JP2024021804A - Program, information processing method, and information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technology to further enhance user-friendliness.SOLUTION: There is provided a program. The program causes a computer to execute the following steps. In a game control step, a game part in which a game achievement condition is set is controlled. In a presentation step, an option on whether or not to execute specific processing is selected is presented to a user from a time point after at least the game part is started to a time point before the game part is ended on the basis of status information on a status of the game. The specific processing is the processing to impart an advantageous effect that contributes to the achievement of the achievement condition, to the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to a program, an information processing method, and an information processing system.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a technique is known in which a player is allowed to view an advertisement before the start of a quest, thereby providing a reward that allows the player to proceed with the quest advantageously (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2021-137164 Publication

However, with the conventional technology, it is not possible to provide rewards according to the game situation, and there are cases where the user lacks convenience.

In view of the above circumstances, the present disclosure provides a technology that further improves user convenience.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a program is provided. This program causes the computer to perform the following steps. In the game control step, a game part in which game achievement conditions are set is controlled. In the presentation step, the user is presented with an option to select whether or not to execute a specific process at least from the time after the game part starts to the time before it ends, based on the situation information regarding the game situation. do. The specific process is a process that provides the user with an advantageous effect that contributes to achieving the achievement condition.

According to the present disclosure, user convenience can be further improved.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an information processing device 2 according to the present embodiment. 2 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the information processing device 2. FIG. 5 is an image diagram showing an example of a map screen 5. FIG. It is an image diagram showing an example of the quest screen 6. 7 is an image diagram showing an example of a presentation window 7. FIG. It is an image diagram showing an example of the quest screen 6. It is an image diagram showing a modified example of the quest screen 6.

[Embodiment]
Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Various features shown in the embodiments described below can be combined with each other.

By the way, the program for implementing the software appearing in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, or may be downloaded from an external server. The program may be provided in a manner that allows the program to be started on an external computer and the function thereof is realized on the client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the term "unit" may include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by circuits in a broad sense and software information processing that can be specifically implemented by these hardware resources. . In addition, various information is handled in this embodiment, and these information includes, for example, the physical value of a signal value representing voltage and current, and the signal value as a binary bit collection consisting of 0 or 1. It is expressed by high and low levels or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations can be performed on circuits in a broad sense.

Further, a circuit in a broad sense is a circuit realized by at least appropriately combining a circuit, a circuit, a processor, a memory, and the like. That is, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), programmable logic device (for example, Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD)), Complex Programmable Logic Device (Complex Pr) ogrammable Logic Device: CPLD), and fields This includes a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and the like.

1. Game Description FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. In the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1, an information processing device 2 and a plurality of game devices 3 are communicably connected to each other via a communication network 11, and a game is executed on the game devices 3.

The game according to this embodiment is an online game executed by the information processing system 1. In this game, the user of the game device 3 causes one or more player characters to act in a virtual space, or pits the player character against an enemy character, which is a non-player character. Further, a character is an example of an object.

The above games can be played on home game consoles such as PlayStation (registered trademark), portable game consoles such as Nintendo Switch (registered trademark), and Oculus equipped with a virtual reality (hereinafter referred to as VR) headset. The game is executed using a VR game machine such as VR (registered trademark) or a game device 3 that is an electronic device such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal.

2. Overview of Information Processing System 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 2 and a plurality of game devices 3. The information processing device 2 stores game programs and game data, and manages the game data of the game device 3 (for each account information described below). The information processing device 2 is configured by, for example, a server. Each of the plurality of game devices 3 has the same configuration. Note that in this embodiment, the system is composed of one or more devices or components. Therefore, for example, even a single information processing device 2 or game device 3, which will be described later, can be an example of the information processing system 1.

The game device 3 executes a predetermined game based on a user's operation. For this purpose, the game device 3 receives (specifically downloads and installs) the game program and game data from the information processing device 2 via the communication network 11. Account information including identification information and a password is assigned to each user in association with the game device 3. This account information is transmitted from the game device 3 to the information processing device 2 at the time of login, and is used for user authentication in the information processing device 2.

After user authentication, mutual communication between the information processing device 2 and the game device 3 becomes possible. After logging in, the game device 3 receives data necessary for playing the game (data related to the game progress) from the information processing device 2, and then outputs game images and sounds to the display 4a and speaker 4b based on the user's operations. , advance the game.

2.1 Hardware Configuration Each hardware configuration of the information processing system 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.

<Information processing device 2>
As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 2 includes a communication section 21, a storage section 22, and a control section 23. The communication unit 21 and the storage unit 22 are electrically connected to the control unit 23 via the communication bus 20.

The communication unit 21 is a so-called network interface that is communicably connected to each game device 3 via the communication network 11 such as the Internet and a LAN. The main information that the information processing device 2 receives via the communication unit 21 includes game program download request information, gacha lottery request according to user operation, quest execution request, autoplay execution/termination request, Examples include account information and game data. The main information that the information processing device 2 transmits via the communication unit 21 includes information for confirming that the game device 3 has received the game program, information regarding game media obtained through gacha, etc. .

The storage unit 22 includes a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like. The storage unit 22 stores various programs including a part of the game program according to the present embodiment, various data related to games, and the like.

