JP7613866B2 - PROGRAM, SERVER DEVICE AND GAME SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

Applicable under Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act. Posting date: June 3, 2020. Published via https://grama.com/single/index.php?id=434.

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

Traditionally, in games such as role-playing games, situations have arisen in which a parameter reaches an upper limit and cannot be counted any further. This situation is called a counter stop or max out, and results in a situation in which the character cannot expect any growth.

In the prior art, in order to encourage the player to continue using a character that has reached a limit, a first benefit (bonus points) is given to the character that has reached the limit, and a second benefit is given by continuing to use the character and fulfilling a given condition (see paragraphs 0007 and 0023 of Patent Document 1, etc.).

JP 2019-97701 A

However, in a counter-stop situation, it is expected that this will further encourage the use of the first character whose parameters have reached their limit. Furthermore, if using the first character whose parameters have reached their limit can provide some derivative benefit to the second character, this will further encourage continued use of the character whose parameters have reached their limit, increasing the interest of the game.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a program or the like that can encourage the use of a first character that has reached its limit by indirectly affecting a second character when the first character has reached its limit.

(1) The present invention provides
A program for controlling a game in which a player owns multiple characters and uses the characters 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;
causing a computer to function as a capability management unit which performs processing to cause a character to acquire a predetermined capability;
The capability management unit includes:
This relates to a program characterized by carrying out a process of having a second character acquire abilities in accordance with game progress using a first character after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value.

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, after the progression parameter of the first character reaches a limit value, a process is performed to cause the second character to acquire a capability in accordance with the game progress using the first character (e.g., clearing a mission, etc.).

In other words, according to the present invention, even after the progression parameter of the first character has reached its limit, by continuing to play the game using the first character, it is possible to cause the second character to acquire abilities. In other words, the present invention can affect the second character in a derivative manner by using the first character that has reached its limit, thereby encouraging the continued use of the first character that has reached its limit.

(2) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The capability management unit includes:
When the progression parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, a process is performed to cause the first character to acquire an ability;
After the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, processing may be performed to cause the second character to acquire the same ability as the first character acquired, in accordance with the game progress using the first character.

According to the present invention, when the progression parameter of a first character reaches a limit value, the first character can be made to acquire an ability. In addition, by continuing to use the first character whose progression parameter has reached the limit value, the second character can be made to acquire the same ability as the first character.

(3) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The capability management unit includes:
When the progression parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, a process is performed to cause the first character to acquire an ability;
After the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, a process may be performed to cause the second character to acquire the same ability as the ability acquired by the first character, in accordance with game progress using the ability acquired by the first character.

According to the present invention, when the progression parameter of a first character reaches a limit value, the first character can be made to acquire an ability. In addition, by continuing to use the first character using the ability acquired by the first character whose progression parameter has reached the limit value, it is possible to cause a second character to acquire the same ability as the ability acquired by the first character.

(4) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The capability management unit includes:
The ability to be acquired by the first character may be determined based on the game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value.

According to the present invention, the game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value affects the abilities that the first character can acquire, thereby making the game more interesting.

(5) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The computer is further caused to function as a selection processing unit that performs a process of selecting one of a plurality of abilities by lottery;
The selection processing unit:
determining a probability of the selection based on a game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value;
The capability management unit includes:
The ability selected by the selection processing unit may be determined as the ability to be acquired by the first character.

According to the present invention, the game progress status until the first character's progress parameter reaches the limit value can affect the lottery probability.

(6) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
causing the computer to further function as a benefit providing unit that provides a benefit to a player in accordance with a game progress using the first character after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value;
The capability management unit includes:
A process may be performed to cause the second character to acquire the ability based on the use of the benefit granted by the benefit granting unit.

According to the present invention, a benefit can be given by using a first character that has reached its limit, and the use of the benefit can have a secondary effect on a second character. As a result, it is possible to encourage the use of a first character that has reached its limit.

Note that "using a bonus" may mean using a bonus based on the player's operation information, or it may mean using a bonus automatically under the control of a computer (CPU).

(7) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The privilege granting unit,
After the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, it may be determined whether or not a granting condition is satisfied, and if the granting condition is satisfied, the benefit may be granted to the player.

According to the present invention, the player is required to satisfy the awarding conditions in order to obtain the bonus, which increases the entertainment value of the game. Note that the "awarding conditions" are the conditions for awarding the bonus, and are the conditions for determining whether the bonus will be awarded or not.

(8) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The privilege granting unit,
The condition for granting the bonus may be determined to be 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, in order for a player to obtain a benefit, the player must satisfy at least one of the following conditions: a condition related to an event, a condition related to the player's billing status, and a condition related to the game play status, thereby making the game more interesting.

(9) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The privilege granting unit,
The condition for granting may be determined based on a game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value.

According to the present invention, the conditions for the player to obtain a bonus are determined based on the game progress status until the first character's progress parameter reaches the limit value, which increases the interest of the game.

(10) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The privilege granting unit,
At least one of a bonus parameter associated with the bonus and a parameter of an ability acquired by the second character when the bonus is used may be determined based on the game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value.

