JP2021115310A - Game program, game method, and game server - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

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

Conventionally, the progress of some games is controlled based on the user's position data. In such a game, an in-game task may be set in which a plurality of users who satisfy a predetermined geographical condition can participate.

In Patent Document 1, position information is received from a plurality of devices, area information of each device is determined based on each position information, and a game is advanced using game information of devices whose area information matches each other. A server that transfers the result of the above to the device is disclosed. According to Patent Document 1, this server can provide an opportunity to become familiar with people in the same living area in a game.

Special Table 2016-537147

However, when setting an in-game task in which a plurality of users satisfying a predetermined geographical condition can participate, the number of users who intend to participate in the in-game task may be less than the expected range on the management side. 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 play. On the other hand, if the conditions for participating in the in-game task are excessively relaxed, the number of users who intend to participate in the in-game task may exceed the expected range on the management side, and the processing load on the server may become excessive.

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

According to one aspect of the invention, a game program is provided. The game program causes the processor to execute a step of acquiring position data indicating a user's position and a step of advancing the game based on the position data. The steps for advancing the game are a step of setting an in-game task that a user existing in a target area having a predetermined positional relationship with a specific point can participate in, and a user existing in the target area for a predetermined period. Includes a step of waiting for a request to participate in an in-game task from the game and a step of changing a predetermined positional relationship within a predetermined period.

According to the present invention, the number of users participating in the in-game task can be optimized.

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. It is explanatory drawing of the outline of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the user database of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the in-game task database of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the vending machine database of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the whole flow of the in-game task-related processing of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen example which is displayed in the in-game task-related processing of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen example which is displayed in the in-game task-related processing of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen example which is displayed in the in-game task-related processing of the modification 1. It is a figure which shows the screen example which is displayed in the in-game task-related processing of the modification 1.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the drawing for demonstrating the embodiment, the same components are in principle the same reference numerals, and the 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 a configuration of a game system of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes a game server 10, terminals 30A to 30D (hereinafter, may be referred to as "terminal 30" without distinguishing each terminal), and a vending machine 50. It is provided with 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 related to the game state based on the position data and operation data. The terminal 30 receives the calculation result from the game server 10 and displays the game screen based on the calculation result.

In the present embodiment, the game server 10 sets an in-game task in which 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 in the game when a predetermined condition is satisfied during game play, and can be called, for example, a quest, a mission, or the like. The in-game task may or may not include a task involving a conflict between users who participated in the task (so-called PvP type task). PvP-type tasks can include, for example, "defeat player X", "fight until the player is the last one", and so on. In addition, the in-game task may include a task (so-called cooperative play type task) in which users who participate in the task can cooperate with each other to achieve the task. The co-op task may include, for example, "defeat boss Y together".

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

In-game benefits include 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 (for the user's advantage)
・ Acquisition of the right to participate in another in-game task,
-Correction of the conditions for acquiring the right to participate in another in-game task (advantageous for the user)
-Acquisition of in-game currency, experience points, or other in-game points-Increase correction when acquiring in-game currency, experience points, or other in-game points-Correction of in-game parameters (favorable to the user)
・ Change the appearance of the character

In particular, when the vending machine 50 sells a product related to an item or character in the game, the acquisition of the item or character related to the product sold by the vending machine 50 is to achieve the in-game task. It may be adopted as a reward, or the relaxation correction of the acquisition conditions of these items or characters may be adopted as a reward for the achievement of the in-game task.

The game server 10 can exchange various data with the vending machine management server 70 when a coupon or a prize is adopted as a reward for achieving an in-game task. 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 achieving an in-game task.

The vending machine 50 sells beverages, foods, or other miscellaneous goods. The vending machine 50 may include an optical reading means to enable reading of the coupon, or a button (eg, numeric keypad) or microphone to enable text or voice input of the coupon code.

The vending machine management server 70 performs various management including inventory management of the vending machine 50. When a coupon or a prize is adopted as a reward for an in-game task, the vending machine management server 70 issues a coupon in response to a request from the game server 10, or orders the vending machine 50 to discharge the prize. obtain.

(1-1) Game Server Configuration A game server configuration will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a game server according to the present 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 14.

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

The program includes, for example, the following program.
-OS (Operating System) program-Application program that executes information processing (for example, game program)

The data includes, for example, the following data.
-Database referenced in information processing-Data obtained by executing information processing (that is, the execution result of information processing)

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

The processor 12 is configured to realize the function of the game server 10 by activating the program stored in the storage device 11. The 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 a program.