Specifically, for example, the storage unit 22 stores a user database, a lottery list, and the like. The user database contains information such as the user name, user rank, and status regarding the player character operated by the user, the amount of consumption media that can be used in the virtual space, and information regarding parameters for each identification number of the user who plays the game. etc. are stored in correspondence. The lottery list is used for a lottery process generally called gacha, and includes a plurality of pieces of information regarding game media to be selected. In the lottery list, information regarding the game medium (name, ability parameters, rarity, level, etc.) is associated with selection ratios based on the lottery. Further, the ability parameters include, for example, when the game medium is a player character, military strength, HP, attack power, defense power, intelligence, or speed.

The control unit 23 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the information processing device 2, which is its own device. In particular, the control unit 23 realizes various functions related to the information processing device 2, which is its own device, by reading a predetermined program stored in the storage unit 22. That is, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically implemented by the control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, so that each functional unit described below can be executed. Note that the control section 23 is not limited to a single control section, and may be implemented so as to have a plurality of control sections 23 for each function. It may also be a combination thereof.

Examples of the information processing executed by the control unit 23 include billing settlement processing, user account authentication processing, gacha lottery selection processing, and the like. The billing settlement process is executed based on, for example, a billing request necessary to restore a predetermined amount of parameters during the game or to execute a specific process. The user account authentication process is executed using user identification information received from the game device 3, for example. The gacha lottery selection process is a process in which, in response to a gacha lottery request, one or more game media are selected by lottery from a lottery list based on the selection probability for each game medium. According to the gacha lottery selection process, the information regarding the selected game medium and the identification information of the user who performed the operation to send the lottery request are associated in the user database, and this allows the user to: You will receive the winning game content as a result of drawing the gacha yourself.

To further supplement the above, "game media" is electronic data representing elements related to the game, including the name of the character used as the player character, and the items (weapons) used by the player character in the virtual space. , armor, accessories, tools), in-game currency, etc. Users can obtain game media through a lottery method called gacha, in addition to direct purchase through payment and quest clearing. The acquired game media is stored and managed in a user database in association with the identification information of the user who owns the game media. Furthermore, "gacha" is a method in which the information processing device 2 selects an arbitrary game medium from a lottery list based on a predetermined selection ratio. The selected arbitrary game content is provided to the user's game device 3. "The game content selected in the gacha is given to the user/owned by the user" is synonymous with "the game content selected in the lottery process is/is associated with identification information indicating the user". be.

<Game device 3>
A display 4a, a speaker 4b, and an input device 4c are externally connected or built into the game device 3. The game device 3 also includes a communication section 31, a storage section 32, a control section 33, a graphics processing section 34a, an audio processing section 34b, and an operation section 34c. The communication section 31, the storage section 32, the graphic processing section 34a, the audio processing section 34b, and the operation section 34c are electrically connected to the control section 33 via the communication bus 30. For example, in the case of a headset type game device 3, the display 4a and the speaker 4b are included in the game device 3. Specifically, for example, the speaker 4b can be in the form of headphones or earphones. Furthermore, the headset-type game device 3 including the input device 4c may be configured to accept input based on movement of the line of sight.

The communication unit 31 is a so-called network interface that is communicably connected to the communication network 11 in order to transmit and receive various data between the game device 3 and the information processing device 2. The main information that the game device 3 receives via the communication unit 31 includes account information, new game data download request information, gacha execution request, quest execution request, and the like. The main information that the game device 3 transmits via the communication unit 31 includes new game data sent from the information processing device 2 in response to download request information, information regarding game media selected by lottery processing, etc. Can be mentioned.

The storage unit 32 includes an HDD, SSD, RAM, ROM, and the like. The storage unit 32 stores game data downloaded from the information processing device 2, various programs including a part of the game program, account information of the game device 3, which is the own device, user information, and the like. Note that the user information is at least part of information in the user database stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2. A master of user information is managed in the user database, and the storage unit 32 of the game device 3 receives at least part of the information of this master from the information processing device 2 and stores it.

The control unit 33 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and a semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the game device 3, which is its own device. In particular, the control section 33 realizes various functions related to the game device 3, which is the own device, by reading out a predetermined program stored in the storage section 32. That is, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 32 is specifically implemented by the control unit 33, which is an example of hardware, so that each functional unit described below can be executed. Note that the control section 33 is not limited to a single control section, and may be implemented so as to have a plurality of control sections 33 for each function. It may also be a combination thereof.

In particular, the control unit 33 is configured to execute the game according to the operation of the input device 4c by the user of the game device 3, which is the own device. Specifically, the control unit 33 reads data such as virtual space objects and textures included in the game data from the storage unit 32, or uses data received from the information processing device 2 to create a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image. Generate game image information. As the game image information is processed by the graphic processing unit 34a, the processed game images are sequentially displayed on the display 4a. In other words, the control unit 33 is configured to perform display control on the display 4a and audio output control on the speaker 4b in response to operations by the user of the game device 3, which is the own device, when executing the game.

The graphic processing unit 34a draws a game image including characters and various objects related to the virtual space in a moving image format or a VR format according to the game image information output from the control unit 33. The graphic processing unit 34a is connected to, for example, a liquid crystal display 4a, and a game image drawn in a moving image format or a VR format is displayed on the display 4a as a game screen or a field of view corresponding to the user. The audio processing section 34b is connected to the speaker 4b, and when the game sound is reproduced and synthesized according to instructions from the control section 33, it is output from the speaker 4b. The operation unit 34c is connected to the input device 4c, and transmits and receives data related to operation inputs to and from the input device 4c. The user inputs an operation signal to the game device 3 by operating the input device 4c. Note that the input device 4c includes a touch panel integrated with the display 4a, an external game pad, a mouse and a keyboard, a microphone for inputting voice, an imaging device for tracking facial expressions or body movements, and an imaging device for tracking body movements. It is a general term for motion capture devices etc.

