JP7835992B2 - Information processing device, program, and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, games have been developed for multiplayer games that allow players to transfer the necessary game media to each other. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a server that provides a game where players can use points (game media received from friends before playing) to execute events (friend bombs) that are only possible during raid battles (cooperative battles).

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-81046

On the other hand, in cooperative games where players need to consume game media, disparities in the value of game media owned by each player could sometimes hinder smooth progress.

This invention provides an information processing device, a program, and an information processing method that enable smooth game progression in a game where multiple players collaborate while consuming game media.

In one aspect of the present invention, an information processing device is provided comprising a game provisioning unit, an event control unit, and a game medium management unit. The game provisioning unit provides a game that progresses through the joint execution of predetermined events, including a first event, by multiple players. The event control unit controls the execution of the first event by enabling each of the multiple players to pay game medium equivalent to a predetermined value as consideration. The game medium management unit manages the game medium owned by each of the multiple players, and enables one player to use their own game medium to cover at least a portion of the consideration to be paid by other players.

This configuration allows for smoother game progression in games where multiple players collaborate and consume game media, even when there are disparities in the amount of game media owned by each player. This enables the game to proceed using the game media owned by one player.

This diagram shows an overview of the game provision system 1 according to the first embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 10 according to the first embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 20 according to the first embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 10 according to the first embodiment. This is a diagram showing the options display screen 30. This is a diagram showing the gift suggestion screen 40. This is a diagram showing the screen 50 for determining the number of gifts. This is a diagram showing the gift completion screen 60. This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing flow of game provisioning system 1. This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing flow of the ticket transfer process (step S200). This figure shows the gift suggestion screen 40 in modified example 1. This figure shows the gift request screen 45 in modified example 2. This figure shows the reimbursement proposal screen 70 in the second embodiment. This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing flow of the game provisioning system 1 in the second embodiment. This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing flow of the ticket reimbursement process (step S300).

The following describes several embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The various features shown in the embodiments below are interchangeable. Furthermore, each feature constitutes an independent invention.

<1. First Embodiment>
(1-1. Overview of Game Provisioning System 1)
An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a server 10 that constitutes part of a game provision system 1 as shown in Figure 1. The game provision system 1 includes the server 10 and user terminals 20 (for example, user terminals 20a and 20b).

Server 10 is configured to communicate with user terminal 20 via communication line 5 and provides game G to user terminal 20. Game G progresses through the collaborative actions of players P1 and P2 in response to various events provided as content.

The execution of the event may require payment of game media equivalent to a predetermined value to both Player P1 and Player P2. In Game Provision System 1, one player can use their own game media to cover at least a portion of the payment due to other players. The following describes each configuration in detail.

(1-2. Hardware configuration of game delivery system 1)
Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the hardware configuration of the game provisioning system 1 will be explained.

(1-2-1. Hardware configuration of Server 10)
Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 10 according to this embodiment. The server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The server 10 may also include an operation input unit 14, which consists of a keyboard and mouse, etc., and accepts input for various operations, and a monitor 15, such as a liquid crystal display device, for displaying various images.

The control unit 11 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., and controls the overall operation of the server 10.

A portion of the memory unit 12 is composed of, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area during the execution of various programs by the control unit 11. Another portion of the memory unit 12 is non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), which stores various data and programs used in the processing of the control unit 11.

The programs stored in the memory unit 12 include, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of the server 10, drivers for controlling various hardware, and programs for realizing various functions, and include the computer programs according to this embodiment.

The communication unit 13 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) and has the function of connecting to the communication line 5. Alternatively, the communication unit 13 may have functions to connect to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network), short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®, and infrared communication, either in place of or in conjunction with the NIC. The server 10 is connected to other information processing devices such as user terminals 20 via the communication line 5 and can transmit and receive various types of data with these other information processing devices.

The control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, operation input unit 14, and monitor 15 are electrically connected to each other via the system bus 16. Therefore, the control unit 11 can access the storage unit 12, display images on the monitor 15, understand the user's (player's) operation status on the operation input unit 14, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 13.

(1-2-2. Hardware configuration of user terminal 20)
Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 20 according to this embodiment. The user terminal 20 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, and comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The user terminal 20 may also include a display unit 24 such as a touch panel display that can display images and accept operations, a speaker 25 that outputs sound, a microphone 26 that receives sound input, a camera 27 that captures images of subjects, and operation buttons 28. The following explanation will focus on the differences from the server 10.

