JP7547148B2 - PROGRAM, SERVER DEVICE AND GAME SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program, a server device, and a game system.

In games such as role-playing games, for example, situations may arise where a parameter such as level reaches an upper limit and it is no longer possible to count any further. This situation is called a counter stop or max out, and results in a situation where no further growth can be expected for the character.

Also, as prior art, there exists a system that sets the experience points required to raise a level to the next stage, and performs a process to grant benefits based on the experience points granted in excess of the value required to reach the upper level limit (excess experience points) (see paragraphs 0026 and 0028 of Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-192631 A

However, with the above-mentioned conventional technology, even though the player puts in a great deal of effort to develop the character, the player may be dissatisfied with the abilities the character acquires after reaching the maximum level. This may result in the player losing interest in playing the game.

The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a program etc. that can eliminate the frustration of not knowing what abilities a character that has reached a limit value will be given, give the player a goal of acquiring the desired abilities, and increase the player's motivation to play the game.

(1) The present invention provides
A program for controlling a game in which a player owns a character and uses the character to progress through the game,
a progress management unit that executes a process of changing a progress parameter associated with the character up to a given limit value in accordance with the game progress of the character;
A storage unit that stores ability acquisition conditions that are set in association with abilities;
a notification unit that notifies the player of the ability and the ability acquisition condition corresponding to the ability before the progression parameter of the character reaches the limit value;
The present invention relates to a program that causes a computer to function as an ability management unit that, when the progress parameter of the character reaches a limit value, determines whether the ability acquisition condition is met, and, when it is determined that the ability acquisition condition is met, causes the character to acquire an ability corresponding to the ability acquisition condition.

The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each of the above-mentioned units. The present invention also relates to a server device including each of the above-mentioned units. The present invention also relates to a game system including each of the above-mentioned units.

According to the present invention, the player can know the abilities and the conditions for acquiring the abilities corresponding to those abilities before the character's progression parameters reach the limit value, eliminating the frustration of not knowing what abilities will be given to a character that has reached the limit value, or not knowing what conditions need to be met to acquire the abilities. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to give the player the goal of acquiring the desired abilities, increasing the player's motivation to play the game.

Note that the "set ability acquisition conditions" refer to ability acquisition conditions that are set based on computer control or ability acquisition conditions that are set based on the player's operation information.

(2) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The condition setting unit is
A capability acquisition condition may be selected from a plurality of capability acquisition conditions by lottery, and the selected capability acquisition condition may be set.

According to the present invention, the ability acquisition condition can be selected by lottery from among multiple ability acquisition conditions, which allows the player to have fun setting the ability acquisition condition. Note that the ability acquisition condition that can be selected may be one or multiple.

(3) The present invention provides
A program for controlling a game in which a player owns a character and uses the character to progress through the game,
a progress management unit that executes a process of changing a progress parameter associated with the character up to a given limit value in accordance with the game progress of the character;
a condition setting unit that sets an ability acquisition condition in association with the ability based on input information of a player before the character's progression parameter reaches a limit value;
A storage unit that stores the ability acquisition condition set by the condition setting unit;
The present invention relates to a program that causes a computer to function as an ability management unit that, when the progress parameter of the character reaches a limit value, determines whether the ability acquisition condition is met, and, when it is determined that the ability acquisition condition is met, causes the character to acquire an ability corresponding to the ability acquisition condition.

The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-mentioned units. The present invention also relates to a server device that includes each of the above-mentioned units. The present invention also relates to a game system that includes each of the above-mentioned units.

According to the present invention, the player can set the ability acquisition conditions of his/her own will before the character's progression parameters reach the limit value, eliminating the frustration of not knowing what abilities will be given to a character that has reached the limit value. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to give the player the goal of acquiring the desired abilities, increasing the player's motivation to play the game.

(4) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The condition setting unit is
A selection of a capability acquisition condition from among a plurality of capability acquisition conditions may be accepted based on input information from the player, and the selected capability acquisition condition may be set.

According to the present invention, the player can select the ability acquisition condition from among a plurality of ability acquisition conditions of his/her own will, which allows the player to have fun setting the ability acquisition condition. Note that the ability acquisition condition that the player can select may be one or multiple.

(5) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The capability management unit includes:
It may be possible to determine that the ability acquisition condition is satisfied when a condition relating to the game progress is satisfied.

According to the present invention, the character's game progress affects the determination of whether the ability acquisition conditions are met, making the game more interesting.

(6) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The capability management unit includes:
It may be determined that the ability acquisition condition is satisfied when at least one of a condition related to an event, a condition related to a player's billing status, and a condition related to a game play status is satisfied.

According to the present invention, at least one of the conditions related to the event, the conditions related to the player's billing status, and the conditions related to the game play status (for example, the period of time required for a character's progress parameter to reach a limit value) influences the determination of whether or not the ability acquisition conditions are met, thereby making the game more interesting.

(7) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The computer may further function as a condition change unit that changes the ability acquisition condition before the progression parameter of the character reaches the limit value.

The present invention makes it possible to change the conditions for acquiring abilities, so players can maintain their motivation to acquire abilities.

(8) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The condition changing unit is
In exchange for consuming a given consumption parameter, the ability acquisition condition may be changed based on operation information of the player.

According to the present invention, it is possible to change the ability acquisition conditions in exchange for consuming game media, which increases the interest of the game in terms of changing the ability acquisition conditions. The given consumption parameters are, for example, points, number of items, in-game currency, etc.

(9) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The condition changing unit is
When a preferential treatment option for giving preferential treatment to the game within a valid period is set in association with the player, the ability acquisition condition may be changed based on operation information of the player.

According to the present invention, when a preferential option is set in association with a player, it becomes possible to change the ability acquisition conditions, thereby encouraging the player to set the preferential option and further increasing the interest of the game in terms of changing the ability acquisition conditions.

(10) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The computer may further function as a notification unit that predicts whether or not the ability acquisition condition will be achieved based on the game progress status before the character's progress parameter reaches a limit value, and if it predicts that the ability acquisition condition will not be achieved, notifies the player of information encouraging the player to change the ability acquisition condition.

According to the present invention, when the ability acquisition conditions cannot be achieved, the player is notified of information encouraging the player to change the ability acquisition conditions. By changing the ability acquisition conditions, the player can set a goal to be achieved in order to acquire the changed ability, encouraging the player to continue playing the game.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration showing the configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a server device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an embodiment of the present invention. 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining character information according to the embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between abilities and ability acquisition conditions according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a change screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a change proposal screen according to the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen according to the embodiment.

The present embodiment will be described below. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[1] Game System First, an overview and a general configuration of a game system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration showing the configuration of the game system 1 according to the present embodiment.

The server device 10 is an information processing device capable of providing a service that allows players to play games using a terminal device (game device) 20 that is communicatively connected via the Internet.

The terminal device 20 is a client device, and is an information processing device such as a game device, smartphone, mobile phone, PHS, computer, game device, PDA, portable game machine, image generating device, etc., and is a device that can be connected to the server device 10 via a network such as the Internet (WAN) or LAN.

[1.1] Game system configured with a server and a client The game system 1 of this embodiment is configured such that a server device 10 that provides a game service and terminal devices 20 (e.g., terminal devices 20A, 20B, and 20C) can be connected to the Internet (an example of a network), as shown in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, a server-client type game system will be mainly described.

By accessing the server device 10 from the terminal device 20, the player can play the game based on information transmitted from the server device 10 via the Internet.

In this embodiment, each game may be provided to the terminal device 20 by a single server device 10, or multiple server devices 10 may be linked together to form a server system and each game may be provided to the terminal device 20.

Although not shown, the game system may be a system in which a game server device that executes the game, a communication server device (message server device) that controls the communication of information, and terminal devices 20 are connected to each other via the Internet.

