JP7708539B2 - Game system and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game system and a program.

Conventionally, there have been games (e.g., role-playing games) in which a player's character, which is the object of a player's operation, plays a battle game in which the character fights an enemy character based on the player's operation information, and the player enjoys developing (increasing) the parameters (e.g., level) of the player character.

In such conventional game systems, there is technology that weakens the parameters of a player's character based on the amount of time that has passed since the player's last game play (see, for example, paragraphs 0052, 0117, and 0118 of Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 4806491

However, conventional technology uniformly weakens the parameters of a player's character based on the amount of time that has elapsed since the player's last gameplay, which creates the problem of not being able to prevent players from abandoning the game.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a game system etc. that can prevent a player from abandoning the game when the player stops playing the game.

(1) The present invention provides
A game system for controlling parameters of an object associated with a player, comprising:
a game element providing unit that, when the player interrupts and resumes game play in a predetermined game mode, provides the player with game elements based on an interruption period from the interruption to the restart;
a parameter control unit that, when a use of a game element is accepted based on operation information of the player, changes a parameter of the object based on the game element;
The present invention relates to a game system comprising:

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

Also, the "use" of a game element may mean a one-time use for one game unit (e.g., one mission), i.e., consumption. Also, the "use" of a game element may mean that the authority to vary parameters based on the game element continues until an expiration date or indefinitely.

According to the present invention, the player can recover from a disadvantage caused during the interruption period by using game elements, which motivates the player to resume game play. As a result, it becomes possible to prevent a player who has interrupted game play from abandoning the game.

In addition, the present invention leaves it up to the player to decide when to use the acquired game elements, which gives the player discretion in using the game elements, making the game more interesting when it is resumed.

(2) In addition, in the game system, server device, terminal device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
A game element determination unit that determines a game element to be awarded to the player,
The game element determination unit
At least one of the number and type of game elements provided to the player may be varied depending on the length of the interruption period.

The present invention varies at least one of the quantity and type of game elements provided to a player depending on the length of the interruption period, so that, for example, the longer the interruption period, the greater the quantity of game elements (for example, the more points or items provided). Furthermore, the present invention can make the types of game elements more advantageous to the player, for example, the longer the interruption period. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is further possible to motivate the player to resume game play and prevent them from abandoning the game.

(3) The present invention provides
A game system for controlling parameters of an object associated with a player, comprising:
a game element providing unit that, when the player interrupts and resumes game play in a predetermined game mode, performs a process of providing the player with game elements based on an interruption period from the interruption to the restart;
a parameter control unit that, when a use of a game element is accepted, changes a parameter of the object based on the game element;
a game element determination unit that determines a game element to be awarded to the player;
Including,
The game element determination unit
The present invention relates to a game system characterized in that at least one of the number and type of game elements provided to the player is varied depending on the length of the interruption period.

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

According to the present invention, for example, game elements can be used based on player or computer (CPU) control. In such a case, the player can be motivated to resume game play by making up for the disadvantageous situation that occurred during the interruption period. As a result, it is possible to prevent a player who has interrupted game play from quitting the game.

Furthermore, the present invention varies at least one of the quantity and type of game elements provided to a player depending on the length of the interruption period, so that, for example, the longer the interruption period, the greater the quantity of game elements (for example, the more points or items provided). Furthermore, the present invention can make the types of game elements more advantageous to the player, for example, the longer the interruption period. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to further motivate the player to resume game play and prevent them from quitting the game.

(4) In addition, in the game system, server device, terminal device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The parameter control unit includes:
When a request to use a game element is received, a parameter of the object may be changed based on the type of the game element.

According to the present invention, by providing a wide variety of game elements, for example type A, type B, and type C, it is possible to lead to a variety of game developments, which further motivates players to resume game play and prevents them from abandoning the game.

(5) In addition, in the game system, server device, terminal device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The parameter control unit includes:
When the use of a game element is accepted, the parameters of the object may be changed based on the type of the game element and whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied.

The present invention considers whether or not certain conditions are met, further motivating players to resume gameplay and preventing them from abandoning the game.

(6) In addition, in the game system, server device, terminal device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
A selection processing unit that performs a process of selecting one of the game media by lottery from among the plurality of game media,
The selection processing unit:
When the use of a game element is accepted, the probability of the lottery may be determined based on the type of the game element.

The present invention determines the probability of winning a lottery based on the type of game element, so the player can consider which type of game element will increase the probability of winning, making the game more interesting.

(7) In addition, in the game system, server device, terminal device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The game device may further include a time limit control unit that, when use of the game element is accepted, sets a time limit for the game element depending on the type of the game element.

According to the present invention, the expiration date of a game element is determined according to the type of game element, which encourages players to use the game element. In addition, since the expiration date is set according to the type of game element (e.g., type A, type B, type C), the player will have to consider which type of game element to use early, which makes the game more interesting.

(8) In addition, in the game system, server device, terminal device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The parameter control unit includes:
Game play information of each player participating in the game mode may be collected, and parameters of the object may be changed based on the collected information.

The present invention takes into account the overall balance of the game, making it easier for players who are lagging behind to catch up, and as a result, preventing players from abandoning the game.

(9) In addition, in the game system, server device, terminal device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The game device may further include a display control unit which, when the game element is awarded, displays information indicating that the game element has been awarded on a terminal device of a player.

According to the present invention, the player can know that a game element has been added.

(10) In addition, in the game system, server device, terminal device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The game device may further include a display control unit that, when a parameter of the object is changed based on the game element, displays information relating to the change in parameter on a terminal device of a player.

According to the present invention, the player can know that the parameters of the object have been changed based on the game elements.

(11) In addition, in the game system, server device, terminal device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
a game element determination unit that determines a game element to be awarded to the player;
and an analysis unit that performs processing to analyze growth factors of other players during the interruption period,
The game element determination unit
The game element may be determined based on a result of the analysis by the analysis unit.

According to the present invention, the growth factors of other players during a player's break can be analyzed, and the results of the analysis can be reflected in the game factors given to the player, making it easier for the player to catch up with other players. As a result, players can be prevented from abandoning the game.

(12) In addition, in the game system, server device, terminal device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The analysis unit includes:
A process for analyzing the growth factors of other players may be performed based on the game play information at the time when the game play of the player was interrupted.

According to the present invention, the growth factors of other players are analyzed based on the gameplay information at the time when the player's gameplay was interrupted, so that when the player resumes gameplay, an analysis can be performed to make it easier for the player to catch up with other players.

(13) In addition, in the game system, the server device, the terminal device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
The game element determination unit
The game element may be determined based on the analysis result and game play information up until the time when the player's game play was interrupted.

According to the present invention, the game elements to be given to the player are determined based on the analysis results as well as the game play information up until the time the player's game play was interrupted. This makes it possible to predict the pace of growth after the player resumes game play based on the player's past game play information, and to determine optimal game elements that will make it easier for the player to catch up with other players.

(14) In addition, in the game system, server device, terminal device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
a payment determination unit that determines whether or not a payment for a preferential option indicating an option for giving a preferential treatment to the game to the player has been made within a valid period;
The game element providing unit includes:
When it is determined that the preferential option has been paid for, a process of granting the game element to the player based on the interruption period may be performed.

According to the present invention, for a player who has paid (paid, charged) for a preferential option, a process can be performed to grant the player the game element based on the interruption period. As a result, it is possible to prevent a player who has paid for the preferential option from feeling a sense of loss that occurs during the interruption period.

(15) In addition, in the game system, the server device, the terminal device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
a payment determination unit that determines whether or not a payment for a preferential option indicating an option for giving a preferential treatment to the game to the player has been made within a valid period;
The parameter control unit includes:
When it is determined that the preferential option has been paid for, the use of the game element may be accepted.