According to the present invention, the game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value affects at least one of the bonus parameters associated with the bonus and the ability parameters (e.g., ability values) that the second character acquires when the bonus is used, thereby making the game more interesting.

(11) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The capability management unit includes:
When a given condition is satisfied, a process may be performed to cause the second character to acquire the ability.

According to the present invention, given conditions must be met in order for the second character to acquire abilities, which can increase the interest of the game.

(12) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The capability management unit includes:
The given condition may be determined to be satisfied when at least one of the following is satisfied: a progression parameter of the second character is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the second character has a specific ability.

According to the present invention, in order for the second character to acquire an ability, it is necessary for the second character's progression parameter to be equal to or greater than a predetermined value and/or for the character to have a specific ability, thereby making the game more interesting.

(13) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The capability management unit includes:
The given condition may be determined to be satisfied when the progression parameter of the second character reaches the limit value.

According to the present invention, in order for the second character to acquire an ability, the progression parameter of the second character must reach a limit value, which increases the interest of the game.

(14) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
causing the computer to further function as a benefit providing unit that provides a benefit to a player in accordance with a game progress using the first character after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value;
The privilege granting unit,
When a benefit is given, a process of changing a benefit parameter associated with the benefit is performed;
The capability management unit includes:
It may be determined that the given condition is satisfied if the privilege parameter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

According to the present invention, in order for the second character to acquire an ability, the bonus parameter must be equal to or greater than a predetermined value, which increases the interest of the game.

(15) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The capability management unit includes:
At least one of the success rate of the second character acquiring the ability and the parameters of the ability when the second character acquires the ability may be determined based on the game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value.

According to the present invention, the game progress status until the first character's progress parameter reaches the limit value affects at least one of the success rate of the second character acquiring an ability and the ability parameters (e.g., ability value) when the second character acquires an ability, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

(16) 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 notifies the player of the given condition. According to the present invention, the player can recognize the given condition.

(17) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, server device, and game system according to the present invention,
The notification unit is
The computer may further function as a notification unit that, when the given condition is satisfied, notifies the player of information indicating that the given condition is satisfied.

According to the present invention, the player can recognize when a given condition is met, and as a result, the player can avoid missing an opportunity to allow the second character to acquire an ability.

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. 4 is a diagram showing an example of benefit information according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen according to the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the present 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 in the figure, the game system includes a game server device that executes the game, a communication server device (message server device) that controls communication of information, and a terminal device 20.
and the system may be connected to each other via the Internet.

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

The game system 1 may also store information stored in the memory unit 140 of the server device 10 and information stored in the memory 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 called 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 connect to other players' terminal devices 20 via a network and provide an online game in which players can 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. The server device 10 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (parts) 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, a keyboard, and the like.

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 in a database.

In addition to the main memory unit 142, the memory unit 140 of this embodiment also has a game data memory unit 144 in which game information indicating information related to the game is stored, and 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.

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 match or team match ends), etc. In addition, an upper limit may be set for the level (character level, player level).

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 skill management unit 112, a selection processing unit 113, a privilege granting unit 114, and a notification unit 115.

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 through a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), and a process of receiving data transmitted by the web browser of the terminal device 20.

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 and outputs 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 make the character acquire a predetermined ability. In other words, the process of acquiring an ability is a process of imparting an ability. In this embodiment, the ability management unit 112 performs a process to make the second character acquire an ability in accordance with the game progress using the first character after the progress parameter of the first character reaches a limit value.

Furthermore, the ability management unit 112 may perform a process of making the first character acquire an ability when the progress parameter of the first character reaches a limit value. Furthermore, the ability management unit 112 may perform a process of making the second character acquire the same ability as the ability acquired by the first character in accordance with the game progress using the first character after the progress parameter of the first character reaches a limit value. Furthermore, the ability management unit 112 may perform a process of making the second character acquire the same ability as the ability acquired by the first character in accordance with the game progress using the ability acquired by the first character in accordance with the game progress using the ability acquired by the first character after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value.

The ability management unit 112 may also determine the abilities to be acquired by the first character based on the game progress status until the first character's progress parameter reaches a limit value.

The ability management unit 112 may also determine the ability selected by the selection processing unit 113 as the ability to be acquired by the first character.

The ability management unit 112 may also perform processing to cause the second character to acquire an ability when certain conditions are met.

For example, the ability management unit 112 may determine that a given condition is met when at least one of the following is met: the progression parameter of the second character is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the second character has a specific ability.

The ability management unit 112 may also determine that a given condition is met when the progression parameter of the second character reaches a limit value.

The ability management unit 112 may also determine that a given condition is met when a privilege parameter (e.g., the number of privileges) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., three or more).

The ability management unit 112 may also determine at least one of the success rate at which the second character acquires an ability and the parameters of the ability when the second character acquires the ability, based on the game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches a limit value.

The ability management unit 112 may also perform a process to cause the second character to acquire an ability based on the use of a benefit granted by the benefit granting unit 114.

The selection processing unit 113 also performs a process of selecting one of a plurality of abilities by lottery. For example, the selection processing unit 113 may determine the probability of the lottery based on the game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value.

