JP2023027245A - Game program, game method, and game server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To optimize the number of users participating in an in-game task.

SOLUTION: There is provided a game program. The game program causes a processor to execute a step for acquiring position data indicating the position of a user, and a step for progressing a game on the basis of the position data. The step for progressing the game includes a step for setting an in-game task that can be participated in by a user existing in an object area in a predetermined position relationship with a specific point, a step for awaiting a request for participation in the in-game task from the user existing in the object area over a predetermined period, and a step for changing the predetermined position relationship in the predetermined period.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

Traditionally, some games are controlled based on the user's location data. In such games, in-game tasks may be set in which a plurality of users who satisfy predetermined geographical conditions can participate.

In Patent Document 1, location information is received from a plurality of devices, area information of each device is determined based on each location information, and a game is progressed using game information of devices whose area information matches each other. A server is disclosed that forwards the results of to a device. According to Patent Document 1, it is explained that this server can provide an opportunity to deepen familiarity with people in the same living area on the game.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-537147

However, when an in-game task is set in which a plurality of users who meet predetermined geographical conditions can participate, the number of users who attempt to participate in the in-game task may fall below the management side's expected range. In such a case, depending on the content of the in-game task, it may be difficult for the participating users to achieve the task, which may discourage them from playing the game. On the other hand, if the participation conditions for the in-game tasks are relaxed excessively, the number of users who want to participate in the in-game tasks may exceed the management side's expected range, and the processing load on the server may become excessive.

An object of the present disclosure is to optimize the number of users participating in in-game tasks, for example, to encourage users to participate in in-game tasks.

According to one aspect of the invention, a game program is provided. The game program causes the processor to acquire position data indicating the position of the user and to advance the game based on the position data. The step of progressing the game includes the step of setting in-game tasks that users existing in a target area having a predetermined positional relationship with a specific point can participate in, and a step of waiting for a request to participate in an in-game task from and a step of changing a predetermined positional relationship within a predetermined period of time.

According to the present invention, it is possible to optimize the number of users who participate in in-game tasks.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the game system of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the game server which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the terminal which concerns on this embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of this embodiment; It is a figure which shows the data structure of the user database of this embodiment. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of an in-game task database according to the present embodiment; FIG. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the vending machine database of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the overall flow of in-game task-related processing according to the present embodiment; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the in-game task-related processing of the embodiment; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the in-game task-related processing of the embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the in-game task-related processing of Modification 1; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the in-game task-related processing of Modification 1;

An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings for describing the embodiments, in principle, the same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

(1) Configuration of game system The configuration of the game system will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the game system of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes a game server 10, terminals 30A to 30D (hereinafter, individual terminals may be referred to as "terminals 30" without distinction), a vending machine 50, and a vending machine management server 70 .

The game server 10, the terminal 30, and the vending machine management server 70 are connected via a network (for example, the Internet or an intranet) NW.
The vending machine management server 70 and the vending machine 50 are connected via a network NW.

The game server 10 advances the game in cooperation with the terminal 30 . For example, the game server 10 receives position data and operation data from the terminal 30 and performs calculations regarding the game state based on these position data and operation data. The terminal 30 receives the calculation result from the game server 10 and displays the game screen based on this calculation result.

In the present embodiment, the game server 10 sets in-game tasks in which the users UA and UB in the target area TAmin defined around the vending machine 50 can participate. The in-game task is a task presented to the user within the game when a predetermined condition is satisfied during game play, and can be called, for example, a quest or a mission. The in-game task may or may not include a task (so-called PvP type task) involving a fight between users who participate in the task. PvP-type challenges may include, for example, "defeat player X", "fight each other until the last player is standing", and the like. In-game tasks may also include tasks in which users participating in the task can cooperate with each other to achieve the task (so-called cooperative play type task). A cooperative play type task may include, for example, "Let's beat Boss Y together".

Various rewards are given to the user by completing the in-game tasks. Therefore, according to the game system of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the user who wants to obtain a reward with motivation to voluntarily move to a specific point. The reward may be, for example, a coupon usable in the vending machine 50 (for example, a discount code or an exchange code for a prize (including products of the vending machine 50)), or may be an in-game privilege. Alternatively, a prize discharged from the vending machine 50 may be used. Rewards may be limited in total number that can be granted.

In-game perks encompass various benefits in the game. For example, in-game benefits may include at least one of the following.
・Acquisition of items, skills, characters, or other in-game objects ・Correction of acquisition conditions for items, skills, characters, or other in-game objects (which is beneficial to the user)
・ Acquisition of the right to participate in another in-game task,
・ Correction of acquisition conditions for the right to participate in another in-game task (which is advantageous for the user)
・Acquisition of in-game currency, experience points, or other in-game points ・Increase correction when acquiring in-game money, experience points, or other in-game points ・Correction of in-game parameters (which is beneficial to the user)
・ Change the appearance of the character

In particular, when the vending machine 50 sells products related to items or characters in the game, acquisition of the items or characters related to the products sold by the vending machine 50 contributes to achievement of in-game tasks. It may be adopted as a reward, or the relaxed correction of acquisition conditions for these items or characters may be adopted as a reward for accomplishing in-game tasks.