According to the present invention, the use of game elements is accepted for players who have made payment (a bill) for preferential options, so that players who have made payment for preferential options are not made to feel a sense of loss that occurs during the interruption period.

(16) In addition, in the game system, server device, terminal device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The game device may further include a game element determination unit that performs processing to change the content of the game element depending on at least one of the type of the preferential option and the payment amount of the preferential option.

According to the present invention, the content of the game elements is changed according to at least one of the type of preferential option and the payment amount for the preferential option, so that the player can be provided with services that are commensurate with at least one of the type of preferential option and the payment amount.

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. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of an interruption period according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a game element according to the embodiment; 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the relationship between the interruption period and the award probability in the embodiment. FIG. 13 shows an example of game element information given to a player in this 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. 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 server and client The game system 1 of this embodiment is configured such that a server device 10 that provides a game service and terminal devices 20 (e.g., terminal devices 20A, 20B, and 20C) can be connected to the Internet (an example of a network), as shown in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, a server-client type game system will be mainly described.

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

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

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

In addition, 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-type game system The game system 1 of the present embodiment may be a cloud-type game system. For example, in a cloud-type game system, the basic game processing (including drawing processing, etc.) is performed only by the server device 10 (cloud device), 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. That is, in the case of the cloud-side game system 1, the game elements are added in the server device 10 (cloud device).

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.

[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.

In other words, in the case of a game system in which one terminal device 20 is equipped with multiple controllers (input units 260), the game elements are assigned within the terminal device 20.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In addition to the main memory unit 142, the memory unit 140 of this embodiment also 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, and other setting values used in the game.

In addition, the game data storage unit 144 stores information about the game media managed by the server device 10.

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 current level, experience points, points, rewards earned, or game time (hereinafter also referred to as "performance information");
(3) Characteristics and attributes of the player 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 player characters and other teams in a match game against other player 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, at a specified time in the game (e.g., 8:00 a.m.), when a specified event occurs (when any individual or team match ends), etc.

An upper limit may be set for the experience value. For example, when the experience value reaches an upper limit (e.g., 100), the experience value is updated to an initial value (0) and the player's level is incremented by 1. The server device may set a level for each player according to the accumulated experience value. In other words, the server device controls the level to increase according to an increase in the accumulated experience value.

The memory unit 140 also includes a game element memory unit 148 and a compilation information memory unit 149.

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 game element granting unit 111, a game element determination unit 112, a parameter control unit 113, a selection processing unit 114, a deadline control unit 115, an analysis unit 116, and a payment judgment unit 117.

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

The web processing unit 102 functions as a web server. For example, the web processing unit 102 performs a process of transmitting data in response to a request from a web browser installed in the terminal device 20 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 player operations input via the terminal device 20. The game control unit 103 also executes control over pre-defined characters such as NPCs (non-player 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.

When a game element is assigned, the display control unit 107 of this embodiment displays information indicating that the game element has been assigned on the player's terminal device.

In addition, when the parameters of an object are changed based on a game element, the display control unit 107 displays information related to the parameter change on the player's terminal device 20. For example, the display control unit 107 may display information related to the parameter change based on the game element on the player's terminal device 20 until the expiration date of the game element arrives.

When a player interrupts and then resumes game play in a specific game mode, the game element granting unit 111 performs a process of granting game elements to the player based on the interruption period from the interruption to the resumption.

When it is determined that a payment has been made for the preferential option, the game element granting unit 111 may perform a process of granting the game element to the player based on the interruption period.

The game element determination unit 112 determines the game elements to be granted to the player. For example, the game element determination unit 112 may vary at least one of the quantity and type of game elements to be granted to the player depending on the length of the interruption period. Note that the game element determination unit 112 may determine the changes for each type of game element.

The game element determination unit 112 may also determine the game elements based on the analysis results by the analysis unit 116.

The game element determination unit 112 may also determine game elements based on the analysis results by the analysis unit 116 and game play information up until the time the player's game play was interrupted.

The game element determination unit 112 may also vary the content of the game elements depending on at least one of the type of preferential option and the payment amount for the preferential option.

When the parameter control unit 113 accepts the use of a game element based on the player's operation information or based on computer control (CPU control), it changes the parameters of the object associated with the player based on the game element.

In addition, when the parameter control unit 113 accepts the use of a game element, it may change the parameters of the object associated with the player based on the type of the game element.

In addition, when the parameter control unit 113 accepts the use of a game element, it may change the parameters of the object associated with the player based on the type of the game element and whether or not it satisfies a predetermined condition.

The parameter control unit 113 may also compile game play information for each player participating in the game mode, and change the parameters of the object associated with the player based on the compilation results (compiled information).

Furthermore, the parameter control unit 113 may accept the use of a game element when it is determined that a payment for a preferential option has been made. Then, when the game element is accepted, the parameter control unit 113 may change the parameter of an object based on the game element.

The selection processing unit 114 performs a process of selecting one of a plurality of game media by lottery. For example, when the selection processing unit 114 accepts the use of a game element, it may determine the probability of the lottery based on the type of the game element.

When the expiration control unit 115 accepts the use of a game element, it sets the expiration date of the game element according to the type of the game element.

The analysis unit 116 performs a process of analyzing the growth factors of other players during the interruption period. For example, the analysis unit 116 may perform a process of analyzing the growth factors (e.g., level, number of items acquired) of other players based on gameplay information (e.g., level) at the time when the player's gameplay was interrupted.

The payment determination unit 117 determines whether or not payment (billing) has been made for the preferential option.

[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 in this embodiment. Also, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (parts) in Fig. 3 are omitted.

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

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

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

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

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

Moreover, a program for making a computer function as each unit of this embodiment (a program for making a computer execute the processing of each unit) can be stored in the information storage medium 280. Note that the processing unit 200 performs various processes of this embodiment based on the program (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, the game processing includes processing for starting the game when a game start condition is satisfied, processing for progressing the game, processing for placing objects such as a player character (e.g., a player character CA associated with a player PA) and an enemy character CE, 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 communicate with the server device 10 when receiving input information for starting communication from the player.

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 on a game screen, a guide 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) representing display items such as player 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.

Furthermore, the game processing unit 212 may be executed in conjunction with the server device 10, or a part or the whole of the game processing unit 212 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 role-playing game (hereinafter referred to as an RPG game) in which a player participating in the game operates a character associated with the player (hereinafter referred to as a player character) 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 player character acquires experience points through missions, and the player character's level increases, thereby growing. Furthermore, as the player character grows, the range of action (map) that can be explored in the game space can be expanded.

In particular, in this embodiment, a process is performed to grant a game element to a player based on the length of time that the player's game play has been suspended. For example, in this embodiment, a game element that increases attack power is granted to the player based on the length of time that the game play has been suspended, and the attack power parameter of the object is changed to increase based on the game element. In this way, a player who has fallen behind due to a suspension of game play can easily catch up with other players who are further along in the game than the player. In this way, the game system of this embodiment has the effect of preventing players from abandoning the game.

[5] Description of interruption period First, the interruption period of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In this embodiment, the "interruption period" is a period Tb from timing T1 when a player interrupts game play in a predetermined game mode to timing T2 when the player resumes the game play. The interruption period may also be called a pause period or a log-off period.

Here, "interrupting" gameplay means stopping gameplay midway, ending gameplay, etc. Note that the timing T1 at which the player interrupts gameplay is the timing at which gameplay was last interrupted. In other words, it is the most recent timing of interruption relative to the current time.

