JP7187392B2 - Game server, terminal, method, system and program - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to game servers, terminals, methods, systems, and programs.

As the time and frequency of playing the game increases, the game proficiency level of the player tends to increase. In addition, along with such proficiency, there is a tendency for the experience value and various points obtained in the game to increase. It can be said that the situation in which a lot of experience points and points were acquired as a result of spending a meaningful time immersed in a favorite game matches the original way of enjoying the game for the player.

On the other hand, depending on the structure of the game and the contents of the quests, there may be cases where the main purpose is to acquire experience points and points, apart from the above-mentioned original way of enjoying.

In such a case, regardless of the player's original orientation, only the tendency to play for a long time and at a high frequency will continue to increase, and there is a possibility that the player will gradually deviate from the viewpoint of pure enjoyment of the game.

Therefore, techniques for adjusting the play tendencies of such players have been proposed. For example, Patent Literature 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-188650) describes a system that suppresses an increase in the number of accesses from player terminals during a busy season or the like. In addition, in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2018-61730), there is a technique for controlling the progress of a game, and a system that increases the benefits given to event participants in the game as the average play time is shorter. Have been described.

JP 2015-188650 A JP 2018-61730 A

In the inventions described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, although it is a configuration that simply recommends short-time or low-frequency play, it is possible to deal with individual circumstances of players and events that can change over time, such as play tendencies and busy situations for each player. have not been able to consider.

Therefore, a situation may arise in which a player who enjoys the game for a long time without any problem in the spare time is excluded. Or, because they are beginners or because they are extremely busy, they cannot fully enjoy the game in a short time and cannot master it, but since such circumstances are not taken into consideration, their motivation does not increase, and they leave the game space as it is.

Also, if there is a mechanism that buffs or debuffs the player according to the experience value or point ranking in the game, it tends to result in preferential treatment only for players of a specific class, and the above-mentioned players The sense of unfairness and the disparity in motivation between workers will widen further.

For example, players who can't play games during the day, such as at school or at work, play less frequently, so it's harder for them to rank up than higher-ranked players. Some players make full use of techniques in a short period of time, but if the results are lower than those of the top players who have played for a long time, their techniques are not properly evaluated, which leads to a decrease in motivation. On the other hand, if the player's ranking is lowered only for the reason of playing for a long time, the player naturally loses motivation.

Therefore, the present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to appropriately consider the situations of various players, and to optimize play efficiency and motivation in a convincing manner. is to provide

In order to achieve the above object, the game server according to the present disclosure includes a storage unit that records the game play time of each player during a predetermined period, and groups each player by the length of the play time. a grouping unit; and a ranking generation unit that generates a ranking according to an index in the game among players belonging to each player group generated by the grouping.

In addition, in order to achieve the above object, the terminal according to the present disclosure includes a storage unit that records the playing time of each player during a predetermined period of time, and groups each player according to the length of the playing time. and a ranking generation unit that generates a ranking according to the index in the game among the players belonging to the player group for each player group generated by the grouping.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the method according to the present disclosure provides a method in which a server that holds a storage unit that records the game play time for each player during a predetermined period of time stores Each player is grouped, and for each player group generated by the grouping, a ranking is generated according to the index in the game among the players belonging to the player group.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the system according to the present disclosure includes a storage unit that records the playing time of each player during a predetermined period of time, and groups each player according to the length of the playing time. and a ranking generation unit that generates a ranking according to an index in the game, for each player group generated by the grouping, among the players belonging to the player group, and the game A terminal including an output unit that notifies a server of the game playing time, and a processing unit that acquires the ranking information from the game server and displays the ranking information.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the program according to the present disclosure stores, in a server holding a storage unit that records the game play time for each player during a predetermined period, each length of the play time A process of grouping each player, and a process of generating a ranking according to the index in the game among the players belonging to the player group generated by the grouping are executed.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a system that appropriately considers the situations of various players and optimizes play efficiency and motivation in a convincing manner.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the game system of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the game server of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the terminal of this embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows an example of processing in the game server of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of play history DB of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of total result DB of this embodiment. It is an example of the display screen of this embodiment. It is an example of the display screen of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of setting information DB of this embodiment. It is an example of the display screen of this embodiment. It is an example of the display screen of this embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, common constituent elements are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations are omitted. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not unduly limit the content of the present disclosure described in the claims. Also, not all the components shown in the embodiments are essential components of the present disclosure.

<Embodiment>
(Overview of embodiment)
As the time and frequency of playing the game increases, the game proficiency level of the player tends to increase. In addition, along with such proficiency, there is a tendency for the experience value and various points obtained in the game to increase. It can be said that the situation in which a lot of experience points and points were obtained as a result of spending a meaningful time immersed in a favorite game matches the original way of enjoying the game for the player.

