JP7421760B2 - Program, control method, and information processing device - Google Patents

Description

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

Push notifications are sometimes used to prompt application startup when a member of a group in an application is offline. For example, Patent Document 1 describes sending a push notification when a user terminal belonging to a chat group is offline.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-232459

Push notifications may also be used in game applications. For example, the user may be notified of an in-game event using a push notification accompanied by a character image or the like. However, the content of such push notifications was uniform.

An object of the present disclosure, which has been made in view of such circumstances, is to provide a program, a control method, and an information processing device that execute notification of a message whose contents change depending on settings within a game.

A program according to an embodiment includes a storage unit, a communication unit, and an information processing apparatus that executes processing of a game having a plurality of game contents, and sends information about the plurality of games as message setting information within the game. a step of causing a user to set at least one of the media and a timing at which he or she wishes to receive a message; a step of storing the message setting information in the storage section; and a step of storing the message setting information stored in the storage section. Receiving the message by transmitting the message via the communication unit, receiving the message via the communication unit, and displaying the received message to the user. At least one of the timing of the message and the content of the message differs depending on the message setting information.

A control method according to an embodiment is a control method for an information processing apparatus that includes a storage unit and a communication unit and executes processing of a game having a plurality of game contents, wherein message setting information is a step of causing a user to set at least one of the plurality of game media and a timing at which the message is desired to be received; a step of storing the message setting information in the storage unit; and a step of storing the message setting information in the storage unit. The method includes the steps of transmitting the message setting information via the communication unit, receiving the message via the communication unit, and displaying the received message to the user, At least one of the timing of receiving the message and the content of the message differs depending on the message setting information.

An information processing device according to an embodiment is an information processing device that executes processing of a game having a plurality of game contents, and includes a storage unit, a communication unit, and a control unit, and the control unit In the game, as message setting information, a user is allowed to set at least one of the plurality of game media and a timing at which he or she wants to receive a message, and the message setting information is stored in the storage unit, and the message setting information is stored in the storage unit. transmitting the message setting information stored in the communication unit via the communication unit, receiving the message via the communication unit, displaying the received message to the user, and receiving the message. At least one of the timing of the message and the content of the message differs depending on the message setting information.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a program, a control method, and an information processing device that execute notification of a message whose contents change depending on settings within a game.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a game system including an information processing device according to an embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the information regarding a user. It is a figure which illustrates the information of the card|curd which a player owns. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating message setting information. It is a figure which shows an example of a message setting screen. 5 is a diagram illustrating a message corresponding to the message setting information of FIG. 4. FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of message setting information. 8 is a diagram illustrating a message corresponding to the message setting information of FIG. 7. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between characteristic parameters and message content. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of a method for controlling an information processing device according to an embodiment.

(Game system overview)
As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 10 includes a server device 11 and a plurality of terminal devices 12. Although three terminal devices 12 are illustrated in FIG. 1 for simplicity, the number of terminal devices 12 may be one or more.

The server device 11 is, for example, an information processing device managed by a game operator. The terminal device 12 is an information processing device used by a user, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), or a game device. The server device 11 and the terminal device 12 are communicably connected via a network 16 such as the Internet, for example. For example, the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 cooperate to execute various processes related to the game.

(Game overview)
The games executed by the game system 10 include various game contents. At least some of the various game contents may be executed using game media.

Game media is electronic data used in games, and can be acquired, owned, used, managed, exchanged, synthesized, enhanced, sold, discarded, gifted, etc. within a game by a user. For example, game media includes cards, items, virtual currency, tickets, characters, avatars, level information, status information, parameter information (physical strength, attack power, etc.), ability information (skills, abilities, spells, jobs, etc.), etc. , including any medium. The usage mode of the game medium is not limited to that specified in this specification.

Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, "game media owned by the user" refers to game media associated with a user ID that can uniquely identify the user as the owned game media. Further, "giving game content to a user" indicates that the game content is associated with the user ID as the owned game content. Furthermore, "selling the game media owned by the user" means dissolving the association between the user ID and the game media owned, and also owning other game media (for example, virtual currency or items) in the user ID. Indicates that it is associated as a game medium.

Game content is content that the user can play within the game, such as quests, missions, mini-games, development, reinforcement, and synthesis of game media, game media acquisition events, virtual space exploration events, and opponent ( For example, it includes battle events with other users, enemy characters, enemy buildings, etc.). For example, if it is determined that one or more predetermined conditions (game tasks) set for each game content have been successfully achieved, the user may be rewarded with, for example, game media. Any task can be adopted as the game task depending on the content of the game content, such as a task to win a battle against an enemy character, a task to reach a goal point in a virtual space, and the like. Also, the achievement of a specific task (clear task) among one or more game tasks set in the game content is also referred to as clearing the game content. If the user playing the game content successfully completes the task, it is determined that the game content has been cleared, and the game content may end.

The various game contents may include game contents for single play and game contents for multiplay. Single-play game content is game content (for example, single-player game content) that is executed based on a user operation on one terminal device 12 used by one user. One terminal device 12 executes game content for single play either alone or in cooperation with one terminal device 12 and server device 11. On the other hand, game content for multiplayer refers to game content common to two or more users (for example, (game content for multiple players). Game content that is common to two or more users includes, for example, game content in which at least a part of the progress processing and processing results of the game content is commonly applied to the two or more users. good. Two or more terminal devices 12 work together, or two or more terminal devices 12 and the server device 11 work together to execute multiplay game content.

In this embodiment, the game includes game content in which a user operates a game medium to compete against each other. Hereinafter, the game content will also be referred to as battle content. The game medium used for the battle content will be described as including, for example, a character owned by the user in the game, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, although the opponent will be described as including enemy characters such as non-player characters, the opponent is not limited thereto. For example, in game content for multiplayer, a game medium operated by another user may be determined as an opponent.