2.2 Functional Configuration Next, each functional configuration of the information processing device 2 of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 2 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 23 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 22, thereby controlling the game control unit 230, presentation unit 231, determination unit 232, execution unit 233, reception unit 234, display It functions as a control section 235 and a determination section 236. That is, the information processing by the software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically implemented by the control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, so that it can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 23.

Game control unit 230 is configured to perform game control steps. For example, the game control unit 230 controls a quest, which is an example of a game part in which game achievement conditions are set, as a game control step.

The presentation unit 231 is configured to perform a presentation step. For example, the presentation unit 231 is configured to provide various presentations to the user. As an example, the presenting unit 231 presents the user with options for selecting whether or not to execute the specific process.

The determining unit 232 is configured to perform the determining step. For example, the determining unit 232 is configured to determine various information. As an example, the determining unit 232 determines the content of the specific process based on the situation information IF1.

The execution unit 233 is configured to execute execution steps. For example, the execution unit 233 is configured to execute specific processing as an example of various information processing.

The reception unit 234 is configured to execute a reception step. For example, the accepting unit 234 is configured to accept various data. For example, the reception unit 234 receives user account information, game data, input from the user, etc. from the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2 or the game device 3. As an example, the receiving unit 234 receives input from a user via the input device 4c via the communication unit 31, the communication network 11, the communication unit 21, and the like. In this embodiment, various information received by the reception unit 234 will be described as being stored in the storage unit 22.

The display control unit 235 is configured to execute the display step. For example, the display control unit 235 causes the display 4a of the game device 3 to display various information stored in the storage unit 22 or the storage unit 32, or a screen including the same, in a visually recognizable manner. As a specific example, the display control unit 235 may generate visual information itself in a form that is visible to humans, such as a screen, an image (for example, a still image or a moving image), an icon, text, etc. For example, rendering information for displaying visual information on the display 4a may be generated and transmitted.

The determination unit 236 is configured to perform determination of various conditions on the game as a determination step. As an example, the determination unit 236 determines whether a quest end condition, achievement condition, or the like is satisfied.

3. Flow of Operation of Information Processing System 1 3.1 Overview of Information Processing In this section, a flow of an information processing method executed by a computer, which is the information processing device 2, will be described.

FIG. 3 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the information processing device 2. As shown in FIG. The flow of information processing will be described below with reference to FIG. In this example, it is assumed that the game device 3 is a smartphone.

First, the reception unit 234 receives a request to start a quest from the user via the communication unit 21 and the communication network 11 (activity A001).

Next, the game control unit 230 starts a quest based on a request from the user and controls the progress of the quest (activity A002). As a specific example, the reception unit 234 receives a game operation instruction from the user via the communication unit 21, and the game control unit 230 advances the quest based on the operation instruction. The operation instruction is generated, for example, by inputting a command through the input device 4c. The operation instruction is an instruction to perform an operation to move an object.

Here, as an example, explanation will be given assuming that the quest is a puzzle game. As a specific example, the game control unit 230 may perform, as a game control step, a game board that includes an object having at least one of a plurality of attributes. Second, the game part that progresses is controlled by erasing objects for which matching conditions have been met. A game board is an example of a game space in which a game progresses. An operation for moving an object is performed, for example, by clicking, tapping or swiping the screen.

Next, the determining unit 236 determines whether the quest ending condition is satisfied (activity A003). The quest ending condition is a condition regarding the timing of ending the quest. The end conditions include, for example, that the quest achievement condition set for each quest is met, that the time limit set for each quest, or that the remaining number of times an object can be moved becomes zero, or the like. If the quest completion conditions are not met and the end conditions are met, the quest will fail.

If it is determined that the quest termination condition is satisfied, the processing of activities A004 to A010 is omitted and the process proceeds to activity A011. That is, the game control unit 230 ends the quest. On the other hand, if it is determined that the quest termination condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to the next activity (activity A004).

In activity A004, the receiving unit 234 reads out and receives situation information IF1 regarding the game situation from the storage unit 22. The situation information IF1 is, for example, information managed by a situation information management table, and is stored in the storage unit 22. The situation information IF1 includes, for example, the number or arrangement of various objects placed on the game board, the number of objects erased by the user, the remaining number of times the user can operate the object, the remaining time until the quest ends, and the current progress. Contains information such as the number of times the user has failed in the current quest. The situation information IF1 is updated by the game control unit 230 as the quest progresses.

In this example, the situation information IF1 will be described as including information regarding the number of interfering objects that produce a disadvantageous effect on the game board. According to another viewpoint, the situation information IF1 includes at least a disadvantageous effect that inhibits the achievement of the achievement condition.

Next, as a determining step, the determining unit 232 determines the content of the specific process based on the situation information IF1 (activity A005). Here, if the content of the specific process is not determined, or from another perspective, if the situation information IF1 does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the process returns to activity A003. According to another viewpoint, while the quest is progressing, it is continuously determined whether the situation information IF1 satisfies a predetermined condition.

On the other hand, if the content of the specific process is determined, the process proceeds to the next activity (activity A006). In this example, it is assumed that the determined specific process is a process that gives the user an advantageous effect that contributes to nullifying the obstructing object, as an example of an advantageous effect that contributes to canceling the disadvantageous effect. According to another viewpoint, the specific process is a process that gives the user an advantageous effect that contributes to achieving the achievement condition.