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 120a acquires the position data received from the terminal 30 via the communication interface 14. The position data indicates the position of the user. The operation acquisition unit 120b acquires the 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 the participation request received from the terminal 30 via the communication interface 14.

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 related to the game state based on the 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 giving unit 121d.

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

The participation request reception unit 121b waits for a participation request for the in-game task from a user existing in the target area for a predetermined period (referred to as a "participation possible period") after the in-game task is set, and requests the participation. We will accept this participation request when there is a report.

The positional relationship control unit 121c changes the predetermined positional relationship within the participation 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 the task presentation unit 122a. The task presentation unit 122a presents information about the in-game task to the user by transmitting data related to 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 the game operator) from the input device connected to the game server 10 and outputs the information to the output device connected to the game server 10. It is composed.
The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, or a combination thereof.
The output device is, for example, a display.

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

(1-2) Terminal configuration The terminal configuration will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a terminal according to the present 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.

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

The program includes, for example, the following program.
-OS program-Application program that executes information processing (for example, game program)

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

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

The processor 32 is configured to realize the function of the terminal 30 by activating the program stored in the storage device 31. The 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 reporting unit 323 by executing a program.

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 320a acquires position data from the input device 35 via the input / output interface 33. The operation acquisition unit 320b acquires operation data from the input device 35 via the input / output interface 33. The participation request acquisition unit 320c 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 unit 322 includes a task presentation unit 322a. The task presentation unit 322a presents information about the in-game task to the user by outputting data related to 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 unit 323 includes a location reporting unit 323a, an operation reporting unit 323b, and a participation request reporting unit 323c. The position reporting unit 323a reports the position data to the game server 10 via the communication interface 34. The operation reporting unit 323b reports the operation data to the game server 10 via the communication interface 34. The participation request reporting unit 323c reports the participation request to the game server 10 via the communication interface 34.

The input / output interface 33 is configured to acquire a user's instruction from the input device 35 connected to the terminal 30 and output information to the output device 36 connected to the terminal 30.
The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, a camera, a microphone, a positioning means (for example, a GPS module), various sensors, or a combination thereof.
The output device is, for example, a display, a speaker, a vibrator, an LED, or a combination thereof.

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

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

The game server 10 performs an in-game task in which a user existing in a target area having a predetermined relationship (for example, within a radius 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 period. The game server 10 includes a user who is outside the target area at a certain time in the target area at a later time, and conversely excludes a user who is inside the target area at a certain time 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 a certain time during the participation period, and changes the target area TAmin to a wider target area TAmax at another time within the participation period. obtain. As described above, according to the game server 10 according to the present embodiment, the user UC that does not exist in the target area TAmin but exists in the target area TAmax can be used as a candidate for participation in the in-game task, if necessary. Since it is possible to add it, it is possible to encourage the user to participate in the in-game task.

(3) Database The database of the present embodiment will be described. The following database is stored in the storage device 11.

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

In the "user ID" field, the value of the user ID for uniquely identifying the user of the game is stored.

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

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

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

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

In the "task ID" field, the value of the task ID for uniquely identifying the in-game task is stored.

The "Point" field is a value (eg, latitude and) indicating the coordinates of a reference point (eg, a center point, a vertex, etc., referred to as a "reference point") for setting the target area of the in-game task. (Longitude) is stored. The in-game task database may include a "vending machine ID" field in which the value of the vending machine ID for uniquely identifying the vending machine 50 is stored instead of the "point" field. ..

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

A value indicating the period of participation is stored in the "Time" field. For example, if the period of participation is fixed, such as 60 minutes, the "time" field may contain a value indicating the start, end, or other time point of the period. On the other hand, when the participation period is variable length, the "time" field may store a value indicating the start point and the end point of the period, a value indicating the start point and the period length, and the like.

In the "task content" field, a value indicating the content of the in-game task is stored. For example, if the in-game task is "defeat boss Y together", the "task content" field contains a value that identifies the boss Y and, optionally, a variable parameter value for the boss Y (eg, strength). , Appearance) and can be stored.

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

The "reward" field stores a value indicating the reward for completing the in-game task. For example, the "reward" field stores a value indicating a coupon as a reward or an in-game privilege. 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 other fields.

