JP2024045945A - Programs and information processing systems - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To improve the interest of a service. [Solution] A program causes a computer to function as a first message processing means for sending a message to a virtual user based on a user's operation, and a display control means for executing the following: displaying on the display means a message sent from a second message processing means for sending a message from the virtual user to the user, and displaying on the display means an object operated by the virtual user, and the second message processing means controls messages so that the message from the virtual user is not displayed on the display means in a situation in which the user presumes that a predetermined operation is being performed on an object. [Selected Figure] Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to a program and an information processing system.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, games have been known in which messages can be sent and received with other users and non-player characters (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2016-016146 A

By the way, in services such as games, it has been desired to improve the level of interest.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to improve the interest of the service.

According to one embodiment shown in the present disclosure,
Computer,
a first message processing means for sending a message to the virtual user based on an operation of the user;
a display control means for executing: displaying, on a display means, a message sent from a second message processing means for sending a message from the virtual user to the user; and displaying, on the display means, an object operated by the virtual user;
The second message processing means is provided with a program for controlling messages so that messages from the virtual user are not displayed on the display means in a situation in which it is estimated by the user that a specified operation is being performed on the object.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the interest of the service.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the game system. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying a game space. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing how a moving object moves. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a moving object has reached an index object. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing related to shots. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a standard message can be selected. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying sent and received messages. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a standard message. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a reply from a non-player character. It is a figure which shows an example of the reply from a non-player character. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a standard message sent by a non-player character when a specific event is achieved. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a small window. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing related to sending and receiving messages. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process relating to control of response probability from a non-player character. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process relating to a restriction on sending a message from a non-player character. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process relating to transmission of a message from a non-player character when a specific event is achieved.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Hardware configuration of game system>
As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of terminal devices 10 and a server 20.

The terminal device 10 and the server 20 are connected via a network 2. The network 2 may be configured, for example, by the Internet, a mobile communication system (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), etc.), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), other communication lines, or a combination of these. In addition, the connection between the terminal device 10 and the server 20 may be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

The server 20 (in other words, a computer, an information processing device) may be, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. The server 20 comprises a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage 23, a communication IF (interface) 24, and an input/output IF 25. These components of the server 20 are connected to each other by a communication bus.

The processor 21 controls the overall operation of the server 20. The processor 21 may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The processor 21 reads a program from the storage 23 and expands it in the memory 22. The processor 21 executes the expanded program.

The memory 22 is a main storage device. The memory 22 is composed of storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 22 provides a working area for the processor 21 by temporarily storing the programs and various data that the processor 21 reads from the storage 23. The memory 22 also temporarily stores various data that the processor 21 generates while it is operating according to the programs.

Note that in this embodiment, the program may be a program for realizing a game on the terminal device 10. Further, the program may be a program that realizes the game through cooperation between the terminal device 10 and the server 20. Note that the game realized through cooperation between the terminal device 10 and the server 20 may be, for example, a game executed on a browser started on the terminal device 10. Further, the program may be a program that realizes the game through cooperation of a plurality of terminal devices 10. Further, the various data include, for example, data related to games such as user information and game information, and instructions and notifications transmitted and received between the terminal device 10 and the server 20.

The storage 23 is an auxiliary storage device. The storage 23 is configured by a storage device such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), for example. The storage 23 stores various data related to the game.

The communication IF 24 controls the transmission and reception of various data between the server 20 and the terminal device 10 etc. via the network.

The input/output IF 25 is an interface through which the server 20 accepts data input, and is also an interface through which the server 20 outputs data. The input/output IF 25 may include, for example, an input unit that is an information input device such as a mouse or keyboard, and a display unit that is a device that displays and outputs images.

The terminal device 10 (in other words, a computer, an information processing device) may be, for example, a smartphone, a feature phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet computer, a personal computer, a wearable terminal, or a game device. The terminal device 10 may be a mobile terminal. The terminal device 10 may be a portable terminal that is used by the user when playing a game.

The terminal device 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, a communication IF 14, an input/output IF 15, an input unit 17, and a display unit 18. These components of the terminal device 10 are connected to each other via a communication bus.

The processor 11 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 10. The processor 11 may include a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, etc. The processor 11 reads a program from the storage 13 and expands it in the memory 12. The processor 11 executes the expanded program.

Memory 12 is a main storage device. Memory 12 is composed of storage devices such as ROM and RAM. Memory 12 provides a working area for processor 11 by temporarily storing programs and various data that processor 11 reads from storage 13. Memory 12 also temporarily stores various data that processor 11 generates while operating according to a program.

Storage 13 is an auxiliary storage device. Storage 13 is composed of a storage device such as a flash memory or a HDD. Various data related to the game is stored in storage 13.

The communication IF 14 controls the transmission and reception of various data between the terminal device 10 and the server 20 etc. via the network.

The input/output IF 15 is an interface through which the terminal device 10 accepts data input, and is also an interface through which the terminal device 10 outputs data. The input/output IF 15 may input and output data via, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB). The input/output IF 15 may include an input unit 17 or a display unit 18, etc.

The input unit 17 accepts input from a user. The input unit 17 may be, for example, a pointing device such as a touchpad. The display unit 18 displays images. The display unit 18 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The terminal device 10 includes, for example, a touch screen 16 that is an electronic component that combines the input unit 17 and the display unit 18.

The input unit 17 detects a position input on the input screen by a user's operation (for example, touch operation, tap operation, slide operation, swipe operation, flick operation, etc.), and inputs information indicating the detected position. It has the function of transmitting as a signal. The touch panel as the input unit 17 can employ a capacitive type, a resistive film type, or the like, but other types may be used.

Note that the input unit 17 may be, for example, a keyboard, various physical buttons, various sensors (for example, an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor), an operation stick, a camera, a microphone, or the like. Further, the display unit 18 may be, for example, a projector.

<Functional configuration of the game system>
2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20 and the terminal device 10. The server 20 in this embodiment has, for example, a function to provide each terminal device 10 with various data and programs required to realize a game, a function to collect and manage data related to the game from each terminal device 10, and a function to perform synchronization processing between a plurality of terminal devices 10.

In this embodiment, the server 20 identifies each user and the terminal device 10 using a user account that is registered in advance for each game. The method of registering the account is not particularly limited. For example, the terminal device 10 or another device such as a personal computer may transmit information required for user account registration to the server 20 based on a user's operation, and the server 20 may create and save an account for each user based on the received information.

As shown in FIG. 2, the server 20 functions as a control unit 210 and a storage unit 220 through cooperation of a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage 23, a communication IF (interface) 24, an input/output IF 25, etc. The storage unit 220 stores various data used by the control unit 210. The various data include, for example, a game program 221, game information 222, and user information 223.

The game program 221 is a program for implementing the game. The game information 222 and the user information 223 are data that the control unit 210 references when executing the game program 221.

The game program 221 may include, in addition to the game program executed on the server 20 side, a program (game program 121 described below) that is transmitted to the terminal device 10 and executed on the terminal device 10 side. Alternatively, the storage unit 220 may store the game program 221 executed on the server 20 side and the program executed on the terminal device 10 side.

Game information 222 is information common between accounts. The game information 222 includes, for example, information for defining various game spaces. The game space is a space in which objects of characters (hereinafter also referred to as "operable characters" or "player characters") that can be operated by the user are arranged. In addition, the game information 222 includes, for example, the position, size, color, shape, etc. of background objects such as buildings, trees, and stones arranged in the game space, and objects of non-player characters (NPCs). Contains various setting information regarding objects common between accounts. Further, the game information 222 includes, for example, setting values of various parameters of the non-player character. In the following, a character object placed in the game space may be simply referred to as a "character."

User information 223 is information managed for each game account. User information 223 includes, for example, information about the playable character, information about owned assets, and information indicating the progress of the game. Examples of owned assets include in-game currency, items, character equipment, etc.

The control unit 210 controls various processes related to the game by executing a game program 221 stored in the memory unit 220. The control unit 210 has, for example, a transmission/reception unit 211, a server processing unit 212, a data management unit 213, and a synchronization processing unit 214.

The transmission/reception unit 211 transmits or receives various data. For example, the transmission/reception unit 211 receives requests to transmit various data and programs, requests for synchronization processing to support the multiplay function, data to be subject to synchronization processing, etc. from each terminal device 10, and passes them to the server processing unit 212. The transmission/reception unit 211 also transmits various data and programs, including instructions for synchronization, to each terminal device 10 according to the control of the server processing unit 212.

In this embodiment, the multiplay function is a function that allows game processing by multiple accounts to proceed in a synchronized state. The server 20 and terminal device 10 of the game system 1 execute various processes to support the multiplay function when multiple accounts logged in to the game system 1 participate in the same game.

The server processing unit 212 provides a game to the terminal device 10 by executing calculation processing described in the game program 221 in response to a request from the terminal device 10. For example, when the server processing unit 212 receives a request for synchronization processing to support the multiplay function or data to be the subject of synchronization processing from the terminal device 10 via the transmission/reception unit 211, the server processing unit 212 executes synchronization processing to support the multiplay function. The server processing unit 212 also issues a command to the transmission/reception unit 211 to send game information 222 or user information 223. The server processing unit 212 also issues a command to the data management unit 213 to add, update, or delete records of the game information 222 or user information 223.

The data management unit 213 manages various data stored in the memory unit 220 according to instructions from the server processing unit 212. For example, the data management unit 213 reads game information 222 or user information 223 according to instructions from the server processing unit 212, and transmits it to the terminal device 10 via the transmission/reception unit 211. The data management unit 213 also adds, updates, or deletes records of the game information 222 or user information 223 according to instructions from the server processing unit 212.

The synchronization processing unit 214 executes synchronization processing to support the multi-play function of the game according to instructions from the server processing unit 212. For example, when the server 20 transmits information to a plurality of terminal devices 10, the synchronization processing unit 214 transmits information to each terminal device 10 simultaneously, thereby synchronizing the game proceeding among the terminal devices 10. Specifically, the synchronization processing unit 214 transmits operation information received from the terminal device 10 corresponding to each account within a predetermined period (for example, one frame) to each terminal device 10 simultaneously for each predetermined period. The operation information is information related to the operation input to the terminal device 10. The timing of synchronization and the information to be synchronized may be received from the server processing unit 212 at any time. By executing the synchronization processing, it becomes possible to simultaneously reflect an event in the game caused by an operation input in one terminal device 10 in the other terminal devices 10.

The terminal device 10 in this embodiment has, for example, a function as an input device that receives input operations from a user, a function as an output device that outputs images and sounds of a game, and the like.

The terminal device 10 functions as a control unit 110 and a storage unit 120 through cooperation of the processor 11, memory 12, storage 13, communication IF 14, input/output IF 15, etc. The storage unit 120 stores various data used by the control unit 110. Examples of the various data include a game program 121, game information 122, and user information 123.

The game program 121 is a program for realizing a game on the terminal device 10 side. Game information 122 and user information 123 are data referenced by control unit 110 when executing game program 121.

The game information 122 includes the same information as the game information 222 of the server 20 described above. Therefore, a description of the game information 122 will be omitted here.

The user information 123 is data related to the account of the user who uses the terminal device 10, and includes information similar to the user information 223 of the server 20 described above. Therefore, a description of the user information 123 will be omitted here.

The control unit 110 controls various processes related to the game executed on the terminal device 10 by executing the game program 121 stored in the storage unit 120. The control unit 110 includes, for example, an operation reception unit 111, a transmission/reception unit 112, a game progression unit 113, a display control unit 114, a message processing unit 115, a second message processing unit 116, and an NPC control unit 119.

The operation reception unit 111 receives an operation (hereinafter, also referred to as an "input operation") input by the user via the input unit 17. Specifically, when an input operation is performed on the input unit 17, the operation reception unit 111 detects the coordinates of the input position and the type of input operation. Examples of the types of input operations include various operations using fingers, such as a touch operation, a tap operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, a flick operation, a pinch-in operation, and a pinch-out operation. The input operation is not limited to an operation of physically contacting the input unit 17 (e.g., the touch screen 16), but may also include a non-contact operation. Note that an operation of ending a previously performed input operation, such as a touch-off operation of ending contact with the touch screen 16, can also be considered as one form of input operation.

Here, the operation reception unit 111 can also receive input operations performed using an operation device connected via the input/output IF 15 in the same way as input operations performed on the input unit 17.

The transmitter/receiver 112 transmits and receives various data. A specific example will be described below.