The game server 10 can exchange various data with the vending machine management server 70 when adopting coupons or prizes as rewards for achievement of in-game tasks. For example, the game server 10 may request the vending machine management server 70 to issue a coupon or discharge a prize, triggered by the user's accomplishment of an in-game task.

Vending machine 50 sells beverages, food, or other sundries. The vending machine 50 may be equipped with optical reading means to allow reading of coupons, or buttons (eg a numeric keypad) or microphone to allow text or voice entry of coupon codes.

The vending machine management server 70 performs various management including inventory management of the vending machine 50 . When coupons or prizes are adopted as rewards for in-game tasks, vending machine management server 70 issues coupons or commands vending machines 50 to discharge prizes in response to requests from game server 10. obtain.

(1-1) Configuration of Game Server The configuration of the game server will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the game server according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game server 10 includes a storage device 11, a processor 12, an input/output interface 13, and a communication interface .

Storage device 11 is configured to store programs and data. The storage device 11 is, for example, a combination of ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and storage (eg, flash memory or hard disk).

Programs include, for example, the following programs.
・OS (Operating System) program ・Application program that executes information processing (for example, game program)

The data includes, for example, the following data.
・Databases referenced in information processing ・Data obtained by executing information processing (that is, execution results of information processing)

Specifically, storage device 11 includes user data storage unit 111 , game program storage unit 112 , in-game task storage unit 113 , and vending machine storage unit 114 . A user database is stored in the user data storage unit 111 . A game program is stored in the game program storage unit 112 . The in-game task storage unit 113 stores an in-game task database. The vending machine storage unit 114 stores a vending machine database.
Note that the storage device 11 may be connected to the game server 10 via the network NW.

The processor 12 is configured to implement the functions of the game server 10 by activating programs stored in the storage device 11 . Processor 12 is an example of a computer.

Specifically, the processor 12 can function as a data acquisition unit 120, a progress control unit 121, and a data presentation unit 122 by executing programs.

The data acquisition unit 120 acquires various data via the input/output interface 13 or the communication interface 14 . The data acquisition unit 120 includes a position acquisition unit 120a, an operation acquisition unit 120b, and a participation request acquisition unit 120c.

The position acquisition unit 120 a acquires position data received from the terminal 30 via the communication interface 14 . Location data indicates the user's location. The operation acquisition unit 120 b acquires operation data received from the terminal 30 via the communication interface 14 . The operation data indicates the content of the operation performed by the user. The participation request acquisition unit 120c acquires a participation request received from the terminal 30 via the communication interface 14. FIG.

The progress control unit 121 performs various processes related to the progress of the game (including in-game tasks) according to the game program stored in the game program storage unit 112 . For example, the progress control unit 121 performs calculations regarding the game state based on data (for example, position data, operation data) acquired by the data acquisition unit 120 . The progress control unit 121 includes a task setting unit 121a, a participation request reception unit 121b, a positional relationship control unit 121c, and a reward provision unit 121d.

The task setting unit 121a sets an in-game task in which a user present in a target area having a predetermined positional relationship with a specific point can participate.

The participation request reception unit 121b waits for participation requests to in-game tasks from users existing in the target area for a predetermined period (referred to as a "participation possible period") after the in-game tasks are set. Accept this participation request when there is a report.

The positional relationship control unit 121c changes the predetermined positional relationship within the participation possible period.
The reward giving unit 121d gives a reward to the user who has achieved the in-game task.

The data presentation unit 122 presents various information to the user by transmitting various data to the terminal 30 via the communication interface 14 . The data presentation unit 122 includes a task presentation unit 122a. The task presentation unit 122a presents information about the in-game task to the user by transmitting data about the in-game task to the terminal 30 via the communication interface 14 .

The input/output interface 13 acquires information (for example, an instruction from a game operator) from an input device connected to the game server 10 and outputs information to an output device connected to the game server 10. Configured.
Input devices are, for example, keyboards, pointing devices, touch panels, or combinations thereof.
An output device is, for example, a display.

Communication interface 14 is configured to control communication between game server 10 and terminal 30 and vending machine management server 70 .

(1-2) Configuration of Terminal The configuration of the terminal will be explained. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a terminal according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal 30 includes a storage device 31, a processor 32, an input/output interface 33, a communication interface 34, an input device 35, and an output device 36.

Storage device 31 is configured to store programs and data. Storage device 31 is, for example, a combination of ROM, RAM, and storage (eg, flash memory or hard disk).

Programs include, for example, the following programs.
- OS programs - Application programs that execute information processing (for example, game programs)

The data includes, for example, the following data.
・Databases referenced in information processing ・Execution results of information processing

Specifically, the storage device 31 includes a user data storage section 311 and a game program storage section 312 . The user data storage unit 311 stores user data corresponding to the account data of the user who operates the terminal 30 . A game program is stored in the game program storage unit 312 .
Note that the storage device 31 may be connected to the terminal 30 via the network NW.