For example, one battle content of the game in this embodiment involves selecting a predetermined number of characters from among the characters owned by the user. Here, the user can improve the battle ability of the deck by selecting a helper character (also referred to as a "helper" or simply "assistant") and adding it to the deck. Then, the user uses some or all of the characters in the deck to compete against enemy characters. Here, building a deck means forming a party (team or group) for a battle using characters selected from characters owned by the user and helper characters.

(Configuration of server device)
The server device 11 includes a server communication section 13, a server storage section 14, and a server control section 15.

The server communication unit 13 includes an interface that communicates with an external device wirelessly or by wire and sends and receives information. The server communication unit 13 may include, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication module or a wired LAN communication module. The server communication unit 13 is capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the terminal device 12 via the network 16.

The server storage unit 14 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. For example, the server storage unit 14 may include semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, or the like. The server storage unit 14 stores various information and programs necessary for providing and controlling the game. At least some of the information and programs stored in the server storage unit 14 may be shared and synchronized with the terminal device 12. For example, the server storage unit 14 stores information regarding one or more users.

Additionally, the server storage unit 14 may store information on enemy characters. The enemy character is used as an opponent of the character used by the user in a battle. The enemy character information includes any information about the enemy character.

Additionally, the server storage unit 14 may store message setting information. As will be described later, the message setting information includes the character set by the user, the timing at which the user wishes to receive the message, characteristic parameters, and the like.

The server control unit 15 includes at least one of one or more general-purpose processors that implement a specific function by loading a specific program, and one or more dedicated processors that are specialized for specific processing. The server control unit 15 controls the operation of the server device 11 as a whole.

The server control unit 15 stores various information and programs necessary for game processing in the server storage unit 14. The information necessary for processing the game may include the above-mentioned information regarding the user, information on the enemy character, information necessary for executing the battle, and the like.

The server control unit 15 sends and receives information via the server communication unit 13. For example, the server control unit 15 may transmit at least part of the information stored in the server storage unit 14 to the terminal device 12. In this way, the information stored in the server storage unit 14 and the information stored in the terminal device 12 are shared and synchronized. The timing for sharing and synchronizing information may include, for example, the timing when new information is stored in the server storage unit 14 and the timing when the information stored in the server storage unit 14 is updated, but may be arbitrarily determined. Good too.

The server control unit 15 cooperates with the terminal device 12 to execute game processing. Game processing includes, for example, a process in which the user acquires cards by progressing through the game scenario, a process in which the acquired cards are exchanged, sold, combined, etc., and a deck is assembled with characters corresponding to the cards to create a deck for enemy characters. and a process of playing against.

Further, the server control unit 15 cooperates with the terminal device 12 to execute a process of generating and transmitting a message regarding the game. In this embodiment, the server control unit 15 generates and transmits a message as a push notification to the terminal device 12. Here, the server control unit 15 may cause another information processing device to execute at least one of message generation (for example, content setting and transmission time calculation) and transmission. For example, the message may be transmitted from another information processing device to the terminal device 12 based on instructions from the server control unit 15.

(Configuration of terminal device)
As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 12 includes a terminal communication section 17, a terminal storage section 18, a display section 19, an input section 20, and a terminal control section 21.

The terminal communication unit 17 includes an interface that communicates with an external device wirelessly or by wire, and transmits and receives information. The terminal communication unit 17 may include, for example, a wireless communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, a wired LAN communication module, etc. compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark). The terminal communication unit 17 is capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the server device 11 via the network 16.

The terminal storage unit 18 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. For example, the terminal storage unit 18 may include a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like. The terminal storage unit 18 stores various information and programs necessary for game processing. For example, the terminal storage unit 18 may store some or all of the information regarding the user described above. Further, for example, the terminal storage unit 18 may store information on the enemy character described above. Further, for example, the terminal storage unit 18 may store the above-mentioned message setting information. Part or all of this information is transmitted and received by the terminal control unit 21 to and from the server device 11, for example.

The display unit 19 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 19 can display various screens.

The input unit 20 includes an input interface such as a touch panel provided integrally with the display unit 19, for example. The input unit 20 is capable of receiving user input to the terminal device 12 . In this embodiment, the display section 19 and the input section 20 are integrated to form a touch panel display. The touch panel display includes a transparent sensor layer that detects changes in capacitance as the input unit 20, and can detect a position touched by a user by detecting changes in capacitance. Here, a method other than the capacitance method may be adopted. Further, the input unit 20 may include physical keys, or may further include any input interface such as a pointing device such as a mouse.

The terminal control unit 21 includes at least one of one or more general-purpose processors that implement a specific function by reading a specific program, and one or more dedicated processors that are specialized for specific processing. The terminal control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 12 .

The terminal control section 21 transmits and receives information via the terminal communication section 17. For example, the terminal control unit 21 transmits and receives information necessary for game processing to and from the server device 11. For example, the terminal control unit 21 stores information received from the server device 11 in the terminal storage unit 18.

The terminal control unit 21 launches a game application in response to a user's operation. The terminal control unit 21 cooperates with the server device 11 to execute game processing. For example, the terminal control unit 21 causes the display unit 19 to display various screens. For example, a GUI (Graphic User Interface) may be displayed on the screen. The terminal control unit 21 can detect user operations on the screen.

(Information stored in the storage unit)
FIG. 2 shows information 110 about users including at least three users. Information 110 regarding the user is stored, for example, in the server storage unit 14, and shared and synchronized with the terminal device 12. That is, the information 110 regarding the user is stored in the terminal storage section 18 of the terminal device 12. The user information 110 includes various types of user information. In this embodiment, the information 110 regarding the user includes a user ID and information 111 (see FIG. 3) about the card that the user owns. In other words, the user information 110 associates each of the plurality of users with the information 111 of the card they own.

The user ID is information that can uniquely identify a user, as described above.

The owned card information 111 includes various information about cards owned by the user in the game. When a card is acquired by a user, the acquired card is associated with the user. In this embodiment, the cards are character cards. Therefore, the information 111 about the owned card includes information regarding the type and characteristics of the character associated with the card. Here, the cards are not limited to character cards.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating details of the information 111 of the card owned. FIG. 3 shows information 111 about cards owned by one user. The information 111 of owned cards includes data regarding card ID, character ID, level, rarity, attribute, battle parameters, and skill ID. The information 111 of the owned card is not limited to including all of these data. Further, the information 111 about the owned card may further include other data.

