JP7807675B2 - Information processing system, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act applies. Released on July 7, 2023 at the Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.capcom.android.mhpuzzle)

This disclosure relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

Patent document 1 discloses a control method for activating a game or an event within a game.

A control method for a server device that provides this game includes the steps of: storing a user's activity status in the game or in-game events; judging the stored user's activity status; setting lottery objects for the user to select from multiple groups, each with a different number of rewards corresponding to a rarity level, based on the results of the judgment; creating setting information for displaying the set lottery objects on the user's terminal device; and storing a reward corresponding to the selected lottery object in association with the user in response to the user's selection operation of the lottery object.When the judgment step determines that the activity status satisfies a first predetermined condition, the setting step changes at least one of the number of rewards and the rarity level to set the lottery object.

JP 2016-174948 A

However, there is still room for improvement in the functionality of the above-mentioned publicly known technologies.

This disclosure takes the above circumstances into consideration and aims to provide a new technology.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing system is provided. The information processing system includes a processor capable of executing a program to perform the following steps. In the identification step, specific users who satisfy the same conditions regarding their user information are identified from among multiple users playing a game. The specific users include at least a first specific user and a second specific user. These users are granted a predetermined set of benefits based on their game play history. In the first granting step, even though all of the specific users satisfy the same conditions, the first specific user is granted a predetermined set of benefits in accordance with a first benefit pattern. The second specific user is granted a predetermined set of benefits in accordance with a second benefit pattern different from the first benefit pattern.

This disclosure provides a novel technology.

1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information processing device 2 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an activity diagram showing an overview of information processing executed by the information processing system 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a grouping process. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of a benefit granting screen 5 (benefit granting screens 5a and 5b) showing an example of a first benefit pattern (an example of a benefit pattern). FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a bonus award screen 6 showing an example of a second bonus pattern. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a bonus award screen 7 showing an example of a second bonus pattern. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a bonus award screen 8 showing an example of a second bonus pattern. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a bonus award screen 9 showing an example of a first bonus pattern.

[Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

The program for realizing the software featured in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, may be provided as a downloadable medium from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is launched on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

In this embodiment, the term "unit" can also include, for example, hardware resources implemented by circuits in the broad sense, and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. This embodiment handles a variety of information, which can be represented, for example, by physical signal values representing voltage and current, high and low signal values as a collection of binary bits consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations can be performed on circuits in the broad sense.

In a broad sense, a circuit is a circuit realized by at least an appropriate combination of a circuit, circuitry, processor, memory, etc. In other words, it includes application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (e.g., simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), etc.

1. Description of the Game Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. In the information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1, an information processing device 2 and a plurality of game devices 3 are communicably connected to each other via a communication network 11, and a game is executed on the game devices 3. In other words, the information processing system 1 is an information processing system consisting of at least one device.

The game according to this embodiment is an online game executed by the information processing system 1. In this game, a user of the game device 3 controls one or more player characters to act in a virtual game space, and pits the player characters against enemy characters, which are non-player characters. A character is also an example of an object.

The above-described games are played using a game device 3, which may be a home game console such as a PlayStation (registered trademark), a portable game console such as a Nintendo Switch (registered trademark), or an electronic device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet device.

2. Overview of Information Processing System 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the information processing system 1 is composed of an information processing device 2 and multiple game devices 3. The information processing device 2 stores game programs and game data, and manages the game data of the game devices 3 (for each account information described below). The information processing device 2 is composed of, for example, a server. Each of the multiple game devices 3 has the same configuration. Note that in this embodiment, a system is composed of one or more devices or components. Therefore, for example, the information processing device 2 or game device 3 described below alone can also be an example of the information processing system 1.

The game device 3 executes a predetermined game based on user operations. To do so, the game device 3 receives (specifically, downloads and installs) a game program and game data from the information processing device 2 via the communications network 11. Each user is assigned account information, including identification information and a password, that is associated with the game device 3. This account information is transmitted from the game device 3 to the information processing device 2 at login and is used for user authentication on the information processing device 2.

After user authentication, the information processing device 2 and game device 3 become able to communicate with each other. After logging in, the game device 3 receives data necessary for game progress (data related to the game progress status) from the information processing device 2, and then progresses the game while outputting game images and sounds to the display 4a and speaker 4b based on user operations.

2.1 Hardware Configuration Hereinafter, each hardware configuration of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

<Information processing device 2>
1, the information processing device 2 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. The communication unit 21 and the storage unit 22 are electrically connected to the control unit 23 via a communication bus 20.

The communication unit 21 is a so-called network interface that is communicatively connected to each game device 3 via a communication network 11 such as the Internet or a LAN. Main information received by the information processing device 2 via the communication unit 21 includes game program download request information, gacha lottery requests in response to user operations, quest execution requests, autoplay execution/end requests, account information, game data, etc. Main information transmitted by the information processing device 2 via the communication unit 21 includes information confirming that the game program has been received by the game device 3, information related to game media obtained through gacha, etc.

The storage unit 22 is composed of a hard disk drive (HDD), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 22 stores various programs, including part of the game program according to this embodiment, as well as various game-related data.

Specifically, for example, the storage unit 22 stores a user DB and a lottery list. The user DB stores user information for each user identification number (user ID) playing the game. User information is information about the game associated with the user, and specifically includes, for example, the user name, account information (including the user ID), user rank, user attributes, information such as the status of the player character operated by the user, the amount of consumable media usable in the virtual game space, parameter information, game progress, login history, and billing history. The lottery list is used for a lottery process commonly known as gacha, and includes multiple pieces of information about game media to be selected. The lottery list associates information about the game media (such as name, ability parameters, rarity, and level) with the selection rate in the lottery. Furthermore, ability parameters include, for example, combat power, HP, attack power, defense power, intelligence, and speed if the game media is a player character.