The processor 32 is configured to implement the functions of the terminal 30 by activating programs stored in the storage device 31 . Processor 32 is an example of a computer.

Specifically, the processor 32 can function as a data acquisition unit 320, a progress control unit 321, a data presentation unit 322, and a data report unit 323 by executing programs.

The data acquisition unit 320 acquires various data via the input/output interface 33 or the communication interface 34 . The data acquisition unit 320 includes a position acquisition unit 320a, an operation acquisition unit 320b, and a participation request acquisition unit 320c. The position acquisition unit 320 a acquires position data from the input device 35 via the input/output interface 33 . The operation acquisition unit 320 b acquires operation data from the input device 35 via the input/output interface 33 . The participation request acquisition unit 320 c acquires a participation request from the input device 35 via the input/output interface 33 .

The progress control unit 321 performs various processes related to the progress of the game (including in-game tasks) according to the game program stored in the game program storage unit 312 .

The data presentation unit 322 presents various information to the user by outputting various data to the output device 36 via the input/output interface 33 . The data presentation section 322 includes a task presentation section 322a. The task presenting unit 322a presents information about the in-game task to the user by outputting data about the in-game task to the output device 36 via the input/output interface 33 .

The data reporting unit 323 reports various data to the game server 10 via the communication interface 34 . The data reporting section 323 includes a position reporting section 323a, an operation reporting section 323b, and a participation request reporting section 323c. The position reporting unit 323a reports the position data to the game server 10 via the communication interface 34. FIG. The operation reporting unit 323b reports operation data to the game server 10 via the communication interface 34. FIG. The participation request reporting unit 323c reports the participation request to the game server 10 via the communication interface .

The input/output interface 33 is configured to acquire user instructions from an input device 35 connected to the terminal 30 and to output information to an output device 36 connected to the terminal 30 .
The input device is, for example, a keyboard, pointing device, touch panel, camera, microphone, positioning means (eg GPS module), various sensors, or combinations thereof.
Output devices are, for example, displays, speakers, vibrators, LEDs, or combinations thereof.

Communication interface 34 is configured to control communication between terminal 30 and game server 10 .

(2) Outline of Embodiment An outline of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of this embodiment.

The game server 10 selects an in-game task in which a user existing within a target area having a predetermined relationship (for example, within a radius of r [m]) with a specific point (for example, the installation point of the vending machine 50) can participate. set and change this positional relationship within the participation possible period. The game server 10 includes a user existing outside the target area at a certain time in the target area at a later time, and conversely, a user existing in the target area at a certain time is excluded from the target area at a later time. can be done. As a result, the number of users participating in the in-game task can be optimized.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the game server 10 sets the target area TAmin at one point within the participation period, and changes the target area TAmin to a wider target area TAmax at another point within the participation period. obtain. As described above, according to the game server 10 according to the present embodiment, the user UC who is not present in the target area TAmin but is present in the target area TAmax can be selected as a candidate for participation in the in-game task as necessary. Since it is possible to add, it is possible to encourage the user to participate in the in-game task.

(3) Database The database of this embodiment will be described. The following databases are stored in the storage device 11.

(3-1) User Database The user database of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user database of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, the user database includes a "user ID" field and a "user attribute" field. Each field is associated with each other.

The "user ID" field stores a user ID value for uniquely identifying the user of the game.

The "user attribute" field stores the values of various attributes of the user. For example, a "user" attribute field may include a "username" subfield, a "LEVEL" subfield, a "money" subfield, and the like. The "player name" subfield stores a value indicating the name or nickname of the player corresponding to the user's alter ego in the game. The "LEVEL" subfield stores a value indicating the rank of the player's overall strength or other indicators. The "Money" subfield stores a value indicating the amount of in-game money possessed by the player.

The fields and subfields provided in the user database are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 5, and can be arbitrarily determined according to game specifications, for example.

(3-2) In-Game Task Database The in-game task database of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the in-game task database of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the in-game task database includes a "task ID" field, a "location" field, a "positional relationship" field, a "time" field, a "task content" field, and a "capacity" field. and a "reward" field. Each field is associated with each other.

The "task ID" field stores a task ID value for uniquely identifying an in-game task.

In the "point" field, a value (such as latitude and longitude) is stored. Note that the in-game task database may include a "vending machine ID" field in which a vending machine ID value for uniquely identifying the vending machine 50 is stored instead of the "location" field. .

The "positional relationship" field stores a value indicating the positional relationship between the target area and the reference point. For example, if the target area is defined as a circle centered at a reference point, the "positional relationship" field may store the value of the radius of this circle.

The "time" field stores a value indicating the period during which participation is possible. For example, if the joinable period is of fixed length, such as 60 minutes, the "time" field may store a value indicating the start, end, or other point in time of the period. On the other hand, if the participation possible period is of variable length, the "time" field may store a value indicating the start point and end point of the period, a value indicating the start point and period length, or the like.

The "task content" field stores a value indicating the content of the in-game task. For example, if the in-game task is "Let's defeat Boss Y together", the "Task Description" field contains a value that identifies Boss Y and optionally a value for a variable parameter of Boss Y (for example, strength , appearance) can be stored.