The operation buttons 28 are located on the side of the user terminal 20 and include a power button for starting or stopping the user terminal 20, and buttons for adjusting the volume of the sound output by the speaker 25.

The control unit 21, storage unit 22, communication unit 23, display unit 24, speaker 25, microphone 26, camera 27, and operation buttons 28 are electrically connected to each other via the system bus 29. Therefore, the control unit 21 can access the storage unit 22, display images on the display unit 24, understand the user's operation status on the touch panel display (display unit 24) and operation buttons 28, input sound to the microphone 26, output sound from the speaker 25, control the camera 27, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 23.

(1-3. Functional configuration of Server 10)
As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 11 of the server 10 includes a game provisioning unit 11a, an event control unit 11b, and a game media management unit 11c.

The game provider unit 11a provides a game that progresses through the collaborative execution of predetermined events by multiple players (for example, players P1 and P2). An "event" refers to an action performed by players to advance the game, such as selecting an option or playing a mini-game. These events include a first event, which requires each player to pay a fee to perform, and a second event, which does not require payment to perform.

The event control unit 11b controls the execution of the first event by enabling each of the multiple players to pay game media equivalent to a predetermined value as consideration. Here, "game media" refers to the general term for electronic data used by the user for the progression of the game, and specifically includes characters, items, cards, avatars, etc.

In this embodiment, an item referred to as a "ticket" is used as a game medium for payment and is set to correspond to a predetermined value. Here, "value" may be exchangeable for real-world currency such as cash, electronic money, or cryptocurrency coins, or it may be points usable within a specific game. Users can obtain tickets corresponding to the predetermined value at any time by paying that value.

The game media management unit 11c manages the game media (corresponding to "tickets" in this embodiment, as described above) owned by each of the multiple players. The number of tickets owned by each player (hereinafter also simply referred to as the number of tickets) can be stored, for example, by creating a ticket number management table (not shown) in the storage unit 12.

The game media management unit 11c further enables one player to use their tickets to cover at least a portion of the price that other players are required to pay. In this embodiment, as an example of "coverage," one player can transfer a portion of their tickets to another player, who can then use the transferred tickets as payment. Since payment is required for the execution of the first event, this coverage is not performed during the execution of the second event, where payment is not required. Details of each function will be described later.

The functional configuration described above may be implemented by software (including so-called applications) appropriately installed on the server 10, or by hardware. When implemented by software, the control unit 11 can implement various functions by executing programs that constitute the software.

When implemented by executing a program, the program may be stored in the storage unit 12 built into the server 10, or in a non-temporary recording medium readable by a computer. Alternatively, the program may be read from an external storage device and implemented through so-called cloud computing. Or, when implemented by hardware, it can be implemented using various circuits such as ASICs, SOCs, FPGAs, or DRPs. Furthermore, some of the above-described functional configurations may be processed by software or hardware on a user terminal 20 or the like.

(1-4. Game Flow)
Referring to Figures 5 to 8, the flow of the game in this embodiment will be explained. Game G in this embodiment is a so-called visual novel game in which the scenario branches and progresses as the player selects from the presented options. In Game G, before the start of play, two players match up via the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 20, and the two players who have matched up will proceed with the game together.

Figure 5 shows an example of the selection display screen 30. The selection display screen 30 includes a mission icon 31, an owned ticket display icon 32, a selection icon 33, and a required ticket display icon 34.

The mission icon 31 displays the mission that players P1 and P2 must complete. In the example shown in Figure 5, the mission requires both players to select the same option. The owned ticket display icon 32 displays the number of tickets owned by each player. Specifically, the display unit 24 of player P1's user terminal 20a displays the number of tickets owned by player P1, and the display unit 24 of player P2's user terminal 20b displays the number of tickets owned by player P2.

Multiple option icons 33 are displayed as choices that the player should select. Some of the option icons 33 have a required ticket display icon 34 attached. Option icons 33 with the required ticket display icon 34 attached are called premium options 33a, and selecting them requires payment of the number of tickets indicated by the required ticket display icon 34 (hereinafter also referred to as the number of tickets required). The required number of tickets is set for each premium option, and in this embodiment, the number of tickets required to select a particular premium option is the same for both player P1 and player P2. Here, a premium option is also referred to as the first option selected by each player to execute the first event for which payment is required.