The server device 10 stores information on the timing T1 at which the player suspended play and the timing T2 at which the player resumes play for each player in the player information storage unit 146. In other words, the server device 10 stores a history of the timing T1 at which each player suspended play and the timing T2 at which the player resumed play. The server device 10 may also store a history of the timing T0 at which each player started play and the game play period Ta.

Then, the server device 10 calculates the interruption period Tb from the interruption timing T1 of the last game play to the resumption timing T2.

For example, in this embodiment, various events are prepared, such as an event EA in which the player's controlled player character (an example of an object associated with the player) plays a treasure hunt game, and an event EB in which the player character plays a battle game against an enemy character. In this case, when the player interrupts game play of an event EA (an example of a predetermined game mode), the "interruption period" is the period Tb from the timing T1 at which the event EA is interrupted to the timing T2 at which the event EA is resumed. Note that during the interruption period Tb, there may be a situation in which the player is playing a different event EB.

In addition, the "interruption period" may mean a log-off period. In other words, when a player logs off from game play in a logged-in state (an example of a specified game mode), the "interruption period" is the period Tb from the timing T1 of log-off to the timing T2 of logging back in. In other words, interruption may mean log-off, and resumption may mean logging in.

In addition, an "interruption period" may mean a period during which the power is not turned on. In other words, when a player switches gameplay that is in a power-on state (an example of a predetermined game mode) to a power-off state, the "interruption period" is the period Tb from timing T1 when the power is turned off to timing T2 when the power is turned on again. In other words, interruption may mean turning off the power of the terminal device 20 operated by the player (powering off, shutting down), and resumption may mean turning on the power (powering on, starting up).

[6] Description of Game Elements Next, the game elements of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 shows an example of information on game elements used in this embodiment.

Here, "game elements" refer to parameters that can be used in the game (e.g., points), virtual items, missions (dungeons, maps), events that occur within the game, rights, etc. In other words, game elements can also be referred to as benefits, bonuses, service elements, or effect contents.

For example, "items" include characters such as player characters, game media, game cards, game objects, weapons, armor, tools, magic, etc. owned by characters.

As shown in FIG. 5, there are multiple types of game elements, such as type A, type B, and type C. The game system of this embodiment stores the type, target object, type of target parameter, amount of change, and validity period in association with the game element ID in the game element storage unit 148 of the server device 10.

In other words, in this embodiment, the content is determined for each type of game element. When the server device 10 accepts the use of a game element, it changes the target parameter of the target object according to the amount of change based on the content corresponding to the type of game element.

Here, the "target object" refers to an object for which a game element can be used, and for example, a player character or a specific item (item 1, item 2, etc.) can be specified. Note that there may be target objects that are not specified.

"Target parameters" are the target parameters when using game elements. For example, target parameters when using game elements classified by characteristics, such as attack power, defense power, recovery power, and speed.

The "amount of change" indicates the magnitude, extent, degree, rate of change, etc., of the change in the parameters of the target object.

The "validity period" refers to the period during which the game element is valid when used on a target object, and timing of the validity period begins based on a given timing (e.g., when the game element is used).

To give a specific example, a game element of type A with game element ID = 001 increases the attack power of the player character by 10% and is valid for one day from the time of use.

Furthermore, the type B game element with game element ID = 002 increases the defensive power of the object of item 1 by 20 (adds 20) and is valid for two days from the time of use.

In addition, the target object is not specified for the type C game element with game element ID = 003. Type C game elements double the growth effect and are valid for three days from the time of use.

For example, growth effects relate to experience points and level increases gained in a given game (events, dungeons, etc.). Growth effects are primarily applied to the player character, but if an item has experience points, that item is also subject to the growth effect.

For example, suppose that normally, a player character gains 10 experience points when clearing a dungeon game. In such a case, if the dungeon is cleared using a game element of type C, the experience points gained will be doubled to 20.

Although not shown, if the "game element" is related to a mission (dungeon, map), it may reduce the number of enemy characters that appear in that mission. For example, a game element of type J with game element ID = 020 reduces the number of enemy characters in the mission by "1" and has a validity period of one day. In such a case, the number of enemy characters that appear in the mission is controlled to be reduced by one for one day from the time of use of that game element. For example, if the normal number of enemy characters in that mission is "5", the number of enemy characters is set to "4" when that game element is used.

In addition, if the "game element" is related to an event, it may vary the experience points that can be acquired when the objective of the event is achieved. For example, a game element of type K with game element ID = 021 will increase the experience points acquired when the objective of the event is achieved by five times, and will have a validity period of one day. In such a case, the experience points acquired when the event is achieved will be increased by five times for one day from the time of use of the game element.

[7] Granting of Game Elements In this embodiment, when a player suspends and resumes game play, a process is performed to grant the game elements to the player based on the suspension period from the suspension to the resumption. In other words, since the player acquires game elements according to the suspension period, even if another player has progressed ahead in the game, the player can use the game elements to quickly catch up with the other player.

The server device 10 grants the game element to the player at the time T2 when game play is resumed, as shown in FIG. 4, but may grant the game element at any given time after the time T2.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, performing a process of granting game elements to the player based on the interruption period may mean granting game elements to the player with a 100% probability, or may mean granting game elements to the player with a given probability of granting (e.g., 50% probability).

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the longer the interruption period, the higher the probability of awarding the game element. In other words, if the interruption period is 0, the probability of awarding the game element is set to 0%, and the longer the interruption period, the higher the probability of awarding the game element. Then, for players whose interruption period is 30 days or more, the game element is awarded with a 100% probability of awarding the game element.

[8] Method for Determining Game Elements In this embodiment, game elements determined based on the interruption period are granted to each player. For example, when a player interrupts and resumes game play, the server device 10 determines game elements to be granted to each player based on the interruption period from the interruption to the restart.

For example, the server device 10 determines the game elements to be granted to the player by varying at least one of the quantity and type of game elements to be granted to the player depending on the length of the interruption period.

Here, the "quantity of game elements to be awarded" refers to, for example, the value of points to be awarded, or the number of game elements or items to be awarded. Points can be used in a game. For example, by spending a certain number of points in a game, an item can be acquired or a certain service can be used.

The "type of game element to be granted" is, for example, a classification of game elements, and is an attribute of the effect on the game.

[8.1] Method for Determining the Quantity of Game Elements The server device 10 of this embodiment determines the game elements to be granted to the player. In particular, in this embodiment, the number of game elements to be granted to the player may be determined according to the length of the interruption period.

For example, if the interruption period Tb is within one day (within 24 hours) (Tb≦1), the server device 10 will grant one game element to the player; if the interruption period is more than one day but within two days (1<Tb≦2), the server device 10 will grant two game elements to the player; if the interruption period is more than three days but within four days (3<Tb≦4), the server device 10 will grant three game elements to the player; and if the interruption period is more than four days (4<Tb), the server device 10 will grant four game elements to the player.

In this way, the longer the interruption, the greater the amount of game elements given to the player, providing the player with an incentive to resume gameplay.

In addition, the longer the interruption period, the more game elements a player can obtain, so even if another player has progressed further in the game, the player can catch up by using more of those game elements.

The server device 10 may determine the point value so that the longer the interruption period, the higher the point value, similar to the method for determining the quantity of game elements.

[8.2] Method for Determining the Type of Game Element In this embodiment, the type of game element to be given to the player may be determined according to the length of the interruption period.

For example, if the interruption period Tb is within one day (within 24 hours) (Tb≦1), the server device 10 assigns type A game elements (game elements that increase attack power by 10%) to the player; if the interruption period is more than one day but within two days (1<Tb≦2), the server device 10 assigns type D game elements (game elements that increase attack power by 20%) to the player; if the interruption period is more than three days but within four days (3<Tb≦4), the server device 10 assigns type E game elements (game elements that increase attack power by 30%) to the player; and if the interruption period is more than four days (4<Tb), the server device 10 assigns type F game elements (game elements that increase attack power by 40%) to the player.