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

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

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

In the "vending machine ID" field, the value of the vending machine ID for uniquely identifying the vending machine 50 is stored.

In the "Point" field, values (for example, latitude and longitude) indicating the coordinates of the installation point of the vending machine 50 are stored.

In the "Vendor ID" field, the value of the vendor ID for uniquely identifying the vendor of the vending machine 50 is stored. For example, the reward giving unit 121d may use the vendor ID as a clue to identify the vending machine management server 70 that is the destination of the request for issuing the coupon or discharging the prize.

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

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

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

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

The task setting unit 121a may set an in-game task with the installation point of the vending machine 50 as a reference point, triggered by the replenishment of a specific product in the vending machine 50. For example, the vending machine management server 70 may 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 replenished product. For example, when the replenished specific product is a related goods of a specific character of the game, the task setting unit 121a sets an in-game task having at least one of the content and the reward related to the specific character. obtain.

The content of the in-game task related to a particular character may include, for example, at least one of the following:
-Competition 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:
-A specific character or an item that can be equipped or used by a specific character, or acquisition of a skill-A correction of the conditions for acquiring a specific character, an item that can be equipped or used by a specific character, or a skill (favorable to the user) thing)
-Correction of in-game parameters of a specific character (favorable for the user)
-Change the appearance of a specific character

After step S110, the game server 10 and the terminal 30 execute the presentation of the 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 a notice that the in-game task is set before the start (for example, "Boss Y after 30 minutes". It may be executed as a notice) such as "scheduled to appear".

Specifically, the game server 10 and the terminal 30 provide various information regarding the in-game task set in step S110 to the user (at least a user who has not participated in the in-game task, in other words, a user who has not executed 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, the task content, the capacity, the maximum number of simultaneous players, the maximum number of parallel executions, and the reward. For example, the task presentation unit 122a transmits data indicating the target area of the in-game task set in step S110 to the terminal 30 via the communication interface 14. The data acquisition unit 320 acquires such data from the game server 10 via the communication interface 34, and the task presentation unit 322a causes the output device 36 to output this data via the input / output interface 33.

In step S120, as shown in FIG. 9, the task presentation unit 322a includes a map, a user icon UI1, a vending machine icon MI1 indicating the vending machine 50, and vending corresponding to the vending machine icon MI1. The game screen P10 including the current target area TA10 based on the installation point of the machine 50 can be displayed on the display as the output device 36. Since the user icon UI1 is not in the target area TA10, the user who sees 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, the user who is located away from the vending machine 50 can also recognize that the period in which the in-game task can be participated has started, so that the effect of increasing the number of participants in the in-game task can be expected.

After step S120, the game server 10 executes the positional relationship change (S111). Step S111 may be executed after the lapse of a predetermined time as a trigger after step S120, or other conditions (for example, the number of users in the target area exceeds the upper limit or the lower limit, achievement of the in-game task). The remaining number of rewards that can be given to the player has fallen below the threshold value, etc.) may be satisfied as a trigger.

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 may set a correction value for the value stored in this field. good.

The change of the target area can be any of the following.
-Expansion of the target area (all of the target area before the change is included in the target area after the change)
-Reduction of the target area (all of the target area after the change is included in the target area before the change)
-Partial change of the target area (a part of the target area before the change is included in the target area after the change, and the rest of the target area before the change does not overlap with the target area after the change)
-Movement of 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, in the positional relationship control unit 121c, the target area changes from the initial range (the target area at the start point of the participation period) to the final range included in this initial range (the target area at the end point of the participation period) according to the passage of time. The predetermined positional relationship may be changed so as to narrow to, or the predetermined positional relationship may be changed so that the target area expands from the initial range to the final range including this initial range with the passage of time. .. 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 granted for the achievement of the in-game task. For example, the positional relationship control unit 121c may determine that the final range becomes wider as the number of users existing around the reference point decreases. The positional relationship control unit 121c may determine that the final range becomes wider as the remaining number of rewards increases. Further, if there are no users existing around the reference point, it may be decided not to change the target area because the number of participating users cannot be expected to increase even if the range is expanded to the final range.

After step S111, the game server 10 and the terminal 30 execute the presentation of the in-game task (S121).