In contrast, option icons 33 that do not have the required ticket display icon 34 are called normal options 33b, and do not require payment of a ticket to select. Here, a normal option is also called a second option, which is selected to execute a second event that does not require payment from the player. In game G, the game branches into different scenarios depending on whether the player chooses premium option 33a or normal option 33b. Here, choosing premium option 33a may provide the player with a more advantageous effect in progressing through the game.

Figure 6 shows an example of the gift suggestion screen 40. The gift suggestion screen 40 is displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20 of one player when one player selects a premium option 33a and the other player is unable to pay the corresponding number of tickets for that premium option 33a. The gift suggestion screen 40 includes a suggestion content display icon 41, an accept button 42, and a reject button 43.

When one player presses the accept button 42 regarding the gift offer displayed on the offer content display icon 41, the gift quantity determination screen 50 is displayed. If one player presses the reject button 43, the ticket will not be transferred to the other player. In this case, the other player cannot select the premium option 33a and therefore cannot proceed with the game. Consequently, the option display screen 30 is displayed again on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20 of the first player.

Figure 7 shows an example of the gift quantity determination screen 50. The gift quantity determination screen 50 includes an owned ticket display icon 32, a gift quantity input area 51, and a confirmation button 52. The gift quantity input area 51 is where one player inputs the number of tickets to transfer to the other player. At this time, the owned ticket display icon 32 can be checked to consider the number of tickets to transfer.

Furthermore, the gift quantity input area 51 initially displays the other player's deficit (i.e., the difference between the number of tickets the other player owns and the number of tickets required for the premium option), and it is not possible to enter a number less than this initial value. This ensures that one player can reliably transfer the minimum number of tickets required. After entering the number of tickets to be gifted in the gift quantity input area 51 and pressing the confirm button 52, the entered number of tickets is transferred to the other player, and the gift completion screen is displayed. However, this configuration is not limited to this; for example, the gift quantity input area 51 could be designed to allow one player to enter any number of tickets.

Figure 8 shows an example of the gift completion screen 60. The gift completion screen 60 includes a completion icon 61 and a confirmation button 62. When one player confirms the completion icon 61 and presses the confirmation button 62, the selection screen 30 is displayed again. This allows both players to select the premium option 33a.

In this embodiment, the game media management unit 11c is configured to allow a player with a large number of tickets to transfer their tickets to another player only when it is able to accept an event execution request (more specifically, when the premium option 33a can be selected from among multiple options). However, the system is not limited to this configuration; for example, it may be configured to allow one player to transfer tickets to another at any time while playing the game.

(1-5. Processing flow by game provision system 1)
Referring to Figures 9 and 10, an example of the processing flow by the game provision system 1 will be explained.

In step S100, the game provision unit 11a of the server 10 provides the choice display screen 30 to user terminals 20a and 20b. In step S105, user terminals 20a and 20b display the choice display screen 30 on the display unit 24.

In step S110, player P1 selects premium option 33a on the option display screen 30. In step S115, the event control unit 11b of server 10 accepts player P1's selection of premium option 33a.

In step S120, the game media management unit 11c of the server 10 determines whether player P2 can pay the number of tickets required for the premium option selected by player P1. Specifically, the game media management unit 11c refers to the ticket quantity management table stored in the memory unit 12 and makes a determination by comparing the number of tickets required for the premium option selected by player P1 with the number of tickets owned by player P2.

If the game media management unit 11c determines that player P2 can pay the required number of tickets (YES in step S120), the process proceeds to step S130. Conversely, if player P2 determines that they cannot pay the required number of tickets (NO in step S120), the process proceeds to the ticket transfer process (step S200).

In step S130, the user terminal 20b notifies the server 10 of the selection made by player P1 on the selection display screen 30. In step S135, the server 10 accepts the selection.

In step S140, the game provision unit 11a of the server 10 determines whether player P2's selection is a premium option. If it is a premium option (YES in step S140), the process proceeds to step S150. If it is not a premium option (NO in step S140), the process proceeds to step S160.

In step S150, the event control unit 11b of the server 10 provides the scenario associated with the premium option 33a to the user terminals 20a and 20b. In step S155, the user terminals 20a and 20b display the scenario on the display unit 24.