On the other hand, depending on the structure of the game and the contents of the quests, there may be cases where the main purpose is to acquire experience points and points, apart from the above-mentioned original way of enjoying.

In such a case, regardless of the player's original orientation, only the tendency to play for a long time and at a high frequency will continue to increase, and there is a possibility that the player will gradually deviate from the viewpoint of pure enjoyment of the game. On the other hand, as disclosed in the prior art, even with a configuration that simply recommends playing for a short time or infrequently, the individual circumstances of each player, such as the play tendency and busy situation of each player, and events that can change over time. cannot be considered.

Therefore, a situation may arise in which a player who enjoys the game for a long time without any problem in the spare time is excluded. Alternatively, because they are true beginners or because they are extremely busy, they cannot fully enjoy the game in a short time and cannot master it, but because such circumstances are not taken into consideration, their motivation does not increase, and there are situations where they leave the game space as it is. sell.

Also, if there is a mechanism that buffs or debuffs the player according to the experience value or point ranking in the game, it tends to result in preferential treatment only for players of a specific class, and the above-mentioned players The sense of unfairness and the disparity in motivation between workers will widen further.

In other words, ignoring differences in the play tendency of each player and the busy situation due to the position, etc., the player is simply and uniformly evaluated based on only the length of the play time, and the play tendency that is preferable Even if you try to guide them, there is a problem that you can not consider aspects such as maintaining and improving the motivation of the player and how to use the time that leads to the original enjoyment of the game. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a technology is provided that appropriately considers the situations of various players and optimizes play efficiency and motivation in a convincing manner.

Specifically, in the game server of this embodiment, for example, each player who plays an online game records the game play time during a predetermined period such as one week or one month, and the average value Range of playing time for the player (e.g. monthly average within 15 minutes = feather light weight, within 30 minutes = light weight, within 60 minutes = middle weight, within 2 hours = junior heavy weight, within 4 hours = heavy weight) Group each player based on class, 6+ hours = super heavyweight, etc.).

By performing such grouping, it is possible to form a group of players who have similar playing tendencies in terms of length of playing time, that is, a group of players. In addition, the game server generates a ranking for each player group among the players belonging to the player group, according to the index (experience value, points, etc.) in the game described above. The play time may be the play time during occurrence of a specific event in the game, in addition to the concept of simply the average play time of a certain game.

The generated ranking is a ranking among players who have similar lengths of playing time. Therefore, we will group and rank based on the circumstances of each player, such as "Last month I was busy so I could only play 15 minutes a day", "I made a promise with my family to refrain from playing time and played only 15 minutes every day". It will happen. In other words, comparison is avoided between players who have different play environments in terms of play time.

Viewed from another aspect, this means that there is room for each player to select the playing time according to the life rhythm, schedule, etc. during the predetermined target period. For example, "I have a lot of free time in terms of work and studies this week, so let's play a lot of games in my spare time and aim for a prize in the heavyweight division." Since there is almost nothing, let's concentrate on the game for a short time every day and aim for a prize in the lightweight class," the player can control himself. Therefore, even if it is the same game, and even if it is the same player, it is possible to enjoy it in various ways depending on one's own convenience and situation.

On the other hand, if the target period is not fixed, and the average play time of each player is calculated for the entire period after the start of monitoring of play time, and the above grouping and ranking generation are performed, players themselves will be able to raise the ranking. Apart from the convenience and position of the player, it is necessary to continue to play for a long time or for a short time in order to belong to the group of players that you are aiming for, while continuing to earn a lot of experience points and points.

In this embodiment, the play time can be assumed to be the operation time of a game application on a terminal such as a smartphone in which the player plays the game, the monitor display time of the game machine, or the like. In any case, the play time is regarded as the average length of time for playing the game once, but is not limited to this (the same applies hereinafter).

For example, when the approximate time per game is fixed (eg, including games where one play is timed), the number of times played (play frequency), that is, the play time may be recognized. In that case, it is possible to assume an operational mode in which a ranking is generated for each challenge of a certain quest. As a matter of course, long-time play is treated as many-time play within a certain period of time, and short-time play is handled as a few-time play within a certain period of time.