In activity A006, the determination unit 236 determines whether a condition regarding the timing of presenting the execution of the specific process to the user is satisfied. If the conditions are met, proceed to the next activity (activity A007). On the other hand, if the condition is not met, the process returns to the determination process of activity A003. The timing at which the option of whether or not to execute the specific process is presented is related to, for example, the remaining number of times the user can operate the object or the remaining time until the quest ends. For example, when the remaining number of times or remaining time becomes less than a threshold value, options are presented.

In activity A007, as a presentation step, the presentation unit 231 presents the user with an option to select whether or not to execute a specific process based on the situation information IF1 regarding the game situation. According to another viewpoint, the presentation unit 231 presents options to the user at least from the time after the quest starts to the time before it ends.

The time after the quest starts refers to the time when the user can at least recognize the game situation. The time after the quest starts may be, for example, after the quest starts and before the user's operation is accepted. The time after the quest starts is at least the time after the game control unit 230 determines the state of the game board. Note that the time when a request to start a quest has not yet been accepted is excluded.

The time before the quest ends refers to the time when at least the end conditions of the quest are not satisfied. The success or failure of the quest is not determined before the quest ends. The time before the quest ends, for example, refers to the time when both the achievement condition and the end condition are not satisfied. Note that after the end condition is met even once, for example, the time when an option to select whether to continue the quest (so-called continue) is displayed, or the time after the quest is continued is excluded.

Next, the reception unit 234 receives an instruction regarding execution of specific processing from the user via the communication unit 21 or the like (activity A008). If the specific processing execution instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to the next activity (activity A009). That is, in response to the acceptance unit 234 accepting payment of the first consideration from the user (activity A009), the execution unit 233 executes the specific process (activity A010). Specifically, the execution unit 233 executes processing to give the user an advantageous effect that contributes to invalidating the obstructing object. According to another viewpoint, as an execution step, the execution unit 233 executes the specific process in response to the payment of the first consideration by the user. Note that if the user chooses not to execute the specific process, the processes of activity A009 and activity A010 are omitted.

Next, the game control unit 230 ends the quest (activity A011). As a specific example, the game control unit 230 ends the quest in response to the determination unit 236 determining that the quest ending condition is satisfied.

Next, the determining unit 236 determines whether the quest achievement conditions are satisfied (activity A012). If it is determined that the achievement condition is satisfied, the processing of activities A013 to A017 is omitted and the process proceeds to activity A018. On the other hand, if it is determined that the quest termination condition is not satisfied, the presentation unit 231 presents the user with an option to select whether or not to continue the quest (activity A013).

Next, the reception unit 234 receives an instruction regarding continuation of the quest from the user via the communication unit 21 or the like (activity A014). When the quest continuation instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to the next activity (activity A015). That is, in response to reception unit 234 accepting payment of the second consideration from the user (activity A015), game control unit 230 restarts the quest (activity A016). According to another viewpoint, as a reception step, the reception unit 234 receives from the user an input to continue the game part in exchange for payment of the second consideration when the game part ends without fulfilling the achievement condition. For example, the second consideration is set to be more expensive than the first consideration.

Next, the game control unit 230 ends the quest (activity A017). As a specific example, the game control unit 230 ends the quest in response to the determination unit 236 determining that the quest ending condition is satisfied.

Next, the display control unit 235 causes the display 4a to display the quest results in a manner visible to the user (activity A018). For example, the success or failure of the quest, the score, the reward earned by the user, etc. are displayed.

To summarize the above, the information processing device 2 includes the control section 23. The control section 23 includes the following sections. The game control unit 230 controls, as a game control step, a game part in which game achievement conditions are set. As a presentation step, the presentation unit 231 selects whether or not to execute a specific process at least from the time after the game part starts to the time before it ends, based on the situation information IF1 regarding the game situation. presents the user with options to do so. The specific process is a process that provides the user with an advantageous effect that contributes to achieving the achievement condition.

According to these aspects, rewards can be given according to the game situation, and user convenience can be improved. Note that the term "reward" is a concept that includes an advantageous effect given to the user. In particular, by presenting the option of whether or not to execute a specific process before the end of the game, even if the user executes a specific process, it gives the user a stronger sense of having completed the quest on their own. be able to. This can be expected to improve the user's sense of accomplishment when the specific process is executed and cleared.

Furthermore, as a method of increasing the difficulty of the game, disadvantageous effects may be generated in the game. By presenting users with advantageous effects that contribute to canceling disadvantageous effects, it becomes possible to provide a game with an appropriate game balance to users of various skill levels. This allows the user to enjoy the game more.

Further, by determining the content of the specific process according to the number of obstructing objects in the game space, it becomes easier to determine the threshold value. Thereby, the calculation load on the control unit 23 can be further reduced.

Furthermore, by setting the first consideration for executing a specific process at a lower price than the second consideration for restarting the quest if it fails, it is possible to reduce the user's psychological barrier to executing the specific process. can.

Further, by presenting the information according to the remaining number of movements or the remaining time limit, it is possible to reduce the stress on the user due to the presentation of advantageous effects more than necessary. This allows the user to play the game more comfortably.

3.2 Details of Information Processing The details of the information processing outlined above will be explained using diagrams. Note that the display mode of the screen example, the mode of screen transition, and the mode of processing executed by operating the screen are examples of the embodiment.

