JP7503674B1 - Information processing program, information processing method, and game device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To improve the player's motivation to play by improving the strategic nature of the game. [Solution] An information processing program causes a computer to execute the following processes: updating parameters linked to a character to be trained based on the player's operation during a training game; making it possible to acquire a skill, to which a first utility is set, linked to the character to be trained at the start of the training game by consuming points during the training game; linking acquisition information to the acquired skill; and making it possible to change the skill or the first utility set for the skill when a change condition set for each skill, which change condition is set for the skill to which the acquisition information is linked, is satisfied. [Selected Figure] Figure 22

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing program, an information processing method, and a game device.

Conventionally, games in the genre known as training games are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a game in which a player trains a character to be trained by selecting one of a number of different training events.

Patent No. 7198902

As mentioned above, in games in which players develop characters to be developed, if the player is not required to have a high level of strategy, the player's motivation to play decreases.

The present invention aims to provide an information processing program, an information processing method, and a game device that can increase a player's motivation to play by improving their strategic nature.

In order to solve the above problem, an information processing program includes:
A process of setting a character selected by a player from among a plurality of characters as a character to be developed;
updating parameters associated with the character to be raised based on an operation of a player during a raising game;
A process for making it possible to acquire a plurality of skills by consuming points during the training game , the plurality of skills including a skill having a first utility set and having a second skill or a plurality of second utilities linked thereto, the skill being linked as a specific skill to the character to be trained at the start of the training game, and a non-specific skill having a predetermined utility set and not being linked as a specific skill to the character to be trained at the start of the training game;
A process of linking acquired information to the acquired skill;
a process of having a player select whether or not to change the specific skill or the first utility set for the specific skill when a change condition set for the specific skill linked to the acquisition information is satisfied, the change condition being set for each specific skill ;
The computer executes the above.
The process of having a player select whether to change the specific skill or the first utility set for the specific skill includes:
The player is allowed to select one of a plurality of options including changing the specific skill to one of a plurality of second skills or the second utility linked to the specific skill, and not changing the specific skill or the first utility set for the specific skill.

Further, different change conditions are associated with the plurality of second skills or the plurality of second utilities,
The plurality of options may include changing the specific skill or the first utility to the second skill or the second utility for which the change condition is met.

Also, a process of displaying an acquisition screen in which the skill can be acquired during the training game;
The computer executes the above.
The acquisition screen may display the change condition set for the specific skill and the degree of achievement of the change condition.

Also, a process of displaying an acquisition screen in which the skill can be acquired during the training game;
The computer executes the above.
The specific skill for which the change condition is met may be highlighted on the acquisition screen.

In order to solve the above problem, an information processing method includes:
1. An information processing method performed by one or more computers, comprising:
A process of setting a character selected by a player from among a plurality of characters as a character to be developed;
updating parameters associated with the character to be raised based on an operation of a player during a raising game;
A process for making it possible to acquire a plurality of skills by consuming points during the training game , the plurality of skills including a skill having a first utility set and having a second skill or a plurality of second utilities linked thereto, the skill being linked as a specific skill to the character to be trained at the start of the training game, and a non-specific skill having a predetermined utility set and not being linked as a specific skill to the character to be trained at the start of the training game;
A process of linking acquisition information to the acquired skill;
a process of having a player select whether or not to change the specific skill or the first utility set for the specific skill when a change condition set for the specific skill linked to the acquisition information is satisfied, the change condition being set for each specific skill ;
Including,
The process of having a player select whether to change the specific skill or the first utility set for the specific skill includes:
The player is allowed to select one of a plurality of options including changing the specific skill to one of a plurality of second skills or the second utility linked to the specific skill, and not changing the specific skill or the first utility set for the specific skill.

In order to solve the above problem, a game device includes:
One or more computers;
The computer,
A process of setting a character selected by a player from among a plurality of characters as a character to be developed;
updating parameters associated with the character to be raised based on an operation of a player during a raising game;
A process for making it possible to acquire a plurality of skills by consuming points during the training game , the plurality of skills including a skill having a first utility set and having a second skill or a plurality of second utilities linked thereto, the skill being linked as a specific skill to the character to be trained at the start of the training game, and a non-specific skill having a predetermined utility set and not being linked as a specific skill to the character to be trained at the start of the training game;
A process of linking acquired information to the acquired skill;
a process of having a player select whether or not to change the specific skill or the first utility set for the specific skill when a change condition set for the specific skill linked to the acquisition information is satisfied, the change condition being set for each specific skill ;
To carry out the above,
The process of having a player select whether to change the specific skill or the first utility set for the specific skill includes:
The player is allowed to select one of a plurality of options including changing the specific skill to one of a plurality of second skills or the second utility linked to the specific skill, and not changing the specific skill or the first utility set for the specific skill.

The present invention improves the strategic aspects of the game, which can increase players' motivation to play.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system. Fig. 2A is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a player terminal, and Fig. 2B is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a server. Fig. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen, Fig. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of an option setting screen, and Fig. 3C is a diagram illustrating an example of a profile setting screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the general flow of the training game. Fig. 5A is a diagram for explaining an example of scenario initial added value data, Fig. 5B is a diagram for explaining an example of scenario initial upper limit value data, and Fig. 5C is a diagram for explaining an example of scenario event added value data. Fig. 6A is a diagram illustrating a development target character selection screen, Fig. 6B is a first diagram illustrating a character detail screen, and Fig. 6C is a second diagram illustrating the character detail screen. Fig. 7A is a diagram for explaining a capability parameter (initial value) table. Fig. 7B is a diagram for explaining an aptitude parameter (initial value) table. Fig. 7C is a diagram for explaining skills. Fig. 7D is a diagram for explaining exclusive events. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the character strengthening screen. Fig. 9A is a first diagram illustrating an inheritance character selection screen. Fig. 9B is a first diagram illustrating a training character list screen. Fig. 9C is a second diagram illustrating an inheritance character selection screen. Fig. 9D is a third diagram illustrating an inheritance character selection screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the lineage of inheritance. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the factor information. Fig. 12A is a diagram for explaining the effects of basic ability factors, and Fig. 12B is a diagram for explaining the effects of character factors. FIG. 13A is a diagram for explaining compatibility determination targets, and FIG. 13B is a diagram for explaining compatibility determination items. Fig. 14A is a first diagram for explaining the support card organization screen, Fig. 14B is a diagram for explaining the support card selection screen, and Fig. 14C is a second diagram for explaining the support card organization screen. Fig. 15A is a diagram for explaining a support card table, Fig. 15B is a diagram for explaining a support effect, Fig. 15C is a diagram for explaining possessed skills, and Fig. 15D is a diagram for explaining a support event. Fig. 16A is a diagram illustrating a final confirmation screen, and Fig. 16B is a diagram illustrating a preset selection screen. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the options available in each turn. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the top screen. Fig. 19A is a first diagram for explaining a training screen. Fig. 19B is a second diagram for explaining a training screen. Fig. 19C is a diagram for explaining a training result report screen. Fig. 19D is a diagram for explaining an event screen. Fig. 20A is a first diagram for explaining an inherited event. Fig. 20B is a second diagram for explaining an inherited event. Fig. 20C is a third diagram for explaining an inherited event. Fig. 20D is a fourth diagram for explaining an inherited event. Fig. 21A is a first diagram illustrating the skill screen. Fig. 21B is a second diagram illustrating the skill screen. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of evolution conditions. Fig. 23A is a diagram for explaining an evolution skill confirmation screen, Fig. 23B is a first diagram for explaining an evolution condition confirmation screen, and Fig. 23C is a second diagram for explaining an evolution condition confirmation screen. Fig. 24A is a first diagram for explaining a race selection screen, Fig. 24B is a diagram for explaining a race start screen, Fig. 24C is a first diagram for explaining a race result screen, Fig. 24D is a second diagram for explaining a race result screen. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the general flow of the turn start processing. FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the allocation ratio to the training items. Fig. 27A is a diagram for explaining a training level, Fig. 27B is a diagram for explaining a fixed increase value (speed), and Fig. 27C is a diagram for explaining a fixed increase value table (power). Fig. 28A is a diagram for explaining a confirmation dialogue for finishing. Fig. 28B is a diagram for explaining a suggestion image. Fig. 28C is a first diagram for explaining an evolution skill selection dialogue. Fig. 28D is a second diagram for explaining an evolution skill selection dialogue. 29A is a third diagram illustrating the evolution skill selection dialog, and FIG. 29B is a fourth diagram illustrating the evolution skill selection dialog. Fig. 30A is a first diagram for explaining an evolution effect image, Fig. 30B is a second diagram for explaining an evolution effect image, and Fig. 30C is a third diagram for explaining an evolution effect image. Fig. 31A is a fourth diagram for explaining an evolution effect image, Fig. 31B is a fifth diagram for explaining an evolution effect image, and Fig. 31C is a sixth diagram for explaining an evolution effect image. Fig. 32A is a first diagram for explaining an evolution effect image of a modified example. Fig. 32B is a second diagram for explaining an evolution effect image of a modified example. Fig. 32C is a third diagram for explaining an evolution effect image of a modified example. Fig. 33A is a diagram illustrating a breeding completion screen, Fig. 33B is a second diagram illustrating the breeding completion screen, and Fig. 33C is a third diagram illustrating the breeding completion screen. FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining the memory configuration and computer functions of the player terminal. FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining the memory configuration of the server and its functions as a computer. FIG. 36 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing of the player terminal and the server related to the training game. FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating the character strengthening process in the player terminal. FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating the preparation stage processing in the player terminal. FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating the preparation stage process in the server. FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating the training stage processing in the server. FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating the turn start process in the server. FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating the training stage processing in the player terminal. FIG. 43 is a flowchart explaining the skill screen display processing in the player terminal. FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating the selection command receiving process in the server. FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating the result information receiving process in the player terminal. FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating the processing before the end of the training game in the player terminal. FIG. 47 is a flowchart explaining the training game ending process in the server.

One embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The numerical values and other information shown in the embodiment are merely examples for ease of understanding, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals to avoid duplicated explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not illustrated.

(Overall configuration of information processing system S)
1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system S. The information processing system S is a so-called client-server system including a player terminal 1 functioning as a client, i.e., a game terminal, a server 1000, and a communication network N having a communication base station Na.

In the information processing system S of this embodiment, the player terminal 1 and the server 1000 function as the game device G. The player terminal 1 and the server 1000 are each assigned the role of controlling the progress of the game, and the game can progress through cooperation between the player terminal 1 and the server 1000.

The player terminal 1 can establish communication with the server 1000 via the communication network N. The player terminal 1 broadly includes electronic devices capable of wireless or wired communication connection with the server 1000. Examples of the player terminal 1 include smartphones, mobile phones, tablet devices, personal computers, game devices, and the like. In this embodiment, a case where a smartphone is used as the player terminal 1 will be described.

The server 1000 is connected to multiple player terminals 1 for communication. The server 1000 accumulates various information for each player playing the game. The server 1000 also performs processes such as updating the accumulated information and downloading images and various information to the player terminals 1, mainly based on operations input from the player terminals 1.

The communication base station Na is connected to the communication network N and transmits and receives information wirelessly to and from the player terminal 1. The communication network N is composed of a mobile phone network, the Internet network, a LAN (Local Area Network), a dedicated line, etc., and realizes a wireless or wired communication connection between the player terminal 1 and the server 1000.

(Hardware configuration of the player terminal 1 and the server 1000)
Fig. 2A is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the player terminal 1. Fig. 2B is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the server 1000. As shown in Fig. 2A, the player terminal 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a memory 12, a bus 14, an input/output interface 16, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 20, an input unit 22, and an output unit 24.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the server 1000 includes a CPU 1010, a memory 1012, a bus 1014, an input/output interface 1016, a storage unit 1018, a communication unit 1020, an input unit 1022, and an output unit 1024.

The configurations and functions of the CPU 1010, memory 1012, bus 1014, input/output interface 1016, storage unit 1018, communication unit 1020, input unit 1022, and output unit 1024 of the server 1000 are substantially the same as the CPU 10, memory 12, bus 14, input/output interface 16, storage unit 18, communication unit 20, input unit 22, and output unit 24 of the player terminal 1, respectively. Therefore, the following describes the hardware configuration of the player terminal 1, and a description of the server 1000 is omitted.

The CPU 10 runs the programs stored in the memory 12 and controls the progress of the game. The memory 12 is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores the programs and various data required to control the progress of the game. The memory 12 is connected to the CPU 10 via a bus 14.

An input/output interface 16 is connected to the bus 14. A memory unit 18, a communication unit 20, an input unit 22, and an output unit 24 are connected to the input/output interface 16.

The storage unit 18 is composed of semiconductor memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and stores various programs and data. In the player terminal 1, the programs and data stored in the storage unit 18 are loaded into the memory 12 (RAM) by the CPU 10.

The communication unit 20 is wirelessly connected to the communication base station Na, and transmits and receives information such as various data and programs to and from the server 1000 via the communication network N. In the player terminal 1, the programs and the like received from the server 1000 are stored in the memory 12 or the storage unit 18.

The input unit 22 is composed of, for example, a touch panel, buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, a cross key, an analog controller, etc., through which the player's operations are input (which accepts operations). The input unit 22 may also be a dedicated controller provided in the player terminal 1, or connected (externally) to the player terminal 1. Furthermore, the input unit 22 may be composed of an acceleration sensor that detects the tilt or movement of the player terminal 1, or a microphone that detects the voice of the player. In other words, the input unit 22 broadly includes devices that can input the player's intentions in an identifiable manner.

The output unit 24 includes a display device and a speaker. The output unit 24 may be a device that is connected (externally attached) to the player terminal 1. In this embodiment, the player terminal 1 includes a display 26 as the output unit 24, and a touch panel superimposed on the display 26 as the input unit 22.

(Game Contents)
Next, a game provided by the information processing system S and the game device G of this embodiment will be described. A player can possess game media obtained by a lottery called gacha, or game media distributed by the management side. In this embodiment, a player can possess a character card and a support card as game media. Each character card and support card is always linked to one character. The character linked to the character card is the subject of training in the training game. Hereinafter, the character linked to the character card may be simply referred to as a character.

As will be described in more detail below, the game according to this embodiment provides a training game. In the training game, the player can train a character and generate a training character with various parameters linked to it. The training game in this embodiment also has gameplay in which the character linked to the character card is trained by having the character compete in races that mimic horse racing.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen 100. When a game application is launched on the player terminal 1, the home screen 100 is displayed on the display 26. A menu bar 102 is displayed at the bottom of the home screen 100. The menu bar 102 has multiple operation sections that can be operated (tapped) by the player.

Here, the menu bar 102 is provided with a home screen selection operation section 102a, an enhancement screen selection operation section 102b, a story screen selection operation section 102c, a racing game selection operation section 102d, and a gacha screen selection operation section 102e. In the menu bar 102, the operation section corresponding to the screen currently being displayed on the display 26 is highlighted so that the screen currently being displayed can be identified.

When the home screen selection operation unit 102a is tapped, the home screen 100 shown in FIG. 3A is displayed on the display 26.

When the strengthening screen selection operation unit 102b is tapped, an strengthening screen (not shown) is displayed. On the strengthening screen, the player can strengthen the characters and support cards that they possess. By strengthening the characters and support cards, the player can increase the levels set for the characters and support cards. Various parameters are set for the characters and support cards, and the parameters increase as the level increases. By increasing the parameters of the characters and support cards, the player can train characters with stronger status in the training game.

When the story screen selection operation unit 102c is tapped, a story screen (not shown) is displayed. Here, a story image is provided for each character that appears in the game. The player can select and view a character and story image on the story screen.

When the racing game selection operation unit 102d is tapped, a racing game selection screen (not shown) is displayed. In this embodiment, various racing games are provided in which a training character trained in a training game described below can race. The player can select a racing game in which the training character will race on the racing game selection screen. The racing games include team competition games in which a team made up of multiple training characters competes against a team of other players selected by a computer. Team competition games have the gameplay of competing with other players for rankings.

When the gacha screen selection operation unit 102e is tapped, a gacha screen (not shown) is displayed. On the gacha screen, the player can consume in-game currency or tickets to participate in a so-called gacha lottery. In the gacha lottery, the player can win a character card or a support card.

In addition, on the home screen 100, a training game operation unit 104 is provided above the menu bar 102. When the training game operation unit 104 is tapped, a training game screen is displayed and a training game, which will be described later, begins. The training game is broadly divided into a preparation stage and a training stage. First, in the preparation stage, the player selects one character from among the characters he or she owns and sets it as the character to be trained (hereinafter referred to as the character to be trained).

In addition, in the preparation stage, the player sets the deck that will be used when training the character to be trained. The deck is made up of multiple inherited characters, which will be described in detail later, and multiple support cards. Therefore, in the training game, the inherited characters and support cards that are organized in the deck are used.

When the setting of the character to be trained and the deck (inherited characters and support cards) is completed, the game moves from the preparation stage to the training stage, and a game for training the character to be trained is started. In the training game, the parameters of the character to be trained can be changed. The player can own the character trained in the training game as a training character. As described above, the player can organize the training characters he owns into a team and use them in team competitive games, etc.

As such, the main objective of the game in this embodiment is to generate a training character through a training game and to use the training character to improve the ranking in the team competitive game.

In addition, this embodiment has a function for sharing development characters or support cards between players, and a function for sharing information between multiple players. A player can set development characters and support cards that other players can use in the development game. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A, a setting operation section 106 is provided in the upper right part of the home screen 100. When the setting operation section 106 is tapped, an option setting screen 110 is displayed.

Figure 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of the option setting screen 110. The option setting screen 110 is a screen on which various information can be confirmed and set. The option setting screen 110 has a number of operation units, and when an operation unit is tapped, the information corresponding to the operation unit can be confirmed and set.

The operation sections of the option setting screen 110 include a profile setting operation section 110a and a close operation section 110b. When the close operation section 110b is tapped, the option setting screen 110 is closed and the home screen 100 is displayed. When the profile setting operation section 110a is tapped, the profile setting screen 120 is displayed.

Figure 3C is a diagram illustrating an example of the profile setting screen 120. On the profile setting screen 120, the player can confirm and set his/her own profile information. The profile information includes the profile character, player name, player ID, club affiliation, representative character, and rental cards.

The profile character functions as a character that is displayed when the player's information is viewed by other players. For example, the profile character is displayed when using the circle function, which is a place for sharing information with other players. The profile setting screen 120 displays a profile character image 122 that is currently being set. A change button 124 is provided near the profile character image 122. When the change button 124 is tapped, a profile character change screen (not shown) is displayed. The player can change the profile character on the profile character change screen.

The profile setting screen 120 also displays the player name set by the player, the player ID given to the player, and the name of the club to which the player belongs. The profile setting screen 120 also has a representative character setting operation section 126a and a rental card setting operation section 126b.

When the representative character setting operation section 126a is tapped, a representative character setting screen (not shown) is displayed. On the representative character setting screen, the player can set one of the characters he or she has trained as the representative character. An icon image showing the currently set representative character is displayed on the representative character setting operation section 126a. Note that, as will be described in more detail later, the representative character can be organized into a deck as an inherited character in the training game played by other players.

When the rental card setting operation section 126b is tapped, a rental card setting screen (not shown) is displayed. On the rental card setting screen, the player can set one of the support cards he or she owns as a rental card. An icon image indicating the currently set rental card is displayed on the rental card setting operation section 126b. As described above, a support card that is set as a rental card can be organized into a deck by other players and is used in the development game played by other players.

Although a detailed explanation is omitted, when the profile information settings are changed on the profile setting screen 120, the setting change information is sent to the server 1000. The server 1000 stores the profile information for each player.

In addition, in this embodiment, various time-limited events are held irregularly. During the period when a specific event, which is a time-limited event, is held, a specific event icon 108 is displayed on the home screen 100. When the specific event icon 108 is tapped, a specific event screen is displayed. On the specific event screen, the player can, for example, exchange specific event points, which are provided only for the specific event, for various rewards.

When the training game operation unit 104 is tapped on the home screen 100, a training game screen is displayed and the training game starts. The player can play the training game by consuming game points. A predetermined value (e.g., +1) of game points is granted to the player every predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes). An upper limit (e.g., 100) is set for the game points that a player can possess, and the player can possess game points within the upper limit. A game point display bar 136 is provided at the top of the home screen 100, and the ratio of the currently possessed game points to the upper limit is visually displayed.

When the training game is started, a predetermined value (e.g., -30) is subtracted from the game points. Therefore, if the player does not have the required game points, the player cannot start the training game. However, the player can possess items that restore game points, and can use the items to restore game points. These items can be given as rewards for the training game or team competition game, for example, or can be acquired by consuming in-game currency. The training game is described in detail below.

(Raising game)
4 is a diagram for explaining the general flow of the training game. The training game is roughly divided into a setting game and a training main game. As will be described in detail later, the training main game is a game in which a player selects one character from among the characters he/she owns and trains it as a character to be trained (hereinafter, referred to as a character to be trained).