The card ID is an ID that uniquely identifies the card owned by the user. In the example of FIG. 3, unique numbers are used as card IDs. Hereinafter, a card whose card ID is 1 will be referred to as card 1.

The character ID is an ID that uniquely identifies a game character. In this embodiment, since the card is a character card, one character ID is associated with one card ID. In the example of FIG. 3, alphabetic characters that do not overlap are used as the character ID. Hereinafter, a character whose character ID is A will be expressed as character A. Here, one character may correspond to a plurality of cards. In the example of FIG. 3, card 1 and card 20 are both character A cards.

The level is information indicating the degree of growth of the character. For example, the greater the level value, the greater the degree of growth of the character. The level value affects, for example, the value of the battle parameter. In the example of FIG. 3, the level of character C is 10. The level value increases as the user grows the character. For example, the user can grow the character by clearing game content (for example, a quest) using the character, or by combining the character with items or other characters.

Rarity is information indicating the degree of rarity of a card. For example, the higher the rarity value, the higher the degree of rarity of the card. The high degree of rarity of a card means, for example, that the number of cards provided by the game operator in the game is small. Rarity may be fixed. Further, the initial value of the rarity is determined depending on the card, and may change depending on the game play by the user. Rarity affects, for example, the maximum value of battle parameters. In the example of FIG. 3, numbers are used for rarity. For example, card 1 and card 20 are both character A cards. However, card 20, which has a rarity of 4, has a higher degree of rarity than card 1, which has a rarity of 2. Here, as another example, the rarity may be determined depending on the character.

An attribute is a characteristic of a character related to a battle, etc., and is information indicating a superiority relationship between characters. In the example of FIG. 3, fire, water, wind, light, etc. are used as attribute types. For example, a character with a fire attribute may be strong against attacks from a character with a wind attribute, and weak against attacks from a water attribute.

The battle parameter is information indicating the strength of a character that is referenced in a battle within the game. In this embodiment, each character has battle parameters of HP (hit points), MP (magic points), AT (attack power), and DF (defense power). Here, the battle parameters are not limited to HP, MP, AT, and DF. The battle parameters may further include battle parameters related to in-game actions, such as speed. Further, the battle parameters may not include part of HP, MP, AT, and DF.

HP is information indicating a character's hit points (physical strength value). In FIG. 3, the maximum value of HP is shown. For example, when a character receives damage from an enemy character's attack action, its HP decreases by the amount of damage. Further, for example, due to a character's recovery action, HP increases by the amount of recovery. Further, if the HP is not zero, the character is ready for battle, and can attack, for example, an enemy character. However, when the HP decreases to zero, the character becomes unable to fight. The larger the character's HP, the more advantageous it is to clearing the game content.

MP is information indicating a character's magic points. In FIG. 3, the maximum value of MP is shown. For example, when a character performs a special attack (hereinafter referred to as a skill) that is different from a normal attack (attack with an equipped weapon, magic attack, etc.), the MP decreases by a value corresponding to the skill. Further, for example, due to a character's recovery action, MP increases by the amount of recovery. The larger the character's MP, the more advantageous it is to clearing the game content.

AT is information indicating the attack power of the character. AT affects, for example, the amount of damage inflicted on an opponent by a character's attack. The higher the AT value, the greater the amount of damage inflicted on the opponent. Therefore, the larger the AT of the character, the more advantageous it is to clearing the game content.

DF is information indicating the character's defense power. DF affects, for example, the amount of damage that a character receives from an attack from an opponent. The larger the DF value, the smaller the amount of damage you will receive from your opponent. Therefore, the larger the character's DF, the more advantageous it is to clearing the game content.

Here, in the example of FIG. 3, the values of HP, MP, AT, and DF of each character are only examples. HP, MP, AT, and DF are independent battle parameters, and each can be set independently.

The skill ID is an ID that uniquely identifies the skill possessed by the character on the card. Skills are set for each card. Here, skills do not need to be set on all cards. In other words, there may be cards without skills. As mentioned above, MP decreases when the skill is activated. If the MP value is insufficient, the character cannot activate the skill. Hereinafter, the skill whose skill ID is S1 will be expressed as skill S1. For example, skill S1 may be an attack in which character A inflicts medium fire attribute damage on all enemy characters. Furthermore, for example, the skill S20 may be an attack in which the character A inflicts extra large wind-attribute damage on all enemy characters.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the message setting information 114. The message setting information 114 is stored, for example, in the terminal storage unit 18 and shared with the server device 11. The message setting information 114 is information regarding the setting of a message sent as a push notification to the terminal device 12 in this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the message setting information 114 includes a character ID, characteristic parameters, events, and timing settings. As will be described later, the characteristic parameters include intimacy, highest level, possession ratio, and personality. Further, the timing setting includes desired timing and correction time. Here, the character ID, event, and desired timing are set based on the user's specifications on the message setting screen, which will be described later. Other items are set by extraction or calculation by the terminal control unit 21 based on the game data (for example, character settings, progress records, etc.) stored in the terminal storage unit 18 and the information 111 of the owned card. The message setting information 114 is not limited to including all of these data items. For example, message configuration information 114 may not include the highest level and ownership percentage. Additionally, message setting information 114 may further include other data items. For example, the message setting information 114 may further include the time the game was played using the character corresponding to the character ID.

The character ID is an ID (identifier) that uniquely identifies a character. The character ID may be the same as the character ID of the owned card information 111 (see FIG. 3), or a different unique ID may be used. The character ID is the ID of a favorite character specified by the user, and is used, for example, to specify a character image in a message. In this embodiment, the user selects a favorite character on a message setting screen to be described later. Then, the ID of the selected character is set in the message setting information 114. In the example of FIG. 4, character B is selected. Here, as another example, the user may select a favorite character not on the message setting screen but on the system settings within the game. As yet another example, a character set as a leader in a deck in a game may automatically become a favorite character. In these cases, the terminal control unit 21 sets the character ID of the message setting information 114 based on the game data. In the following, the character corresponding to the character ID of the message setting information 114 will be referred to as a "favorite character."