In this way, the longer the interruption period, the more advantageous the type of game elements given to the player will be for game progress (for example, game elements with stronger attack power), which can motivate the player to resume gameplay.

[8.3] Method for Determining the Quantity and Type of Game Elements The server device 10 may determine the type of game elements to be granted to the player and the quantity of each type depending on the length of the interruption period.

For example, if the interruption period Tb is within one day (within 24 hours) (Tb≦1), the server device 10 grants the player only one game element and the type of game element is type A. If the interruption period is more than one day but within two days (1<Tb≦2), the server device 10 grants the player two game elements of type D with an increased attack power increase rate (game elements that increase attack power by 20%). If the interruption period is more than three days but within four days (3<Tb≦4), the server device 10 grants the player three game elements of type E with an increased attack power increase rate (game elements that increase attack power by 30%). If the interruption period is more than four days (4<Tb), the server device 10 grants the player four game elements of type F with an increased attack power increase rate (game elements that increase attack power by 40%).

The server device may also increase the variety of rewards given to the player depending on the length of the interruption period.

For example, if the interruption period Tb is within one day (within 24 hours) (Tb≦1), the server device 10 will grant one game element to the player, and the type of game element will be type A. If the interruption period is more than one day but within two days (1<Tb≦2), the server device 10 will grant two game elements to the player, and the types of game elements will be type A and type D. If the interruption period is more than three days but within four days (3<Tb≦4), the server device 10 will grant three game elements to the player, and the types of game elements will be type A, type D, and type E. If the interruption period is more than four days (4<Tb), the server device 10 will grant four game elements to the player, and the types of game elements will be type A, type D, type E, and type F.

In addition, the server device 10 grants five game elements to a player who has been suspended for 30 days or more, and the types of game elements are type A, type D, type E, type F, and type X (for example, a game element that reduces the opponent's defense power to 0 and doubles the attack power).

[9] Management of assigned game elements The server device 10 of this embodiment performs a process of registering (storing) information on game elements assigned to a player in association with the player ID of each player in the game element storage unit 148. In other words, assigning means storing in the game element storage unit 148, and the server device 10 stores information on each game element assigned to a player in association with the player ID for each player in the game element storage unit 148.

Figure 7 shows an example of game elements assigned to a player PA. Each game element has a usage flag and an expiration date set.

The usage flag indicates whether or not a game element has been used; if it has not been used, it is set to "0", and if it has been used, it is updated to "1". The initial value is set to "0".

[10] Expiry Date The server device 10 of this embodiment manages the expiration date of each game element assigned to a player in the game element storage unit 148, in association with the player ID of each player.

In other words, the server device invalidates game elements that have exceeded their expiration date. In other words, the server device controls game elements that have exceeded their expiration date so that parameter changes are not made based on the content of the game elements.

The expiration date is the expiration date of the game element, and is measured based on the timing of the instruction to use the game element, under the control of the player or computer (CPU). For example, if the validity period of the game element with game element ID = 001 is one day, and the player PA issues an instruction to use the game element with game element ID = 001 at 20:10:00 on July 15, 2020, the expiration date of the game element is set to 20:10:00 on July 16, 2020.

In this way, in this embodiment, a player who has stopped playing the game can make up for lost time by using game elements, but by setting an expiration date for the game elements, it is possible to prevent the player from getting too far ahead in the game.

In this embodiment, parameter changes based on game elements may be prohibited regardless of the expiration date if a given prohibition condition is met. The prohibition condition is when the level of the player or player character reaches a predetermined level (for example, the average level).

The effect obtained by using a game element may also be attenuated depending on the time that has passed from the start of use of the game element to the expiration date. For example, the server device 10 may increase the attack power of the player character by 10% when the use of a type A game element with game element ID = 001 is started, gradually decrease the increase rate of the attack power to 9%, 8%, 7% etc. as time passes, and set the increase rate of the attack power to 0% when the expiration date has passed.

In this embodiment, there may be game elements that do not have an expiration date. For example, there may be game elements whose parameters can be changed indefinitely.

The server device 10 may also set (update) the expiration date so that the validity period of parameter changes of the game element is longer depending on the length of the interruption period. For example, if the player PA issues an instruction to use a game element with game element ID = 001 at 20:10:00 on July 15, 2020, and the interruption period is less than one day, the expiration date of the game element is set to 20:10:00 on July 16, 2020, if the interruption period is one day or more but less than two days, the expiration date of the game element is set to 20:10:00 on July 17, 2020, and if the interruption period is three days or more, the expiration date of the game element is set to 20:10:00 on July 18, 2020.

[11] Changing parameters [11.1] Use of game elements based on player's operation information In this embodiment, when a request to use a game element is accepted based on the player's operation information, the parameters of an object are changed based on the game element.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the server device 10 receives a request to use a game element at a given timing T3 after the game play restart timing T2, the server device 10 changes the parameters of the object based on the type of the game element.

For example, assume that the terminal device 20 of the player PA receives an instruction to use a game element with a game element ID = 001 (type A) based on the operation information of the player PA. The terminal device 20 of the player PA then transmits information of the instruction to use to the server device 10. The information of the instruction to use includes the game element ID of the game element to be used (e.g., 001 (type A)) and the quantity of the game element to be used.

Then, the server device 10 receives the use instruction information from the terminal device 20. For example, when receiving use instruction information to use one game element with game element ID=001 (type A), the server device 10 updates the use flag of the unused (use flag=0) game element with game element ID=001 (type A) to 1, and sets an expiration date based on the validity period (e.g., one day) of game element ID=001 (type A) from the time the use instruction information for game element ID=001 (type A) was received.

In this embodiment, parameter change processing is performed based on the contents of game element ID = 001 (type A) until the expiration date of game element ID = 001 (type A) arrives.

To explain parameter modification in more detail, for example, a game element of type A with game element ID = 001 increases the attack power of the player character by 10%, so the attack power of the player character CA operated by the player PA is increased by 10%. In other words, assume that the attack power of the player character CA is 100 when the game element with game element ID = 001 is not used. In this case, when the player character CA uses the game element with game element ID = 001, the attack power parameter is changed so that the attack power of the player character CA becomes 110.

When a game element is consumed, no expiration date is set, and after changing the parameters based on the content of the game element ID=001 (type A), the use is prohibited for the number of game element IDs used. For example, for ease of management, the server device 10 may store the number of usable game element IDs in association with each other. For example, when a game element is given, the given quantity is added to the number of usable game element IDs, and each time the game element is used, the number of usable game element IDs is subtracted from the number of usable game element IDs by the number used.

[11.2] Use of Game Elements Under Computer Control The server device 10 may be configured to automatically accept the use of game elements under computer (CPU) control, without relying on operation information from the player.

The server device 10 may issue an instruction to use a game element when game play is resumed. For example, when game play is resumed, if there is a game element (e.g., game element ID = 001, etc.) whose parameter is attack power, the server device 10 accepts an instruction to use the game element and performs processing to change the attack power parameter based on the game element.

The server device 10 may also instruct the player to use a game element when a predetermined condition for use is met. For example, when the player character's vitality value (HP value) falls below a predetermined value, the server device 10 may instruct the player to use a game element to increase the player character's attack power, and perform a change process to increase the player character's attack power.