The setting game, in which the player registers the character to be trained and the deck (inherited characters and support cards), corresponds to the preparatory stage of the training game. Below, the processing carried out in the setting game is referred to as the preparatory stage processing, and the processing carried out in the training main game is referred to as the training stage processing. Here, to make it easier to understand, the general flow of the preparatory stage processing and training stage processing will first be explained.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the preparation stage processing, the following steps are performed in order: scenario registration, character to be trained registration, inherited character registration, support card registration, and specific character registration. Note that the order of the above registration and setting processes is merely an example. Therefore, the order of the above registration and setting processes can be changed as appropriate.

<Preparatory stage processing>
The preparatory stage processing mainly involves registering a scenario, registering characters to be trained, and registering a deck (inherited characters and support cards). The support cards are intended to assist in the training of characters to be trained. Each support card is always linked to one character, and the character linked to the support card registered in the preparatory stage processing will assist in the training of the characters to be trained. In the following, the character linked to the support card will be referred to as the support character.

<Scenario registration>
When the player taps the training game operation unit 104 on the home screen 100, a scenario selection screen (not shown) is displayed. In this embodiment, a plurality of scenarios of the training main game are provided. In each scenario of the training main game, a final goal, goals during the game, etc. are set. The player needs to clear the goals set in each scenario in sequence. Each goal, the period until the goal is achieved, the difficulty level of the game, etc. differ from one scenario to another.

The training main game also has a storyline, and the game progresses along that storyline. Events also occur at various times during the training main game. Events that occur during the training main game are specific to each scenario. Thus, the multiple scenarios differ from each other in at least some of the events that occur during the training main game. The player can select one of the multiple scenarios on the scenario selection screen.

Figure 5A is a diagram explaining an example of scenario initial added value data. Figure 5B is a diagram explaining an example of scenario initial upper limit data. Figure 5C is a diagram explaining an example of scenario event added value data. As shown in Figure 5A, each scenario is linked to a unique scenario ID. When a player selects a scenario on the scenario selection screen, the scenario ID linked to the selected scenario is registered. Here, four scenario IDs, 0001 to 0004, are provided.

As will be explained in more detail later, one of the objectives of the training game is to increase the ability parameters of the character being trained. There are five ability parameters: speed, stamina, power, tenacity, and intelligence. The higher the values of these five ability parameters, the more advantageous the character being trained will be in the race.

However, an upper limit is set for each ability parameter, and in the main training game, the value of each ability parameter is only updated within the upper limit, and updates to ability parameters that exceed the upper limit are restricted. At the start of the main training game, an initial upper limit is set for each ability parameter. This initial upper limit differs for each scenario. Note that the upper limit of each ability parameter may increase from the initial upper limit during the game.

The player terminal 1 and the server 1000 store scenario initial addition value data. The scenario initial addition value data is data in which the initial addition values of each of the five ability parameters are linked to a scenario ID. In this embodiment, at the start of the training main game, the initial upper limit value of each ability parameter is set based on the scenario initial addition value data.

Specifically, a common base value is preset for each ability parameter. In this embodiment, "1200" is set as the common base value. This common base value is common to all scenarios and all ability parameters. However, the common base value may be different for each scenario, or may be different for each ability parameter. Then, at the start of the main training game, the scenario initial addition value corresponding to the scenario selected by the player is added to the common base value, and an initial upper limit value for each ability parameter is set.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, according to the scenario initial addition value data, the scenario initial addition values for all five ability parameters linked to the scenario ID "0001" are set to "200". Therefore, when the scenario ID "0001" is selected and the training main game is started, the initial upper limit values for all five ability parameters will be "1400".

For example, if a scenario ID of "0002" is selected and the main training game is started, the initial upper limit values for the speed and tenacity ability parameters will be the common base value of "1200", the initial upper limit values for the stamina and intelligence ability parameters will be "1600", and the initial upper limit value for the power ability parameter will be "1400".

Note that here, the initial upper limit value is derived by adding the initial added value of the ability parameter to the common base value. However, as shown in FIG. 5B, scenario initial upper limit value data may be provided, and the initial upper limit value of each ability parameter may be derived based on the scenario initial upper limit value data. According to the scenario initial upper limit value data, the initial upper limit value of each of the five ability parameters is linked to a scenario ID. In the scenario initial upper limit value data, the value of the initial upper limit value linked to each scenario ID is the common base value plus the initial added value of the scenario initial added value data.

In this way, the scenario initial upper limit value linked to the scenario ID may be set as the initial upper limit value of each ability parameter. Alternatively, the common base value plus the scenario initial added value may be set as the initial upper limit value of each ability parameter.

In addition, in the training main game, a scenario event may occur at a specified timing that increases the upper limit value of each ability parameter. When a scenario event occurs, the scenario event addition value linked to that scenario event is added to the upper limit value at that time. For example, in a training main game with a scenario ID of "0001", when a specified scenario event occurs, the upper limit values of each of the five ability parameters will increase by "20".

As shown in FIG. 5C, the upper limit of ability parameters that are increased by scenario events differs for each scenario. Note that multiple scenario events that increase the upper limit of ability parameters may be set for one scenario, or none may be set at all. Also, the timing of occurrence of scenario events may be the same for all scenarios, or may be different.

In this way, the upper limit of ability parameters differs depending on the scenario selected by the player. As a result, it becomes possible to develop characters with different abilities and characteristics for each scenario. This increases the player's motivation to play with a variety of scenarios.

<Registering characters to be trained>
Fig. 6A is a diagram illustrating a development target character selection screen 150. When a player selects a scenario on the scenario selection screen, the development target character selection screen 150 shown in Fig. 6A is displayed. A plurality of character icons 151 are displayed in the center of the development target character selection screen 150, and a list of characters owned by the player is displayed.

In addition, an ability parameter display section 152a and an aptitude parameter display section 152b are displayed at the top of the character selection screen 150. In addition, a return operation section 153 and a next operation section 154 are displayed at the bottom of the character selection screen 150.

In this embodiment, an initial value for the ability parameter is set for each character. The ability parameter display section 152a displays the initial value of the ability parameter of the character corresponding to the character icon 151 selected by the player as a numerical value. In this embodiment, a larger numerical value for the ability parameter indicates higher ability.

The ability parameter display section 152a also displays the initial upper limit value of each ability parameter. In other words, the upper limit value of each ability parameter that is set at the start of the training main game when the player can select a scenario, or after the player has selected a scenario, is displayed on the ability parameter display section 152a. On the ability parameter display section 152a, the initial upper limit value corresponding to the scenario selected by the player is displayed in the denominator, and the initial value of the ability parameter of the character selected by the player is displayed in the numerator.

In the ability parameter display section 152a, initial upper limit values that exceed the common base value are identifiable. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6A, the initial upper limit values for speed, power, and tenacity exceed the common base value of "1200". Therefore, in the ability parameter display section 152a, the initial upper limit values for speed, power, and tenacity are identifiable with respect to the initial upper limit values for stamina and intelligence. Here, as an identifiable display, initial upper limit values that exceed the common base value are displayed flashing or in a different color.

Figure 7A is a diagram illustrating the ability parameter (initial value) table. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7A, the ability parameter (initial value) table stores the initial values of ability parameters for each character. Then, the initial values of ability parameters are displayed in the ability parameter display section 152a based on the initial values of ability parameters stored in the ability parameter (initial value) table.

In this embodiment, an initial value of the ability parameter is set for each character for each of a plurality of types of abilities. Specifically, the ability parameters include a speed ability parameter marked "Speed" in the ability parameter display section 152a, a stamina ability parameter marked "Stamina" in the ability parameter display section 152a, a power ability parameter marked "Power" in the ability parameter display section 152a, a tenacity ability parameter marked "Spirit" in the ability parameter display section 152a, and a wisdom ability parameter marked "Wisdom" in the ability parameter display section 152a.

The initial value of each character's ability parameters can be increased by strengthening the character (character card). For example, each character has five status levels, and the player can increase the character's status level by spending in-game currency or specific items. As the character's status level increases, the initial value of that character's ability parameters also increases.

Figure 7A shows the initial values when the character is at a certain level. Note that the player can increase the ability parameter values in the training main game. In other words, the objective of the training main game is to train a character with a higher ability parameter value.

In addition, in this embodiment, aptitude parameters (initial values) are set for each character. As shown in FIG. 6A, the initial values of the aptitude parameters of the character corresponding to the character icon 151 selected by the player are displayed in alphabetical order in the aptitude parameter display section 152b.

Figure 7B is a diagram illustrating the aptitude parameter (initial value) table. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7B, the aptitude parameter (initial value) table stores the initial values of aptitude parameters for each character. The initial values of aptitude parameters are set to one of seven alphabetical levels A to G. Note that the initial value of aptitude parameters indicates that A is the most suitable and G is the least suitable. Based on the initial values of aptitude parameters stored in the aptitude parameter (initial value) table, the initial values of aptitude parameters are displayed in the aptitude parameter display section 152b.

In this embodiment, initial values of aptitude parameters are set for each character for multiple types of aptitude. Specifically, the aptitude parameters include aptitude parameters related to suitability for each of the turf and dirt courses, aptitude parameters related to suitability for each of the short distance, mile, middle distance, and long distance courses, and aptitude parameters related to suitability for each of the running styles of leading, overtaking, and chasing.

In a training game, a player can enter a character to be trained in various races. In this case, the higher the aptitude of the character to be trained to match the race content, the more advantageous the race will be.

The initial value of the aptitude parameter for each character may be increased by spending in-game currency. The value of the aptitude parameter may also change in the main training game. In the main training game, the aptitude parameter may also be set to S, which is a higher aptitude than A.

Figure 6B is a first diagram illustrating the character details screen 160. Figure 6C is a second diagram illustrating the character details screen 160. When a character icon 151 on the character to be developed selection screen 150 is pressed and held, the character details screen 160 is displayed on the display 26. The character details screen 160 displays details of the abilities of the character corresponding to the character icon 151 that was pressed and held on the character to be developed selection screen 150.

A skill operation section 161 and an event operation section 162 are displayed in the center of the character details screen 160. As shown in FIG. 6B, when the character details screen 160 is first displayed, the skill operation section 161 is highlighted and the skills provided for each character are displayed. Skills are abilities that may be activated when certain conditions are met during the execution of races and team races, which will be described later. The activation of skills gives each character an advantage in the race.

Figure 7C is a diagram explaining skills. As shown in Figure 7C, each character possesses multiple skills. As shown in Figure 6B, the character detail screen 160 displays the skills possessed by the character (hereinafter referred to as possessed skills). In the training main game, by satisfying certain conditions, it is possible to acquire the possessed skills of the character being trained. Note that a skill will not be activated during a race if it is merely possessed; it can only be activated by acquiring the possessed skill. In the following, a skill that a character can activate, i.e. a skill that a character has acquired, is referred to as an acquired skill.

From the start of the main training game, each character is set with one acquired skill. In addition to the acquired skills, each character is also set with multiple possessed skills. Possessed skills can be acquired after the start of the main training game by spending skill points, which are described below. In other words, possessed skills can become acquired skills in exchange for skill points.

In this embodiment, the skills indicated with "◎" in FIG. 7C are displayed as acquired skills on the character details screen 160 of FIG. 6B. In addition, the skills indicated with "◯" in FIG. 7C are displayed as possessed skills on the character details screen 160 of FIG. 6B. In this embodiment, as shown on the character details screen 160 of FIG. 6B, acquired skills are highlighted to make it easier to distinguish between acquired skills and possessed skills.

Specifically, in the character details screen 160 shown in FIG. 6B, one acquired skill is displayed in an acquired skill display field 161a, and seven possessed skills are displayed in a possessed skill display field 161b. Note that the number of acquired skills and possessed skills may differ for each character. Also, for example, the number of acquired skills or possessed skills for each character may increase due to an increase in the character's level, consumption of in-game currency or items, etc.

Here, possessed skills include awakened skills. Awakened skills are skills that become associated with a character as possessed skills from the start of the training game once the conditions for unlocking them are met. In other words, awakened skills whose conditions for unlocking have not yet been met are not possessed skills at the start of the training game. However, even awakened skills whose conditions for unlocking have not yet been met may become possessed skills during the main training game.

In Figure 7C, awakening skills are indicated with star marks. Here, four awakening skills are set for each character. However, the number of awakening skills may differ for each character. The awakening skills differ for each character. For example, skill d in the figure is set as an awakening skill for character A, as an acquired skill for character B, and as a normal possessed skill for character C. In this way, skills include those that are set differently depending on the character, such as an acquired skill, a possessed skill, or an awakening skill.

In this embodiment, the awakening level of the character is set as the condition for unlocking the awakening skill. The above-mentioned status level and awakening level are linked to the character (character card). The player can increase the status level and awakening level separately. As shown in FIG. 6B, the character details screen 160 is provided with a close operation section 163a and an enhancement operation section 163b. When the enhancement operation section 163b is tapped, the character enhancement screen 165 is displayed on the display 26.

Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the character strengthening screen 165. The character strengthening screen 165 is displayed when the strengthening operation section 163b of the character details screen 160 is tapped, and when the strengthening screen selection operation section 102b is tapped. Character icons 151 corresponding to possessed characters are displayed from the center downward of the character strengthening screen 165. When a character icon 151 is tapped by the player, the character corresponding to the tapped character icon 151 becomes selected.

When the strengthening operation section 163b of the character details screen 160 is tapped to display the character strengthening screen 165, the character that was selected on the character details screen 160 remains selected when the character strengthening screen 165 starts to be displayed. Information about the selected character is displayed at the top of the character strengthening screen 165.

Specifically, the character strengthening screen 165 has an awakening tab 167a, a hint tab 167b, and a status tab 167c. When the awakening tab 167a is tapped, awakening skill display fields 168a, 168b, 168c, and 168d are displayed. When the character strengthening screen 165 starts to be displayed, the awakening tab 167a is selected, and the awakening skill display fields 168a, 168b, 168c, and 168d are displayed. The names of the awakening skills corresponding to the awakening levels are written in the awakening skill display fields 168a, 168b, 168c, and 168d, respectively.

An awakening level enhancement button 169a is provided below the character enhancement screen 165. When the awakening level enhancement button 169a is tapped, a confirmation screen (not shown) is displayed. This confirmation screen displays the items required to increase the awakening level, and that consuming these items will increase the awakening level. When a specified operation is input on the confirmation screen, the awakening level of the selected character is increased.

In this embodiment, the awakening level of each character is initially set to level 1. By consuming items, the player can increase the character's awakening level up to a maximum of level 5. One awakening skill is associated with each awakening level. By increasing the awakening level, the awakening skill corresponding to the increased awakening level is unlocked. Specifically, when the awakening level reaches level 2, the awakening skill corresponding to level 2 is unlocked. Similarly, when the awakening level reaches level 5, the awakening skill corresponding to level 5 is unlocked.

In this way, each character is set with four awakening skills. Furthermore, by increasing the awakening level, the player can unlock a number of awakening skills equal to the increase in the awakening level. Once unlocked, awakening skills function as possessed skills that can be acquired.

The awakening skill display columns 168a, 168b, 168c, and 168d display the awakening skills that are unlocked at awakening levels 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. At this time, the awakening skills that have been unlocked are marked as "Unlocked" in the awakening skill display columns 168a, 168b, 168c, and 168d. On the other hand, the awakening skills that have not been unlocked are displayed grayed out in the awakening skill display columns 168a, 168b, 168c, and 168d. Figure 8 shows the awakening level at level 4, with three awakening skills unlocked.

Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, when the awakening skill display fields 168a, 168b, 168c, and 168d are pressed and held, detailed information such as the content of each awakening skill is displayed. When the hint tab 167b is tapped, a hint level enhancement screen (not shown) is displayed. On the hint level enhancement screen, the hint level of possessed skills (described below) can be increased by consuming items.

When the status tab 167c is tapped, a status level enhancement screen (not shown) is displayed. On the status level enhancement screen, the character's status level can be increased by consuming items. The character enhancement screen 165 is provided with a return operation unit 169b. When the return operation unit 169b is tapped, the character enhancement screen 165 is closed and the character details screen 160 is displayed.

In addition, when the player taps the event operation section 162 on the character details screen 160, the content of the character details screen 160 changes as shown in FIG. 6C, and a dedicated event display section 162a showing a dedicated event provided for each character is displayed. A dedicated event occurs when a predetermined condition is met in the training main game. When a dedicated event occurs, a story image related to the character appearing in the training game is displayed, or the value of an ability parameter changes.

Figure 7D is a diagram explaining exclusive events. As shown in Figure 7D, multiple exclusive events are linked to each character. As shown in Figure 6C, the character details screen 160 displays the exclusive events linked to the character. Note that exclusive events include hint events that allow a character to possess or acquire a skill, ability events that increase or decrease the numerical value of a character's ability parameters, etc.

The exclusive events displayed on the character detail screen 160 shown in FIG. 6C may be executed in their entirety while the training main game is being played, or at least some of them may be executed while the training main game is being played, or if a specified condition is not met, none of them may be executed while the training main game is being played. Also, the number of exclusive events provided for each character may increase, for example, as the character's level increases, in-game currency or items are consumed, etc. Also, if a specified condition is met, an exclusive event that is not displayed as an exclusive event may be executed during the training main game.

As shown in Figs. 6B and 6C, a close operation section 163a is displayed at the bottom of the character details screen 160. When the close operation section 163a of the character details screen 160 is tapped, the display of the character details screen 160 is terminated, and the development target character selection screen 150 is displayed on the display 26.

When the return operation unit 153 is tapped on the character to be trained selection screen 150 shown in FIG. 6A, the home screen 100 shown in FIG. 3A is displayed on the display 26. The character to be trained selection screen 150 also has a training information display button 155. When the training information display button 155 is tapped, a training information display screen (not shown) is displayed. The player can check information about the character selected on the character to be trained selection screen 150 on the training information display screen.

The objective of the training game is to generate a stronger character by training a character that the player has selected as the character to be trained from among the characters they own. As will be explained in more detail later, the training main game is made up of multiple turns, and the player must train the character to be trained and enter it in races each turn.

Each character has multiple goals set for completion. On the training information display screen, the goals set for the selected character can be confirmed. Races in which the character to be trained can run are predefined for each turn. The goals for completion include having the character to be trained run in a specific race in a specific turn and achieve a specific ranking.

In addition, when a character to be trained runs in a race, the character to be trained can gain fans. For each race, the base number of fans that can be gained is set according to the finishing position, and the higher the finishing position, the more fans the character will gain. Also, a difficulty level is set for each race, and the more difficult the race, the more fans it is possible to gain.

The number of fans that can be gained by participating in a race is calculated by adding the number of bonuses gained to the base number that is set for each finishing position. Specifically, a correction value is determined based on the race results, and the base number is multiplied by the correction value to calculate the number of bonuses gained. The sum of the bonus and base numbers is the number of fans that the character to be trained will gain. For example, if the race result is first place, the greater the difference between the character to be trained and the character that came second, the greater the correction value. Also, if the race result is second to fifth place, the smaller the difference between the character to be trained and the character that came first, the greater the correction value.

The character being trained will also activate a skill (an acquired skill) with a certain probability during the race. At this time, the more skills that are activated, the larger the correction value. In this way, conditions for adding fans are set for each race, and the number of fans acquired increases depending on various race results other than the finishing order and the progress during the race. However, the number of fans acquired by the character being trained will be at least equal to or greater than the base number of fans that corresponds to the finishing order.

Some races have a specified number of fans as a condition for entry. If the number of fans acquired by the character to be trained is less than the specified number of fans as a condition for entry, the player cannot enter the character to be trained in that race. The more difficult the race, the greater the number of fans required for entry. Therefore, if a race that has a specified number of fans as a condition for entry is set as the target race to be cleared (hereinafter referred to as the target race), the character to be trained must have acquired the specified number of fans for the target race by the turn in which the target race is held.

Furthermore, the completion goal includes acquiring a predetermined number of fans by a predetermined turn. The completion goal also includes, for example, coming in first in a difficult race (e.g., GI) a predetermined number of times or more within the range of a predetermined turn. In this way, multiple completion goals are set for each character. By achieving the completion goal, the player can continue the training main game until the final turn. On the other hand, if the completion goal is not achieved, the training main game ends with that turn.

Therefore, if the character being trained has not acquired the number of fans required for the target race by the turn in which the target race is held, the character cannot participate in the target race. In this case, the clear goal will not be achieved, and the training game will end.

In the main training game, various parameters of the character being trained increase with each turn, so the more turns you play, the stronger the character you can create. Therefore, when playing the main training game, you need to increase the parameters of the character being trained so that you can clear all of the clear objectives.

In general, the completion goal set for each character is fixed, and the same completion goal is set as the task each time the training game is played. However, there may be characters that are set with completion goals that change depending on the progress of the training main game, or characters that allow the player to select the completion goal.