In addition, after the progression parameter of the first character reaches a limit value, the bonus granting unit 114 grants a bonus to the player according to the game progress using the first character.

The bonus granting unit 114 may also perform a process to change the bonus parameters (number of bonuses) associated with the bonus when the bonus is granted.

The bonus granting unit 114 may also determine whether or not a bonus granting condition is met after the progress parameter of the first character reaches a limit value, and grant a bonus to the player if the bonus granting condition is met.

The bonus granting unit 114 may also determine that the bonus granting conditions are met when at least one of the following conditions is met: a condition related to the event, a condition related to the player's billing status, and a condition related to the game play status.

The bonus granting unit 114 may also determine the conditions for granting the bonus based on the game progress status until the first character's progress parameter reaches the limit value.

The bonus granting unit 114 may also determine at least one of the success rate of the bonus grant, the bonus parameters associated with the bonus, and the ability parameters acquired by the second character when the bonus is used, based on the game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches a limit value.

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).

For example, the notification unit 115 notifies the player of a given condition. Furthermore, when the given condition is satisfied, the notification unit 115 notifies the player of information indicating that the given condition has been satisfied.

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 10 notifying the player by a web page. It indicates that the server 10 actively sends information to the player's terminal device 20. In addition, the server 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).

[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 is for the player to input operation data, and the function thereof can be realized by a touch panel or a touch panel display, etc. That is, the input unit 260 includes a detection unit 262 capable of detecting two-dimensional pointed position coordinates (x, y) on a screen on which an image is displayed. For example, the input unit 260 includes 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 devices 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. For example, it performs processes to start the game when a game start condition is met, to progress the game, and to end the game when a game end condition is met.

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 entered 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 growing. 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 value (e.g., an upper limit value of "99"), entering a state called "max," where the level cannot be increased (counted) any further. In this embodiment, even if a character's level has reached the limit value, a process is performed to cause other characters to acquire abilities in accordance with the progress of the game using that character. In other words, the player can cause other characters to acquire abilities by continuing to use the character that has reached the limit value. In this way, the game system of this embodiment can encourage the continued use of a character that has reached the limit value.

For example, referring to FIG. 4, the server device 10 grants ability A to character PA (an example of a first character) after the level of character PA reaches a limit value (e.g., 99). Then, when the game is played using character PA and character PA has collected three fragments A of ability A, a process is performed to grant ability A corresponding to fragment A to character PB (an example of a second character). In this way, by using character PA that has reached the limit value to collect three fragments A, it is possible for character PB to acquire ability A, and it is possible to encourage continued use of character PA.

For ease of explanation, the following will be described assuming that character PA owned by player A is an example of a first character, and character PB owned by player A is an example of a second character.

[5] Description of Characters FIG. 5 shows an example of a list of 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 set to a limit value (for example, limit value = 99), and is controlled so as not to count (add) beyond 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 a character's experience value exceeds a threshold, the character's level increases. For example, when a character's experience value reaches an upper limit (e.g., 200), the experience value is updated to an initial value (0) and 1 is added to the character's level. 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 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 attack-related ability, it may indicate the attacking power, or in the case of a defense-related ability, it may indicate the defensive power, etc. For example, ability A is the ability to increase the 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 character PA reaches a limit value (e.g., level 99), the server device 10 performs a process of causing character PA to acquire ability A 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 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 the character ID of character PA. This allows character PA to possess ability A.

In this way, ability A is given to player A when the level of character PA reaches the limit, so player A can be encouraged to use character PA continuously. By using ability A 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.

[6.1] Method of determining abilities based on game progress status The server device 10 may also determine abilities to be acquired by the character PA based on the game progress status until the level of the character PA reaches a limit value. In this way, the game progress status until the limit value is reached affects the abilities to be acquired by the character PA, which can increase interest.

"Game progress until the level of character PA reaches the limit value" refers to, for example, the game play time using character PA until the level of character PA reaches the limit value from the initial value, the abilities possessed by character PA, the items equipped by character PA, the number of games played using character PA (e.g., the number of missions played using character PA), the number of times a mission is cleared while playing the game using character PA, etc.

For example, if a character PA already has ability A when the character PA's level reaches the limit, the character PA may acquire a different ability B.

[6.2] Method of determining abilities through lottery processing In addition, when the level of the character PA reaches a limit value, the server device 10 may perform a process of selecting one of a plurality of abilities (e.g., abilities A, B, C, etc.) through lottery, and determine the selected ability as the ability to be acquired by the character PA.

The server device 10 may determine the lottery probability based on the game progress status until the character PA's level reaches the limit value. In this way, the game progress status until the limit value is reached will affect the lottery probability, which can increase interest. For example, the lottery probability may be increased the longer the game play time from the initial value to the limit value of the character PA. Also, when the character PA's level reaches the limit value, if the character PA does not yet possess any abilities, the lottery probability may be set to a predetermined value or more (e.g., 50% or more), and if the character PA already possesses abilities, the lottery probability may be set to less than a predetermined value (e.g., less than 50%), and the lottery probability may be decreased according to the number of abilities possessed by the character PA.

[7] Benefit Granting Process In this embodiment, a process is performed to grant a benefit to player A. In particular, the server device 10 in this embodiment grants a benefit to player A in accordance with the progress of the game using character PA after the level of character PA reaches a limit value. This benefit is a benefit for allowing a character other than character PA to acquire an ability.

Figure 6 shows an example of bonus information associated with a player ID. Here, a "bonus" may be the ability itself, or an auxiliary element associated with an ability (for example, a "fragment" meaning a part of an ability). A "bonus" may also be something like points, or an item.

"Benefit parameters" are parameters associated with a benefit, and indicate the number of fragments or the number of abilities. In this embodiment, the benefit parameter is the number of fragments (an example of a benefit), but it may also be the total number of points awarded as a benefit. The initial value of the number of fragments (benefit parameter) is 0.

In this embodiment, "granting a privilege to player A" means granting a privilege in association with player A (player A's player ID). In such a case, the privilege may be granted without association with characters PA and PB. The privilege may also be granted in association with character PA as the property of character PA. The privilege may also be granted in association with character PB as the property of character PB.

For example, when player A (player ID=A) is granted one piece of fragment A as a bonus, one is added to the bonus parameter. In the example of FIG. 6, this means that player A has three pieces of fragment A as a bonus, and player E (player ID=E) has one ability Y as a bonus.

After the level of character PA reaches the limit, the server device 10 may grant a benefit to player A in accordance with the progress of the game using character PA, which may be a type of fragment (e.g., fragment A) that corresponds to a type of ability that character PA has already acquired (e.g., ability A), or a type of fragment (e.g., fragment D) that corresponds to a type of ability that character PA has not yet acquired (e.g., ability D).

In addition, if the benefit is the ability itself, the server device 10 may grant the benefit to player A in accordance with the progress of the game using character PA the same ability as the ability already acquired by character PA, or an ability not yet acquired by character PA (for example, ability D).

In this embodiment, when player A collects three fragments A, he or she can impart the ability A to a character other than character PA, which encourages gameplay using character PA.

[7.1] Conditions for Granting a Benefit After the level of the character PA reaches a limit value, the server device 10 may determine whether or not a granting condition is satisfied, and if the granting condition is satisfied, grant a benefit to the player A. In this way, the player A needs to satisfy the granting condition in order to obtain the benefit, which can increase the interest of the game.

The "granting condition" is a condition for granting a bonus, and is a condition for judging whether or not the bonus will be granted. For example, the server device 10 may determine the success rate of the bonus granting, and grant the bonus to player A based on that success rate. The success rate of the bonus granting may also be determined based on the progress of the game until the level of character PA reaches the limit value. For example, the success rate of the bonus granting may be increased according to the amount of game play time from when character PA starts the game until it reaches the maximum level.

The "granting conditions" may be, for example, at least one of the following conditions: conditions related to the event, conditions related to the player's billing status, and conditions related to the game play status (game play time, frequency, etc.).

To be more specific about the event conditions, for example, if player A participates in a specific event (such as a story event, battle event, or lottery event) held during a specific period in the game, it is determined that the conditions for granting the bonus are met.

For example, in the case of a lottery event, if the result of the lottery is a predetermined result (e.g., the item acquired in the lottery is a predetermined item), a bonus may be given to Player A.

Specifically, the conditions related to the player's billing status are determined to be met when player A bills a predetermined amount or more (e.g., 100 yen or more). The conditions may also be determined to be met when player A subscribes to a preferential option (subscription). Note that a preferential option refers to an option that provides preferential treatment for a game within the validity period. The conditions are determined to be met when payment (billing) for the preferential option has been made.

More specifically, the conditions related to game play status are determined to be met when player A's game play time is a predetermined time or more (e.g., 30 hours or more). The conditions may also be determined to be met when player A's game frequency is high (e.g., 10 or more games played per month).

Furthermore, the server device 10 may determine the conditions for granting the bonus based on the game progress status until the level of the character PA reaches the limit value.

[7.2] Bonus parameters associated with bonuses The server device 10 performs a process of changing bonus parameters (e.g., the number of fragments) associated with a bonus when a bonus (e.g., fragments) is granted to player A. For example, when player A is granted three fragments A associated with ability A, the server device 10 adds three to the number of fragments A associated with player A.

The server device 10 may also determine a bonus parameter associated with a bonus based on the game progress until the character PA's level reaches a limit value. For example, the bonus parameter associated with a bonus is the number of bonuses to be granted (e.g., the number of fragments to be granted).

For example, the server device 10 may increase the number of fragments A granted as a bonus the longer the time spent playing a game using the character PA until the level of the character PA reaches the limit value. Also, the server device 10 may increase the number of fragments A granted as a bonus the more times the game is played using the character PA until the level of the character PA reaches the limit value.

[7.3] Ability Values The server device 10 may determine an ability value (an example of an ability parameter) that the character PB will acquire when using a special benefit, based on the game progress status until the character PA's level reaches a limit value. For example, ability A is an ability that increases 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.

[7.4] Method of Increasing the Number of Capabilities to Be Granted to Other Characters In addition, when the abilities themselves are the privileges, the server device 10 may increase the number of abilities that the character PA acquires based on the game progress of the character PA after the character PA's level reaches the limit value. In this way, the game progress of the character PA after reaching the limit value affects the number of abilities that the character PA acquires, which can increase the interest.

For example, the server device 10 may grant an ability when the character PA's level reaches a limit value, and thereafter grant a new ability each time the number of games played using the character PA exceeds 100. In this way, even after the character PA's level reaches the limit value, it is possible to collect many different abilities, such as abilities A, B, C, and D, and further encourage player A to continue using character PA.

[8] Ability to be imparted to second character After the level of character PA reaches the limit value, the server device 10 performs a process of making the second character (for example, character PB) acquire an ability.

In particular, the server device 10 of this embodiment performs a process of having the character PB (an example of a second character) acquire an ability based on the use of the benefit granted to the player A. Note that the server device 10 may use the benefit based on the operation information of the player A, or may use the benefit automatically under the control of the computer (CPU).

Using a perk means consuming (subtracting) the perk, or, if the perk is a fragment, consuming (subtracting) a certain number from the number of fragments.

In this way, by playing the game using character PA who has reached the limit, player A can be given a bonus, and character PB can also acquire abilities by using that bonus. As a result, it is possible to encourage character PA to play the game.

For example, when character PA, who has acquired ability A by reaching a limit value, progresses through the game using ability A and completes a game mission (e.g., a mission to collect three pieces of ability A), a process is performed in which character PB acquires the same ability A as the ability acquired by character PA. In such a case, possession of ability A acquired by reaching the limit value may be transferred from character PA to character PB (i.e., ability A is deleted from character PA and the ability is granted to character PB), or character PB may newly acquire ability A while maintaining possession of ability A acquired by character PA.

Furthermore, when the server device 10 grants ability A to player A when a game mission using character PA is cleared, the server device 10 performs processing to have character PB acquire the same ability A as the ability A acquired by player A, based on the operation information of player A. Note that the server device 10 may also accept a selection of a character that will acquire ability A from among characters other than character PA (e.g., characters PB, PC, PD, etc.), based on the operation information of player A. In this way, player A can enjoy acquiring various abilities by progressing through the game with character PA, who has reached the limit value, and can enjoy selecting which ability to assign to which character.

Note that characters other than character PA may refer to any characters owned by player A other than character PA who has reached the limit. For example, it does not matter whether the levels of characters other than character PA have reached the limit.

In addition, in this embodiment, a process is performed to allow one other character to acquire the ability A acquired by character PA, but a process may be performed to allow multiple other characters to acquire the ability A acquired by character PA.

[8.1] Given Conditions When a given condition (ability acquisition condition) is met after the level of the character PA reaches a limit value, the server device 10 performs a process of making the second character (for example, the character PB) acquire an ability. In this way, it becomes necessary to satisfy the given condition in order for the character PB to acquire an ability, which can increase the interest of the game.

For example, the server device 10 may determine that a given condition is met when at least one of the following is met: the level of the character PB is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (e.g., 10 or higher) and the character PB has a specific ability (e.g., ability X). Note that the specific ability (ability X) may be an ability that can be obtained even if the character PB's level does not reach the limit value, or an ability that can be obtained after the character PB's level reaches the limit value.

The server device 10 may also determine that a given condition is met when the level of a character PB reaches a limit value (e.g., 99). In this way, characters whose levels have reached the limit value can exchange abilities with each other, further encouraging continued use of the characters.

The server device 10 may also determine that a given condition is met when a bonus parameter (e.g., fragment A of ability A) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 3 or greater). In other words, the server device 10 determines that a given condition is met when a mission in a game using character PA (e.g., a mission to collect three pieces of ability fragment A) is cleared.

For example, the server device 10 may determine the success rate of acquiring an ability, and allow the character PB to acquire the ability based on the success rate. In other words, the server device 10 may determine that a given condition is met when a success is determined based on the success rate. The success rate of acquiring an ability may also be determined based on the game progress until the character PA's level reaches the limit value. For example, the success rate of acquiring an ability may be increased according to the amount of game play time from when the character PA starts the game until it reaches the maximum level.

The server device 10 may also determine the ability value (an example of an ability parameter) when the character PB acquires an ability based on the game progress until the character PA's level reaches the limit value. For example, ability A is an ability that increases 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 it reaches the maximum level.

As mentioned above, the given condition can be any of a number of conditions, such as a level being equal to or greater than a specified value, possessing a specific ability, etc., and the server device 10 determines that the given condition is met when one or more of these conditions are met.

[8.2] Notification process of given condition The server device 10 may notify player A of a given condition. Fig. 7 shows an example of a game screen Sc1 displayed on the terminal device 20 of player A after the level of the character PA reaches a limit value. For example, when the given condition is "collect three pieces A", the server device 10 presents information 71 of the given condition to the terminal device 20 of player A on the game screen Sc1.

The information 71 of the given condition is, for example, message information such as "If you collect three pieces of fragment A while playing the game using character PA, you can give another character ability A." Note that the server device 10 may notify the user of the number of pieces of fragment A.

Figure 8 shows an example of a game screen Sc2 that is displayed on player A's terminal device 20 when the level of character PA reaches a limit value and a given condition is met based on the game progress using character PA.

For example, when a given condition is satisfied after the level of the character PA reaches a limit value, the server device 10 notifies the player of information 81 indicating that the given condition has been satisfied. In this way, the player can recognize in advance that the given condition has been satisfied.

The information 81 indicating that a given condition has been met is message information stating, "Three fragments A have been collected through gameplay using character PA. Another character can now acquire ability A."

8, a link (button) 82 for causing another character to acquire ability A is displayed. Then, when player A clicks on link A4, the server device 10 receives an acquisition instruction from player A to cause another character, for example, character PB, to acquire ability A.

When the server device 10 receives the acquisition instruction from player A, it consumes (subtracts) three fragments from the number of fragments associated with ability A of character PA, and performs a process to have character PB acquire ability A. In other words, ability A is set in association with character PB. This allows character PB to acquire ability A without reaching the level limit. In other words, according to this embodiment, character A who has reached the maximum level acquires ability A, and furthermore, character PB can be provided with an environment in which it can acquire ability A, just like character PA.

[9] Flowchart Next, the flow of processing by the server device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. First, it is determined whether or not the level of the character PA has reached the limit value (step S1).

Then, when the level of the character PA reaches the limit value (Y in step S1), the character PA is given ability A (step S2).

Then, in accordance with the progress of the game using the character PA, fragment A (an example of a benefit) is given to player A (step S3).

It is determined whether the number of fragments A of player A (an example of a bonus parameter) has reached a predetermined number or more (e.g., three or more) (step S4).

Then, when the number of fragments A reaches or exceeds a predetermined number (e.g., three or more) (Y in step S4), it is determined whether or not an instruction to acquire a skill has been received (step S5).

If an instruction to acquire a skill is received (Y in step S5), a selection of a character from among characters other than character PA that will acquire the skill is accepted (step S6). In other words, a selection of a character from which the skill will be acquired is accepted from player A.

Then, a process is performed in which a predetermined number (e.g., 3) is consumed (subtracted) from the number of fragments A to cause the selected character to acquire ability A (step S7). For example, if a selection of character PB is accepted as the character to acquire an ability, a process is performed in which 3 fragments A are consumed from player A from the number of fragments A to cause character PB to acquire ability A corresponding to fragment A. This ends the process.

[10] Regarding abilities In this embodiment, the abilities given to the character PA when the character PA reaches the limit value, and the abilities given to the player A according to the game progress of the character PA who has reached the limit value, may be abilities that are not available to the character PA before the character PA reaches the limit value. In this way, the abilities given to the character PA when the limit value is reached can be rare abilities.

[11] Application Examples [11.1] Processing for Acquiring an Ability In the above-described embodiment, the server device 10 has been described as causing the first character to acquire an ability when the level of the first character reaches a limit value (e.g., level 99). However, the server device 10 may also perform processing for causing the second character to acquire an ability without causing the first character to acquire the ability.

For example, when the level of character PA owned by player A reaches a limit value (e.g., 99), the server device 10 grants ability A in association with the player ID of player A. Then, the server device 10 allows characters owned by player A other than character PA to acquire the ability A. For example, the server device 10 accepts a selection of character PB from among characters owned by player A other than character PA based on an operation instruction from player A, and allows the selected character PB to acquire the ability A.

In addition, after the level of character PA reaches a limit value, the server device 10 may allow character PA to acquire ability A by using a benefit (e.g., three pieces A) granted to player A in accordance with the progress of the game using character PA.

[12] 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 in 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 that add publicly known technology 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,
113 Selection processing unit,
114 Benefit Granting Department,
115 Notification Department,
140 memory unit,
142 main memory unit,
144 game data storage unit,
146 player information 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 (29)