The transmitter/receiver 112 transmits game information 122 or user information 123, and a synchronization request for supporting the multiplayer function to the server 20. The transmitting/receiving unit 112 receives various data, programs, data for synchronization to support the multiplay function, etc. from the server 20. The data for synchronization includes, for example, synchronization instruction data for instructing the terminal devices 10 participating in the multiplayer to synchronize. The synchronization instruction data includes, for example, data to be synchronized, the type of the data, data for specifying the timing of synchronization, and the like.

The transmitter/receiver 112 transmits operation information regarding the input operation accepted by the operation receiver 111 to the server 20 . The transmitting/receiving unit 112 receives operation information regarding operations input by other users on other terminal devices 10 from the server 20 .

The game progress unit 113 executes various processes related to the progress of the game. A specific example will be described below.

The game progression unit 113 defines the game space based on information for defining the game space, which is included in the game information 122. The game progression unit 113 places objects in the game space based on object setting information, which is included in the game information 122. The game progression unit 113 controls the objects placed in the game space. Specifically, the game progression unit 113 changes the position, orientation, shape, color, etc. of the objects within the game space, and controls the objects to perform predetermined actions.

The game progression unit 113 defines a virtual camera for specifying an area to be presented to the user in the game space. The game progression unit 113 arranges the virtual camera within the game space by defining the position and orientation of the virtual camera within the game space. The game progression unit 113 instructs the display control unit 114 to generate an image depicting a viewing area defined by the virtual camera and an object placed in this viewing area.

The position and orientation of the virtual camera can be appropriately determined for each game space. For example, the game progression unit 113 uses the position and orientation of a specific object as a reference and positions the virtual camera so that the specific object is located in the center of the field of view in a specific orientation. At that time, the game progression unit 113 adjusts the position and orientation of the virtual camera using the direction, distance, and angle relative to the specific object. The specific object may be, for example, a dynamic object such as a playable character or a non-player character, or a static object such as a building, tree, or stone. Dynamic objects include playable characters that act based on the operation of each user, and characters (for example, non-player characters, enemy characters, etc.) that act based on the game programs 121 and 221. Note that a non-player character can also be a character that is not operated by any of the users playing the game.

The game progression unit 113 interprets the content of the user's instruction based on the coordinates of the input position detected by the operation reception unit 111, the type of input operation, and the like. The game progress unit 113 executes various determination processes related to the progress of the game based on the interpreted instruction contents and the like. The game progression unit 113 advances the game while controlling objects, virtual cameras, etc. based on the results of the determination process and the like. The game progress unit 113 updates, adds, or deletes the game information 122 and the user information 123 according to the progress of the game.

The display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display an image. A specific example will be described below.

The display control unit 114 generates an image that depicts the area of the game space that is within the field of view of the virtual camera, as defined by the game progression unit 113, and the objects that exist in that area, and causes the image to be displayed on the display unit 18. The display control unit 114 can superimpose and draw objects related to the UI (User Interface) required for various game operations, such as icons, buttons, and menus showing various parameters, on the image to be displayed on the display unit 18.

Note that the functions of the terminal device 10 and the server 20 shown in FIG. 2 are merely an example. Each of the terminal device 10 and the server 20 may have at least some of the functions of the other devices. Furthermore, each of the devices, such as the terminal device 10 and the server 20, does not have to be realized by a single device, and may be realized, for example, by multiple devices connected via a network or the like. Furthermore, the game system 1 may be composed of, for example, only the terminal device 10 or the server 20. In other words, the game system 1 does not have to be realized by multiple devices connected via a network.

<Processing according to this embodiment>
Next, processing according to this embodiment will be explained. In addition, in this embodiment, the processor 11 of the terminal device 10 or the processor 21 of the server 20 will be described as performing each process described below by executing a program stored in the game system 1. However, at least a portion of the processing performed by the processor 11, which will be described later, may be performed by a processor other than the processor 11. Further, at least a part of the processing to be described later and performed by the processor 21 may be executed by a processor other than the processor 21. In other words, the computer that executes the program in this embodiment may be either the terminal device 10 or the server 20, or may be realized by a combination of multiple devices.

<Basic game actions>
In the following, an example will be described in which the configuration according to this embodiment is applied to a golf game.

3 to 5 are examples of display screens showing a space including a golf course as the game space 30. FIG. The game space 30 and various objects superimposed on the game space 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

The display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display an image of the game space 30 in response to instructions from the game progress unit 113. Specifically, the display control unit 114 generates an image depicting the field of view of the virtual camera defined by the control unit 110 and objects existing in the area in the game space 30, and displays the image on the display unit 18. Display. Specifically, the display control unit 114 displays a ball 31 as an object existing in the game space 30 that moves based on a user's operation, a cup 32 as an object serving as a target point to guide the ball 31, and The player character 33 and the like are displayed on the display unit 18. The display control unit 114 also superimposes and draws objects related to a UI (User Interface) necessary for various operations of the game, such as icons, buttons, menus indicating various parameters, etc. on the image, and 18. Specifically, the display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display a cup index 36 indicating the position of the cup, and objects such as a moving object 40, a power index 41, and an index object 50, which will be described later.

The cup indicator 36 is, for example, an indicator that is displayed such that light of a specific color extends from the cup 32. The game progression unit 113, for example, sets the cup indicator 36 to a color that is distinguishable from the color of the grass on the course. By displaying the cup indicator 36, the user can easily see the position of the cup 32 in the game space 30 projected from behind the player character 33.

In this embodiment, the game progression unit 113 moves the ball 31 based on a predetermined operation by the user during the execution of one hole (in other words, one stage) of the game in which the goal is to put the ball 31 into the cup 32. The progression of the game will be described below with reference to Figures 3 to 5.

The game progression unit 113 instructs the display control unit 114 to display the ball 31 and the player character 33 taking an address stance on the display unit 18, as shown in FIG. 3. The game progression unit 113 also instructs the display control unit 114 to display the moving object 40 on the display unit 18.

The moving object 40 is, for example, a circular object that moves along a linear indicator (in FIG. 3, an indicator consisting of dot-like figures and V-shaped figures arranged in a straight line; hereinafter, referred to as "power indicator 41") extending from the moving object 40 in a predetermined direction. The power indicator 41 may be given a numerical value indicating the power of the shot. The numerical value indicating the power of the shot may be, for example, a percentage indicating the power ratio, or may be yards or meters indicating the flight distance.

The operation reception unit 111 receives an operation by the user to select a predetermined position on the touch screen 16. The game progression unit 113 moves the moving object 40 in response to the user's swipe operation from the selected predetermined position (see FIG. 4). Specifically, when the game progression unit 113 determines that the position of the touch screen 16 by the user overlaps the moving object 40, the game progressing unit 113 moves the moving object 40 in response to the user's swipe operation. Further, if the game progress unit 113 determines that the user's touch position on the touch screen 16 is within a predetermined range centered on the moving object 40, the game progressing unit 113 moves the moving object 40 in response to the user's swipe operation. You can. This allows the user to get an idea of the take-back action of the player character 33, thereby improving the interest of the game.

The moving object 40 can be moved along the power index 41, but "along the power index" does not necessarily mean that the moving object 40 moves directly above the power index 41, but may mean that the moving object 40 moves in the direction in which the power index 41 extends. Furthermore, the swipe operation that moves the moving object 40 does not have to pass directly above the power index 41. In other words, for example, an operation in a predetermined range or direction using the power index 41 as a landmark can be considered to be an operation that moves the moving object 40.

Furthermore, the game progression unit 113 may change the shape of the moving object 40 when moving the moving object 40 (see FIGS. 3 to 5).

When the user swipes the moving object 40 along the power indicator 41 (in other words, when the user swipes in a direction away from the indicator object 50), the game progression unit 113 instructs the display control unit 114 to move and display the indicator object 50 on the display unit 18. Details of the indicator object 50 are described below.

First, the structure of the index object 50 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 3, the index object 50 is an object having a shape obtained by cutting the peripheral part of a fan shape along the outer edge, and having a plurality of divided regions (hereinafter referred to as "indicator regions 51"). The indicator region 51 is, for example, a region indicating the quality of the shot. Here, the quality of the shot may be, for example, the degree of curvature of the shot ball 31 or the success of the shot (for example, the degree of deviation from the aimed direction, the degree of hit on the ball 31), etc. Specifically, the central region of the plurality of indicator regions 51 may be the indicator region 51 in which the shot ball 31 travels straight (in other words, toward the aimed direction), the indicator region 51 in which the shot ball 31 curves to one side (in other words, deviates from the aimed direction to one side) as the region farther from the center to one side, the indicator region 51 in which the shot ball 31 curves to the other side (in other words, deviates from the aimed direction to the other side) as the region farther from the center to the other side, and the indicator region 51 located outside a predetermined range from the center may be the indicator region 51 that is a miss shot. Furthermore, the indicator region 51 may be provided with a symbol indicating the trajectory of the shot ball 31. Here, the symbol may be, for example, an arrow indicating the degree of curvature of the trajectory of the shot ball 31.

The game progression unit 113 sets the indicator area 51 based on the environment around the ball 31 in the game space 30. Specifically, the game progression unit 113 determines the indicator area 51 so that when the ball 31 is in a position off the fairway, such as in the rough, a slope, or a bunker, it is more difficult to guide the ball 31 to the intended location than when the ball 31 is on the fairway. More specifically, for example, when the ball 31 is in a position off the fairway, the indicator area 51 may be set so that the size of the indicator area 51 where the ball 31 curves (in other words, deviates from the intended direction) relative to the indicator area 51 where the ball 31 travels straight (in other words, toward the intended direction) and the size of the indicator area 51 where a miss shot occurs are larger (in other words, the proportion of the indicator area 51 where the ball curves and the indicator area 51 where a miss shot occurs in the indicator object 50 is larger) than when the ball 31 is on the fairway. Also, for example, when the ball 31 is located off the fairway, the width of the entire indicator object 50 may be narrower (or wider) than when the ball 31 is on the fairway.

Next, the operation of the index object 50 will be described in detail.
The game progression unit 113 moves the indicator object 50 back and forth in a direction intersecting with the traveling direction (in other words, the flight direction) of the ball 31 shot by the player character 33 (see FIGS. 3 to 5). Here, the traveling direction is the direction in which the ball 31 travels when the user shots the ball 31. In other words, the game progression unit 113 moves the indicator object 50 back and forth in a direction intersecting with the extension direction of the power indicator 41. Specifically, the game progression unit 113 moves the indicator object 50 back and forth at a predetermined angular velocity along a predetermined curve while contacting, for example, one end of the power indicator 41. This makes it possible to increase the difficulty of executing an accurate shot, thereby improving the interest of the game.

The game progression unit 113 may control the indicator object 50 so that the speed of the reciprocating movement of the indicator object 50 increases as the moving object 40 moves away from the indicator object 50. This increases the interest of the game because the higher the power of the shot set by the user, the more difficult it becomes to achieve a shot on the trajectory intended by the user.

The game progression unit 113 may also change the speed of reciprocating movement of the indicator object 50 based on the environment around the ball 31. For example, when the ball 31 is in a position off the fairway, such as in the rough, a slope, or a bunker, the game progression unit 113 may make the movement speed of the indicator object 50 faster than when the ball 31 is on the fairway. This makes it possible to increase the difficulty of executing an appropriate shot the worse the environment for the shot, thereby improving the interest of the game.

The game progression unit 113 determines the position of the moving object 40 based on the user's input operation, and when the input operation is released, moves the moving object 40 towards the index object 50, and performs a shot execution process that executes a shot according to the release position of the input operation and an indicator in the indicator area 51 that is determined by the positional relationship between the index object 50 and the moving object 40 after it has moved. In other words, the shot execution process is a process that determines the arrival position of the ball based on the release position of a specific input operation and the indicator in the indicator area 51 that is determined by the positional relationship between the index object 50 and the moving object 40 after it has moved.

The shot execution process may include a power determination process and a trajectory determination process.

The power determination process is a process for determining the power of a shot, for example, based on the release position when the user's input operation is released. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the game progression unit 113 moves the moving object 40 along the power indicator 41 from a predetermined position selected by the user in response to the user's swipe operation. The swipe operation here is, for example, an operation in a direction away from the indicator object 50.