Here, for all the characters including the favorite character, various parameters that change depending on the game settings, the user's progress in the game, etc. are set in the game data. In this embodiment, as characteristic parameters of the message setting information 114, the degree of intimacy, highest level, possession ratio, and personality of the favorite character are used. The degree of intimacy is a numerical value indicating the closeness between the user and the favorite character in the game. In this embodiment, the closer the user and favorite character are, the higher the intimacy value becomes. Intimacy level changes as the game progresses. For example, when a user advances a game scenario using a favorite character or gives a present (for example, an item) to a favorite character in a game, the familiarity value increases. Further, the familiarity value may increase as the user advances an event related to a favorite character. An event related to a favorite character is, for example, an event that occurs for a limited time and in which the favorite character appears as the main character or the semi-main character in the story. When a user progresses an event related to a favorite character, the familiarity value may be larger than in a normal scenario of the game. The terminal control unit 21 sets the degree of intimacy in the message setting information 114 based on the game data. In the example of FIG. 4, the degree of intimacy is 9, which is higher than the initial state (the degree of intimacy is 1).

The highest level is the one with the largest value among the levels of favorite character cards owned by the user. The highest level is related to the degree of growth of the favorite character. The highest level may be referred to, for example, in place of or together with the intimacy level when the content of the message is set as described below. The terminal control unit 21 sets the highest level of the message setting information 114 based on the information 111 of the card it owns. In the example of FIG. 4, the highest level of character B is 5, which means that character B has grown more than the initial state (level 1).

The possession ratio represents the ratio of cards of favorite characters among all cards owned by the user. The ownership ratio is related to whether the user likes to collect cards of favorite characters. The holding ratio may be referred to, for example, in place of or together with the intimacy level when the content of the message is set as described later. The terminal control unit 21 calculates the possession ratio of the message setting information 114 based on the information 111 of the owned card. In the example of FIG. 4, 12% of the cards owned by the user are character B cards.

Personality is a characteristic of a favorite character in a game, and is defined by game data. The personality can affect, for example, the content of the message and the correction time described below. Personality may include, for example, laid-back, impatient, and methodical. In the example of FIG. 4, character B's personality is "easy-going". The personality may be referenced when the message transmission time is calculated as described below. The terminal control unit 21 sets the nature of the message setting information 114 based on the game data.

The event indicates an event for which the user wishes to be notified by a message (for example, one notifying the start of an event, etc.). In the example of FIG. 4, the event is "all". Therefore, messages regarding all events to be implemented are sent to the user's terminal device 12 as push notifications. In this embodiment, the user selects an event on a message setting screen to be described later. The selected event is then set in the message setting information 114. Here, as another example, the user may select the event not on the message setting screen but on the system settings within the game. At this time, the terminal control unit 21 sets the event in the message setting information 114 based on the game data.

The desired timing indicates the timing at which the user wants to receive the message. In the example of FIG. 4, the desired timing is the "start time" of the event. In other words, the user wants to receive a message as soon as the event starts. In this embodiment, the user selects a desired timing on a message setting screen to be described later. The selected desired timing is then set in the message setting information 114. Here, as another example, the user may select the desired timing not on the message setting screen but on the system settings within the game. At this time, the terminal control unit 21 sets the desired timing of the message setting information 114 based on the game data.

The correction time corresponds to the time difference between the timing at which the message is desired to be received (desired timing) in the message setting information 114 and the timing at which the terminal device 12 receives the message. The correction time is determined according to the personality of the favorite character. In the example of FIG. 4, since character B has a laid-back personality, the correction time is set to "10 minutes later." In other words, the message will be delivered 10 minutes later than the desired timing. The correction time is calculated by the terminal control unit 21 based on the characteristics set in the message setting information 114, for example. Here, the timing at which the terminal device 12 receives the message and the timing at which the sender (for example, the server device 11) transmits the message differ by the time required for communication. However, in order to make the explanation easier to understand, this specification assumes that the timing at which the terminal device 12 receives the message and the timing at which the sender transmits the message are the same.

Here, at least one of the personality and the correction time may not be included in the message setting information 114. As will be described later, the message setting information 114 stored in the terminal storage unit 18 is transmitted from the terminal device 12 to the server device 11. At least one of the personality and the correction time may be set by the server control unit 15 extracting or calculating after the server device 11 acquires the message setting information 114. For example, the server control unit 15 extracts the character ID from the message setting information 114. Then, the server control unit 15 may extract the personality corresponding to the character ID from the game data stored in the server storage unit 14. Further, for example, the server control unit 15 may calculate the correction time according to the extracted personality.

(Screen display example)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a message setting screen. The terminal device 12 displays a message setting screen on the display unit 19 and allows the user to set message setting information. The favorites, events, and timings selected by the user on the message setting screen are reflected in the character ID, event, and desired timing of the message setting information 114 (see FIG. 4), respectively.

The message setting screen displayed on the display unit 19 of the terminal device 12 allows the user to select a favorite character in the upper area of the screen. As shown in FIG. 5, a character icon 41 used for user selection is displayed. By tapping the icon 41, the user can designate the tapped character as a favorite character. In the example of FIG. 5, the user has designated character B as his favorite character among eight characters A to H. Here, on the message setting screen, by tapping the selected target again, it is possible to return it to the non-selected state. In other words, the user can redo the selection.

The message setting screen also allows the user to select an event in the central area of the screen. As shown in FIG. 5, a list of scheduled events is displayed in this area so that the user can select them. The list displays not only specific event names (for example, event X, event Y, etc.) but also the range of target events (for example, only competitive events, all events, etc.). In the example of FIG. 5, the user has selected "all events". That is, the user has chosen to receive messages (eg, push notifications) about all upcoming events.