<Map screen 5>
FIG. 4 is an image diagram showing an example of the map screen 5. As shown in FIG. The map screen 5 includes a map 50 and a quest display window 51. The map screen 5 is configured to be able to accept quest selection by the user.

The map 50 includes a character 501 and a quest selection button 502. A quest selection button 502 is arranged on the map 50. In response to the input of the quest selection button 502 by the user, the reception unit 234 accepts the selection of the quest. Each quest has a level set that indicates the difficulty of the achievement condition, and when the user completes the quest, the user can select the next level quest. The character 501 is displayed in association with the quest selection button 502 selected by the user.

The quest display window 51 is a window displayed by the display control unit 235 based on the selection of a quest by the user. The example in FIG. 4 shows a state in which the quest display window 51 is displayed in response to input of the quest selection button 502 indicating level 31. The quest display window 51 displays, for example, an explanation of the quest level, content, achievement conditions, and the like. The quest display window 51 also includes operation buttons 511 that accept various operations from the user. Various operations include, for example, starting a quest, closing the quest display window 51, displaying an operation explanation, selecting an item to be used in the quest, and interrupting the game. In response to input of the "Quest Start" operation button 511, the game control unit 230 starts the quest.

<Quest screen 6>
FIG. 5 is an image diagram showing an example of the quest screen 6. The quest screen 6 in FIG. 5 is an example of a screen displayed immediately after the quest starts. The quest screen 6 includes a partner 61, a movement count display area 62, an achievement condition display area 63, a score display area 64, a game board 65, operation buttons 66, and an item display area 67. In one example, the quest controlled by the game control unit 230 is a puzzle game in which the user operates objects on the game board 65. As a preferred embodiment, an example in which the puzzle game is a so-called match-3 puzzle game will be described. Note that the operation button 66 may have the same function as the operation button 511, so a description thereof will be omitted.

The partner 61 is at least one character selected by the player, and is displayed on the quest screen 6 while the quest is in progress. For example, depending on the type of character selected, the display mode of the partner 61 or its background, the music during the quest, the advantageous effects given to the user, etc. change.

The movement count display area 62 displays the remaining number of times the user can operate the object. The remaining number of times is set to a specific value for each quest, and decreases by 1 each time an operation of an object on the game board 65 is accepted by the user. If the achievement conditions are not met before the remaining number of times reaches zero, the quest will be determined to have failed. Note that there may be a quest with no limit to the number of times the quest can be moved, and in that case, for example, a time limit during which the quest can be played is set.

The achievement condition display area 63 displays information regarding the quest achievement conditions. In the example of FIG. 5, the achievement condition is to collect a specified number of material objects 652 displayed in the achievement condition display area 63.

The score display area 64 displays the score in the quest. The score display area 64 includes a score display bar 641. The score display bar 641 displays the current score graphically in a manner that the user can intuitively recognize. For example, points are added by eliminating objects. Further, the added points may change by satisfying a predetermined condition such as erasing objects consecutively.

The game board 65 is a two-dimensional space in which the puzzle game progresses, and is defined by arbitrary figures. The game board 65 is displayed in a board-like manner with one object arranged in each square (not shown). The game board 65 includes a normal object 651, a material object 652, an obstruction object 653, and a direction of movement display 654.

Objects are game elements that make up a puzzle game. Objects are classified into normal objects 651 that do not have special effects and special objects that have special effects. A material object 652, an obstruction object 653, and a bomb object 655 (see FIG. 7) are included in the special objects.

The normal objects 651 each have specific attributes, and are displayed in a manner that allows the user to identify the attributes. The attributes are displayed in an identifiable manner, for example, by shape or color. When a match condition is met by an operation that moves an object, the object that meets the match condition disappears. The match condition is satisfied, for example, when three or more objects with the same attribute are arranged next to each other. The traveling direction display 654 indicates the direction in which the object will be replenished when it disappears. In the example of FIG. 5, the object moves from the top to the bottom of the screen.

The special objects include those that generate advantageous effects that contribute to achieving the quest's achievement conditions, and those that generate disadvantageous effects that inhibit the achievement of the achievement conditions. The special object may or may not have the same attributes as the normal object 651.

Material object 652 is an example of an object that produces a beneficial effect. Material object 652 has no attributes and cannot be erased by satisfying a match condition. However, the material object 652 can be collected by reaching the end of the game board 65 where the advancing direction display 654 is displayed. In the example of FIG. 5, the quest is successful by collecting all of the specified material objects 652.

Interfering object 653 is an example of an object that produces an adverse effect. Examples of disadvantageous effects include making objects difficult to erase, inhibiting advantageous effects generated by other special objects, subtracting points, or generating objects that generate disadvantageous effects. Examples include combinations. As an example of making it difficult to eliminate an object, the obstructing object 653 may have characteristics such as not being able to be moved or not being able to be eliminated unless a condition different from the normal match conditions is met.

The item display area 67 displays a list of items that can be used during the quest. Item display area 67 includes a plurality of item buttons 671 indicating each item. The item to be used is selected by inputting the item button 671 by the user. As an example, the use of the item provides the user with an advantageous effect that contributes to achieving the achievement condition.