In the power determination process, the game progression unit 113 increases the power of the shot as the distance from the index object 50 of the moving object 40 determined by the end point of the swipe operation increases. Specifically, the game progression unit 113 determines the power according to the power index 41 corresponding to the release position, for example. The greater the power determined according to the power index 41, the farther the shot ball 31 will fly. The power index 41 is set, for example, so that the value indicating the power increases as the distance from the index object 50 increases. In FIG. 4, since the power indicator 41 is released at the position indicating "90%", the power of the shot is "90%" of the maximum power.

The trajectory determination process is, for example, a process of determining the trajectory of the shot (in other words, the direction in which the ball 31 is headed) based on the positional relationship between the moving object 40 and the index object 50 after movement. Specifically, for example, when a specific input operation related to power determination (for example, a swipe operation in a direction away from the index object 50) is released, the game progression unit 113 moves the moving object 40 to the index object 50. along the power indicator 41 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). That is, as soon as the power of the shot is determined, the process automatically proceeds to a procedure for determining the trajectory of the ball. This makes it possible to provide the user with seamless shot operations, thereby improving the interest of the game.

In the trajectory determination process, the game progression unit 113 may move the moving object 40 in a direction indicated by the user's operation. That is, when a specific input operation related to the power determination is released, the game progression unit 113 moves the moving object 40 toward the index object 50. At this time, for example, the moving object 40 may be moved in a direction indicated by the user's flick operation at the time of the release. FIG. 5 is an example of a display screen in this case. This allows the user to have a shot operation with a high degree of freedom, thereby improving the interest of the game. Also, for example, at the time of the release, the user may perform a swipe operation in a direction different from the swipe operation related to the power determination (for example, a swipe operation in a direction in which the moving object 40 approaches the index object 50), and the moving object 40 may be moved in the direction indicated by the user by the swipe operation in the different direction. Here, for example, a swipe operation in the different direction may be performed until the moving object 40 comes into contact with the index object 50, or a flick operation may be performed after a swipe operation in the different direction is performed up to a point before the moving object 40 comes into contact with the index object 50. In addition, when an operation of ending contact with the touch screen 16 (for example, a touch-off operation of releasing the finger) is performed after a specific input operation related to the determination of the power of the shot, the moving object 40 may move toward a predetermined position such as the end of the power index 41 on the index object 50 side (in other words, toward the index object 50). Note that the predetermined position may vary depending on the input operation related to the determination of the power. That is, in this embodiment, the "release of the specific input operation related to the determination of the power" is not limited to, for example, the release of the touch of the finger on the touch screen 16, but may also be a change in the moving direction of the finger that has been moving in a predetermined direction (for example, a direction away from the index object 50) (for example, a change in the moving direction by a predetermined angle or more, or a change in the direction toward the index object 50), etc. In other words, "cancellation of a specific input operation" may mean that the operation that was being performed (e.g., a swipe operation in a specific direction) is changed to another operation (e.g., a touch-off operation, a flick operation, a swipe operation in another direction). The "cancellation position" of the input operation may be the position of the finger or the position of the moving object 40 when the input operation is released. Note that even if it is possible to perform a flick operation or a swipe operation that indicates the movement direction of the moving object after performing a specific input operation related to power determination and releasing the contact with the touch screen 16 related to the input operation,

In the trajectory determination process, the game progression unit 113 may move the moving object 40 at a constant speed, or may increase the moving speed of the moving object 40 the longer the distance of the release position from the indicator object 50. Also, the moving speed of the moving object 40 may be increased as the moving object 40 approaches the indicator object 50 from the release position. This makes it more difficult to achieve a shot on the trajectory intended by the user, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

In the trajectory determination process, the game progression unit 113 determines the index area 51 of the index object 50 (hereinafter referred to as "reach index 51") that the moving object 40 has reached after moving, as shown in FIG. The game progression unit 113 determines the trajectory of the ball 31 based on the reaching index 51. For example, when the indicator area 51 set so that the ball curves to the right becomes the reaching indicator 51, the game progress unit 113 sets the shot ball 31 to slice or fade. As a result, the trajectory of the ball can be intentionally bent by the user's operation, and the user can also be provided with a situation where the trajectory of the ball is unintentionally bent, which improves the interest of the game. .

In other words, in the shot execution process, the game progression unit 113 determines the landing position of the ball based on, for example, the power of the shot determined in the power determination process and the trajectory of the shot determined in the trajectory determination process (in other words, the direction in which the ball 31 is heading).

Next, the flow of the process executed by the terminal device 10 in the first state will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process executed by the terminal device 10.

In step S100, the game progression unit 113 instructs the display control unit 114 to display objects such as the moving object 40 on the display unit 18. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the game progression unit 113 performs display control so that the display unit 18 displays a player character 33 taking an address posture, a moving object 40, a power indicator 41, an indicator object 50, etc. 114.

Next, in step S101, the game system 1 receives a user's input operation on the touch screen 16. For example, if the game progression unit 113 determines that a predetermined area around the moving object 40 has been touched, the process proceeds to step S102.

Next, in step S102, the game progression unit 113 moves the moving object 40 along the power indicator 41 in response to the user's swipe operation.

Next, in step S103, the game progression unit 113 moves the index object 50 (for example, moves it back and forth).

Next, in step S104, the game proceeding unit 113 receives a user operation (for example, a touch-off operation, a flick operation, a swipe operation in another direction) to cancel the swipe operation for moving the moving object 40.

Next, in step S105, the game progression unit 113 determines the release position and the power of the shot corresponding to the release position.

Next, in step S106, the game progression unit 113 moves the moving object 40 toward the index object 50.

Next, in step S107, the game progression unit 113 determines the arrival index 51 of the index object 50 that the moving object 40 has reached after the movement. The game progression unit 113 determines the trajectory of the ball 31 corresponding to the reaching indicator 51.

Next, in step S108, the arrival position of the ball 31 is determined based on the power of the shot and the arrival indicator 51.

Next, in step S109, the game progression unit 113 causes the display unit 18 to display an image in which the player character performs a shot action. Furthermore, the game progress unit 113 moves the position of the ball 31 within the game space 30 according to the determined shot power and the trajectory of the ball 31.

The game system 1 repeatedly executes steps S100 to S109 for each shot.

<Battle function>
In the game of the present embodiment, for example, a player character 33 operated by a user using the terminal device 10 of the user can be played against an opponent character operated by another user using the terminal device 10 of the other user or an opponent character operated by a computer. That is, the opponent of the player (in other words, the opponent character playing against the player's character) may be a character operated by another user or a non-player character. In other words, the opponent of the user may be another user (i.e., a human) or a virtual user automatically controlled by a computer. Here, the virtual user is another user (in other words, a virtual user) who is playing against the non-player character, as viewed from the viewpoint of the user playing against the non-player character. In this specification, the virtual user is also called a non-player character.

In this embodiment, the user and the opponent alternately shoot the ball 31 to advance the game. In other words, in the game of this embodiment, the turn (in other words, the scene) in which the user performs an operation on an object (for example, the player character 33, the ball 31, or a predetermined UI) and the turn in which the opponent performs an operation on the object (for example, the player character 31, or a predetermined UI), There are turns in which operations are performed on the character 33, the ball 31, a predetermined UI, etc.).

For example, when the opponent is a human being, specifically when a first user and a second user who are both human beings play against each other, the game proceeds as follows. First, in a turn in which the first user performs an operation, the first user performs an operation to shoot the ball 31 (for example, a touch operation to determine the direction of the shot, a touch operation to determine the direction of the shot, a swipe operation, etc.). At this time, the display unit 18 of the terminal device 10 of the second user, who is the opponent, displays the first user performing the operation. Specifically, the display control unit 114 of the second user's terminal device 10 displays the movement of the moving object 40 and the index object 50 based on the first user's operation, and displays the first user's character (in other words, the player). The display section 18 displays a display in which the character 33) performs a shot action. When the ball 31 is shot based on the first user's operation, it is the second user's turn.

During the second user's turn to perform an operation, the second user performs an operation to shoot the ball 31 (for example, a touch operation to determine the shot direction, a swipe operation on the moving object 40, etc.) on his/her own terminal device 10. At this time, the display unit 18 of the first user's terminal device 10 displays the second user performing the operation. Specifically, the display control unit 114 of the first user's terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a display of the moving object 40 and the index object 50 moving based on the second user's operation, and a display of the second user's character (in other words, the player character 33) performing a shot motion, etc. When the ball 31 is shot based on the second user's operation, it becomes the first user's turn.

Further, for example, when the opponent is a non-player character, specifically when the first user, who is a human, plays against a virtual user, the game proceeds as follows. First, in the turn in which the first user performs an operation, the first user performs an operation to shoot the ball 31 on his/her own terminal device 10 . When the ball 31 is shot based on the first user's operation, it is the virtual user's turn.

During the virtual user's turn to perform an operation, the display unit 18 of the terminal device 10 of the first user displays the virtual user performing an operation to shoot the ball 31 (for example, a touch operation to determine the shot direction, or a swipe operation on the moving object 40). Specifically, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 of the first user causes the display unit 18 to display a display of the moving object 40 and the index object 50 moving based on the virtual user's operation, and a display of the virtual user's character (in other words, a non-player character) performing a shot motion. When the ball 31 is shot based on the virtual user's operation, it becomes the first user's turn.

That is, in this embodiment, the objects (e.g., moving object 40, ball 31, character of the second user, non-player character, etc.) operated by the second user or virtual user who is the opponent of the first user are also displayed on the terminal device 10 of the first user, and the manner in which the objects move based on the operation of the second user or virtual user is displayed.

Operations by the virtual user are realized by the NPC control unit 119. The NPC control unit 119 determines what kind of operation to perform as a virtual user, and controls the display control unit to display on the display unit 18 how the moving object 40, index object 50, etc. move in a manner corresponding to the determined operation. 114. For example, the NPC control unit 119 may determine what operation to perform as a virtual user based on past play data of a predetermined user stored in the storage unit 220 of the server 20. Specifically, the NPC control unit 119 performs an operation that imitates an operation performed in the past by any user among the plurality of users using the game (in other words, an operation that imitates an operation performed in the past by any user). may be determined as the operation to be performed as the virtual user. In other words, the non-player character may be a so-called ghost or the like. Further, the NPC control unit 119 may determine what kind of operation to perform as a virtual user using AI or the like, for example. Note that the NPC control unit 119 may be included in the server 20.

In other words, in this embodiment, the virtual user operates an object, but the operation is a pseudo-operation that can be recognized as being performed by a human from the perspective of a user competing against the virtual user. Note that the operation may be realized internally by simply generating an image that makes it look as if a human is performing the operation.

Note that in the game of this embodiment, the operation for starting a battle with another user and the operation for starting a battle with a non-player character are the same operation. In other words, when the user performs a specific operation, the game system 1 determines whether to start a match with another user or a non-player character, and starts the match. Therefore, the user starts the battle without knowing whether the opponent is another user (in other words, a human being) or a non-player character.

<Message function>
Next, the message function will be described. In the game of this embodiment, each user can send and receive messages to and from an opponent. In addition, even if the opponent is a non-player character, messages can be sent and received. In other words, the game of this embodiment has a chat function.

The message processing unit 115 transmits a message to the opponent based on the user's input operation. As shown in FIG. 3, the message processing unit 115 instructs the display control unit 114 to display on the display unit 18 a window display object 60 that is operated when sending a message to an opponent during a match against the opponent. . Furthermore, when an input operation is performed on the window display object 60, the message processing unit 115 displays a plurality of pre-registered messages (hereinafter referred to as "standard messages") as candidates for messages to be sent to the opponent. The display control unit 114 is instructed to display the image on the screen 18. Specifically, when an input operation is performed on the window display object 60, the message processing unit 115 displays a UI (hereinafter referred to as “selection window 62”) that allows message selection on the display unit, as shown in FIG. 18. Further, a plurality of standard messages are displayed in the selection window 62. When the operation receiving unit 111 receives an input operation for selecting a fixed message displayed in the selection window 62 (in other words, an operation for inputting a fixed message), the message processing section 115 sends the selected fixed message to the opponent. Send to.

When the opponent is another user, the message processing unit 115 of the user's terminal device 10 transmits a standard message to the message processing unit 115 of the opponent's terminal device 10 via the server 20. Then, upon receiving the standard message, the message processing unit 115 instructs the display control unit 114 to display the received standard message on the display unit 18. In other words, when the user performs an input operation on his/her own terminal device 10 to transmit a standard message to the opponent, the display control unit 114 of the opponent's terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display the transmitted standard message.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the message 63 sent by the user to the opponent (in other words, the fixed message selected in the selection window 62 or the like) is displayed on the display unit 18 of the user's terminal device 10. Displayed on the left side of the display area. Furthermore, the message 64 sent by the opponent to the user is displayed on the right side of the display area of the display unit 18 of the user's terminal device 10.