In addition, the various processes related to the present invention may be performed only by the server device 10, or the various processes related to the present invention may be performed only by the terminal device 20.

[1.2] Terminal Device In this embodiment, the present invention may be realized by a single game device having the functions of the server device 10, that is, a device (standalone) that operates independently without relying on other devices such as a server device.

In addition, in this embodiment, the present invention may be realized by the terminal device 20 alone, without connecting to the server device 10. For example, the present invention may be realized as a game system realized by multiple terminal devices 20 through P2P (peer-to-peer) communication.

Multiple such game terminal devices may be connected by wire or wirelessly, with one game device functioning as the server device 10, and the game may be realized by multiple game devices.

The terminal device may be not only a game device, but also a tablet information terminal device, a personal computer, or a game device (casing) installed in an amusement park.

[1.3] Cloud-based Game System The game system 1 of this embodiment may be a cloud-based game system. For example, in a cloud-based game system, the server device 10 (cloud device) alone performs basic game processing (including drawing processing, etc.), and the terminal device 20 only controls the display of the processing results of the server device 10 (cloud device). The terminal device 20 only transmits information such as controller input information to the server device 10. In this case, the terminal device 20 may transmit information other than the input information.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the functions of the processing unit 200 of the terminal device 20 and the execution of the game program, except for the operational input, may be executed by the server device 10, and the terminal device 20 may realize the above game by executing the operational input and image display by streaming.

Furthermore, the game system 1 may store the information stored in the storage unit 140 of the server device 10 and the information stored in the storage unit 270 of the terminal device 20 in a given storage area on the Internet.

[1.4] Terminal Device Equipped with Multiple Controllers In the present embodiment, one terminal device 20 may be equipped with multiple controllers (input units 260). Note that when multiple players play a game using their own controllers on one terminal device 20, it is assumed that the multiple players are actually close to each other.

[1.5] Example of a Social Game The server device 10 may function as an SNS server that provides a communication-type service. Here, the SNS server may be an information processing device that provides a service that allows communication between multiple players.

In addition, when the server device 10 functions as an SNS server, for example, it is capable of providing games known as social games that are executed using the operating environment (API (Application Programming Interface), platform, etc.) of the SNS that it provides.

Unlike existing online games, social games include games that do not require dedicated client software and can be played with just a web browser and an SNS account. The server device 10 is also configured to provide an online game that can connect to other players' terminal devices 20 via a network and share the same game progress online at the same time.

[1.6] Examples of Browser Games In particular, the server device 10 may provide games provided on the web browser of the terminal device 20, such as browser games (games that can be launched simply by opening the installation site in the web browser) created in various languages, such as HTML, FLASH (registered trademark), CGI, PHP, shockwave, Java (registered trademark) applet, and JavaScript (registered trademark).

The terminal device 20 also has a web browser capable of viewing web pages (data in HTML format). That is, the terminal device 20 has a communication control function for communicating with the server device 10, and a web browser function for controlling display using data received from the server device 10 (web data, data created in HTML format, etc.), as well as transmitting player operation data to the server device 10, and executes various processes for providing a game screen to the player and allowing the player to play the game. However, the terminal device 20 may also acquire game control information provided by the server device 10, execute a predetermined game process, and play a game based on the game process.

Specifically, when the terminal device 20 makes a request to the server device 10 to play a predetermined game, the terminal device 20 is connected to the game site of the server device 10 and the game begins. In particular, the terminal device 20 may be configured to use an API as necessary to cause the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server to perform a predetermined process, or to obtain player information managed by the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server to execute the game.

[1.7] Others The server device 10 may be composed of one (device, processor) or multiple (devices, processors). Information (e.g., player information, game information, etc.) stored in the memory area (memory unit 140 described later) of the server device 10 may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (intranet or internet). The communication line between the terminal device 20 and the server device 10 may be wired or wireless.

[2] Server Device Next, the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the server device 10 of this embodiment. Also, the server device 10 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) of Fig. 2 are omitted.

The server device 10 includes an input unit 120 for use in administrator and other input, a display unit 130 for performing predetermined displays, an information storage medium 180 in which predetermined information is stored, a communication unit 196 for communicating with terminal devices 20 and others, a processing unit 100 that mainly executes processes related to the game to be provided, and a storage unit 140 that mainly stores various data used in the game.

The input unit 120 is used by a system administrator or the like to input game-related settings and other necessary settings and data. For example, the input unit 120 in this embodiment is configured with a mouse, keyboard, etc.

The display unit 130 displays an operation screen for the system administrator. For example, the display unit 130 in this embodiment is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like.

The information storage medium 180 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions are realized by optical disks (CD, DVD), magneto-optical disks (MO), magnetic disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, or memory (ROM), etc.

The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (e.g., terminals, other servers, or other network systems), and its functions are configured by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, etc.

The memory unit 140 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, etc., and its functions are realized by a RAM (VRAM) etc. The information stored in the memory unit 140 may be managed by a database.

In addition to the main memory unit 142, the memory unit 140 of this embodiment also includes a game data memory unit 144 in which game information indicating information related to the game is stored, a player information memory unit (user information memory unit) 146 in which player information (user information) indicating information related to each player (each user) is stored, and an ability acquisition condition memory unit 148.

In particular, the game data storage unit 144 stores information about the game space (game field) in which the game is played, information about each character, information about the virtual camera, information about abilities, information about bonuses, and other setting values used in the game.

In addition, the player information storage unit 146 stores, for each player, (1) the player's nickname, the player's ID (player identification information), and if the player belongs to a team, the name of the team to which the player belongs and the ID (hereinafter referred to as "affiliation information");
(2) Information regarding individual and team performance, such as the current player level, experience points, points, rewards earned, or game time (hereinafter also referred to as "performance information");
(3) The level, experience, abilities, characteristics and attributes of the character (the character controlled by the player);
(4) Information regarding the results of a match, such as the number of wins and losses against other characters and other teams in a match game against other characters (characters operated by other players) and other teams (hereinafter also referred to as "match results information");
(5) position information indicating the position of each player or team within the game field;
(6) Information on whether or not a player has been defeated (whether or not the game is over) (hereinafter, also referred to as "defeat information"); and
(7) Information regarding billing, such as billing history and billing amounts,
(8) The number of games played is stored.

The performance information, battle record information, and defeat information included in the player information are updated at predetermined times. For example, the predetermined times include every given period (e.g., every 5 minutes), when the player logs out, a specified time in the game (e.g., 8:00 a.m.), when a specified event occurs (when any individual or team match ends), etc. An upper limit may also be set for the level (character level, player level).

The ability acquisition condition storage unit 148 stores the ability acquisition conditions set in association with the abilities. For example, the ability acquisition condition storage unit 148 stores the ability acquisition conditions set by the condition setting unit 116.

The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main memory unit 142 in the memory unit 140 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), or by programs.

The processing unit 100 performs various processes of this embodiment based on programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores programs for causing a computer to function as each part of this embodiment (programs for causing a computer to execute the processes of each part).

For example, the processing unit 100 (processor) controls the entire server device 10 based on a program stored in the information storage medium 180, and performs various processes such as controlling the transfer of data between each unit. Furthermore, the processing unit 100 performs processes to provide various services in response to requests from the terminal device 20.

In this embodiment, the server device 10 may perform some or all of the functions, or the terminal device 20 may perform some of the functions.

Specifically, the processing unit 100 of this embodiment has at least a communication control unit 101, a Web processing unit 102, a game control unit 103, a timer management unit 104, a display control unit 107, a progress management unit 111, a capability management unit 112, a notification unit 115, a condition setting unit 116, and a condition change unit 117.

The communication control unit 101 transmits and receives information to and from the terminal device 20 via the network.