[12] Predetermined Conditions When the server device 10 accepts the use of a game element, the server device 10 may change the parameters of an object based on the type of the game element and whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Here, the "predetermined condition" refers to (A) the game situation becoming a predetermined situation (e.g., the level of an object associated with the player becomes equal to or exceeds a predetermined value), (B) the billing situation becoming a predetermined situation (e.g., the billing amount becomes equal to or exceeds a predetermined amount), (C) the play frequency becoming a predetermined frequency (e.g., the number of games played per month (number of logins or number of starts of a predetermined game mode) becomes a predetermined number), or (D) the lottery situation becoming a predetermined situation (e.g., the result of the lottery process is a win).

In other words, the server device 10 may change the parameters of the object based on the type of game element for which an instruction to use from the player has been received when at least one of the above conditions (A) to (D) is satisfied. Conditions for using the game element may be predefined for each type of game element. For example, the server device 10 may determine that the condition for using game element ID=001 (type A) is (A) that the game situation has reached a predetermined situation. The condition for using game element ID=002 (type B) is (B) that the billing situation has reached a predetermined situation. The condition for using game element ID=003 (type C) is (C) that the play frequency has reached a predetermined frequency. The condition for using game element ID=004 (type D) is (D) that the lottery situation has reached a predetermined situation.

[13] Probability of selection The server device performs a process of selecting one of a plurality of game contents (e.g., items) by lottery. In such a case, when the server device 10 accepts the use of a game element, the server device 10 may determine the probability of selection of the game element based on the type of the game element.

For example, the server device 10 sets the probability of winning a lottery when a game element is not used to 5%. Then, when the server device 10 accepts the use of a game element ID=001 (type A), the server device 10 increases the probability of winning by 5% to 10%.
When the use of game element ID=003 (type C) is accepted, the lottery probability is increased by 15% to 20%. When the use of game element ID=004 (type D) is accepted, the lottery probability is increased by 20% to 25%.

[14] Changing parameters based on the results of tallying game play information The server device 10 may tally up the game play information of each player participating in a specified game mode, and change (correct) the parameters of objects (attack power, defense power, etc.) based on the tallying results (tallying information).

Game play information is data that indicates the progress of each player (each player character), such as their level.

For example, the server device 10 tally up the levels of each player and calculate the average level, the variance (degree of dispersion) and the standard deviation (degree of deviation from the average) of the levels. The server device 10 stores game play information (e.g., level) of each player in the player information storage unit 146. The server device 10 also stores the calculated tally results (e.g., average level, variance, standard deviation) in the tally information storage unit 149. The server device 10 also stores (updates) the game play information and tally results of each player at a predetermined cycle (e.g., every minute or every hour). The server device 10 may also store a history of the game play information and tally results in the tally information storage unit 149.

Then, if the level of the player character CA of the player PA who resumed game play is lower than the average value (e.g., 50), the server device 10 increases the attack power so that the level of the player character CA approaches the average value. In other words, the server device 10 causes the computer to automatically increase the attack power of the player character CA according to the interruption period of the player PA.

The rate of increase in attack power may be determined based on the standard deviation. For example, if the average value is 50 and the standard deviation is 10, it is considered that there are many characters whose levels are within a range of 10 based on the average value. Therefore, the rate of increase in attack power is determined so that the level of the player character CA is in a range based on the average value and standard deviation (for example, a range of 40 to 60). For example, if the level of the player character CA is less than 10, the rate of increase in attack power is set to 30%, if the level of the player character CA is 10 or more but less than 40, the rate of increase in attack power is set to 20%, and if the level of the player character CA is 10 or more but less than 50 (below the average value), the rate of increase in attack power is set to 10%.

In addition, when game play is resumed, if the level of the player character CA of the player PA is equal to or higher than the average value (e.g., 50), the server device 10 controls the computer so that it does not automatically increase the attack power.

This will give players an incentive to resume playing the game, and will also help prevent players from abandoning the game.

The server device 10 may also control the attack power of players whose levels are higher than a predetermined value (e.g., the average value) so as not to increase the attack power.

When the game device 20 controls the game offline, the aggregate information (average value, variance, standard deviation, etc.) may be stored in advance in a storage unit, and the parameters of the objects (attack power, defense power, etc.) may be changed (corrected) based on the aggregate information.

The server device 10 may change parameters based on the results of the compilation of game play information, regardless of the addition or use of game elements.

Furthermore, when the server device 10 receives an instruction to use a game element, the server device 10 may further change the parameter targeted for change of the game element based on the results of the compilation of game play information. For example, the target parameter of type A of game element is "attack power", so the increase rate of attack power is changed based on the results of the compilation of game play information. Type A of game element has an attack power increase rate of 10%, but the increase rate of attack power may be further changed based on the results of the compilation of game play information. For example, the target parameter of type B of game element is "defense power", so the increase rate of defense power is changed based on the results of the compilation of game play information. Type B of game element adds 20 to defense power, but the added value of defense power may be further changed based on the results of the compilation of game play information.

[15] Display Control When a game element is assigned, the server device 10 may control so as to display information indicating that the game element has been assigned on the player's terminal device 20. Note that "displaying" information means notifying the player (player's terminal device 20) of the information, and providing (presenting) the information to the player (player's terminal device 20).

Figure 8 shows an example of the game screen Sc1 of the terminal device 20 of the player PA. For example, when the server device 10 assigns a game element of type A to the player PA, it controls the game screen Sc1 to display information indicating that the game element has been assigned.

The information indicating that a game element has been added is information A1 stating "A game element has been added" and information A2 regarding the type of game element (for example, type A and the content of type A "10% increase in attack power").

In addition, when the parameters of an object are changed based on game elements, the server device 10 may control the display of information regarding the parameter change on the player's terminal device 20.

Figure 9 shows an example of the game screen Sc2 of the terminal device 20 of player PA. For example, when the server device 10 increases the attack power of player character CA of player PA by 10% based on game elements of type A, as shown in Figure 9, the server device 10 controls the terminal device 20 of player PA to display information regarding the change in parameters of player character CA (for example, information B1 about the service content "catching up service in progress" and information B2 about the parameter change "10% increase in attack power").

[16] Preferential Option [16.1] Description of Preferential Option First, the preferential option will be described. The preferential option is a service that allows a player to receive preferential treatment. The preferential option may also be called a subscription.

The server device 10 executes preferential processing for a player to whom the preferential option is set, and controls so as not to execute preferential processing for a player to whom the preferential option is not set. Note that a "player to whom the preferential option is set" may be rephrased as an "option-set player," and a "player to whom the preferential option is not set" may be rephrased as a "non-option-set player."

The target of the preferential treatment process is the player for whom the preferential option is set or the object (player character, etc.) that is the object that is the object of operation of that player.

The "preferential treatment process" refers to a process that allows a player for whom a preferential option is set or an object that is the target of the player's operation to receive various preferential treatments. In other words, the preferential treatment process is a process that provides preferential services.

In addition, in this embodiment, the server device 10 performs preferential treatment processing within a given validity period (preferential treatment period).

In addition, when the server device 10 receives an instruction from the player to acquire the preferential option, it sets the preferential option for the player.

In this embodiment, the preferential option may be a service that requires payment (fee, chargeable). In other words, the server device 10 may set the preferential option to the player when the player consumes the fee corresponding to the preferential option.

When the preferential option is a service subject to payment, the server device 10 sets in advance the value (charge amount) corresponding to the preferential option. Then, when the server device 10 receives a payment instruction (payment instruction) for the preferential option, it performs a process to consume the value corresponding to the preferential option and sets the preferential option for the player. Note that, when the server device 10 receives in advance an automatic payment instruction from the player at the end of the valid period of the preferential option to continue using the preferential option for the next valid period, the server device 10 may automatically accept a payment instruction for the preferential option for the next valid period at the end of the valid period.

The payment processing of the server device 10 may be performed by a payment server connected to the server device 10 via a network.