The "capacity" field stores a value indicating the quota of participants for the in-game task. For example, the "Capacity" field may store values indicating the maximum number of players who can play the in-game task at the same time (also referred to as multiplayer) and the maximum number of parallel executions of the in-game task. That is, if a maximum of three in-game tasks that can be played simultaneously by a maximum of five players are performed in parallel, the capacity of the in-game tasks is 15 (=5×3). The maximum number of parallel executions corresponds to the number of user groups (also called matching rooms or rooms) that simultaneously play the in-game task.

The "reward" field stores a value indicating a reward for completing an in-game task. For example, the "reward" field stores a value indicating a coupon or an in-game privilege as a reward. If the number of rewards that can be granted is limited, a value indicating the remaining number of rewards that can be granted may be stored in the "reward" field or some other field.

The fields provided in the in-game task database are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6, and can be arbitrarily determined according to game specifications, for example.

(3-3) Vending Machine Database The in-game task database of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the vending machine database of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the vending machine database includes a "vending machine ID" field, a "location" field, and a "vendor ID" field. Each field is associated with each other.

The “vending machine ID” field stores a vending machine ID value for uniquely identifying the vending machine 50 .

The “location” field stores values (for example, latitude and longitude) indicating the coordinates of the installation location of the vending machine 50 .

The “vendor ID” field stores a vendor ID value for uniquely identifying the vendor of the vending machine 50 . For example, the remuneration granting unit 121d can identify the vending machine management server 70 to which the coupon issuance request or the prize delivery request is made, based on the vendor ID.

The fields provided in the vending machine database are not limited to the example in FIG. 7, and can be arbitrarily determined according to game specifications, for example.

(4) In-Game Task Related Processing The in-game task related processing of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the overall flow of in-game task-related processing according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the in-game task-related processing of this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the in-game task-related processing of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, the game server 10 sets in-game tasks (S110).
Specifically, the task setting unit 121a can set an in-game task by registering data regarding a new in-game task in the in-game task database (FIG. 6).

The task setting unit 121a may set an in-game task using the installation point of the vending machine 50 as a reference point, triggered by the fact that the vending machine 50 is replenished with products. For example, the vending machine management server 70 can notify that the vending machine 50 has been replenished with merchandise.

The task setting unit 121a may set an in-game task using the installation point of the vending machine 50 as a reference point, triggered by the fact that the vending machine 50 is replenished with a specific product. For example, the vending machine management server 70 can notify that the vending machine 50 has been replenished with a specific product. Further, the task content of this in-game task may depend on the type of specific product replenished. For example, if the replenished specific product is goods related to a specific character in the game, the task setting unit 121a sets an in-game task having at least one of content and reward related to the specific character. obtain.

The content of the in-game task related to a specific character may include, for example, at least one of the following.
・Battle with a specific character ・Sub-event related to a specific character (for example, a sub-event in which a specific character becomes playable)

Rewards associated with a particular character may include, for example, at least one of the following.
Acquisition of specific characters, items that can be equipped or used by specific characters, or acquisition of skills Correction of conditions for acquiring specific characters, items that can be equipped or used by specific characters, or skills thing)
・Correction of in-game parameters of specific characters (something beneficial to the user)
・ Change the appearance of a specific character

After step S110, the game server 10 and the terminal 30 present an in-game task (S120). Step S120 may be executed after the start of the participation period of the in-game task set in step S110, or an advance notice that the in-game task will be set before the start (e.g., "Boss Y will appear in 30 minutes It may be executed as an advance notice such as "scheduled appearance".

Specifically, the game server 10 and the terminal 30 send various information regarding the in-game task set in step S110 to the user (at least the user who has not participated in the in-game task, in other words, the user before executing the participation request). ). The various information includes at least the target area of the in-game task, and may further include at least one of the participation period, task content, quota, maximum number of simultaneous players, maximum number of parallel executions, and reward. For example, the task presenting unit 122a transmits to the terminal 30 via the communication interface 14 data indicating the target area of the in-game task set in step S110. The data acquisition section 320 acquires such data from the game server 10 via the communication interface 34 , and the task presentation section 322 a outputs this data to the output device 36 via the input/output interface 33 .

In step S120, as shown in FIG. 9, the task presentation unit 322a displays a map, a user icon UI1, a vending machine icon MI1 representing the vending machine 50, and a vending machine corresponding to this vending machine icon MI1. A display serving as the output device 36 can display a game screen P10 including the current target area TA10 with reference to the installation point of the machine 50 . Since the user icon UI1 is not in the target area TA10, the user viewing the game screen P10 can recognize that participation in the in-game task corresponding to the target area TA10 is not permitted. As a result, even a user at a distance from the vending machine 50 can recognize that the participation period for the in-game task has started, so an effect of increasing the number of participants in the in-game task can be expected.

After step S120, the game server 10 changes the positional relationship (S111). Step S111 may be triggered by the passage of a predetermined time after step S120, or may be executed under other conditions (for example, the number of users in the target area exceeds the upper limit or lower limit, the achievement of in-game tasks, etc.). The remaining number of rewards that can be granted to the user falls below a threshold, etc.) may be triggered.