9 shows an example of a standard message. The standard message is stored in the storage unit 120 as a message information storage unit. The standard message is stored with identification information (hereinafter referred to as a "message ID"; see FIG. 10 and FIG. 11) that allows each standard message to be identified, and an attribute. That is, the standard messages stored in the storage unit 120 can be identified from among multiple standard messages based on the message ID. The standard messages stored in the storage unit 120 are classified into multiple attributes (in other words, categories). The attributes are also assigned identification information (hereinafter referred to as an "attribute ID") that allows each attribute to be identified. Each standard message may be stored as image information, for example. Information related to the standard message may be stored in the storage unit 220. In other words, the display of the standard message on each terminal device 10 may be performed based on the information related to the standard message stored in the storage unit 120, or may be performed based on the information related to the standard message stored in the storage unit 220.

In this embodiment, "normal", "fun", "scream", "thought", and "sad" are provided as attributes of the fixed message. The attribute "normal" is an attribute attached to a fixed message indicating a neutral emotion. The attribute "fun" is an attribute attached to a fixed message indicating a positive emotion. The attribute "scream" is an attribute attached to a fixed message indicating an emotion such as anger or surprise. The attribute "thought" is an attribute attached to a fixed message that indicates feelings such as worry or impatience. The attribute "sadness" is an attribute attached to a fixed message indicating a negative emotion. That is, in this embodiment, the standard messages are classified according to the emotion indicated by each standard message. In other words, the standard messages are classified according to the meaning and content of each standard message.

Note that in this embodiment, one formatted message is assigned one attribute, but one formatted message may be assigned a plurality of attributes. In other words, among the plurality of fixed messages, there may be at least one fixed message to which a plurality of attributes are attached.

Further, the fixed messages include two types of fixed messages: a verbal message (in other words, a linguistic fixed message) and a nonverbal message (in other words, a nonverbal fixed message). A linguistic message is a message that includes characters. A nonverbal message is a message that does not contain any characters. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the standard messages arranged in the columns "Text Chat 1," "Text Chat 2," and "Text Chat 3" are linguistic messages. Further, the fixed messages arranged in the columns of "emoticon 1", "emoticon 2", "character stamp 1", and "character stamp 2" are nonverbal messages.

The standard messages are divided into two groups: a first chat information group 65 and a second chat information group 66. As shown in FIG. 7, in the selection window 62, a plurality of messages as candidates for messages to be sent to the opponent are displayed separately as a first chat information group 65 and a second chat information group 66. The selection window 62 has a tab 67, and the type of candidate messages displayed in the selection window 62 changes according to an input operation on the tab 67. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the first chat information group 65 and the second chat information group 66 are displayed simultaneously (in other words, on one screen) in the selection window 62, but, for example, there may be a state in which only the first chat information group 65 (for example, only verbal messages) is displayed and a state in which only the second chat information group 66 (for example, only non-verbal messages) is displayed, and the two states may be switched according to an input operation on the tab 67, etc.

Note that in order to enable display of the first chat information group 65 and second chat information group 66 in two groups, the standard messages are divided into the standard messages belonging to the first chat information group 65 and the second chat information group 66. 2 chat information group 66 and stored in the storage unit 120.

The first chat information group 65 is a group in which the number of verbal messages is greater than the number of non-verbal messages. Specifically, in this embodiment, the number of non-verbal messages in the first chat information group 65 is "0", and the first chat information group 65 is composed only of verbal messages. Furthermore, the first chat information group 65 is a group that includes multiple verbal messages.

The second chat information group 66 is a group in which the number of non-verbal messages is greater than the number of verbal messages. Specifically, in this embodiment, the number of verbal messages in the second chat information group 66 is "0", and the second chat information group 66 is composed only of non-verbal messages. In addition, the second chat information group 66 is a group that includes multiple non-verbal messages.

The first chat information group 65 and the second chat information group 66 are each composed of a plurality of standard messages, but the standard messages included in the first chat information group 65 are not included in the second chat information group 66, and the standard messages included in the second chat information group 66 are not included in the first chat information group 65. However, some of the standard messages included in one chat information group may be included in the other chat information group.

The second message processing unit 116 controls the sending of messages from a non-player character as an opponent to the user. When the user sends a message to a non-player character, the second message processing unit 116 responds to the message. Specifically, when the message processing unit 115 sends a fixed message to a non-player character based on the user's operation, the second message processing unit 116 sends a fixed message to the user as a response to the fixed message. Then, when the fixed message is sent from the second message processing unit 116, the display control unit 114 of the user's terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display the sent fixed message. Note that the second message processing unit 116 may spontaneously send a message from a non-player character to the user at a predetermined opportunity, not limited to when the user sends a message to the non-player character.

Note that the message from the non-player character to the user transmitted from the second message processing unit 116 is received, for example, by the message processing unit 115 of the terminal device 10 of the user, and the message processing unit 115 instructs the display control unit 114 to display the message on the display unit 18. However, the transmission and reception does not have to involve actual transmission. For example, in the case where the terminal device 10 is provided with the message processing unit 115 and the second message processing unit 116 as in this embodiment, the second message processing unit 116 determines a message to be sent from the non-player character to the user, and makes the determined message recognizable by the message processing unit 115 (in other words, makes the display control unit 114 capable of displaying the determined message on the display unit 18), etc., are also included in "the second message processing unit 116 transmitting a message from a non-player character" and "the message processing unit 115 receiving a message from a non-player character". Note that, for example, the whole or part of the second message processing unit 116 may be possessed by the control unit 210 of the server 20. In this case, messages sent and received between the message processing unit 115 and the second message processing unit 116 may be transmitted via a network.

In this embodiment, a response pattern for a message from a user is defined in the second message processing unit 116. Specifically, the second message processing unit 116 replies using a response table 70 that defines the response pattern and is stored in the memory unit 120, which serves as a response rule memory unit. An example of the response table 70 is shown in Figures 10 and 11. The response table 70 defines the correspondence between messages sent by users and the responses thereto. Specifically, the response table 70 defines standard messages to be sent as responses for each attribute of a message sent by a user.

For example, when the user sends a fixed message with the attribute "normal" to the non-player character, the non-player character (in other words, the second message processing unit 116) sends the message ID "0001" as shown in FIG. ”, a formatted message with the attribute “fun” with the message ID “0002”, or a formatted message with the attribute “fun” with the message ID “0011” as a response. Note that which of the message IDs "0001", "0002", and "0011" is to be sent is randomly determined.

For example, if a user sends a standard message with the attribute "fun" to a non-player character, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the non-player character will reply with a standard message with the attribute "normal" and message ID "0001", a standard message with the attribute "fun" and message ID "0002", or a standard message with the attribute "fun" and message ID "0003". Note that which standard message to send from among message IDs "0001", "0002", and "0003" is determined randomly.

Further, for example, when the user sends a fixed message with the attribute "scream" to the non-player character, the non-player character sends a fixed message with the attribute "normal" with the message ID "0001" as shown in FIG. 10(c). , a fixed message with message ID "0010" and attribute "thought", or a fixed message with message ID "0011" and attribute "fun" is sent as a reply. Note that which of the message IDs "0001", "0010", and "0011" is to be sent is randomly determined.

For example, if a user sends a standard message with the attribute "thinking" to a non-player character, as shown in FIG. 11(d), the non-player character will reply with a standard message with the attribute "normal" and message ID "0001", a standard message with the attribute "thinking" and message ID "0007", or a standard message with the attribute "fun" and message ID "0011". Note that which standard message to send from among message IDs "0001", "0007", and "0011" is determined randomly.

For example, if a user sends a standard message with the attribute "sadness" to a non-player character, the non-player character will reply with a standard message with the attribute "fun" and message ID "0003", a standard message with the attribute "sadness" and message ID "0009", or a standard message with the attribute "fun" and message ID "0011", as shown in FIG. 11(e). Note that which standard message to send from among message IDs "0003", "0009", and "0011" is determined randomly.

In this embodiment, regardless of whether the user has sent a verbal or non-verbal message to the non-player character, the probability that the fixed message sent by the second message processing unit 116 as a reply will be a non-verbal message is set to be higher than the probability that it will be a verbal message. In other words, the probability that the second message processing unit 116 will send a non-verbal message when replying is higher than the probability of sending a non-verbal message when the fixed message to be sent is determined completely randomly from among all fixed messages (in other words, all fixed messages displayed in the selection window 62) prepared as fixed messages that the user can send (in other words, when the fixed message to be sent is determined with equal probability for all fixed messages). Note that in cases such as "the first probability is higher than the second probability," the lower probability may be 0%. In this embodiment, regardless of whether the user has sent a verbal or non-verbal message to the non-player character, the reply sent by the second message processing unit 116 is always a non-verbal message. In other words, all of the standard messages that the second message processing unit 116 can send as a reply are non-verbal messages. Specifically, in this embodiment, even if the user sends a verbal message, a non-verbal message selected based on the attributes of the verbal message is sent as a reply. Note that the standard messages that the second message processing unit 116 can send as a reply may include a verbal message.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the probability that the standard message sent as a reply by the second message processing unit 116 is a non-verbal message is set higher than the probability that it is a verbal message, so that the flow of the conversation can be prevented from becoming unnatural. This makes the game more interesting.

In this embodiment, the fixed message sent by the second message processing unit 116 as a reply based on the transmission of a message from the user to a non-player character (in other words, a fixed message sent in response to the transmission of a message from the user to a non-player character) is always a non-verbal message, but the fixed message sent by the second message processing unit 116 voluntarily as a message from a non-player character to a user, rather than a reply (in other words, a fixed message sent in response to a specific trigger other than the transmission of a message from the user to a non-player character), includes not only non-verbal messages but also verbal messages. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the flow of conversation from becoming unnatural due to the content of the reply, while preventing the user from being made aware that the opponent is a non-player character by only sending non-verbal messages. This improves the interest of the game.

The second message processing unit 116 may, for example, send a fixed message with the same attributes as the fixed message sent by the user as a reply. In this embodiment, regardless of the attributes of the fixed message sent by the user, a fixed message with the same attributes as the fixed message sent by the user can be sent as a reply.

In addition, in this embodiment, the second message processing unit 116 may send a different standard message as a reply, which is a standard message with the same attributes as the standard message sent by the user. Specifically, if the user sends a standard message with message ID "0002" and attribute "fun", the second message processing unit 116 may send a standard message with message ID "0011" and attribute "fun" as a reply (see FIG. 10).

Attributes that can be sent as replies to multiple attributes may be prepared. In other words, there may be multiple attributes that can be sent as replies to one attribute. In this embodiment, the attribute "normal" can be sent as a reply when the user sends a standard message with any of the attributes "normal," "fun," "shout," and "think." Attributes that can be sent as replies to all attributes related to standard messages sent by the user may be prepared.

Note that a message with the attribute "normal" can also be said to be a nonverbal message that can be established as an indirect response to a message sent from a user to a non-player character. That is, in this embodiment, there are nonverbal messages that can be realized as a direct response to a message from the user, and nonverbal messages that can be realized as an indirect response, and the second message processing unit 116 is adapted to be able to send a non-verbal message to the user that can serve as an indirect reply.

In addition, the probability that the standard message sent by the second message processing unit 116 as a reply is the same as the standard message sent by the user may be higher than the probability that it is a standard message different from the standard message sent by the user.

In this embodiment, the standard message sent by the second message processing unit 116 as a reply is randomly selected from among multiple candidates determined based on the attributes of the standard message sent by the user, but the standard message sent as a reply does not have to be completely randomly selected from the multiple candidates. For example, the probability of each of the multiple candidates being selected may be equal, or there may be a bias. Also, for example, for each of the attributes "normal," "fun," "scream," "thoughtful," and "sad," when the user sends a standard message with a specific attribute, the standard message selected as a reply may have a higher probability of having an attribute other than "normal" than of having the attribute.

The second message processing unit 116 does not have to use the reply table 70 to determine the message to be sent as a reply, but may instead use, for example, AI (Artificial Intelligence) to determine the message to be sent as a reply.

