in the state (S107), and the lottery mode is set to the second mode (S108). However, if there is no lottery history (S106: NO), the lottery mode is set to the second mode as it is (S108).

Then, after setting the first mode (S105) or the second mode (S108), switching result display data, which is game progress data notifying the result of the switching, is generated (S109), and the switching result display data is transmitted to the user terminal 10 of the user U (S110), and the process ends.

The lottery mode can be switched either for each stage or for each character. The above process shown in FIG. 7 is common whether it is switched for each stage or for each character, but if the lottery mode is switched for each character, the following process is executed after the above process.

As shown in FIG. 8, the server 30 determines whether the lottery mode of the character set as the leader has been set (S201), and if the lottery mode of the leader has been set (S201: YES), sets the lottery mode of the user U based on the lottery mode setting of the leader (S202). That is, if the lottery mode setting of the leader is the first mode, the user U is set to play the game in the first mode, and if the lottery mode setting of the leader is the second mode, the user U is set to play the game in the second mode.

On the other hand, if the leader's lottery mode is not set (S201: NO), the lottery mode of the user U is set to the second mode (S203). In other words, for each character set to the first mode, if there is a lottery history, the lottery restrictions based on the lottery history are continued, and the user U is set to play the game in the second mode.

Then, after setting the lottery mode for user U (S202 or S203), switching result display data, which is game progress data notifying the result of the switching, is generated (S204), and the switching result display data is transmitted to user U's user terminal 10 (S205), and the process ends.

When the series of steps described above is completed, the lottery mode switching process ends. After that, while the user U is playing the game, more precisely, when the user U challenges a specific quest for which a lottery is conducted as a clear reward, the series of steps described above is repeatedly performed.
The above is an example of the lottery mode switching process.

[First mode lottery process]
Next, the first mode selection process will be described with reference to FIG.
The "first mode lottery process" refers to a process executed by the server 30, which conducts a lottery in response to a request from the user U when the lottery mode is set to the first mode.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the server 30 receives lottery application instruction operation data from the user terminal 10 and accepts a lottery application from the user U (S301), it selects a lottery result object from a box containing multiple candidate objects based on the winning probability set for each object (S302) and grants the selected lottery result object to the user U (S303). After that, it deletes the lottery result object from the box (S304), and imposes lottery restrictions so that the lottery result object cannot be selected in subsequent lotteries.

Then, lottery result display data, which is game progress data notifying the user of the lottery result, is generated (S305), and the lottery result display data is transmitted to the user terminal 10 of the user U (S306).

It is then determined whether the user U has used the lottery result object (S307), and if not (S307: NO), it is then determined whether the number of lottery result objects has reached the upper limit of the number of objects contained in the box (S308). If the lottery result object has been used (S307: YES), or if the number of lottery result objects has reached the upper limit (S308: YES), the box is reset and the lottery restriction is lifted by restoring the number of objects in the box to the upper limit by, for example, restoring the deleted object or adding a new object (S309).

Then, after resetting the box (S309), box display data is generated as game progress data notifying box information indicating the reset state (S310), and the box display data is sent to the user terminal 10 of user U (S311), and the process ends. On the other hand, if the number of lottery result objects has not yet reached the upper limit (S308: NO), box display data is generated as game progress data notifying box information after the lottery, indicating that the lottery result objects have been deleted from the box (S310), and the box display data is sent to the user terminal 10 of user U (S311), and the process ends.

When the above series of steps is completed, the first mode lottery process ends. Thereafter, while the user U is playing the game in the first mode, or more precisely, whenever a lottery is conducted in the first mode, the above series of steps is repeatedly performed.
The above is an example of the first mode lottery process.

[Second mode lottery process]
Next, the second mode selection process will be described with reference to FIG.
The "second mode lottery process" refers to a process executed by the server 30, which conducts a lottery in response to a request from the user U when the lottery mode is set to the second mode.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the server 30 receives lottery application instruction operation data from the user terminal 10 and accepts a lottery application from the user U (S401), it selects a lottery result object from a box containing multiple candidate objects based on the winning probability set for each object (S402), and grants the selected lottery result object to the user U (S403).