Specifically, the positional relationship control unit 121c changes the positional relationship set in step S110. For example, the positional relationship control unit 121c may rewrite the value stored in the "positional relationship" field of the in-game task database (FIG. 6), or set a correction value for the value stored in this field. good.

A change in the area of interest can be any of the following:
・Expansion of target area (all target areas before change are included in target area after change)
・Reduction of the target area (all of the target area after change is included in the target area before change)
・ Partial change of the target area (part of the target area before change is included in the target area after change, and the remaining part of the target area before change does not overlap with the target area after change)
・Moving the target area (The target area before change does not overlap with the target area after change. For example, the target area may be moved clockwise or counterclockwise around the reference point.)

For example, the positional relationship control unit 121c changes the target area from the initial range (target area at the start point of the participation possible period) to the final range (target area at the end point of the participation possible period) that is included in this initial range over time. Alternatively, the predetermined positional relationship may be changed so that the target area expands over time from the initial range to a final range that includes this initial range. . The positional relationship control unit 121c may determine the final range based on at least one of the number of users existing around the reference point and the remaining number of rewards that can be given for achievement of in-game tasks. For example, the positional relationship control unit 121c may determine the final range to be wider as the number of users existing around the reference point is smaller. The positional relationship control unit 121c may determine the final range to be wider as the remaining number of rewards increases. Also, if there are no users around the reference point, the number of participating users cannot be expected to increase even if the area is expanded to the final range, so it may be decided not to change the target area.

After step S111, the game server 10 and the terminal 30 present an in-game task (S121).

Specifically, the game server 10 and the terminal 30 present the user (at least the user before executing the participation request) with at least the information about the target area changed in step S111. For example, the task presentation unit 122a transmits data indicating the target area after being changed in step S111 to the terminal 30 via the communication interface . The data acquisition section 320 acquires such data from the game server 10 via the communication interface 34 , and the task presentation section 322 a outputs this data to the output device 36 via the input/output interface 33 .

In step S121, as shown in FIG. 10, the assignment presentation unit 322a creates a map, a user icon UI1, a vending machine icon MI1 representing the vending machine 50, and a vending machine corresponding to this vending machine icon MI1. A display serving as the output device 36 can display a game screen P11 including a current target area TA11 based on the installation point of the machine 50 . Since the user icon UI1 is in the target area TA11, the user viewing the game screen P11 can recognize that participation in the in-game task corresponding to the target area TA11 is permitted.

After step S121, the terminal 30 acquires a participation request (S131).
Specifically, the participation request acquisition unit 320 c acquires a participation request from the input device 35 via the input/output interface 33 . A join request may include, for example, a user ID, the user's location data, and a challenge ID value.

After step S131, the terminal 30 reports a participation request (S132).
Specifically, the participation request reporting unit 323c reports the participation request acquired in step S131 to the game server 10 via the communication interface .

After step S132, the game server 10 accepts a participation request (S112).
Specifically, the participation request reception unit 121b registers the user as a participant in the in-game task in response to the participation request reported in step S132. For example, the participation request reception unit 121b can assign the user to any of the user groups that simultaneously play the in-game tasks.

After step S112, the game server 10 and the terminal 30 progress the in-game task (S122).
Specifically, the progress control unit 121 performs a , to control the progress of the in-game tasks and determine the achievement/failure of the tasks.

After step S122, the game server 10 gives a reward (S113). When it is determined in step S122 that the task has failed, the game server 10 may omit step S113, or may give a reward different from that in the case of determining the achievement of the task in step S122.

Specifically, the reward giving unit 121d gives a reward to the user who participated in the in-game task based on the value stored in the "reward" field of the in-game task database (FIG. 6). Giving a reward is achieved by rewriting at least one of the user data stored in the user database ( FIG. 5 ) and the user data storage unit 311 .

(5) Summary of the present embodiment As described above, the game server according to the present embodiment sets in-game tasks in which users existing in a target area having a predetermined relationship with a specific location can participate. , change this positional relationship within the period of accepting participation in this in-game task. The game server can include users who are outside the target area at a certain point in the target area at a later point in time, and conversely exclude users who are inside the target area at a certain point in the target area at a later point in time. can. As a result, it is possible to optimize the number of users participating in the in-game task, for example, to encourage users to participate in the in-game task.

(6) Modification (6-1) Modification 1
Modification 1 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the in-game task-related processing of Modification 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the in-game task-related processing of Modification 1. As shown in FIG.

In the description of the embodiment, presentation of the game screen including the current target area of the in-game task has been described. In Modification 1, a game screen including the final range (the target area at the end of the participation possible period) is presented in addition to the current target area of the in-game task.

For example, when the positional relationship control unit 121c changes the predetermined positional relationship so that the target area expands from the initial range to the final range including the initial range over time, in step S120, the assignment presentation unit 322a may display the game screen P10a illustrated in FIG. 11 on the display as the output device 36. FIG. As a result, the user corresponding to the user icon UI will not be able to participate in the in-game task corresponding to the target area TA10a because the current location is not included in the current target area TA10a but is included in the final range TAfa. Since the recognition is based on progress, even if the user cannot move from the current location, it is possible to make the user aware that participation in the in-game task is possible in the future.