When the training game is completed, a training character is generated. When the training game is completed, an evaluation point is calculated for the training character, and a training rank is derived based on the evaluation point. The evaluation point is calculated based on a preset formula, such as a point calculated from various parameters of the character to be trained at the time training is completed, a point calculated from acquired skills, etc. The training information display screen displays information indicating the rank, evaluation point, name, and registration date of the top three training characters with the highest evaluation points among the training characters trained based on the selected character.

Although we will not go into detail here, the character training game has multiple scenarios. The basic game specifications are the same for each scenario, but some functions differ from one scenario to the next. The training information display screen shows the scenario that was selected when each character was trained.

As described above, the player can select a character to be trained while checking various information about each character on the training character selection screen 150 shown in FIG. 6A. Then, when the next operation unit 154 is tapped on the training character selection screen 150, the selected character is set as the character to be trained, and the inherited character selection screen 170 is displayed on the display 26.

<Registering a successor character>
Fig. 9A is a first diagram illustrating an inheritance character selection screen 170. Fig. 9B is a first diagram illustrating a development character list screen 180. Fig. 9C is a second diagram illustrating the inheritance character selection screen 170. Fig. 9D is a third diagram illustrating the inheritance character selection screen 170. The inheritance character selection screen 170 is a screen for the player to register an inheritance character.

An inherited character is a character that inherits ability values, skills, etc. to the character being trained. A player can select two inherited characters from the character he or she owns and representative characters of other players extracted according to certain extraction conditions, such as representative characters of friends such as followers, and organize and register them in a deck. Note that only one representative character of other players can be organized in a deck as an inherited character in one training game.

The inheritance character selection screen 170 has an ability parameter display section 152a, an aptitude parameter display section 152b, a first inheritance character selection area 171a, and a second inheritance character selection area 171b. When the screen transitions from the development target character selection screen 150 to the inheritance character selection screen 170, as shown in FIG. 9A, the first inheritance character selection area 171a and the second inheritance character selection area 171b are displayed as blanks.

When the first inherited character selection area 171a or the second inherited character selection area 171b is tapped, the development character list screen 180 shown in FIG. 9B is displayed. The development character list screen 180 has a My Character tab 181a and a Rental tab 181b. In addition, below the My Character tab 181a and the Rental tab 181b, a development character list display area is provided. A development character icon 182 is displayed in the development character list display area.

When the My Character tab 181a is selected, as shown in FIG. 9B, a character icon 182 corresponding to a character possessed by the player is displayed. Although not shown, when the Rental tab 181b is selected, a character icon 182 corresponding to a friend's representative character, i.e., a character that the friend has raised, is displayed.

When the development character icon 182 is tapped, the development character corresponding to the development character icon 182 is provisionally selected. When the development character icon 182 is tapped, the inheritance character selection screen 170 is displayed as shown in FIG. 9C. At this time, for example, when the first inheritance character selection area 171a is tapped and the development character list screen 180 is displayed, if the development character icon 182 is tapped on the development character list screen 180, an image showing the development character that is provisionally selected is displayed in the first inheritance character selection area 171a.

In this state, for example, the second inheritance character selection area 171b is tapped to display the development character list screen 180, and when the development character icon 182 is tapped on the development character list screen 180, an image showing the development character that is in a provisionally selected state is displayed in the second inheritance character selection area 171b, as shown in FIG. 9D.

In addition, information related to the inherited character used when developing the development character is linked to and stored in the development character. The first inherited character selection area 171a displays information related to the inherited character used when developing the development character.

Figure 10 is a diagram explaining the inheritance system. In a training game, various benefits are provided, such as increasing the ability parameters and aptitude parameters of the character to be trained, based on the factor information possessed by the inheritance character. Here, two inheritance characters are set for one character to be trained, but these inheritance characters are training characters that were previously generated. Therefore, when a training character to be set as an inheritance character is generated, two inheritance characters are also set for that training character.

As shown in FIG. 10, the character to be trained in the main training game that is about to begin is defined as the current generation. The two characters set as inherited characters for this character to be trained are defined as the first generation of inheritance. Furthermore, the two characters are set as inherited characters for the first generation of inheritance characters when training begins. The two characters that were set as inherited characters when the first generation of inheritance characters were generated are defined as the second generation of inheritance.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, it is the first and second generation inheritance characters that provide utility to the current character being trained. As described above, two inheritance characters (first generation inheritance) are set for one character being trained, so a total of six characters provide utility to the one character being trained.

For example, a first inheritance group is made up of one of the two first-generation inheritance training characters and the two second-generation inheritance training characters that are the inheritance characters of this training character. Similarly, a second inheritance group is made up of the other of the two first-generation inheritance training characters and the two second-generation inheritance training characters that are the inheritance characters of this training character.

As shown in FIG. 9D, the first inheritance character selection area 171a shows icons corresponding to one first-generation inheritance character and two second-generation inheritance characters that make up the first inheritance group. Similarly, the second inheritance character selection area 171b shows icons corresponding to one first-generation inheritance character and two second-generation inheritance characters that make up the second inheritance group.

Figure 11 is a diagram explaining factor information. As will be described in more detail later, when the training game is completed, the character to be trained is registered as a training character, and at this time, factor information is linked and stored to the training character. Specifically, when training of the training character is completed, the factor that the training character will acquire is determined by lottery or the like. Then, factor information indicating the determined factor is linked to the training character. In other words, when the training game is completed, the training character can acquire the factor that was won in the lottery.

However, the factors acquired by a training character do not affect the abilities of that character itself. For example, a training character can be entered in a racing game such as a team competition game. In this race, a simulation, i.e., calculation processing, is carried out to determine the finishing order and race development based on the ability parameters, aptitude parameters, and acquired skills of all the training characters participating. Since the factors possessed by a training character are not used in the calculation processing, even if the character has a large number of factors, it will not be able to advance in the race at an advantage.

The factors possessed by a character being trained only affect the character being trained if that character is set as the succession character. The factors that a character being trained can acquire are classified into multiple types. In FIG. 11, the factor types shown are basic ability factors, aptitude factors, race factors, character factors, and skill factors. Each factor is set to one of multiple stages. Here, three factor levels are set as the factor stages: level 1, level 2, and level 3.

The factor level is determined by lottery. At this time, after the factors that the character to be developed will acquire are determined, the factor level for each of the acquired factors may be determined by lottery. Alternatively, a winning ratio may be set for each combination pattern of factors and factor levels, and one of the combination patterns may be determined based on the set winning ratio. In this case, the acquired factor and factor level are determined at the same time.

Level 3 is the most effective factor level, and level 1 is the least effective. In the lottery to determine the factor level, level 3 is set to have the lowest probability of winning, and level 1 is set to have the highest probability of winning. However, the probability of winning an acquired factor or a factor level may change depending on the results of the training game. In this case, for example, the higher the ability parameters or evaluation points of a training character, the higher the factor level may be determined to be.

Basic ability factors increase the ability parameter values and upper limit of the ability parameters of the character being trained. There are five basic ability factors: speed factor, stamina factor, power factor, tenacity factor, and intelligence factor. A character being trained will always acquire one of the five basic ability factors. The five basic ability factors correspond to the five ability parameters: speed, stamina, power, tenacity, and intelligence. For example, if a first-generation or second-generation character being trained has a speed factor, the value and upper limit of the speed ability parameter of the character being trained will increase.

Figure 12A is a diagram explaining the effects of basic ability factors. The increase in each ability parameter and the increase in the upper limit value differ depending on the factor level of the basic ability factor. For example, if the factor level of the speed factor is level 1, the speed ability parameter of the character being trained will increase by "7", if it is level 2, the ability parameter will increase by "13", and if it is level 3, the ability parameter will increase by "21".

Therefore, if all six characters being trained, two from the first generation of inheritance and four from the second generation of inheritance, have a speed factor of level 3, the speed ability parameter of the character being trained will increase by a maximum of 126 (increase of 21 x 6 characters).

However, each factor has its own activation timing and activation conditions. Therefore, even if the inherited character has a factor, if the activation conditions are not met at the activation timing, the factor will not be of any benefit to the character being trained.

As described above, the training main game is made up of multiple turns, of which certain turns are set as factor activation turns. For example, suppose that the first, 31st, and 55th turns of the training main game are set as factor activation turns. In this case, the first turn is the first activation timing, the 31st turn is the second activation timing, and the 55th turn is the third activation timing. In each factor activation turn, it is determined whether or not to activate each factor (inherited character), and if it is determined that a factor is to be activated, the activation condition for that factor is met and the utility corresponding to the factor is brought about.

Whether or not a basic ability factor is activated is determined by lottery. At this time, the probability of winning the lottery to determine whether or not a basic ability factor is activated, i.e., the probability that a basic ability factor will be activated (hereinafter referred to as activation probability), may be different for the three factor activation turns. Here, in the first turn, the activation probability of a basic ability factor is set to 100% regardless of the factor level. Also, in the 31st and 55th turns, the activation probability of a basic ability factor differs depending on the factor level. As an example, in the 31st and 55th turns, the activation probability of a level 3 basic ability factor is set to 100%, the activation probability of a level 2 basic ability factor is set to 90%, and the activation probability of a level 1 basic ability factor is set to 80%.

The inheritance character selection screen 170 displays the increase value for ability parameters in the first turn. For example, in FIG. 9C, one inheritance character that constitutes the first inheritance group is provisionally selected. In this case, the type of ability parameter that will increase in the first turn for the one provisionally selected inheritance character and the increase value are displayed. Here, "+63" is displayed above the power ability parameter, indicating that the power ability parameter will increase by 63 points in the first turn. Additionally, the ability parameter display section 152a displays a value to which the increase value for the first turn has been added.

In addition, in FIG. 9D, two inheritance characters that make up the first inheritance group and the second inheritance group are provisionally selected. In this case, the type of ability parameter that will increase in the first turn for the two provisionally selected inheritance characters and the increase value are displayed. Here, "+21", "+63", and "+42" are displayed above the speed, power, and intelligence ability parameters, respectively, indicating that in the first turn, the speed, power, and intelligence ability parameters will increase by 21 points, 63 points, and 42 points, respectively.

In addition, on the inheritance character selection screen 170, the increase in ability parameters caused by the inheritance characters that make up the first inheritance group and the increase in ability parameters caused by the inheritance characters that make up the second inheritance group are displayed in a distinguishable manner. For example, in FIG. 9D, the notation "+63" displayed above the power ability parameter and the notations "+21" and "+42" displayed above the speed and intelligence ability parameters are color-coded.

Furthermore, when a basic ability factor is activated, the upper limit of the corresponding ability parameter increases. At this time, the amount by which the upper limit of the ability parameter increases varies depending on the factor level of the basic ability factor. The amount by which the upper limit of the ability parameter increases also varies depending on the timing of activation. For example, if the factor level of a speed factor is level 1, the upper limit of the speed ability parameter of the character being trained will increase by "4" at the first activation, and the upper limit of the speed ability parameter will increase within the range of "1" to "4" at the second and third activation.

If the factor level of the speed factor is level 2, the upper limit of the speed ability parameter of the character to be trained will increase by "9" at the first activation, and the upper limit of the speed ability parameter will increase in the range of "1" to "4" at the second and third activation. If the factor level of the speed factor is level 3, the upper limit of the speed ability parameter of the character to be trained will increase by "16" at the first activation, and the upper limit of the speed ability parameter will increase in the range of "1" to "4" at the second and third activation.

Here, at the first activation timing, the upper limit of the ability parameter will always increase by an increase value corresponding to the factor level. On the other hand, at the second and third activation timing, a lottery is held to see whether or not to activate. Then, if it is decided to activate, a lottery is held to determine the increase value of the upper limit. At this time, the higher the factor level, the higher the probability that it will be determined to be activated. Also, it may be set so that the higher the factor level, the higher the increase value of the upper limit.

In addition, whether or not a basic ability factor is activated may be determined on a factor-by-factor basis, or separately for each utility. For example, when determining whether or not a basic ability factor is activated on a factor-by-factor basis, assume that it is decided to activate that basic ability factor. In this case, the value of the corresponding ability parameter increases according to the factor level, and the upper limit value of the same ability parameter also increases.

On the other hand, when determining whether or not to activate one basic ability factor for each utility, the decision as to whether to increase the ability parameter value and the decision as to whether to increase the upper limit are each made by separate lotteries. Therefore, in this case, for example, only one of the ability parameter value and the ability parameter upper limit may increase. In any case, in this embodiment, the basic ability factor is always activated at the first activation timing. As a result, with the start of the main training game, the ability parameter value and upper limit increase according to the factor level.

As shown in Figures 9C and 9D, the initial upper limit value of the ability parameter displayed in the ability parameter display section 152a of the inheritance character selection screen 170 has been updated to a value to which the additional value of the upper limit value that increases due to basic ability factors has been added. In this way, the initial upper limit value that takes into account the scenario initial additional value and the additional value due to basic ability factors is displayed, improving convenience when selecting an inheritance character.

The suitability factors shown in FIG. 11 increase the suitability parameters of the character being trained. There are six suitability factors: turf factor, dirt factor, short distance factor, mile factor, medium distance factor, and long distance factor. A character being trained will always acquire one of the six suitability factors. The six suitability factors correspond to turf suitability, dirt suitability, short distance suitability, mile suitability, medium distance suitability, and long distance suitability, respectively. For example, if the first or second generation of inherited characters includes a character having a turf factor, the suitability parameter for turf suitability of the character being trained will increase.

Aptitude factors also have activation timing and conditions set, and in the same factor activation turn as basic ability factors, it is decided whether or not to activate each aptitude factor. When it is decided that an aptitude factor will be activated, the corresponding aptitude parameter increases by one stage. As an example, in the first turn, the activation probability of an aptitude factor is set to 100%, regardless of the factor level.

For example, suppose the aptitude factors of three characters in the first inheritance group are grass, short distance, and mile, respectively, and the aptitude factors of three characters in the second inheritance group are grass, short distance, and medium distance, respectively. In this case, the grass aptitude and short distance aptitude of the characters to be trained will each increase by two stages, and the mile aptitude and medium distance aptitude will each increase by one stage.

For example, suppose that the aptitude factors of three characters in the first inheritance group are all grass factors, and that the aptitude factors of three characters in the second inheritance group are all short-distance factors. In this case, the grass aptitude and short-distance aptitude of the character to be trained will each increase by three stages. As yet another example, suppose that the aptitude factors of three characters in the first inheritance group are all grass factors, and that the aptitude factors of three characters in the second inheritance group are grass factors, short-distance factors, and mile factors, respectively. In this case, the grass aptitude of the character to be trained will increase by four stages, and the short-distance aptitude and mile aptitude will each increase by one stage.

However, in the first turn, there is a limit to the increase in aptitude parameters. Specifically, in the first turn, the upper limit for all aptitude parameters is set to A. Therefore, if the initial value of the character to be trained's turf aptitude is A, then turf aptitude will not increase in the first turn, even if the inherited character has a turf factor.

In contrast, in turns 31 and 55, a lottery is held for each aptitude factor to see whether it will be activated or not, based on the factor level. As an example, in turns 31 and 55, the activation probability of a level 3 aptitude factor is set to 5%, the activation probability of a level 2 aptitude factor to 3%, and the activation probability of a level 1 aptitude factor to 1%. If the activation of an aptitude factor is determined by lottery in turns 31 or 55, the aptitude parameter corresponding to the aptitude factor increases. Note that in turns 31 and 55, the upper limit of each aptitude is raised from A to S. Therefore, in turns 31 and 55, the aptitude parameter value can be raised to S by activating an aptitude factor.

The aptitude parameter display section 152b on the inherited character selection screen 170 displays the aptitude parameter value after it has increased in the first turn.

Race factors increase the ability parameters of the character being trained. Race factors are provided for each difficult race (hereafter referred to as factor target races), such as GI races, among the races that can be entered in the main training game. At the completion of the training game, a lottery is held for each factor target race in which the character being trained comes in first to determine whether or not the character will acquire a race factor. By winning this lottery, the character being trained can acquire a race factor.

Factor levels are also assigned to race factors, and the factor level for each race factor that is decided to be acquired is determined by lottery. Also, here, there is no upper limit to the number of race factors that one training character can acquire, and a training character can acquire multiple race factors.

Each race factor is preset with the ability parameter that it increases when activated and the amount by which it increases. For example, race factors include those that increase the ability parameter of speed and those that increase the ability parameter of power. In this case, the higher the factor level, the higher the ability parameter increase amount.

In addition, race factors also have activation timing and activation conditions set, and on the factor activation turn, it is decided for each race factor whether or not it will be activated. If it is decided that a race factor will be activated, the ability parameters corresponding to the race factor will increase. Note that the factor activation turns for race factors are limited to the 31st and 55th turns. Furthermore, the activation probability of a race factor on the factor activation turn varies depending on the factor level, and the higher the factor level, the higher the activation probability.

A character factor is a factor unique to a character, and only when a character that has been strengthened to a specified level is trained as the character to be trained, the character factor set for that character will always be given to the trained character when the training game is completed. Note that only one character factor is set per character, so a trained character can only acquire a maximum of one character factor. Furthermore, if a trained character is generated based on a character that has not been strengthened to the specified level, it cannot acquire a character factor.

In addition, character factors can be activated on preset factor activation turns, and are activated by winning a lottery held on the factor activation turn. When a character factor is activated, a hint event set for that character factor occurs, and as described above, skill hints can be obtained. In addition, when a character factor is activated, the upper limit of a certain ability parameter increases.

Figure 12B is a diagram explaining the effects of character factors. The increase in the upper limit of ability parameters due to character factors is limited to the second and third activation timing. However, a character factor may also be activated at the first activation timing. If a character factor is activated at the first activation timing, as described above, the character being trained will obtain a skill hint, but the upper limit of ability parameters will not increase.

In addition, when a character factor is activated for the second or third time, in addition to acquiring a skill hint, the upper limit of the ability parameter increases. Here, regardless of the factor level, the upper limit of the ability parameter increases within the range of "3" to "6". The increase in the upper limit is determined by lottery, for example. At this time, it may be set so that the higher the factor level, the higher the increase.

In addition, in this embodiment, the ability parameters whose upper limit values increase when a character factor is activated are preset for each character factor. For example, character factor A increases the upper limit value of stamina by a range of "3" to "6", and character factor B increases the upper limit value of speed by "1" and the upper limit value of tenacity by "2", or increases the upper limit value of speed by "2" and the upper limit value of tenacity by "2". Note that whether or not a character factor is activated may be determined on a factor-by-factor basis, as with the basic ability factors described above, or may be determined separately for each utility.

The skill factors shown in FIG. 11 are granted based on the skills that the training character has acquired. Specifically, at the completion of the training game, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to acquire a skill factor for each skill that the training character has acquired. If the lottery is won, the skill factor is granted to the training character. In other words, the training character can acquire some or all of the skill factors that correspond to the acquired skills that it has acquired. When it is decided to acquire a skill factor, the factor level of that skill factor is determined by lottery.

Skill factors can be activated on preset factor activation turns, and are activated by winning a lottery held on the factor activation turn. The higher the factor level, the higher the probability of winning. When a skill factor is activated, a hint event set for each skill factor occurs, and a hint for the skill can be obtained. This allows the character to be trained to acquire skills similar to those already acquired by the inherited character, etc.

In this way, whether or not a skill factor is acquired is determined within the range of skills that the character has already acquired. Therefore, the more skills a character has already acquired, the higher the chance of acquiring a skill factor. However, because whether or not a skill factor is acquired is determined by lottery, it is possible that a character will not be able to acquire a skill factor even if they have already acquired many skills.

Note that, here, the training character acquires a skill factor in addition to the skills already acquired, but instead of providing a skill factor, the skills that the character to be trained can acquire may be determined based on the skills already acquired by the training character as the inheritance character.

As described above, the ability parameters of the character to be trained vary greatly depending on the inheriting character to be organized into the deck. Furthermore, even if the training character itself has high abilities, whether or not it acquires factors is determined by lottery, so a training character with high abilities is not necessarily suitable as an inheriting character. On the other hand, even if the training character itself does not have high abilities, it may still function effectively as an inheriting character by acquiring many factors with high factor levels. In this way, by making it possible to organize inheriting characters into a deck, it is possible to enjoy not only training a powerful training character, but also training a training character that is effective as an inheriting character.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, compatibility is determined between the character to be trained, the first generation of characters to be inherited, and the second generation of characters to be inherited. Then, in the case of a combination of characters with good compatibility, the conditions for activating factors are favorable.

Figure 13A is a diagram explaining compatibility judgment targets, and Figure 13B is a diagram explaining compatibility judgment items. As shown in Figure 13A, in this embodiment, seven judgment targets are provided, No. 1 to No. 7. The first judgment target (No. 1) is the current character to be raised and the first inherited generation of raised characters in the first inheritance group. The second judgment target (No. 2) is the current character to be raised and the first inherited generation of raised characters in the second inheritance group.

