Method and apparatus for providing item merging function for game user interface

A device for providing an item merging function to a game user interface (UI), the device comprising:

• an output module configured to display a game map comprising a plurality of items and a character;
• a memory configured to store one or more instructions;
• and
• a processor configured to execute the one or more instructions,
• wherein the processor is configured to:
• when a time in which a user does not play a game through a user input is greater than or equal to a preset time, among multiple types of items, determine whether a preset number or more of items of the same type exist on a game map,
• when the preset number or more of items of the same type exist, automatically convert the items of the same type into a higher level item by applying the item merging function to the items of the same type, and
• when a vacant item disposition area exists in the game map, arrange the higher level item in the vacant item disposition area.