Then, lottery result display data, which is data for game progression notifying the user of the lottery result, is generated (S404), and the lottery result display data is transmitted to the user terminal 10 of the user U (S405), and the process ends.

When the above series of steps is completed, the second mode lottery process ends. Thereafter, while the user U is playing the game in the second mode, strictly speaking, when a lottery is conducted in the second mode, the above series of steps is repeatedly performed.
The above is an example of the second mode lottery process.

[Object conversion process]
Next, the object conversion process will be described with reference to FIG.
The "object conversion process" is a process executed on the server 30, which converts an unused lottery result object remaining when a specified condition, such as clearing a stage, is met into another object.

As shown in FIG. 11, the server 30 determines whether the user U has cleared the stage (S501), and if the stage has been cleared (S501: YES), determines whether there is an unused lottery result object at that point in time (S502). If there is an unused lottery result object (S502: YES), the server 30 converts the unused lottery result object into another object (S503).

Then, conversion result display data, which is data for game progression notifying the user of the conversion result, is generated (S504), and the conversion result display data is transmitted to the user terminal 10 of the user U (S505), and the process ends. Note that if the stage has not been cleared (S501: NO) or if there are no unused lottery result objects (S502: NO), the process ends.

When the series of steps described above is completed, the lottery mode switching process ends. After that, while the user U is playing the game, the series of steps described above are repeatedly performed.
The above is an example of the object conversion process.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.
In the above embodiment, the server 30 executes the program of the present invention and functions as the information processing device of the present invention, but some or all of the functions of the server 30 as an information processing device may be provided in the user terminal 10. For example, functions equivalent to the lottery unit 37 and the object conversion unit 38 may be provided in the user terminal 10.

In the present embodiment, an online game that utilizes data communication between the user terminal 10 operated by the user U and the server 30 has been described as an example of a game. However, the type of game is not particularly limited, and the game may be an offline game that does not require data communication. Also, for example, the game may be a social game that can be used with only a web browser and an SNS (Social Networking Service) account.

<Summary>
The main features of the program, information processing method, and information processing device according to the above-described embodiment are as follows.

[1] The information processing device of this embodiment has a lottery unit that draws for objects that can be used in the game, and the lottery unit provides switchable modes between a first mode that imposes a lottery restriction so that an object identical to a lottery result object is not drawn until the user uses the lottery result object that is the result of the lottery, and a second mode that does not impose a lottery restriction regardless of whether the user uses the lottery result object.
According to the information processing device, in the first mode, the lottery result object cannot be used casually, but the lottery restriction is set so that an object identical to an object already drawn is not drawn until the lottery result object is used, so that the most desired specific object can be easily obtained. On the other hand, in the second mode, the lottery restriction is not set, but the use of the lottery result object does not affect the lottery result, so that even if the lottery result object is not the most desired specific object, that is, even if it is another advantageous object, it can be used casually, and many advantageous objects can be easily obtained. And, since these two types of lottery modes with different advantages are provided in a switchable manner, it is possible to increase the expectation of the lottery for both users who want to reliably obtain the most desired specific object and users who want to obtain as many advantageous objects as possible without waste, while maintaining the game balance, and to improve the game satisfaction of all users.

[2] In the first mode, the information processing device described above releases the lottery restrictions on all objects when a user uses a lottery result object.
In this way, in the first mode, when a lottery result object is used, the lottery restrictions for all objects are lifted, so the user must decide whether or not to use each lottery result object in order to obtain the specific object that he or she most desires. This makes it possible to further increase the expectation for the lottery while maintaining the game balance, and further improve the user's game satisfaction.

[3] In the first mode, the information processing device described above has an upper limit set on the number of objects that are candidates for the lottery result object.
In this way, in the first mode, since the upper limit of the number of objects that are candidates for the lottery result object is predetermined, the user can easily obtain the specific object that he or she most desires. This makes it possible to further increase the sense of expectation for the lottery while maintaining the game balance, and further improve the user's game satisfaction.