In step S160, the event control unit 11b of the server 10 notifies user terminals 20a and 20b that the selections of player P1 and player P2 do not match. In step S165, user terminals 20a and 20b display the notification on the display unit 24 and then display the selection display screen 30 again.

Next, referring to Figure 10, the ticket transfer process (step S200) will be explained. In step S210, the game media management unit 11c of the server 10 provides a gift suggestion screen 40, suggesting to player P1 that a ticket be given as a gift to player P2. In step S215, the display unit 24 of player P1's user terminal 20a displays the gift suggestion.

In step S220, player P2 operates the gift quantity determination screen 50 to determine the number of tickets to be given as gifts (hereinafter also referred to as the gift quantity). In step S225, the game media management unit 11c accepts the gift quantity.

In step S230, the game media management unit 11c grants the gifted ticket to player P2. Specifically, the game media management unit 11c updates the ticket count management table stored in the memory unit 12 to show the number of tickets owned by player P2. Then, the game media management unit 11c notifies the user terminal 20b about the ticket grant. In step S235, the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20b displays that a ticket has been transferred as a gift.

In step S240, the user terminal 20b notifies the server 10 of the selection made by player P1 on the selection display screen 30. In step S245, the server 10 accepts the selection.

In step S250, the game provision unit 11a of the server 10 determines whether player P2's selection is a premium option. If it is a premium option (YES in step S250), the process proceeds to step S260. If it is not a premium option (NO in step S250), the process proceeds to step S270.

In step S260, the event control unit 11b of the server 10 provides the scenario associated with the premium option 33a to the user terminals 20a and 20b. In step S265, the user terminals 20a and 20b display the scenario on the display unit 24.

In step S270, the event control unit 11b of the server 10 notifies user terminals 20a and 20b that the selections of player P1 and player P2 do not match. In step S275, user terminals 20a and 20b display the notification on the display unit 24 and then display the selection display screen 30 again.

<2. Variations>
The following describes various modifications of the game provision system 1 according to the first embodiment described above. The modifications described below can be combined with each other.

(2.1. Variation 1)
In the first variation, when the game media management unit 11c receives a selection of premium option 33a from one player, and the player who selected the premium option does not possess tickets equivalent to the price, it provides the other player with a gift suggestion screen 40. However, if the player who selected premium option 33a possesses tickets equivalent to the price, it does not provide the other player with a gift suggestion screen 40.

As shown in Figure 11, in the gift suggestion screen 40 of Modification 1, the number of tickets for the player who selected the premium option is insufficient. Even in this configuration, players with a large number of tickets can use their tickets to cover at least a portion of the payment that other players must make, thus achieving the same effect as in the above embodiment.

(2.2. Variation 2)
In variation 2, the game media management unit 11c notifies one player who does not possess tickets equivalent to the number of tickets for premium option 33a, requesting that they transfer the tickets to the other player. In other words, the game media management unit 11c notifies one player to encourage them to request the other player to give the tickets as a gift.

As shown in Figure 12, in the modified example 2, if a player who does not possess tickets equivalent to the number of tickets required for premium option 33a selects premium option 33a, the game media management unit 11c provides the player with a gift request screen 45.

The gift request screen 45 includes a request content display icon 46, an accept button 42, and a reject button 43. As shown in Figure 12, the request content display icon 46 proposes requesting a ticket gift from another player. When the player presses the accept button 42, the game media management unit 11c of the server 10 notifies the other player of the ticket gift request. In this configuration, a player with a large number of tickets can use their tickets to cover at least a portion of the payment that other players must make, achieving the same effect as in the above embodiment.

<3. Second Embodiment>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described using Figures 13 to 15. This embodiment differs from the above embodiment in that, instead of transferring tickets, one player advances the payment for the tickets, thereby covering the consideration that other players should pay. The differences will be explained below.

As shown in Figure 13, in the second embodiment, when one player uses their ticket to pay part of the price another player is due, the game media management unit 11c provides a reimbursement suggestion screen 70 instead of a gift suggestion screen 40.

The reimbursement proposal screen 70 includes a reimbursement details display icon 71, an accept button 72, and a reject button 73. When a player presses the accept button 72, that player also pays the amount of consideration that the other player is owed, and the game provider unit 11a provides a scenario linked to the premium option 33a.