Specifically, the game server 10 and the terminal 30 present to the user (at least the user before executing the participation request) the information regarding the target area after the change in step S111. For example, the task presentation unit 122a transmits data indicating the target area after the change in step S111 to the terminal 30 via the communication interface 14. The data acquisition unit 320 acquires such data from the game server 10 via the communication interface 34, and the task presentation unit 322a causes the output device 36 to output this data via the input / output interface 33.

In step S121, as shown in FIG. 10, the task presentation unit 322a includes a map, a user icon UI1, a vending machine icon MI1 indicating the vending machine 50, and vending corresponding to the vending machine icon MI1. The game screen P11 including the current target area TA11 based on the installation point of the machine 50 can be displayed on the display as the output device 36. Since the user icon UI1 is in the target area TA11, the user who sees 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 executes the acquisition of the participation request (S131).
Specifically, the participation request acquisition unit 320c acquires a participation request from the input device 35 via the input / output interface 33. The participation request may include, for example, the values of the user ID, the user's position data, and the task ID.

After step S131, the terminal 30 executes the participation request report (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 34.

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

After step S112, the game server 10 and the terminal 30 execute the progress of the in-game task (S122).
Specifically, the progress control unit 121 is based on the value stored in the "task content" field of the in-game task database (FIG. 6) and the operation data from the terminal 30 of each user who simultaneously plays the in-game task. Therefore, the progress of the in-game task is controlled, and the achievement / failure of the task is determined.

After step S122, the game server 10 executes the reward grant (S113). When the failure of the task is determined in step S122, the game server 10 may omit step S113, or may give a reward different from the case where the achievement of the task is determined in step S122.

Specifically, the reward giving unit 121d grants 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). The reward is granted 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 that users existing in the target area having a predetermined relationship with a specific point can participate in. , Change this positional relationship within the period for accepting participation in this in-game task. The game server may include users who are outside the target area at a certain point in time in the target area, or conversely exclude users who are in the target area at a certain point in time from the target area. can. Thereby, it is possible to optimize the number of users who participate in the in-game task, for example, to encourage the users to participate in the in-game task.

(6) Modification example (6-1) Modification example 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 the first modification. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the in-game task-related processing of the first modification.

In the description of the embodiment, it has been described that the game screen including the target area at the present time of the in-game task is presented. In the first modification, a game screen including the final range (the target area at the end point of the participation 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 a predetermined positional relationship so that the target area expands from the initial range to the final range including the initial range according to the passage of time, in step S120, the task presentation unit 322a May display the game screen P10a illustrated in FIG. 11 on the display as the output device 36. As a result, the user corresponding to the user icon UI does not include the current location in the target area TA10a at the present time, but is included in the final range TAfa. Therefore, it takes time to participate in the in-game task corresponding to the target area TA10a. Since it is recognized by the progress, it is possible to make the user aware that he / she can participate in the in-game task in the future even if he / she cannot move from his / her current location.

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

(6-2) Modification 2
Modification 2 will be described. In the second modification, the progress control unit 121 includes a capacity control unit that can change the capacity of in-game tasks 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 granted for the achievement of the in-game task. .. For example, the capacity control unit may determine that the larger the number of users existing around the reference point, the larger the capacity. The capacity control unit may determine that the larger the remaining number of rewards, the larger the capacity. The capacity control unit may 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 the modified example 1, an example in which the target area expands within the participation period and an example in which the target area narrows within the participation period have been described. However, the target area may expand or contract within the participation period. The expansion and contraction can be either a form that expands after narrowing (extension) or a form that narrows after expanding (contraction). In addition, the number of expansions and contractions may be one set within the participation period, or may be more than that.

For example, in an in-game task with a maximum number of parallel executions of 2 or more, when the participation request reception unit 121b newly assigns a user to a user group to which no user is assigned, the positional relationship control unit 121c sets the target area. Control the positional relationship so that it expands. As a result, it is possible to promote the participation of further users in this user group, so that it is possible to prevent a situation in which the number of people who simultaneously play the in-game task is extremely small and the real pleasure of the in-game task is diminished.

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 expired, the participation request reception unit 121b assigns the user to the current user group. Switch from a user group to the next user group. At the time of switching the user group, no user is assigned to the next user group, so it is not necessary to leave 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 embodiment, it is explained that the user existing in 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 existing in the target area enjoy merits (for example, rewards).
-Users who are outside the target area enjoy disadvantages (for example, penalties).