The Web processing unit 102 functions as a Web server. For example, the Web processing unit 102 performs a process of transmitting data in response to a request from a Web browser installed in the terminal device 20, and a process of receiving data transmitted by the Web browser of the terminal device 20, through a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

The game control unit 103 works in conjunction with the terminal device 20, and executes game processing for the game provided in this embodiment for each player based on the player's operations input via the terminal device 20. The game control unit 103 also executes control over pre-defined characters such as NPCs (non-characters).

The timer management unit 104 has a timer function and is used to manage the progress of the game. In particular, the timer management unit 104 works in conjunction with the game control unit 103 to output the current time and a preset time to each unit. The timer management unit 104 is also used to synchronize with each terminal device 20.

The display control unit 107 controls the display of given information on the terminal device 20. The display control unit 107 may also control transmission so that a game screen is displayed on the terminal device 20. In other words, the display control unit 107 generates display control information for the game screen, etc., and controls the generated display control information to be displayed on the player's terminal device 20.

The progress management unit 111 executes a process to change a progress parameter (e.g., level, etc.) associated with a character up to a given limit value in accordance with the character's game progress.

The ability management unit 112 performs a process to allow a character to acquire a specific ability. In other words, the process of acquiring an ability is the process of granting an ability.

In particular, in this embodiment, the ability management unit 112 determines whether or not the ability acquisition conditions are met when the character's parameters reach their limit values, and if it is determined that the ability acquisition conditions are met, performs processing to have the character acquire the ability that corresponds to the ability acquisition conditions.

The ability management unit 112 may also determine that an ability acquisition condition is met when a condition related to the game progress is met. For example, when a condition related to the game progress is met until the level of the character PA reaches a limit value, the ability management unit 112 may perform processing to have the character PA acquire an ability corresponding to that condition.

The ability management unit 112 may also determine that the ability acquisition conditions are met when at least one of the following conditions is met: a condition related to an event, a condition related to the player's billing status, and a condition related to the game play status.

In addition, when the character's parameters reach their limit values and it is determined that the ability acquisition conditions are met, the ability management unit 112 may perform processing to cause the character to acquire an ability corresponding to the ability acquisition conditions, as an example of a bonus.

The notification unit 115 also notifies the player of given information. Note that "notifying" information means notifying the player (player's terminal device 20) of the information. In other words, it means providing (presenting, displaying) the information to the player (player's terminal device 20).

In this embodiment, the notification unit 115 may notify the player of the abilities and the ability acquisition conditions corresponding to the abilities before the character's progression parameters reach their limit values.

In addition, the notification unit 115 may predict whether or not the ability acquisition condition will be achieved based on the game progress status before the character's progress parameter reaches a limit value, and if it predicts that the ability acquisition condition will not be achieved, notify the player of information encouraging them to change the ability acquisition condition.

The term "notification" refers to at least one of the following: the server device 10 sends information to the player's terminal device 20 by email (which may be a mail magazine, etc.) sent and received by SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), sending information by a given protocol, not limited to SMTP, sending a push notification, presenting (displaying) a given screen of a given application (banner display screen, notice screen, pop-up screen, etc.), or the web processing unit 102 of the server device 10 notifying the player by a web page. It indicates that the server device 10 actively sends information to the player's terminal device 20. In addition, the server device 10 may also send information to the requested terminal device 20 in response to a request from the player's terminal device 20, which may be considered as one form of "notification". In addition, a push notification refers to displaying a message window in a partial area (such as the top edge) of the screen of the terminal (smartphone).

The condition setting unit 116 sets ability acquisition conditions in association with abilities based on information input by the player before the character's progression parameters reach their limit values. The condition setting unit 116 may also be configured to automatically set ability acquisition conditions in association with abilities by computer control (CPU control) before the character's progression parameters reach their limit values.

For example, the condition setting unit 116 may select a capability acquisition condition from among a plurality of capability acquisition conditions by lottery and set the selected capability acquisition condition.

The condition setting unit 116 may also accept a selection of a skill acquisition condition from among a plurality of skill acquisition conditions based on the player's input information, and set the selected skill acquisition condition.

The condition change unit 117 changes the ability acquisition conditions. In this embodiment, the condition change unit 117 changes the ability acquisition conditions before the character's progression parameters reach their limit values.

For example, the condition change unit 117 changes the ability acquisition conditions based on the player's operation information in exchange for consuming a given consumption parameter.

The condition change unit 117 may also change the ability acquisition conditions based on the player's operation information when a preferential option for giving preferential treatment to the game within a valid period is set in association with the player.

[3] Terminal Device Next, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is an example of a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 20 of this embodiment. Also, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (parts) of Fig. 3 are omitted.

The input unit 260 allows the player to input operation data, and this function can be realized by a touch panel or a touch panel display, etc. That is, the input unit 260 has a detection unit 262 capable of detecting two-dimensional pointed position coordinates (x, y) on the screen on which an image is displayed. For example, the input unit 260 has a detection unit 262 capable of detecting two-dimensional contact position coordinates (x, y) in a contact detection area (touch panel).

Note that touch operations on the display screen (hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, referred to as the "touch panel") may be performed using a fingertip or an input device such as a touch pen.

The input unit 260 may also include a button, lever, keyboard, steering wheel, microphone, acceleration sensor, etc. that can input operation information (operation signal) other than the indicated position.

The memory unit 270 serves as a work area for the processing unit 200, the communication unit 296, etc., and its functions can be realized by a RAM (VRAM) or the like. The memory unit 270 of this embodiment includes a main memory unit 271 used as a work area, and an image buffer 272 in which the final display image, etc. are stored. Note that some of these may be omitted, or the memory unit 140 of the server device 10 may form part of them.

The information storage medium 280 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions can be realized by optical disks (CD, DVD), magneto-optical disks (MO), magnetic disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, or memory (ROM), etc.

In addition, the information storage medium 280 can store programs for causing a computer to function as each part of this embodiment (programs for causing a computer to execute the processing of each part). Note that the processing unit 200 performs various processes of this embodiment based on the programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 280, as described below.

The display unit 290 outputs the image generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, HMD (head mounted display), etc.

In particular, in this embodiment, the display unit 290 also functions as an input unit 260 where the player operates the game by using a touch panel display. Here, the touch panel that can be used may be, for example, a resistive film type (four-wire type, five-wire type), a capacitive type, an electromagnetic induction type, an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave type, or an infrared scanning type.

The sound output unit 292 outputs the sound generated by this embodiment, and this function can be realized by a speaker or headphones, etc.

The communication unit 296 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (e.g., the server device 10 or other terminal devices 20), and its functions can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, etc.

The terminal device 20 may receive, via a network, programs and data for causing a computer to function as each part of this embodiment, which are stored in the information storage medium 180 or memory unit 140 of the server device 10, and store the received programs and data in the information storage medium 280 or memory unit 270. The case in which the terminal device 20 functions by receiving programs and data in this manner is also included within the scope of the present invention.

The processing unit 200 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, image generation processing, and sound generation processing in conjunction with the server device 10 based on input data and programs from the input unit 260.

In particular, in this embodiment, game processing includes processing for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, processing for progressing the game, processing for placing objects such as a character (e.g., character PA associated with player A) and an enemy character E, processing for displaying objects, processing for calculating the game result, and processing for ending the game when a game end condition is satisfied.

The processing unit 200 performs various processes using the memory unit 270 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 200 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), or by programs.

The processing unit 200 includes a communication control unit 210, a web browser 211, a game processing unit 212, a display control unit 213, a drawing unit 220, and a sound processing unit 230. Note that some of these may be omitted.

The communication control unit 210 performs processing to transmit and receive data to and from each of the server devices 10. The communication control unit 210 also performs processing to store data received from the server device 10 in the storage unit 270, to analyze the received data, and to control processing related to the transmission and reception of other data.