The control unit 23 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of its own device, the information processing device 2. In particular, the control unit 23 realizes various functions related to its own device, the information processing device 2, by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 22. In other words, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically realized by the control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, and each of the functional units described below can be executed. Note that the control unit 23 is not limited to being single, and implementation may include multiple control units 23 for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

Examples of information processing executed by the control unit 23 include payment settlement processing, user account authentication processing, and gacha lottery selection processing. Payment settlement processing is executed, for example, based on a request for payment necessary to restore a predetermined amount of in-game parameters. User account authentication processing is executed, for example, using user identification information received from the game device 3. Gacha lottery selection processing is processing in which, in response to a gacha lottery request, one or more game media are selected by lottery from a lottery list based on the selection probability for each game medium. According to the gacha lottery selection processing, information about the selected game media and the identification information of the user who performed the operation that sent the lottery request are associated in the user DB, and the user is thereby awarded the game media that they won as a result of their own gacha draw.

To further expand on the above, "game media" refers to electronic data representing elements related to a game, such as the name of the character used as the player character and items (weapons, armor, tools) used by the player character in the virtual game space. Users can obtain game media through direct purchase, completing quests, or through a lottery system known as gacha. Obtained game media is stored and managed in a user DB in association with the identification information of the user who has acquired the game media. Furthermore, "gacha" is a method in which an information processing device 2 randomly selects game media from a lottery list based on a predetermined selection rate. The selected game media is then granted to the user's game device 3. "Granting game media selected through gacha to a user/owning the user" is synonymous with "associating/being associated with the game media selected through the lottery process with identification information identifying the user."

<Game Device 3>
A display 4a, a speaker 4b, and an input device 4c are externally connected or built into the game device 3. The game device 3 also has a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a control unit 33, a graphics processing unit 34a, an audio processing unit 34b, and an operation unit 34c. The communication unit 31, the storage unit 32, the graphics processing unit 34a, the audio processing unit 34b, and the operation unit 34c are electrically connected to the control unit 33 via a communication bus 30.

The communication unit 31 is a so-called network interface that is communicatively connected to the communication network 11 in order to send and receive various data between the game device 3 and the information processing device 2. Main information received by the game device 3 via the communication unit 31 includes account information, download request information for new game data, a gacha execution request, a quest execution request, etc. Main information transmitted by the game device 3 via the communication unit 31 includes new game data sent from the information processing device 2 in response to download request information, information regarding game media selected by lottery processing, etc.

The storage unit 32 is composed of an HDD, SSD, RAM, ROM, etc. The storage unit 32 stores game data downloaded from the information processing device 2, various programs including part of the game program, account information for the game device 3 itself, user information, etc. The user information is at least a portion of the information in the user DB stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2. The user DB manages a master of the user information, and the storage unit 32 of the game device 3 stores at least a portion of this master information distributed from the information processing device 2.

The control unit 33 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the game device 3 itself. In particular, the control unit 33 realizes various functions related to the game device 3 itself by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 32. In other words, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 32 is specifically realized by the control unit 33, which is an example of hardware, and each of the functional units described below can be executed. Note that the control unit 33 is not limited to being single, and multiple control units 33 may be provided for each function. A combination of these may also be used. In other words, the information processing system 1 is equipped with a processor capable of executing programs to perform each of the steps described below.

In particular, the control unit 33 is configured to execute the game in accordance with the operation of the input device 4c by the user of the game device 3, which is the device itself. Specifically, the control unit 33 reads data such as virtual game space objects and textures included in the game data from the storage unit 32, or generates two-dimensional or three-dimensional game image information using data received from the information processing device 2. The game image information is processed by the graphics processing unit 34a, and the processed game images are sequentially displayed on the display 4a. In other words, the control unit 33 is configured to control the display of the display 4a and the audio output of the speaker 4b in accordance with the operation of the user of the game device 3, which is the device itself, when executing the game.

The graphics processing unit 34a renders game images, including characters and various objects related to the virtual game space, in animated format in accordance with game image information output from the control unit 33. The graphics processing unit 34a is connected to the display 4a, which may be, for example, an LCD, and the game images rendered in animated format are displayed on the display 4a as a game screen. The audio processing unit 34b is connected to the speaker 4b and plays and synthesizes game audio in accordance with instructions from the control unit 33, outputting this from the speaker 4b. The operation unit 34c is connected to the input device 4c and transmits and receives data related to operation inputs to and from the input device 4c. The user inputs operation signals to the game apparatus 3 by operating the input device 4c. The input device 4c is a general term for a touch panel integrated with the display 4a, an external game pad, a mouse, a keyboard, etc.

2.2 Functional Configuration Next, the functional configuration of the information processing device 2 of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 23 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 22, thereby functioning as a reception unit 231, a display control unit 232, an identification unit 233, an assignment unit 234, a determination unit 235, a change unit 236, and a calculation unit 237. In other words, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically realized by the control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 23.

The reception unit 231 is configured to receive various data. For example, the reception unit 231 receives user information, game data, input from the user, etc. from the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2 or the game device 3. In this embodiment, the various information received by the reception unit 231 is described as being stored in the storage unit 22.

The display control unit 232 displays various information stored in the memory unit 32 or screens containing such information on the display 4a of the game device 3 in a visible manner. Specifically, the display control unit 232 may generate visual information itself, such as screens, images (e.g., still images or videos), icons, text, etc., generated in a manner visible to humans, or may generate rendering information for displaying the visual information on the display 4a and transmit this, for example.

The identification unit 233 is configured to identify various pieces of information as an identification step. For example, the identification unit 233 is configured to identify a specific user from multiple users playing the game.

The granting unit 234 is configured to grant various benefits to specific users based on their game play history as a first granting step or a second granting step.

The determination unit 235 is configured to make various determinations based on various information as a determination step. For example, the determination unit 235 is configured to determine the level of game achievement based on the play history.

The change unit 236 is configured to change various settings as a change step. For example, the change unit 236 changes the pattern for granting benefits assigned to a specific user. Details will be described later.