In the ranking of each player group generated in this way, the game server determines the attributes of the player group, such as light weight, middle weight, and heavy weight, and the experience value and point size of each player in the player group. Depending on the ranking, parameters corresponding to the player, parameters of items and characters owned by the player (including numerical values such as attack power, physical strength, number of possessions), indicators such as player experience value and points are buffed (for players beneficial effects) or debuffs (unfavorable effects for the player). In addition, for example, in the case of a battle game, a "buff" does not generate an advantageous effect for the player, generates a disadvantageous effect for the opponent player, and generates a relatively advantageous effect for the player. Also includes In addition, for example, in the case of a battle game, "debuff" does not generate a disadvantageous effect for the player, generates an advantageous effect for the opponent player, and generates a relatively disadvantageous effect for the player. also includes

It is preferable to give the same buff or debuff to each player who has the same rank in the player group and belongs to different player groups. For example, the top ranking player in the lightweight group (e.g., the top ranked player) and the top ranked player in the heavyweight group (e.g., the top ranking player) will each receive 1 experience value or point. If you apply a buff that increases by 5 times, the effort in the game will be rewarded according to the convenience and position of each player, and it can be expected to improve their motivation.

However, it is also possible to operate differently depending on the attributes of the player group, such as applying buffs to the top ranked players in the light class and below, and applying debuffs to all players in the heavy class and above. is.

Also, as a result of imparting a buff or debuff as described above, the target person's game play becomes advantageous or disadvantageous, which indirectly changes the position in the ranking. Alternatively, as a result of imparting a buff or debuff as described above, the value of the indicator of the recipient of the grant directly changes, and the position in the ranking may also change. Therefore, the game server updates the above-mentioned ranking based on the results of applying such buffs or debuffs.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the average play time during the target period is calculated for each player, and information on the average play time is displayed on the player's terminal. By performing such a display, the player himself/herself can recognize his/her own play tendency in the form of the average play time, which can be reflected in subsequent actions.

In addition to the display of the average play time as described above, it is also preferable to display the remaining playable time of the player on a timer according to the upper limit of the play time specified by the player. It can be expected to effectively avoid playing for a long time and prevent the so-called game dependence state.

Also, similar to the play time upper limit described above, the player who is playing the game may be logged off when the play end time predetermined by the user or the operator of the game server arrives. In this case as well, it is possible to expect the effect of effectively avoiding long-term play and preventing the so-called game-dependent state.

Note that, in this embodiment, when the playing time exceeds a predetermined limit value, the player whose playing time exceeds the predetermined limit is excluded from the grouping targets. Alternatively, among the player group, a group of players whose playing time exceeds a predetermined limit value is generated as a player group to which the buff is not applied. In this case as well, it is possible to expect the effect of effectively avoiding long-term play and preventing the so-called game-dependent state.

On the other hand, a terminal that receives various information distributions along with game distribution from the game server displays this on a display or the like. The player browses the information displayed on the terminal during game play, and understands things such as rankings and the results of buffs and debuffs. Of course, it is assumed that such players are operating their own terminals and playing games distributed from the game server.

The terminal accepts the player's operation and transmits the content of the operation to the game server. On the other hand, the game server receives this transmission, reflects the content of the operation as a processing result in the game, and returns this to the terminal.

(Configuration of game system 1)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a game system 1. As shown in FIG. A configuration of a game system 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

The game system 1 includes a game server 100 and terminals 200-1, 200-2, . The network NW is composed of a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), and the like. In the following description, terminals 200-1, 200-2, .

The game server 100 is a server device that provides an online game service on the network NW, for example, according to this embodiment. This game server 100, for example, accepts a login request to the terminal 200 that has accessed via the network NW, performs user authentication processing in response to the login request, distributes the game, accepts operations, and determines the play time of the game. , ranking generation according to the experience value and points in the game, and various processing such as granting benefits such as buffs and debuffs.

On the other hand, the terminal 200 accepts a game operation by a user, that is, a player, for the game distributed from the game server 100 as described above, and returns it to the game server 100, so that the operation result of the player on each screen and the It is an information processing terminal that obtains an experience value or a point value obtained based on the game server 100 or a ranking result or the like that is separately generated by the game server 100 .

(Functional configuration of game server 100)
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the game server 100. As shown in FIG. Note that the game server 100 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the constituent elements (each unit) in FIG. 2 are omitted.

The game server 100 is an information processing device and includes a communication section 105 , a storage section 110 and a processing section 120 .

Among them, the communication unit 105 performs various controls for communicating with the terminal 200 via the network NW. The functions can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), programs, and the like.

The storage unit 110 is a storage device for storing programs and various data for operating the computer. The storage unit 110 includes a play history DB 111, a tally result DB 112, and a setting information DB 113.

The play history DB 111 is a database that accumulates play histories in online games according to this embodiment. The information held in this play history DB 111 includes, for example, identification information and play results (eg, start/ information such as end time, acquired experience points and points, cleared quests, time required to clear the quests, etc.). Note that the storage unit 110 may include a temporary storage area and a storage.

In addition, the tally result DB 112 is a database that stores the result of tallying the information held in the play history DB 111 regarding each player. For each player, this result can be assumed to be, for example, the average playing time in the last month, the acquired experience value in the relevant period, the number of quests cleared, the average time required for one quest, and the like.

