Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program capable of promoting a user's game play.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a task control unit, a progress control unit, and a privilege determination unit. The task control unit controls a progress situation of multiple tasks of a game set during a first period, and allows a second task that can be challenged later to differ and releases it according to which of multiple accomplishment conditions set for accomplishing a first task is satisfied when a user who plays a game challenges the first task from among multiple tasks. The progress control unit updates at least a part of tasks in an accomplished state at the time of completion to a non-accomplished state when a second period shorter than the first period is completed, and receives a challenge of a task from the updated progress situation. The privilege determination unit determines a privilege imparted to a user according to an accomplished situation of multiple tasks during the second period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a game in which a quest is cleared using a team composed of a plurality of characters called a deck. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a game in which a user (player) executes a quest using characters possessed by the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that there is room for improvement in promoting game play by the user.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program capable of promoting game play by a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a problem control unit, a progress control unit, and a privilege determination unit, wherein the problem control unit controls the progress status of a plurality of problems of a game set in a first period, and when a user who plays the game challenges a first problem among the plurality of problems, according to which of a plurality of achievement conditions set to achieve the first problem is satisfied, a second problem that can be challenged later is released differently, When the second period, which is shorter than the first period, ends, the progress control unit updates at least some of the tasks that were in an achieved state at the end of the period to an unachieved state, and accepts the challenge of the tasks based on the updated progress status. The reward determination unit determines the reward to be granted to the user according to the achievement status of the multiple tasks during the second period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to facilitate gameplay by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the game system in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows multiple missions in the game according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the server hardware configuration in this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal in this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing an example of the server's functional configuration in this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an example of a display screen shown on the user terminal's display unit. [Figure 7] This is an example of a display screen shown on the user terminal's display unit. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of the control processing performed by the server. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, components denoted by the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations.

[0010] (Game System 1 Configuration) Figure 1 shows the configuration of the game system 1 in this embodiment. The game system 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a server 10 (game server) and a plurality of user terminals 20 (user terminal 20a, user terminal 20b, user terminal 20c). The server 10 and the user terminals 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via a communication line 5 such as the Internet, intranet, wireless LAN, or mobile communication. The server 10 functions as the "information processing device" of the present invention.

[0011] In this embodiment, the users using user terminals 20a, 20b, and 20c are designated as user U1, user U2, and user U3, respectively. If it is not necessary to distinguish between users U1, U2, and U3, they are all referred to as user U. Each user U is identifiable by user identification information (ID), and this ID may be stored on the server 10 and the user terminals 20 used by each user U. When starting a game, the game may be made playable after verifying the user identification information, or it may be made playable without verifying the user identification information. If the user identification information is not verified, the data may be saved as a free login user, without being associated with any particular user. However, even if a user plays the game as a free login user, it may be later linked to the user identification information to enable game play. In that case, the gameplay history as a free login user may be treated as the past history of user U linked by the user identification information.

[0012] Furthermore, if there is no need to distinguish between user terminals 20a, 20b, and 20c, they are all referred to as user terminal 20.

[0013] Furthermore, the number of user terminals 20 that the game system 1 is equipped with is not limited to three; it is sufficient to have at least one user terminal 20.

[0014] The user terminal 20 is an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and provides games to the user U. The user U can log in to the game and execute the game by operating the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 can be any terminal such as a mobile phone, a personal computer (PC), a notebook PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a home game device, etc. The user terminal 20 may notify the server 10 of its own position detected using GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like.

[0015] The server 10 is a device that performs some functions in providing games to the user terminal 20, such as managing various information about the user U and executing some processes of the game. The server 10 may be composed of one or more information processing devices, or may be configured using a virtual server (such as a cloud server).

[0016] (Game overview) Next, the overview of the game provided by the game system 1 (hereinafter also referred to as a battle game) will be described. In the game provided by the game system 1, the user U can obtain new characters and items by forming a deck with a character selected from a plurality of owned characters and clearing quests using the formed deck. In addition, the user U can grow into a stronger character by synthesizing a plurality of obtained characters, or challenge quests with a higher difficulty level by strengthening the attributes of the character using items.