Note that the second message processing unit 116 transmits the second chat information group regardless of whether the user sends a fixed message forming the first chat information group 65 or a fixed message forming the second chat information group 66. It can also be said that the probability of sending the standard message forming the first chat information group 66 as a reply is higher than the probability of sending the standard message forming the first chat information group 65 as a reply. That is, in the present embodiment, the user selects an element to be transmitted from among the one or more elements forming the first chat information group 65 and the one or more elements forming the second chat information group 66. It is possible to send. On the other hand, the second message processing unit 116 sends the elements of the second chat information group 66 regardless of which element of the first chat information group 65 or the second chat information group 66 is sent by the user. It may be sent as a reply. Note that the second message processing unit 116 always responds with the elements of the second chat information group 66, regardless of whether the user sends any element of the first chat information group 65 or the second chat information group 66. You can also send it as Note that when the second message processing unit 116 sends a reply to a fixed-format message sent from a user, the second message processing section 116 may always include the fixed-format message forming the second chat information group 66 in the reply. That is, the second message processing unit 116 may send a fixed-format message forming the first chat information group 65 as a reply, but when sending a fixed-format message forming the first chat information group 65 as a reply, , a standard message forming the second chat information group 66 may be sent together. Further, when the second chat information group 66 includes a linguistic message, the second message processing unit 116 does not send a linguistic message as a reply among the fixed messages that constitute the second chat information group 66. Instead, only a nonverbal message may be sent as a response.

Note that the second message processing unit 116 may determine the standard message to be sent as a response based on the game situation (and the standard message sent by the user). Note that the game situation here includes the situation of each other's scores, etc. Here, the description will be made assuming that the standard message with message ID "0003" has two attributes, "fun" and "sad". For example, if the game situation is "a situation in which the user side has the upper hand and the user performs a good shot operation," and the user sends a standard message with message ID "0003," the situation is good for the user. The second message processing unit 116 may determine that the fixed message is a fixed message with the attribute "fun" and may respond from among the candidates shown in FIG. 10(b). Alternatively, if the user sends a standard message with the message ID "0003" in the game situation, the second message processing unit 116 sends a message with the standard message, since this is a bad situation for the non-player character. , it may be determined that the message is a standard message with the attribute "sadness", and a reply may be made from among the candidates shown in FIG. 11(e). That is, among the plurality of fixed messages, there is at least one fixed message with multiple attributes, and the second message processing unit 116 processes the fixed message when the fixed format message with multiple attributes is sent. , a reply may be made based on any one of a plurality of attributes attached to a fixed message. Note that the second message processing unit 116 does not judge the attributes of the fixed message sent by the user based on the game situation, but rather determines the attributes of the fixed message sent by the user based on the game situation. A fixed message to be sent as a response may be determined from response candidates.

Note that the second message processing unit 116 may send the reply from the non-player character after a predetermined period of time, rather than immediately after the message is sent from the user. Further, the predetermined period may not be constant.

Note that at least one of the message sent from the user to the non-player character and the message sent from the non-player character to the user may not be a fixed message. For example, it may be possible for the user to send a message to the non-player character by inputting text.

(Non-player character response probability)
In this embodiment, second message processing unit 116 does not always reply to a message sent by a user, as will be described below.

The second message processing unit 116 controls the probability of sending a reply based on the number of messages sent from the user to the non-player character.

Specifically, when the user sends the first message to a non-player character during a match with the non-player character, the second message processing unit 116 will reply with a 50% probability. More specifically, when the second message processing unit 116 receives the first message, it performs a lottery to determine whether or not to send a reply, and in this lottery, there is a 50% probability that a reply will be sent and a 50% probability that a reply will not be sent. The second message processing unit 116 also performs a similar lottery for the following cases in which a reply is made with each of the following probabilities:

In addition, if the user sends a second to fourth message to a non-player character, the second message processing unit 116 will reply to each of the second to fourth messages with a 30% probability.

Further, when the user sends a message for the fifth time or later to the non-player character, the second message processing unit 116 responds to each message from the fifth time onwards with a probability of 10%.

In this way, the second message processing unit 116 counts the number of messages sent by the user and changes the reply probability according to the number of messages sent, but if no new messages are sent within 60 seconds after the user sent a message, the second message processing unit 116 returns the message count to 0 (in other words, resets it). That is, the second message processing unit 116 changes the probability of sending a reply according to the number of messages sent from the user to a non-player character, and more specifically, changes the probability of sending a reply according to the number of messages sent so that the transmission interval between each message is within a predetermined interval. That is, "changing the probability of sending a reply according to the number of messages sent from the user to a non-player character" includes the case where the probability of sending a reply is changed according to the frequency of sending messages from the user to a non-player character.

In other words, the second message processing unit 116 controls the probability of sending a reply based on the number of messages sent from the user to the non-player character within a predetermined period. Here, the predetermined period may be a predetermined period in which the transmission interval of each message is within a predetermined interval, as described above. The predetermined period may be, for example, a certain period from when the first message is sent. The predetermined period may be, for example, the period from when a match begins to when it ends. The predetermined period may be, for example, the period from when a turn of each character begins to when it ends (in other words, the period for one shot).

If a user were to reply to every message sent by the user, there is a risk that the user would become aware that their opponent is a non-player character. According to this embodiment, by controlling the probability of replying to messages, it is possible to realize a reaction that is close to that of a reply by an actual user, and it is possible to provide a game in which the user does not become aware that he or she is playing with a non-player character. This increases the interest of the game.

In the present embodiment, the second message processing unit 116 decides by lottery whether or not to respond to each message from the user. may be determined in advance. For example, the second message processing unit 116 controls responses such that it responds to the first to fifth messages and does not respond to the sixth and subsequent messages. Good too. For example, a table that determines whether or not to respond to each message (for example, respond to the first to third messages, do not respond to the fourth message, etc.) , to respond to the fifth message, etc.) is prepared in the storage unit 120, and the second message processing unit 116 uses the table to respond to the fifth message. You may decide whether to respond or not. In other words, the second message processing unit 116 performs control to change the probability of sending a reply depending on the number of messages sent from the user to the non-player character, but this control results in no reply being sent to the user. Any message that changes the probability of being sent (for example, the probability that a reply will be sent decreases as the number of messages sent within a predetermined period increases) may be used.

In addition, in this embodiment, there are multiple stages (specifically, the first stage, the second to fourth stages, and the fifth and subsequent stages) depending on the number of times the user sends messages (in other words, the transmission frequency). There are several stages), and the probability of a response changes according to each stage, but the number of stages may be two, three or more.

Further, the second message processing unit 116 controls the probability so that the probability of transmitting a reply decreases as the number of messages transmitted from the user to the non-player character increases (in other words, the frequency increases). However, if the number of messages exceeds a predetermined number, the probability of sending a reply may be 0%. According to such a configuration, it is possible to express that the opponent feels annoyed, etc., and it is possible to provide a game that does not make the user aware that he/she is playing with a non-player character. Therefore, the interest of the game is improved.

As described above, the second message processing unit 116 determines the probability of sending a response based on the history of messages sent from the user to the non-player character, specifically, the number of message transmissions (in other words, the transmission frequency). is under control. Note that the second message processing unit 116 may change the probability of sending a reply based on conditions related to the history of messages sent from the user to the non-player character, other than the number of times messages have been sent. For example, the second message processing unit 116 changes the probability of sending a response depending on the content of the message sent from the user to the non-player character, specifically the length of the message (for example, the number of characters or the amount of data). You may let them. Specifically, for example, if the length of the message is longer than a predetermined length, the second message processing unit 116 may set the probability of sending a reply to 0%. In other words, the second message processing unit 116 may change the probability of sending a reply depending on, for example, the number of characters in the message sent from the user to the non-player character. Further, the second message processing unit 116 may change the probability of sending a reply depending on the amount of data (for example, number of bytes) of the message sent from the user to the non-player character, for example.

Note that the second message processing unit 116 may change the probability of transmitting a reply depending on the situation of the game.

Specifically, for example, the second message processing unit 116 may change the probability so that in a situation where the non-player character is in an advantageous position relative to the user (in other words, the player character 33) (for example, a situation where the ball 31 is closer to the cup 32 than the user), the probability of sending a reply is higher than in an unfavorable position. With this configuration, it is possible to express the opponent being in good form and talkative, and to provide a game in which the user is not aware that he or she is playing with a non-player character. This therefore increases the interest of the game.

Note that the second message processing unit 116 may change the timing of performing the process of returning the message count to 0 (in other words, resetting it) according to the situation of the game.

As described above, the second message processing unit 116 controls the probability of sending a reply based on predetermined conditions. The predetermined condition may be, for example, a condition regarding the history of messages sent from the user to the non-player character. Specifically, for example, when the number of messages sent by users is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the second message processing unit 116 has a lower probability of sending a reply than when the number is less than a predetermined number. It may be controlled as follows. Furthermore, for example, when the length of the message sent by the user is greater than or equal to a predetermined length, the second message processing unit 116 has a higher probability of sending a reply than when the length is less than the predetermined length. It may be controlled to be lower. Furthermore, for example, the second message processing unit 116 controls the probability of sending a reply to be lower when the number of characters in the message sent by the user is greater than or equal to a predetermined number than when the number is less than a predetermined number. You can. Further, for example, the second message processing unit 116 sends a response when the amount of data (for example, number of bytes) of the message sent from the user is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount than when the amount of data is less than the predetermined amount. The probability may be controlled to be low. Further, the predetermined condition may be, for example, a condition related to a game situation. For example, the second message processing unit 116 may control the non-player character so that in a situation where the non-player character is more advantageous than the user, the probability of sending a reply is higher than in a disadvantageous situation.

Note that the second message processing unit 116 controls the probability of sending a reply based on the number of messages sent from the user to the non-player character, and also performs predetermined exception processing depending on the game situation. Good too. Specifically, for example, if a user sends a message (for example, a fixed message with a positive emotion such as "Awesome") at the timing when a non-player character makes a good shot, the message will be sent for the 10th time. message (that is, a message with a response probability of 10%), the probability of replying is increased (in other words, for example, the probability of replying to the first message is increased instead of decreasing the probability of replying). A reply may be made with a similar probability (specifically, 50%).

Further, the second message processing unit 116 may control the response probability so that when the user sends the same message consecutively, the response probability is lower than when the user sends different messages. Specifically, for example, when a user sends M different messages (here, M is an integer of 2 or more) within a predetermined period, the probability of a response to the Mth message is set to X (for example, 30%). ), the response probability to the Mth message may be lower than X when the user sends the same message M times within a predetermined period.

In addition, the second message processing unit 116 may increase the reply probability when the message sent by the user is a standard message with a high rarity. Specifically, for example, if the normal reply probability for a message sent by a user (for example, the reply probability when the message is a standard message with a low rarity) is Y (for example, 50%), the reply probability when the message is a standard message with a high rarity may be higher than Y. Note that here, a standard message with a high rarity may be, for example, a standard message that does not exist by default (in other words, the initial state of the game) that is obtained by using assets owned by the user such as a predetermined lottery (so-called gacha) or in-game currency. In addition, a standard message with a low rarity may be, for example, a standard message that exists by default.

In addition, the second message processing unit 116 may increase the reply probability when the message sent by the user is a fixed message highly related to the other non-player character. Specifically, for example, when the normal reply probability for a message sent by the user (for example, the reply probability when the message is a fixed message with low relevance to the non-player character) is Y (for example, 50%), the reply probability when the message is a fixed message with high relevance to the non-player character may be higher than Y. Note that here, a message with high relevance to a non-player character may be, for example, a fixed message depicting a type of character corresponding to the non-player character (for example, a character of the same type as the non-player character, or a character with a close relationship to the non-player character, such as a character set to be friendly with the non-player character or a character set to be a rival in the game) among multiple types of characters appearing in the game. In addition, a message with low relevance to a non-player character may be a fixed message depicting a character with a low relationship to the non-player character.

In addition, the second message processing unit 116 may increase the reply probability in a scene where the non-player character is considered to be free from the user's perspective. Specifically, for example, when the user sends a message in a scene where the non-player character is considered to be free from the user's perspective, the reply probability to the message may be set to Y (for example, 50%). In this case, when the user sends a message in a scene where the non-player character is considered to be free from the user's perspective, the reply probability to the message may be set to be higher than Y. Here, the scene where the non-player character is considered to be free may be, for example, a situation where the non-player character has already cupped the ball 31 (in other words, has achieved the game goal) and is waiting for the user to cup the ball, or a situation where the user is performing an operation related to a shot (in other words, the user's turn), etc. In addition, the scene where the non-player character is considered to be free may be, for example, a situation where the non-player character has not yet cupped the ball 31, or a situation where the non-player character is performing an operation related to a shot (in other words, the non-player character's turn), etc.