In addition to the above information, it may also include the results of buffing or debuffing as positive or negative incentives for the player. As a result of imparting this buff or debuff, for example, a value obtained by multiplying the acquired experience value by 1.2 times can be assumed.

The setting information DB 113 is a database that stores information related to setting values such as the upper limit of game play time per day, the play end time, and the play time limit value for the above-described player. Of these, the upper limit of play time and the limit value of play time may be the same, but the upper limit of play time is determined by the player, and the limit value of play time is determined by the operator of the game server. It is possible to assume a situation where it is operated as

In addition, the processing unit 120 executes various types of information processing executed in the game server 100 . The processing unit 120 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory, and the CPU uses the memory to execute various information processing programs stored in the storage unit 110 .

The processing unit 120 includes a grouping unit 121 , a ranking generation unit 122 , a privilege provision unit 123 , a play time display unit 124 and a logoff unit 125 .

Of these, the grouping unit 121, for example, the range of play time length indicated by the information held in the play history DB 111 (e.g., monthly average within 15 minutes = feather light weight, within 30 minutes = light weight, within 60 minutes = middleweight, within 2 hours = junior heavyweight, within 4 hours = heavyweight, over 6 hours = super heavyweight, etc.). However, if such play time exceeds a predetermined limit, the player with that play time shall be excluded from grouping.

For each player group generated by the grouping unit 121, the ranking generation unit 122 generates a ranking according to the indicators, that is, the experience value and points in the game during the corresponding period, among the players belonging to the player group. do. For such experience points and point values, the values in the "obtained experience points" column in the history DB 111 may be tallied for the relevant period.

In addition, the privilege granting unit 123 is obtained by the grouping unit 121 and the ranking generating unit 122 described above, for each attribute of the player group, that is, for each range of the average play time, for example, the player ranking according to the magnitude of the acquired experience value. Among them, for example, a process of applying the same buff/debuff to the acquired experience points of the top ranking players of the group of players with the longest average play time and the group of players with the shortest play time is performed.

As described above, the privilege granting unit 123 is assumed to apply buffs or debuffs of the same content to players who are in the same position in the player group but belong to different player groups. The debuff application form is not limited to this.

Note that the ranking generation unit 122 updates the ranking of the corresponding player group based on the parameters and indicators (obtained experience points in this embodiment) buffed or debuffed by the privilege granting unit 123 described above. Buffs or debuffs change the advantageous or disadvantageous situation for the player, and the position of the player in the ranking changes accordingly. The player can recognize such ranking fluctuations on his/her own terminal, which can lead to increased motivation.

In addition, the ranking generation unit 122 generates a group of players to which the buff is not applied, out of the group of players, by grouping players whose play time exceeds a predetermined limit value. As the limit value in this case, the value in the "limit value" column of the setting information DB 113 is extracted and used.

In addition, the play time display unit 124 calculates the average play time during the period for each player, and displays information on the average play time for the player on the terminal. The play time display unit 124 also refers to the setting information DB 113 for the maximum play time specified by the player, and displays the remaining playable time for the player according to the value. In this case, the play time display unit 124 uses a clock function or the like provided in the game server as an information processing device, counts time for timer display, and causes the terminal to display the result.

In addition, the logoff unit 125 refers to the play end time predetermined by the player or the game server operator in the setting information DB 113, compares this with the clock function provided in the game server, and detects the arrival of the relevant time. In that case, log off the game for the player concerned.

In this embodiment, the term "server" refers to one information processing device (ie, server device), and when the server is composed of a plurality of server devices, a group of server devices (ie, server system) It means the whole. Also, in the present embodiment, the game server 100 is described as an integrated configuration, but the game server 100 may be configured to include a plurality of server devices divided according to functions and/or roles.

(Functional configuration of terminal 200)
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of terminal 200. As shown in FIG. Note that the terminal 200 of the present embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) in FIG. 3 are omitted.

The terminal 200 is an information processing device corresponding to a terminal possessed by a player. device, a wearable terminal such as a head-mounted display, or a multifunctional device such as a multifunctional television receiver (smart TV) equipped with an information processing function.

That is, the terminal 200 has various functions (for example, an input function, an output (display) function, an information processing function, a network communication function, a sensor function, a call function, a camera function, etc.) that a general multifunction device has. ing. Note that the network communication function is a communication function via the Internet or the like and/or a communication function via a mobile communication network.

Terminal 200 includes communication section 210 , input section 220 , output section 230 , storage section 240 and processing section 250 .

The communication unit 210 performs various controls for communicating with the game server 100 via the network NW, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, and the like.