The third object of judgment (No. 3) is the first-generation inheritance character in the first inheritance group, and the first-generation inheritance character in the second inheritance group. The fourth object of judgment (No. 4) is the current character to be raised, the first-generation inheritance character in the first inheritance group, and one of the second-generation inheritance characters in the first inheritance group (raising character A). The fifth object of judgment (No. 5) is the current character to be raised, the first-generation inheritance character in the first inheritance group, and the other of the second-generation inheritance character in the first inheritance group (raising character B).

The sixth object of judgment (No. 6) is the current character to be raised, the first-generation inheritance character in the second inheritance group, and one of the second-generation inheritance characters in the second inheritance group (raising character A). The seventh object of judgment (No. 7) is the current character to be raised, the first-generation inheritance character in the second inheritance group, and one of the second-generation inheritance characters in the second inheritance group (raising character B).

For each of the above-mentioned objects to be judged, a judgment is made as to whether or not a condition is met for each of a number of judgment items. FIG. 13B shows an example of a judgment item. In this embodiment, the world view of the game is set in such a way that the characters that can be selected as characters to be trained are students, and each character trains at school.

As shown in FIG. 13B, each character is preset with settings such as grade, colleague, and friend. The judgment items include, for example, whether the two or three characters being judged are in the same grade, colleague, or friend. The judgment items also include whether the character being judged has a match in terms of the running style, distance suitability, and field suitability that they are good at.

Each judgment item is associated with an expected compatibility value, and the expected compatibility values of judgment items that are true between the characters being judged are accumulated. Here, the expected compatibility values differ depending on the judgment item, but the expected compatibility values may be common to all judgment items.

For example, when judging compatibility, first, it is judged whether all judgment items are met between the current character to be trained, who is the first judgment target, and the first generation of inherited characters to be trained in the first inheritance group. At this time, the compatibility expectation values linked to the judgment items that are met are accumulated and counted. In this way, the compatibility expectation values are counted in order from the first judgment target to the seventh judgment target, and the probability of factor activation is corrected based on the final calculated compatibility expectation value. In other words, the higher the compatibility expectation value, the higher the probability of all factors being activated, and the lower the compatibility expectation value, the lower the probability of all factors being activated.

The activation probability may be calculated using the calculated compatibility expectation value as a correction value. Also, for example, a correction value that corrects the activation probability of a factor may be set for each compatibility level, and the compatibility level may be determined by the calculated compatibility expectation value.

As such, the probability of a factor activating varies depending on the compatibility between the character being trained and the inheriting character, or between the inheriting characters themselves, so the combination of two inheriting characters will have a significant impact on the training of the character being trained. In other words, the compatibility between characters is an important factor to consider when selecting an inheriting character.

As shown in Figures 9B, 9C, and 9D, when an inheritance character is selected, a compatibility mark indicating good compatibility is displayed in the upper right corner of the inheritance character selection screen 170 and the development character list screen 180. Here, the compatibility level with the selected character is indicated by three compatibility marks: ◎, O, and △. Note that, as shown in Figure 9A, when an inheritance character is not selected, the compatibility marks are not displayed.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the development character list screen 180 also has a display switch button 183. When the display switch button 183 is operated, a display condition setting screen (not shown) is displayed. On the display condition setting screen, the player can rearrange or narrow down the development character icons 182 displayed on the development character list screen 180, i.e., the development characters that can be selected as inheritance characters.

<Support card registration>
Fig. 14A is a first diagram illustrating a support card organization screen 190. When two inheritance characters are registered on the inheritance character selection screen 170, the support card organization screen 190 shown in Fig. 14A is displayed. A support card display area 191 is provided in the center of the support card organization screen 190. The support card display area 191 includes a plurality of support card display frames 192. In addition, a return operation unit 153 and a start operation unit 193 are displayed in the lower part of the support card organization screen 190.

The support card display area 191 displays multiple support card display frames 192 (six in this example). The same number of support card display frames 192 as the number of support cards that the player can set are displayed. When the support card organization screen 190 is first displayed, the support card display frames 192 are displayed blank.

In this embodiment, the player can set six types of support cards to the deck. Of the six types that the player can set, some (e.g., five types) can be selected from the support cards that the player owns. In addition, of the six types that the player can set, the other part (e.g., one type) can be selected from the support cards that other players, such as friends, have set as rental cards.

Figure 14B is a diagram illustrating the support card selection screen 200. When the support card display frame 192 (excluding the support card display frame 192 displayed in the lower right) is tapped on the support card organization screen 190 of Figure 14A, the support card selection screen 200 shown in Figure 14B is displayed on the display 26. The support card selection screen 200 displays a list of card icons 201 corresponding to the support cards possessed by the player. By tapping the card icon 201 displayed on the support card selection screen 200, the player can select a support card.

Although not shown in the figure, when the support card display frame 192 displayed in the bottom right of the support card organization screen 190 is tapped, the support cards set as rental cards by friends or players selected based on predetermined conditions such as a lottery are displayed on the support card selection screen 200. At this time, by tapping the support cards displayed on the support card selection screen 200, the player can select one of the friend's support cards. In this way, players can use support cards owned by other players in the training game.

Figure 15A is a diagram explaining the support card table. As shown in Figure 15A, the support card table stores the type of support character (i.e., character ID), rarity, level, and favorite training for each type of support card (i.e., support card ID) owned by the player. Support characters have a one-to-one correspondence with support card types. In other words, one support card ID is always associated with one character ID. In other words, one support card is always associated with one support character.

In this embodiment, a rarity is set for each support card. There are three levels of rarity: R (rare), SR (super rare), and SSR (super special rare). R is set as the lowest rarity, and SSR is set as the highest rarity. In this embodiment, the higher the rarity of the support card, the stronger the support effect, which will be described later. Also, in this embodiment, the higher the rarity of the support card, the greater the number of possessed skills and the number of support events, which will be described later.

There are 50 levels for Support Cards, from Level 1 to Level 50. The player can increase the level of the Support Card, and the level increased by the player is stored for each Support Card. The level of the Support Card can be increased by using in-game currency, items, etc. The level of the Support Card is capped depending on the rarity.

For example, the maximum level for support cards with a rarity of R is 20, the maximum level for support cards with a rarity of SR is 25, and the maximum level for support cards with a rarity of SSR is 30.

The upper level limit can be increased in stages when certain conditions are met. For example, the upper level limit of a support card with a rarity of R can be increased up to a maximum of level 40, the upper level limit of a support card with a rarity of SR can be increased up to a maximum of level 45, and the upper level limit of a support card with a rarity of SSR can be increased up to a maximum of level 50.

Figure 15B is a diagram explaining the support effects. As shown in Figure 15B, multiple support effects are stored in each support card. The support effects increase various statuses in the training main game. Support cards are provided with multiple targets for the support effect. Examples of targets for the support effect include physical strength, speed, stamina, power, tenacity, and intelligence.

Figure 15C is a diagram explaining possessed skills. As shown in Figure 15C, multiple possessed skills are set for each support card. In this embodiment, just as each character has a possessed skill, the support card is also linked to a possessed skill. The possessed skill set for each support card can be acquired by the character to be trained selected by the player, or by other characters promoted to team members, which will be described later, when a hint event occurs during the training main game.

Figure 15D is a diagram explaining support events. As shown in Figure 15D, each support card is linked to multiple support events. A support event is an event that may occur while the development main game is being played. When a support event occurs, the values of various statuses in the development main game may increase or decrease.

For example, the support event that occurs may be determined based on the number of turns, or may be determined by a predetermined lottery. Also, multiple support events may be selected per turn. In any case, the support event that occurs may be determined according to a predetermined determination method that has been set in advance.

The support events may include hint events and ability events. The hint events may include a first hint event that may occur when a turn in the training game starts, and a second hint event that may occur after training in the training game, which will be described later. The ability events may include a first ability event that may occur when a turn in the training game starts, and a second ability event that may occur after training in the training game.

The first hint event and the second hint event are events that allow a character to possess or acquire a skill. Additionally, the first ability event and the second ability event are events that increase or decrease the numerical value of a character's ability parameter. Hereinafter, the first hint event and the first ability event are collectively referred to as the first event, and the second hint event and the second ability event are collectively referred to as the second event.

Figure 14C is a second diagram illustrating the support card organization screen 190. In this embodiment, when all six support cards are selected, the start operation unit 193 becomes operable as shown in Figure 14C. On the other hand, when all six support cards are not selected, the start operation unit 193 becomes inoperable as shown in Figure 14A.

When the return operation unit 153 is operated on the support card organization screen 190, the inherited character selection screen 170 shown in FIG. 9D is displayed on the display 26. Also, as shown in FIG. 14C, when the start operation unit 193 is tapped on the support card organization screen 190, the selected support card is provisionally registered, and the final confirmation screen 205 shown in FIG. 16A is displayed.

Figure 16A is a diagram explaining the final confirmation screen 205. Figure 16B is a diagram explaining the preset selection screen 205A. The final confirmation screen 205 displays the character to be developed selected by the player, the development characters that make up the first inheritance group, the development characters that make up the second inheritance group, and support cards. The final confirmation screen 205 also displays a preset display section 205a. The preset display section 205a shows the number of the currently selected preset.

Here, a preset is reservation information for a race in which a character to be trained will compete in the training main game. The player can create a preset by selecting any race from all races. It is possible to save multiple presets, and on the final confirmation screen 205, one of the saved presets can be selected. Specifically, when the preset display section 205a is tapped, a preset selection screen 205A shown in FIG. 16B is displayed.

Preset selection screen 205A displays preset read buttons 206a corresponding to the saved presets. The player can set a preset by tapping one of the preset read buttons 206a and then tapping the select operation unit 206c. When the select operation unit 206c is tapped, the preset selection screen 205A is closed and the final confirmation screen 205 is displayed. When the cancel operation unit 206b on the preset selection screen 205A is tapped, the preset selection screen 205A is displayed without changing the preset.

When the cancel operation section 205c is tapped on the final confirmation screen 205, the support card organization screen 190 is displayed. On the other hand, when the start operation section 205b is tapped, the top screen 210 (FIG. 18A) is displayed on the display 26.

<Registering a specific character>
4, after the scenario, the character to be trained, the succession character, and the support card are registered, the specific character is registered. The specific character is determined in advance for each scenario, and the character corresponding to the scenario selected by the player is set as the specific character.

As described above, the preparation stage process ends when the character to be trained, the successor character, the support character (support card), and the specific character are stored.

<Growth stage treatment>
When the preparation stage process is completed, the training stage process is started. The training stage process progresses the training main game in which the character to be trained can be trained. In the following, for ease of understanding, the basic flow of the training main game will first be described.

Figure 17 is a diagram explaining the options available in each turn. Note that the options available in each turn differ depending on the type of character being trained. However, the options available in each turn may be the same regardless of the type of character being trained. As shown in Figure 17, the training main game is made up of turns 1 to 78. Various parameters are updated depending on the option selected by the player in each turn.

Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the top screen 210. When the process moves to the training stage, the top screen 210 shown in Figure 18 is displayed on the display 26. A stamina display section 211 and a condition display section 212 are displayed at the top of the top screen 210. A "stamina" parameter is provided for the character to be trained. The "stamina" parameter is primarily used to calculate the failure rate, which is the probability of failing a training session, as described below. The stamina display section 211 is displayed so that the current remaining "stamina" of the character to be trained can be visually grasped relative to the upper limit of "stamina".

The character being trained is also provided with a "condition" parameter. The condition display section 212 displays the current "condition" of the character being trained in multiple stages (five stages: very poor condition, poor condition, normal condition, good condition, and excellent condition) so that the character being trained can be visually grasped. The higher the "condition" parameter, the more advantageous the character being trained will be in the race, and the greater the increase in ability parameters through training.

As shown in FIG. 18, an image of the character to be trained, a status display section 213, and a skill point display section 214 are displayed in the center of the top screen 210. The status display section 213 displays the current status of the character to be trained as a numerical value and an alphabet indicating a rank separated by the numerical value. Specifically, in this embodiment, the numerical value and rank of each ability parameter of speed, stamina, power, tenacity, and intelligence are displayed. Furthermore, the skill point display section 214 displays the skill points possessed by the character to be trained as a numerical value.

As shown in FIG. 18, a rest operation section 215, a training operation section 216, a skill operation section 217, an outing operation section 218, and a race operation section 219 are displayed at the bottom of the top screen 210. The current number of turns is also displayed at the top left of the top screen 210.

In addition, the player can select one of the following items during each turn: the rest operation section 215, the training operation section 216, the outing operation section 218, and the race operation section 219.

The player can select the option "Rest" by operating the rest operation unit 215. When "Rest" is selected, the physical strength of the character to be trained is restored. In addition, the player can select the training to be performed by the character to be trained by operating the training operation unit 216.

The player can also select the option "Going Out" by operating the Going Out operation unit 218. When "Going Out" is selected, the condition of the character to be trained improves. The player can also select the type of race in which the character to be trained will run by operating the Race operation unit 219.

When the character being trained takes a rest, trains, goes out, or participates in a race, the current turn ends and the next turn begins.

In this embodiment, a race-limited turn is set for each character, during which the rest operation section 215, training operation section 216, and outing operation section 218 cannot be selected. During the race-limited turn, the rest operation section 215, training operation section 216, and outing operation section 218 are displayed as grayed out, and no operations by the player are accepted.

Therefore, in the race-limited turns, the player must operate the race operation unit 219 to enter the character to be developed in a race. Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, as shown in FIG. 17, turns 74, 76, and 78 are set as race-limited turns for all characters. In these three turns, the player must enter the character to be developed in a special race.

The skill operation section 217 is also set to be selectable at all times during every turn. Even if a skill is acquired, the turn does not end, as will be described in more detail below.

FIG. 19A is a first diagram illustrating the training screen 220. FIG. 19B is a second diagram illustrating the training screen 220. When the training operation section 216 on the top screen 210 is operated, the training screen 220 is displayed on the display 26.

As shown in FIG. 19A, training items are displayed at the bottom of the training screen 220. Here, a speed operation section 221, a stamina operation section 222, a power operation section 223, a tenacity operation section 224, and an intelligence operation section 225 are displayed.

When the player operates any of the operation units 221-225, the training item corresponding to the operation unit 221-225 to which the operation input was made becomes provisionally selected. At this time, the operation unit 221-225 corresponding to the provisionally selected training item is highlighted. Figure 19A shows that the power operation unit 223 is provisionally selected. Also, Figure 19B shows that the stamina operation unit 222 is provisionally selected.

When operation input is again made to the speed operation unit 221 in the provisionally selected state, speed training is executed. Similarly, when operation input is again made to the stamina operation unit 222, power operation unit 223, tenacity operation unit 224, or intelligence operation unit 225 in the provisionally selected state, stamina, power, tenacity, and intelligence training are executed, respectively.

In addition, each operation unit 221-225 also displays the training level for each training item. The training level is a parameter that increases based on the number of training sessions, and the higher the training level, the greater the increase in ability parameters when training is performed. The training level is initially set to level 1 and can increase up to a maximum of level 5.

In addition, the operation units 221 to 225 in the provisionally selected state display a failure rate display unit 226. The failure rate displayed as a numerical value in the failure rate display unit 226 is set to increase in inverse proportion to the remaining stamina displayed in the stamina display unit 211.

The status display unit 213 also displays the increase in ability parameters when the training corresponding to the provisionally selected operation units 221-225 is successful. In the example shown in FIG. 19A, the power operation unit 223 is provisionally selected, and "+8" is displayed in the stamina column and "+10" in the power column of the status display unit 213. In the example shown in FIG. 19B, the stamina operation unit 222 is provisionally selected, and "+15" is displayed in the stamina column and "+5" in the tenacity column of the status display unit 213.

In addition, when a training session is performed and successful, a specific event may occur. In this case, an event notification display 227 is displayed on the operation units 221-225 corresponding to the training item in which the specific event occurs. Note that the event notification display 227 may be displayed in different ways depending on the type of event.

In addition, in a turn in which training can be performed, a character may be placed in each training item. The characters that may be placed in the training items are the above-mentioned support characters, specific characters, other team member or sub-member characters, and even story characters that are set separately from the above. In a turn in which training can be performed, for each character that may be placed in training, whether or not it will be placed in a training item and the training item to be placed in are determined by lottery.

As shown in FIG. 19B, in the upper right corner of the training screen 220, for each of the provisionally selected operation units 221-225, a placed character icon 228 corresponding to the character placed in the training (hereinafter referred to as a placed character) is displayed. If the training is successful, a specified event linked to the placed character may occur. In this case, an event notification display 227 is displayed on the corresponding placed character icon 228.

In addition, if training linked to a placed character is successful, the parameter increase value of the character being trained will be higher than if training not linked to any placed character is successful. Note that below, training with a placed character will be referred to as joint training.

In addition, a bond gauge 228a is displayed below the placed character icon 228. The bond gauge 228a visually displays the bond parameters linked to the placed character. When the placed character is successful in the training linked to the placed character, the bond parameters of the placed character increase. The higher the value of the bond parameter, the greater the increase in the ability parameters of the character being developed when the training is successful.

In addition, when a support character with a bond parameter equal to or greater than a predetermined value is placed in a predetermined training item, a friendship training state is set for that training item. When a training item for which a friendship training state is set is selected and training is successful, friendship training occurs. In other words, when training in a state in which friendship training can occur is successful, regular joint training is promoted to friendship training. In friendship training, the increase in the ability parameters of the character being trained is greater than in regular joint training.

Note that support cards (support characters) are linked to one of five training items - speed, stamina, power, tenacity, and intelligence - as a specialty training. Here, the conditions for setting a state in which friendship training can occur are that the support character is placed in the specialty training and that the support character's bond parameter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

Therefore, when a support character with a bond parameter equal to or greater than a predetermined value is placed in the support character's specialty training, a friendship training state is set for this training item. Then, when a training item for which a friendship training state is set, is selected and this training is successful, the ability parameters of the character being trained will increase significantly compared to normal joint training.

Note that the support cards (support characters) may include support cards (support characters) that are not linked to a specialty training. A friendship training enabling state may be set for support cards (support characters) that are not linked to a specialty training, regardless of the training item that is placed on them, provided that the support character's bond parameter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Alternatively, a friendship training enabling state may not be set for support cards (support characters) that are not linked to a specialty training.

As described above, in this embodiment, the conditions for setting a state in which friendship training can occur are that the support character's bond parameter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and that the support character is placed in a pre-set training item.

FIG. 19C is a diagram illustrating the training result notification screen 220a. As described above, when an operation input is again made to one of the operation units 221-225 in the provisionally selected state, the training corresponding to the operation unit 221-225 to which the operation was input is executed. When the training is executed, the training result notification screen 220a is displayed on the display 26. The training result notification screen 220a displays an image notifying the success or failure of the training.

Although not shown in the figure, when normal joint training is carried out, an image of the character being trained performing training is displayed on the training result notification screen 220a. The images displayed at this time are provided for each training item. In addition, the images corresponding to each training item are provided with a success pattern that is displayed when the training is successful, and a failure pattern that is displayed when the training is unsuccessful.

In addition, if a training session for which a friendship training occurrence state has been set is successful, a special friendship training effect is executed. The special friendship training effect includes an effect in which a support character is displayed on the training result notification screen 220a. The support character displayed at this time is a character that satisfies the setting conditions for the friendship training occurrence state.

For example, suppose that character A, a support character, is placed in the speed training item. At this time, suppose that character A's bond parameter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and that character A's (support card) specialty training is speed. In this case, the speed training item is in a state where friendship training can occur. In this state, suppose that the speed training item is selected, and speed training is successful. In this case, an image including character A is displayed on the training result notification screen 220a.

In addition, in one turn, multiple support characters placed in the same training item may satisfy the setting conditions for a friendship training event to occur. For example, assume that four support characters, characters A, B, C, and D, are placed in a stamina training item. At this time, assume that characters A, B, C, and D all satisfy the setting conditions for a friendship training event to occur. In this case, a special friendship training presentation is executed on the training result notification screen 220a, where characters A, B, C, and D are displayed simultaneously or in sequence.

The friendship training-only performance involves a character who meets the conditions for setting the friendship training possible state and the character being trained training together. Therefore, it can be said that the friendship training possible state is set for support characters in addition to training items.

Although not shown in the figure, a placed character icon 228 corresponding to a placed character for which a friendship training state has been set, is displayed with a superimposed effect. This allows the player to identify which placed character friendship training will occur for. Furthermore, when a friendship training state is set for any training item, an effect is also superimposed on the training operation section 216 of the top screen 210. Therefore, the player can understand on the top screen 210 that a friendship training state has been set.

In addition, on the training result notification screen 220a, the ability parameters of the status display section 213 are updated and displayed. That is, the ability parameters of the character to be trained that correspond to the training item selected by the player are updated.