The calculation unit 237 is configured to perform various information processing calculations related to the information processing device 2.

3. Overview of Information Processing This section provides an overview of the flow of the information processing method executed by the information processing system 1. FIG. 3 is an activity diagram showing an overview of the information processing executed by the information processing system 1. The results of the processing in each activity included in the information processing described below may be output in a manner that is recognizable to the user, as appropriate, using the display 4a of the game device 3, etc. Note that the information processing may include any exception processing not shown. Exception processing includes the interruption of the information processing or the omission of each process. The selection or input performed in the information processing may be based on a user operation or may be performed automatically without relying on a user operation.

First, the reception unit 231 receives user information from the memory unit 22 (activity A001). The memory unit 22 stores user information for all users playing the game, so the reception unit 231 receives multiple pieces of user information corresponding to all or some of the information.

Next, the calculation unit 237 executes a process to extract predetermined elements from the received user information, and the identification unit 233 uses the extracted predetermined elements to identify specific users among multiple users playing the game who satisfy the same conditions regarding their user information (activity A002). In this case, the same conditions indicate identity or commonality in the predetermined elements of the user information, and specifically, for example, at least one of the following: the same game progress, the same user attributes, and the history of payment for the same game. Examples of game progress include user rank, number of quests completed, and play time or number of days. User attributes include various information such as age, gender, occupation, nationality, and address. Payment history includes information such as the amount charged within a specified period and the frequency of payment. As an example, the following describes the case where specific users who satisfy the same game progress are identified using the three conditions included in game progress: "beginner," "intermediate player," and "advanced player."

Next, the calculation unit 237 performs a grouping process to associate users with specific groups (activity A003). In the processing of activity A002, the identification unit 233 identified multiple specific users for each of the three conditions: "beginner," "intermediate," and "advanced." Based on this, the calculation unit 237 performs a first grouping process to associate multiple specific users who meet the "beginner" condition with a "beginner group." Similarly, the calculation unit 237 performs a grouping process to associate multiple specific users who meet the "intermediate" condition with an "intermediate group," and performs a grouping process to associate multiple specific users who meet the "advanced" condition with an "advanced group" (see Figure 4).

Furthermore, the calculation unit 237 performs a second grouping process to further subdivide each of the "beginner group," "intermediate group," and "advanced group." The grouping conditions in the second grouping process should be different from those in the first grouping process, and should result in groups with as equal a number of users as possible. For example, the grouping may be performed using a specified element of user information, or users may be randomly selected and divided. As an example, the following describes a case in which the "beginner group" is divided into groups based on whether the last digit of a user ID, which is a string of numbers, is an even or odd number. Note that grouping may also be performed to increase the number of users belonging to a particular group; for example, the number of users belonging to each group may be adjusted by adjusting the number of characters at the end of the user ID. The second grouping process for the "intermediate group" and "advanced group" is substantially similar to the second grouping process for the "beginner group," and therefore will not be described here.

The calculation unit 237 executes a process to extract the last digit of the user ID included in the user information received in activity A001. The calculation unit 237 then executes a process to further associate, among the multiple specific users associated with the "beginner group," specific users whose last digit is an even number with the "beginner group A," and executes a process to further associate specific users whose last digit is an odd number with the "beginner group B." The calculation unit 237 executes a similar second grouping process for the "intermediate group" and the "advanced group." Furthermore, the identification unit 233 identifies specific users belonging to "beginner group A" as first specific users, and specific users belonging to "beginner group B" as second specific users. In other words, the specific users include at least the first specific user and the second specific user.

Next, the calculation unit 237 executes a process of associating a first bonus pattern with a first specific user belonging to "beginner group A" (an example of a first group) (activity A104). In parallel with activity A104, the calculation unit 237 executes a process of associating a second bonus pattern with a second specific user belonging to "beginner group B" (an example of a second group) (activity A204). The display control unit 232 causes a bonus awarding screen (see Figures 5 to 8) corresponding to the first bonus pattern to be displayed in a visible manner on the display 4a of the game device 3 of the first specific user. The display control unit 232 causes a bonus awarding screen (see Figures 5 to 8) corresponding to the second bonus pattern to be displayed in a visible manner on the display 4a of the game device 3 of the second specific user. In this case, the bonus pattern is the order in which multiple different types of individual bonuses are awarded, and the first bonus pattern and the second bonus pattern are bonus patterns in which the individual bonuses are awarded in mutually different orders. Furthermore, regardless of the bonus pattern, a predetermined bonus set is awarded when all individual bonuses are awarded. In other words, the predetermined bonus set is made up of multiple individual bonuses of different types. In other words, the order in which the individual bonuses are awarded differs between the first bonus pattern and the second bonus pattern, and once all individual bonuses are awarded, the predetermined bonus set has the same configuration whether it is the first bonus pattern or the second bonus pattern. As an example, we will explain below using a case where there are seven individual bonuses.

Next, the calculation unit 237 sets the variable i to its initial value (0) (activity A105) and the variable k to its initial value (0) (activity A205). The variables i and k are values that change gradually depending on the user's play history and correspond to the status of individual bonuses. In other words, the range of variables i and k is a value that changes gradually from 0 to N to correspond to the number of individual bonuses (N). As mentioned above, the value of N is set to (7) to correspond to seven individual bonuses. For ease of explanation, the values of variables i and k may be referred to simply as "i" and "k" below.

Next, the determination unit 235 determines whether all individual benefits have been granted (activity A106). Specifically, the determination unit 235 determines whether the value of the variable i has reached the number of individual benefits (N). In this case, the determination unit 235 determines that all individual benefits have not been granted (i.e., i<7) based on i=0, and processing proceeds to activity A107. Similarly, the determination unit 235 determines whether all individual benefits have been granted (activity A206). The determination unit 235 determines that all individual benefits have not been granted (i.e., k<7) based on k=0, and processing proceeds to activity A207.