The input unit 220 is an interface for receiving input from the player, and sends the player's input to the processing unit 250 . The input unit 220 is, for example, a touch panel, buttons, a controller, or the like.

Also, the input unit 220 may be a measuring device that detects various states of the terminal 200 . For example, a sound sensor that picks up sounds around the terminal 200, an orientation sensor (acceleration sensor or gyro sensor) that detects the orientation and tilt of the terminal itself, a gaze sensor that detects the player's gaze direction, and ambient brightness. , a UV sensor that detects the amount of ultraviolet rays contained in sunlight or the like, and an infrared sensor that detects the player's actions.

The input unit 220 also includes an image sensor that extracts image features of an object from images captured by a camera (not shown), a humidity sensor that detects the humidity around the terminal 200, and a magnetic field at the location of the terminal 200. , a proximity sensor that detects an object near the terminal 200, an illuminance sensor that detects the brightness around the terminal 200, or the like. The input unit 220 sends the detected sensing data to the processing unit 250 as player input.

The output unit 230 is, for example, a display device such as a display or an audio output device such as a speaker, and displays and outputs various images and sounds generated in the terminal 200 according to the input to the input unit 220, and outputs the game server. It displays and outputs various images and sounds based on the data received from 100 .

Such output units 230 include artificial intelligence-equipped speakers (smart speakers). Output unit 230 may also include a vibrator that vibrates terminal 200 or a light that emits light.

The storage unit 240 is a storage device for storing programs and various data for operating the computer. This storage unit 240 may include a temporary storage area and a storage.

The storage unit 240 can store the attribute information 241 of the user who is the player of the terminal 200 and the game application 242, as well as temporary data for game play distributed from the game server 100 and the like.

In addition, the processing unit 250 executes various types of information processing executed in the terminal 200 . The processing unit 250 has a CPU and memory. In terminal 200, the CPU executes a program stored in storage unit 240 using a memory to execute necessary processing. Moreover, when the terminal 200 operates as a multi-function device, the processing unit 250 executes information processing for realizing each function.

Processing unit 250 includes a data transmission unit 251 and a data reception unit 252 . Among these, the data transmission unit 251 controls the communication unit 210 to transmit data regarding the player's input received by the input unit 220 (eg, login request and game operation information) to the game server 100 .

On the other hand, the data receiving unit 252 receives, via the communication unit 210, game data distributed from the game server 100, processing results reflecting the player's operation on the game data, and the like.

As described above, in the game system 1 according to the present embodiment, the game server 100 controls the main processing, but the terminal 200 having similar functions may perform the control. Specifically, at least some of the functional units of the game server 100 may be configured not to be provided in the processing unit 120 of the game server 100 , but provided in the processing unit 250 of the terminal 200 .

(Processing in game server 100)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the game server 100. As shown in FIG. An example of processing in the game server 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S101, the game server 100 receives a login request from the terminal 200 via the communication unit 105, and performs login processing. For example, the game server 100 receives information for logging in, such as an ID and password for identifying a player, from the terminal 200, and refers to authentication information held in advance in the storage unit 110 to perform player authentication. When the player is successfully authenticated, the game server 100 distributes the game data held regarding the player to the terminal 200 of the player.

On the other hand, the terminal 200 receives the above-described game data from the game server 100 and gives it to the game application 242, thereby activating the game in the state in which the player has been playing until recently. A series of processes from such login to the start of game play are similar to those in a normal online game or the like.

In addition, the game server 100 receives information such as the above-described player's operation on the terminal 200 , reflects the information as processing in the above-described game, and returns the result to the terminal 200 . Such a play operation is repeated until the player finishes playing, and the game server 100 also repeats corresponding processing and reply.

During that time, the game server 100 monitors what the player has played this time. Accordingly, in step S102, the game server 100 stores the monitoring result in the play history DB 111 when the play of the game ends.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the play history DB 111. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, each record in the play history DB 111 is a play result by each player who started playing in the past in response to a login request received from the terminal 200 via the communication unit 105, using the player's ID as a key. , play start/end times, acquired experience points, cleared quests, and required time for the quests.

Among these, the ID is information for uniquely identifying the player, and is an ID issued by the game server 100 when the player is registered. In addition, as the attribute information, information such as the player's sex, age group, occupation, favorite character or character type selected by the user or obtained from a game server (not shown), current location (or address), etc. are grouped. It may be included as an AND condition of time.

Information such as the acquired experience points, the cleared quests, and the time required to clear the quests is a type of game data naturally managed by the game server 100 for each player.

Returning to FIG. 4, in step S103, the grouping unit 121 extracts the play history of each player stored in the play history DB 111 for the last month, for example. At this time, the grouping unit 122 may extract, from the play history for the last month, for each player who matches conditions such as gender, age group, occupation, location, character selected in the game, and the like.