Here, the value of the ability parameter that increases if the training displayed in the status display section 213 in FIG. 19A or 19B is successful is added. Also, the display in the stamina display section 211 is updated according to the training item that was performed. If the speed, stamina, power, or tenacity training is successful, stamina decreases. On the other hand, if intelligence training is successful, stamina is restored.

If training fails, a specified penalty is given. Specific examples of the penalty include a decrease in stamina, a decrease in the numerical value of an ability parameter, a decrease in condition, etc. For example, the penalty given when the failure rate is high can be more disadvantageous (for example, a greater decrease in stamina, a greater decrease in the numerical value of an ability parameter, or a greater decrease in condition) than the penalty given when the failure rate is low.

The content of the penalty may be determined according to the training item. For example, if speed training fails, the value of the speed ability parameter may decrease, and if power training fails, the value of the power ability parameter may decrease. Also, for some training items (e.g., intelligence), no penalty may be given even if training fails.

Figure 19D is a diagram explaining the event screen 220b. When the display of the training result notification screen 220a ends, the event screen 220b may be displayed on the display 26. Various events are executed on the event screen 220b. Note that multiple events may occur during one turn.

For example, when the first hint event or the second hint event occurs, a hint about a skill is obtained. When a hint about a skill is obtained, the player can spend skill points to acquire the skill. There are multiple types of skills, and each skill may activate a specific ability. Each skill has a predefined activation condition and effect, and when each activation condition is met, the predefined effect is activated. Skills may be activated during the execution of a race, which will be described later.

Events include the first and second hint events that provide skill hints, as well as events that restore stamina, events that decrease stamina, first and second ability events that increase or decrease ability parameters, events that increase mood, events that decrease mood, etc. As will be described in more detail below, events include events that occur in a predetermined turn, and events that occur when a predetermined lottery is won. There are also events that occur at the start of a turn and events that occur before the end of a turn. Once all the events that have occurred have ended, the top screen 210 for the next turn is displayed.

Figure 20A is a first diagram explaining an inheritance event. Figure 20B is a second diagram explaining an inheritance event. Figure 20C is a third diagram explaining an inheritance event. Figure 20D is a fourth diagram explaining an inheritance event. In the factor activation turn described above, an inheritance event occurs at the start of the turn. Note that this inheritance event is a scenario-common event, which will be described later, and will always occur in the same turn regardless of the scenario selected by the player. In this embodiment, the first turn, the 31st turn, and the 55th turn are set as factor activation turns, but here we will explain the case where an inheritance event occurs in the 31st turn.

When the 31st turn begins, first, as shown in FIG. 20A, the character to be trained and an operation section marked "Touch" are displayed on the event screen 220b. When the operation section displayed on the event screen 220b is tapped, an animated image including the character to be trained and two inherited characters is displayed, as shown in FIG. 20B. In addition, when the operation section is tapped, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to activate all factors possessed by the total of six characters to be trained, the first and second generations of inheritance.

Then, as shown in FIG. 20C, the factors that have been selected by lottery and have been determined to be activated are displayed, and then, as shown in FIG. 20D, the type of ability parameter or aptitude parameter that will increase as a result of the factor being activated and the increase in value are displayed, and the parameters are updated. When the inheritance event ends, the top screen 210 shown in FIG. 18A is displayed, and the player can select one of the items. At this time, the increase in the ability parameter or aptitude parameter displayed in the inheritance event is added to the status display section 213.

Figure 21A is a first diagram illustrating the skill screen 230. Figure 21B is a second diagram illustrating the skill screen 230. When the skill operation section 217 on the top screen 210 is operated, the skill screen 230 shown in Figure 21A is displayed on the display 26. The skill screen 230 displays a skill point display section 214. As described above, the skill point display section 214 displays the current skill points possessed by the character to be trained (player).

A skill display area 231 is provided below the skill point display section 214. A plurality of skill display columns 232 are provided in the skill display area 231. The skill display column 232 displays acquired skills, skills preset for the character to be trained, skills acquired as a result of various events occurring, etc. Note that, although three skill display columns 232 are displayed in the skill display area 231 in FIG. 21A, when a slide operation is input in the skill display area 231, further skill display columns 232 are displayed in the skill display area 231.

The skill display area 231 displays the name of the skill, the conditions for activating the skill, and the effect when the skill is activated. In addition, a required points display section 233 is displayed to the right of the skill display area 231. The required points display section 233 displays the skill points required to acquire the skill. In addition, the required points display section 233 is provided with an operation section marked "+" or "-". By operating the operation section marked "+", the player can select the skill displayed in the skill display column 232. In addition, the player can deselect the skill displayed in the skill display column 232 by operating the operation section marked "-".

When a first or second hint event occurs for a possessed skill, the skill points consumed to acquire that possessed skill are discounted. Also, if the character's hint level is enhanced before the start of the training game, the skill points consumed to acquire the possessed skill are discounted. Here, for possessed skills for which a hint has been acquired, the discounted skill points are displayed in the required points display area 233. At this time, a discount rate display icon 234 indicating the discount rate is displayed in the skill display area 232.

The skill screen 230 also distinguishes between skill display columns 232 corresponding to skills that can be acquired and skill display columns 232 corresponding to skills that cannot be acquired. For example, skill display columns 232 corresponding to acquired skills and skill display columns 232 corresponding to possessed skills that cannot be acquired due to a lack of skill points are displayed grayed out (indicated by cross-hatching in the figure). Note that in place of the required points display section 233, an icon marked "Acquired" is displayed in the skill display columns 232 corresponding to acquired skills.

In addition, below the skill display area 231, there are provided a decision operation section 235a, a reset operation section 235b, and a return operation section 235c. When the decision operation section 235a is operated with any skill selected, a confirmation screen (not shown) is displayed. Then, when a predetermined operation for acquiring a skill is input on the confirmation screen, acquisition information is linked to the selected skill. In other words, the possessed skill is updated to the acquired skill.

For example, in the state shown in FIG. 21A, assume that a skill corresponding to the skill display column 232 displayed in the top row of the skill display area 231 has been acquired. In this case, as the skill is acquired, the skill screen 230 is updated as shown in FIG. 21B. Here, the skill display column 232 displayed in the top row of the skill display area 231 is displayed grayed out. In addition, the skill point display section 214 displays the remaining skill points after the skill has been acquired.

When the reset operation section 235b is operated, the selection state of all skills is cancelled. When the return operation section 235c is operated, the skill screen 230 is closed and the top screen 210 is displayed.

In this embodiment, evolution conditions are set for some skills. In this embodiment, of the four awakening skills set for each character, evolution conditions are set for the awakening skills that are unlocked at awakening levels "3" and "5". In the following, the awakening skills for which evolution conditions are set are referred to as evolution-compatible skills. Note that, here, a case will be described in which the awakening skills that are unlocked at awakening levels "3" and "5" are evolution-compatible skills, but the evolution-compatible skills may be any other skills.

In addition, whether or not a skill is an evolution-compatible skill is determined not by the type of skill, but by each character (character card). Specifically, the "Hot Pursuit" skill shown in FIG. 21A is linked to various characters as a possessed skill. In this case, for example, the "Hot Pursuit" skill is set as an awakening skill with awakening level = 3 for character A, and is set as a simple possessed skill for character B.

In this case, in a training game in which character A is set as the character to be trained, the skill "Hot Pursuit" is an evolution-compatible skill, but in a training game in which character B is set as the character to be trained, the skill "Hot Pursuit" is not an evolution-compatible skill. Therefore, in a training game in which character B is set as the character to be trained, the player cannot evolve the skill "Hot Pursuit."

In the above example, let's say that the "Hot Pursuit" skill has not been unlocked for character A. In this case, characters being trained basically cannot acquire the "Hot Pursuit" skill. However, as mentioned above, support cards, like character cards, have skills set, and character A may later acquire the "Hot Pursuit" skill due to the occurrence of a support event. However, even if character A acquires the "Hot Pursuit" skill later, the player cannot evolve that skill.

In other words, the evolution conditions include the fulfillment of the conditions for unlocking an evolution-compatible skill. However, as described above, the player may also be able to evolve skills that are acquired later. Also, for example, evolution-compatible skills may be provided that are unrelated to the type of character or the circumstances under which the skill was acquired. In this case, if the evolution conditions set for an evolution-compatible skill are fulfilled, the player can evolve the skill, regardless of the type of character being trained or the circumstances under which the skill was acquired.

When the evolution conditions are met, the skill display column 232 displays "evolveable." That is, on the skill screen 230, skills for which the evolution conditions are met are highlighted. Note that the content of the highlighting of skills for which the evolution conditions are met is not limited to this. For example, an effect may be displayed in the skill display column 232 corresponding to a skill for which the evolution conditions are met. Alternatively, the skill display column 232 corresponding to a skill for which the evolution conditions are met may be displayed in a color different from the other skill display columns 232. Alternatively, the skill display column 232 corresponding to a skill for which the evolution conditions are met may be displayed larger than the other skill display columns 232. This improves the convenience for the player when acquiring skills.

Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of evolution conditions. Figure 22 shows the evolution-compatible skills set for each of characters A, B, and C. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 22, the awakening skill "gourmet" that is unlocked at awakening level = 3 and the awakening skill "whole body and soul" that is unlocked at awakening level = 5 are set for character A. Also, the awakening skill "gourmet" that is unlocked at awakening level = 3 and the awakening skill "curved sommelier" that is unlocked at awakening level = 5 are set for character B. Also, the awakening skill "steel will" that is unlocked at awakening level = 3 and the awakening skill "indomitable spirit" that is unlocked at awakening level = 5 are set for character C.

Here, two awakening skills that are unlocked at awakening levels "3" or "5" are set as evolution-compatible skills. In this way, in this embodiment, two evolution-compatible skills are set for all characters that are linked to a character card, i.e., all characters that can be set as characters to be developed. However, the number of evolution-compatible skills may differ depending on the character. Also, there may be characters that do not have evolution-compatible skills set.

And each awakening skill, which is an evolution-compatible skill, is always linked to one or more evolution skills. An evolution skill is a skill that can be transformed from an evolution-compatible skill when the evolution conditions are met. To be more specific, Character A's evolution-compatible skill "Glutton" is linked to the evolution skills "Glutton A" and "Glutton B".

Note that, here, evolved skills are assumed to have higher performance than their pre-evolved counterparts. However, evolved skills and pre-evolved corresponding skills only need to differ in at least some of their performance (activation conditions, effects exerted when activated, etc.). Therefore, evolved skills may be inferior in performance to their pre-evolved counterparts in part or overall.

In addition, here, the evolved skill is given a name different from the corresponding evolved skill. Furthermore, one skill ID is always linked to each skill. Therefore, here, the evolved skill and the corresponding evolved skill are each linked to a different skill ID. However, the evolved skill may be given the same name as the corresponding evolved skill. Furthermore, the evolved skill may be linked to the same skill ID as the corresponding evolved skill. For example, an evolved skill may be one in which at least a portion of the parameters linked to the corresponding evolved skill have changed.

Skills are also classified into multiple categories based on the effect they bring when activated or the conditions for activation. For example, skills are classified based on the effect they have when activated, such as speed-based skills that increase speed during a race, or stamina-based skills that restore stamina during a race. Skills are also classified based on the distance or strategy of the race in which they can be activated. Therefore, there are skills that belong to multiple categories, such as stamina-based and long-distance-based skills. On the other hand, there can also be skills that belong to only one category, or skills that do not belong to any category.

Here, evolved skills share at least some of the same lineage as their pre-evolution counterparts. However, evolved skills may also be of a completely different lineage than their pre-evolution counterparts.

As mentioned above, evolutionary conditions are set for evolution-compatible skills. Since evolutionary conditions are set for each evolutionary skill, it can also be said that evolutionary conditions are set for evolutionary skills. One or more evolutionary conditions are always set for evolutionary skills. For example, two evolutionary conditions, a first condition and a second condition, are set for skill "Glutton A", which is an evolutionary skill for character A. Here, the first condition is set to "Go out" at least once during the training game, and the second condition is set to the value of the stamina ability parameter being 1200 or more.

Therefore, if character A, whose awakening level is "3" or higher, is the character to be trained and has already acquired the skill "Glutton", when the first and second conditions are met, the player will be able to evolve the acquired skill "Glutton" into the evolved skill "Glutton A".

For example, the first condition for the skill "Glutton B", which is an evolution skill for character A, is to win a specific race during the training game, and the second condition is to have five hints for speed-related skills. Note that the evolution conditions are not limited to speed-related skills, and include evolution conditions such as having a specific number of hints for a specific skill.

Here, if the number of hints possessed for a specific skill is set as an evolution condition, the count of the number possessed may not increase even if hints for the same skill are obtained multiple times. Also, if the number of hints possessed for a specific skill is set as an evolution condition, the count may include the number of hints possessed for the evolution-compatible skill before evolution that corresponds to the evolved skill. Also, if the number of hints possessed for a specific skill is set as an evolution condition, skills that have become obtainable due to an increase in awakening level (with hint level zero) may not be included in the count of the number possessed. Also, if the number of hints possessed for a specific skill is set as an evolution condition, skills that have an increase in the hint level of an awakening skill and have a hint level of 1 or higher may be included in the count of the number possessed.

Evolution conditions are set for multiple evolution skills linked to one evolution-compatible skill, at least some of which are different from each other. If both the evolution conditions set for the skill "Glutton A" and the evolution conditions set for the skill "Glutton B" are met, the player can select "Glutton A" or "Glutton B" as the evolution destination for the acquired skill "Glutton". However, only one evolution condition may be set for an evolution-compatible skill linked to multiple evolution skills, and the player may be able to select one of the evolution skills when one evolution condition is met.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the number of evolution conditions set for one evolution skill is anywhere from 1 to 3. However, the number of evolution conditions set for one evolution skill may be common to all evolution skills. Also, for example, the more evolution conditions that are set, the stronger the performance of the evolution skill may be.

As shown in FIG. 22, the skill "Glutton" is set as an awakening skill that is unlocked at awakening level 3 for both character A and character B. However, as is clear from FIG. 22, the number of evolution skills linked to the same skill "Glutton" is different for character A and character B.

In other words, for character A, the skill "Glutton" is linked to the skill "Glutton A" and the skill "Glutton B" as evolutionary skills. On the other hand, for character B, only the skill "Glutton A" is linked to the skill "Glutton" as an evolutionary skill. In this way, even for the same evolutionary skill, the number and type of evolutionary skills linked to the evolutionary skill may differ depending on the character.

Furthermore, the evolution conditions for the evolution skill "Glutton A" are different for character A and character B. In this way, even for the same evolution skill, the evolution conditions differ depending on the character, so a high level of strategy is required from the player. In other words, each character needs to progress through the game in its own way, which diversifies the training game and increases the interest of the game. In addition, in order to acquire an evolution skill, evolution conditions must be met. These evolution conditions include conditions that can only be met by progressing through the game in a planned manner throughout the entire training game. This requires long-term strategic planning, which increases the interest of the game.

Note that here, the number of evolution skills linked to one evolution-compatible skill and the evolution conditions are different for each character. However, the number of evolution skills linked to one evolution-compatible skill and the evolution conditions may be common to all characters. Also, the evolution conditions shown in FIG. 22 are merely an example, and the content of the evolution conditions can be set as appropriate.

As described above, the evolution skills and evolution conditions linked to evolution-compatible skills are important matters to consider when progressing through the training game. However, because there are a wide variety of evolution skills and evolution conditions, it is difficult for players to grasp all of this information. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21A, an evolution icon 232a is displayed in the skill display field 232. When the evolution icon 232a is operated, the player can check information related to the evolution skills.

Figure 23A is a diagram illustrating the evolution skill confirmation screen 236. When the evolution icon 232a is operated, the evolution skill confirmation screen 236 shown in Figure 23A is displayed. The skill display field 232 for which the evolution icon 232a was operated is displayed at the top of the evolution skill confirmation screen 236. In other words, the skill display field 232 corresponding to the skill selected by the player (evolution-compatible skill) is displayed at the top of the evolution skill confirmation screen 236. "Pre-evolution skill" is displayed at the top of this skill display field 232, indicating that the skill selected by the player is a pre-evolution skill.

In addition, below the skill display column 232, a message stating "Can evolve after training is completed" is displayed. Below this message, an evolution skill display column 237 is provided. In the evolution skill display column 237, information related to the evolution skill, such as the name of the evolution skill linked to the skill displayed in the skill display column 232, the activation conditions, and the effect when activated, is displayed. The same number of evolution skill display columns 237 are displayed as the number of evolution skills linked to the skills displayed in the skill display column 232.

At this time, the evolution skill display column 237 of the evolution skill for which the evolution condition is met is displayed in distinction from the evolution skill display column 237 of the evolution skill for which the evolution condition is not met. Specifically, the evolution skill display column 237 of the evolution skill for which the evolution condition is not met is displayed grayed out. Furthermore, an icon reading "Achieved" is superimposed on the evolution skill display column 237 for which the evolution condition is met. In this way, the convenience for the player is improved by highlighting the evolution skill display column 237 of the evolution skill for which the evolution condition is met.

The evolution skill confirmation screen 236 is provided with a close operation section 236a. When the close operation section 236a is operated, the evolution skill confirmation screen 236 is closed and the skill screen 230 is displayed. The evolution skill display section 237 is provided with a condition display operation section 237a. When the condition display operation section 237a is operated, the evolution condition confirmation screen 238 is displayed.

Figure 23B is a first diagram illustrating the evolution condition confirmation screen 238. Figure 23C is a second diagram illustrating the evolution condition confirmation screen 238. Figure 23B shows a case where the condition display operation unit 237a provided in the upper evolution skill display field 237 of Figure 23A is operated. Figure 23C shows a case where the condition display operation unit 237a provided in the lower evolution skill display field 237 of Figure 23A is operated.

At the top of the evolution condition confirmation screen 238, an evolution skill display field 237 corresponding to the evolution skill selected by the player on the evolution skill confirmation screen 236 is displayed. In addition, an evolution condition display field 239 is displayed below the evolution skill display field 237. The evolution condition display field 239 displays the evolution conditions (contents) set for the evolution skill and the degree of achievement of the evolution conditions. Specifically, the evolution condition display field 239 has an achievement level display bar 239a for each condition. The achievement level display bar 239a visually displays the degree of achievement of each condition, and as shown in FIG. 23C, the display color changes according to the degree of achievement. In addition, for conditions that have already been achieved, "Completed" is displayed below the achievement level display bar 239a.

In this way, the evolution condition confirmation screen 238 improves convenience for the player. The evolution condition confirmation screen 238 is provided with a close operation section 238a. When the close operation section 238a is operated, the evolution skill confirmation screen 236 is displayed.

Figure 24A is the first diagram illustrating the race selection screen 240. When the race operation unit 219 on the top screen 210 is operated, the race selection screen 240 shown in Figure 24A is displayed. The race has a game-like nature in which the character to be trained races against so-called non-player characters (hereinafter referred to as NPCs).

A stamina display section 211 and a condition display section 212 are displayed at the top of the race selection screen 240. A race selection operation section 241 for selecting the race event in which the character to be trained will compete is displayed at the center of the race selection screen 240. A start operation section 242 is displayed at the bottom of the race selection screen 240. The races that can be selected by the race selection operation section 241 of the race selection screen 240 are preset for each turn.

In addition, entry conditions are set in advance for each race, and the player can enter the character to be trained only in races that meet the entry conditions. As described above, some races have a stipulated number of fans as an entry condition. For races in which the stipulated number of fans is not met, the entry conditions are displayed on the race selection operation unit 241 as shown in FIG. 24A, and a notice is given that the race cannot be selected. In addition, in the turn in which the target race to be cleared is set, only the target race is displayed as selectable on the race selection screen 240.

Figure 24B is a diagram illustrating the race start screen 250. When the start operation unit 242 is operated after the race event in which the player will participate has been selected with the race selection operation unit 241, the race start screen 250 shown in Figure 24B is displayed. A strategy display unit 251 is displayed in the center of the race start screen 250. The strategy display unit 251 also highlights the currently selected strategy (chasing, overtaking, leading, or breaking away). The strategy display unit 251 also displays a change operation unit 252. When the change operation unit 252 is operated, a strategy change screen (not shown) is displayed on the display 26. The player can change the strategy for the race to any strategy by operating the strategy change screen.

In addition, a result operation section 253 and a race operation section 254 are displayed at the bottom of the race start screen 250. When the race operation section 254 is operated, a race screen (not shown) is displayed on the display 26. On the race screen, a video of the race progression (hereinafter also referred to as the race video) is displayed.

Figure 24C is a first diagram illustrating the race result screen 260. Figure 24D is a second diagram illustrating the race result screen 260. When playback of the race video ends, and when the result operation unit 253 is operated, the race result screen 260 is displayed on the display 26. As shown in Figure 24C, the race result screen 260 displays the finishing order of the characters to be trained in the race. In addition, as shown in Figure 24D, the race result screen 260 displays the current class of the characters to be trained.