Next, the reception unit 231 receives the play history of the first specific user from the memory unit 22 (activity A107). The play history is part of the user information and is information related to the play of the game associated with the user. Specifically, the play history is, for example, at least one of the following: login history for the game, game progress, rank progress within the game, and history of charges for the game. Below, we will explain the case where login history is used as the play history. Similarly, the reception unit 231 receives the login history (an example of play history) of the second specific user from the memory unit 22 (activity A207).

Next, the determination unit 235 determines whether the grant conditions are met based on the login history of the first specific user received in activity A107 (activity A108). Similarly, the determination unit 235 determines whether the grant conditions are met based on the login history of the second specific user received in activity A207 (activity A208).

The granting conditions are conditions for granting individual rewards in stages in accordance with a reward pattern. In this explanation, a condition (so-called login bonus) is used that grants individual rewards in stages according to the number of days of login. Specifically, for example, if a first specific user logs in on the first day in activity A108 via the game login screen (not shown), the determination unit 235 determines that the corresponding granting condition is met based on the login history. Processing then proceeds to activity A109. For example, if the first specific user logs in again on the same day, the corresponding granting condition has already been met, so processing does not proceed to activity A109 but returns to activity A106.

If it is determined in activity A108 that the grant condition is met, the calculation unit 237 executes a process of incrementing variable i (i+ = 1) (activity A109). That is, the value of variable i becomes (1) and changes gradually depending on the login history. Similarly, if it is determined in activity A208 that the grant condition is met, the calculation unit 237 executes a process of incrementing variable k (k+ = 1) (activity A209). That is, the value of variable k becomes (1) and changes gradually depending on the login history.

Next, the display control unit 232 causes the display 4a of the game device 3 of the first specific user to visibly display the individual benefit corresponding to the first of the first benefit patterns. The granting unit 234 then grants the individual benefit corresponding to the i-th (i.e., the first) of the first benefit patterns to the first specific user (activity A110). Similarly, the display control unit 232 causes the display 4a of the game device 3 of the second specific user to visibly display the individual benefit corresponding to the first of the second benefit patterns. The granting unit 234 then grants the individual benefit corresponding to the k-th (i.e., the first) of the second benefit patterns, which is different from the first benefit pattern, to the second specific user (activity A210).

Then, the processing of activities A106 to A110 is repeatedly executed until the first specific user logs in on the seventh day (i.e., until it is determined that i = N). In other words, when the first specific user logs in on the seventh day, the granting of all individual benefits is complete. Similarly, the processing of activities A206 to A210 is repeatedly executed until the second specific user logs in on the seventh day (i.e., until it is determined that k = N). In other words, when the second specific user logs in on the seventh day, the granting of all individual benefits is complete.

By this processing, the same bonus set is granted to both the first specific user and the second specific user, regardless of the pattern for granting individual bonuses (activity A311). In other words, a specific user is a user who is granted a predetermined bonus set according to their game login history (an example of a play history). Furthermore, even though both specific users satisfy the same conditions, the granting unit 234 will grant the first specific user a predetermined bonus set in accordance with a first bonus pattern, and grant the second specific user a predetermined bonus set in accordance with a second bonus pattern that differs from the first bonus pattern.

To summarize the above, the information processing method executed by the information processing system 1 includes the following steps. In the identification step, specific users who satisfy the same conditions regarding their user information are identified from among multiple users playing the game. The specific users include at least a first specific user and a second specific user, and are users who are granted a predetermined set of benefits according to their game play history. In the first granting step, even though all of the specific users satisfy the same conditions, the first specific user is granted a predetermined set of benefits in accordance with a first benefit pattern, and the second specific user is granted a predetermined set of benefits in accordance with a second benefit pattern different from the first benefit pattern. Furthermore, the program according to this embodiment causes at least one computer to execute each of the steps of the information processing system 1. This aspect makes it possible to provide a novel technology.

4. Details of Information Processing The details of the information processing outlined above will be explained using the drawings.

4.1 Grouping Process FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the grouping process. The grouping process shown in FIG. 4 is performed twice. In the first grouping process, the grouping process is performed using three conditions, "beginner,""intermediate," and "advanced," included in the game progress (an example of user information). As a result, users are divided into three groups: a "beginner group," an "intermediate group," and an "advanced group." In other words, each group contains multiple users who satisfy the same condition (for example, the same game progress). In other words, the identification unit 233 identifies specific users who satisfy the same condition regarding their user information from among multiple users playing the game.

In addition, in the second grouping process, further grouping is performed to subdivide the "beginner group." Specifically, the grouping process is performed using two conditions: whether the last digit of the user ID (an example of user information) is an "even number" or an "odd number." As a result, users belonging to the "beginner group" are divided into two groups: "beginner group A" and "beginner group B." Similarly, a second grouping process is also performed for the "intermediate group" and "advanced group" (not shown).

This type of grouping process allows you to compare multiple candidates and determine their quality, for example, by assuming that the user is a "beginner."

The identical condition used in the first grouping process indicates identity or commonality in a specific element of user information. Specifically, it is at least one of the following: the same game progress, the same user attributes and payment history for the same game, and the same bonus pattern for the previous login bonus. This configuration allows for effective setting of conditions for identifying users. While the grouping process described above was performed twice, it is not limited to this; for example, the grouping process may be performed three or more times. Specifically, the following process is considered: First, the first grouping process is performed using the same bonus pattern for the previous login bonus (e.g., "bonus pattern X" and "bonus pattern Y"). Next, the second grouping process is performed using the payment history for the same game (e.g., "no payment," "low frequency payment," and "high frequency payment"). Then, the third grouping process is performed randomly into four groups. This type of grouping process allows for the suitability of candidates to be determined based on more specific underlying conditions.

4.2 Benefit Granting Screen Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a benefit granting screen 5 (benefit granting screens 5a and 5b) showing an example of a first benefit pattern (an example of a benefit pattern). Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a benefit granting screen 6 showing an example of a second benefit pattern. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a benefit granting screen 7 showing an example of the second benefit pattern. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of a benefit granting screen 8 showing an example of the second benefit pattern. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a benefit granting screen 9 showing an example of the first benefit pattern.