For example, when the positional relationship control unit 121c changes the predetermined positional relationship so that the target area narrows from the initial range to the final range included in the initial range over time, in step S120, the task presentation The unit 322a may display the game screen P10b illustrated in FIG. 12 on the display as the output device 36. FIG. As a result, the user corresponding to the user icon UI cannot participate in the in-game task corresponding to the target area TA10b because the current location is included in the current target area TA10b but not included in the final range TAfb. They may be motivated to participate early or move closer to the vending machine 50 as they will not be recognized over time.

(6-2) Modification 2
Modification 2 will be described. In Modified Example 2, the progress control unit 121 includes a capacity control unit that can change the capacity of the in-game task within the participation period.

Specifically, the capacity control unit may determine the capacity based on at least one of the number of users existing around the reference point and the remaining number of rewards that can be given for achieving in-game tasks. . For example, the capacity control unit may determine that the capacity increases as the number of users existing around the reference point increases. The capacity control unit may determine the capacity to increase as the number of remaining rewards increases. The capacity control unit can change at least one of the maximum number of simultaneous players and the maximum number of parallel executions.

(6-3) Modification 3
In the description of the embodiment and Modification 1, an example in which the target area extends within the participation possible period and an example in which the target area narrows within the participation possible period has been described. However, the target area may expand or contract within the participation period. Stretching can be in the form of narrowing followed by widening (stretching) and widening followed by narrowing (contraction). Also, the number of times of expansion and contraction may be one set within the participation period, or may be more than that.

For example, when the participation request receiving unit 121b newly assigns a user to a user group to which no user has been assigned in an in-game task with a maximum number of parallel executions of 2 or more, the positional relationship control unit 121c selects a target area. Control the positional relationship so that it spreads out. As a result, it is possible to promote the participation of more users in this user group, so it is possible to prevent a situation in which the number of people simultaneously playing the in-game tasks by this user group is extremely small and the real thrill of the in-game tasks is lost.

On the other hand, after the number of users assigned to this user group reaches the capacity, or after the time limit for assigning users to this user group has passed, the participation request reception unit 121b changes the user assignment destination to the current user group. Switch from one user group to the next. At the time the user group is switched, no users are assigned to the next user group, so there is no need to keep the user participation conditions relaxed. Therefore, the positional relationship control unit 121c may control the positional relationship so as to temporarily narrow the expanded target area or temporarily stop expanding the target area.

(6-4) Modification 4
In the description of the embodiments, it has been described that users existing within the target area can participate in the in-game task. However, the target area can be transformed into at least one of the following.
• Users present within the target area receive benefits (eg, rewards).
• Users outside the target area enjoy a disadvantage (eg a penalty).

The reward or benefit may be, for example, the aforementioned in-game benefits. Penalties or disadvantages can be at least one of the following:
・Loss of items, skills, characters, or other in-game objects ・Correction of acquisition conditions for items, skills, characters, or other in-game objects (disadvantageous to the user)
・Loss of the right to participate in other in-game tasks,
・ Correction of acquisition conditions for the right to participate in another in-game task (disadvantageous for the user)
・Decrease or loss of in-game currency, experience points, or other in-game points ・Correction for reduction of in-game currency, experience points, or other in-game points ・Correction of in-game parameters (disadvantageous to the user) )

On the game screen, in addition to the information indicating the target area, information indicating that the user enjoys merits or demerits, details of the merits or demerits that the user will enjoy, and the like may be displayed.

By transforming the target area in this way, users outside the target area may be motivated to voluntarily move inside the target area, or users inside the target area may voluntarily move inside the target area. can be motivated to stay in

(7) Other Modifications In the description of the embodiment, an example was described in which the target area is changed once within the participation possible period. However, the target area may be changed more than once within the joinable period. Similarly, regarding Modification 2, the capacity may be changed two or more times within the participation period.

In the description of the embodiment, the in-game task database (Fig. 6) includes a "point" field and a "positional relationship" field. A configurable example was explained. However, the positional relationship corresponding to a certain reference point may be set in common between different in-game tasks. In this case, the "positional relationship" field may be deleted from the in-game task database, and a database describing the correspondence between the reference point and the positional relationship may be added.

The initial positional relationship set by the task setting unit 121a and the positional relationship after change by the positional relationship control unit 121c may be manually specified by the operator, but the statistics of the number of participants in past in-game tasks may be automatically determined based on Specifically, regarding in-game tasks that are the same or similar to past in-game tasks in at least one of the reference point, time, content, and reward, the larger the number of participants in the past in-game tasks, the narrower the target area. The positional relationship may be set so that As a result, even if the operator does not make adjustments one by one, it is possible to automatically set the positional relationship so as to optimize the number of users participating in the in-game task while repeating the execution of the in-game task. For example, for in-game tasks set in cities, in-game tasks set on holidays, in-game tasks with attractive content, and in-game tasks with attractive rewards, narrow target areas can be automatically set, A wide target area can be automatically set for in-game tasks set at 10:00 am, in-game tasks set during the daytime on weekdays, in-game tasks with unattractive content, and game tasks with unattractive rewards.