The process of consuming the value corresponding to the preferential option includes consuming (subtracting) the value corresponding to the preferential option from in-game currency, virtual currency, points, etc. associated with the player ID, paying the value corresponding to the preferential option from electronic money associated with the player ID, paying the value corresponding to the preferential option from a credit card associated with the player ID, etc.

In addition, there may be multiple types of preferential options. For example, there may be multiple types of preferential options with different preferential treatments and validity periods.

In addition, when there are multiple types of preferential options, a price (charge amount) corresponding to each preferential option is set in advance for each preferential option. For example, the higher the preferential content (preferential effect) enjoyed by the player, the higher the price is set. Then, when the server device 10 or the payment server receives a payment instruction for a preferential option selected by the player from multiple preferential options, it performs a process of consuming the price corresponding to that preferential option and sets that preferential option for that player.

The valid period (preferential period) is a period (also called a season) indicating a division from the start timing of a predetermined game to a predetermined end timing. The valid period may also be a period from the start timing of a predetermined game or the start timing of a predetermined event such as the start of a match to a timing associated with an event such as the player character reaching a goal.

The preferential option information is stored in the player information storage unit 146. The preferential option information includes the player ID of each player, and flag information indicating whether or not the preferential option is set for each player (hereinafter referred to as "preferential option setting flag information"). For example, for a player for whom a preferential option is set, the preferential option setting flag is set to "1" in association with the player's ID, and for a player for whom a preferential option is not set, the preferential option setting flag is set to "0" in association with the player's ID. If there are multiple preferential options, a preferential option setting flag is set for each preferential option.

[16.2] Preferential Processing The server device 10 executes preferential processing for players to whom the preferential option is set, while controlling so as not to execute preferential processing for players to whom the preferential option is not set.

In this embodiment, one of the preferential treatment processes may be to grant game elements to a player based on the player's interruption period.

In other words, the server device 10 determines whether or not the preferential option has been paid for by the player, and if it determines that the preferential option has been paid for, performs processing to grant the game element to the player as a benefit based on the interruption period. The timing of granting the game element may be when game play is resumed, or at a given timing after the resumption.

In this way, a service can be provided that does not make players feel as though they are losing out when they pay for preferential options even though they are not playing the game.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, as one of the preferential treatment processes, the use of game elements may be accepted for players for whom preferential options are set.

Then, when the server device 10 determines that payment for the preferential option has been made and accepts the use of a game element, it changes the parameters of the object based on that game element.

For example, the server device 10 accepts the use of game elements from a player for whom the preferential option has been set, based on the player's operation information. Alternatively, the server device 10 may accept the use of game elements from a player for whom the preferential option has been set, automatically by the computer (CPU), regardless of the player's operation information.

In other words, when the server device 10 accepts the use of a game element from the player's operation information or computer control for a player to whom the preferential option is set, the server device 10 changes the parameters of the object based on the game element. For example, when the server device 10 accepts the use of a game element of type A from a player PA to whom the preferential option is set, the attack power of the player character CA of the player PA can be increased by 10%.

In this way, players who have acquired the preferential option can be assured that they will not feel any loss during the interruption period. In addition, delays during the interruption period can be made up for, so a service that gives players a sense of satisfaction can be provided.

The server device 10 may also perform processing to change the content of the game elements depending on at least one of the type of preferential option and the payment amount for the preferential option.

For example, preferential option a and preferential option b both perform preferential processing to grant game elements to a player and preferential processing to accept the game elements based on the player's suspension period. The preferential option a is priced at 500 yen, and the preferential option b is priced at 250 yen.

Then, when the player PA suspends and then resumes game play, if preferential option a is set for the player PA, the server device 10 will grant type A game elements (10% increase in attack power) to the player PA, and if preferential option b is set for the player PA, the server device 10 will grant type G game elements (5% increase in attack power). In other words, type G game elements are considered to be inferior to type A game elements.

In this embodiment, various processes may be performed so that a player to whom the preferential option is set is provided with a more advantageous effect in the game than a player to whom the preferential option is not set. For example, when a player to whom the preferential option is set and a player to whom the preferential option is not set clear the same mission, the player to whom the preferential option is set may be given a special item, and the player to whom the preferential option is not set may not be given the special item.

[16.3] Guidance for Acquiring Preferential Option The server device 10 may present a guidance for acquiring the preferential option to a player who has not set the preferential option and who resumes a game play that was interrupted.

Figure 10 shows an example of a screen Sc3 including guidance information for acquiring a preferential option displayed on the terminal device 20 of the player PA. For example, when the preferential option setting flag associated with the ID of the player PA is "0", the server device 10 controls the terminal device 20 of the player PA to display guidance information for the preferential option when the game play of the player PA is resumed. The guidance information is, for example, a message such as "Would you like to subscribe to the preferential option? The purchase price is 100 coins" or charge amount information C1, game element information such as "If you subscribe to the preferential option, you will be given a game element of type A (attack power 10% up)" C2, and a link for instructing acquisition of the preferential option (a link for performing a process for purchasing the preferential option) C3. The guidance information for the preferential option may include the validity period of the preferential option.

[16.4] Others Although the preferential options are described as being subject to a charge, the preferential options may not be subject to a charge. In other words, the preferential options may be free of charge.

The preferential option may also be acquired by the player as a game item. For example, in "setting a preferential option," the preferential option is set by using (consuming) a game item for the preferential option that the player possesses. In such a case, when the game item for the preferential option is acquired, the preferential option may be set for the player at the same time as the acquisition.

The preferential option may be acquired by the player as "authority to receive preferential treatment" without the use of a game item. For example, for "setting the preferential option", the preferential option is set by activating the authority held by the player. In such a case, when the authority for the preferential option is acquired, the preferential option may be set for the player at the same time as the acquisition.

Preferential options may also be options acquired and set by a player through transfer from another player.

The preferential option may also be an option that is acquired and set by the player if the player wins the lottery process.

The preferential options may also be acquired and set by the player based on his/her registration as a game member or for a platform service that provides the game.

[17] Flowchart Next, the flow of parameter change processing of the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

First, it is determined whether the player has stopped playing the game (step S1). In other words, it is determined whether the player has stopped playing the game in a specific game mode.

If the game is interrupted (Y in step S1), the timing of the interruption is stored in the memory unit in association with the player's ID (step S2).

Next, it is determined whether the player has resumed game play (step S3). In other words, it is determined whether the player has resumed game play in the specified game mode that was interrupted by the player.

If the game is restarted (Y in step S3), the timing of the restart is stored in the memory unit in association with the player's ID (step S4).

Then, the game elements to be given to the player are determined based on the interruption period from the time of interruption to the time of resumption (step S5). For example, the type and quantity of game elements are determined according to the length of the interruption period.

A process of assigning game elements to the player is performed (step S6). For example, the server device 10 stores information about the game elements assigned to the player in a storage unit.

When the use of a game element is accepted, the parameters of the object associated with the player are changed based on the game element (step S7). For example, when the use of a type A game element that increases attack power by 10% is accepted based on the player's operation information or computer control (CPU control), the attack power of the player character associated with the player is increased by 10%. This ends the process.

[18] Method of Determining Game Elements Based on Analysis Results In this embodiment, information such as how much other players have grown during the interruption period when the player has interrupted game play, and how other players who are at the same level or a similar level to the player who interrupted the game have grown and are currently playing the game may be analyzed. Then, based on the analysis results, game elements (benefits) may be determined and granted to the player so that the player can catch up relatively easily.

First, the server device 10 records the game play information of each player in a storage unit with time information added. For example, the game play information of each player is stored in the storage unit 140 (for example, the aggregate information storage unit 149) in association with the time at a predetermined cycle (for example, every minute). The game play information includes growth factors such as the player's level, the level of each character owned by the player, and items acquired by the player.