(Restrictions on responses from non-player characters)
In this embodiment, during a battle with a non-player character, there is a situation where the non-player character does not send a message to the user. Here, sending a message from the non-player character includes sending a response to a message sent from the user to the non-player character, and spontaneously sending a message from the non-player character.

Specifically, the second message processing unit 116 performs the following in a situation where the user estimates that a predetermined operation is being performed on an object operated by the virtual user (hereinafter also referred to as an "estimated situation"). , controls the transmission of the message so that the message from the virtual user (in other words, the non-player character) to the user is not displayed on the display unit 18. In other words, the second message processing unit 116 prevents the virtual user from sending a message to the user in a situation where, from the user's perspective, it is presumed that the opponent is performing some operation other than the operation for sending a message. control so that it does not occur. In other words, the second message processing unit 116 handles situations in which, from the user's point of view, the opponent would not send a message if the opponent were a human (for example, if the opponent is performing a predetermined operation and the message is not sent). (in situations where the user estimates that it would be difficult to send a message to the user).

Here, the object operated by the virtual user may be, for example, a character (specifically, a non-player character, etc.). The predetermined operation may be, for example, an operation for moving a character. Specifically, the predetermined operation may be, for example, an operation for making the character shoot the ball 31 (for example, a touch operation for deciding the direction of the shot, or a swipe operation on the moving object 40, etc.). The predetermined operation may be, for example, an operation for attacking an enemy (for example, an operation for shooting a gun), an operation for moving a character, an operation for making a character use an item, an operation for making a character pick up an item, etc., when the present invention is applied to an FPS (First Person Shooter) or a role-playing game.

In other words, the object controlled by the virtual user may be, for example, a ball, a weapon, an item, etc.

Further, the object operated by the virtual user may be, for example, a predetermined UI (in other words, a UI object). Further, the predetermined operation may be, for example, a swipe operation on the moving object 40. Furthermore, the predetermined operation may be a touch operation on a predetermined button.

The specified operation may also be, for example, an operation on an object other than the object related to the message transmission (e.g., the window display object 60, the selection window 62, and the miniature window 80 described below, etc.).

In other words, the estimated situation is, for example, when a predetermined UI (for example, a moving object 40, a predetermined button, etc.) is being operated by the virtual user on the display unit 18 of the user's terminal device 10 during the virtual user's turn. The status may be displayed. Specifically, the virtual user may perform a swipe operation on the moving object 40, and the moving object 40 operated by the virtual user may be displayed as moving away from the index object 50.

In other words, the estimated situation is content in which an object operated by another user is displayed on the user's display unit 18, and the other user's operation on the object is reflected in the display on the user's display unit 18 in real time. In this case, the object may be displayed on the display unit 18 of the user in response to the operation of a virtual user serving as another virtual user.

In this way, in this embodiment, a message from the virtual user to the user is not displayed in an estimated situation in which there is a low possibility of sending a message if the opponent is a human. This makes the game more interesting.

Furthermore, the second message processing unit 116 may transmit a message from the virtual user to the user in the following situations. That is, for example, the timing at which the virtual user's operation for causing the character to shoot the ball 31 in the virtual user's turn ends (in other words, the situation where it is presumed to have ended), after the end of the operation, and based on the operation. The timing at which the non-player character is shown moving is displayed on the display unit 18, and after the operation is completed, the display unit 18 displays how the ball 31 is moving (for example, flying) based on the operation. The second message processing unit 116 may transmit a message to the user at the timing displayed in . Further, for example, at the timing when the display unit 18 displays that the virtual user has interrupted the operation, the second message processing unit 116 may transmit a message to the user.

The second message processing unit 116 may also send a message, for example, during the user's turn, even when the user is performing an operation to cause the character to shoot the ball 31.

Note that the second message processing unit 116 transmits the message in consideration of the communication delay between when the message from the non-player character is transmitted and when the message is displayed on the display unit 18 of the user's terminal device 10. You may go. Specifically, for example, if the server 20 has the second message processing section 116 and the terminal device 10 has the NPC control section 119, the second message processing section 116 has the server 20 and the terminal device 10. Control may be performed in consideration of communication delay between the host and the host. For example, the second message processing unit 116 assumes that the virtual user is in the process of performing a predetermined series of operations (for example, an operation for causing the character to shoot the ball 31), taking into account communication delays. The message may be transmitted in a certain situation, and the message may be displayed on the display unit 18 in a situation in which it is estimated that the predetermined series of operations by the virtual user has been completed. Further, the second message processing unit 116 may perform control to make it appear that there is a communication delay. Specifically, for example, if the terminal device 10 includes the second message processing unit 116 and the NPC control unit 119, the second message processing unit 116 processes the message at the timing when the virtual user starts an operation, etc. The message may be transmitted and displayed on the display unit 18 at the timing. In other words, for example, in a situation where the virtual user is starting a predetermined operation is displayed on the display unit 18 (for example, within a predetermined period of time after starting the operation), a message from the virtual user is displayed. By displaying the message in the section 18, the user may be made to think that the message was sent at a time when the virtual user was not performing any operations, if calculated backwards based on communication delays and the like. For example, regarding the timing at which a message from a virtual user is displayed on the user's display unit 18, a predetermined number of seconds elapses from the starting point of the display or action (for example, the display of a message sent by the user or a nice play by one of the players). By making it a constant behavior that a few seconds later, a real person will look at the display and actions of the message from the virtual user, judge what kind of reaction should be made, and then operate the message, reducing communication delays. It is possible to infer that the message was sent to the user via .

(Message when event is achieved)
The second message processing unit 116 transmits a message from the non-player character to the user when the user or the non-player character achieves a specific event during a match between the user and the non-player character. Furthermore, the messages that can be sent by the second message processing unit 116 are different depending on whether a specific event is achieved by a user or a non-player character.

When the user achieves a specific event, the second message processing unit 116 selects a message from the first candidate group to be sent from the non-player character to the user, and transmits it to the user as a message from the non-player character. The first candidate group includes a plurality of standard messages. Specifically, the first candidate group includes a plurality of non-verbal messages. The first candidate group may include one or more verbal messages, or may not include any verbal messages. An example of the standard messages that make up the first candidate group is shown in FIG. 12(a).

When a non-player character achieves a specific event, the second message processing unit 116 selects a message from the second candidate group to be sent from the non-player character to the user, and transmits the message to the user as a message from the non-player character. The second candidate group includes a plurality of standard messages. Specifically, the second candidate group includes a plurality of non-verbal messages. The second candidate group may include one or more verbal messages, or may not include any verbal messages. An example of the standard messages that make up the second candidate group is shown in FIG. 12(b).

Here, a group constituted by all nonverbal messages included in the first candidate group is defined as a first message group. That is, the first message group is a group composed of nonverbal messages that can be selected by the second message processing unit 116 when the user achieves a specific event. That is, the first message group is a group made up of standard messages excluding linguistic messages from among the standard messages included in the first candidate group.

Furthermore, a group composed of all nonverbal messages included in the second candidate group is defined as a second message group. That is, the second message group is a group composed of nonverbal messages that can be selected by the second message processing unit 116 when the non-player character achieves a specific event. That is, the second message group is a group made up of standard messages excluding linguistic messages from among the standard messages included in the second candidate group.

In this embodiment, the first message group and the second message group are not the same. In other words, the first message group and the second message group differ in at least some of the nonverbal messages included. In other words, at least one of the first message group and the second message group includes a nonverbal message that is not included in the other. Note that some of the nonverbal messages included in the first message group and the second message group may overlap. Furthermore, the first message group may not include any of the nonverbal messages included in the second message group. Furthermore, the second message group may not include any of the nonverbal messages included in the first message group. According to such a configuration, the non-player character's reaction to the non-verbal fixed message can be made different depending on whether the user has achieved a specific event or the non-player character has achieved it. Therefore, the expression of nonverbal fixed messages differs depending on the situation, and the interest of the game is improved.

Further, the number of nonverbal messages included in the first message group may be greater than the number of nonverbal messages included in the second message group. According to such a configuration, the reactions of the non-player character when the user achieves a specific event are varied, and the reactions of the non-player character when the non-player character achieves a specific event are not excessive. This can be prevented and the game becomes more interesting.

As mentioned above, the user can select a standard message from among the multiple standard messages displayed in the selection window 62 and send the message to the non-player character. Here, the group consisting of all non-verbal messages displayed in the selection window 62 is referred to as the third message group. In other words, the group consisting of non-verbal messages that the user can select as messages to send to the non-player character is referred to as the third message group. In other words, the third message group is a group consisting of standard messages displayed in the selection window 62, excluding verbal messages.

In this embodiment, when the user achieves a specific event, and when a non-player character achieves a specific event, the user can select a standard message from the selection window 62 and send it to the non-player character. In other words, the third message group can be said to be a group made up of non-verbal messages that the user can select as a message to send to a non-player character when the user or non-player character achieves a specific event.

In this embodiment, the number of non-verbal messages included in the third message group is greater than the number of non-verbal messages included in the first message group and the number of non-verbal messages included in the second message group. With this configuration, it is possible to increase the variety of messages that the user can send to the non-player characters when either the user or the non-player characters achieve a specific event, while limiting the non-verbal messages that the non-player characters can send to the user to those that cause little discomfort or annoyance to the user. In addition, by making the number of non-verbal messages included in the first message group greater than the number of non-verbal messages included in the second message group, it is possible to diversify the reactions of the non-player characters when the user achieves a specific event, while limiting the non-verbal messages that the non-player characters can send to the user.

Achieving a specific event may be, for example, achieving a specific event regarding a game score (in other words, performance). For example, the achievement of a specific event may be the achievement of an eagle or better (specifically, an eagle, an albatross, a hole-in-one, etc.) in a golf game. Furthermore, for example, achieving a specific event may be defeating a predetermined character in an FPS or role-playing game.

The probability that the second message processing unit 116 will send a message from a non-player character to the user may be higher when a specific event is achieved by the user than when a specific event is achieved by a non-player character. In other words, the probability that a message from a non-player character to the user will be displayed on the display unit 18 may be different when a specific event is achieved by the user than when a specific event is achieved by a non-player character.

Note that when the user or the non-player character achieves a specific event, the probability (in other words, the frequency) that the second message processing unit 116 spontaneously sends a message may increase. For example, after the non-player character achieves a specific event, the second message processing unit 116 increases the probability that the non-player character will send a message to the user, compared to before the non-player character achieves the specific event. may rise.

Further, in a situation where the non-player character is considered to be free from the user's perspective, the probability (in other words, the frequency) that the second message processing unit 116 spontaneously sends a message may increase. For example, the probability that the second message processing unit 116 spontaneously sends a message in a situation where the non-player character is considered to be free from the user's perspective is different from the probability that the second message processing unit 116 spontaneously sends a message in a situation where the non-player character is considered to be free from the user's perspective. 2 may be higher than the probability that the message processing unit 116 spontaneously sends a message.

When an opponent (e.g., a non-player character) achieves a specific event, the display control unit 114 may cause the display unit 18 to display a small window 80, which will be described later. At least one of the number of non-verbal messages included in the first message group and the number of non-verbal messages included in the second message group may be greater than the number of standard messages displayed in the small window 80 (in other words, the maximum number of such messages). The number of non-verbal messages included in the second message group may be less than or equal to the number of standard messages displayed in the small window 80.

(small window)
As described above, in the game of this embodiment, the selection window 62 is displayed as a predetermined UI based on an input operation on the window display object 60. Further, in the selection window 62, a plurality of standard messages are displayed as candidates for messages to be sent to the opponent.

In addition, in the game of this embodiment, in a specific situation (hereinafter referred to as a "wipe display situation") during the game (in other words, while the content is being used), a small window 80 (in other words, a wipe UI) is displayed as a specified UI. An example of the display of the small window 80 is shown in FIG. 13.

In this embodiment, the message processing unit 115 performs processing to determine whether the display conditions for the small window 80 (hereinafter referred to as "wipe display conditions") are satisfied. In other words, the message processing unit 115 performs a process of determining whether or not there is a specific situation in which the small window 80 is to be displayed (in other words, a wipe display situation). Specifically, the message processing unit 115 determines that the wipe display condition is satisfied, for example, when the opponent performs a series of operations related to a shot and the results of the operations are good. If the wipe display condition is satisfied, the message processing unit 115 instructs the display control unit 114 to display the small window 80 on the display unit 18.