In this embodiment, characters to be developed are classified according to the number of fans they have acquired. A range of the number of fans is set for each class. Here, characters to be developed are classified into one of eight classes depending on the number of fans they have. The race result screen 260 displays the cumulative number of fans, which is the number of fans acquired in the current race plus the number of fans acquired previously. In addition, the current class corresponding to the cumulative number of fans is displayed.

Figure 25 is a diagram explaining the general flow of the turn start processing. The training stage processing includes the turn start processing that is executed at the start of each turn of the training game. The turn start processing will be described in detail later, but here we will explain the general flow of the turn start processing.

During the training main game, a process is carried out each turn to determine whether or not various events will occur. Events are broadly divided into three types: scenario events, the dedicated events described above for each character to be trained, and support events. For each scenario, the scenario events, dedicated events, and support events that can occur during the training main game are predetermined.

A scenario event is an event that is set for each scenario in the training main game. In this embodiment, multiple scenarios are provided, and the player can select a scenario. Scenario events appear for each scenario selected by the player. In other words, the scenario events that appear in the training main game are determined based on the scenario selected by the player.

Scenario events may include scenario-specific events and scenario-common events. A scenario-specific event is an event that is linked to only one scenario. For example, a scenario-specific event that is linked to a first scenario will only appear when the first scenario is selected, and will not appear when another scenario is selected.

Furthermore, a scenario-common event is an event that appears in common across multiple scenarios. Therefore, a scenario-common event will appear when both the first scenario and the second scenario are selected.

Here, scenario events include scenario-specific events and scenario-common events. However, only one of the scenario-specific events and scenario-common events may be provided.

As mentioned above, dedicated events are events that are preset for each character. In the training main game, dedicated events appear for characters that the player registered as characters to be trained in the setting game, i.e., in the preparation stage processing.

As described above, support events are events that are preset for each support card. In the training main game, support events appear that are linked to the support cards that the player registered in the setting game. Support events include a first event that can occur at the start of a turn, and a second event that can occur after training is performed. Whether or not the first event will occur is determined at the start of a turn based on a randomly obtained random number and a first event table.

After the process of determining each support character to be placed in the training has been performed, the occurrence or non-occurrence of the second event is determined based on a randomly obtained random number and the second event table. Note that only when a support character is placed in the training is a determination made as to whether or not the second event will occur for the placed support character.

In this embodiment, the first event is not limited to the support card registered in the deck by the player in the preparation stage processing, but a support event linked to a support card selected by lottery from all support cards implemented in the game may be selected. However, the probability of selecting a support event linked to a support card registered in the deck is higher than the probability of selecting a support card event linked to a support card not registered in the deck.

In this way, whether or not a scenario event will occur is determined based on the scenario. Also, whether or not a special event and support event will occur is determined based on the character being trained and the support card, respectively. These event types are categorized according to the information that is referenced when determining whether or not an event will occur.

In contrast, in this embodiment, each event is classified into one of six event classifications depending on the content brought about by the appearance of the event. Here, each event is classified into one of the following event classifications: first hint event, second hint event, first ability event, second ability event, aptitude event, and story event.

As described above, the first hint event and the second hint event are events that allow a skill to be possessed or acquired. Furthermore, the first ability event and the second ability event are events that increase or decrease the ability parameters of the character being trained. The aptitude event is an event that increases or decreases the aptitude parameters of the character being trained. The story event is an event that displays a story related to the characters that appear in the training game. Note that some story events cause changes to ability parameters and aptitude parameters in addition to displaying a story.

Here, scenario events include a first hint event, a second hint event, a first ability event, a second ability event, an aptitude event, and a story event. In addition, dedicated events and support events include a first hint event, a second hint event, a first ability event, and a second ability event. Note that dedicated events may also include story events.

In this embodiment, the turn start processing includes a process for determining a scenario event and a process for determining an exclusive event. Note that illustrations and explanations of the process for determining a scenario event and the process for determining an exclusive event are omitted here. The turn start processing includes the "process for determining whether or not a first event will occur," "process for determining whether or not a character will be deployed and the training items to be deployed," "process for setting a state in which friendship training can occur," "process for determining the increase value of ability parameters," and "process for setting a state in which a second event can occur," all of which are shown in FIG. 25. Note that various other processes are also executed in the turn start processing, but here, the processes shown in FIG. 25 will be explained in order.

<Process for determining whether the first event has occurred>
In the process of determining whether or not a first event will occur, a first event to be generated is determined by lottery from among the support events associated with all support cards provided by the administrator. At this time, the probability of winning the support event associated with the support card registered in the deck by the player in the preparation stage process is set to be high.

<Process to determine whether or not to place a character and the training items to be placed>
26 is a diagram for explaining the allocation ratio for the training items. An arrangement determination table is stored in the player terminal 1 and the server 1000, and the training items for which the characters are to be allocated are determined based on the arrangement determination table. In this embodiment, the training items are determined for all team members and story characters based on the character identification information.

Here, a placement determination table is provided for each character identification information, and the placement ratio for each training item differs for each placement determination table. Specifically, according to the placement determination table for support characters and specific characters, the decision to not place the character in any training ("none" in the figure) is set at 10%, and the decisions to place the character in the training items of speed, stamina, power, tenacity, and intelligence ("speed", "stamina", "power", "tenacity", and "intelligence" in the figure) are all set at 18%. This placement determination table for support characters and specific characters is used when the character for which placement is to be determined is set as a support character and is also set as a specific character.

In addition, according to the placement decision table for specific characters, the decision to not place the character in any training is set at 20%, while the decision to place the character in the training items of speed, stamina, power, tenacity, and intelligence is set at 16% for each. This placement decision table for specific characters is used when the target character is not set as a support character, but as a specific character.

Furthermore, according to the placement decision table for support characters, the decision to not place the character in any training is set at 30%, while the decision to place the character in the training items of speed, stamina, power, tenacity, and intelligence is set at 14% for each. This placement decision table for support characters is used when the target character is set as a support character and not set as a specific character.

In addition, according to the placement decision table for other characters, the decision to place the character in no training is set at 50%, and the decision to place the character in the training items of speed, stamina, power, tenacity, and intelligence is set at 10% for each. The placement decision table for other characters is used when the target character is not set as either a support character or a specific character. Note that the placement decision table for other characters may also be used, for example, when the target character is a story character.

In this way, team members who are registered as support characters are more likely to be placed in training than team members who are not registered as support characters. Also, team members who are registered as specific characters are more likely to be placed in training than team members who are not registered as specific characters.

As mentioned above, support cards (support characters) are set with special training. If the target character is a support character, changes may be made based on the placement determination table shown in FIG. 26 to increase the probability of selecting the special training set on the support card. Also, for example, an effect may be linked to some or all of the support cards (support characters) that increases the probability of placement in a specified training item. Support characters that are linked with such an effect are changed to increase the probability of placement in a specified training item.

Note that each training item has a maximum number of characters that can be placed. In this example, the maximum number of characters that can be placed is set to "5" for all training items. Therefore, the maximum number of characters that can be placed in one training item is "5".

As mentioned above, the training items to which a character is linked are determined for each character. At this time, the order in which the characters' training items are determined can be arbitrary. For example, if the upper limit of characters has already been determined for placement in a training item in which it has been determined that a character will be placed, it may be determined that the character will not be placed in any training item. Alternatively, training items that have already reached the upper limit may not be included in the lottery, and the placement probability of other training items may be changed.

However, a placement limit is not required, and characters may be placed in training items according to the results of a lottery. Also, the method for determining the training items in which characters are placed is not particularly limited.

Once the characters to be placed are determined as described above, the characters to be placed are linked to each training item. Then, placement information in which the training items and the characters to be placed are linked is stored in the player terminal 1 and the server 1000.

<Process to set the state in which friendship training can occur>
Returning to FIG. 25, once the placement information is determined as described above, a state in which friendship training can occur is set. Specifically, a support character is extracted from among the characters placed in the training item. Then, it is determined whether the setting conditions for the friendship training can occur state are met for the extracted support character. As described above, here, the setting conditions for the friendship training can occur state are set such that the training item in which the support character is placed is a speciality training, and that the bond parameter linked to the support character is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

The friendship training occurrence possible information is then linked to support characters who meet the setting conditions for a friendship training occurrence possible state. The friendship training occurrence possible information is also linked to training items in which support characters who meet the setting conditions for a friendship training occurrence possible state are placed. This sets the friendship training occurrence possible state.

<Process to determine the increase in ability parameters>
In a turn in which training can be performed, the increase in ability parameters upon successful training is determined for each training item.

Figure 27A is a diagram illustrating the training level table. As shown in Figure 27A, the training level is set to increase according to the number of times each training is selected. Specifically, when each training is selected three times or less, the training levels related to speed, stamina, power, tenacity, and intelligence are set to "Level 1." When each training is selected four or more times and seven or less times, the training levels are set to "Level 2." When each training is selected eight or more times and eleven or less times, the training levels are set to "Level 3." When each training is selected twelve or more times and fifteen or less times, the training levels are set to "Level 4." When each training is selected sixteen or more times, the training levels are set to "Level 5."

Note that, here, a case has been described in which the training level increases according to the number of times the training is selected. However, the conditions for increasing the training level are not limited to this. For example, the training level may increase or decrease by lottery. Alternatively, the training level may change according to the number of turns. Note that the training level is not essential.

In this embodiment, when the training selected by the player is executed and successful, the value of a specified ability parameter increases depending on the training item executed.

Specifically, in this embodiment, speed training is performed, and if successful, the values of the speed and power ability parameters increase.

Stamina training is also performed, and if successful, the values of the stamina and tenacity ability parameters will increase.

In addition, power training is performed, and if successful, the values of the stamina and power ability parameters will increase.

Furthermore, guts training is performed, and if successful, the values of the speed, power, and guts ability parameters will increase.

In addition, intelligence training is performed, and if successful, the values of the speed and intelligence ability parameters will increase.

In this embodiment, the value of the ability parameter that increases when training is successful is calculated by adding a fixed increase value determined according to the training item and training level performed, plus a bonus addition value (described below), to the fixed increase value.

Figure 27B is a diagram explaining the fixed gain value (speed) table. Also, Figure 27C is a diagram explaining the fixed gain value table (power). That is, Figure 27B shows the fixed gain value when the training item is speed. Also, Figure 27C shows the fixed gain value when the training item is power.

As shown in Figures 27B and 27C, the fixed increase value table stores fixed increase values that are determined according to the training item and training level performed. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 27B and 27C, the higher the training level, the greater the increase in ability parameters.

Although we won't go into detail here, there are also tables for fixed increases when stamina, tenacity, and wisdom are selected as training items.

In addition, in this embodiment, many conditions for adding ability parameters are provided. An example of an addition condition is that a specific character or support character is placed in a training item. In this case, a predetermined addition value is added to the fixed increase value. Also, for example, a growth rate may be set in advance for each training item for each character to be developed. In this case, the fixed increase value is multiplied by the growth rate for each training item.

In this way, when the addition condition is met, the addition value is added to the fixed increase value or multiplied by a specified addition rate. Finally, the calculated value is multiplied by the friendship bonus addition rate. The friendship bonus addition rate is used when a friendship bonus occurrence state is set for the training item. Furthermore, the friendship bonus addition rate is calculated for each character placed in the training item.

For example, suppose that the friendship bonus addition rate is 20%, and three characters with a friendship bonus occurrence state are placed in the same training item. In this case, the friendship bonus addition rate will be 60%. In this way, the increase in ability parameters increases as the friendship bonus addition rate is multiplied.

<Process for setting the second event occurrence possible state>
25 , for a support character arranged in any training item, a state in which a second event can occur is set. The second event is selected by lottery from support events (second events) linked to the support characters (support cards) arranged in each training item.

In this embodiment, a process is performed to determine whether or not a state in which a second event can occur is set for all support characters placed in a training item. If a player selects a training item in which a support character is placed in which a state in which a second event can occur is set, the second event occurs after the training is performed.

Note that a state in which a second event can occur may be set for each of multiple support characters arranged in one training item. In this case, when the training is performed, only one of the second events for which a state in which a second event can occur may be executed. Alternatively, all of the second events for which a state in which a second event can occur may be executed.

As described above, in the training main game, the player can increase the ability parameters of the character being trained as the turns progress. The ability parameters increase as a result of successful training or the occurrence of various events. When all turns in the training main game are completed, the training game ends. Also, if the goal set for each character is not achieved during the training main game, the training game ends at that point.

When the training game ends, the character to be trained that has been trained in the training game is stored as a training character. More precisely, information about the character trained in the training game (hereinafter referred to as training character information) is stored in association with the player ID. The training character information is stored in both the player terminal 1 and the server 1000. The training character information stored in association with the player ID includes ability parameters, aptitude parameters, acquired skills, inheritance information, etc.

In this embodiment, when all turns in the training main game are completed, the player can select an evolution skill. Specifically, if the character to be trained has acquired an evolution-compatible skill during the training main game and the evolution conditions for the evolution-compatible skill are met, the player can select whether to change the acquired evolution-compatible skill to an evolution skill. In other words, if the evolution conditions set for each skill and for the skill to which the acquisition information is linked are met, the skill can be changed.

Fig. 28A is a diagram illustrating the end confirmation dialog 280. Fig. 28B is a diagram illustrating a suggestion image 281. Fig. 28C is a first diagram illustrating the evolution skill selection dialog 282. Fig. 28D is a second diagram illustrating the evolution skill selection dialog 282. When all turns are completed in the training main game, a final screen (not shown) is displayed. On this final screen, for example, possessed skills can be acquired by consuming skill points. Then, when the end button provided on the final screen is operated, the end confirmation dialog 280 shown in Fig. 28A is superimposed on the final screen.

The exit confirmation dialog 280 is provided with a cancel operation section 280a and a confirm operation section 280b. When the cancel operation section 280a is operated, the exit confirmation dialog 280 is closed. Furthermore, the confirm operation section 280b accepts an exit operation that ends the training main game. When an exit operation is input into the confirm operation section 280b, if the character to be trained has an acquired skill that satisfies the evolution condition, a suggestion image 281 as shown in FIG. 28B is displayed.

Here, a cut-in image showing the character to be developed is superimposed on the end confirmation dialog 280 as a suggestion image 281. After the suggestion image 281 is displayed for a predetermined period of time, the evolution skill selection dialog 282 shown in FIG. 28C is then displayed. In other words, the suggestion image 281 suggests that the evolution skill selection dialog 282 will be displayed, i.e., that an evolution skill can be selected. Note that the content of the suggestion image 281 is not particularly limited. However, it is preferable that the suggestion image 281 has content that suggests that something will occur afterwards.

An acquired skill display field 283 is displayed at the top of the evolution skill selection dialogue 282. This acquired skill display field 283 displays skills that have been acquired during the training main game and for which the evolution conditions are met. In addition, an evolution skill display field 284 is displayed below the acquired skill display field 283. The evolution skill display field 284 displays evolution skills that satisfy the evolution conditions, i.e., evolution skills that can be changed from acquired evolution-compatible skills.

The example shown in FIG. 28C shows a case where the evolution conditions are met for both of the two evolution skills linked to the evolution-compatible skill. Therefore, in this case, as shown in FIG. 28C, two evolution skill display columns 284 are displayed. Note that, if the evolution conditions for only one of the two evolution skills linked to the evolution-compatible skill displayed in the acquired skill display column 283 are met, only one evolution skill display column 284 is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 28C, when the evolution skill selection dialog 282 starts to be displayed, the evolution skill display field 284 is displayed in a grayed-out state, and the acquired skill display field 283 is displayed in a highlighted state so as to be more noticeable than the evolution skill display field 284. In this state, the evolution-compatible skill displayed in the acquired skill display field 283 is in a selected state. In this state, for example, assume that an operation input is made to the upper evolution skill display field 284 of the two evolution skill display fields 284.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 28D, the evolution skill display field 284 for which an operation input has been performed is highlighted, and the acquired skill display field 283 and the lower evolution skill display field 284 are grayed out. In this state, the evolution skill corresponding to the upper evolution skill display field 284 is in a selected state.

The evolution skill selection dialogue 282 is provided with a decision operation section 282a. When the decision operation section 282a is operated, the selected skill is confirmed as an acquired skill. Note that the player does not necessarily have to change the acquired evolution-compatible skill to an evolution skill. If the player does not want to change the evolution-compatible skill to an evolution skill, the player can operate the decision operation section 282a in the selected state of the acquired skill display section 283.

Note that if the evolution conditions for an already acquired evolution-compatible skill are met, the player may be required to change the evolution-compatible skill to an evolution skill.

There may also be cases where multiple evolution-compatible skills that satisfy the evolution conditions have been acquired. In this case, as shown in FIG. 28C or FIG. 28D, a switching operation unit 283a is provided on the left and right of the acquired skill display column 283. When the switching operation unit 283a is operated, the evolution-compatible skills and evolution skills displayed in the evolution skill selection dialog 282 are switched. Note that if only one evolution-compatible skill that satisfies the evolution conditions has been acquired, the switching operation unit 283a is not displayed. Therefore, in this case, the evolution-compatible skills and evolution skills are not switched in the evolution skill selection dialog 282.

Figure 29A is a third diagram illustrating the evolution skill selection dialog 282. Figure 29B is a fourth diagram illustrating the evolution skill selection dialog 282. For example, assume that the switching operation unit 283a is operated in the state shown in Figure 28D. In this case, as shown in Figure 29A, the evolution-compatible skill displayed in the acquired skill display area 283 is changed. Here, the skill "Hot Pursuit" has been switched to the skill "Monster".

In the example shown in FIG. 29A, the evolution condition for the skill "Monster A", which is an evolution skill linked to the skill "Monster", is met, but the evolution condition for the skill "Monster B" is not met. Therefore, in this case, only the evolution skill display field 284 corresponding to "Monster A" is displayed in the evolution skill selection dialogue 282. Then, when the evolution skill display field 284 is operated in the state shown in FIG. 29A, the evolution skill display field 284, i.e., the skill "Monster A", is selected, as shown in FIG. 29B.

In this way, in the evolution skill selection dialogue 282, the player can select the skills that will ultimately be linked to the character being trained for all evolution-compatible skills for which the evolution conditions are met.

Figure 30A is a first diagram explaining an evolution performance image. Figure 30B is a second diagram explaining an evolution performance image. Figure 30C is a third diagram explaining an evolution performance image. Assume that the decision operation unit 282a is operated with at least one evolution skill selected in the evolution skill selection dialogue 282. In this case, an evolution performance is executed that suggests that the evolution-compatible skill will change into an evolution skill. In the evolution performance, an evolution performance image is displayed on the display 26.

Here, the evolution presentation image includes a first image 285a, a second image 285b, and a third image 285c. In the evolution presentation, first image 285a is displayed as shown in FIG. 30A. Here, an image of the character to be trained shouting "Evolution" is displayed as first image 285a. After first image 285a is displayed for a predetermined period of time, second image 285b is displayed next. Second image 285b is an image that graphically suggests that the skill "Hot Pursuit" will be changed to skill "Hot Pursuit A" as shown in FIG. 30B. This second image 285b is provided for each evolution-compatible skill and evolution skill.

After the second image 285b is displayed for a predetermined period of time, the third image 285c is displayed. As shown in FIG. 30C, the third image 285c is a text image stating, "The skill 'Hot Pursuit' has evolved into the skill 'Hot Pursuit A'." In this way, in this embodiment, the evolution effect image suggests the content of the changed skill.

Here, if one evolution skill is selected in the evolution skill selection dialog 282, the evolution performance ends with the display of one evolution performance image. On the other hand, if multiple evolution skills are selected in the evolution skill selection dialog 282, the display of the above evolution performance image is repeated the number of times equal to the number of selected evolution skills.

Figure 31A is a fourth diagram explaining the evolution presentation image. Figure 31B is a fifth diagram explaining the evolution presentation image. Figure 31C is a sixth diagram explaining the evolution presentation image. When multiple evolution-compatible skills change into evolution skills, the evolution presentation image is repeatedly displayed in the evolution presentation. For example, when two evolution-compatible skills change into evolution skills, the first evolution presentation image is displayed to suggest the change in the first evolution-compatible skill, as shown in Figures 30A, 30B, and 30C. Then, as the second evolution presentation image, the first image 285a, the second image 285b, and the third image 285c are displayed in sequence, as shown in Figures 31A, 31B, and 31C. This suggests the change in the second evolution-compatible skill.

In this manner, in this embodiment, an evolution performance image is displayed that suggests a change in skill. If there are multiple skills to be changed, images or text corresponding to the multiple skills are displayed consecutively in the evolution performance image. Note that the above-mentioned evolution performance is merely an example, and the specific content of the evolution performance image is not particularly limited. Also, if there are multiple skills to be changed, images or text corresponding to the multiple skills may be displayed simultaneously in the evolution performance image.