The communication control unit 210 may store and manage destination information (IP address, port number) of the server device 10 in the information storage medium 280. The communication control unit 210 may then communicate with the server device 10 when it receives input information from the player to start communication.

In particular, the communication control unit 210 transmits player identification information and operation information to the server device 10, and performs processing to receive data (player's web page, game screen, etc.) from the server device 10.

The communication control unit 210 may transmit and receive data to and from the server device 10 at a predetermined cycle, or may transmit and receive data to and from the server device 10 when input information is received from the input unit 260. In particular, the communication control unit 210 of this embodiment performs processing to receive given screen information (e.g., information about a game screen, etc.) from the server device 10.

The web browser 211 is an application program for viewing web pages (game screens), and downloads HTML files, image files, etc. from the web server (server device 10), analyzes the layout, and controls the display. The web browser 211 also sends data to the web server (server device 10) using input forms (links, buttons, text boxes, etc.).

The web browser 211 of this embodiment can realize a browser game. For example, the web browser 211 may execute a program written in JavaScript (registered trademark), FLASH (registered trademark), Java (registered trademark), or the like, received from a web server (server device 10).

The terminal device 20 can display information from a web server specified by a URL (short for Uniform Resource Locator) via the Internet using the web browser 211. For example, the terminal device 20 can display a game screen (data such as HTML) received from the server device 10 using the web browser 211.

The game processing unit 212 performs various game processes, such as a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for progressing the game, and a process for ending the game when a game end condition is satisfied.

The game processing unit 212 may then perform processing to place and set various objects (objects constructed from primitives such as polygons, free-form surfaces, or subdivision surfaces) that represent display items such as characters, buildings, stadiums, cars, trees, pillars, walls, and maps (terrain) in the object space.

The object space here refers to a virtual space, and includes both two-dimensional space and three-dimensional space. Two-dimensional space is, for example, a space in which an object is placed using two-dimensional coordinates (X, Y), and three-dimensional space is, for example, a space in which an object is placed using three-dimensional coordinates (X, Y, Z).

The game processing unit 212 also performs game processing (e.g., processing of a competitive game, etc.), lottery processing, etc., based on the player's input information input by the input unit 260.

For example, the terminal device 20 may make a lottery request to the server device 10, and the server device 10 may be controlled to perform the lottery process upon receiving the lottery request from the terminal device 20.

The game processing unit 212 may be executed in conjunction with the server device 10, or part or all of it may be formed in the server device 10.

The display control unit 213 also performs processing to display the game screen on the display unit 290. For example, the display control unit 213 may display the game screen using the web browser 211. In other words, the display control unit 213 causes the display unit 290 to display information required during the game based on information transmitted from the server device 10. For example, the terminal device 20 displays the display information of the game screen received from the server device 10.

The drawing unit 220 performs drawing processing based on various processes (e.g., game processing) performed by the processing unit 200, thereby generating an image, which is output to the display unit 290 by the display control unit 213. The image generated by the drawing unit 220 may be a so-called two-dimensional image, or a so-called three-dimensional image.

The sound processing unit 230 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed in the processing unit 200, generates game sounds such as background music, sound effects, or voice, and outputs them to the sound output unit 292.

[4] Overview This embodiment relates to a game, such as a role-playing game (RPG game), in which a player participating in a game operates a character (hereinafter referred to as a character) associated with the player and aims to achieve a goal by overcoming missions (quests, adventures, exploration, fighting enemy characters, etc.) given in a fictional game situation.

In the RPG game of this embodiment, the character acquires experience points through missions, and the character's level increases, thereby developing. Furthermore, as the character grows, the range of action (map) that can be explored in the game space can be expanded.

In such games, a character's level (an example of a progression parameter) may reach a limit (for example, an upper limit of "99"), entering a state known as "max level," where the character's level cannot be increased (counted) any further.

In this embodiment, when a character's level reaches the limit, a determination is made as to whether or not the ability acquisition conditions are met, and if it is determined that the ability acquisition conditions are met, a process is performed to cause the character to acquire the ability that corresponds to the ability acquisition conditions.

The player enjoys playing the game to develop the character, hoping for the abilities that will be obtained after maxing out the character, but if the player puts in the effort to max out the character and the acquired abilities are not what the player wanted, the player will be dissatisfied. Players will also be dissatisfied because they do not know what conditions need to be met to obtain the abilities in question.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the player is notified of the abilities and the conditions for acquiring the abilities that correspond to those abilities before the character's level reaches the limit. In this way, the above-mentioned dissatisfaction can be alleviated.

For example, referring to FIG. 4, the server device 10 notifies the player A of the acquireable ability A and the ability acquisition condition a corresponding to the ability A when the player A starts the game or when the level of the character PA owned by the player A is at an initial value (e.g., 1).

When the level of the character PA reaches a limit value (e.g., 99), a determination is made as to whether or not the previously notified ability acquisition condition a is met, and if it is determined that the ability acquisition condition a is met, a process is performed in which the character PA acquires the ability A. In this way, this embodiment gives the player a goal of acquiring a desired ability and a method for achieving that goal, making it possible to increase the player's motivation to play the game.

[5] Description of Characters FIG. 5 shows an example of information on characters owned (possessed, possessed) by each player, which is stored in the player information storage unit 146. As shown in FIG.

The player information storage unit 146 stores, for each player, one or more character IDs (character identification information) owned by the player, as well as each character's rarity, level, experience points, abilities, ability values, etc., in association with the player's identification information (player ID).

Rarity is a parameter that indicates how rare a character is. The higher the rarity, the lower the probability that a player will be able to acquire the character in a game, etc.

The level is an example of a progression parameter. In other words, in this embodiment, the level associated with a character changes according to the character's game progress.

In other words, the level is a parameter that indicates the rank (class) of the character, and the higher the level of the character, the more efficiently the character can progress through the game. "Progressing through the game efficiently" means having high attack power, defense power, and high attack and defense effects. In this embodiment, the level is controlled so that a limit value (e.g., limit value = 99) is set and counting (addition) does not exceed the limit value.

The experience value is a parameter that indicates how often a character plays a game. For example, when a character clears a mission or wins a fighting game, a certain value is added to the experience value.

When the character's experience value exceeds a threshold, the character's level increases. For example, when the character's experience value reaches an upper limit (e.g., 200), the experience value is updated to an initial value (0) and the character's level is incremented by 1. The server device 10 may set the character's level according to the character's accumulated experience value. In other words, the server device 10 controls the character PA's level to increase according to an increase in the character's accumulated experience value.

In addition, "abilities" are characteristics, techniques, etc. associated with a character. The server device 10 prepares a number of abilities in advance, such as abilities A, B, C, and D. Note that "abilities" may also be referred to as "skills."

For example, by using (equipping) abilities, a character can increase parameters such as the character's attack power, defense power, recovery power, movement speed, and agility, and can perform special attacks (e.g., long-range attacks, attacks that deal large damage to specific characters) or special defenses (e.g., protection from attacks from specific characters, halving damage, etc.).

In this embodiment, an "ability" may be consumed (subtracted or made non-owned) when used, or may be used repeatedly. Multiple abilities may be used simultaneously. Furthermore, "a character using an ability" means performing a process that produces the effect of that ability. For example, if ability A is an ability that increases attack power by 10 times, then character PA using ability A means performing a process that increases character PA's attack power by 10 times.

"Ability value" is a parameter related to an ability, and may be, for example, the level of the ability, or in the case of an ability related to attack, it may indicate attacking power, or in the case of an ability related to defense, it may indicate defensive power, etc. For example, ability A is the ability to increase attacking power by 10 times (ability value = 10).

Although not shown, the parameters of each character may include the character's attack power, defense power, stamina value, etc. The stamina value is also called life or HP value.