The message setting screen also allows the user to select the timing at which he or she wishes to receive messages in the lower area of the screen. As shown in FIG. 5, a list of notification times is displayed in the same area so that the user can select them. In the example of FIG. 5, the user has selected "at start". That is, the user has chosen to receive the message at the beginning of the event.

Further, at the bottom of the message setting screen, a setting button and a cancel button are provided. When the user taps the settings button, the content selected by the user on the message settings screen is reflected in the message settings information 114. Further, when the user taps the cancel button, the message setting information 114 is not updated and the user's selection is canceled.

Here, it may be possible to further set a period on the message setting screen. The period is a period during which the user wants to receive the message 34, and may be set, for example, during August, from September 1st to September 3rd, one week from now, only on holidays, etc. If a period is set, messages 34 outside the period will not be received. Therefore, the user can make more detailed settings for receiving the message 34. For example, even if the user selects all events, the user's terminal device 12 may not receive the message 34 after a set period of time.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the message 34 corresponding to the message setting information 114 of FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, message 34 is a push notification. As shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to notify the user of the message 34 even when the game application is not activated on the terminal device 12 (for example, the screen is locked). As will be described later, for example, the server device 11 calculates the transmission time of the message 34 to be notified to the terminal device 12 based on the message setting information 114, and sets the content of the message 34. The message notified by the server device 11 at the transmission time is displayed on the display unit 19 of the terminal device 12, as shown in FIG.

The content of the message 34 includes an image of a favorite character (icon 41), a transmission time (or reception time), and a text 42 that is the main body. In the example of FIG. 6, the icon 41 is an image of character B, which is a favorite character. Further, the text 42 is also written in accordance with the tone of the character B in the game. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, character B's personality is "lazy" and the correction time is set to "10 minutes late." Therefore, the message 34 is sent at a time 10 minutes later than the user's desired timing (00:00 on month and day at the start of event X).

Here, FIG. 7 shows another example of the message setting information 114. In the message setting information 114 of FIG. 7, character A is set as the favorite character. In the example of FIG. 7, character A's personality is "impatient." Therefore, the correction time is set to "10 minutes earlier." Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 7, the desired timing is "one hour before" the event. That is, the user would like to receive a message one hour before the event starts.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the message 34 corresponding to the message setting information 114 of FIG. 7. In the example of FIG. 8, the icon 41 is an image of character A, which is a favorite character. Further, the text 42 is also written in accordance with the tone of the character A in the game. In the example of FIG. 8, the message 34 is sent at a time 10 minutes earlier than the user's desired timing (1 hour before the start of event X, 23:00 on ○ month × day) (22:50 on ○ month × day). has been sent to.

In this way, the message 34 has content tailored to the favorite character's tone, etc., and is sent at a time that reflects the character's personality. Therefore, the user feels a sense of familiarity with the message 34, as if he had received an email from a real person, rather than an advertisement sent at a specified time with a uniform text. Furthermore, the user feels as if the message 34 is intended only for him or herself, and feels a special feeling that conventional messages with uniform content do not have. Here, in the above example, the transmission time of the message 34 is different from the user's desired timing. However, for example, if the user selects character C whose personality is "methodical" on the message setting screen, the correction time is set to "just". That is, by changing the favorite character, for example, it is possible to receive the message 34 at the timing desired by the user.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between intimacy and the content of the message 34. In this embodiment, the content of the message 34 is influenced by characteristic parameters of the favorite character other than personality.

FIG. 9 includes three messages 34 that switch depending on the level of intimacy. In the following, the three messages 34 are referred to as an upper message 34, a middle message 34, and a lower message 34, respectively, from the top. When the familiarity level of the favorite character is low (for example, within the range of 1 to 5), the user receives the message 34 shown in the upper row. The facial expression of the favorite character of the icon 41 of the message 34 in the upper row is, for example, a displeased face. Furthermore, the amount of text 42 in the upper message 34 is small. Furthermore, the text 42 of the upper message 34 may give an impression of being aloof.

When the familiarity level of the favorite character is medium (for example, within the range of 5 to 9), the user receives the middle message 34. The facial expression of the favorite character of the icon 41 of the middle message 34 is, for example, a sad face. Furthermore, the amount of text 42 written in the message 34 in the middle row is larger than that in the message 34 in the upper row. Furthermore, the text 42 of the middle message 34 may give the impression that it is a conversation with an acquaintance.

When the intimacy level of the favorite character is high (for example, 10 or more), the user receives the message 34 shown in the lower row. The facial expression of the favorite character of the icon 41 of the message 34 at the bottom is, for example, a smiling face. Furthermore, the amount of text 42 written in the message 34 in the lower row is even larger than that in the message 34 in the middle row. Furthermore, the text 42 of the message 34 at the bottom may give the impression that it is a conversation with a close friend.

In this embodiment, the contents of the message 34 are set by the server device 11 as described later. The server device 11 extracts the characteristic parameter (in the example of FIG. 9, intimacy) of the message setting information 114 received from the terminal device 12. The server device 11 sets the contents of the message 34 based on the extracted characteristic parameters (in the example of FIG. 9, the message 34 in the upper, middle, or lower row is selected). Then, the server device 11 transmits a message 34 with contents according to the characteristic parameters to the terminal device 12. The higher the degree of intimacy between the user and the favorite character, the more the user can receive a message 34 that makes the user feel closer to the favorite character. Here, the degree of familiarity increases as the user progresses through the game. Therefore, by preparing the message 34 with the content according to the characteristic parameters as described above, it is possible to have the effect of encouraging the user to further participate in the game.

Here, in the example of FIG. 9, the icon 41 (the facial expression of the favorite character) and the text 42 change depending on the degree of familiarity, but only one of them may change. For example, the text 42 of the messages 34 in the upper, middle, and lower rows may be the same, and the icon 41 may change depending on the degree of familiarity. Further, in the example of FIG. 9, the message 34 changes in three stages depending on the degree of familiarity, but the change is not limited to this. For example, more messages 34 may be switched depending on the degree of familiarity. Furthermore, for example, the message 34 may be switched between two levels depending on the degree of familiarity.