In the small window 80, some of the plurality of standard messages displayed in the selection window 62 are displayed as candidates for messages to be sent from the user to the opponent. Further, the small window 80 is automatically displayed on the display section 18 in a wipe display situation (in other words, when the wipe display condition is satisfied). In other words, in the wipe display situation, the display control unit 114 performs the operation without requiring the user to perform an operation to instruct the display of the small window 80 (in other words, without requiring an operation such as an input operation on the window display object 60). A small window 80 is displayed on the display section 18. In other words, the number of operations required to display the small window 80 in a particular situation (for example, the number of touch operations) is less than the number of operations required to display the selection window 62. There is. Note that here, "few" includes the case where the former is 0 times as in this embodiment.

Further, when the operation receiving unit 111 receives an input operation for selecting a fixed message displayed in the small window 80 (in other words, an operation for inputting a fixed message), the message processing unit 115 sends the selected fixed message to the opponent. Send to.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the selection window 62 has three tabs 67, and each tab contains nine standard messages (specifically, three nonverbal messages and six (verbal message) will be displayed. That is, the number of fixed messages displayed in the selection window 62 is 27. Further, in the display of the selection window 62, the number of fixed messages displayed at one time is nine. Note that some of the three tabs 67 may display less than nine standard messages. In other words, the nine messages here can be said to be the maximum number of fixed messages that can be displayed on one screen in the selection window 62. Note that when a certain number is referred to as the "maximum number," it includes the case where the certain number is always constant (in other words, the case where the maximum number = the minimum number).

On the other hand, some of the 27 standard messages displayed in the selection window 62 are displayed in the small window 80. Specifically, the number of fixed messages displayed in the small window 80 is three.

Furthermore, the small window 80 does not include a UI, such as the tab 67, for switching the type of fixed message that is displayed as a candidate for a message to be sent to an opponent. All three standard messages are now displayed. That is, in the display of the selection window 62, up to nine standard messages are displayed on one screen (in other words, at the same time), whereas in the display of the small window 80, a maximum of nine fixed messages are displayed on one screen (in other words, at the same time). Three standard messages (in other words, all the standard messages displayed in the display of the small window 80) are displayed. That is, even when comparing the maximum number of fixed messages that can be displayed on one screen, the small window 80 has a smaller number than the selection window 62. Note that the small window 80 may also have a predetermined UI such as a tab, and the types of message candidates displayed in the small window 80 may change depending on an input operation on the tab or the like.

In addition, in this embodiment, the three standard messages displayed in the small window 80 are determined in advance by the game creator, etc. In other words, the number and type of standard messages displayed in the small window 80 cannot be set by each user, and the same standard messages are displayed in the small window 80 for all users.

Note that each user may be able to set (in other words, customize) at least a portion of the standard messages displayed in the small window 80. Specifically, for example, each user can preset which of the standard messages displayed in the selection window 62 to display in the small window 80 from his or her own terminal device 10 or the like before the start of the match. It may also be possible to keep it. Further, the number of fixed messages to be displayed in the small window 80 may be settable by the user. Even in this case, the maximum number of fixed messages that can be displayed on one screen may be smaller in the small window 80 than in the selection window 62.

For example, the small window 80 may be displayed at a predetermined timing after the opponent completes a predetermined operation (for example, a series of operations to shoot the ball 31). Specifically, for example, the display control unit 114 allows the opponent to perform a series of operations related to a shot of the ball 31 (for example, a swipe operation on the moving object 40, and an operation for moving the moving object 40 toward the index object 50). After the ball 31 hit by the opponent (flick operation, etc.) is completed and the flight of the ball 31 hit by the opponent is displayed, the small window 80 may be displayed on the display unit 18 at a timing before or after the ball 31 stops. In other words, the display control unit 114 allows the user or the message processing unit 115 to make a judgment regarding the result of the opponent's operation (for example, a judgment as to whether or not it was a nice shot. In other words, an evaluation of the result). The small window 80 may be displayed on the display unit 18 at a timing when the display is possible.

Further, the small window 80 is, for example, a part of the area where the UI (for example, the moving object 40 and the index object 50) used by the opponent for a predetermined operation (for example, an operation for progressing the game) was displayed. may be displayed in an overlapping area. In other words, the small window 80 displays the predetermined object when the predetermined object operated by the opponent (or yourself) is operated by the opponent (or yourself) and the predetermined object disappears from the screen. It may also be displayed in an area that partially overlaps the area that was previously displayed. The small window 80 also displays an object (for example, a ball 31) that is moved (in other words, a predetermined action is given) by an operation by an opponent (or himself) on the predetermined object while the predetermined object is being displayed. It may be displayed in an area that does not overlap with the area displayed in .

In this embodiment, when the opponent performs a series of operations related to the shot of the ball 31, and the operation results in a good result (for example, when the ball 31 reaches the fairway, the green, or goes in the cup), the small window 80 is displayed as satisfying the wipe display condition. That is, in this embodiment, the small window 80 is displayed on the display unit 18 of the user when a specific situation is achieved by the user or the opponent during the game. On the other hand, when the operation results in a bad result (for example, when the ball 31 reaches the rough, the bunker, or a miss shot), the small window 80 is not displayed. Note that whether the operation results in a good result or a bad result may be determined not only based on whether the ball 31 reaches the fairway or the green, but also based on the flight distance of the ball 31, the distance between the arrival position of the ball 31 and the cup 32, etc. In this embodiment, the display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display a display regarding the evaluation of the operation (in other words, the result of the operation) (specifically, text information such as "NICE SHOT," "GREAT," or "EXCELLENT") on the display unit 18 around the time when the ball 31 shot by the opponent's operation stops, and also causes the display unit 18 to display a small window 80.

Further, the small window 80 may have a smaller display area than the selection window 62. In this embodiment, the selection window 62 and the small window 80 are displayed so as not to cover the entire display area of the display unit 18 (see FIGS. 7 and 13). Even while the selection window 62 or the small window 80 is displayed, the display of the game space 30 (for example, the display of characters, the ball 31, etc.) or various objects can be accessed from areas that are not displayed in the selection window 62 or the small window 80. A display (for example, a display of the moving object 40, index object 50, etc.) is visible. By making the small window 80 smaller in area than the selection window 62, it becomes easier to see the display of the game space 30, the display of various objects, etc. in the wipe display situation. Note that the selection window 62 and the small window 80 may be such that objects existing on the back side can be seen through them. Note that in this embodiment, the small window 80 is displayed in the lower right area of the display area of the display unit 18. Note that each user may be able to set the area in which the small window 80 is displayed from his or her own terminal device 10 or the like.

Further, when displaying the small window 80, the display control unit 114 may cause the display unit 18 to display a display prompting the user to send a message to the other party, along with the small window 80. Specifically, for example, the display control unit 114 displays text information such as "Let's support the other party", "Now is the time to send a message", or "You might get a reply now" along with the display of the small window 80. For example, display of a speech bubble, etc.) may be displayed on the display unit 18.

The small window 80 is displayed on the display unit 18 during the opponent's turn, at least partially overlapping the UI used by the opponent for predetermined operations (for example, operations for advancing the game). Good too. According to such a configuration, although the visibility of the other party's operations may be reduced, it becomes easier to support the other party.

Further, while the small window 80 is being displayed, it may be possible to display the selection window 62 based on an operation on the window display object 60, or it may be impossible. Furthermore, when a wipe display situation occurs while the selection window 62 is being displayed, the small window 80 may be displayed or may not be displayed. Further, in a situation where one of the selection window 62 and the small window 80 is displayed, when the display of the other is started, the display of the one may be terminated, and the one and the other may be displayed at the same time ( In other words, they may be displayed side by side). Moreover, when the one and the other are displayed at the same time, it is preferable that the one and the other are displayed so as not to overlap each other.

As described above, in this embodiment, the small window 80 in which some of the multiple standard messages displayed in the selection window 62 are displayed is displayed in a specific situation during the use of the content without the need for a specific operation such as an operation on the window display object 60. Therefore, in the specific situation, the user can quickly send a message to the other party. Therefore, it becomes easier for the user to interact with other users, and the interest of the service is improved. In particular, if the small window 80 is configured to be displayed without the user's operation in a specific situation, it becomes possible to send a message without missing the opportunity in the specific situation, and the interest of the service is further improved. In addition, since the maximum number of standard messages that can be simultaneously displayed in the small window 80 is smaller than the maximum number of standard messages that can be simultaneously displayed in the selection window 62, and the number of standard messages displayed in the selection window 62 is limited, it is possible to reduce the area of the selection window 62 that occupies the entire screen, making it easier to see other displays, and then enable the user to send a message. In addition, by limiting the number of standard messages displayed in the small window 80, it is possible to prevent the user from having to take the time to find the desired standard message.

Further, in this embodiment, the terminal device 10 includes a touch screen 16, and a small window 80 is displayed on the touch screen 16. The message processing unit 115 then transmits the selected standard message to the opponent based on the user's operation of selecting (in other words, touching) the standard message displayed in the small window 80. Conventionally, in games played using hardware keys, there are games in which a command for sending a message to an opponent is assigned to the hardware key. In such games, it is possible to instantly send a message to an opponent by operating a hardware key. On the other hand, in devices that are designed to be operated using a touch screen, the number of hardware keys is limited, and it is difficult to immediately send messages using such hardware keys. However, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the small window 80 is automatically displayed at an appropriate timing and a limited number of standard messages are temporarily displayed, so the display does not become complicated and the hardware key This makes it possible to easily send standard messages even on devices that are designed to be operated using a touch screen, which has a limited number of screens.

In this embodiment, the small window 80 is displayed at a predetermined timing when the opponent makes a shot with the ball 31, and corresponds to the predetermined timing when the player makes a shot with the ball 31. It is not displayed at certain timings (for example, after the series of operations for shooting the ball 31 is completed and the flight of the ball 31 is displayed, the timing before or after the ball 31 stops, etc.). In other words, during the game, the small window 80 is displayed when a specific situation is achieved by the opponent (in other words, when the opponent performs a specific operation), while the small window 80 is displayed when the opponent achieves a specific situation (in other words, when the opponent performs a specific operation). It is not displayed when this is achieved (in other words, when you perform a specific operation). Specifically, for example, if the opponent performs a series of operations related to the shot of the ball 31 and the result of the operation is a good result, the small window 80 is displayed, while the opponent performs a series of operations related to the shot of the ball 31. If a series of such operations is performed and the results of the operations are good, the small window 80 is not displayed. Note that the small window 80 may not be displayed during the player's turn.

Note that the small window 80 may also be displayed at a timing corresponding to the predetermined timing when the player makes a shot with the ball 31. In addition, the small window 80 displays a situation in which it is possible to perform an operation on an object to be operated when performing a shot in one's turn (for example, a situation in which a swipe operation on the moving object 40 is possible, a situation in which the swipe operation is being performed, etc.) ) may not be displayed. According to such a configuration, it is possible to quickly send a message or the like regarding the operation performed by the user while preventing the small window 80 from interfering with the operation.

In this embodiment, a cool time is set for sending messages. Specifically, once a user has sent a message to an opponent, the user is prevented from sending the next message for a predetermined period of time (e.g., about 5 seconds). In other words, once a message is sent to an opponent based on a user's operation, the message processing unit 115 controls the user so that the next message is not sent from that user to the opponent for a predetermined period of time. This control may be such that the operation reception unit 111 does not accept an operation to send the next message.

In this embodiment, the cool down time also applies to sending messages using the small window 80. That is, when the message processing unit 115 sends a message to an opponent based on an operation to select a standard message displayed in the small window 80, the message processing unit 115 controls the user not to send the next message to the opponent for a predetermined period of time.

In this embodiment, the cool time is also applied to sending a message using the selection window 62. Here, the cool time may be shared between sending a message using the small window 80 and sending a message using the selection window 62. Specifically, for example, when a user sends a message to the other party by selecting a standard message displayed in the selection window 62, it may be impossible to send a message to the other party based on the operation of selecting a standard message displayed in the small window 80 and to send a message to the other party based on the operation of selecting a standard message displayed in the selection window 62 for a predetermined period of time. Here, during the cool time, the small window 80 may not be displayed, so that it is impossible to send a message to the other party, or the small window 80 may be displayed, but the operation of selecting a standard message may not be accepted, so that it is impossible to send a message to the other party.