Referring to Figures 14 and 15, the processing flow of the second embodiment will be explained, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

As shown in Figure 14, in the second embodiment, if player P2 determines in step S120 that they cannot pay the required number of tickets (NO in step S120), the process proceeds to the ticket reimbursement process (step S300).

Referring to Figure 15, the ticket reimbursement process (step S300) will be explained. In step S310, the game media management unit 11c of the server 10 provides a reimbursement proposal screen 70, proposing to one player P1 that it reimburse the other player P2 for the number of tickets. In step S315, the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20a displays the reimbursement proposal.

In step S320, player P1 operates the advance payment proposal screen 70 and decides to advance the number of tickets that player P2 should pay. In step S325, the game media management unit 11c accepts the advance payment. Specifically, the game media management unit 11c subtracts the number of tickets for both player P1 and player P2 from the number of tickets owned by player P1 in the ticket count management table stored in the memory unit 12.

In step S330, the game media management unit 11c notifies the user terminal 20b of the payment made by player P1. In step S335, the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20b displays that the payment for the premium option 33a has been advanced.

In step S340, the event control unit 11b of the server 10 provides the scenario associated with the premium option 33a to the user terminals 20a and 20b. In step S345, the user terminals 20a and 20b display the scenario on the display unit 24.

Even in this configuration, players who possess a large number of tickets can use their tickets to cover at least a portion of the payment due to other players, thereby achieving the same effect as in the above-described embodiment.

<4. Other Embodiments>
While embodiments and modifications thereof of the present invention have been described above, the application of this disclosure is not limited to the above.

The game media management unit 11c may, when providing a gift suggestion screen 40 or a reimbursement suggestion screen 70 to one player to notify them of a transfer, only provide the screen and notify them of the transfer if the player possesses tickets equivalent to the sum of the number of tickets they are owed and the remaining amount the other player is short to pay. This ensures that a transfer notification is only issued when a transfer is possible, thus facilitating smooth gameplay.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the number of premium options 33a were the same for all players, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, the game media management unit 11c may set a predetermined distribution ratio for the number of premium options 33a for each player.

For example, Player P1 and Player P2 may each pay a certain ratio (e.g., 3:7; hereinafter referred to as the distribution ratio) for each premium option 33a. This distribution ratio may be set based on the ratio of tickets each player possesses, or conversely, the distribution ratio may be set so that the more tickets a player possesses, the less they pay.

Furthermore, the distribution ratio may be configured to be adjustable by the players. For example, the distribution ratio may be set through negotiation between players during matchmaking at the start of game G.

Furthermore, various types of content can be considered for the event. For example, it could be hints for a code-breaking game, or it could be the destination for continuing (restarting) after a game over.

Furthermore, the game provider unit 11a may provide a function that allows the player who received the ticket to send a thank-you message or similar to the player who transferred the ticket.

Furthermore, while the above embodiment involved two players, the game is not limited to this configuration; it may also be designed for three or more players to play collaboratively.

Furthermore, while the ticket transfer occurred at the time of selecting a premium option in the above embodiment, the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, after matching players to start Game G and once the game has started, the system could be configured to allow ticket transfer from one player to the other at any time.

Alternatively, the system could be designed to allow ticket transfers before matchmaking takes place at the start of the game. In this case, for example, a function to register known players as friends could be provided, allowing ticket transfers to registered friends at a predetermined time. This predetermined time could be, for example, the birthday of a pre-registered friend, or an anniversary of the friendship registration.

Furthermore, while the above embodiment primarily describes a configuration where each function is provided by the server 10, it is also possible to configure the server 10 to provide some functions, or for both the server 10 and the user terminal 20 to provide them.

Furthermore, the information processing device such as server 10 may include not only a single physical unit, but also multiple units connected via wired or wireless communication that function substantially as a single information processing device.

Furthermore, each step described as being performed by the server 10 in the above embodiment may be implemented in a manner in which it is performed by the user terminal 20.

Furthermore, the present invention can also be implemented as a program that enables the operation of the game provision system described above.

Furthermore, the present invention can also be implemented as a computer-readable, non-temporary recording medium for storing the above-mentioned program.

The various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims.

<5. Features of the Embodiment>
The features of embodiments of the present invention are summarized below.