[6] Ability to be granted to a character who has reached a limit value First, when the level of the character PA reaches a limit value (e.g., level 99), the server device 10 performs a process to cause the character PA to acquire an ability if the ability acquisition conditions are met at the time the level reaches the limit value.

The "process of having a character acquire an ability" refers to a process of associating an ability with the character's character ID and storing the associated ability in the storage unit 140 (player information storage unit 146). For example, the process of having character PA acquire ability A refers to a process of storing information on ability A in the player information storage unit 146 in association with character PA's character ID. This allows character PA to possess ability A.

In this way, when the level of character PA reaches the limit and the ability acquisition conditions are met, an ability is granted to player A, so player A can be encouraged to use character PA continuously. For example, by using an ability to play the game with character PA, player A can progress through the game to an advantage, and can, for example, defeat an enemy character.

[7] Setting of ability acquisition conditions The server device 10 of this embodiment sets ability acquisition conditions in association with abilities. The server device 10 basically sets ability acquisition conditions in association with abilities based on computer control. In other words, the ability acquisition conditions are set automatically without depending on the player's operation.

The server device 10 also sets abilities and ability acquisition conditions for each player, in association with the player ID. One or more abilities may be associated with a player ID.

Figure 6 shows an example of ability acquisition conditions set in association with each of abilities A to D (ability IDs = A, B, C, D).

In this embodiment, ability acquisition conditions may be set in association with one ability, or ability acquisition conditions may be set in association with each of multiple abilities. In other words, ability acquisition conditions may be set in association with each of multiple ability IDs.

In addition, the server device 10 of this embodiment sets ability acquisition conditions for each managed player in association with each ability.

[7.1] Setting Timing Furthermore, the server device 10 sets ability acquisition conditions associated with abilities at a timing before the character's progression parameters reach their limit values, for example, at the start of the game by player A. In other words, the server device 10 sets the ability acquisition conditions for each ability at the time when player A starts the game provided by the server device 10 (for example, at the time when the game is in an initial state, such as when the game app is installed).

In addition, the server device 10 may set the ability acquisition conditions at any time before the character's progression parameters reach their limit values.

[7.2] Characters to be set The server device 10 of this embodiment may set a common ability and a common ability acquisition condition corresponding to the ability for all characters owned by the player, or may set an ability and a corresponding ability acquisition condition for each character individually. In other words, the server device 10 may set an ability and a corresponding ability acquisition condition for each character of each player in association with a character ID. In such a case, for example, the server device 10 sets an ability acquisition condition corresponding to the ability in association with the character when the character's level is at an initial value (e.g., "1").

[7.3] Method of Setting Ability Acquisition Condition by Drawing Lottery The server device 10 may also select an ability acquisition condition from among a plurality of ability acquisition conditions by drawing lots, and set the selected ability acquisition condition. In this way, it is possible to provide the player with the fun of setting the ability acquisition condition. Note that the number of ability acquisition conditions that can be selected may be one or multiple.

[8] Specific Examples of Ability Acquisition Conditions The server device 10 stores ability acquisition conditions in the ability acquisition condition storage unit 148 in association with each ability (ability ID) for each player.

In this embodiment, the ability acquisition conditions can be "conditions related to the game progress." "Conditions related to the game progress" can be, for example, conditions related to the game play situation until the character's level reaches the limit, conditions related to events, conditions related to the player's billing situation, etc.

[8.1] Conditions Related to Game Play Status As shown in FIG. 6, ability acquisition conditions a, b, d, and f are conditions related to the game play status until the character's level reaches the limit value.

To be more specific, ability acquisition condition a is the condition that "the time until the maximum level is reached is within 8 months." In other words, ability acquisition condition a requires that the time until the character's level reaches the limit value (e.g., 99) from the initial value (e.g., 1) is within 8 months. Furthermore, ability acquisition condition d is the condition that "the time until the maximum level is reached is within 10 months."

Furthermore, ability acquisition condition b is a condition that "the number of battles is 100 or more times." Note that the number of battles may be the number of games played using a character (for example, the number of missions played in the game using character PA), or the number of times a mission is cleared in the game played using a character. Furthermore, ability acquisition condition f is a condition that "the number of battles is 200 or more times."

The ability acquisition conditions (conditions related to game play status) may be conditions related to the player's game play time, number of game plays, number of logins, and game frequency.

For example, although not shown, there may be a condition for acquiring a skill such as "the player's game play time must be 100 hours or more."

There may also be a condition for acquiring an ability such as "the player's game play time must be greater than a predetermined time (e.g., greater than 300 hours)." There may also be a condition for acquiring an ability such as "the player's game frequency must be greater than or equal to 10 times per month (e.g., playing the game 10 times or more per month)." There may also be a condition for acquiring an ability such as "logging in every day." There may also be a condition for acquiring an ability such as "defeat 30 enemy characters."

[8.2] Conditions Related to Events In this embodiment, the ability acquisition condition may be a "condition related to an event." For example, the ability acquisition condition e shown in FIG. 6 is an example of an "event-related condition." To be more specific, the ability acquisition condition e is a condition that "participates in event X."

An event is a specific event (such as a story event, a battle event, or a lottery event) that is held during a specific period in the game. For example, in the case of a lottery event, a condition for the event may be that the lottery result is a specific result.

[8.3] Conditions Related to Billing Status In this embodiment, the ability acquisition condition may be a "condition related to the player's billing status." For example, ability acquisition condition c shown in FIG. 6 is an example of a "condition related to the player's billing status." To be more specific, ability acquisition condition c is a condition that "the player has subscribed to the preferential option." Note that the server device 10 determines whether or not the player has subscribed to the preferential option when the character's level reaches the limit value.

The condition regarding the player's billing status may be that player A bills a predetermined amount or more (e.g., 100 yen or more).

Furthermore, the preferential option is a subscription, and indicates an option for giving preferential treatment to a game within a valid period. The server device 10 determines that a preferential option for giving preferential treatment to a game within a valid period is subscribed to when the preferential option for giving preferential treatment to a game within a valid period is set in association with player A. In other words, when settlement (payment, charging) for the preferential option has been made and the preferential option is within its valid period, it determines that a user has subscribed to the preferential option (the preferential option is set in association with the player).

[9] Notification process Before the level of a character owned by the player reaches the limit, the server device 10 notifies the player of the abilities and the ability acquisition conditions corresponding to the abilities. The timing of the notification is when the ability acquisition conditions are set (e.g., when the player starts the game, when the character's level is at its initial value, etc.), but it may be any timing after the ability acquisition conditions are set and before the character's level reaches the limit.

Figure 7 shows an example of a notification screen Sc1 displayed on the terminal device 20 of player A. For example, as shown in Figure 7, ability A set for player A and ability acquisition condition a set in association with ability A are notified. Specifically, information M71 indicating that ability A increases attack power by 10 times, and information M72 indicating that ability acquisition condition a will reach its maximum within eight months are notified to player A. This allows player A to know that there is ability A that can be acquired when the character reaches its maximum, and the ability acquisition condition a for acquiring ability A, and to recognize how to acquire ability A.

[10] Ability Acquisition Processing The player progresses through the game in such a way as to satisfy the ability acquisition conditions corresponding to the target abilities in order to acquire them. When the character's level reaches a limit value, the server device 10 judges whether the ability acquisition conditions are satisfied, and if it is determined that the ability acquisition conditions are satisfied, it performs processing to have the character acquire the ability corresponding to the ability acquisition condition.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when ability acquisition condition a is set in association with ability A for player A, and the level of character PA owned by player A reaches the limit value, the server device 10 judges whether ability acquisition condition a is met. In other words, it judges whether the period from the initial value until the level of character PA reaches the limit value is within 8 months. Then, when ability acquisition condition a is met, that is, when the period from the initial value until the level of character PA reaches the limit value is within 8 months, a process is performed to cause character PA to acquire ability A.