The reward or merit may be, for example, the in-game benefits described above. The penalty or disadvantage 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 another in-game task,
-Correction of the conditions for acquiring the right to participate in another in-game task (disadvantageous to the user)
-Decrease or loss of in-game currency, experience points, or other in-game points-Reduction correction when acquiring 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 is enjoying the merits or demerits, the content 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 can be motivated to move voluntarily inside the target area, or users inside the target area can voluntarily move inside the target area. It can be motivated to stay in.

(7) Other Modifications In the description of the embodiment, an example in which the target area is changed once within the participation period has been described. However, the target area may be changed more than once within the participation period. Similarly, with respect to the second modification, the capacity may be changed more than once 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, that is, the positional relationship corresponding to a certain reference point is individually set for each in-game task. An example that can be set 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 that describes 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 changed positional relationship by the positional relationship control unit 121c may be manually specified by the operator, but in the statistics of the number of participants in the past in-game tasks. It may be determined automatically based on. Specifically, with respect to in-game tasks that are the same or similar to past in-game tasks in at least one of the reference points, time, contents, and rewards, the larger the number of participants in the past in-game tasks, the narrower the target area. The positional relationship may be set so as to be. As a result, even if the operator does not make adjustments one by one, it is possible to automatically set a positional relationship that optimizes 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, game tasks with attractive contents, and in-game tasks with attractive rewards, a narrow target area can be automatically set and rural areas can be set. A wide target area can be automatically set for in-game tasks set in, in-game tasks set during the daytime on weekdays, in-game tasks whose contents are not attractive, and game tasks whose rewards are not attractive.

In the description of the embodiment, as rewards for achieving the in-game task, coupons that can be used in the vending machine 50, in-game benefits, and prizes that can be discharged by the vending machine 50 are exemplified. However, such rewards may be limited to in-game benefits. In this case, cooperation between the game server 10 and the vending machine management server 70 may not be necessary.

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 reduces the inventory of goods 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) to a predetermined number. With this as a trigger, the in-game task with the installation point of the vending machine 50 as a reference point may be completed. The inventory status of the product in the vending machine 50 can be notified from, for example, the vending machine management server 70.

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 reduces the inventory of goods 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) to a predetermined number. With 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 as to be after a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) from the present time. .. The inventory status of the product in the vending machine 50 can be notified from, for example, the vending machine management server 70.

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) are used as the reference point, not limited to the installation point of the vending machine 50. May be good. In this case, the vending machine storage unit 114 is read as a candidate site storage unit that stores a candidate site database in which values indicating the coordinates of one or more candidate sites for which in-game tasks can be set are registered.

The reference point may remain unchanged over the period of participation of the in-game task, 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 be unchanged over the participation period regardless of whether or not the reference point is moved. As a result, the reference point recognized by the user (for example, vending machine 50, store, facility, landmark, etc.) becomes immutable, so that the internal processing of the game is performed while attracting the user to the target area without causing confusion. 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. Further, the above-described embodiment can be improved or modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Moreover, the above-described embodiment and modification can be combined.

(8) Addendum The matters described in the embodiment are added below.

(Appendix 1)
On the processor (12),
The step (120a) of acquiring the position data indicating the position of the user and
It is a game program that executes step (121) of advancing the game based on the position data.
The steps to advance the game are
Steps (121a, S110) of setting in-game tasks that users existing in the target area having a predetermined positional relationship with a specific point can participate in, and
A step (121b, S112) of waiting for a request for participation in an in-game task from a user existing in the target area for a predetermined period, and
A game program including a step (121c, S111) of changing a predetermined positional relationship within a predetermined period.

(Appendix 2)
The step of advancing the game further includes steps (122a, S120, S121) of presenting the target area to the user.
The step of changing the predetermined positional relationship includes a step of changing the predetermined positional relationship so that the target area is narrowed from the initial range to the final range (TAfb) included in the initial range with the passage of time.
The game program described in (Appendix 1).

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

(Appendix 4)
The step of advancing the game further includes steps (122a, S120, S121) of presenting the target area to the user.
The step of changing the predetermined positional relationship includes a step of changing the predetermined positional relationship so that the target area extends from the initial range to the final range (TAfa) including the initial range with the passage of time.
The game program described in (Appendix 1).