The server device 10 then analyzes the growth factors of the other players during the player's suspension period. For example, for the sake of convenience, let's take player PA as an example. Suppose player PA suspends game play at time T1 and then resumes it at time T2. Then, at the time T2 when player PA resumes game play, the server device 10 acquires game play information of the other players during the period from time T1 when game play was suspended to time T2 when the game was resumed.

Here, the other players are players who are at the same or similar level as the level of player PA at the time of interruption of game play T1, or players who have a predetermined relationship with player PA (e.g., friend players). There may be one or more other players, or a predetermined number (e.g., 10 players).

In other words, the server device 10 performs a process of analyzing the growth factors of other players based on the game play information (e.g., level) of the player PA at the time T1 when the game play is interrupted.

The following explanation will be given using an example where, at time T1 when player PA's game play is suspended, players PA, PB, and PC are all at level "10," and players PB and PC are other players related to player PA.

For example, the server device 10 analyzes the game play information of the players PB and PC during the interruption period (the period from T1 to T2) from when the game play of the player PA is interrupted to when it is resumed (T2).

For example, the levels of player PB and player PC at time T1 when game play by player PA is interrupted, and the levels of player PB and player PC at time T2 when game play is resumed are obtained.

Then, the server device 10 analyzes the increase in the levels of the player PB and the PC during the suspension period of the player PA. For example, if the level of the player PB increases from "10" to "12" during the suspension period of the player PA, the increase in the level of the player PB is calculated to be "2." Also, if the level of the player PC increases from "10" to "20" during the suspension period of the player PA, the increase in the level of the player PC is calculated to be "10."

The server device 10 may also calculate the average value of the increase in the levels of the players PB and PC during the interruption period of the player PA. For example, the average value of the increase in the levels of the other players PB and PC is "6."

The server device 10 may also calculate the level increase value of each character owned by the player PB and the PC during the interruption period of the player PA, and the average value of the level increase value of each of the characters.

The server device 10 may also calculate the items acquired by the player PB and the player PC and the average number of items acquired during the interruption period of the player PA.

Then, the server device 10 determines the game elements to be granted to the player PA based on the analysis results.

For example, based on the increase of "2" of player PB during player PA's interruption period, the server device 10 determines the game element to be granted to player PA that will enable the player PA to catch up to the level of player PB. For example, the server device 10 determines the game element to be granted to player PA to be an item that increases attack power by 10%.

The server device 10 may determine a game element that will enable player PB and player PC to catch up to the average level based on the average increase of "6" for player PB and player PC during player PA's interruption period. For example, the server device 10 may determine an item that increases attack power by 30% as the game element to be granted to player PA.

The server device 10 determines the parameters of the game elements to be given to the player PA based on the analysis result value based on the analysis result.

For example, the parameters of the game elements (attack power, defense power, recovery power, agility, etc.) given to the player PA may be controlled so that the higher the increase in the level of the player PB during the player PA's interruption period (one example of an analysis result value) the higher the parameter.

The increase in the level of the player PB is one example of an analysis result value. The analysis result value may be the number of items acquired by the player PB during the suspension period of the player PA. Furthermore, the analysis result value is not limited to a value for an individual player PB. For example, the analysis result value may be the average value of the increase in the levels of multiple other players PB or PCs, or the average value of the number of items acquired by the player PB or PC during the suspension period of the player PA.

Furthermore, the server device 10 may determine game elements based on the results of an analysis of the gameplay information of other players during the player's interrupted period, and on the gameplay information (e.g., level, number of acquired items, etc.) up until the time the player's gameplay was interrupted.

For example, if the level of player PA at time T1 when game play is interrupted is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., level 80 or greater), the server device 10 can predict that the player is a highly skilled player. On the other hand, if the level of player PA at time T1 when game play is interrupted is less than a predetermined value (e.g., level less than 10), the server device 10 can predict that the player is a less skilled player.

Therefore, the server device 10 may determine the game elements to be granted based on the level of the player PA at the time T1 when game play was interrupted. For example, the game elements granted to players at level 80 or higher may be items with lower parameters, such as attack power, than the game elements granted to players below level 10.

To be more specific, the server device 10 increases the parameters of game elements (attack power, defense power, recovery power, agility, etc.) granted to player PA as the analysis result values of other players (e.g., the increase in the level of player PB) increase during the interruption period of player PA, and further adjusts the parameters of the game elements to be decreased by 10% if the level of player PA at the time of interruption of game play T1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., level 80 or greater), and increases the parameters of the game elements by 10% if the level of player PA at the time of interruption of game play T1 is less than a predetermined value (e.g., level less than 10).

In addition, if the number of items acquired by the player PA up until the time T1 when game play is interrupted is large in recovery items and attack items and small in defense items, the server device 10 may determine that defense items are to be awarded as game elements.

The server device 10 may also predict the growth value of the player PA after the game play restart time T2 based on the past game play information of the player PA. Then, the server device 10 may determine game elements for catching up with other players based on the analysis results of the game play information of the player PB and PC and the predicted growth value of the player PA.

For example, the server device 10 calculates the increase in level per unit time (e.g., one hour of game play) during the game play period from when the player PA starts the game to the time T1 when the game play is interrupted as a growth value. Then, the server device 10 determines the game elements based on the growth value of the level.

For example, the server device 10 increases the parameters of the game elements (attack power, defense power, recovery power, agility, etc.) granted to the player PA as the analysis result value of other players (e.g., the increase in the level of the player PB) increases during the interruption period of the player PA, and further controls the parameters of the game elements to be decreased by 10% if the growth value of the player PA is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 3 or more), and increases the parameters of the game elements by 10% if the growth value of the player PA is less than the predetermined value (e.g., less than 1).

[19] Application Examples [19.1] Set Number of Game Elements The server device 10 may set a set number of game elements for the player in advance, and grant game elements according to the set number.

For example, when the set number is one, the server device 10 controls so that only one game element is granted and two or more game elements cannot be granted.

In addition, when a player makes a payment to increase the number of settings, the server device 10 may increase the number of settings according to the amount of the payment. For example, the number of settings may be increased by one each time a payment is made for in-game currency (100 coins).

The server device 10 may also associate the type of parameter that is the target of the game element with the set number. For example, the type of parameter is the type of parameter that is affected by the use of the game element, such as "attack power," "defense power," "recovery power," "speed," etc.

The server device may then increase the number of settings for a different type each time a charge is made (e.g., a process for consuming 100 in-game coins). Note that if the player has reserved the settings for all types, the server device may also increase the number of settings for the same type redundantly.

This allows players to acquire a wide variety of game elements, increasing their desire to resume playing the game.

[19.2] Examples of Granting Game Elements If the server device 10 has uniformly granted game elements (e.g., specific Christmas-only items) to other players who were playing the game during the player PA's interruption period, the server device 10 may grant those game elements to the player PA when the player PA resumes playing the game.

[19.3] Processing without Granting Game Elements Although the server device 10 of the present embodiment grants game elements to a player based on the interruption period and varies an object associated with the player by using the game elements based on the player's operation information or computer control (CPU control), it may also perform processing that does not require game elements. For example, the server device 10 may vary parameters of an object associated with a player based on the interruption period.

[19.4] Processing of Terminal Device In this embodiment, some or all of the processing performed by the server device 10 may be performed by the terminal device 20.