The bonus granting screens 5 to 8 are screens that display any bonus pattern. In other words, the user can see all the individual bonuses that will be granted at a glance through these bonus granting screens. A predetermined bonus set is composed of multiple individual bonuses of different types. In other words, the user can understand the predetermined bonus set by understanding all the individual bonuses through these bonus granting screens 5 to 8. A predetermined bonus set is composed of a combination of regular bonuses and special bonuses that are rarer than the regular bonuses in the game. Regular bonuses are game media, such as consumable items used in the game (recovery items, support items, development items, progress items, etc.), in-game currency, etc. Special bonuses are game media that are rarer than the regular bonuses, such as avatar costumes used by the player character in the virtual game space. As an example, Table 1 summarizes examples of icons for regular bonuses and special bonuses.

Furthermore, the main benefit may be composed of multiple individual benefits, and specifically, the main benefit may be composed of, for example, two or three individual benefits. As an example of this case, Table 2 summarizes examples of icons in the main benefit configuration.

As shown in FIG. 5, bonus award screens 5a and 5b display bonus displays 501-507, which show individual bonuses awarded as login bonuses according to a first bonus pattern. Bonus displays 501-507 each display "Day 1" through "Day 7" and an icon representing each individual bonus. Bonus displays 501-506 each display an icon representing a regular bonus. Bonus display 507 displays an icon representing a special bonus. In other words, bonus award screens 5a and 5b show that individual bonuses are awarded to a specific user (a first specific user, as an example) in stages as the game login history (an example of play history) progresses from day 1 to day 7. In the case of the first bonus pattern, the bonus display shows that the special bonus will be awarded by logging in on day 7. Button 508 labeled "Receive" is displayed when an individual bonus can be awarded.

On the bonus display 501 on the bonus granting screen 5a, items indicating individual bonuses are shaded to make them less visible, and are marked with a "check mark." Furthermore, the bonus display 502 on the bonus granting screen 5a has a highlight 509 drawn around it in a thick line. Furthermore, a button 508 labeled "Receive" is drawn on the bonus granting screen 5a. Based on these features, the user can visually understand that the individual bonus corresponding to "Day 1" has already been granted by logging in on the first day. Furthermore, the user can visually understand that the individual bonus corresponding to "Day 2" can be granted by logging in on the second day. In this case, when the user presses button 508, the individual bonus corresponding to "Day 2" is granted.

When button 508 on bonus award screen 5a is pressed, bonus award screen 5a transitions to bonus award screen 5b. Bonus displays 501 and 502 on bonus award screen 5b are each shaded to make the items indicating individual bonuses less visible, and are marked with a "check mark." Bonus display 503 on bonus award screen 5b is also highlighted with a double line around it and the words "Next time you'll get this!" Based on these features, the user can visually understand that when they log in on the third day, they will be awarded the individual bonus corresponding to "Day 3."

As shown in FIG. 6, the bonus award screen 6 displays bonus displays 601-607, which show individual bonuses awarded as login bonuses according to the second bonus pattern. Bonus displays 601-607 each display "Day 1" through "Day 7" and an icon representing each individual bonus. Bonus displays 601, 602, and 604-607 also display icons representing standard bonuses. Bonus display 603 displays an icon representing a special bonus. In other words, similar to bonus award screen 5, bonus award screen 6 shows that individual bonuses are awarded to specific users (e.g., the second specific user) in stages as the game's login history (an example of play history) progresses from Day 1 to Day 7. In the case of the second bonus pattern, the bonus display 603 displays a highlight 608, with a double line around it and the words "Get this next time!" Based on these aspects, the user can visually understand that when they log in on the third day, they will be granted the individual benefit corresponding to "Day 3" (in this case, the featured benefit).

As described above, the predetermined bonus set shown on Bonus Granting Screen 5 and Bonus Granting Screen 6 grants each individual bonus to a specific user (first specific user or second specific user) in stages as their login history (an example of play history) progressively satisfies multiple bonus conditions, including logins on days 1 through 7. Although the order in which the individual bonuses are granted differs between the first bonus pattern and the second bonus pattern, all individual bonuses are granted according to the play history, so the predetermined bonus set has the same configuration whether it is the first bonus pattern or the second bonus pattern. According to this aspect, by making the configuration of the bonuses granted the same, it is possible to grasp the impact of differences in the patterns in which bonuses are granted.

In addition, in the first bonus pattern, the special bonus is awarded to the first specific user when the login history is on the seventh day, but in the second bonus pattern, the special bonus is awarded to the second specific user when the login history is on the third day. In other words, when the login history is on the third day, the special bonus is not awarded to the first specific user, but is awarded to the second specific user. In other words, in the first awarding step, the awarding unit 234 awards the special bonus to the first specific user earlier than the second specific user, despite the same play history, thereby enabling the first specific user to use the special bonus earlier than the second specific user. According to this aspect, when the special bonus is available earlier than the second specific user, despite the same play history, the user can understand the impact of awarding the special bonus.

Also, on the bonus award screen 6, bonus displays 601-603 are arranged horizontally on the top row, and bonus displays 604-607 are arranged horizontally on the bottom row. Bonus display 603, which indicates the main bonus, is larger than the other bonus displays and is drawn on the right side of the top row. This configuration makes the user aware that logging in on the third day is the first goal, and that the login bonus will continue on the fourth day and beyond.