In step S104, based on the play history extracted in step S103, the grouping unit 121 determines the average value of the game play time, the acquired experience value, the number of quests, Values such as the average time required for one quest are tallied, and the results are stored in the tally result DB 112 .

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the tally result DB 112. As shown in FIG. The tally result DB 112 shown in FIG. 6 uses the ID of the player in the play history DB 111 shown in FIG. The number of quests, the average time required for one quest, the presence or absence of buffs or debuffs given to the player, and the results are associated with each other.

Among these, the average play time is calculated by calculating the play time of each play from each value of the start time and end time of the record related to a certain player among the records extracted from the play history DB 111 in S103, and calculating the total time as the number of records, that is, the number of plays. It is obtained by dividing by

The acquired experience value is obtained by aggregating the "acquired experience value" values of records related to a certain player among the records extracted from the play history DB 111 in S103.

Similarly, the number of cleared quests is obtained by aggregating the number of records with a value in the "cleared quests" column for a certain player among the records extracted from the play history DB 111 in S103. .

In addition, the average time required for one quest is obtained by dividing the total time obtained by aggregating the values in the "quest required time" column for a certain player among the records extracted from the play history DB 111 in S103 by the number of cleared quests. It is obtained by

Whether or not a buff or debuff is applied and the result thereof are stored along with the process of applying a buff or debuff by the game server 100, which will be described later.

Returning to FIG. 4, in step S105, the grouping unit 121 selects the value of the most recent average play time among the values stored in the counting result DB 112 (in the case of the player “P01” in FIG. Average time "65" minutes) is within a predetermined playing time range (e.g. monthly average within 15 minutes = feather light weight, within 30 minutes = light weight, within 60 minutes = middle weight, within 2 hours = junior heavyweight, less than 4 hours = heavyweight, 6 hours or more = super heavyweight, etc.), and group each player.

By performing such grouping, it is possible to form a group of players who have similar playing tendencies in terms of length of playing time, that is, a group of players. The play time may be the play time during occurrence of a specific event in the game, in addition to the concept of simply the average play time of a certain game.

In step S106, for each player group obtained in step S105, the ranking generation unit 122 generates a ranking among the players belonging to the player group according to the amount of experience gained during the game. Generate.

FIG. 7 illustrates a ranking display screen 700 that the ranking generation unit 122 wants to generate. This display screen 700 is, for example, delivered to the terminal 200 that has received the request and displayed. The exemplified display screen 700 includes at least information 701 including the rank (player group) to which a certain player belongs for the most recent month and his/her own ranking in the player group.

The generated ranking is a ranking among players who have similar lengths of playing time. Therefore, we will group and rank based on the circumstances of each player, such as "Last month I was busy so I could only play 15 minutes a day", "I made a promise with my family to refrain from playing time and played only 15 minutes every day". It will happen. In other words, comparison is avoided between players who have different play environments in terms of play time.

Viewed from another aspect, this means that there is room for each player to select the playing time according to the life rhythm, schedule, etc. during the predetermined target period. For example, "I have a lot of free time in terms of work and studies this week, so let's play a lot of games in my spare time and aim for a prize at the heavyweight division." Since there is almost nothing, let's concentrate on the game for a short time every day and aim for a prize in the lightweight class," the player can control himself. Therefore, even with the same game, even with the same player, it is possible to enjoy various ways depending on one's own convenience and situation.

On the other hand, if the target period is not fixed, and the average play time of each player is calculated for the entire period after the start of monitoring of play time, and the above grouping and ranking generation are performed, players themselves will be able to raise the ranking. Apart from the convenience and position of the player, it is necessary to continue to play for a long time or for a short time in order to belong to the group of players that you are aiming for, while continuing to earn a lot of experience points and points.

In the present embodiment, the play time is, for example, when the approximate time per game is fixed (eg, including games where one play is timed), the number of times played (play frequency), i.e. It may be recognized as playing time. In that case, it is possible to assume an operational mode in which a ranking is generated for each challenge of a certain quest. As a matter of course, long-time play is treated as many-time play within a certain period of time, and short-time play is handled as a few-time play within a certain period of time.

Returning to FIG. 4, in step S107, in the ranking of each player group generated as described above, the privilege granting unit 123 determines the attributes of the player group, such as lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight, and the player group Buffs or debuffs the player's parameters and indicators according to the ranking according to the amount of experience earned by each player in the game. In addition, this result is stored in the buff/debuff column and the buff/debuff result column in the tally result DB 112 .

It is preferable to give the same buff or debuff to each player who has the same rank in the player group and belongs to different player groups. For example, if we were to apply a buff that doubles the experience points and points of the top ranked light-weight players and the top-ranked heavyweight players, each Depending on the player's convenience and position, the effort in the game will be rewarded, and the motivation can be expected to increase.