In the description of the embodiment, examples of rewards for accomplishing in-game tasks include coupons that can be used in the vending machine 50, in-game benefits, and prizes that the vending machine 50 can discharge. However, such rewards may be limited to in-game rewards. In this case, cooperation between the game server 10 and the vending machine management server 70 may be unnecessary.

The progress control unit 121 may end the in-game task according to the inventory status of the vending machine 50 regardless of the end point of the participation period of the in-game task. For example, the progress control unit 121 determines that the inventory of products in the vending machine 50 (for example, the inventory of a specific product, the total inventory of a plurality of specific products, or the total inventory of all products) has decreased to a predetermined number. Using this as a trigger, the in-game task with the installation point of the vending machine 50 as the reference point may be terminated. The inventory status of products in the vending machine 50 can be notified from the vending machine management server 70, for example.

The progress control unit 121 may dynamically set or change the end point of the participation period of the in-game task according to the inventory status of the vending machine 50 . For example, the progress control unit 121 determines that the inventory of products in the vending machine 50 (for example, the inventory of a specific product, the total inventory of a plurality of specific products, or the total inventory of all products) has decreased to a predetermined number. Using this as a trigger, the end point of the participation period of the in-game task with the installation point of the vending machine 50 as the reference point may be set or changed so that a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) from the current time. . The inventory status of products in the vending machine 50 can be notified from the vending machine management server 70, for example.

In the description of the embodiment, the installation point of the vending machine 50 is used as the reference point, but the coordinates of any candidate site (for example, a store, facility, landmark) may be used as the reference point, not limited to the installation point of the vending machine 50. good too. In this case, the vending machine storage unit 114 can be read as a candidate location storage unit that stores a candidate location database in which values indicating coordinates of one or more candidate locations for which in-game tasks can be set are registered.

The reference point may remain unchanged throughout the in-game task participation period, or may be allowed to move within a defined margin. Regarding the latter example, the reference point displayed on the game screen (for example, the display point of the icon of the vending machine 50) may remain unchanged throughout the participation possible period, regardless of whether the reference point is moved or not. As a result, the reference point recognized by the user (for example, the vending machine 50, the store, the facility, the landmark, etc.) remains unchanged. Above, the reference point can be moved as needed.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Also, the above embodiments can be modified and modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. Also, the above embodiments and modifications can be combined.

(8) Supplementary Notes Items described in the embodiments are additionally noted below.

(Appendix 1)
to the processor (12);
obtaining location data indicating the location of the user (120a);
A game program for executing a step (121) of advancing a game based on position data,
The steps to progress the game are
a step of setting in-game tasks that can be participated by users existing in a target area having a predetermined positional relationship with a specific point (121a, S110);
a step (121b, S112) of waiting for a participation request for an in-game task from a user existing within the target area for a predetermined period;
A game program comprising a step (121c, S111) of changing a predetermined positional relationship within a predetermined period.

(Appendix 2)
The step of progressing the game further comprises a step of presenting the target area to the user (122a, S120, S121),
The step of changing the predetermined positional relationship comprises changing the predetermined positional relationship so that the target area narrows over time from the initial range to the final range (TAfb) included in the initial range,
The game program according to (Appendix 1).

(Appendix 3)
(Appendix 2), wherein the step of presenting the target area to the user includes the step of presenting (P10b) a range (TA10b) corresponding to the target area at the time of presentation of the target area and a final range (TAfb) to the user. game program.

(Appendix 4)
The step of progressing the game further comprises a step of presenting the target area to the user (122a, S120, S121),
The step of changing the predetermined positional relationship comprises changing the predetermined positional relationship so that the target area expands over time from the initial range to a final range (TAfa) that includes the initial range,
The game program according to (Appendix 1).

(Appendix 5)
The step of presenting the target area to the user includes the step of presenting the range (TA10a) corresponding to the target area at the time of presentation of the target area and the final range (TAfa) to the user before executing the participation request. ).

(Appendix 6)
The game program according to any one of (Appendix 2) to (Appendix 5), wherein the step of changing the predetermined positional relationship includes the step of determining the final range based on the number of users existing around a specific point.

(Appendix 7)
Any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 6), wherein the step of progressing the game further comprises the step of changing the capacity of the in-game task within a predetermined period based on the number of users existing around the specific point. game program according to

(Appendix 8)
The step of progressing the game further comprises a step of presenting the capacity of the in-game task to the user before executing the participation request (122a, S120, S121). game program.

(Appendix 9)
The step of progressing the game further includes a step of changing the maximum number of parallel executions of in-game tasks within a predetermined period based on the number of users existing around a specific point (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 8). ).

(Appendix 10)
The game program according to any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 9), wherein the step of progressing the game further comprises a step (122a, S120, S121) of presenting to the user the maximum number of parallel executions of the in-game tasks.