[0017] Here, a quest is a term that means a task that can be cleared by meeting certain predetermined conditions. Quests are sometimes generally called exploration, tasks, and missions. User U who participates in a quest can clear the quest by meeting the certain conditions. When the quest is cleared, User U is given a privilege (reward) or the story of this game progresses.

[0018] A deck is a term that means a group formed by combining a plurality of characters. When User U executes a quest, User U selects characters with suitable abilities to clear the quest, forms a deck, and executes the quest. In this embodiment, the act of User U "executing" a quest or the like may be referred to as "quest play". By executing the game, User U is given a user rank, which is a status value of User U that increases according to, for example, the number of quest clears.

[0019] A quest can be executed jointly by a plurality of Users U. Hereinafter, the act of jointly executing a quest by a plurality of Users U is referred to as "multiplay". In multiplay, each User U operates the characters assigned to himself / herself among the plurality of characters forming the deck. The User U who召集 multiplay is called the host.

[0020] User U needs to consume stamina to execute a quest. For example, when the stamina runs out (becomes 0), User U cannot execute the quest until the stamina is restored. Stamina can be restored by passing time. For example, stamina can be restored once every predetermined time (3 minutes). Also, when User U's rank increases due to the experience points given when a quest is cleared, the stamina is fully restored. Also, by using one orb, which is a paid item, the stamina can be fully restored. User U can easily check the current stamina by referring to the gauge (stamina gauge) displayed on the screen.

[0021] It should be noted that the word "召集" in the original text seems to be incorrect. I translated it as "召集" according to the text, but it may need to be further confirmed or corrected in the actual context. User U can obtain characters in various situations during the game (for example, by clearing quests). Furthermore, within the game, User U can participate in a lottery (draw a lottery ticket) to determine which game medium (character or item) will be awarded to User U. This lottery to determine which game medium is awarded is also called "gacha." User U can participate in this lottery by spending in-game currency or by spending lottery tickets, which are in-game items received within the game. For example, if the unit of in-game currency is "Orbs," then one lottery can be performed by spending one Orb.

[0022] Each game medium is assigned a rarity level (exclusivity) corresponding to the probability of winning it in a lottery. Rarity levels are set from level 1 to level 3, with level 1 having the highest probability of winning, and the probability decreasing in the order of level 2 and level 3.

[0023] In this embodiment, in the game provided by the game system 1, user U can take on multiple tasks set for a first period (for example, one week). As an example, as shown in Figure 2, user U can take on eight missions A to G as multiple tasks set for the first period. Each of missions A to G has multiple (for example, two) achievement conditions set for completing the mission (task). Depending on which of the multiple achievement conditions user U has met, missions that can be taken on later are unlocked. The achievement status of each user U for the tasks may be stored in the server 10 or the user terminal 20 used by user U, in association with user identification information corresponding to user U.

[0024] User U can attempt multiple missions A through G, knowing in advance the content of each mission A through G set for the first period, and the number of achievement conditions set to complete each mission A through G.

[0025] First, user U can attempt Mission A (for example, clearing a collaboration quest). Mission A has two completion conditions, A1 and A2, set to be achieved. Completion condition A1 is, for example, clearing Quest A (a specific collaboration quest). Completion condition A2 is, for example, clearing Quest B (a specific collaboration quest). User U, based on the content of Mission A (for example, clearing a collaboration quest), aims to clear the quest (collaboration quest) using characters selected from among the multiple characters they own, hoping that completion conditions A1 and A2 set to achieve Mission A will be fulfilled as a result.

[0026] If user U fulfills achievement condition A1 in Mission A, Mission B will be unlocked as the next mission that can be attempted after Mission A. User U can then attempt Mission B (for example, clearing Quest C (a specific quest)). Mission B has two achievement conditions B1 and B2 set to be completed. For example, achievement condition B1 is to clear Quest C in solo play. For example, achievement condition B2 is to clear Quest C in multiplayer. User U, taking into account the content of Mission B (for example, clearing Quest C), aims to clear the quest (Quest C) using characters selected from among the multiple characters they own, hoping that achievement conditions B1 and B2 set to complete Mission B will be fulfilled as a result.

[0027] If User U fulfills achievement condition A2 in Mission A, Mission C will be unlocked as the next mission that can be attempted after Mission A. User U can then attempt Mission C (for example, by selecting collaboration characters, forming a deck, and clearing a quest). