JP7644364B2 - Information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

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

Games in which players complete quests using a group called a deck are known. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a game in which players complete quests using player characters owned by the user.

JP 2020-044320 A

In the above-mentioned games, in order to keep users from getting bored, quests are offered for a limited time in collaboration with popular anime shows and movies. Some users also start new games in order to play these quests. However, as these quests are primarily targeted at existing users who are accustomed to games, they are often difficult for new users to play, making them difficult to play.

The present invention aims to provide a mechanism that allows players to participate in a game according to the time when their game account was issued.

An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention has an issuance unit that issues a game-related account to a user, and a control unit that controls whether or not the first special game can be executed depending on whether or not the timing at which the game is played without satisfying a predetermined condition in the game after the account is issued is within the validity period of a first special game that is specified based on the issuance time of the account.

The present invention allows you to participate in a game that corresponds to when your game account was issued.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a game server and a terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block configuration of a game server. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a user management DB and a quest definition DB. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block configuration of a terminal. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by a game server when a user plays a quest. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar configurations.

<System Configuration>
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a game system 1 according to this embodiment. The game system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes a game server 10 and one or more terminals 20. The game server 10 and the terminals 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network N such as the Internet, an intranet, a wireless LAN, or mobile communication.

The game server 10 is a device that performs some of the functions required for the terminal 20 to provide a game, such as managing various information related to users and executing some of the game processing. The game server 10 may be composed of one or more information processing devices, or may be composed of a virtual server (such as a cloud server).

The terminal 20 is an information processing device that provides a game to a user, and the user can play the game according to this embodiment by operating the terminal 20. The terminal 20 is, for example, a computer such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a tablet, a personal computer, an arcade game device, or a consumer game device. The terminal 20 notifies the game server 10 of its own position detected using a GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like.

＜Game Overview＞
Next, an overview of the game provided by the game system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the game provided by the game system 1, a user (which may be referred to as a player) can play various quests using a deck that he or she has organized.

A deck refers to a group of multiple game media. A user can organize a deck with game media selected from multiple game media owned by the user. Game media may be called game objects. Game media may also be characters, items, game cards, etc.

A quest refers to a challenge that can be cleared by meeting certain predetermined conditions. A quest may also be called a search, a task, or a mission. A quest may also be called a sub-game. A user playing a quest can clear the quest by meeting the certain conditions, and clearing a quest may give the user a reward such as game media, or the game's story may progress.

A user creates a deck by combining multiple game media from among those they own, and plays quests using the created deck. At this time, in addition to game media owned by the user, the deck may be able to combine game media owned by other users or pre-set game media.

Quests include quests that can be played at any time (hereinafter referred to as "normal quests"), quests that can be played within a set validity period (hereinafter referred to as "time-limited quests"), and quests for learning how to play the game (hereinafter referred to as "tutorial quests"). Beginner users can learn the basics of how to play the game by playing the tutorial quests first. Normal quests include quests of various difficulty levels. Time-limited quests may be set to be difficult so that existing users who are familiar with games can enjoy them. Difficulty level is an index indicating the difficulty of playing the quest and/or the difficulty of clearing the quest, and a higher value may indicate a more difficult quest. For example, a quest with difficulty level 2 may be more difficult to play/clear than a quest with difficulty level 1. Difficult quests include, but are not limited to, quests that are difficult to play/clear because the enemy game media is strong, quests that are difficult to play/clear because the operation is difficult, and quests that are difficult to play/clear because the play time is long.

The game server 10 provides a tutorial quest that is associated with a time-limited quest. The tutorial quest may be called a "special tutorial quest" or a "special game." The special tutorial quest may be playable only by users who create a game account within a specified time period.

<Hardware Configuration>
2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the game server 10 and the terminal 20. The game server 10 and the terminal 20 each have a processor 11 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), a storage device 12 such as a memory, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and/or an SSD (Solid State Drive), a communication IF (Interface) 13 for wired or wireless communication, an input device 14 for accepting input operations, and an output device 15 for outputting information. The input device 14 is, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, and/or a microphone. The output device 15 is, for example, a display, a touch panel, and/or a speaker.

<Function block configuration>
(Game Server)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block configuration of the game server 10. The game server 10 includes a storage unit 100, an issuing unit 101, and a control unit 102. The storage unit 100 can be realized using a storage unit 12 provided in the game server 10. The issuing unit 101 and the control unit 102 can be realized by the processor 11 of the game server 10 executing a program stored in the storage unit 12. The program can be stored in a storage medium. The storage medium storing the program may be a non-transitory computer readable medium. The non-transitory storage medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a storage medium such as a USB memory or a CD-ROM.

The storage unit 100 stores game data necessary for the game server 10 to execute the game. The game data includes various databases.

The issuing unit 101 performs a process of issuing an account related to a game. The account may be associated with a program installed on the terminal 20, or may be associated with a user (more specifically, the user's email address, telephone number, etc.). If the account is associated with a program installed on the terminal 20, the issuing unit 101 may issue an account to the terminal 20 based on a request from a program for executing a game when the program is installed on the terminal 20. If a user has multiple terminals 20 or multiple email addresses, etc., one user may be permitted to have multiple accounts.

After the issuance unit 101 issues an account, the control unit 102 controls whether or not a special tutorial quest can be executed depending on whether or not the timing at which the user plays the game without satisfying a specified condition in the game falls within the validity period of the special tutorial quest (first special game) that is specified based on the time at which the account was issued. In other words, when the user does not satisfy the specified condition, the control unit 102 may control whether or not to allow the special tutorial quest to be played depending on the time at which the account was issued. On the other hand, the control unit 102 may not allow the user to play the special tutorial quest when the user satisfies the specified condition in the game.

Here, the predetermined condition may be that the special tutorial quest has been played a predetermined number of times or more (e.g., at least once). In other words, the control unit 102 may not allow the special tutorial quest to be executed if the user has played the special tutorial quest a predetermined number of times or more.

The control unit 102 may also grant a reward to a user who has cleared a special tutorial quest, enabling the user to fulfill the conditions for participation in a time-limited quest associated with the special tutorial quest (a game different from the first special game and related to the validity period of the first special game). For example, assume that the time-limited quest is set to be unplayable unless the user's level is 30 or higher. In this case, the control unit 102 may grant the user an amount of experience points that enables the user to raise the user's level to 30 or higher by clearing the special tutorial quest.

The valid period during which the special tutorial quest can be played may be related to the valid period during which the limited-time quest associated with the special tutorial quest can be played. For example, the valid period during which the special tutorial quest can be played may be the same period as the valid period during which the limited-time quest can be played, or at least a portion of the period may overlap. Thus, the limited-time quest associated with the special tutorial quest may be referred to as a "game related to the valid period of the special tutorial quest."

The control unit 102 may also not permit the execution of a special tutorial quest after the validity period of the special tutorial quest has elapsed, regardless of whether the user has executed the special tutorial quest. In other words, after the validity period of a special tutorial quest, which is determined based on the time when the user's account was issued, has elapsed, the user may no longer be able to play the special tutorial quest.

Furthermore, if the validity period of a special tutorial quest has elapsed without the user performing the special tutorial quest, the control unit 102 may control whether or not another special tutorial quest specified based on an issuance date later than the issuance date of the user's account can be performed, depending on whether the timing of playing the game is within the validity period of the other special tutorial quest. In other words, special tutorial quest A can be performed during validity period A, and special tutorial quest B can be performed during validity period B which is later than validity period A. Furthermore, the special tutorial quest specified by the issuance date of the account is special tutorial quest A. In this case, if the user has not performed special tutorial quest A, the control unit 102 may allow special tutorial quest B to be performed when the user plays the game during validity period B.

The control unit 102 may also execute a special tutorial quest with a deck (group) that includes a game medium owned by the user (first game medium) and a game medium not owned by the user (second game medium). Here, the game medium not owned by the user (second game medium) may be a game medium related to the special tutorial quest (e.g., a powerful character that appears only in the special tutorial quest).

The control unit 102 may also not permit the execution of quests (games) other than the special tutorial quest until the user executes the special tutorial quest or the validity period of the special tutorial quest has elapsed. In other words, the user may not be able to play quests other than the special tutorial quest unless he or she plays the special tutorial quest until the validity period of the special tutorial quest has elapsed.

The control unit 102 may also cause various screens related to the game to be displayed on the display (display unit) of the terminal 20. The functional block that displays the various screens may be called a "display control unit."

(DB configuration)
4 is a diagram showing an example of a user management DB (Data Base) 100a and a quest definition DB 100b. The user management DB 100a and the quest definition DB 100b are stored in the storage unit 100 as game data.

The user management DB 100a is a database that stores various information related to the user. The account indicates the user's account. The user's account may be a user ID (identification). The creation date is the date or time when the account was created. The nickname is the user name used in the game. The owned game medium indicates the game medium owned by the user. The location information indicates the current location of the terminal 20 used by the user. The experience points, level, and stamina are some of the various parameters related to the user. The deck information is information that stores a deck that the user has organized in advance or a deck that has been preset in advance, and includes information indicating the combination of characters that will organize the deck, and the name of the deck entered by the user. The quest play history stores information related to the quests played by the user (the quest name, the deck used, the play date and time, clear success/failure, etc.), etc.

The quest definition DB 100b is a database that stores information about quests that appear in the game. The quest ID is an identifier that identifies the quest. The type indicates the type of quest. "Normal", "Limited" and "Special" correspond to normal quests, limited-time quests and special tutorial quests, respectively. The name indicates the name of the quest when it is displayed on the game screen. Special tutorial quests are associated with limited-time quests. In the example of Figure 4, the "Welcome (X Movie Collaboration)" quest is associated with the "X Movie Collaboration" quest, and the "Welcome (Y Anime Collaboration)" quest is associated with the "Y Anime Collaboration" quest.

The validity period is a period set for the time-limited quest and the special tutorial quest, and indicates the period during which the quest can be played. The play conditions indicate the conditions that must be met to be allowed to play the quest. For example, the validity period of the "X Movie Collaboration" quest is from January 10, 2022 to February 20, 2022, and the play condition is level 40 or higher. This means that the "X Movie Collaboration" quest is a quest that can only be played by users who are level 40 or higher between January 10, 2022 and February 20, 2022. The clear reward indicates the reward given to the user when the quest is cleared. The auxiliary game medium means a game medium owned by another user or a pre-preset game medium that can be combined with the deck other than the game medium owned by the user. In the example of FIG. 4, for the normal quest and the time-limited quest, the game medium owned by the other user is incorporated into the deck, and for the special tutorial quest, the game medium S or the game medium owned by the other user is incorporated into the deck. Additionally, game medium S may be a powerful game medium prepared for a special tutorial quest.

(Terminal)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block configuration of the terminal 20. The terminal 20 includes a storage unit 200, a communication unit 201, a UI (User Interface) unit 202, and a control unit 203. The storage unit 200 can be realized by using the storage unit 12 provided in the terminal 20. The communication unit 201, the UI unit 202, and the control unit 203 can be realized by the processor 11 of the terminal 20 executing a program (game program) stored in the storage unit 12. The program can be stored in a storage medium. The storage medium storing the program may be a computer-readable non-transient storage medium. The non-transient storage medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a storage medium such as a USB memory or a CD-ROM.

The memory unit 200 stores game data necessary for the control unit 203 to execute the game. The game data includes various image data and game scenarios, etc.

The communication unit 201 has the function of performing various communications with the game server 10 using the communication IF 13.

The UI unit 202 has a function of accepting various inputs from the user and displaying various game screens on the display. The UI unit 202 also displays game screens on the display (display unit) of the terminal 20 according to instructions from the game server 10.

The control unit 203 provides various functions necessary to execute the game by cooperating with the game server 10. For example, the control unit 203 provides a function to obtain various information (icon image data, text data, etc.) from the game server 10 for drawing on the game screen.

Regarding the functional block configuration described above, all or part of the memory unit 100, issuing unit 101, and control unit 102 included in the game server 10 may be configured to be provided in the terminal 20. In other words, the various processes according to this embodiment may be executed by the game server 10, may be executed by the terminal 20, or may be executed by the game server 10 and the terminal 20 in cooperation with each other.

<Processing Procedure>
Next, the processing procedure performed by the game server 10 will be specifically described. In the following description, it is assumed that the data shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the user management DB 100a and the quest definition DB 100b. In this embodiment, the user's account may be automatically issued by the issuing unit 101 when the game program is installed in the terminal 20, and the issued account may be stored in the game server 10 and the terminal 20. In addition, the user's account stored in the terminal 20 may be transmitted from the terminal 20 to the game server 10 every time the game program installed in the terminal 20 is started. In addition, without being limited thereto, when the user plays the game, the user's account (e.g., a user ID and a login password) created in advance may be input on the screen.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure performed by the game server 10 when a user plays a quest. Using Figure 6, an example of the processing procedure when a user who has already created a game account plays a quest will be described.

In step S10, the control unit 102 refers to the user management DB 100a and checks the "creation date" of the record corresponding to the user's account to confirm when the user's account (user ID) was issued.

In step S11, the control unit 102 refers to the quest definition DB 100b and identifies a special tutorial quest that corresponds to the time when the account was issued. Specifically, the control unit 102 refers to the "play conditions" in the quest definition DB 100b and checks whether or not there is a special tutorial quest that is playable on the account creation date, thereby identifying a special tutorial quest that corresponds to the time when the account was issued. If a special tutorial quest that corresponds to the time when the account was issued is identified, the process proceeds to step S12. If a special tutorial quest that corresponds to the time when the account was issued is not identified (i.e., does not exist), the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S12, the control unit 102 checks whether the timing of playing the game (i.e., the current date) is within the "validity period" of the identified special tutorial quest. If the current date is within the validity period, the control unit 102 proceeds to the processing procedure of step S13. If the current date is not within the validity period, the control unit 102 proceeds to the processing procedure of step S14.

In step S13, the control unit 102 checks whether the user meets a predetermined condition. If the user meets the predetermined condition, the process proceeds to step S14. If the user does not meet the predetermined condition, the process proceeds to step S15. Here, the predetermined condition may be that the special tutorial quest has been performed a predetermined number of times or more. In this case, the control unit 102 refers to the "quest play history" in the user management DB 100a, and checks whether the user has played the identified special tutorial quest a predetermined number of times or more. If the user has played the special tutorial quest a predetermined number of times or more, the process proceeds to step S14. If the user has not played the special tutorial quest a predetermined number of times or more, the process proceeds to step S15. The predetermined number of times is arbitrary, but may be set to one time, for example.

The specified condition may also be that the special tutorial quest has been cleared. In this case, the control unit 102 refers to the "quest play history" in the user management DB 100a and checks whether the user has cleared the identified special tutorial quest. If the user has cleared the special tutorial quest, the process proceeds to step S14. If the user has not cleared the special tutorial quest, the process proceeds to step S15.

The specified condition may also be a condition for participating in a time-limited quest associated with the special tutorial quest. The control unit 102 refers to the "play conditions" in the quest definition DB 100b and checks whether the user meets the condition for participating in the time-limited quest associated with the special tutorial quest. If the user meets the condition for participating in the time-limited quest, the process proceeds to step S14. If the user does not meet the condition for participating in the time-limited quest, the process proceeds to step S15.

In step S14, the control unit 102 causes the terminal 20 to display, as a quest selection screen, a list of quests other than the special tutorial quest that satisfy the play conditions and whose expiration date includes the current date. In other words, even if the control unit 102 identifies a special tutorial quest in the processing procedure of step S11, if the timing to play is not within the validity period or if the user satisfies the specified conditions, the control unit 102 does not allow the special tutorial quest to be executed by not displaying the special tutorial quest on the quest selection screen.

In step S15, the control unit 102 causes the terminal 20 to display, as a quest selection screen, a list of quests, including the identified special tutorial quest, that satisfy the play conditions and whose expiration date includes the current date. Note that the control unit 102 may gray out all quests other than the identified special tutorial quest on the quest selection screen, or may display only the special tutorial quest. For example, if the user has not played the special tutorial quest a predetermined number of times or more, the control unit 102 may not allow the user to play quests other than the special tutorial quest by graying out all quests other than the special tutorial quest until the user plays the special tutorial quest a predetermined number of times or more.

In step S16, the control unit 102 accepts from the user a selection of a quest that the user wishes to play from among the quests displayed on the quest selection screen. At this time, the control unit 102 may refer to the "auxiliary game media" in the quest definition DB 100b, and accept from the user a selection of game media to be included in the user's deck from among other user game media or game media related to a special tutorial quest. For example, a powerful game media may be set as the game media related to a special tutorial quest. This allows the user to easily clear the special tutorial quest by playing the quest with a deck including the powerful game media.

In step S17, the control unit 102 executes the quest selected by the user.

In step S18, if the user clears the quest, the control unit 102 grants a reward to the user according to the "clearance reward" in the quest definition DB 100b. For example, in the example of the quest definition DB 100b in FIG. 4, the clear reward for the "X Movie Collaboration" quest, which is a time-limited quest, is 500 experience points, while the clear reward for the "Welcome (X Movie Collaboration)" quest, which is a special tutorial quest, is 5,000 experience points. The 5,000 experience points may be the amount of experience points that can bring a level 1 user to level 40. Since the play condition for the "X Movie Collaboration" quest is level 40 or higher, the user can clear the Welcome (X Movie Collaboration) quest and earn 5,000 experience points, thereby raising their level to 40 in one go and becoming able to play the "X Movie Collaboration" quest.

(Variation 1)
In the above-described processing procedure, if the validity period elapses without the user performing the special tutorial quest identified in the processing procedure of step S11, the user is unable to perform the special tutorial quest thereafter. In other words, if the validity period elapses without playing a special tutorial quest, the user loses the right to play the special tutorial quest. However, the control unit 102 may allow the user to play another special tutorial quest whose validity period is set after the validity period, even if the validity period elapses without the user playing a special tutorial quest.

That is, when the validity period of a special tutorial quest has elapsed without the user performing the special tutorial quest, the control unit 102 may control whether or not to perform another special tutorial quest that is identified based on a later issuance time than the issuance time of the user's account, depending on whether the timing of playing the game is within the validity period of the other special tutorial quest. For example, in the example of the quest definition DB 100b in FIG. 4, the validity period of the special tutorial quest "Welcome (X Movie Collaboration)" quest is from January 10 to February 20, 2022, and the validity period of the special tutorial quest "Welcome (Y Anime Collaboration)" quest is from February 21 to March 10, 2022. In addition, the user's account creation date is January 30, 2022. In other words, the special tutorial quest corresponding to the issuance time of the account is the "Welcome (X Movie Collaboration)" quest. In this case, if the user does not play (or complete) the "Welcome (X Movie Collaboration)" quest a predetermined number of times within the validity period of the quest, the control unit 102 may permit the execution of the "Welcome (Y Anime Collaboration)" quest if the user plays the game during the validity period of the "Welcome (Y Anime Collaboration)" quest. The predetermined number of times may be the same as the predetermined number of times in the processing procedure of step S13.

This means that even if the validity period has elapsed without the user playing a special tutorial quest, the user will be able to play other special tutorial quests without losing the right to play that special tutorial quest.

(Variation 2)
In the above-described processing procedure, it is assumed that there is only one special tutorial quest specified based on the time of issuance of the account. However, in the present embodiment, it may be permitted that there are multiple special tutorial quests specified based on the time of issuance of the account. For example, a first special tutorial quest and a second special tutorial quest may exist as special tutorial quests specified based on the time of issuance of the account. In this case, the control unit 102 may control the special tutorial quest whose validity period starts closer to the time of issuance of the account to be executable. Specifically, the control unit 102 may control the first special tutorial quest to be executable when the validity period of the first special tutorial quest is closer to the time of issuance of the account than the validity period of the second special tutorial quest, and may control the second special tutorial quest to be executable when the validity period of the second special tutorial quest is closer to the time of issuance of the account than the validity period of the first special tutorial quest.

In other words, if multiple special tutorial quests are identified in the processing procedure of step S11 in FIG. 6, the control unit 102 may consider the special tutorial quest whose expiration date begins closest to the time the account was issued to be the identified special tutorial quest.

As a result, even if multiple special tutorial quests are available at the same time, users will only be allowed to complete one of the special tutorial quests, preventing a sense of unfairness between users caused by a large amount of completion rewards being awarded to each user.

(Variation 3)
The account issued by the issuing unit 101 may be a common account issued in common to one or more games including the game according to this embodiment. In this case, the control unit 102 may control whether or not to execute a special tutorial quest depending on whether or not the timing at which the game is played without satisfying a predetermined condition in the game is within the validity period of the special tutorial quest specified based on the issuance time of the common account. That is, the "account" in the processing procedure of steps S10 and S11 in FIG. 6 may be replaced with the "common account."

(Variation 4)
The game account may be a different account from a common account issued in common to one or more games including the game according to the present embodiment. In this case, the common account may be issued by another game system. In addition, the issuing unit 101 may associate the account according to the present embodiment with the common account in response to a user request. In this case, when the user associates an account with the common account, the control unit 102 may control whether or not a special tutorial quest specified based on the issuance time of the common account can be executed. More specifically, the control unit 102 may control whether or not a special tutorial quest can be executed depending on whether or not the timing of playing the game without satisfying a predetermined condition after the issuance of the account by the issuing unit 101 is within the validity period of the special tutorial quest specified based on the issuance time of the common account associated with the account. That is, step S10 in FIG. 6 may be omitted, and the "account" in the processing procedure of step S11 may be replaced with "common account associated with the account".

(Variation 5)
As in the second modification, it may be permitted that there are multiple special tutorial quests that are specified based on the issuance time of the account. For example, a first special tutorial quest and a second special tutorial quest may exist as special tutorial quests that are specified based on the issuance time of the account. Also, as in the fourth modification, the issuing unit 101 may associate the account according to this embodiment with a common account in response to a user request. In this case, the control unit 102 may control so that either the first special tutorial quest or the second special tutorial quest is executable based on the issuance time of the common account with which the account is associated.

More specifically, the control unit 102 may control the special tutorial quest so that the special tutorial quest whose validity period begins closer to the issuance time of the common account associated with the account is executable. For example, the control unit 102 may control the first special tutorial quest so that it is executable when the validity period of the first special tutorial quest begins closer to the issuance time of the common account than the validity period of the second special tutorial quest, and may control the second special tutorial quest so that it is executable when the validity period of the second special tutorial quest begins closer to the issuance time of the common account than the validity period of the first special tutorial quest.

In other words, if multiple special tutorial quests are identified in the processing procedure of step S11 in FIG. 6, the control unit 102 may consider the special tutorial quest whose expiration date begins closest to the issuance date of the common account with which the account is associated to be the identified special tutorial quest.

<Screen display example>
7 and 8 are diagrams showing examples of screen display. When the game is started, the control unit 102 causes the terminal 20 to display a menu screen M100. When "Quest" is pressed on the menu screen M100, the control unit 102 transitions to a quest selection screen M101. The quest selection screen M101 may be displayed in a state in which quests other than a special tutorial quest specified based on the time of issuance of the account cannot be selected, and after the user plays or clears the special tutorial quest, the selection of a quest other than the special tutorial quest may be enabled. In addition, the quest selection screen M101 may be configured to display a validity period R101 of the special tutorial quest. In addition, the quest selection screen M101 may be configured to display a message P101 encouraging the user to play the special tutorial quest.

When the control unit 102 first displays the quest selection screen M101 to the user, the control unit 102 may display a pop-up help H102 regarding the special tutorial quest, as shown on the quest selection screen M102. The help H102 may display an explanation of the special tutorial quest and the number of times it can be played. When "Close" is pressed, the help H102 is cleared and the screen returns to the quest selection screen M101.

When "Welcome Quest" is pressed on the quest selection screen M101, the control unit 102 transitions to a stage selection screen M103 that accepts the selection of a stage in the special tutorial quest. The special tutorial quest includes multiple stages, and clearing all stages may be considered as clearing the special tutorial quest. The stages may also be cleared in a set order. When a stage is selected on the stage selection screen M103, the control unit 102 transitions to a game medium selection screen M104 in FIG. 8. The game medium selection screen M104 is a screen that accepts the selection of an auxiliary game medium. "Welcome Exclusive A", "Welcome Exclusive B", and "Welcome Exclusive C" on the game medium selection screen M104 are game media prepared exclusively for the special tutorial quest, and "Character A" and "Character B" are game media owned by other users. The game medium selection screen M104 may also display help that displays the meaning of the auxiliary game media.

When an auxiliary game medium is selected on the game medium selection screen M104, the control unit 102 transitions to a quest screen M105 and starts the execution of the quest. When the quest ends, the control unit 102 transitions to a reward screen M106. The reward screen M106 displays a list of rewards to be granted to the user.

<Summary>
According to the embodiment described above, the game server 10 provides a special tutorial quest that is specified based on the time of issuance of the account, and controls whether or not the special tutorial quest can be executed based on whether or not the timing when the user plays the game is within the validity period of the special tutorial quest. This allows the user to play a game that corresponds to the time when the game account was issued. In addition, by playing the special tutorial quest, a larger reward than usual can be obtained. This allows new users to play the special tutorial quest and gain an advantage in the game by obtaining a larger reward, so that it is expected that even new users will find it easier to participate in the game.

The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The flow charts, sequences, elements of the embodiments, as well as their arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc., described in the embodiments are not limited to those exemplified, and may be modified as appropriate.

In this embodiment, playing a game or playing a quest may be referred to as executing a game or executing a quest. Furthermore, the words "play" and "execute" may be interchanged as appropriate. Furthermore, the "account" and the "common account" may be referred to as the "first account" and the "second account", or the "second account" and the "first account", respectively.

<Additional Notes>
<Appendix 1>
an issuing unit that issues game accounts to users;
a control unit that controls whether or not a first special game can be executed depending on whether or not a timing at which the game is played without satisfying a predetermined condition in the game after the issuance of the account is within a valid period of a first special game that is specified based on a time at which the account is issued;
An information processing device having the above configuration.

According to Supplementary Note 1, a mechanism can be provided that allows a player to participate in a game according to the time when the game account was issued.
<Appendix 2>
The account is a common account issued in common to one or more games including the game,
the control unit controls whether or not the special game can be executed depending on whether or not the timing is within a valid period of the first special game specified based on a time of issuance of the common account.
2. The information processing device according to claim 1.

According to Supplementary Note 2, whether or not a special game can be played can be controlled based on a common account issued in common to one or more games.
<Appendix 3>
the control unit, when the user associates the account with a common account issued in common to one or more games including the game, controls whether or not the first special game specified based on a time of issuance of the common account is allowed to be played;
2. The information processing device according to claim 1.

According to Appendix 3, a user may be able to change the special games identified by associating the account with a common account.
<Appendix 4>
the control unit, when the first special game and the second special game are identified based on the issuance time of the common account, controls to execute one of the first special game and the second special game based on the issuance time of the common account;
4. The information processing device according to claim 3.

According to Supplementary Note 4, even if there are multiple special games identified based on the issuance time of the common account, it is possible to appropriately control the special games that can be played.
<Appendix 5>
The information processing device described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the control unit grants a reward to the user who has completed the first special game, enabling the user to satisfy the participation conditions for a game related to the validity period different from the first special game.

According to Supplementary Note 5, by clearing a special game, a user becomes able to play a game related to the validity period of the special game.
<Appendix 6>
the predetermined condition being that the number of times that the user has played the first special game is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times;
the control unit does not permit execution of the first special game when the predetermined condition is satisfied.
6. The information processing device according to claim 1, 2, or 5.

According to Appendix 6, it is possible to limit the number of times that a special game can be played.
<Appendix 7>
the control unit does not permit execution of the first special game after the validity period has elapsed, regardless of whether the user has executed the first special game.
7. The information processing device according to claim 1, 2, 5, or 6.

According to Appendix 7, it becomes possible to restrict the execution of the special game after the validity period of the special game has elapsed.
<Appendix 8>
when the validity period has elapsed without the user executing the first special game, the control unit controls whether or not to execute another special game, the another special game being specified based on an issuance date later than the issuance date of the account, depending on whether or not a timing to play the game is within a validity period of the other special game.
8. The information processing device according to claim 1, 2, or 5 to 7.

According to Appendix 8, if the validity period of a special game has elapsed before the user plays the special game, the user can be permitted to play a special game that is provided thereafter.
<Appendix 9>
the control unit executes the first special game in a group including a first game medium owned by the user and a second game medium not owned by the user;
the second game medium is a game medium related to the first special game;
9. The information processing device according to any one of appendix 1, 2, and 5 to 8.

According to Supplementary Note 9, it becomes possible to include game media related to the special game in the group of game media used to play the special game.
<Appendix 10>
the control unit does not permit execution of a game other than the first special game until the user executes the first special game or the validity period expires.
10. The information processing device according to any one of appendix 1, 2, and 5 to 9.

According to supplementary note 10, it becomes possible to restrict the execution of other games until the user executes the special game.
<Appendix 11>
When the first special game and the second special game are identified based on the issuance time of the account, the control unit:
When a start time of a validity period of the first special game is closer to a time of issuance of the account than a start time of a validity period of the second special game, the first special game is controlled to be executable;
When a start time of a validity period of the second special game is closer to a time of issuance of the account than a start time of a validity period of the first special game, the second special game is controlled to be executable.
11. The information processing device according to claim 1, 2, or 5 to 10.

According to Supplementary Note 11, even if there are multiple special games identified based on the time of issuance of the account, it is possible to appropriately control the special games that can be played.
<Appendix 12>
An information processing device issues a game account to a user;
a step of controlling whether or not to execute the first special game by the information processing device depending on whether or not a timing at which the game is played without satisfying a predetermined condition in the game after the issuance of the account is within a valid period of a first special game specified based on a time at which the account is issued;
An information processing method comprising:

According to Appendix 12, a mechanism can be provided that allows a player to participate in a game according to the time when the game account was issued.
<Appendix 13>
issuing a game account to a user;
a step of controlling whether or not to execute the first special game depending on whether or not a timing at which the game is played without satisfying a predetermined condition in the game after the issuance of the account is within a valid period of a first special game specified based on a time at which the account is issued;
A program for causing a computer to execute the following.

According to Appendix 13, a mechanism can be provided that allows a user to participate in a game according to the time when the game account was issued.

Reference Signs List 1: Game system, 10: Game server, 11: Processor, 12: Storage device, 13: Communication IF, 14: Input device, 15: Output device, 20: Terminal, 100: Storage unit, 100a: User management DB, 100b: Quest definition DB, 101: Issuance unit, 102: Control unit, 200: Storage unit, 201: Communication unit, 202: UI unit, 203: Control unit

Claims (13)

an issuing unit that issues game accounts to users;
a control unit that controls whether or not the first special game can be executed depending on whether or not a timing at which the game is played without satisfying a predetermined condition in the game after the issuance of the account is within a valid period of a first special game that is specified based on a time at which the account is issued ,
the first special game is playable by the users who issued the accounts for the game within a designated time period;
the validity period is associated with a validity period during which a game different from the first special game may be played that is associated with the first special game;
Information processing device. The account is a common account issued in common to one or more games including the game,
the control unit controls whether or not the first special game can be executed depending on whether or not the timing is within a valid period of the first special game specified based on a time of issuance of the common account.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . the control unit, when the user associates the account with a common account issued in common to one or more games including the game, controls whether or not the first special game specified based on a time of issuance of the common account is allowed to be played;
The information processing device according to claim 1 . the control unit, when the first special game and the second special game are identified based on the issuance time of the common account, controls to execute one of the first special game and the second special game based on the issuance time of the common account;
The information processing device according to claim 3 . The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit grants a reward to the user who has completed the first special game, enabling the user to satisfy the participation conditions for a game related to the validity period different from the first special game. the predetermined condition being that the number of times that the user has played the first special game is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times;
the control unit does not permit execution of the first special game when the predetermined condition is satisfied.
The information processing device according to claim 1 , 2 , or 5 . the control unit does not permit execution of the first special game after the validity period has elapsed, regardless of whether the user has executed the first special game.
7. The information processing device according to claim 1, 2, 5, or 6. when the validity period has elapsed without the user executing the first special game, the control unit controls whether or not to execute another special game, the another special game being specified based on an issuance date later than the issuance date of the account, depending on whether or not a timing to play the game is within a validity period of the other special game.
8. The information processing device according to claim 1, 2, or 5 to 7. the control unit executes the first special game in a group including a first game medium owned by the user and a second game medium not owned by the user;
the second game medium is a game medium related to the first special game;
9. The information processing device according to claim 1, 2, or 5 to 8. the control unit does not permit execution of a game other than the first special game until the user executes the first special game or the validity period expires.
10. The information processing device according to claim 1, 2, or 5 to 9. When the first special game and the second special game are identified based on the issuance time of the account, the control unit:
When a start time of a validity period of the first special game is closer to a time of issuance of the account than a start time of a validity period of the second special game, the first special game is controlled to be executable;
When a start time of a validity period of the second special game is closer to a time of issuance of the account than a start time of a validity period of the first special game, the second special game is controlled to be executable.
11. The information processing device according to claim 1, 2, or 5 to 10. An information processing device issues a game account to a user;
a step of controlling whether or not to execute the first special game depending on whether or not a timing at which the game is played without satisfying a predetermined condition in the game after the issuance of the account occurs within a valid period of a first special game specified based on a time at which the account was issued, by the information processing device;
the first special game is playable by the users who issued the accounts for the game within a designated time period;
the validity period is associated with a validity period during which a game different from the first special game may be played that is associated with the first special game;
Information processing methods. issuing a game account to a user;
and controlling whether or not to execute the first special game depending on whether or not a timing at which the game is played without satisfying a predetermined condition in the game after the issuance of the account is within a valid period of a first special game specified based on a time at which the account is issued ,
the first special game is playable by the users who issued the accounts for the game within a designated time period;
the validity period is associated with a validity period during which a game different from the first special game may be played that is associated with the first special game;
A program for a computer to execute.

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