As shown in FIG. 7, the bonus award screen 7 displays bonus displays 701-707, which show individual bonuses awarded in accordance with the second bonus pattern. The second bonus pattern on the bonus award screen 7 is a bonus pattern different from the second bonus pattern on the bonus award screen 6. Bonus displays 701, 702, and 704-706 each depict an icon indicating a regular bonus. Bonus displays 703 and 707 depict an icon indicating an individual bonus that constitutes the special bonus (corresponding to bonus bonus configuration example 1 in Table 2). In other words, in the case of the second bonus pattern on the bonus award screen 7, logging in on the third day grants one of the individual bonuses that constitutes the special bonus. Logging in on the seventh day grants the remaining individual bonus. The two individual bonuses that constitute the special bonus are then granted, meaning that the special bonus becomes available for use by logging in on the seventh day. In other words, one of the individual perks that make up the featured perk is awarded on the third day, but the user cannot use the featured perk until all of the individual perks that make up the perk have been awarded. In addition, the perk pattern is adjusted by adjusting the combination of regular perks in each individual perk so that the given perk set has the same configuration.

In addition, on bonus award screen 7, bonus displays 701-703 are arranged horizontally on the top row, and bonus displays 704-707 are arranged horizontally on the bottom row. Bonus displays 703 and 707, which indicate the individual bonuses that make up the main bonus, are larger than the other bonus displays and are drawn on the right side of the top row and the right side of the bottom row. This configuration makes the user aware that logging in on the third day is the first goal, and logging in on the seventh day is the second goal. Note that a description of the configuration that is substantially the same as bonus award screens 5 and 6 will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 8, the bonus award screen 8 displays bonus displays 801-807, which show individual bonuses awarded in accordance with the second bonus pattern. The second bonus pattern on bonus award screen 8 is a bonus pattern different from the second bonus pattern on bonus award screens 6 and 7. Bonus displays 801, 802, 804, and 806 each depict an icon indicating a regular bonus. Bonus displays 803, 805, and 807 depict an icon indicating an individual bonus that constitutes the special bonus (corresponding to bonus configuration example 2 in Table 2). In other words, in the case of the second bonus pattern on bonus award screen 8, logging in on the third day grants one of the individual bonuses that constitute the special bonus. Logging in on the fifth day grants another one of the individual bonuses that constitute the special bonus. Logging in on the seventh day grants the remaining one of the individual bonuses that constitute the special bonus. The three individual bonuses that constitute the special bonus are then granted, meaning that the special bonus becomes available upon logging in on the seventh day. In other words, one individual perk that makes up the featured perk is awarded on the third and fifth days, but the user cannot use the featured perk until all of the individual perks that make up the perk have been awarded. The perk pattern is also adjusted by adjusting the combination of regular perks in each individual perk so that the given perk set has the same configuration.

In addition, on bonus award screen 8, bonus displays 801-803 are arranged horizontally on the top row, and bonus displays 804-807 are arranged horizontally on the bottom row. Bonus displays 803 and 807, which indicate individual bonuses that make up the featured bonus, are larger than the other bonus displays and are drawn on the right side of the top row and the right side of the bottom row. Bonus display 805, which indicates an individual bonus that makes up the featured bonus, is larger than the other bonus displays and is drawn approximately in the center of the bottom row. This configuration makes the user aware that logging in on the third day is the first goal, logging in on the seventh day is the second goal, and logging in on the fifth day is the halfway point. Note that a description of configurations that are substantially the same as bonus award screens 5-7 will be omitted.

As such, the featured perk consists of at least one individual perk. Furthermore, the order in which the individual perks that make up the featured perk are awarded differs between the first perk pattern on perk awarding screen 5 and the second perk pattern on perk awarding screen 7. Similarly, the order in which the individual perks that make up the featured perk are awarded differs between the first perk pattern on perk awarding screen 5 and the second perk pattern on perk awarding screen 8. Furthermore, whether it is the first perk pattern or the second perk pattern, the awarding conditions required for all individual perks that make up the featured perk to be awarded (for example, login history must meet the seventh day login requirement) are the same. This aspect makes it possible to understand the impact of awarding a featured perk when there are differences in the method for awarding the perk.

As shown in FIG. 9, the bonus granting screen 9 is a screen in which a change button 901 labeled "Change with Z100" has been added to the configuration of the bonus granting screen 5b. When the change button 901 is pressed by the user and a predetermined change condition is met, the assigned first bonus pattern is changed to the second bonus pattern. The predetermined change condition may be an arbitrary instruction by the user (e.g., simple selection of the second bonus pattern), consumption of game elements such as in-game items and in-game currency, or payment. In other words, as a change step, the change unit 236 changes the assignment of the first specific user from the first bonus pattern to the second bonus pattern in response to an instruction from the first specific user to whom the first bonus pattern is assigned, if a predetermined change condition is met. This aspect allows the user to change to a pattern for granting a bonus set as desired.

Furthermore, if part of a given bonus set has already been granted (if some individual bonuses have already been granted), it may be possible to change only to a second bonus pattern that shares the individual bonuses already granted. This configuration makes it possible to avoid unfair treatment before and after changing the bonus pattern, and maintain fairness. Furthermore, when changing to a bonus pattern that allows the use of a featured bonus earlier, a change condition may be set that requires a higher fee.

[others]
The information processing system 1 according to the above-described embodiment may be configured as follows.

In the above-described bonus award screen 8, individual bonuses are displayed in two rows, an upper row and a lower row, but this is not limiting and they may be displayed in three rows, for example, an upper row, a middle row, and a lower row. Specifically, bonus displays 803, 805, and 807 indicating the individual bonuses that make up the main bonus may be displayed larger than the other bonus displays on the right side of the upper row, the right side of the middle row, and the right side of the lower row. This configuration makes it possible to make the user aware that logging in on the third day is the first goal, logging in on the fifth day is the second goal, and logging in on the seventh day is the third goal.

In the above embodiment, a login history is used as the play history, but this is not limited to this. For example, the play history may be at least one of the following: a login history for the game, game progress, in-game rank progress, and a history of charges for the game. This aspect allows the conditions for granting a bonus to be set effectively. Furthermore, the determination unit 235 may determine the level of achievement in the game based on the play history as a determination step. In this case, the granting unit 234 grants a predetermined bonus set according to the level of achievement as a first granting step. This aspect allows the conditions for granting a bonus to be set more effectively.