(Appendix 5)
The step of presenting the target area to the user includes a step of presenting the range (TA10a) and the final range (TAfa) corresponding to the target area at the time of presenting the target area to the user before executing the participation request (Appendix 4). ) The game program described.

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

(Appendix 7)
The step of advancing the game further includes a 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, any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 6). Game program described in

(Appendix 8)
The step of advancing the game further comprises a step (122a, S120, S121) of presenting the capacity of the in-game task to the user before executing the participation request, according to any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 7). Game program.

(Appendix 9)
The step of advancing 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). ) The game program described in any of.

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

(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 conflict between users who participated in the in-game task.

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

(Appendix 13)
The computer (10)
Acquiring position data indicating the user's position (120a) and
The game progresses based on the position data (121).
Progressing the game is
Setting in-game tasks that users who exist in the target area that have a predetermined positional relationship with a specific point can participate (121a, S110), and
Waiting for a request to participate in an in-game task from a user existing in the target area for a predetermined period (121b, S112), and
A game method including changing a predetermined positional relationship within a predetermined period (121c, S111).

(Appendix 14)
A position acquisition unit (120a) that acquires position data indicating the user's position, and
It is equipped with a progress control unit (121) that advances the game based on the position data.
The progress control unit
Task setting units (121a, S110) that set in-game tasks that users who exist in the target area that have a predetermined positional relationship with a specific point can participate,
Participation request reception units (121b, S112) that wait for participation requests for in-game tasks from users existing in the target area for a predetermined period, and
A game server (10) including 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: Problem presentation unit 323: Data reporting unit 323a: Location report unit 323b: Operation report unit 323c: Participation request report unit

Claims (14)

To the processor
The step to acquire the position data indicating the user's position, and
A game program that executes a step of advancing a game based on the position data.
The step of advancing the game is
Steps to set in-game tasks that users who exist in the target area that have a predetermined positional relationship with a specific point can participate, and
A step of waiting for a request for participation in the in-game task from a user existing in the target area for a predetermined period, and a step of waiting for the participation request to the in-game task.
A game program including a step of changing the predetermined positional relationship within the predetermined period. The step of advancing the game further includes a step of presenting the target area to the user.
The step of changing the predetermined positional relationship includes a step of changing the predetermined positional relationship so that the target area is narrowed from the initial range to the final range included in the initial range with the passage of time.
The game program according to claim 1. The game program according to claim 2, wherein the step of presenting the target area to the user includes a step of presenting the range corresponding to the target area and the final range to the user at the time of presenting the target area. The step of advancing the game further includes a step of presenting the target area to the user.
The step of changing the predetermined positional relationship includes a step of changing the predetermined positional relationship so that the target area extends from the initial range to the final range including the initial range with the passage of time.
The game program according to claim 1. 4. The step of presenting the target area to the user includes a step of presenting the range corresponding to the target area and the final range at the time of presenting the target area to the user before executing the participation request. The game program described. The game program according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the step of changing the predetermined positional relationship includes a step of determining the final range based on the number of users existing around the specific point. .. Claims 1 to 6 further include a step of advancing the game, which further comprises a 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. Game program described in any of The game program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the step of advancing the game further includes a step of presenting the capacity of the in-game task to the user before executing the participation request. A step of advancing the game further comprises a step of changing the maximum number of parallel executions of the in-game task within the predetermined period based on the number of users existing around the specific point. The game program according to any one of claims 8. The game program according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a step of presenting the maximum number of parallel executions of the in-game tasks to the user. 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 who participated in the in-game task. The game program according to claim 11, wherein in the in-game task, users who participate in the in-game task can cooperate with each other to achieve the in-game task. The computer
Acquiring position data indicating the user's position and
The game progresses based on the position data.
To advance the game
Setting in-game tasks that users who exist in the target area that have a predetermined positional relationship with a specific point can participate, and
Waiting for a request from a user existing in the target area to participate in the in-game task for a predetermined period of time, and
A game method including changing the predetermined positional relationship within the predetermined period. A position acquisition unit that acquires position data indicating the user's position,
It is provided with a progress control unit that advances the game based on the position data.
The progress control unit
A task setting unit that sets in-game tasks that users who exist in the target area that have a predetermined positional relationship with a specific point can participate,
A participation request reception unit that waits for a participation request for the in-game task from a user existing in the target area for a predetermined period of time.
A game server including a positional relationship control unit that changes the predetermined positional relationship within the predetermined period.

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