In one aspect of the present invention, an information processing device is provided comprising a game provisioning unit 11a, an event control unit 11b, and a game medium management unit 11c. The game provisioning unit 11a provides a game that progresses through the joint execution of predetermined events, including a first event, by multiple players. The event control unit 11b controls the execution of the first event by enabling each of the multiple players to pay a ticket, which serves as game medium equivalent to a predetermined value, as consideration. The game medium management unit 11c manages the game mediums owned by each of the multiple players, enabling one player to use their own game mediums to cover at least a portion of the consideration that other players are required to pay.

This configuration allows for smoother game progression in games where multiple players collaborate and consume game media, even if there are disparities in the amount of game media owned by each player. This enables the game to proceed using the game media owned by one player.

Furthermore, the game media management unit 11c may allow one player to transfer the game media necessary to enable the execution of the first event to another player.

This configuration, where one player receives a game medium and other players pay for it, strengthens the sense of solidarity among players and allows them to play the game more smoothly together.

Furthermore, the game media management unit 11c may set a predetermined ratio for the amount of compensation for the first event for each of the multiple players.

This configuration allows for setting the payment ratio among multiple players, enabling various distributions depending on the combination of players and resulting in smoother gameplay.

Furthermore, the game media management unit 11c may only enable allocation when it is able to accept event execution requests.

By adopting this configuration, the allocation of game media is limited to times when event execution requests can be accepted, thereby preventing the unnecessary transfer of game media and the resulting decrease in their value.

Furthermore, the game media management unit 11c may notify player 1 regarding payment if another player is unable to pay the consideration.

This configuration allows players who own many game media to be notified when other players are short on media, thereby promoting the transfer of game media and ensuring smooth gameplay.

Furthermore, if another player is unable to pay the fee, the game media management unit 11c may notify the other player of a request to the first player regarding payment.

This configuration encourages players who lack game media to request transfers from other players, thereby facilitating the transfer of game media and ensuring smooth gameplay.

The game media management unit 11c may notify one player of the difference between the amount of game media required by other players to perform the first event and the amount of game media owned by those other players, and may allow one player to use the game media equivalent to the difference.

This configuration allows for the execution of the first event after the transfer by notifying each player of the minimum amount of game media they must transfer.

The event control unit 11b accepts an operation from the player to select and execute any event from a plurality of events, including the first and second events. It may also control the system to enable the execution of the second event without payment, and to allow payment when the player selects the first event, but prevent payment when the player selects the second event.

By adopting this configuration, when selecting the second event, which does not require payment for the game media, the transfer of the game media is prohibited. This prevents the game media from being unnecessarily transferred and thus reduces its value.

The game provision unit 11a displays multiple options on terminals operated by each of the multiple players, and these options include a first option for executing a first event. The event control unit 11b accepts the selection of the first option from each of the multiple players on the condition that each player pays game media equivalent to a predetermined value as consideration. It receives input from each of the multiple players to select one option from the multiple options, and if multiple players select the same option, it executes the event corresponding to that option. The game media management unit 11c accepts a transfer instruction from one player to transfer game media that can be used for payment to another player, and may transfer game media owned by one player to another player based on the transfer instruction.

This configuration allows for the transfer of the game medium when multiple players collaboratively select the same option, enabling smoother game progression.

The game media management unit 11c may be configured such that, when it receives a selection of the first option from one player, it notifies the first player about the transfer if another player does not possess the game media necessary to pay the price required for selecting the first option, but does not notify the first player about the transfer if another player does possess the game media necessary to pay the price required for selecting the first option.

This configuration ensures smooth gameplay by only notifying other players about a transfer when one player selects the first option, which requires payment.

The game media management unit 11c may be configured such that, when it receives a selection of the first option from another player, it notifies the first player about the transfer if the other player does not possess the game media necessary to pay the price required for selecting the first option, but does not notify the first player about the transfer if the other player does possess the game media necessary to pay the price required for selecting the first option.

This configuration ensures smooth gameplay by only notifying other players about the transfer if a transfer is necessary when another player selects the first option, which requires payment.

The game media management unit 11c may be configured to notify a player of a transfer if, in cases where another player does not possess game media necessary to pay the price required for selecting the first option, the first player possesses game media equivalent to the sum of the price they are owed and the remaining amount the other player is short of paying. If the first player does not possess game media equivalent to the sum, the unit may not notify the player of a transfer.