Examples of beneficial effects include erasing objects that meet certain conditions all at once, erasing or replacing objects arbitrarily selected by the user, increasing the number of remaining moves by a certain amount, and limiting the remaining time by a certain amount of time. increase, change the attributes of objects, invalidate obstructive objects 653, collect arbitrary material objects 652, generate normal objects 651 with specific attributes, generate objects that generate advantageous effects, etc. or a combination thereof. Invalidating the obstructing object 653 is a concept that includes invalidating an adverse effect, erasing the obstructing object 653 itself, and the like. Note that the term "cancellation of an adverse effect" is a concept that includes temporary cancellation of an effect, and the term "nullification" refers to a permanent cancellation of an effect.

Methods of erasing objects that meet specific conditions include erasing objects placed in the same column or row, erasing objects placed within a certain range of adjacent objects, and objects with specific attributes. Examples include deleting all the files.

<Presentation window 7>
FIG. 6 is an image diagram showing an example of the presentation window 7. As shown in FIG. The presentation window 7 is configured to be able to accept a selection from the user as to whether or not to execute the specific process. The presentation window 7 is an example of a screen displayed in activity A007 in FIG. 3. The presentation window 7 is displayed on the quest screen 6 when the conditions are satisfied between the time after the quest starts and the time before it ends. While the presentation window 7 is being displayed, the game control unit 230 interrupts the progress of the quest.

In the example of FIG. 6, the presentation window 7 is a window that presents to the user the effect of generating a bomb object 655, as an example of specific processing. For example, bomb object 655 has the beneficial effect of eliminating obstructing object 653.

The presentation window 7 includes a plurality of operation buttons 71. The operation button 71 may have the same function as the operation button 511. For example, by selecting the operation button 71 via the input device 4c, it is selected whether or not to execute the specific process. In the example of FIG. 6, in response to selection of the "Purchase" operation button 71, payment of the first consideration is accepted from the user, and specific processing is executed. On the other hand, in response to selection of the "Do not purchase" operation button 71, it is selected not to execute the specific process. That is, the presentation window 7 is closed and the quest is restarted. Note that the first consideration and the second consideration may be paid using, for example, real world currency, virtual currency, game media, or the like.

FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing an example of the quest screen 6. Execution of the specific processing will be specifically explained using the examples shown in FIGS. 5 to 7. First, the situation of the game board 65 immediately after the start of the quest shown in FIG. 5 is determined by the game control unit 230 at the same time as the start of the quest. The situation of the game board 65 includes, for example, the arrangement of objects on the game board 65, the shape of the game board 65, and the like. The determining unit 232 determines the content of the specific process to be presented based on the situation information IF1 regarding the situation of the game board 65. Specifically, for example, the determining unit 232 determines the content of the specific process based on reference information IF2 that associates the situation information IF1 with the content of the specific process.

For example, when there are five or more obstructing objects 653 on the game board 65 (an example of the situation information IF1), presenting an effect to generate a bomb object 655 (an example of a specific process) is a reference information IF2. Assume that it is stored in advance as . In the example of FIG. 5, immediately after the quest starts, six obstructive objects 653 exist on the game board 65. Based on the situation information IF1 indicating that five or more obstructing objects 653 are present, the determining unit 232 determines to apply an effect of generating a bomb object 655 as a specific process. Thereafter, the presentation unit 231 presents the presentation window 7 shown in FIG. 6 in a manner visible to the user. Note that the threshold for the number of obstructing objects may be any value.

The quest screen 6 shown in FIG. 7 is an example of a screen displayed when the user selects to execute a specific process. The example in FIG. 7 shows a state in which the game control unit 230 has placed a bomb object 655 on the game board 65 in response to the user's selection and payment of the first consideration. For example, bomb object 655 has attributes similar to normal object 651. When the bomb object 655 satisfies the match condition with the normal object 651, the game control unit 230 may activate the effect of the bomb object 655.

[others]
Regarding the information processing method according to the embodiment described above, the following aspects may be adopted.

In one aspect, the obstructing object is a plurality of obstructing objects including at least two or more types. For example, the specific process may be a process that provides the user with an advantageous effect that contributes to nullifying at least one obstructing object that satisfies a condition regarding the number in the game space. For example, when a first obstructive object and a second obstructive object are present on the game board, the content of the specific process may be determined according to the number of each type of obstructive object. For example, when the number of first interfering objects is equal to or greater than a threshold value, an effect that contributes to eliminating the first interfering objects may be presented. In another aspect, the specific process may be a process that provides the user with an advantageous effect that contributes to nullifying a plurality of obstructing objects that satisfy a condition regarding the total number in the game space. For example, when the sum of the first obstructive object and the second obstructive object is equal to or greater than a threshold value, an effect that contributes to the elimination of these obstructive objects may be presented. These aspects make it possible to make suggestions appropriate to the game situation to the user, further improving user convenience.

The timing at which the options are presented may be determined based on the number of game parts that ended without fulfilling the achievement conditions among the plurality of game parts. The plurality of game parts here may be, for example, a quest in a specific event, a quest executed within a predetermined time, the same quest executed repeatedly, or the like. For example, if the number of times the same quest has been repeated is equal to the number of quests that have ended without fulfilling the achievement conditions, it means that the user has failed to accomplish the quest consecutively. For example, if the number of quests that have ended without fulfilling the achievement condition in a row is equal to or greater than a threshold, the presentation to the user may be performed while the next quest is in progress. With this aspect, when the user is having a difficult time with a quest with a high degree of difficulty, it is possible to help the user complete the quest. This can reduce the possibility that the user will leave the game midway through.