Further, in the example of FIG. 9, the message 34 changes depending on the degree of familiarity, but other characteristic parameters (for example, at least one of the highest level and the ownership ratio) may be used instead of or together with the degree of intimacy. good. For example, when the maximum level is high (eg, 10 or more), the user may receive message 34 in the bottom row of FIG. Further, for example, when the ownership ratio is high (for example, 20% or more), the user may receive the message 34 shown in the lower part of FIG. Here, the user can increase the highest level and ownership percentage by progressing with the game. Therefore, in this case as well, there may be an effect of encouraging the user to further participate in the game.

(Sequence Diagram)
FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a control method regarding the above message 34 executed by the information processing apparatus (terminal device 12 and server device 11). Here, a specific example of the game medium in the explanation of the sequence diagram below is a character.

First, the terminal device 12 allows the user to set the message setting information 114 (step S1). The terminal device 12 displays a message setting screen on the display unit 19, for example, and allows the user to set at least one of the plurality of game media (favorite character) and the timing at which the user wants to receive the message (desired timing). The terminal device 12 may further allow the user to set events for which he or she wishes to be notified by the message 34. The terminal device 12 does not require the user to set all of the message setting information 114. In other words, the terminal device 12 only needs to be partially set by the user.

The terminal device 12 stores the message setting information 114 in the terminal storage unit 18 (step S2). The terminal device 12 may store message setting information 114 as shown in FIG. 4 in the terminal storage unit 18, for example, in addition to the characteristic parameters of the favorite character and the correction time.

The terminal device 12 transmits the message setting information 114 stored in the terminal storage section 18 to the server device 11 through the terminal communication section 17 (step S3). Here, the message setting information 114 to be sent may include all items, or may include only some items.

The server device 11 associates the message setting information 114 received by the server communication unit 13 with the ID (identification information) of the terminal device 12 and stores it in the server storage unit 14 (step S4). The ID of the terminal device 12 is transmitted from the terminal device 12 together with the message setting information 114, for example. The ID of the terminal device 12 may be, for example, a token, or identification information associated with the user of the terminal device 12. The ID of the terminal device 12 is used to identify the destination to which the message 34 is to be sent.

The server device 11 calculates the transmission time of the message 34 based on the characteristic parameters (for example, personality), the event, the desired timing, etc. of the message setting information 114 (step S5). For example, in the message 34 in FIG. 6, the transmission time is a time (00:10, month, day, day) that is 10 minutes later than the user's desired timing (00:00 day, day, month). Furthermore, for example, in the message 34 in FIG. 8, the transmission time is 10 minutes earlier (22:50, month, day) than the user's desired timing (23:00, month, day).

The server device 11 sets the content of the message 34 based on the characteristic parameters (for example, intimacy) of the message setting information 114 (step S6). For example, in the message 34 of FIG. 9, if the intimacy level of the favorite character is 10 or more, the server device 11 selects the message 34 in the lower row.

When the transmission time calculated in step S5 has arrived, the server device 11 transmits the message 34 with the content set in step S6 to the terminal device 12 (step S7). Here, the server device 11 may have another information processing device perform at least one of generating the message 34 (for example, setting the content and calculating the transmission time) and transmitting the message 34. That is, at least one process in steps S5 to S7 may be executed by another information processing device based on instructions from the server device 11.

The terminal device 12 receives a message 34 from another information processing device (for example, the server device 11 or another information processing device) through the terminal communication unit 17 (step S8). In other words, the terminal device 12 receives the message 34 with at least one of the transmission time and content adjusted by another information processing device according to the message setting information 114.

The terminal device 12 displays the received message 34 to the user (step S9). In this embodiment, the received message 34 is displayed on the display unit 19 as a push notification.

As described above, the information processing device (for example, the terminal device 12) according to the present embodiment executes processing of a game having a plurality of game contents (for example, a plurality of characters). The information processing device includes a storage section (for example, the terminal storage section 18), a communication section (for example, the terminal communication section 17), and a control section (for example, the terminal control section 21). The control unit allows the user to set, as message setting information 114, at least one of a plurality of game media (for example, favorite character) and the timing at which the user wants to receive the message (for example, desired timing) within the game. Further, the control unit stores the message setting information 114 in the storage unit. The control unit also transmits message setting information 114 stored in the storage unit via the communication unit. The control unit also receives messages via the communication unit. The control unit also displays the received message to the user. Here, at least one of the timing at which the information processing device receives the message and the content of the message differs depending on the message setting information 114.

Here, some conventional games have a function of displaying a message along with a character image while the game is being executed. However, the message could not be displayed unless the game was running. Therefore, for example, it cannot be used for applications (alarms) such as notifying a user of a message at a predetermined timing (for example, one hour before the start of an event) so that the user does not forget to start an in-game event, as it lacks reliability. Ta. In such applications, it is preferable to use a message function outside the game (for example, push notification) that does not require starting the game. However, when the content of the message is uniform, it has little relevance to the progress of the game or a favorite character, making it difficult to give the user a sense of familiarity or specialness. With the above-described configuration, the information processing device according to the present embodiment can execute notification of a message whose content changes depending on the settings within the game. According to the present disclosure, at least one of the timing of receiving the message 34 and the content of the message 34 differs depending on the message setting information 114. For example, since the contents of the message setting information 114 change as the game progresses, the message 34 also reflects the progress of the game. Furthermore, for example, the timing at which the message 34 is received reflects the personality of the favorite character, making it possible to give the user a sense of closeness or specialness.

(Modified examples, etc.)
Although the present disclosure has been described based on various drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various changes and modifications based on the present disclosure. It is therefore noted that these variations and modifications are included within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions included in each means, each step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and it is possible to combine or divide multiple means or steps into one. .