Note that the cooldown time does not need to be applied to sending a message using the small window 80. In other words, even immediately after a message is sent using the small window 80 or the selection window 82, it may be possible to send a message using the small window 80. Alternatively, the cooldown time may not be shared between sending a message using the small window 80 and sending a message using the selection window 62. In other words, even if the message using the selection window 82 is sent immediately (for example, within the cooldown period for sending the message using the selection window 82, the message using the selection window 82 Messages may be sent using the small window 80 even during periods when messages cannot be sent. The timing at which the small window 80 is displayed may be a particularly suitable timing for sending a message, and with this configuration, it is possible to send a message to the other party without missing a timing suitable for sending a message. can.

In addition, in this embodiment, when an operation to select a standard message to be displayed in the small window 80 is performed, the display control unit 114 ends the display of the small window 80 on the display unit 18. Note that, even if no operation to select a standard message is performed for a predetermined period of time after the display of the small window 80 is started, the display control unit 114 also ends the display of the small window 80 on the display unit 18.

Next, the flow of processing executed by the game system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 17.

(Processing related to sending and receiving messages)
An example of a process relating to sending and receiving a message between a user and a non-player character will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the operation acceptance unit 111 of the user's terminal device 10 accepts an input operation (e.g., a touch operation) for selecting a standard message to be sent to a non-player character from among multiple candidates displayed in the selection window 62 displayed on the display unit 18 (step S121). In other words, the operation acceptance unit 111 accepts an input operation related to sending a message to a non-player character.

Next, the message processing unit 115 determines the fixed message selected in step S121 as the message to be sent from the user to the non-player character, and sends it to the second message processing unit 116 (step S122).

Next, the second message processing unit 116 determines the attributes of the fixed message determined as a message to be sent from the user to the non-player character (step S123).

Next, the second message processing unit 116 refers to the response table 70 based on the determined attribute and determines a standard message to be sent as a response from the non-player character (step S124). In the response table 70, regardless of whether a fixed message sent from a user to a non-player character is a verbal message or a nonverbal message, the probability that the response will be a nonverbal message is determined as a verbal message. The correspondence between a fixed message sent from a user (specifically, the attributes of the fixed message) and a fixed message selected as a reply is set so that the probability is higher than the probability.

Next, the display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display the fixed message to be sent as a reply, which has been determined by the second message processing unit 116 (step S125).

(Processing related to response probability control)
The process for controlling the probability of a reply from a non-player character will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the second message processing unit 116 receives a message from the user to a non-player character, which is sent from the message processing unit 115 based on an input operation by the user (step S151).

Next, the second message processing unit 116 increments the count of the number of times a message was sent from the user to a non-player character by "1" (step S152).

Although not shown, the second message processing unit 116 starts counting 60 seconds when it receives a message from the user to a non-player character. If the user does not send another message to the non-player character within 60 seconds from the start of the counting, the second message processing unit 116 sets the count number of times the user has sent a message to "0" (in other words, resets it). On the other hand, if the user sends another message to the non-player character within 60 seconds from the start of the counting, the second message processing unit 116 starts counting 60 seconds again while maintaining the count number of times the user sent a message. Note that the reset of the count number based on the 60-second counting may be performed at the timing when 60 seconds have passed, or, for example, when a message is sent from the user to a non-player character, it may be determined whether or not 60 seconds or more have passed since the previous message was sent, and the reset may be performed based on the result of the determination.

Following the processing of step S152, the second message processing unit 116 determines whether the count is "1" (step S153).

If the count number is "1" (YES in step S153), the second message processing unit 116 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to send a reply, with a 50% probability of deciding to send a reply (step S154). In other words, if the count number is "1", the second message processing unit 116 determines that there is a 50% probability of sending a reply from the non-player character to the user.

If the count number is not "1" (NO in step S153), the second message processing unit 116 determines whether the count number is between "2" and "4" (step S155).

If the count number is between "2" and "4" (YES in step S155), the second message processing unit 116 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to send a reply, with a 30% probability of deciding to send a reply (step S156). In other words, if the count number is between "2" and "4", the second message processing unit 116 decides that there is a 30% probability of sending a reply from the non-player character to the user.

If the count number is not "2" to "4" (NO in step S155), the second message processing unit 116 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to send a reply, with a 10% probability of deciding to send a reply (step S157). In other words, if the count number is "5" or greater, the second message processing unit 116 decides that there is a 10% probability of sending a reply from the non-player character to the user.

The processes of steps S151 to S157 may be performed, for example, between the processes of steps S122 and S123. Then, if it is decided in the processes of steps S154, S156, or S157 that a reply is to be sent, the processes of steps S123 to S125 may be performed, and if it is not decided in the processes of steps S154, S156, or S157 that a reply is to be sent, the processes of steps S123 to S125 may not be performed.

(Processing related to restriction of message transmission)
Processing related to restricting message transmission from a non-player character to a user will be described with reference to FIG. 16.

First, the second message processing unit 116 receives a message from the user to the non-player character, which is transmitted from the message processing unit 115 based on the user's input operation (step S201).

Next, the second message processing unit 116 judges whether or not the estimated situation is one in which it is estimated by the user that a predetermined operation is being performed on the object operated by the virtual user (step S202). Specifically, for example, the second message processing unit 116 judges whether or not the situation is one in which it is estimated that the virtual user is performing a series of operations related to a shot of the ball 31 (for example, a swipe operation on the moving object 40, and a flick operation for moving the moving object 40 toward the index object 50, etc.). In this embodiment, the state in which the virtual user is performing a series of operations related to the shot is displayed on the display unit 18 of the user's terminal device 10. The judgment may be made, for example, using a predetermined flag or the like that is set during a predetermined period (in other words, a period corresponding to the estimated situation), such as the period during which the state in which the virtual user is performing a series of operations related to the shot is displayed on the display unit 18.

If the second message processing unit 116 determines that the situation is estimated (for example, if it determines that the virtual user is performing a series of operations related to a shot) (YES in step S202), the second message processing unit 116 sends a message from the non-player character to the user. It is decided not to send a reply (step S203). On the other hand, if the second message processing unit 116 determines that the situation is not estimated (for example, if it determines that the virtual user has not performed a series of operations related to the shot) (NO in step S202), the second message processing unit 116 Do not decide not to send a reply to the user.

Note that the processing in steps S201 to S203 may be performed, for example, between the processing in step S122 and the processing in step S123. If it is determined not to send a reply in the process of step S203 (YES in step S202), the processes of steps S123 to S125 are not performed, and it is not determined not to send a reply in the process of step S203. In this case (NO in step S202), the processes in steps S123 to S125 may be performed. More specifically, the processing in steps S201 to S203 may be performed, for example, between the processing in step S122 and the processing in step S123, and before the processing in steps S151 to S157. That is, if it is not determined in the process of step S203 not to send a reply (NO in step S202), it may be determined to send a reply with a predetermined probability in the processes of steps S151 to S157.

(Processing related to sending a message when an event is achieved)
A process for transmitting a message from a non-player character to a user when the user or a non-player character achieves a specific event will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the second message processing unit 116 determines whether or not a specific event has been achieved (step S251). Specifically, for example, the second message processing unit 116 determines that the specific event has been achieved if a result of eagle or higher has been achieved.

If a specific event is achieved (YES in step S251), the second message processing unit 116 decides whether or not to send a message from the non-player character to the user (step S252). For example, the second message processing unit 116 executes a lottery to decide whether or not to send a message, with a 50% probability of sending a message. If it is decided not to send a message (NO in step S252), the second message processing unit 116 does not perform the processes in steps S253 to S255.

Next, if it is decided to send a message (YES in step S252), the second message processing unit 116 determines whether a specific event has been achieved by the user or by a non-player character (step S253).

If the second message processing unit 116 determines that a specific event has been achieved by the user (YES in step S253), it selects a message to send to the user from a first group of candidates that includes multiple non-verbal standard messages (step S254).

On the other hand, if the second message processing unit 116 determines that the specific event has been achieved by a non-player character (NO in step S253), the second message processing unit 116 selects a second candidate message that includes a plurality of nonverbal fixed messages as the message to be sent to the user. Select from the group (step S255). Note that the first candidate group and the second candidate group differ in at least a portion of the nonverbal fixed messages included.

In this embodiment, a configuration for sending and receiving messages with an opponent in a game has been described, but this configuration can also be applied to a configuration for sending and receiving messages with people other than opponents, such as friends in a game. This configuration can also be applied to a configuration for sending and receiving messages with people who use content other than games (in other words, applications or services) together (for example, other users or non-player characters).

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. Within the scope of the invention, the components can be freely combined, any component can be modified, or any component can be omitted. The process flow described in this specification is merely an example, and the order and configuration of each process can be different.

<Additional notes>
The matters described in the above embodiments may also be described as in the following additional notes.

(Appendix 1)
Computer,
A first message processing means (e.g., a message processing unit 115) for sending a message to the virtual user based on an operation of the user;
a display control means (e.g., a display control unit 114) that executes the following operations: displaying on a display means (e.g., a display unit 18) a message sent from a second message processing means (e.g., a second message processing unit 116) that sends a message from the virtual user to the user; and displaying on the display means an object operated by the virtual user;
The second message processing means is a program for controlling messages so that messages from the virtual user are not displayed on the display means in a situation in which it is estimated by the user that a predetermined operation is being performed on the object.
With this configuration, in a situation where it is presumed that a predetermined operation is being performed on an object displayed on the display means and operated by a virtual user, i.e., in a situation where a human being would be unlikely to send a message if operating the object, no message from the virtual user to the user is displayed, making it appear as if the person operating the object is a human, thereby improving the interest of the service.

(Additional note 2)
The program according to appendix 1, wherein the object is a non-player character.
According to such a configuration, in a situation where it is presumed that a predetermined operation is being performed on the non-player character, a message from the virtual user operating the non-player character to the user is not displayed. It can be made to appear as if the person operating the service is a human, which improves the interest of the service.

(Appendix 3)
The object is a predetermined interface (e.g., a moving object 40),
The program according to claim 1, wherein the situation is a situation in which the predetermined interface is being operated by the virtual user is displayed on the display means.
With this configuration, when the display means shows the interface being operated by the virtual user, no message from the virtual user to the user is displayed, so it is possible to make the interface, the operation of which is shown on the display means, appear as if it is being operated by a human, thereby improving the interest of the service.

(Additional note 4)
a first message processing means (for example, message processing unit 115) that sends a message to a virtual user based on a user's operation;
Displaying a message sent from a second message processing means (e.g., second message processing unit 116) that sends a message from the virtual user to the user on a display means (e.g., the display unit 18); display control means (for example, display control unit 114) for displaying an object to be operated on the display means;
The second message processing means controls a message so that the message from the virtual user is not displayed on the display means in a situation where the user assumes that a predetermined operation is being performed on the object. Information processing system.
According to such a configuration, the same effects as those of the program described in Supplementary Note 1 can be achieved.

1 Game system, 10 Terminal device, 11 Processor, 12 Memory, 13 Storage, 16 Touch screen, 17 Input unit, 18 Display unit, 20 Server, 21 Processor, 22 Memory, 23 Storage, 30 Game space, 60 Window display object, 62 Selection window, 65 First chat information group, 66 Second chat information group, 80 Small window, 110 Control unit, 111 Operation reception unit, 112 Transmission and reception unit, 113 Game progress unit, 114 Display control unit, 115 Message processing unit, 116 Second message processing unit, 119 NPC control unit, 120 Memory unit, 210 Control unit, 211 Transmission and reception unit, 212 Server processing unit, 213 Data management unit, 214 Synchronization processing unit, 220 Memory unit

Claims (4)

computer,
a first message processing means for sending a message to a virtual user based on a user's operation;
Displaying on a display means a message sent from a second message processing means that sends a message from the virtual user to the user, and displaying on the display means an object operated by the virtual user. function as a display control means,
The second message processing means controls a message so that the message from the virtual user is not displayed on the display means in a situation where the user assumes that a predetermined operation is being performed on the object. program. The program according to claim 1, wherein the object is a non-player character. the object is a given interface,
2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the situation is a situation in which the predetermined interface is being operated by the virtual user, the situation being displayed on the display means. a first message processing means for sending a message to the virtual user based on an operation of the user;
a display control means for executing: displaying, on a display means, a message sent from a second message processing means for sending a message from the virtual user to the user; and displaying, on the display means, an object operated by the virtual user;
The second message processing means controls messages so that a message from the virtual user is not displayed on the display means in a situation in which it is estimated by the user that a predetermined operation is being performed on the object.

Images