[4] In the first mode, the information processing device described above releases the lottery restriction on all objects when the number of lottery result objects reaches an upper limit.
In this way, in the first mode, the lottery limit is released when the number of lottery result objects reaches the upper limit, so that the user can easily obtain the specific object that he or she most desires, and after the upper limit is reached, a new opportunity to obtain the specific object that he or she most desires arises. Therefore, while maintaining the game balance, the expectation for the lottery can be further increased, and the user's game satisfaction can be further improved.

[5] In the above-mentioned information processing device, even when the lottery unit switches between the first mode and the second mode, the lottery restriction in the first mode is continued while retaining the lottery history of the lottery result object in the first mode.
In this way, even when switching between the first mode and the second mode, the lottery restrictions continue in the first mode with the lottery history remaining, so the user can obtain as many advantageous objects as possible in the second mode without wasting any of them, while temporarily maintaining a state in which it is easier to obtain the specific object that the user most desires. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the sense of expectation for the lottery while maintaining the game balance, and to further improve the user's game satisfaction.

[6] In the information processing device described above, the lottery unit continues the lottery restriction in the first mode while leaving the lottery history, even if the user uses the lottery result object in the second mode.
In this way, even if a lottery result object is used in the second mode, the lottery restriction continues with the lottery history remaining in the first mode, so the user can obtain as many advantageous objects as possible in the second mode without wasting any of them, while retaining a state in which the user can easily obtain the specific object he or she most desires. This makes it possible to further increase the sense of expectation for the lottery while maintaining game balance, and further improve the user's game satisfaction.

[7] In the information processing device described above, the lottery unit is capable of switching between the first mode and the second mode for each stage prepared in the game.
In this way, since the first mode and the second mode can be switched for each stage, the user can select the lottery mode appropriate for each stage to be conquered. Therefore, the expectation for the lottery can be further increased while maintaining the game balance, and the user's game satisfaction can be further improved.

[8] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the game involves forming a team using multiple characters owned by the user and clearing stages prepared within the game, and the lottery unit is capable of switching between a first mode and a second mode for each character.
In this way, since the first mode and the second mode can be switched for each character, the user can select a selection mode suitable for each character that composes the team. This makes it possible to further increase the sense of expectation for the selection while maintaining the game balance, and further improve the user's game satisfaction.

[9] In the information processing device described above, when a character that has not been set to the first mode or the second mode is selected as the team leader, the lottery unit sets the second mode.
In this way, even if a specific character is set to the first mode, if the user does not select that character as the team leader, the user can play the game in the second mode, so that the user can easily use the lottery result object while keeping the specific object most desired for the specific character in a state where it is easy to obtain. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the expectation for the lottery while maintaining the game balance, and to further improve the user's game satisfaction.

[10] The information processing device described above further includes an object conversion unit that converts the lottery result object into another object if the lottery result object has not been used after a predetermined condition is met.
In this way, the unused lottery result objects are converted into other objects, so that the user does not waste the lottery result objects. Therefore, while maintaining the game balance, the expectation for the lottery can be further increased, and the user's game satisfaction can be further improved.

[11] In the above-mentioned information processing device, when a user recruits co-players to play a game together with the user, and another user joins the game as a co-player to play together, the lottery unit is capable of switching between the first mode and the second mode at the start of or during the co-play.
In this way, since it is possible to switch between the first mode and the second mode at the start of or during a joint play, the user can select a lottery mode that is suitable for the members who will be playing together with the user. This makes it possible to further increase the sense of anticipation for the lottery while maintaining the game balance, and further improve the user's game satisfaction.

[12] Furthermore, according to the information processing method of this embodiment, a computer selects objects that can be used in the game and provides a switchable mode between a first mode in which the computer restricts the selection so that an object identical to the selected lottery result object is not selected until the user uses the selected lottery result object, and a second mode in which the computer does not restrict the selection regardless of whether the user uses the selected lottery result object.
In this way, since the first mode and the second mode are provided so that they can be switched between, it is possible to maintain game balance while increasing the sense of anticipation for the lottery for both users who want to be sure to obtain the specific object they most desire, and users who want to obtain as many advantageous objects as possible without wasting any, thereby improving the game satisfaction of all users.