In the embodiment described above, the message 34 is content related to an event within the game. Then, the user sets the event and the time based on the event on the message setting screen. Here, the message 34 may have content unrelated to the event. For example, a message may be notified at a predetermined frequency depending on the login status of the user, the progress of the game, whether it falls on a specific day, etc. For example, when a predetermined period of time (for example, three days) has passed since the user last logged in, a message 34 urging the user to log in may be sent to the terminal device 12 at a predetermined frequency from a favorite character. Further, for example, when the user's quest is stagnant (for example, the stage does not progress for two days), an encouraging message 34 from a favorite character may be transmitted to the terminal device 12 at a predetermined frequency. Further, for example, even when the user's ranking has decreased (for example, it has decreased significantly below 100th place), the encouraging message 34 may be transmitted to the terminal device 12 at a predetermined frequency. Here, the predetermined frequency may change depending on a characteristic parameter (for example, intimacy). For example, when the intimacy level is high (for example, 10 or more), the message 34 may be sent to the terminal device 12 three times a day. Further, for example, when the intimacy level is low (one example is 1), the message 34 may be sent to the terminal device 12 once every two days. That is, the higher the familiarity, the more messages 34 the user may be able to receive. Furthermore, when a day falls on a holiday or an anniversary (for example, a favorite character's birthday), the message 34 may be sent more frequently than on a day that does not fall on one of these days.

Further, if the message 34 has content unrelated to an event, the user may be able to set the time, period, frequency, etc. In this modification, for example, instead of events and timings, a message setting screen may be used in which time, period, and frequency can be set. The time is the time at which the user would like to receive the message 34, for example 12:00. Further, the period is a period during which the user wants to receive the message 34, and is, for example, from September 10th to September 30th. Further, the frequency is the frequency at which the user wants to receive the message 34, and is, for example, only on weekdays. In this example, the user receives a message 34 (unrelated to the event) announcing noon at 12:00 on weekdays during the above period. In this case, as in the above embodiment, the reception may be earlier or later depending on the character's personality.

Further, in the above embodiment, the favorite character is specified by the user. Here, the favorite character may be automatically changed when specific conditions are met. For example, when a user or a user in a predetermined relationship with the user (for example, a user in the same group or a friend) acquires a card of high rarity, the favorite character may be automatically changed to the character of that card. Further, for example, when a limited time event is being held in the game, the favorite character may be automatically changed to a character related to the event. At this time, the favorite character may automatically return to the user-specified character after the event period ends. For example, as described above, the server device 11 sets the content of the message 34 based on the characteristic parameters of the character specified by the user. At this time, the server device 11 may further acquire (for example, extract from the event information of the game) information on the period of the event and the characters related to the event. Then, the server device 11 may use a character related to the event in the message 34 instead of the user-specified character if a specific condition is met. Here, the specific condition may be, for example, that the event is during the event period, that there are three days left until the event is held, that the event is about a new character, or a combination of these. good. By automatically changing the favorite character without the user having to set it, the information processing device according to this modification can provide the user with a varied game experience. Further, as a similar modification, the information processing device may display candidate characters so that the user can select them, instead of automatically changing the favorite character. Candidate characters may be determined based on parameters such as familiarity, for example. Further, candidate characters may be determined, for example, depending on the relevance to an event that is being held or scheduled to be held within the game. Since candidate characters are displayed, the user can easily select a favorite character, improving usability.

Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the correction time was associated with the personality of the favorite character. Here, the "state" of the favorite character is set in the message setting information 114, and the correction time may be adjusted according to the "state". For example, the "status" may be set depending on the schedule of the favorite character in the game, such as busy, not busy, scheduled for XX, no plans until XX, etc. Furthermore, depending on whether or not the user progresses through the game using a favorite character, the "state" may be set to, for example, busy or not busy. For example, if the "state" of the favorite character is busy, the correction time may be set to "10 minutes later." Conversely, for example, when the "state" of the favorite character is not busy, the correction time may be set to "10 minutes earlier." When the "state" of the favorite character is set in the message setting information 114, the correction time may be set based on at least one of the "personality" and "state" of the favorite character. For example, if the favorite character's "personality" is laid-back and its "state" is busy, the correction time may be set to "20 minutes late" based on both. Also, for example, if your favorite character's "personality" is impatient and its "status" is busy, the correction time will be set to "just" because "10 minutes early" and "10 minutes late" cancel each other out. You can.

Further, in the above embodiment, the message 34 is a push notification. Here, the message 34 sent to the terminal device 12 may be stored in a storage section (at least one of the terminal storage section 18 and the server storage section 14) for each user. Typically, push notifications are deleted after a predetermined amount of time, but are stored to allow the user to collect messages 34 from their favorite characters. For example, the terminal control unit 21 may store the received message 34 in the terminal storage unit 18 in association with time information. At this time, in the game application, only a part of the program that stores the message 34 may be running in the background (always running). Then, when requested by the user, the messages 34 stored in the terminal storage unit 18 may be displayed in the order according to the time information. For example, the process of displaying the messages 34 in the order according to time information may be executable from a specific screen of the game. Furthermore, the message 34 stored in the storage unit may be extractable for each game medium (character). Furthermore, the message 34 stored in the storage unit may be extractable under specific conditions (for example, including content related to event X, etc.). The user may be able to set such narrowing conditions, for example, on a specific screen of the game.

Further, when the messages 34 sent to the terminal device 12 are stored in the storage unit for each user, the progress of the game may change depending on the history of the messages 34. For example, the terminal device 12 associates and stores the character selected as a favorite character and the number of times the message 34 has been received, and calculates the number of times the message 34 has been received for each character. Then, based on the number of receptions, the parameters of the character (for example, battle parameters) or the content of a specific event (for example, an event associated with a specific character) change. Furthermore, the terminal device 12 may execute a special event within the game depending on the number of times the message 34 is received for each character. In this way, a special game experience can be provided to the user by associating the character, the number of times the message 34 has been received, and events in the game. Furthermore, in this modification, instead of the number of times the message 34 is received for each character, the time from when the message 34 is received until the user reacts to the message 34 (for example, until the user starts the game) is used. Good too. Furthermore, in this modification, instead of the number of times the message 34 is received for each character, the number of times the user reacts to the message 34 when the message 34 is received may be used. Furthermore, in this modification, instead of the number of times the message 34 is received for each character, the number of times the game is started via the message 34 (for example, by tapping a link in the text of the message 34) may be used.