Figure 32A is a first diagram explaining an evolution presentation image of a modified example. Figure 32B is a second diagram explaining an evolution presentation image of a modified example. Figure 32C is a third diagram explaining an evolution presentation image of a modified example. In the evolution presentation image of the modified example, as in the above, a first image 285a is displayed as shown in Figure 32A. Then, a second image 285b is displayed as shown in Figure 32B. At this time, in the modified example, images corresponding to multiple evolution-compatible skills are displayed simultaneously.

Specifically, in the second image 285b, the screen is divided into two display areas. Then, in each of the divided display areas, an image corresponding to a different evolved skill is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 32B, the upper display area suggests that the skill "Hot Pursuit" will change to the skill "Hot Pursuit A", and the lower display area suggests that the skill "Monster" will change to the skill "Monster A".

In addition, in the third image 285c of the modified example, a message is displayed in the form of a text image indicating which evolution-compatible skill will change into which evolution skill. In this case, in the third image 285c, messages corresponding to two evolution-compatible skills are simultaneously displayed in one text image.

The display pattern of the evolution performance image may differ depending on the number of skills that change. For example, if the number of skills that change is less than a predetermined number, the evolution performance image may be displayed as in the above embodiment, and if the number of skills that change is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the evolution performance image may be displayed as in the above modified example. For example, the display content of the evolution performance image such as the second image 285b or the third image 285c is determined based on the skill that is changed. In other words, if the skill that is changed is different, the display content of the evolution performance image will naturally be different.

In a training game, the parameters of the character being trained are important. According to this embodiment, the evolution presentation allows the player to properly understand the acquisition or change of skills. In particular, even when multiple skills change, an image is displayed for each skill. This reduces the risk that the player will not be able to properly understand the skills they have acquired, which will result in a loss of interest in the game.

As described above, when the evolution presentation image is displayed in the evolution presentation, the training game ends. When the training game ends, the evaluation points of the trained character are calculated. Here, the evaluation points are calculated based on the ability parameters, aptitude parameters, acquired skills, race results, team race results, etc. at the time the training game ends. Note that a method for calculating the evaluation points, in other words, a formula for calculating the evaluation points is prepared in advance, and the evaluation points are calculated based on a predetermined formula. Note that the calculation method and formula for the evaluation points are not particularly limited. For example, the evaluation points may be calculated based only on parameters that affect the race results when the training character participates in a race in a team competition game or other game, such as the ability parameters, aptitude parameters, acquired skills, etc. at the time the training game ends.

Furthermore, a development rank is set for each development character based on its evaluation points. The development rank is an index that indicates the strength of the development character, and a range of evaluation points is associated with each development rank. For example, a development rank of "A+" is assigned to development characters with evaluation points between 13,000 and 14,499, and a development rank of "S" is assigned to development characters with evaluation points between 14,500 and 15,499. In this way, by assigning a development rank based on the evaluation points, it becomes easier to understand the approximate strength of the development character. The development character information also includes the evaluation points and the development rank.

Figure 33A is a first diagram illustrating the training completion screen 330. Figure 33B is a second diagram illustrating the training completion screen 330. Figure 33C is a third diagram illustrating the training completion screen 330. When the training game ends, as shown in Figure 33A, the training completion screen 330 is displayed on the display 26. On the training completion screen 330, first, the training rank of the trained character is displayed, and then, as shown in Figure 33B, an evaluation point is displayed.

Furthermore, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the evaluation points were displayed, the ability parameters, aptitude parameters, and acquired skills of the trained character are displayed on the training completion screen 330, as shown in FIG. 33C. At this time, the training completion screen 330 is provided with a close operation unit 331. When the close operation unit 331 is tapped, the training completion screen 330 is hidden, and the home screen 100 is displayed on the display 26.

When the training game ends, a lottery is held to determine the factors that the training character will acquire, and the factor information is linked to and stored in the training character. Although not shown in the figure, the player can display the factor information acquired by the training character on the training completion screen 330. The lottery for factors is held according to pre-set conditions for each factor type. The probability of acquiring a factor, etc. is set based on the results of the training game.

In addition, if one or more evolution skills have been acquired, the display of the evolution performance image is terminated and the training completion screen 330 is displayed. On the other hand, if no evolution-compatible skills that satisfy the evolution conditions have been acquired, the confirmation operation section 280b of the end confirmation dialog 280 shown in FIG. 28A is operated to display the training completion screen 330 without displaying the evolution skill selection dialog 282 and the evolution performance image.

It is also possible that the evolution skill selection dialog 282 is displayed, but no evolution skills are selected. In this case, when the decision operation unit 282a of the evolution skill selection dialog 282 is operated, the training completion screen 330 is displayed without displaying an evolution performance image. However, even in this case, the training completion screen 330 may be displayed after some performance image is displayed.

As described above, when the training game ends, a training character is generated that is linked to the character to be trained, various parameters, and skills. The evolution performance image is displayed from the start of the training game until the training character is generated. An operation to end the training game is also accepted, and the generation of the training character and the display of the evolution performance image are executed based on the input of the operation to end the training game.

The timing for displaying the evolution presentation image may be, for example, after the end of the training game. For example, the training game has already ended when the training completion screen 330 is displayed. Therefore, the evolution presentation image may be displayed after the training completion screen 330 is displayed. In this case, for example, the evolution-compatible skill before the change may be displayed once as an acquired skill on the training completion screen 330, and the display of the acquired skill may change after the evolution presentation image is displayed.

The timing for changing skills may also be during the main training game. For example, an evolution-compatible skill may be able to change into an evolution skill when an evolution condition is met. In this case, for example, the evolution skill may be activated during a race in the main training game.

Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the player terminal 1 and the server 1000 for executing the above-mentioned training game.

(Functional Configuration of Player Terminal 1)
34 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the memory 12 in the player terminal 1 and its function as a computer. The memory 12 is provided with a program storage area 12a and a data storage area 12b. When a game is started, the CPU 10 stores a terminal-side game control program (module) in the program storage area 12a.

The terminal-side game control program includes an information setting processing program 700, a training game execution program 701, and a training completion processing program 702. Note that the programs listed in FIG. 34 are just examples, and the terminal-side game control program includes many other programs.

The data storage area 12b is provided with a player information storage area 750 and a game information storage area 751 as storage areas for storing data. Note that the data storage area 12b is also provided with many other storage areas. Here, information directly related to the game, such as the training game (hereinafter referred to as game information) is stored in the game information storage area 751. Note that the game information storage area 751 also temporarily stores various information during the progress of each game, such as the training game. Therefore, all information related to the training character trained in the training game is stored in the game information storage area 751. Also, for example, information other than game information, such as information about the player or other players, and setting information of the player terminal 1, is all considered to be player information. The player information is stored in the player information storage area 750.

The CPU 10 runs each program stored in the program memory area 12a and updates the data in each storage unit in the data memory area 12b. The CPU 10 runs each program stored in the program memory area 12a, causing the player terminal 1 (computer) to function as a terminal game control unit 1A. The terminal game control unit 1A includes an information setting processing unit 700a, a training game execution unit 701a, and a training completion processing unit 702a.

Specifically, the CPU 10 runs the information setting processing program 700, causing the computer to function as an information setting processing unit 700a. Similarly, the CPU 10 runs the training game execution program 701 and the training completion processing program 702, causing them to function as a training game execution unit 701a and a training completion processing unit 702a, respectively.

When various information is set on the player terminal 1, the information setting processing unit 700a stores information related to the settings as player information in the player information storage unit 750. In addition, when the information in the player information storage unit 750 is updated, the information setting processing unit 700a transmits the updated information to the server 1000.

The training game execution unit 701a executes all processing related to the training game. Specifically, the training game execution unit 701a executes the preparation stage processing and the training stage processing.

The training completion processing unit 702a stores training character information including the training character's ability parameters, aptitude parameters, acquired skills, inheritance information, factor information, the type of character used for training, etc., at the completion of the training game.

(Functional configuration of server 1000)
35 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the memory 1012 in the server 1000 and its functions as a computer. The memory 1012 is provided with a program memory area 1012a and a data memory area 1012b. When a game is started, the CPU 1010 stores a server-side game control program (module) in the program memory area 1012a.

The server-side game control program includes an information setting processing program 1100, a training game execution program 1101, and a training game end processing program 1102. Note that the programs listed in FIG. 35 are just examples, and the server-side game control program includes many other programs.

The data memory area 1012b is provided with a player information memory area 1150 and a game information memory area 1151 as memory areas for storing data. Note that the data memory area 1012b is also provided with many other memory areas. Here, the game information of all players is linked to the player ID and stored in the game information memory area 1151. Also, the player information of all players is linked to the player ID and stored in the player information memory area 1150.

The CPU 1010 runs each program stored in the program memory area 1012a and updates the data in each storage unit in the data memory area 1012b. The CPU 1010 runs each program stored in the program memory area 1012a, causing the server 1000 (computer) to function as a server-side game control unit 1000A. The server-side game control unit 1000A includes an information setting processing unit 1100a, a training game execution unit 1101a, and a training game termination processing unit 1102a.

Specifically, the CPU 1010 runs the information setting processing program 1100, causing the computer to function as an information setting processing unit 1100a. Similarly, the CPU 1010 runs the training game execution program 1101 and the training game end processing program 1102, causing them to function as a training game execution unit 1101a and a training game end processing unit 1102a, respectively.

When various pieces of information are set in the player terminal 1, the information setting processing unit 1100a updates the player information in the player information storage unit 1150 based on the update information received from the player terminal 1. The information setting processing unit 1100a also keeps track of time and updates the game points of each player.

The training game execution unit 1101a executes all processing related to the training game.

When the training game ends, the training game end processing unit 1102a derives the evaluation points and training rank of the trained character. The training game end processing unit 1102a also determines the factors that the trained character will acquire by lottery. Then, the training character information, including the trained character's ability parameters, aptitude parameters, acquired skills, inheritance information, factor information, the type of character used for training, etc., is linked to the player ID and stored in the game information storage unit 1151.

The information setting processing unit 700a in the player terminal 1 and the information setting processing unit 1100a in the server 1000 are common in that they both store player information, but the specific processing content and the range of player information they store are different. Also, the training game execution unit 701a in the player terminal 1 and the training game execution unit 1101a in the server 1000 are common in that they both execute processing related to the training game, but their roles, i.e., the scope of their responsibilities, are different.

The processing performed by each functional unit in the player terminal 1 and server 1000 is explained below using a flowchart.

(Processing of Player Terminal 1 and Server 1000)
<Processing related to the training game>
36 is a sequence diagram for explaining the processing of the player terminal 1 and the server 1000 related to the training game. In the following explanation, the processing in the player terminal 1 is indicated as Pn (n is any integer), and the processing in the server 1000 is indicated as Sn (n is any integer).

When the player performs various setting change operations on the player terminal 1, the information setting processing unit 700a of the player terminal 1 performs an information setting process (P1) to update the player information storage unit 750 based on the player's operational input. In this information setting process, update information is transmitted to the server 1000. When the server 1000 receives the update information, the information setting processing unit 1100a updates the player information in the player information storage unit 1150 (S1).

Note that the player information updated in P1 and S1 includes, for example, profile information that can be set by the player. Also, for example, when an operation to add another player as a friend or an operation to remove a friend is input as a setting change operation, friend information, which is information about friends, is updated. Note that in P1 and S1, the information setting processing unit 700a and the information setting processing unit 1100a each manage the game points consumed to play the training game. If the game points are below the upper limit, the information setting processing unit 700a and 1100a measure the time and grant the player a predetermined amount of game points at predetermined intervals.

In addition, when the player performs a character strengthening operation on the player terminal 1 to strengthen a character (character card), the information setting processing unit 700a performs a character strengthening process (P2).

Figure 37 is a flowchart explaining the character strengthening process on the player terminal 1. Note that, here, the process related to the awakening level of the character strengthening process will be explained, and the other processes will not be explained. For example, when the strengthening screen selection operation unit 102b is operated, a selection screen for selecting the strengthening type is displayed. On this selection screen, the player can select either a character or a support card as the strengthening type. The operation of the player to select a character as the strengthening type on the selection screen is a character strengthening operation. Also, as described above, the operation of the strengthening operation unit 163b on the character details screen 160 (see Figure 6B) is also a character strengthening operation.

When a character strengthening operation is input, the information setting processing unit 700a extracts a possessed character (P2-1). Then, the information setting processing unit 700a executes a character strengthening screen display process (P2-2) that generates and displays a character strengthening screen 165 based on the extracted possessed character. The character strengthening screen display process also performs a process of switching the display screen and a process of updating the selected character based on the player's operation input. Here, when the awakening level strengthening button 169a is operated on the character strengthening screen 165, a confirmation screen is displayed.

When an awakening level strengthening operation to increase the awakening level is input on the confirmation screen (YES in P2-3), the information setting processing unit 700a sends update request information to the server 1000 (P2-4). Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, when the server 1000 receives the update request information, it checks whether the player possesses the items necessary to increase the awakening level. If the player possesses the necessary items, a process is performed to consume the items and update the awakening level (S1). The server 1000 also causes the player terminal 1 to receive permission information.

When the player terminal 1 receives the permission information (YES in P2-5), the information setting processing unit 700a executes an awakening level enhancement effect that suggests an increase in the awakening level (P2-6). The information setting processing unit 700a also updates the awakening skill information based on the updated awakening level (P2-7). Here, release information indicating that the awakening skill has been released is stored. The information setting processing unit 700a also updates other information such as the awakening level and the number of items owned (P2-8).

Returning to FIG. 36, when a training game start operation to start the training game is input in the player terminal 1, the training game execution unit 701a executes a preparation stage process (P6). During this preparation stage process, communication processing is performed between the player terminal 1 and the server 1000. In the server 1000, the training game execution unit 1101a executes the preparation stage process (S6) based on information received from the player terminal 1.

Figure 38 is a flowchart explaining the preparation stage processing (P6) in the player terminal 1. The training game execution unit 701a of the player terminal 1 executes a training target character selection screen display process (P6-1). Here, the training game execution unit 701a displays the training target character selection screen 150, and provisionally registers the training target character based on the player's operational input.

Specifically, the training game executing unit 701a switches the display screen of the display 26 when a display switching operation to switch the display of the screen is input by the player. For example, the training game executing unit 701a displays the character details screen 160 when a long press operation of the character icon 151 is input on the training target character selection screen 150. Furthermore, when the strengthening operation unit 163b is operated on the character details screen 160, the training game executing unit 701a displays the character strengthening screen 165. Furthermore, when a selection operation (operation of the character icon 151) is input on the training target character selection screen 150, the training game executing unit 701a temporarily stores the character corresponding to the character icon 151 for which the selection operation was input, and switches the display screen.

When a confirm operation (operation of the next operation unit 154) is input on the character to be trained selection screen 150, the training game execution unit 701a provisionally registers the provisionally stored character as a character to be trained. The training game execution unit 701a also acquires information on representative characters extracted according to predetermined extraction conditions, such as a friend's representative character, from the server 1000, and displays the inherited character selection screen 170.

Next, the training game executing unit 701a executes an inheritance character selection screen display process (P6-2). Here, the training game executing unit 701a switches the display screen of the display 26 when a display switching operation is input. Also, when a selection operation (operation of the training character icon 182) is input on the training character list screen 180, the training game executing unit 701a temporarily stores the character corresponding to the training character icon 182 for which the selection operation input was performed as an inheritance character, and switches the display screen.

In addition, when a confirmation operation (operation of the next operation unit 154) is input on the inheritance character selection screen 170, the training game execution unit 701a displays the support card organization screen 190 on the display 26.

Next, the training game executing unit 701a executes a support card selection screen display process (P6-3). Here, when a selection operation (operation of the card icon 201 of a support card) is input, the training game executing unit 701a temporarily stores the support card corresponding to the card icon 201 for which the selection operation was performed, and switches the display screen.

When a display switching operation is input to switch the display of the support card organization screen 190 while it is being displayed, the training game execution unit 701a switches the display screen of the display 26. When a decision operation (operation of the start operation unit 193) is input, the training game execution unit 701a displays the final confirmation screen 205 on the display 26.

Next, the training game execution unit 701a executes a final confirmation screen display process (P6-4). Here, when a display switching operation to switch the screen display is input, the training game execution unit 701a switches the display screen of the display 26.

In addition, when a selection operation (operation of the select operation unit 206c) is input on the preset selection screen 205A, the training game execution unit 701a temporarily stores reservation selection information corresponding to the preset for which the selection operation input was performed, and switches the display screen.

When a confirmation operation (operation of the start operation unit 205b) is input on the final confirmation screen 205, the training game execution unit 701a executes a preparation stage completion process (P6-5). Here, the training game execution unit 701a determines whether the game points are equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 30), and if the game points are equal to or greater than the predetermined value, transmits confirmation information to the server 1000.

The confirmation information includes information identifying the provisionally registered character to be trained, inherited character, and support card. When the confirmation information is received, the server 1000 executes a preparation stage process (S6). As will be described in more detail below, the server 1000 determines whether or not to permit the training main game to be executed using the provisionally registered character to be trained, inherited character, and support card.

After sending the confirmation information, when permission information is received from the server 1000, the training game execution unit 701a registers the provisionally registered character to be trained. In addition, the training game execution unit 701a registers the training character provisionally stored as an inherited character and the provisionally stored support card in the deck.

The training game executing unit 701a also registers the character ID of the character set as the specific character based on the specific character information. The training game executing unit 701a also sets initial character identification information. The training game executing unit 701a also registers the reservation selection information of the temporarily stored preset. This ends the preparation stage completion process, and the training main game starts.

Figure 39 is a flowchart explaining the preparation stage processing (S6) in the server 1000. When the training game execution unit 1101a receives the confirmation information, it checks the characters owned by the player stored in the player information storage unit 1150 (S6-1). If the character to be trained selected by the player is included in the owned characters, the training game execution unit 1101a determines that there is no abnormality (S6-2).

If there is no abnormality in the character to be developed selected by the player (YES in S6-2), the development game execution unit 1101a checks whether there is an abnormality in the support card selected by the player (S6-3). Note that in S6-3, it is determined that there is an abnormality if a support card that the player does not own is selected, if the rental card selected by the player is not linked to the player's player ID, if the support character overlaps with the character to be developed, etc.

If there is no abnormality in the support card selected by the player (YES in S6-4), the training game executing unit 1101a checks the training character information stored in the game information storage unit 1151 (S6-5). Then, if the training character selected by the player as the inherited character is linked to the player's player ID, that is, if the training character that the player himself has trained is selected as the inherited character, the training game executing unit 1101a determines that there is no abnormality in the inherited character (YES in S6-6).

If it is determined that there is no abnormality with the inherited character, the training game execution unit 1101a determines whether the training characters selected by the player as the inherited character include representative characters of other players (S6-7). If they include representative characters of other players (YES in S6-7), the training game execution unit 1101a determines whether the number of times the character has been used on that day is less than three times (S6-8).

If the number of uses on that day is less than three (YES in S6-8), the training game executing unit 1101a judges whether the player has 2000 or more of the specified in-game currency (S6-9). That is, in S6-8 and S6-9, it is judged whether the formation condition is met. If the player has 2000 or more of the in-game currency (YES in S6-9), the training game executing unit 1101a adds "1" to the number of uses on that day (S6-10). In addition, the training game executing unit 1101a subtracts 2000 from the number of the specified in-game currency stored in the player information storage unit 1150 (S6-11).

Then, the training game executing unit 1101a subtracts a predetermined value (e.g., 30) from the player's game points (S6-12). Then, if there are no abnormalities in the character to be trained, the inherited character, and the support card, and if the organizational conditions for using the representative character of another player are met, the training game executing unit 1101a sets permission information (S6-13) and causes the player terminal 1 to receive it. On the other hand, if there is an abnormality in any of the character to be trained, the inherited character, and the support card, or if the organizational conditions for using the representative character of another player are not met, the training game executing unit 1101a sets disapproval information (S6-14) and causes the player terminal 1 to receive it. If disapproval information is received, the final confirmation screen 205 is displayed on the player terminal 1, and a predetermined error is notified.

Returning to FIG. 36, when the preparation stage processing (P6, S6) is completed, the training game executing unit 701a executes the training stage processing (P7) in the player terminal 1. During this training stage processing, communication processing is performed between the player terminal 1 and the server 1000. In the server 1000, the training game executing unit 1101a executes the training stage processing (S7) based on information received from the player terminal 1.

The following describes the development stage processing (P7) executed on the player terminal 1 and the development stage processing (S7) executed on the server 1000. However, to facilitate understanding, the processing on the player terminal 1 and the processing on the server 1000 will be explained in an appropriately reversed order.

Figure 40 is a flowchart explaining the training stage processing in the server 1000. The training game execution unit 1101a of the server 1000 waits to receive a start command from the player terminal 1 (S7-1). Then, when the start command is received (YES in S7-1), the training game execution unit 1101a executes turn start processing (S10). Note that the start command is transmitted from the player terminal 1 to the server 1000, for example, when the processing and presentation related to the current turn are completed.