(Appendix 11)
The game program according to any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 10), wherein the in-game task does not include a task involving a dispute between users participating in the in-game task.

(Appendix 12)
The game program according to (Appendix 11), wherein, in the in-game task, users who have participated in the in-game task can cooperate with each other to achieve the in-game task.

(Appendix 13)
a computer (10)
obtaining location data indicating the location of the user (120a);
advancing the game based on the location data (121);
to advance the game
setting an in-game task in which a user existing in a target area having a predetermined positional relationship with a specific point can participate (121a, S110);
Waiting for a request to participate in an in-game task from a user existing within the target area for a predetermined period (121b, S112);
changing a predetermined positional relationship within a predetermined period (121c, S111); and

(Appendix 14)
a position acquisition unit (120a) for acquiring position data indicating the position of the user;
a progress control unit (121) for progressing the game based on position data;
The progress control unit
A task setting unit (121a, S110) that sets in-game tasks that can be participated in by a user existing in a target area having a predetermined positional relationship with a specific point;
a participation request reception unit (121b, S112) that waits for a participation request for an in-game task from a user existing within the target area for a predetermined period;
A game server (10), comprising: a positional relationship control unit (121c, S111) that changes a predetermined positional relationship within a predetermined period.

1: game system 10: game server 11: storage device 12: processor 13: input/output interface 14: communication interface 30: terminal 31: storage device 32: processor 33: input/output interface 34: communication interface 35: input device 36: output Device 50: vending machine 70: vending machine management server 111: user data storage unit 112: game program storage unit 113: in-game task storage unit 114: vending machine storage unit 120: data acquisition unit 120a: position acquisition unit 120b : Operation acquisition unit 120c : Participation request acquisition unit 121 : Progress control unit 121a : Task setting unit 121b : Participation request reception unit 121c : Positional relationship control unit 121d : Reward giving unit 122 : Data presentation unit 122a : Task presentation unit 311 : User Data storage unit 312 : Game program storage unit 320 : Data acquisition unit 320a : Position acquisition unit 320b : Operation acquisition unit 320c : Participation request acquisition unit 321 : Progress control unit 322 : Data presentation unit 322a : Task presentation unit 323 : Data report unit 323a: Position reporting unit 323b: Operation reporting unit 323c: Participation request reporting unit

Claims (14)

to the processor,
obtaining location data indicating the location of the user;
A game program for executing a step of progressing a game based on the position data,
The step of advancing the game includes:
setting an in-game task in which a user existing in a target area having a predetermined positional relationship with a specific point can participate;
waiting for a request to participate in the in-game task from a user present in the target area for a predetermined period of time;
and changing the predetermined positional relationship within the predetermined period. advancing the game further comprises presenting the target area to a user;
The step of changing the predetermined positional relationship includes changing the predetermined positional relationship so that the target area narrows from an initial range to a final range included in the initial range over time.
The game program according to claim 1. 3. The game program according to claim 2, wherein presenting the target area to the user comprises presenting to the user a range corresponding to the target area at the time of presentation of the target area and the final range. advancing the game further comprises presenting the target area to a user;
The step of changing the predetermined positional relationship comprises changing the predetermined positional relationship so that the target area expands from an initial range to a final range including the initial range over time.
The game program according to claim 1. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the step of presenting the target area to the user comprises the step of presenting the range corresponding to the target area at the time of presentation of the target area and the final range to the user before executing the participation request. Game program as described. 6. The game program according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein said step of changing said predetermined positional relationship comprises a step of determining said final range based on the number of users existing around said specific point. . 7. The step of progressing the game further comprises the step of changing the capacity of the in-game task within the predetermined period based on the number of users existing around the specific point. A game program described in any of 8. The game program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the step of progressing the game further comprises the step of presenting the capacity of the in-game task to the user before executing the participation request. The step of progressing the game further comprises the step of changing the maximum number of parallel executions of the in-game tasks within the predetermined period based on the number of users existing around the specific point. A game program according to any one of claims 8 to 10. 10. The game program according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the step of progressing the game further comprises the step of presenting the user with the maximum number of parallel executions of the in-game tasks. 11. The game program according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the in-game task does not include a task involving a dispute between users participating in the in-game task. 12. The game program according to claim 11, wherein in the in-game task, users participating in the in-game task can cooperate with each other to achieve the in-game task. the computer
obtaining location data indicating the location of the user;
advancing a game based on the location data;
Progressing the game includes:
Setting an in-game task in which a user existing in a target area having a predetermined positional relationship with a specific point can participate;
Waiting for a request to participate in the in-game task from a user present in the target area for a predetermined period of time;
and changing the predetermined positional relationship within the predetermined period. a position acquisition unit that acquires position data indicating the position of the user;
a progress control unit that progresses the game based on the position data;
The progress control unit
a task setting unit that sets an in-game task that can be participated by a user existing in a target area having a predetermined positional relationship with a specific point;
a participation request reception unit that waits for a participation request to the in-game task from a user present in the target area over a predetermined period;
A game server, comprising: a positional relationship control unit that changes the predetermined positional relationship within the predetermined period.

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