A program for controlling a game in which a player owns multiple characters and uses the characters 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 capability management unit for performing a process of making a character acquire a predetermined capability;
causing a computer to function as a selection processing unit that performs a process of selecting one of a plurality of abilities by lottery;
The selection processing unit:
determining a probability of the selection based on a game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value;
The capability management unit includes:
after the progression parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, a process is performed to cause a second character to acquire an ability in accordance with a game progression using the first character;
A program characterized by determining the ability selected by the selection processing unit as the ability to be acquired by the first character. A program for controlling a game in which a player owns multiple characters and uses the characters 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 capability management unit for performing a process of making a character acquire a predetermined capability;
causing the computer to function as a benefit providing unit that provides a benefit to a player in accordance with game progress using the first character after the progress parameter of the first character has reached the limit value;
The capability management unit includes:
after the progression parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, a process is performed to cause a second character to acquire an ability in accordance with a game progression using the first character;
The privilege granting unit,
A program that determines a condition for granting the benefit to a player based on a game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value. A program for controlling a game in which a player owns multiple characters and uses the characters 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 capability management unit for performing a process of making a character acquire a predetermined capability;
causing the computer to function as a benefit providing unit that provides a benefit to a player in accordance with game progress using the first character after the progress parameter of the first character has reached the limit value;
The capability management unit includes:
after the progression parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, a process is performed to cause a second character to acquire an ability in accordance with a game progression using the first character;
The privilege granting unit,
A program characterized by determining at least one of the success rate of granting the bonus, the bonus parameter associated with the bonus, and the ability parameter acquired by the second character when the bonus is used, based on the game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value. A program for controlling a game in which a player owns multiple characters and uses the characters 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;
causing a computer to function as a capability management unit which performs processing to cause a character to acquire a predetermined capability;
The capability management unit includes:
after the progression parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, a process is performed to cause a second character to acquire an ability in accordance with the game progression using the first character;
A program characterized by determining at least one of the success rate of the second character acquiring the ability and the parameters of the ability when the second character acquires the ability, based on the game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value. A program for controlling a game in which a player owns multiple characters and uses the characters 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 capability management unit for performing a process of making a character acquire a predetermined capability;
causing a computer to function as a game control unit that varies a parameter of a character and/or causes the character to perform a predetermined action by using an ability associated with the character;
the ability is an item,
The capability management unit includes:
performing a process for causing the first character to acquire an item when the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value;
A program characterized by performing a process of causing a second character to acquire the same item as the first character acquired, in accordance with game progress using the first character, after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value. A program for controlling a game in which a player owns multiple characters and uses the characters 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;
causing a computer to function as a capability management unit which performs processing to cause a character to acquire a predetermined capability;
The capability management unit includes:
When the progression parameter of a first character reaches the limit value, a process is performed to cause the first character to acquire an ability;
A program characterized by carrying out a process of having a second character acquire the same ability as the first character by having the second character newly acquire the ability while maintaining possession of the ability acquired by the first character in accordance with game progress using the first character after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value. In any one of claims 1 to 6,
The capability management unit includes:
When the progression parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, a process is performed to cause the first character to acquire an ability;
A program characterized by carrying out a process of having a second character acquire the same ability as the ability acquired by the first character in accordance with game progress using the ability acquired by the first character after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value. In any one of claims 1 to 7,
The capability management unit includes:
A program that determines the ability to be acquired by the first character based on a game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value. In any one of claims 1 to 8,
causing the computer to further function as a benefit providing unit that provides a benefit to a player in accordance with a game progress using the first character after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value;
The capability management unit includes:
A program that performs a process of causing a second character to acquire the ability based on the use of the benefit granted by the benefit granting unit. In any one of claims 1 to 9,
causing the computer to further function as a benefit providing unit that provides a benefit to a player in accordance with a game progress using the first character after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value;
The privilege granting unit,
A program characterized by determining whether or not a granting condition is met after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, and granting the benefit to the player if the granting condition is met. In any one of claims 1 to 10,
causing the computer to further function as a benefit providing unit that provides a benefit to a player in accordance with a game progress using the first character after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value;
The privilege granting unit,
A program characterized by determining that a granting condition for granting the benefit to a player 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. In any one of claims 1 to 11,
The capability management unit includes:
A program for causing a second character to acquire the ability when a given condition is satisfied. In claim 12,
The capability management unit includes:
A program characterized by determining that the given condition is met when at least one of the following is met: the second character's progress parameter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the second character has a specific ability. In claim 12 or 13,
The capability management unit includes:
A program for determining that the given condition is satisfied when the progression parameter of the second character has reached the limit value. In any one of claims 12 to 14,
causing the computer to further function as a benefit providing unit that provides a benefit to a player in accordance with a game progress using the first character after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value;
The privilege granting unit,
When a benefit is given, a process of changing a benefit parameter associated with the benefit is performed;
The capability management unit includes:
The program is characterized by determining that the given condition is satisfied when the bonus parameter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In any one of claims 12 to 15,
The program further causes the computer to function as a notification unit that notifies the player of the given condition. In any one of claims 12 to 15,
The program further causes the computer to function as a notification unit that, when the given condition is satisfied, notifies the player of information indicating that the given condition has been satisfied. A server device in which a player owns a plurality of characters and controls the progression of a game using the characters,
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 capability management unit for performing a process of making a character acquire a predetermined capability;
A selection processing unit that performs a process of selecting one of a plurality of abilities by lottery,
The selection processing unit:
determining a probability of the selection based on a game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value;
The capability management unit includes:
after the progression parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, a process is performed to cause a second character to acquire an ability in accordance with a game progression using the first character;