[20] 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 game element providing unit,
112 game element determination unit,
113 Parameter control unit,
114 Selection processing unit,
115 Time limit control section,
116 Analysis Department,
117 Settlement Judgment Department,
140 storage unit,
142 main memory section,
144 game data storage unit,
146 player information storage unit,
148 game element memory unit,
149 tally information storage unit,
180 Information storage medium,
196 Communications Department,
120 input unit,
130 display section,
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 storage section,
271 Main memory section,
272 drawing buffer,
280 Information storage medium,
290 display section,
292 sound output unit,
296 Communications Department

Claims (22)

A game system for controlling parameters of an object associated with a player, comprising:
a game element providing unit that provides a game element to the player when the player resumes game play after interrupting the game play, based on an interruption period from the interruption to the restart of the game play;
a parameter control unit that, when a use of a game element is accepted, changes a parameter of the object based on the game element;
a time limit control unit that sets a time limit for a game element when the game element is used;
Including,
The term control unit is
A game system comprising: a game element control section for controlling a game player to play a game on a game device; a game element control section for controlling a game player; In claim 1 ,
The term control unit is
A game system characterized in that an expiration date of a game element is set according to the type of the game element. A game system for controlling parameters of an object associated with a player, comprising:
a game element providing unit that provides a game element to the player when the player resumes game play after interrupting the game play, based on an interruption period from the interruption to the restart of the game play;
a parameter control unit that, when a use of a game element is accepted, changes a parameter of the object based on the game element;
a game element determination unit that determines a game element to be awarded to the player;
an analysis unit that performs processing to analyze growth factors of other players during the interruption period;
Including,
The game element determination unit
A game system characterized in that at least one of the quantity and type of the game elements is determined based on the analysis results by the analysis unit. A game system for controlling parameters of an object associated with a player, comprising:
a game element providing unit that provides a game element to the player when the player resumes game play after interrupting the game play, based on an interruption period from the interruption to the restart of the game play;
a parameter control unit that, when a use of a game element is accepted, changes a parameter of the object based on the game element;
a game element determination unit that determines a game element to be awarded to the player;
an analysis unit that performs processing to analyze growth factors of other players during the interruption period;
Including,
The game element determination unit
A game system characterized in that the game elements are determined based on the analysis results by the analysis unit. In claim 3 or 4 ,
The game element determination unit
A game system characterized in that parameters of the game elements are determined based on the analysis results by the analysis unit. In any one of claims 3 to 5 ,
The analysis unit includes:
A game system characterized by carrying out a process of analyzing growth factors of other players based on game play information at the time when the game play of the player was interrupted. In any one of claims 3 to 6 ,
The game element determination unit
The game system determines the game elements based on the analysis results and game play information up until the time when the player's game play was interrupted. A game system for controlling parameters of an object associated with a player, comprising:
a game element providing unit that provides a game element to the player when the player resumes game play after interrupting the game play, based on an interruption period from the interruption to the restart of the game play;
a parameter control unit that, when a use of a game element is accepted, changes a parameter of the object based on the game element;
a settlement determination unit that determines whether or not a settlement for a preferential option, which indicates an option for giving a preferential treatment to the game to the player, has been made within a valid period;
The game element providing unit includes:
A game system characterized in that, when it is determined that payment for the preferential option has been made, a process is performed to grant the game element to the player based on the interruption period. A game system for controlling parameters of an object associated with a player, comprising:
a game element providing unit that provides a game element to the player when the player resumes game play after interrupting the game play, based on an interruption period from the interruption to the restart of the game play;
a parameter control unit that, when a use of a game element is accepted, changes a parameter of the object based on the game element;
a settlement determination unit that determines whether or not a settlement for a preferential option, which indicates an option for giving a preferential treatment to the game to the player, has been made within a valid period;
The parameter control unit includes:
A game system characterized in that, when it is determined that payment for the preferential option has been made, use of the game element is accepted. In claim 8 or 9 ,
A game system further comprising a game element determination unit that performs processing to change the content of the game element depending on at least one of the type of the preferential option and the payment amount of the preferential option. In any one of claims 1 to 10 ,
A game element determination unit that determines a game element to be awarded to the player,
The game element determination unit
A game system characterized in that at least one of the number and type of game elements to be given to the player is varied depending on the length of the interruption period. In any one of claims 1 to 11 ,
The parameter control unit includes:
A game system characterized in that, when use of a game element is accepted, parameters of the object are changed based on the type of the game element. In any one of claims 1 to 12 ,
The parameter control unit includes:
A game system characterized in that, when use of a game element is accepted, parameters of the object are changed based on the type of the game element and whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. In any one of claims 1 to 13 ,
A selection processing unit that performs a process of selecting one of the game media by lottery from among the plurality of game media,
The selection processing unit:
A game system characterized in that, when use of a game element is accepted, the lottery probability of the lottery is determined based on the type of the game element. In any one of claims 1 to 14 ,
The parameter control unit includes:
A game system comprising: a computer that collects game play information of each player; and a parameter of the object is changed based on the collected information. In any one of claims 1 to 15 ,
A game system further comprising a display control unit which, when the game element is awarded, displays information indicating that the game element has been awarded on a player's terminal device. In any one of claims 1 to 16 ,
A game system further comprising a display control unit that, when a parameter of the object is changed based on the game element, displays information regarding the change in parameter on a player's terminal device. A program for controlling parameters of an object associated with a player,
a game element providing unit that provides a game element to the player when the player resumes game play after interrupting the game play, based on an interruption period from the interruption to the restart of the game play;
a parameter control unit that, when a use of a game element is accepted, changes a parameter of the object based on the game element;
causing the computer to function as a time limit control unit that sets a time limit for a game element when the game element is accepted for use;
The term control unit is
A program comprising: a program for setting an expiration date of the game element such that the expiration date of the game element is extended according to the length of the interruption period. A program for controlling parameters of an object associated with a player,
a game element providing unit that provides a game element to the player when the player resumes game play after interrupting the game play, based on an interruption period from the interruption to the restart of the game play;
a parameter control unit that, when a use of a game element is accepted, changes a parameter of the object based on the game element;
a game element determination unit that determines a game element to be awarded to the player;
causing a computer to function as an analysis unit that performs processing to analyze growth factors of other players during said interruption period;
The game element determination unit
A program characterized by determining at least one of the quantity and type of the game elements based on the analysis results by the analysis unit. A program for controlling parameters of an object associated with a player,
a game element providing unit that provides a game element to the player when the player resumes game play after interrupting the game play, based on an interruption period from the interruption to the restart of the game play;
a parameter control unit that, when a use of a game element is accepted, changes a parameter of the object based on the game element;
a game element determination unit that determines a game element to be awarded to the player;
causing a computer to function as an analysis unit that performs processing to analyze growth factors of other players during said interruption period;
The game element determination unit
A program characterized by determining the game elements based on the analysis results by the analysis unit. A program for controlling parameters of an object associated with a player,
a game element providing unit that provides a game element to the player when the player resumes game play after interrupting the game play, based on an interruption period from the interruption to the restart of the game play;
a parameter control unit that, when a use of a game element is accepted, changes a parameter of the object based on the game element;
causing the computer to function as a settlement determination unit that determines whether or not a settlement has been made for a preferential option, which indicates an option for giving a preferential treatment to the game to the player, within a valid period;
The game element providing unit includes:
A program characterized by carrying out a process of granting the game element to the player based on the interruption period when it is determined that the preferential option has been paid for. A program for controlling parameters of an object associated with a player,
a game element providing unit that provides a game element to the player when the player resumes game play after interrupting the game play, based on an interruption period from the interruption to the restart of the game play;
a parameter control unit that, when a use of a game element is accepted, changes a parameter of the object based on the game element;
causing the computer to function as a settlement determination unit that determines whether or not a settlement has been made for a preferential option, which indicates an option for giving a preferential treatment to the game to the player, within a valid period;
The parameter control unit includes:
A program characterized by accepting use of a game element when it is determined that payment for the preferential option has been made.