This configuration ensures smooth game progression by only notifying other players of a transfer when the first option is available.

In another aspect of the present invention, a computer program is provided that causes a computer to perform a game provision step, an event control step, and a game medium management step, wherein the game provision step provides a game that progresses when multiple players jointly execute predetermined events, including a first event; the event control step controls the execution of the first event by allowing each of the multiple players to pay game mediums equivalent to a predetermined value as consideration; and the game medium management step manages the game mediums owned by each of the multiple players, enabling one player to use their own game mediums to pay at least one step of the consideration that other players are required to pay.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, an information processing method is provided in which a computer performs a game provision step, an event control step, and a game medium management step, wherein the game provision step provides a game that progresses when multiple players jointly execute predetermined events, including a first event; the event control step controls the execution of the first event by having each of the multiple players pay game mediums equivalent to a predetermined value as consideration; and the game medium management step manages the game mediums owned by each of the multiple players, enabling one player to use their own game mediums to pay at least one step of the consideration that other players are required to pay.

1: Game provision system 5: Communication line 10: Server 11: Control unit 11a: Game provision unit 11b: Event control unit 11c: Game media management unit 12: Memory unit 13: Communication unit 14: Operation input unit 15: Monitor 16: System bus 20: User terminal 21: Control unit 22: Memory unit 23: Communication unit 24: Display unit 25: Speaker 26: Microphone 27: Camera 28: Operation buttons 29: System bus 30: Choice display screen 31: Mission icon 32: Owned ticket display icon 33: Choice icon 33a: Premium choice 33b: Normal choice 34: Required ticket display icon 40: Gift suggestion screen 41: Suggestion content display icon 42: Accept button 43: Reject button 45: Gift request screen 46: Request content display icon 50: Gift quantity determination screen 51: Gift quantity input area 52 : Confirm button 60 : Gift completion screen 61 : Completion icon 62 : Confirmation button 70 : Advance payment proposal screen 71 : Advance payment details display icon 72 : Accept button 73 : Reject button

Claims (5)

Equipped with a processor,
The aforementioned processor,
In a game where the scenario branches and progresses based on the selection of choices made, the first and second players, who play the game together, select one of several options.
The system displays scenarios corresponding to the selections made by both the first player and the second player.
An information processing device that enables the selection of the first option to be completed by the second player consuming the sum of the first and second quantities of the game medium owned by the second player, when the selected option is one in which the first player is required to consume a first quantity of game medium equivalent to a predetermined value and the second player is required to consume a second quantity of the game medium, and the first player is in a state where he is unable to consume the second quantity of the game medium. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first quantity and the second quantity are determined in accordance with a comparison between the quantity of the game medium owned by the first player and the quantity of the game medium owned by the second player . In a game where the scenario branches and progresses based on the selection of choices made, the processor receives the selection of one of several choices from the first and second players who are playing the game together.
The processor displays a scenario corresponding to the selection made by both the first player and the second player.
An information processing method that enables a processor to make the selection of the first option possible when the selected option is one in which the first player must consume a first quantity of game media equivalent to a predetermined value and the second player must consume a second quantity of the game media, and the first player is unable to consume the second quantity of the game media, by consuming the sum of the first and second quantities from the game media owned by the second player . In the processor,
In a game where the scenario branches and progresses based on the selection of choices made, the first and second players, who play the game together, are allowed to select one of several options.
The system displays scenarios corresponding to the selections made by both the first player and the second player.
A program that enables the selection of the first option to be completed by the second player consuming the sum of the first and second amounts of the game medium owned by the second player, when the selected option is such that the first player must consume a first amount of game medium equivalent to a predetermined value and the second player must consume a second amount of the game medium, and the first player is unable to consume the second amount of the game medium. The system comprises a terminal device and a server device configured to communicate with the terminal device,
The server device is
In a game where the scenario branches and progresses based on the selection of choices made by the first and second players, the system accepts the selection of one of several choices from the first and second players who are playing the game together, and displays the scenario corresponding to the choice made by both the first and second players.
An information processing system that enables the selection of the first option to be completed by the second player consuming the sum of the first and second quantities of the game medium owned by the second player, when the selected option is such that the first player must consume a first quantity of game medium equivalent to a predetermined value and the second player must consume a second quantity of the game medium, and the first player is unable to consume the second quantity of the game medium.