FIG. 8 is an image diagram showing a modified example of the quest screen 6. The example in FIG. 8 shows a state in which the user has performed multiple operations after starting the quest. In the example of FIG. 8, the quest achievement condition is that a predetermined number or more of objects having a specific attribute are deleted. The achievement condition display area 63 displays the type and number of normal objects 651 as achievement conditions. The specific processing in this example may provide the user with an advantageous effect that contributes to the creation or deletion of objects with specific attributes on the game board.

In the example of FIG. 8, among the normal objects 651 displayed in the achievement condition display area 63, the number of remaining objects of one type is larger than that of the others. In this way, if the progress toward the achievement condition for a specific normal object 651 is delayed, an advantageous effect may be presented for generating or erasing the corresponding normal object 651 on the game board. . With this aspect, it becomes possible to make appropriate suggestions to the user regarding quests with various achievement conditions, and the user's convenience is further improved.

In one embodiment, the situation information IF1 is information regarding the number of objects having a specific attribute on the game board. In the example of FIG. 8, on the game board 65, the number of normal objects 651 whose progress is the slowest with respect to the achievement condition is small, making it difficult to satisfy the match condition. In such a case, an effect may be presented on the game board 65 to generate a normal object 651 whose progress is delayed. On the other hand, if there are many corresponding normal objects 651 on the game board 65, an effect of erasing a certain number or more of the normal objects 651 may be presented. Such an aspect makes it possible to provide the user with a proposal that is more appropriate for the game situation.

In one aspect, the timing at which options are presented is determined depending on the content of the specific process. For example, if the user can benefit from an advantageous effect in a short period of time, the advantageous effect may be presented even if the number of remaining movements is small. On the other hand, if a predetermined number of movements is required for the user to benefit from an advantageous effect, the advantageous effect is presented at a timing when the remaining number of movements is equal to or greater than the predetermined number. This allows the user to more reliably obtain benefits from advantageous effects, and can be expected to improve user satisfaction.

In the example of FIG. 8, the content of the specific process is determined based on the game situation after the user has performed the operation multiple times. The content may be determined. Immediately after the start of the quest, an effect may be presented on the game board 65 that causes a specific normal object 651 to be created or deleted if the number of specific normal objects 651 related to the achievement condition is large or small.

In one aspect, the advantageous effect imparted to the user may be the impartment of the item itself that generates the advantageous effect. The granted item is displayed in the item display area 67 and may be used by the user at any time.

Games to which the present disclosure is applied are not limited to puzzle games. For example, it may be an action game, a role-playing game, a simulation game, an adventure game, a shooting game, a racing game, a music game, or the like. For example, in a role-playing game, if there is a quest where the objective is to defeat an enemy character, the user is presented with the effect of purchasing a recovery item or recovering the ally character's health in the game situation just before the ally character is wiped out. You may do so. For example, in an action game, an obstructing object is installed in a game space in which a player character can move, and an effect that contributes to nullifying the obstructing object may be presented to the user. In this example, the obstructing object may be, for example, an enemy character, a mine, a poisonous swamp, or the like.

Further, for example, the information processing device 2 may be distributed among two or more devices, or may be replaced by a cloud computing system. Moreover, the functional configuration shown in FIG. 2 is also an example, and is not limited to this. For example, the functions of the information processing device 2 may be realized by being distributed among two or more devices. Further, the operation performed by one function may be performed by two or more functions in a distributed manner, or two or more functions may be integrated into one function. In short, as long as each function shown in FIG. 2 is realized in the entire information processing system 1, the device that realizes those functions may have any configuration.

The various information explained in the above example, for example, the situation information IF1 and the reference information IF2, may be stored in a distributed manner in a plurality of devices. Furthermore, the information processing system 1 may include a blockchain system that shares blockchains. Note that the device operated by the user is not limited to the game device 3, and there is no particular restriction on the type of device as long as it has a similar configuration.

An aspect of the above embodiment may be an information processing method. The information processing method includes each step in the program described above.

Furthermore, each aspect described below may be provided.

(1) A program that causes a computer to execute each of the following steps, in a game control step controlling a game part in which achievement conditions of the game are set, and in a presenting step to display situation information regarding the situation of the game. Based on the game part, the user is presented with an option to select whether or not to execute a specific process at least between the time after the game part starts and the time before the game part ends; A process that provides the user with an advantageous effect that contributes to achieving the achievement condition.

(2) In the program according to (1) above, the situation information includes at least a disadvantageous effect that inhibits achievement of the achievement condition, and the specific processing includes an advantageous effect that contributes to canceling the disadvantageous effect. , which is a process of giving the user the following.

(3) In the program according to (2) above, further, in the determining step, the content of the specific processing is determined based on the situation information, and the situation information is an obstructing object that causes the disadvantageous effect. , which is information regarding the quantity in the game space in which the game progresses.

(4) In the program described in (3) above, the obstructing object is a plurality of obstructing objects including at least two types, and the specifying process includes at least one obstructing object that satisfies a condition regarding the number in the game space. A process for imparting to the user an advantageous effect that contributes to nullifying an obstructing object.

(5) In the program described in (3) or (4) above, the obstructing object is a plurality of obstructing objects including at least two types, and the specifying process satisfies a condition regarding the total number in the game space. Further, the method is a process of imparting to the user an advantageous effect that contributes to nullifying the plurality of obstructing objects.