While the above embodiment describes a case where a predetermined bonus set is awarded in accordance with a bonus pattern, this is not limited to this. For example, after all individual bonuses have been awarded in the login bonus, an additional bonus may be awarded if the user continues to log in for a certain period of time or if the user charges a certain amount or frequency. In this case, the content of the additional bonus or the awarding criteria for the additional bonus may be set according to the bonus pattern of the login bonus. In other words, as a second awarding step, the awarding unit 234 may award an additional bonus to a specific user who has been awarded a predetermined bonus set based on the play history. The content of the additional bonus may be configured to differ depending on whether the predetermined bonus set was awarded according to the first bonus pattern or the second bonus pattern. This aspect allows the awarding of additional bonuses that can effectively support the progress of the game. Furthermore, as a second awarding step, the awarding unit 234 may award an additional bonus to a specific user who has been awarded a predetermined bonus set based on the play history and the awarding criteria. The awarding criteria may be set to differ depending on whether the predetermined bonus set was awarded according to the first bonus pattern or the second bonus pattern. This allows for additional benefits to be awarded that can effectively support the progress of the game.

In the above embodiment, the case where the same bonus set is associated with each group was exemplified, but at least some of the bonuses included in the bonus set may be different. For example, the featured bonus may be common, while the regular bonuses may be set to be different for each group. Also, some of the bonuses included in the regular bonuses (for example, consumable items with high rarity) may be common, while other bonuses (for example, consumable items with low rarity) may be set to be different. Furthermore, all of the regular bonuses and featured bonuses may be set to be different. Even in such cases, the suitability of candidates for the order in which the featured bonuses and regular bonuses are awarded can be evaluated regardless of whether the specific bonuses are different.

In the above embodiment, the benefit is described as a game medium. However, the benefit is not limited to an object or medium, and may be an advantageous effect or right granted to the user. Benefits may include, for example, digital assets issued as NFTs, virtual currency, game medium usable in the game, or items usable in the virtual space. Furthermore, advantageous effects granted to the user include effects that enhance the user's interest in the virtual space compared to normal times. In other words, advantageous effects include effects that enhance the user's interest in the virtual space through the user's five senses, such as displaying special visual effects on the display 4a, enhancing the image display, generating special background music or sound effects, or adding vibrations to the input device 4c. Furthermore, rights include at least advantageous rights in the real world, such as the right to enter a predetermined lottery, the right to hold a predetermined lottery, the right to pre-order, or the right to a special discount.

At least one of the devices included in the information processing system 1 may be installed outside Japan. For example, the information processing device 2 may be installed outside Japan, and a user in Japan may access the information processing device 2 using their own game device 3, or the information processing device 2 may be installed in Japan, and a user outside Japan may access the information processing device 2 using their own game device 3. This type of configuration allows for a more engaging experience to be provided to users through a variety of management formats.

In this embodiment, the reception unit 231, display control unit 232, identification unit 233, assignment unit 234, determination unit 235, change unit 236, and calculation unit 237 are described as functional units implemented by the control unit 23 of the information processing device 2, but at least some of these may be implemented as functional units implemented by the control unit 33 of the game device 3. Furthermore, the various information described in the above example may be stored in a distributed manner not only in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2, but also in other external devices. In such cases, distributed ledger management based on blockchain or the like may be used.

Furthermore, it may be provided in the following forms:

(1) An information processing system comprising a processor capable of executing a program to perform the following steps: in the identification step, specific users are identified from among multiple users playing a game who satisfy the same conditions regarding the user information of the users, where the specific users include at least a first specific user and a second specific user, and are users to be granted a predetermined set of benefits according to the play history of the game; in the first granting step, even though all of the specific users satisfy the same conditions, the first specific user is granted the predetermined set of benefits in accordance with a first benefit pattern, and the second specific user is granted the predetermined set of benefits in accordance with a second benefit pattern different from the first benefit pattern.

This aspect makes it possible to provide a novel technology.

(2) In the information processing system described in (1) above, the determination step further determines the level of achievement in the game based on the play history, and the first granting step grants the specified bonus set according to the level of achievement.

This allows the conditions for granting benefits to be set more effectively.

(3) In the information processing system described in (1) or (2) above, the predetermined benefit set is composed of a plurality of different individual benefits, and each of the individual benefits is granted to the specific user in stages as the play history progressively satisfies a plurality of granting conditions, and the order in which the individual benefits are granted differs between the first benefit pattern and the second benefit pattern, and all of the individual benefits are granted in accordance with the play history, so that the predetermined benefit set has the same configuration whether it is the first benefit pattern or the second benefit pattern.

In this manner, by making the configuration of the benefits granted the same, it is possible to understand the impact of differences in the patterns in which benefits are granted.

(4) In the information processing system described in (3) above, the predetermined benefit set is composed of a combination of a regular benefit and a special benefit that is rarer in the game than the regular benefit, as the individual benefit, and in the first granting step, the special benefit is granted to the first specific user earlier than the second specific user, despite the same play history, thereby allowing the first specific user to use the special benefit earlier than the second specific user.

In this manner, even if the play history is the same, it is possible to grasp the impact of granting the special bonus when the special bonus is available earlier.

(5) In the information processing system described in (3) above, the predetermined bonus set is composed of a combination of a normal bonus and a special bonus that is rarer than the normal bonus in the game as the individual bonus, wherein the special bonus consists of at least one of the individual bonuses, and the order in which the individual bonuses that make up the special bonus are awarded differs between the first bonus pattern and the second bonus pattern, and the awarding conditions required for all of the individual bonuses that make up the special bonus to be awarded are the same whether in the first bonus pattern or the second bonus pattern.

This aspect makes it possible to understand the impact of granting special perks when there are differences in the method of granting special perks.

(6) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (5) above, the second granting step further grants an additional benefit to the specific user to whom the predetermined benefit set has been granted based on the play history, and the content of the additional benefit is configured to differ depending on whether the predetermined benefit set has been granted according to the first benefit pattern or the second benefit pattern.