On the other hand, if ability acquisition condition a is not met, that is, if the period from the initial value to the limit value of the character PA's level exceeds 8 months, the character PA is controlled so as not to acquire ability A.

In addition, if multiple ability acquisition conditions are set in association with an ability, when the character's level reaches the limit, the server device 10 determines whether each ability acquisition condition is met, and if all ability acquisition conditions are met, grants the ability.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in the case where ability acquisition conditions a, b, and c are set for player A in association with ability B, and character PA's level reaches the limit, the server device 10 judges whether or not all of ability acquisition conditions a, b, and c are satisfied. In other words, it judges whether or not the period from the initial level to the limit level of character PA is within 8 months, the number of battles with character PA is 100 or more, and player A is subscribed to the preferential option. Then, when all of ability acquisition conditions a, b, and c are satisfied, that is, when the period from the initial level to the limit level of character PA is within 8 months, the number of battles with character PA is 100 or more, and player A is subscribed to the preferential option, a process is performed to cause character PA to acquire ability B.

On the other hand, even if the period from the initial value to the limit value of the character PA's level is within 8 months, if the number of battles the character PA has played is less than 100, the ability acquisition condition b is not met, so processing is performed to prevent the character PA from acquiring ability B.

In addition, even if the period from the initial level to the limit value is within 8 months and the number of battles with character PA is 100 or more, if player A has not subscribed to the preferential option, ability acquisition condition c is not met, and processing is performed to prevent character PA from acquiring ability B.

[11] Changing the ability acquisition conditions The server device 10 may change the ability acquisition conditions before the character's progress parameter reaches the limit value. In this way, the player can be kept motivated to acquire abilities.

Figure 8 shows an example of the change screen Sc2 displayed on the terminal device 20 of player A. First, the change screen Sc2 displays information M81 about ability A that increases attack power by 10 times, and information M82 showing the ability acquisition condition a that corresponds to ability A (the condition that the ability must be maxed out within 8 months).

For example, let us say that it took 8 months for the character PA owned by player A to reach level 50, and the server device 10 was unable to satisfy ability acquisition condition a, which states that "the time to reach the maximum level is within 8 months."

Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the server device 10 presents, on the change screen Sc2 for player A, information recommending changing ability acquisition condition a to ability acquisition condition d based on the operation information of player A. That is, it presents information M82 for ability acquisition condition a, ie, "time to reach maximum level within 8 months," and information M83 for ability acquisition condition d, ie, "time to reach maximum level within 10 months," and presents information on the change screen Sc2 using an arrow to indicate that ability acquisition condition a should be changed to ability acquisition condition d.

The server device 10 determines the ability acquisition condition that player A can achieve as the changed ability acquisition condition. There may be cases where player A wants to select an ability acquisition condition other than ability acquisition condition d. In such a case, link L84 transitions to a screen where player A can select the changed ability acquisition condition. Then, based on player A's instructions, the server device 10 accepts the selection of an ability acquisition condition from among multiple achievable ability acquisition conditions other than ability acquisition condition a, and controls so that ability acquisition condition a can be changed to the selected ability acquisition condition.

When the server device 10 receives a confirmation instruction from player A (e.g., an instruction via the confirmation link L85), it changes ability acquisition condition a to ability acquisition condition d. In this way, it is possible to give player A some room to achieve ability acquisition condition d.

When the server device 10 changes from ability acquisition condition a to ability acquisition condition d, the ability corresponding to ability acquisition condition d may remain as ability A. In other words, after the above-mentioned change in ability acquisition condition, when ability acquisition condition d is set for player A in correspondence with ability A, if the level of character PA reaches the limit value and ability acquisition condition d is satisfied, the server device 10 performs processing to have character PA acquire ability A.

Furthermore, when the server device 10 changes ability acquisition condition a to ability acquisition condition d, the ability corresponding to ability acquisition condition d may be an ability different from ability A (for example, ability Y that increases attack power by five times). In other words, after the above-mentioned change in ability acquisition condition, when ability acquisition condition d is set for player A in correspondence with ability Y, the server device 10 performs a process of having character PA acquire ability Y when the level of character PA reaches the limit value and ability acquisition condition d is satisfied.

The server device 10 of this embodiment may change the ability acquisition conditions based on the player's operation information in exchange for the consumption of a given consumption parameter (e.g., an item, in-game currency, etc.). Note that the consumption of consumption parameters also includes billing processing. For example, when player A makes a bill of a predetermined amount or more (e.g., 100 yen or more), the ability acquisition conditions may be changed based on the player's operation information.

In addition, when a preferential treatment option for giving preferential treatment to a game within a valid period is set in association with a player, the server device 10 may change the ability acquisition conditions based on the player's operation information.

The server device 10 may also limit the number of times the ability acquisition conditions are changed to a predetermined number (e.g., once).

The server device 10 may change the ability acquisition conditions by computer control (CPU control). In other words, the server device 10 may change the ability acquisition conditions automatically by computer control, without relying on the player's operation.

For example, the server device 10 determines that it took eight months for the character PA owned by player A to reach level 50 from level 1, and that the ability acquisition condition a, which states that "the time to reach the maximum level is within eight months," cannot be met.

The server device 10 then automatically changes the ability acquisition condition a, "the time to reach the maximum level is within 8 months," to an ability acquisition condition that player A can achieve (for example, ability acquisition condition d, "the time to reach the maximum level is within 10 months"). The server device 10 may also notify player A of information indicating that the ability acquisition condition has been changed.

The server device 10 of this embodiment may also change the ability acquisition conditions through computer control in exchange for the consumption of a given consumption parameter (e.g., an item, in-game currency, etc.). For example, if player A makes a charge of a predetermined amount or more (e.g., 100 yen or more) in advance, the ability acquisition conditions may be automatically changed through computer control.

In addition, the server device 10 may automatically change the ability acquisition conditions by computer control when a preferential treatment option for giving preferential treatment to a game within a valid period is set in association with the player.

The server device 10 may also set the ability value after changing the ability acquisition conditions to be lower than the ability value before the change. For example, ability A before the change may increase the attack power by 10 times, and ability Y after the change may increase the attack power by 5 times, thereby decreasing the ability value (the attack power multiplier).

[12] Notification to Prompt Changes Following Prediction Judgment Furthermore, the server device 10 may predict whether or not the ability acquisition condition will be achieved before the character's progression parameter reaches a limit value, based on the game progress status. If the server device 10 predicts that the ability acquisition condition will not be achieved, it may notify the player of information to prompt the player to change the ability acquisition condition.

For example, the server device 10 predicts and judges, based on the game progress, before the character PA's level reaches the limit. In other words, it predicts and judges whether or not the character PA will be unable to reach the maximum level by the deadline set by the ability acquisition conditions if the character continues to play at a pace until the game level reaches the midpoint of the game progress (e.g., 50).

To explain in more detail, for example, suppose that the ability acquisition condition associated with ability A is ability acquisition condition a, which is "the time until the maximum level is reached is within 8 months." Then, when the level of character PA reaches a predetermined value (for example, 50), a prediction is made as to whether ability acquisition condition a can be achieved. Note that the predetermined value is a value lower than the limit value.

For example, the period Tb until the character PA reaches the maximum level (the period until the character PA reaches the level from 1 to 99) is predicted to be twice the period Ta until the character PA reaches the level from 1 to 50. Then, based on the period Tb, it is determined whether or not the ability acquisition condition a can be achieved.

Specifically, if it takes 5 months for a character PA to reach level 50 from 1, the time period Tb until reaching the maximum level is predicted to be 10 months, and it is predicted that ability acquisition condition a (time period until reaching the maximum level is 8 months or less) will not be achieved within that time period Tb.