A server device characterized in that the ability selected by the selection processing unit is determined as the ability to be acquired by the first character. A server device in which a player owns a plurality of characters and controls the progression of a game using the characters,
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 capability management unit for performing a process of making a character acquire a predetermined capability;
a bonus granting unit that grants a bonus to a player in accordance with a game progress using the first character after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value,
The capability management unit includes:
after the progression parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, a process is performed to cause a second character to acquire an ability in accordance with a game progression using the first character;
The privilege granting unit,
A server device which determines a condition for granting the benefit to the player based on a game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value. A server device in which a player owns a plurality of characters and controls the progression of a game using the characters,
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 capability management unit for performing a process of making a character acquire a predetermined capability;
a bonus granting unit that grants a bonus to a player in accordance with a game progress using the first character after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value,
The capability management unit includes:
after the progression parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, a process is performed to cause a second character to acquire an ability in accordance with a game progression using the first character;
The privilege granting unit,
A server device characterized by determining at least one of the success rate of granting the bonus, the bonus parameter associated with the bonus, and the ability parameter acquired by the second character when the bonus is used, based on the game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value. A server device in which a player owns a plurality of characters and controls the progression of a game using the characters,
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 capability management unit that performs processing to cause a character to acquire a predetermined capability;
The capability management unit includes:
after the progression parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, a process is performed to cause a second character to acquire an ability in accordance with the game progression using the first character;
A server device characterized by determining at least one of the success rate of the second character acquiring the ability and the parameters of the ability when the second character acquires the ability, based on the game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value. A server device in which a player owns a plurality of characters and controls the progression of a game using the characters,
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 capability management unit for performing a process of making a character acquire a predetermined capability;
a game control unit that varies a parameter of the character and/or causes the character to perform a predetermined action by using an ability associated with the character;
the ability is an item,
The capability management unit includes:
performing a process for causing the first character to acquire an item when the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value;
A server device characterized in that after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, a process is performed to cause a second character to acquire the same item as the first character acquired in accordance with game progress using the first character. A server device in which a player owns a plurality of characters and controls the progression of a game using the characters,
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 capability management unit that performs processing to cause a character to acquire a predetermined capability;
The capability management unit includes:
When the progression parameter of a first character reaches the limit value, a process is performed to cause the first character to acquire an ability;
A server device characterized by performing a process of having a second character acquire the same ability as the first character by having the second character newly acquire the ability while maintaining possession of the ability acquired by the first character in accordance with game progress using the first character after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value. A game system in which a player owns a plurality of characters and controls the progression of a game using the characters,
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 capability management unit for performing a process of making a character acquire a predetermined capability;
A selection processing unit that performs a process of selecting one of a plurality of abilities by lottery,
The selection processing unit:
determining a probability of the selection based on a game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value;
The capability management unit includes:
after the progression parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, a process is performed to cause a second character to acquire an ability in accordance with a game progression using the first character;
A game system comprising: a game unit that determines the ability selected by the selection processing unit as the ability to be acquired by the first character. A game system in which a player owns a plurality of characters and controls the progression of a game using the characters,
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 capability management unit for performing a process of making a character acquire a predetermined capability;
a bonus granting unit that grants a bonus to a player in accordance with a game progress using the first character after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value,
The capability management unit includes:
after the progression parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, a process is performed to cause a second character to acquire an ability in accordance with a game progression using the first character;
The privilege granting unit,
A game system comprising: a game unit that determines a condition for granting the benefit to the player based on a game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value. A game system in which a player owns a plurality of characters and controls the progression of a game using the characters,
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 capability management unit for performing a process of making a character acquire a predetermined capability;
a bonus granting unit that grants a bonus to a player in accordance with a game progress using the first character after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value,
The capability management unit includes:
after the progression parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, a process is performed to cause a second character to acquire an ability in accordance with a game progression using the first character;
The privilege granting unit,
A game system characterized by determining at least one of the success rate of granting the bonus, the bonus parameter associated with the bonus, and the ability parameter acquired by the second character when the bonus is used, based on the game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value. A game system in which a player owns a plurality of characters and controls the progression of a game using the characters,
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 capability management unit that performs processing to cause a character to acquire a predetermined capability;
The capability management unit includes:
after the progression parameter of the first character reaches the limit value, a process is performed to cause a second character to acquire an ability in accordance with the game progression using the first character;
A game system characterized by determining at least one of the success rate of the second character acquiring the ability and the parameters of the ability when the second character acquires the ability, based on the game progress status until the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value. A game system in which a player owns a plurality of characters and controls the progression of a game using the characters,
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 capability management unit for performing a process of making a character acquire a predetermined capability;
a game control unit that varies a parameter of the character and/or causes the character to perform a predetermined action by using an ability associated with the character;
the ability is an item,
The capability management unit includes:
performing a process for causing the first character to acquire an item when the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value;
A game system characterized by performing a process of having a second character acquire the same item as the first character acquired, in accordance with game progress using the first character, after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value. A game system in which a player owns a plurality of characters and controls the progression of a game using the characters,
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 capability management unit that performs processing to cause a character to acquire a predetermined capability;
The capability management unit includes:
When the progression parameter of a first character reaches the limit value, a process is performed to cause the first character to acquire an ability;
A game system characterized by performing a process in which, after the progress parameter of the first character reaches the limit value , a second character newly acquires the ability while maintaining possession of the ability acquired by the first character in accordance with game progress using the first character, thereby causing the second character to acquire the same ability as the ability acquired by the first character.

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