Figure 41 is a flowchart explaining the turn start processing in the server 1000. The training game execution unit 1101a of the server 1000 updates the current turn number (S10-1). Then, if the current turn is a factor activation turn (YES in S10-2), the training game execution unit 1101a executes activation factor determination processing (S10-3). Here, it is determined for each registered inherited character whether or not to activate a factor.

The training game execution unit 1101a also executes a process to determine whether or not an event should occur (S10-4). Here, the training game execution unit 1101a determines which events, such as a scenario event, a dedicated event, or a first event, should occur in the current turn.

If the current turn is not a race-limited turn (NO in S10-5), the training game executing unit 1101a executes a placement character determination process (S10-6). Here, the training game executing unit 1101a determines by lottery whether or not to place specific characters such as support characters and story characters, and the training items to place them, based on the placement presence/absence table (FIG. 26). At this time, when the training items to be placed are determined, the training game executing unit 1101a links the character to the determined training items and stores them.

Next, the training game executing unit 1101a executes a friendship training setting process (S10-7). Here, the "process for setting a friendship training possible state" described with reference to Figure 25 is executed. That is, the training game executing unit 1101a extracts a support character placed in any of the training items. Then, for each of the extracted support characters, it is determined whether or not the setting conditions for the friendship training possible state are met. The training game executing unit 1101a links friendship training occurrence information to support characters that meet the setting conditions for the friendship training possible state. In addition, friendship training occurrence information is also linked to training items in which support characters that meet the setting conditions for the friendship training possible state are placed.

Next, the training game executing unit 1101a executes an ability parameter determination process (S10-8). Here, the "processing for determining the increase value of the ability parameter" described with reference to FIG. 25 is executed. That is, the training game executing unit 1101a selects one of the five training items as the processing target. The training game executing unit 1101a obtains the training level of the ability parameter to be processed and determines a fixed increase value.

The training game execution unit 1101a also acquires placement information for the placed characters and determines the addition value. The training game execution unit 1101a also determines whether other addition conditions are met, and determines the final increase value for the training item being processed based on the met addition conditions. The determination of the final increase value for the ability parameters is performed for each training item.

Although a detailed explanation is omitted, the ability parameter determination process determines the amount of stamina lost or restored when each training item is performed. In addition, the training game execution unit 1101a calculates the failure rate of training for each training item based on the stamina of the character to be trained.

Next, the training game executing unit 1101a executes a process for determining whether or not a second event will occur (S10-9). Here, the "process for setting the state in which a second event can occur" described with reference to FIG. 25 is executed. In other words, the training game executing unit 1101a determines by lottery whether or not a support event that is preset on a support card linked to a training item will occur.

Then, the training game execution unit 1101a stores the information determined in each of the above processes as game information received by the player terminal 1 (S10-10).

Returning to FIG. 40, after the turn start processing is completed, when a skill acquisition command indicating the acquisition of one of the possessed skills is received from the player terminal 1 (YES in S7-2), the skill information, such as skill acquisition information, is updated (S7-3). Here, the acquisition information is linked to the acquired skill. Also, here, the training game execution unit 1101a subtracts the skill points required to acquire the skill from the currently possessed skill points. Also, here, the updated skill information is received by the player terminal 1. Also, the server 1000 waits until a selection command is received from the player terminal 1 (S7-4).

Figure 42 is a flowchart explaining the training stage processing in the player terminal 1. The training game execution unit 701a of the player terminal 1 waits to receive game information from the server 1000 (P7-1). Then, when the game information is received (YES in P7-1), the training game execution unit 701a executes a command setting process (P7-2). Here, a process is performed to set commands that the player can select based on the current number of turns.

The training game executing unit 701a also executes a display control process to display a game screen based on the received game information (P7-3). Here, the training game executing unit 701a displays the top screen 210, training screen 220, etc. based on the received game information. Specifically, the training game executing unit 701a displays a placed character icon 228 for each training item on the training screen 220. The training game executing unit 701a also controls the display of the status display unit 213. Furthermore, the training game executing unit 701a displays effects on the operation unit corresponding to the training item set to a friendship training occurrence possible state, and on the training operation unit 216 of the top screen 210.

In addition, when the skill operation unit 217 is operated (YES in P7-4), the training game execution unit 701a executes the skill screen display process (P10).

Figure 43 is a flowchart explaining the skill screen display process in the player terminal 1. The training game executing unit 701a acquires possessed skill information (P10-1), acquires hint information (P10-2), and acquires acquired skill information (P10-3). The training game executing unit 701a also acquires evolution conditions set for the evolution-compatible skills of the character to be trained (P10-4). The training game executing unit 701a also acquires evolution condition achievement information indicating whether the evolution conditions have been achieved (P10-5).

Based on the acquired information, the training game executing unit 701a generates various screens such as the skill screen 230, the evolved skill confirmation screen 236, and the evolution condition confirmation screen 238 (P10-6). The training game executing unit 701a then displays the generated skill screen 230 (P10-7). Furthermore, when an operation to switch screens is input (YES in P10-8), the training game executing unit 701a executes a screen switching process to switch the displayed screen (P10-9).

In addition, when a skill acquisition operation (tap on the decision operation unit 235a) is input to acquire one of the possessed skills (YES in P10-10), the training game execution unit 701a sends a skill acquisition command to the server 1000 (P10-11). After that, when skill information is received from the server 1000 (YES in P10-12), the training game execution unit 701a updates the skill-related information regarding the skill (P10-13). In addition, when the return operation unit 235c is operated (YES in P10-14), the display of the skill screen 230 is terminated.

Returning to FIG. 42, the training game execution unit 701a switches the display screen of the display 26 based on the player's operation input until a turn end operation is input (NO at P7-6). Here, a turn end operation is an operation to end the current turn, and includes operations of the rest operation unit 215, outing operation unit 218, speed operation unit 221, stamina operation unit 222, power operation unit 223, tenacity operation unit 224, intelligence operation unit 225, an operation to decide the race type of the race, etc.

When a turn end operation is input (YES at P7-6), the training game execution unit 701a transmits a selection command corresponding to the turn end operation input by the player to the server 1000 (P7-7). After that, the player terminal 1 waits until it receives result information from the server 1000 (NO at P7-8).

Returning to FIG. 40, when a selection command is received from the player terminal 1 (YES in S7-4), the training game execution unit 1101a executes a selection command reception process (S20).

Figure 44 is a flowchart explaining the selection command reception process in the server 1000. When a selection command indicating an operation input of the outing operation unit 218 is received (YES in S20-1), the training game execution unit 1101a performs outing execution processing (S20-2). Here, an outing event that will increase the stamina and condition parameters is determined. In addition, the stamina and condition parameters are updated based on the determined outing event.

When a selection command indicating an operation input of the rest operation unit 215 is received (YES in S20-3), the training game execution unit 1101a performs a rest execution process (S20-4). Here, a rest event that increases the physical strength parameter is determined. In addition, the physical strength parameter is updated based on the determined rest event.

When a selection command indicating an operation input to start a race is received (YES in S20-5), the training game execution unit 1101a performs a race execution process (S20-6). Here, a simulation of the race is executed based on the parameters of the characters to be trained and the NPCs that will participate in the race. The training game execution unit 1101a also executes a reward granting process to grant a reward to the player (S20-7). Here, a reward is determined based on the results of the simulation, i.e., the finishing order of the characters to be trained and the development of the race, and the determined reward is granted to the player.

When a selection command indicating the execution of any training is received (YES in S20-8), the training game execution unit 1101a performs a success determination process (S20-9). Here, the success or failure of the training is determined based on a failure rate calculated in advance. Then, the training game execution unit 1101a updates various parameters based on the determination result in S20-9 (S20-10).

Note that here, ability parameters and the like are updated as determined in S10-8 at the start of training. Also, here, the bond parameter value of the placed character is updated. The training game execution unit 1101a then sets result information including the results of the above-mentioned outing execution process, rest execution process, race execution process, reward granting process, and success determination process, as well as various updated information, and has the player terminal 1 receive it (S20-11).

In addition, when all turns have ended in the server 1000 (YES in S20-12), the training game execution unit 1101a causes the player terminal 1 to receive all turn end information indicating that all turns have ended (S20-13).

Returning to FIG. 42, when the player terminal 1 receives result information from the server 1000 (YES in P7-8), the training game execution unit 701a executes a result information reception process (P20).

Figure 45 is a flowchart explaining the result information reception process in the player terminal 1. The training game execution unit 701a determines the execution pattern of the presentation based on the received result information (P20-1). The training game execution unit 701a then executes the presentation in the execution pattern determined in P20-1 (P20-2). Here, a friendship training-specific presentation is executed when the training for which a friendship training occurrence possible state has been set is successful.

Specifically, at P20-1, the training game execution unit 701a identifies a character that is linked to the successful training item and to which the friendship training occurrence information is linked. Then, the training game execution unit 701a determines an execution pattern for the friendship training-only effect that corresponds to the identified character and the executed training item. In the friendship training-only effect determined at this time, the character that is linked to the friendship training occurrence information is displayed.

If a second event occurs (YES in P20-3), the training game executing unit 701a executes a presentation for the event that occurs (P20-4). The training game executing unit 701a also updates the parameters based on the received result information (P20-5). Note that here, the evolution condition achievement information is updated based on the received result information. For example, if going out is set as the first evolution condition, and going out is executed, the achievement information is linked to this first condition. For example, if winning a specified race is set as the second evolution condition, and the specified race is won, the achievement information is linked to the second condition.

When all effects to be executed in the current turn have been completed, the training game execution unit 701a transmits a start command to the server 1000 (P20-6). This ends the current turn in the player terminal 1. When the server 1000 receives the start command, the process for the next turn is executed in the same manner as described above.

Returning to FIG. 36, when the above-mentioned training stage processing (S7) is completed in the server 1000, the player terminal 1 receives all-turn end information from the server 1000. Upon receiving the all-turn end information, the training game execution unit 701a executes training game pre-end processing (P8).

Figure 46 is a flowchart explaining the pre-termination processing of the training game in the player terminal 1. When all-turn end information is received, the training game executing unit 701a displays the end confirmation dialog 280 (P8-1). When the confirmation operation unit 280b of the end confirmation dialog 280 is operated (YES in P8-2), the training game executing unit 701a extracts awakening skills with awakening levels of "3" or "5" from among the acquired skills (P8-3). Note that here, it is sufficient to extract the skill IDs associated with awakening skills with awakening levels of "3" or "5", and the specific processing method is not particularly limited.

The training game executing unit 701a also acquires evolution condition achievement information (P8-4). If there is an awakening skill that satisfies the evolution condition (YES in P8-5), the training game executing unit 701a extracts that awakening skill (P8-6). The training game executing unit 701a then displays the evolution skill selection dialog 282 based on the extracted awakening skill (P8-7). Here, the training game executing unit 701a also performs a process of updating the selected skill and switching the screen based on the player's operational input.

When the decision operation unit 282a of the evolution skill selection dialogue 282 is operated (YES in P8-8), the training game execution unit 701a determines whether the selected skills include one or more evolution skills (P8-9). If an evolution skill is included (YES in P8-9), the training game execution unit 701a determines the evolution performance image, i.e., the content and display pattern of the evolution performance image, for each evolution skill based on the selected evolution skill and the awakening skill before evolution (P8-10).

The training game executing unit 701a executes an evolution effect image display process that displays the evolution effect image determined in P8-10 (P8-11). The training game executing unit 701a then sequentially displays the evolution effect images until all evolution effect images have been displayed (NO in P8-12). When all evolution effect images have been displayed (YES in P8-12), the training game executing unit 701a transmits end information indicating the end of the training game (P8-13). Note that this end information includes information indicating the skill selected by the player. When training result information is then received from the server 1000 (YES in P8-14), the training game executing unit 701a displays the training completion screen 330 (P8-15).

Returning to FIG. 36, when the end information is received, the training game end processing unit 1102a executes the training game end processing (S8).

Figure 47 is a flowchart explaining the training game end processing in the server 1000. The training game end processing unit 1102a derives an evaluation score based on various parameters of the character to be trained (S8-1). The training game end processing unit 1102a also derives a training rank based on the derived evaluation score (S8-2).

The training game end processing unit 1102a also determines the factors that the training character will acquire (S8-3). The training game end processing unit 1102a also determines the class based on the number of fans acquired (S8-4). The training game end processing unit 1102a also determines intimacy points based on predetermined parameters such as the training rank or the number of fans (S8-5). Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, intimacy points are points that are awarded not to the training character, but to the character that is the basis for the training character.

There are multiple story screens for each character, and some story screens have unlocking conditions. Some story screens have an unlocking condition set as an intimacy point, and when the intimacy point reaches a threshold, the player can view that story screen.

The training game end processing unit 1102a also determines a nickname (S8-6). Here, the conditions achieved in the training main game are confirmed, and the nickname that the training character will acquire is determined. The training game end processing unit 1102a also determines the reward to be given to the player (S8-7). The training game end processing unit 1102a also links training character information, including evaluation points, training rank, ability parameters, aptitude parameters, acquired skills, inheritance information, factor information, class, nickname, etc., to the player ID of the player, and stores it in the game information storage unit 1151 (S8-8). The training game end processing unit 1102a also sets training result information, and causes the player terminal 1 to receive it (S8-9).

Returning to FIG. 36, when the player terminal 1 receives the training result information, the training completion processing unit 702a executes a training game end process (P9). Here, the training completion processing unit 702a stores the received training result information in the game information storage unit 751. In addition, the training completion processing unit 702a displays a training completion screen 330 (see FIG. 33A, FIG. 33B, FIG. 33C) on the display 26 based on the training result information.

The above-mentioned training game is realized by the above-mentioned processing. In addition, training character information relating to the training character trained (created) in the training game is stored in association with the player ID. Note that the above-mentioned processing in the player terminal 1 and the server 1000 is merely an example. In addition, each of the above-mentioned processing may be executed only in the player terminal 1 or only in the server 1000.

Although one aspect of the embodiment has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modified or revised examples within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these naturally fall within the technical scope.

The game characteristics and the processing in the player terminal 1 and the server 1000 described in the above embodiment are merely examples. Furthermore, the content of the skills in the above embodiment, i.e., the utility set for the skills, can be designed as appropriate.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an evolution-compatible skill for which an evolution condition is met can be changed to another skill. However, the utility set for an evolution-compatible skill for which an evolution condition is met may also be changeable. For example, assume that skill A is set with a basic utility of recovering 100 stamina when activated during a race. Also assume that skill A is set with an evolution utility of recovering 150 stamina.

If the evolution conditions for skill A are not met, the basic utility is linked to the character to be trained. On the other hand, if the evolution conditions for skill A are met, the player can select either the basic utility or the evolution utility. If the evolution utility is selected, the name of the skill may or may not change. In this case, the type of skill does not change, but the utility of the skill does.

In other words, the information processing program may be one that causes a computer (in an embodiment, either or both of the player terminal 1 and the server 1000) to carry out the following processes:

(Processing to be performed by a computer)
A process of updating parameters linked to a character to be trained based on a player's operation during the training game (in the embodiment, P20-5, S20-10 are given as examples).
A process (P10 as an example in an embodiment) that makes it possible to acquire a skill (an awakening skill as an example in an embodiment) which has a first utility and is linked to the character to be trained at the start of the training game by consuming points (skill points as an example in an embodiment) during the training game.
A process of linking acquired information to acquired skills (P10-13, S7-3 as an example in the embodiment).
A process (P8 as an example in the embodiment) that makes it possible to change a skill or a first utility set for a skill when a change condition (evolution condition is an example in the embodiment) that is set for a skill to which acquisition information is linked is met.

In addition, a skill may be linked to a plurality of second skills (evolution skills as an example in the embodiment) or a plurality of second utilities (evolution utilities as a modified example).
In addition, the second skill or the second utility may be selectable by the player. When there are a plurality of changeable second skills or second utilities, one of them may be determined by lottery.

In addition, different change conditions may be associated with the multiple second skills or second utilities, and the skill or first utility may be changed to the second skill or second utility for which the change condition is met. However, a common change condition may be associated with the multiple second skills or second utilities.

In addition, during the training game, the computer may be caused to execute a process (P10-7 as an example in the embodiment) of displaying an acquisition screen (skill screen 230 as an example in the embodiment) on which skills can be acquired.
The acquisition screen may also display the change conditions set for the skill and the degree of achievement of the change conditions.
Furthermore, the acquisition screen may highlight skills for which a change condition has been met.

Note that some of the functions of the training game described in the above embodiment may not be provided. In addition, some or all of the processing in the player terminal 1 described above may be executed in the server 1000. Similarly, some or all of the processing in the server 1000 described above may be executed in the player terminal 1. Therefore, communication between the player terminal 1 and the server 1000 is not essential, and, for example, all of the programs for executing the above game may be stored in the player terminal 1.

The information processing program for executing the processes in the above embodiment and various modified examples may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and provided as a storage medium. Furthermore, a game terminal device including this storage medium may be provided. The above embodiment and various modified examples may also be information processing methods that realize the functions and steps shown in the flowcharts.

1 Player terminal 1000 Server G Game device S Information processing system

Claims (6)

A process of setting a character selected by a player from among a plurality of characters as a character to be developed;
updating parameters associated with the character to be raised based on an operation of a player during a raising game;
A process for making it possible to acquire a plurality of skills by consuming points during the training game , the plurality of skills including a skill having a first utility set and having a second skill or a plurality of second utilities linked thereto, the skill being linked as a specific skill to the character to be trained at the start of the training game, and a non-specific skill having a predetermined utility set and not being linked as a specific skill to the character to be trained at the start of the training game;
A process of linking acquisition information to the acquired skill;
a process of having a player select whether or not to change the specific skill or the first utility set for the specific skill when a change condition set for the specific skill linked to the acquisition information is satisfied, the change condition being set for each specific skill ;
The computer executes the above.
The process of having a player select whether to change the specific skill or the first utility set for the specific skill includes:
having a player select one of a plurality of options including changing the specific skill to any one of a plurality of second skills or the second utility associated with the specific skill, and not changing the specific skill or the first utility set for the specific skill;
Information processing program. A different change condition is associated with each of the second skills or the second utilities,
The plurality of options include changing the specific skill or the first utility to the second skill or the second utility for which the change condition is satisfied.
The information processing program according to claim 1 . A process of displaying an acquisition screen in which the skill can be acquired during the training game;
The computer executes the above.
The acquisition screen displays the change condition set for the specific skill and the achievement level of the change condition.
3. The information processing program according to claim 1 or 2. A process of displaying an acquisition screen in which the skill can be acquired during the training game;
The computer executes the above.
The specific skill for which the change condition is met is highlighted on the acquisition screen.
3. The information processing program according to claim 1 or 2. 1. An information processing method performed by one or more computers, comprising:
A process of setting a character selected by a player from among a plurality of characters as a character to be developed;
updating parameters associated with the character to be raised based on an operation of a player during a raising game;
A process for making it possible to acquire a plurality of skills by consuming points during the training game , the plurality of skills including a skill having a first utility set and having a second skill or a plurality of second utilities linked thereto, the skill being linked as a specific skill to the character to be trained at the start of the training game, and a non-specific skill having a predetermined utility set and not being linked as a specific skill to the character to be trained at the start of the training game;
A process of linking acquisition information to the acquired skill;
a process of having a player select whether or not to change the specific skill or the first utility set for the specific skill when a change condition set for the specific skill linked to the acquisition information is satisfied, the change condition being set for each specific skill ;
Including,
The process of having a player select whether to change the specific skill or the first utility set for the specific skill includes:
having a player select one of a plurality of options including changing the specific skill to any one of a plurality of second skills or the second utility associated with the specific skill, and not changing the specific skill or the first utility set for the specific skill;
Information processing methods. One or more computers;
The computer,
A process of setting a character selected by a player from among a plurality of characters as a character to be developed;
updating parameters associated with the character to be raised based on an operation of a player during a raising game;
A process for making it possible to acquire a plurality of skills by consuming points during the training game , the plurality of skills including a skill having a first utility set and having a second skill or a plurality of second utilities linked thereto, the skill being linked as a specific skill to the character to be trained at the start of the training game, and a non-specific skill having a predetermined utility set and not being linked as a specific skill to the character to be trained at the start of the training game;
A process of linking acquired information to the acquired skill;
a process of having a player select whether or not to change the specific skill or the first utility set for the specific skill when a change condition set for the specific skill linked to the acquisition information is satisfied, the change condition being set for each specific skill ;
To carry out the above.
The process of having a player select whether to change the specific skill or the first utility set for the specific skill includes:
having a player select one of a plurality of options including changing the specific skill to any one of a plurality of second skills or the second utility associated with the specific skill, and not changing the specific skill or the first utility set for the specific skill;
Gaming device.

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