Then, if the server device 10 predicts that the ability acquisition condition a will not be achieved, it notifies the player A of information encouraging the player A to change the ability acquisition condition.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the change proposal screen Sc3. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the server device 10 displays, on the display unit of the terminal device 20 of player A, information M91 on the ability A currently set for player A, and information M92 on the ability acquisition condition a set in association with ability A, and further displays information M93 recommending changing the ability acquisition condition from ability acquisition condition a to another ability acquisition condition. Note that the change proposal screen Sc3 may display a link L94 to the change screen.

After that, when player A clicks on link L94, the screen transitions to change screen Sc2 as shown in FIG. 8. Then, based on the operation information of player A, ability acquisition condition a is changed to another ability acquisition condition.

In this way, player A can know that it is unlikely that he will be able to achieve ability acquisition condition a, and can have the opportunity to change to another ability change condition. It also sets a new goal for player A to achieve in order to acquire the ability, encouraging player A to continue playing the game.

[13] Flowchart Next, the flow of processing by the server device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. For the sake of convenience, an example of a character PA owned by a player A will be described.

First, it is determined whether or not player A has started the game (step S1). If player A has started the game (Y in step S1), the abilities and the ability acquisition conditions set in association with the abilities are stored in the storage unit (step S2).

Then, the abilities and the conditions for acquiring the abilities corresponding to those abilities are notified to Player A (Step S3).

Then, it is determined whether or not the level of the character PA owned by player A has reached a limit value (step S4).

When the level of character PA owned by player A reaches the limit (Y in step S4), it is determined whether the ability acquisition conditions are met (step S5).

If the ability acquisition conditions are met (Y in step S5), a process is carried out to have the character PA acquire the ability that corresponds to the ability acquisition conditions (step S6). This ends the process.

[14] Application Example [14.1] Method of Setting Ability Acquisition Conditions Based on Player Input Information The server device 10 may set ability acquisition conditions based on player input information before the character's progression parameter reaches its limit value. In this way, the player can set the ability acquisition conditions of his or her own volition before the character's progression parameter reaches its limit value.

For example, the server device 10 may accept a selection of a skill acquisition condition from among a number of skill acquisition conditions based on information input by the player, and set the selected skill acquisition condition. In this way, the player can have fun setting the skill acquisition condition. Note that the number of skill acquisition conditions that can be selected may be one or multiple.

The timing for setting the ability acquisition conditions based on the player's input information is any timing before the character's progression parameters reach their limit values, as described above, such as when Player A starts the game (when the character's level is at its initial value).

Figure 11 shows an example of a setting screen Sc4 displayed on the terminal device 20 of player A. In this embodiment, the server device 10 accepts the selection of the ability acquisition conditions based on the input information of player A.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, from among a number of ability acquisition conditions displayed in selection list L92, selection is accepted from player A of ability acquisition condition d (a condition that the period until the maximum level is reached is within 10 months) and ability acquisition condition f (a condition that the number of matches is 200 or more). Note that, as shown in FIG. 11, the selection list L92 also displays the content of each ability acquisition condition.

Then, the server device 10 displays information on the abilities corresponding to the one or more ability acquisition conditions selected by player A, based on the one or more ability acquisition conditions. For example, the server device 10 displays, on the terminal device 20 of player A, information M91 on ability D corresponding to the selected ability acquisition conditions d and f.

Then, when a confirmation instruction is received from player A (for example, when player A clicks on the confirmation instruction link L95), the ability acquisition condition d and ability acquisition condition f corresponding to ability D are stored in the ability acquisition condition storage unit 148 in association with player A's player ID.

Although not shown, if the player does not have the ability that corresponds to the one or more ability acquisition conditions selected, information indicating that the player does not have the corresponding ability, such as "There is no ability that corresponds to the selected ability acquisition condition," is displayed.

Even when skill acquisition conditions are set based on information input by the player, the skill acquisition conditions may be changed and a change notification process may be performed as described above.

As described above, in this embodiment, the player can select the ability acquisition condition to be set from among multiple ability acquisition conditions, and can set ability acquisition conditions that are flexible when developing a character. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the player can set the abilities he or she desires in advance.

[15] Supplementary explanation of abilities and ability values The server device 10 may determine the ability value (one example of an ability parameter) that the character PA acquires based on the game progress status until the character PA's level reaches the limit value. For example, ability A is an ability that increases the attack power by 10 times (ability value = 10), but the ability value (multiplier of attack power) may be increased according to the game play time from when the character PA starts the game until the character PA reaches the maximum level.

In this embodiment, the ability that the character acquires when the character reaches the limit and satisfies the ability acquisition condition may be an ability that the character could not obtain before reaching the limit. In this way, the ability can be made to be highly rare.

[16] Others The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, a term cited in the description of the specification or drawings as a term with a broad meaning or synonymous meaning can be replaced with a term with a broad meaning or synonymous meaning in other descriptions of the specification or drawings.

In this embodiment, the game is not limited to an RPG game. For example, the game can be used for action games, fighting games, sports games, and other competitive games, music games, training games, and other simulation games.

The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments (for example, configurations with the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effect). The present invention also includes configurations that replace non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments. The present invention also includes configurations that achieve the same effects as the configurations described in the embodiments, or that can achieve the same purpose. The present invention also includes configurations in which publicly known technology is added to the configurations described in the embodiments.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible that do not substantially depart from the novel aspects and effects of the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

10 Server device 20, 20A, 20B, 20C Terminal device,
100 Processing section,
101 Communication control unit,
102 Web processing unit,
103 game control unit,
104 Timer management unit,
107 display control unit,
111 Progress Management Department,
112 Capacity Management Department,
115 Notification Department,
116 Condition setting unit 116,
117 Condition change unit 117,
140 memory unit,
142 main memory unit,
144 game data storage unit,
146 player information storage unit,
148 Ability acquisition condition storage unit,
180 Information storage medium,
196 Communications Department,
120 input unit,
130 display unit,
200 processing unit,
210 communication control unit,
211 Web browser,
212 game processing unit,
213 display control unit,
220 drawing unit,
230 sound processing unit,
260 input unit,
262 detection unit,
270 memory unit,
271 main memory unit,
272 drawing buffer,
280 Information storage medium,
290 display unit,
292 sound output unit,
296 Communications Department

Claims (13)