However, it is also possible to operate differently depending on the attributes of the player group, such as applying buffs to the top ranked players in the light class and below, and applying debuffs to all players in the heavy class and above. is.

Also, as a result of imparting a buff or debuff as described above, the index value of the person to whom it is imparted may change. Therefore, their position in the ranking may also change. Therefore, in step S108, the ranking generation unit 122 updates the above-described ranking based on the value of the acquired experience value with the buff or debuff applied.

FIG. 8 illustrates a display screen 800 of rankings that the ranking generation unit 122 wants to update. This display screen 800 is, for example, delivered to the terminal 200 that has received the request and displayed. The exemplified display screen 800 includes at least information 801 including the rank (player group) to which a certain player belongs for the most recent month and his/her own ranking in the player group. Unlike the example in FIG. 7, the fact that the rank and the acquired experience value have changed due to the buff is highlighted.

Note that the play time display unit 124, for example, calculates the average play time during the target period for each player, and displays the information on the average play time on the game screen being displayed on the terminal 200 of the player. Good (information 1001 on the game screen 1000 in FIG. 10). By performing such a display, the player himself/herself can recognize his/her own play tendency in the form of the average play time, which can be reflected in subsequent actions.

In addition to displaying the average play time as described above, the play time display unit 124 refers to the upper limit of the play time specified by the player in the setting information DB 113, and accordingly displays the remaining playable time of the player (Fig. It is also suitable to display the information 1002) on the game screen 1000 of No. 10 with a timer. It can be expected to effectively avoid playing for a long time and prevent the so-called game dependence state.

9 shows a configuration example of the setting information DB 113. As shown in FIG. The setting information DB 113 is a database that stores information related to setting values, such as the upper limit of game play time per day, play end time, and limit value of play time, for the above-described player. Of these, the upper limit of play time and the limit value of play time may be the same, but the upper limit of play time is determined by the player, and the limit value of play time is determined by the operator of the game server. It is possible to assume a situation where it is operated as

In step S<b>109 , the logoff unit 125 , in the same way as the upper limit of play time described above, logs off the player who is playing the game in response to the arrival of the play end time (setting information DB 113 ) predetermined by the user or the operator of the game server. , the end screen 1100 (FIG. 11) is displayed on the corresponding terminal 200, and the process ends. In this case as well, it is possible to expect the effect of effectively avoiding long-term play and preventing the so-called game-dependent state.

Note that, in this embodiment, when the playing time exceeds a predetermined limit value (the value held in the setting information DB 123), the player with the playing time is excluded from the grouping targets. Alternatively, among the player group, a group of players whose playing time exceeds a predetermined limit value is generated as a player group to which the buff is not applied. In this case as well, it is possible to expect the effect of effectively avoiding long-term play and preventing the so-called game-dependent state.

(Explanation of effect)
As described above, in the present embodiment, the results of a player's spending a meaningful time immersed in a favorite game are reflected in the ranking among players based on the convenience and playing tendencies of each player, and buffs and debuffs are applied. It is possible to provide incentives such as the provision of In other words, it is possible to provide a service that matches the original way of enjoying the game for the player while considering the circumstances of each player.

Therefore, depending on the structure of the game and the contents of the quests, it is effective to avoid cases where the main purpose is simply to acquire experience points and points, apart from the above-mentioned original way of enjoying. can be avoided.

For that reason, players who enjoy the game for a long time without any problems in the margin of time are excluded for nothing, or because they are true beginners or because they are extremely busy, they cannot fully enjoy the game in a short time and cannot become proficient. It's not possible, but since such circumstances are not taken into consideration, motivation does not increase, and it is easy to avoid the situation of leaving the game space as it is.

In this embodiment, the players are grouped according to their playing time, taking into consideration the preferences of each player in their play tendencies and the differences in busy situations due to their positions, etc. is also possible. Therefore, considering aspects such as the maintenance and improvement of the player's motivation and how to use the time to enjoy the original enjoyment of the game, it is possible to improve the efficiency and motivation of the play in a satisfactory manner.

Viewed from another aspect, this means that there is room for each player to select the playing time according to the life rhythm, schedule, etc. during the predetermined target period. Therefore, even if it is the same game, and even if it is the same player, there is an effect that it is possible to enjoy various ways depending on one's own convenience and the situation.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the average play time during the target period is calculated for each player, and the average play time information is displayed on the player's terminal. It can be recognized in the form of time and reflected in subsequent actions.

In addition to displaying the average playing time as described above, if the remaining playable time for the player is displayed on a timer according to the upper limit of play time specified by the player, it is possible to effectively avoid playing for a long time. The effect of preventing game dependence can be expected.