(6) In the program according to any one of (1) to (5) above, further, in the execution step, the specific process is executed in response to the payment of a first consideration by the user, and in the reception step, the specific process is executed. , when the game part ends without the achievement condition being met, an input to continue the game part in exchange for payment of a second consideration is received from the user, where the second consideration is the first consideration. Things that are set to be expensive compared to.

(7) In the program according to any one of (1) to (6) above, the timing at which the option is presented is the timing for the game part that ends without the achievement condition being met among the plurality of game parts. something that is determined based on numbers.

(8) In the program according to any one of (1) to (7) above, in the game control step, the object is moved on a game board that includes an object having at least one of a plurality of attributes. When a match condition regarding the attribute is satisfied in response to an operation, the game part is controlled by erasing the object for which the match condition is satisfied, and the achievement condition is such that an object having a specific attribute is A predetermined number or more of objects have been erased, and the specific processing provides the user with an advantageous effect that contributes to the generation or erasure of objects having the specific attributes on the game board.

(9) In the program according to (8) above, further, in the determining step, the content of the specific processing is determined based on the situation information, and the situation information is the object that has the specific attribute. Something that is information about the numbers on the game board.

(10) In the program described in (8) or (9) above, the timing at which the option is presented is based on the remaining number of times the user can operate the object, or the remaining time until the end of the game part. something to be associated with.

(11) In the program according to any one of (8) to (10) above, the timing at which the options are presented is determined depending on the content of the specific process.

(12) An information processing method, comprising each step of the program described in any one of (1) to (11) above.

(13) An information processing system, comprising a control unit, and the control unit is configured to execute each step described in any one of (1) to (11) above.
Of course, this is not the case.

Finally, although various embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The new embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the disclosure. The embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the disclosure, as well as within the scope of the disclosure described in the claims and its equivalents.

1: Information processing system 11: Communication network 2: Information processing device 20: Communication bus 21: Communication section 22: Storage section 23: Control section 230: Game control section 231: Presentation section 232: Determination section 233: Execution section 234: Reception Unit 235: Display control unit 236: Determination unit 3: Game device 30: Communication bus 31: Communication unit 32: Storage unit 33: Control unit 34a: Graphic processing unit 34b: Audio processing unit 34c: Operation unit 4a: Display 4b: Speaker 4c: Input device 5: Map screen 50: Map 501: Character 502: Quest selection button 51: Quest display window 511: Operation button 6: Quest screen 61: Partner 62: Movement count display area 63: Achievement condition display area 64: Score Display area 641: Score display bar 65: Game board 651: Normal object 652: Material object 653: Obstruction object 654: Direction display 655: Bomb object 66: Operation button 67: Item display area 671: Item button 7: Presentation window 71 : Operation button IF1 : Status information IF2 : Reference information

Claims (13)

A program,
Have the computer perform each of the following steps,
In the game control step, the game part in which the game achievement conditions are set is controlled,
In the presenting step, the user is presented with an option that allows the user to select whether or not to execute a specific process at least between a time point after the game part starts and a time point before the game part ends, based on situation information regarding the game situation. , wherein the specific process is a process that provides the user with an advantageous effect that contributes to achieving the achievement condition. The program according to claim 1,
The situation information includes at least an adverse effect that inhibits achievement of the achievement condition,
The specific process is a process that provides the user with an advantageous effect that contributes to canceling the disadvantageous effect. The program according to claim 2,
Furthermore, in the determining step, the content of the specific processing is determined based on the situation information, wherein the situation information is information regarding the number of obstructing objects that cause the disadvantageous effect in the game space in which the game is progressing. something that is. The program according to claim 3,
The obstructing object is a plurality of obstructing objects including at least two types,
The specifying process is a process of giving the user an advantageous effect that contributes to nullifying at least one type of obstructing object that satisfies a condition regarding the number in the game space. The program according to claim 3,
The obstructing object is a plurality of obstructing objects including at least two types,
The specifying process is a process of giving the user an advantageous effect that contributes to nullifying a plurality of obstructing objects that satisfy a condition regarding the total number in the game space. The program according to claim 1,
Furthermore, in the execution step, the specific process is executed in response to the payment of the first consideration by the user;
In the receiving step, when the game part ends without the achievement condition being satisfied, an input to continue the game part in exchange for payment of a second consideration is received from the user, where the second consideration is the Something that is set at a high price compared to the first consideration. The program according to claim 1,
The timing at which the option is presented is determined based on the number of game parts that have ended without fulfilling the achievement condition among the plurality of game parts. The program according to claim 1,
In the game control step, in a game board including an object having at least one of a plurality of attributes, when a match condition regarding the attribute is satisfied in response to an operation to move the object, the object for which the match condition is satisfied is control the game part that progresses by erasing objects, where the achievement condition is that a predetermined number or more of objects having a specific attribute are erased;
The specific processing provides the user with an advantageous effect that contributes to the creation or deletion of an object having the specific attribute on the game board. The program according to claim 8,
Furthermore, in the determining step, the content of the specific processing is determined based on the situation information, wherein the situation information is information regarding the number of objects having the specific attribute on the game board. The program according to claim 8,
The timing at which the option is presented is related to the remaining number of times the user can operate the object or the remaining time until the game part ends. The program according to claim 8,
The timing at which the options are presented is determined depending on the content of the specific process. An information processing method,
A product comprising each step in the program according to any one of claims 1 to 11. An information processing system,
Equipped with a control unit,
The control unit is configured to execute each step according to any one of claims 1 to 11.