Further, in the above embodiment, the message 34 is a push notification to the user's own terminal device 12. Here, the message 34 may be a push notification not only to the user himself or herself, but also to other users (for example, users in the same group or friends). At this time, if the favorite character is a character that the destination user does not own, the information processing device sets the content of the message 34 so that, for example, the destination user can view detailed information on the favorite character. You can. Furthermore, when the favorite character is a character that the destination user does not own, the information processing device sends the message 34 so that the destination user can move to a place in the game where the destination user can obtain the favorite character. You can also set the contents. By transmitting a message 34 containing not only the usual communication content but also information about the user's favorite character to other users, interaction between the users is further activated.

Further, in the above embodiment, the icon 41 (favorite character's facial expression) and text 42 of the message 34 change depending on the characteristic parameter (for example, familiarity). Here, at least one of the icon 41 and the text 42 may change depending on the relationship between the favorite character and an event that is being held or scheduled to be held within the game. At this time, a parameter such as "degree of association" indicating the degree of association between the favorite character and the event may be set. For example, similar to the intimacy level, the higher the relevance, the higher the numerical value of the degree of association. The degree of relevance may then be used to set the content of the message 34 instead of or together with the characteristic parameter (for example familiarity). At this time, the user who has received the message 34 can easily understand the relationship between the event and his or her favorite character, for example, from the facial expression (icon 41) of the favorite character. Therefore, such a message 34 makes it easier for the user to take an interest in the event, and it can be expected that the event in the game will become more active.

Further, in the above embodiment, a part of the game screen is displayed as a web display on the display unit 19 of the terminal device 12 based on data generated by the server device 11, and a part of the game screen is installed on the terminal device 12. It may also be a native display that is displayed by a native application that is installed. In this way, the game in the embodiment described above can also be a hybrid game in which each of the terminal device 12 and the server device 11 plays a part of the processing. Further, in the above control method (see FIG. 10), part of the processing executed by the terminal device 12 or the server device 11 may be executed by the other device. For example, the terminal device 12 may perform the message transmission time calculation (step S5) performed by the server device 11 and transmit the calculation result to the server device 11.

Further, the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 may cooperate to execute various processes related to the game. For example, the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 may share and execute a series of processes. Further, for example, the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 may each execute the same process. Regarding the same process, if the process results match between the server device 11 and the terminal device 12, the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 may complete the process. If the processing results between the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 do not match, the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 may conclude that the processing result of one (for example, the server device 11) is correct and complete the processing. As another example, if the processing results do not match between the server device 11 and the terminal device 12, the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 may rewind the process before executing the same process. According to this configuration, even if, for example, the communication quality between the server device 11 and the terminal device 12 temporarily deteriorates, the probability that processing will be immediately interrupted is reduced. Furthermore, even if fraudulent processing such as rewriting of battle parameters is performed in the terminal device 12, the probability that the fraudulent processing can be eliminated is improved.

Further, in order to function as the terminal device 12 or the server device 11, for example, a computer, a mobile phone, etc. can be suitably used. The terminal device 12 or the server device 11 can be implemented by storing a program that describes processing contents for realizing each of the above functions in an accessible storage section, and having the CPU read and execute the program.

10 Game system 11 Server device 12 Terminal device 13 Server communication section 14 Server storage section 15 Server control section 16 Network 17 Terminal communication section 18 Terminal storage section 19 Display section 20 Input section 21 Terminal control section 34 Message 41 Icon 42 Text 110 Regarding the user Information 111 Information on cards you own 114 Message setting information

Claims (10)

A program for a terminal device that advances a game according to user operations,
To the terminal device,
transmitting timing information indicating a predetermined timing during the game set by the user to a server;
determining either the predetermined timing or a timing before or after the predetermined timing, based on the timing information and the progress state of the game;
receiving a message sent from the server at the determined timing;
displaying said message received;
A program to run. causing the terminal device to transmit information indicating one game medium specified by the user from among a plurality of game contents to the server;
In receiving the message, the terminal device receives the message transmitted from the server at a timing determined based on the timing information, the progress state of the game, and the parameters of the one game medium. The program according to claim 1, which causes the program to execute. to the terminal device,
advancing the game in which the one game medium is used by the user;
3. The program according to claim 2, which causes the program to set a progress state of the game according to a schedule within the game of the one game medium. 3. The program according to claim 2, which causes the terminal device to display an image of the one game medium together with the message in displaying the message. The first game medium is a predetermined character,
5. The program according to claim 4, which causes the terminal device to change the facial expression of the one game medium according to the progress of the game in displaying the image of the one game medium. Any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, in transmitting the timing information, the terminal device transmits information regarding an event designated by the user from among a plurality of events held in the game. The program described in paragraph 1. The message is a message regarding the start timing of an event specified by the user from among a plurality of events held in the game, and the timing set by the user is a time relative to the start timing. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 8. The program according to claim 7, which causes the terminal device to display the message including a difference time between the determined timing and the start timing in displaying the message. A method for controlling a terminal device that advances a game according to user operations, the method comprising:
The terminal device is
transmitting timing information indicating a predetermined timing during the game set by the user to a server;
determining either the predetermined timing or a timing before or after the predetermined timing, based on the timing information and the progress state of the game;
receiving a message sent from the server at the determined timing;
displaying said message received;
A control method characterized by comprising: A terminal device that advances a game according to user operations,
transmitting timing information indicating a predetermined timing during the game set by the user to a server;
determining either the predetermined timing or a timing before or after the predetermined timing, based on the timing information and the progress state of the game;
receiving a message sent from the server at the determined timing;
A terminal device comprising: a control unit that displays the received message.

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