A program for controlling a game in which a player owns a character and uses the character to progress through the game,
a progress management unit that executes a process of changing a progress parameter associated with the character up to a given limit value in accordance with the game progress of the character;
a condition setting unit that selects a capability acquisition condition from among a plurality of capability acquisition conditions under computer control and sets the selected capability acquisition condition;
A storage unit that stores ability acquisition conditions that are set in association with abilities;
a notification unit that notifies the player of the ability and the ability acquisition condition corresponding to the ability before the progression parameter of the character reaches the limit value;
a computer is caused to function as a capability management unit that, when the progression parameter of the character reaches a limit value, determines whether or not the capability acquisition condition is satisfied, and, when it is determined that the capability acquisition condition is satisfied, causes the character to acquire a capability corresponding to the capability acquisition condition ;
The ability acquisition condition is:
A program characterized by at least one of the conditions relating to the period until the character's progress parameter reaches the limit value, the condition relating to the number of games, the condition relating to the player's game play time, the condition relating to the player's game frequency, the condition relating to events, and the condition relating to billing status . A program for controlling a game in which a player owns a character and uses the character to progress through the game,
a progress management unit that executes a process of changing a progress parameter associated with the character up to a given limit value in accordance with the game progress of the character;
a condition setting unit that accepts a selection of an ability acquisition condition from among a plurality of ability acquisition conditions based on input information from a player before a character's progression parameter reaches a limit value, and sets the selected ability acquisition condition in association with the ability;
A storage unit that stores the ability acquisition condition set by the condition setting unit;
Before the progression parameter of the character reaches the limit value,
a notification unit that notifies the player of the ability acquisition condition corresponding to the ability;
a computer is caused to function as a capability management unit that, when the progression parameter of the character reaches a limit value, determines whether or not the capability acquisition condition is satisfied, and, when it is determined that the capability acquisition condition is satisfied, causes the character to acquire a capability corresponding to the capability acquisition condition ;
The ability acquisition condition is:
A program characterized by at least one of the conditions relating to the period until the character's progress parameter reaches the limit value, the condition relating to the number of games, the condition relating to the player's game play time, the condition relating to the player's game frequency, the condition relating to events, and the condition relating to billing status . In claim 1 or 2 ,
A program further causing a computer to function as a condition change unit that changes the ability acquisition condition before the progression parameter of the character reaches the limit value. A program for controlling a game in which a player owns a character and uses the character to progress through the game,
a progress management unit that executes a process of changing a progress parameter associated with the character up to a given limit value in accordance with the game progress of the character;
A storage unit that stores ability acquisition conditions that are set in association with abilities;
a notification unit that notifies the player of the ability and the ability acquisition condition corresponding to the ability before the progression parameter of the character reaches the limit value;
a capability management unit which, when the progression parameter of the character reaches a limit value, determines whether or not the capability acquisition condition is satisfied, and, when it is determined that the capability acquisition condition is satisfied, causes the character to acquire a capability corresponding to the capability acquisition condition;
A program for causing a computer to function as a condition change unit that changes the ability acquisition condition before the progression parameter of the character reaches the limit value. In claim 3 or 4 ,
The condition changing unit is
A program for changing the ability acquisition condition based on operation information of a player in exchange for consuming a given consumption parameter. In any one of claims 3 to 5 ,
The condition changing unit is
A program characterized by changing the ability acquisition conditions based on operation information of the player when a preferential option for giving preferential treatment to a game within a validity period is set in association with the player. In any one of claims 3 to 6 ,
The notification unit is
A program that predicts whether or not the ability acquisition condition will be achieved based on the game progress status before a character's progress parameter reaches a limit value, and if it is predicted that the ability acquisition condition will not be achieved, notifies the player of information encouraging them to change the ability acquisition condition. A server device in which a player owns a character and controls the progress of a game using the character,
a progress management unit that executes a process of changing a progress parameter associated with the character up to a given limit value in accordance with the game progress of the character;
a condition setting unit that selects a capability acquisition condition from among a plurality of capability acquisition conditions under computer control and sets the selected capability acquisition condition;
A storage unit that stores ability acquisition conditions that are set in association with abilities;
a notification unit that notifies the player of the ability and the ability acquisition condition corresponding to the ability before the progression parameter of the character reaches the limit value;
a capability management unit which, when the progression parameter of the character reaches a limit value, determines whether or not the capability acquisition condition is satisfied, and, when it is determined that the capability acquisition condition is satisfied, causes the character to acquire a capability corresponding to the capability acquisition condition ;
The ability acquisition condition is:
A server device characterized in that the conditions are at least one of conditions related to the period until the character's progress parameter reaches the limit value, conditions related to the number of games, conditions related to the player's game play time, conditions related to the player's game frequency, conditions related to events, and conditions related to billing status . A server device in which a player owns a character and controls the progress of a game using the character,
a progress management unit that executes a process of changing a progress parameter associated with the character up to a given limit value in accordance with the game progress of the character;
a condition setting unit that accepts a selection of an ability acquisition condition from among a plurality of ability acquisition conditions based on input information from a player before a character's progression parameter reaches a limit value, and sets the selected ability acquisition condition in association with the ability;
A storage unit that stores the ability acquisition condition set by the condition setting unit;
a notification unit that notifies the player of the ability and the ability acquisition condition corresponding to the ability before the progression parameter of the character reaches the limit value;
a capability management unit which, when the progression parameter of the character reaches a limit value, determines whether or not the capability acquisition condition is satisfied, and, when it is determined that the capability acquisition condition is satisfied, causes the character to acquire a capability corresponding to the capability acquisition condition ;
The ability acquisition condition is:
A server device characterized in that the conditions are at least one of conditions related to the period until the character's progress parameter reaches the limit value, conditions related to the number of games, conditions related to the player's game play time, conditions related to the player's game frequency, conditions related to events, and conditions related to billing status . A server device in which a player owns a character and controls the progress of a game using the character,
a progress management unit that executes a process of changing a progress parameter associated with the character up to a given limit value in accordance with the game progress of the character;
A storage unit that stores ability acquisition conditions that are set in association with abilities;
a notification unit that notifies the player of the ability and the ability acquisition condition corresponding to the ability before the progression parameter of the character reaches the limit value;
a capability management unit which, when the progression parameter of the character reaches a limit value, determines whether or not the capability acquisition condition is satisfied, and, when it is determined that the capability acquisition condition is satisfied, causes the character to acquire a capability corresponding to the capability acquisition condition;
a condition change unit that changes the ability acquisition condition before the progression parameter of the character reaches the limit value. A game system in which a player owns a character and controls the progress of a game using the character,
a progress management unit that executes a process of changing a progress parameter associated with the character up to a given limit value in accordance with the game progress of the character;
a condition setting unit that selects a capability acquisition condition from among a plurality of capability acquisition conditions under computer control and sets the selected capability acquisition condition;
A storage unit that stores ability acquisition conditions that are set in association with abilities;
a notification unit that notifies the player of the ability and the ability acquisition condition corresponding to the ability before the progression parameter of the character reaches the limit value;
a capability management unit which, when the progression parameter of the character reaches a limit value, determines whether or not the capability acquisition condition is satisfied, and, when it is determined that the capability acquisition condition is satisfied, causes the character to acquire a capability corresponding to the capability acquisition condition ;
The ability acquisition condition is:
A game system characterized in that the conditions are at least one of conditions related to the period until the character's progress parameter reaches the limit value, conditions related to the number of games, conditions related to the player's game play time, conditions related to the player's game frequency, conditions related to events, and conditions related to billing status . A game system in which a player owns a character and controls the progress of a game using the character,
a progress management unit that executes a process of changing a progress parameter associated with the character up to a given limit value in accordance with the game progress of the character;
a condition setting unit that accepts a selection of an ability acquisition condition from among a plurality of ability acquisition conditions based on input information from a player before a character's progression parameter reaches a limit value, and sets the selected ability acquisition condition in association with the ability;
A storage unit that stores the ability acquisition condition set by the condition setting unit;
a notification unit that notifies the player of the ability and the ability acquisition condition corresponding to the ability before the progression parameter of the character reaches the limit value;
a capability management unit which, when the progression parameter of the character reaches a limit value, determines whether or not the capability acquisition condition is satisfied, and, when it is determined that the capability acquisition condition is satisfied, causes the character to acquire a capability corresponding to the capability acquisition condition ;
The ability acquisition condition is:
A game system characterized in that the conditions are at least one of conditions related to the period until the character's progress parameter reaches the limit value, conditions related to the number of games, conditions related to the player's game play time, conditions related to the player's game frequency, conditions related to events, and conditions related to billing status . A game system in which a player owns a character and controls the progress of a game using the character,
a progress management unit that executes a process of changing a progress parameter associated with the character up to a given limit value in accordance with the game progress of the character;
A storage unit that stores ability acquisition conditions that are set in association with abilities;
a notification unit that notifies the player of the ability and the ability acquisition condition corresponding to the ability before the progression parameter of the character reaches the limit value;
a capability management unit that, when the progression parameter of the character reaches a limit value, determines whether or not the capability acquisition condition is satisfied, and, when it is determined that the capability acquisition condition is satisfied, causes the character to acquire a capability corresponding to the capability acquisition condition;
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A condition change unit that changes the ability acquisition condition before the progression parameter of the character reaches the limit value.

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