[13] Furthermore, according to the program of this embodiment, the program is executed by a computer, and causes the computer to select objects that can be used in the game, and to switch between a first mode in which the selection is restricted so that an object identical to the lottery result object is not selected until the user uses the lottery result object that is the result of the selection, and a second mode in which no selection is restricted regardless of whether the user uses the lottery result object.
In this way, since the first mode and the second mode are provided so that they can be switched between, it is possible to maintain game balance while increasing the sense of anticipation for the lottery for both users who want to be sure to obtain the specific object they most desire, and users who want to obtain as many advantageous objects as possible without wasting any, thereby improving the game satisfaction of all users.

10 User terminal 11 Processor 12 Storage device 13 Communication interface 14 Input device 15 Output device 16 Operation identification unit 17 Terminal side storage unit 18 Terminal side generation unit 19 Terminal side transmission/reception unit 20 Display processing unit 30 Server 31 Processor 32 Storage device 33 Communication interface 34 Server side storage unit 35 Server side transmission/reception unit 36 Server side generation unit 37 Lottery unit 38 Object conversion unit 40 Lottery mode selection screen 41 First mode selection button 42 Second mode selection button 43 First mode selection screen 44 Second mode selection screen 45 Counter 47 Lottery result list screen
48a A rank 48b B rank 48c C rank 49a Unobtained object 49b Obtained object N Network S Game system U User

Claims (6)

a processor, the processor comprising:
A mode for selecting objects available in the game by lottery is set to one of a plurality of modes including a first mode and a second mode;
When the first mode is set, a selection restriction is executed to exclude a selected lottery result object from a selection candidate until the number of the selected lottery result objects selected in the first mode reaches a predetermined value;
When the second mode is set, regardless of whether the number of the lottery result objects selected in the second mode has reached a predetermined value, the lottery restriction is not executed ,
a decision as to whether to use or discard the lottery result object selected in the first mode or the second mode is received from a user at the time of selection, and if the lottery result object is not used, the lottery result object is discarded;
Information processing device. The processor continues the lottery restriction in the first mode while leaving the lottery history of the lottery result object in the first mode even when switching between the first mode and the second mode.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . the processor continues the lottery restriction in the first mode while leaving the lottery history even if the number of the lottery result objects selected in the second mode reaches a predetermined value.
The information processing device according to claim 2 . the processor selects the object by lottery as a reward for clearing a stage prepared in the game, and enables switching between the first mode and the second mode for each stage;
The information processing device according to claim 1 . a processor sets a mode for selecting an object available in the game to one of a plurality of modes including a first mode and a second mode;
when the first mode is set, the processor executes a selection restriction for excluding a selected lottery result object from a selection candidate until the number of the selected lottery result objects selected in the first mode reaches a predetermined value;
when the second mode is set, regardless of whether or not the number of the lottery result objects selected in the second mode has reached a predetermined value, the processor does not execute the lottery restriction;
the processor accepts from a user a decision as to whether to use or discard the lottery result object selected in the first mode or the second mode at the time of selection, and discards the lottery result object if the lottery result object is not used;

Information processing methods. causing the processor to set a mode for selecting an object available in the game to one of a plurality of modes including a first mode and a second mode;
causing the processor to execute a selection restriction in which, when the first mode is set, a selection result object that has been selected in the first mode is excluded from candidates for selection until a number of the selection result objects selected in the first mode reaches a predetermined value;
when the second mode is set, the processor does not execute the selection restriction regardless of whether or not the number of the selection result objects selected in the second mode has reached a predetermined value;
a processor that receives, at a timing when the lottery result object is selected in the first mode or the second mode, a decision as to whether to use or discard the lottery result object from a user, and that discards the lottery result object when the lottery result object is not used;
program.

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