This allows additional benefits to be granted that can effectively support the progress of the game.

(7) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (5) above, the second granting step further grants an additional benefit to the specific user to whom the specified benefit set has been granted based on the play history and granting criteria, and the granting criteria are set to differ depending on whether the specified benefit set has been granted according to the first benefit pattern or the second benefit pattern.

This allows additional benefits to be granted that can effectively support the progress of the game.

(8) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (7) above, the change step further includes changing the allocation of the first specific user from the first benefit pattern to the second benefit pattern in response to an instruction from the first specific user to whom the first benefit pattern is assigned, if a predetermined change condition is satisfied.

In this manner, the pattern for granting a bonus set can be changed to suit the user's desire.

(9) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (8) above, the same condition is at least one of the following: the same progress of the game, the same attributes of the user, and the same billing history for the game.

This allows you to effectively set conditions for identifying users.

(10) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (9) above, the play history is at least one of the following: login history for the game, progress in the game, rank progress within the game, and billing history for the game.

This allows you to effectively set the conditions for granting benefits.

(11) An information processing method comprising the steps of the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (10) above.

This aspect makes it possible to provide a novel technology.

(12) A program that causes at least one computer to execute each step of the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (10) above.

According to this embodiment, a novel technique can be provided.
Of course, this is not the case.

Finally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The novel embodiments may be embodied in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. Such embodiments and their variations are intended to fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure, as well as the disclosure and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

1: Information processing system 11: Communication network 2: Information processing device 20: Communication bus 21: Communication unit 22: Memory unit 23: Control unit 231: Reception unit 232: Display control unit 233: Identification unit 234: Granting unit 235: Determination unit 236: Change unit 237: Calculation unit 3: Game device 30: Communication bus 31: Communication unit 32: Memory unit 33: Control unit 34a: Graphics processing unit 34b: Audio processing unit 34c: Operation unit 4a: Display 4b: Speaker 4c: Input device 5: Bonus award screen 5a: Bonus award screen 5b: Bonus award screen 501: Bonus display 502: Bonus display 503: Bonus display 504: Bonus display 505: Bonus display 506: Bonus display 507: Bonus display 508: Button 509: Highlighted display 510 : Highlighted 6 : Bonus granting screen 601 : Bonus display 602 : Bonus display 603 : Bonus display 604 : Bonus display 605 : Bonus display 606 : Bonus display 607 : Bonus display 608 : Highlighted 7 : Bonus granting screen 701 : Bonus display 702 : Bonus display 703 : Bonus display 704 : Bonus display 705 : Bonus display 706 : Bonus display 707 : Bonus display 8 : Bonus granting screen 801 : Bonus display 802 : Bonus display 803 : Bonus display 804 : Bonus display 805 : Bonus display 806 : Bonus display 807 : Bonus display 9 : Bonus granting screen 901 : Change button

Claims (11)

An information processing system,
A processor capable of executing a program to perform the following steps:
In the identification step, a specific user who satisfies the same conditions regarding the user information of the user is identified from among a plurality of users who play the game, and the specific user is
including at least a first specific user and a second specific user;
A user who is granted a predetermined set of benefits according to the play history of the game,
In the first granting step, even though all of the specific users satisfy the same condition,
The first specific user is granted the predetermined benefit set in accordance with a first benefit pattern;
granting the predetermined benefit set to the second specific user in accordance with a second benefit pattern different from the first benefit pattern;
the predetermined benefit set is composed of a plurality of different individual benefits, and the individual benefits are granted to the specific user in stages as the play history gradually satisfies a plurality of granting conditions;
the first benefit pattern and the second benefit pattern have different orders in which the individual benefits are granted;
A system in which all of the individual benefits are granted according to the play history, so that the predetermined benefit set has the same configuration whether it is the first benefit pattern or the second benefit pattern . 2. The information processing system according to claim 1,
Furthermore, in the determination step, a degree of achievement of the game is determined based on the play history;
In the first granting step, the predetermined bonus set is granted according to the achievement level. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1 ,
the predetermined benefit set is composed of a combination of a normal benefit and a special benefit that is rarer than the normal benefit in the game, as the individual benefit;
In the first granting step, the first specific user is granted the featured perk earlier than the second specific user, despite the same play history, thereby enabling the first specific user to use the featured perk earlier than the second specific user. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1 ,
The predetermined benefit set is composed of a combination of a normal benefit and a special benefit that is rarer than the normal benefit in the game, as the individual benefit, wherein the special benefit is composed of at least one of the individual benefits;
The first benefit pattern and the second benefit pattern differ in the order in which the individual benefits constituting the main benefit are granted,
A system in which the conditions for granting all of the individual benefits constituting the main benefit are the same whether it is the first benefit pattern or the second benefit pattern. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1,
Furthermore, in a second granting step, an additional benefit is granted to the specific user to whom the predetermined benefit set has been granted based on the play history;
The system is configured such that the content of the additional benefit differs depending on whether the predetermined benefit set is granted by the first benefit pattern or the second benefit pattern. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1,
Furthermore, in a second granting step, an additional benefit is granted to the specific user to whom the predetermined benefit set has been granted, based on the play history and the granting criteria;
The awarding criteria are set to be different depending on whether the predetermined award set is awarded according to the first award pattern or the second award pattern. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1,
Furthermore, in the change step, the system changes the allocation of the first specific user from the first benefit pattern to the second benefit pattern in response to an instruction from the first specific user to whom the first benefit pattern is assigned, if a predetermined change condition is satisfied. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1,
The system, wherein the same condition is at least one of the same progress of the game, the same attributes of the user, and the same billing history for the game. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1,
The play history is at least one of a login history for the game, a progress in the game, a progress in rank within the game, and a history of charges for the game. An information processing method, comprising:
A method comprising the steps of the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 . A program,
A program causing at least one computer to execute each step of the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 .