Also, as with the upper limit of the play time described above, if a player who is playing the game is to be logged off when the play end time predetermined by the user or the operator of the game server comes, is effectively avoided, and the effect of preventing the so-called game-dependent state can be expected.

In addition, if the play time exceeds a predetermined limit value, the player with that play time is excluded from the grouping, or the player whose play time exceeds the predetermined limit value is grouped. If you create a group of players who are not subject to buffs, you can expect to effectively avoid long-term play and prevent so-called game dependence.

The above embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are intended to be included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents as well as included in the scope and gist of the invention.

Further, the method described in the above embodiment can be executed by a computer as a program (software means) such as a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, MO, etc.), It can be stored in a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory (ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.), or can be transmitted and distributed via a communication medium. The programs stored on the medium also include a setting program for configuring software means (including not only execution programs but also tables and data structures) to be executed by the computer.

A computer that realizes this server reads a program recorded on a recording medium, and in some cases, constructs software means by a setting program, and executes the above-described processing by controlling the operation by this software means. It should be noted that the recording medium in this specification is not limited to those for distribution, and includes storage media such as magnetic disks and semiconductor memories provided inside computers or devices connected via a network.

1 game system 100 game server 105 communication unit 110 storage unit 111 play history DB
112 Aggregation result DB
113 Setting information DB
120 processing unit 121 grouping unit 122 ranking generation unit 123 privilege granting unit 124 play time display unit 125 logoff unit 200 terminal 210 communication unit 220 input unit 230 output unit 240 storage unit 241 user attribute 242 game application 250 processing unit 251 data transmission unit 252 Data receiver

Claims (14)

a storage unit that stores the game play time for each player during a predetermined target period;
a grouping unit that groups each player according to the length of play time in the target period ;
a ranking generation unit that generates a ranking according to an index in the game among the players belonging to each player group generated by the grouping;
with
The target period is repeatedly set according to the actual passage of time,
The ranking generator is a game server that generates a ranking for each target period . Further comprising a benefit imparting unit that buffs or debuffs at least one of the parameter corresponding to the player or the indicator according to the attributes of the player group and the ranking within the player group,
A game server according to claim 1 . The privilege granting unit applies buffs or debuffs of the same content to each player who has the same ranking in the player group and belongs to a different player group,
3. A game server according to claim 2. The ranking generating unit updates the ranking based on the buffed or debuffed indicator.
A game server according to claim 2 or 3. The game server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a play time display unit that calculates an average play time during the target period for each player and displays information on the average play time for the player. . 6. The game server according to any one of claims 5 , wherein said play time display unit displays a remaining playable time for said player on a timer in accordance with the upper limit of play time specified by the player. 7. The game server according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a logoff unit that detects arrival of a predetermined play end time and logs off the game. 8. The game server according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said storage unit records play time during occurrence of a specific event. When the play time exceeds a predetermined limit value, the grouping unit excludes the player with the play time from the grouping target.
The game server according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The ranking generation unit generates a group of players to whom the buff is not applied, with respect to the players grouped by the players whose play time exceeds a predetermined limit value, out of the player group.
The game server according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: a storage unit that stores the game play time for each player during a predetermined target period;
a grouping unit that groups each player according to the length of play time in the target period ;
a ranking generation unit that generates a ranking according to an index in the game among the players belonging to each player group generated by the grouping;
with
The target period is repeatedly set according to the actual passage of time,
The ranking generator is a terminal that generates a ranking for each target period . A server that holds a storage unit that stores the game play time for each player during a predetermined target period,
Grouping each player by the length of play time in the target period ,
For each player group generated by the grouping, generating a ranking according to the index in the game among the players belonging to the player group ,
The target period is repeatedly set according to the actual passage of time,
generating the ranking for each target period;
Method. a storage unit that stores the game play time for each player during a predetermined target period;
a grouping unit that groups each player according to the length of play time in the target period ;
a ranking generation unit that generates a ranking according to an index in the game among the players belonging to each player group generated by the grouping;
with
The target period is repeatedly set according to the actual passage of time,
The ranking generation unit includes a game server that generates a ranking for each target period ;
an output unit that notifies the game server of the play time of the game;
a processing unit that acquires the ranking information from the game server and displays the ranking information;
a terminal comprising
game system, including A server that holds a storage unit that stores the game play time for each player during a predetermined target period,
A process of grouping each player by the length of play time in the target period ;
A process of generating a ranking according to an index in the game among the players belonging to each player group generated by the grouping;
executing a process of repeatedly setting the target period according to the actual passage of time;
The program , wherein in the process of generating the ranking, the ranking is generated for each target period .

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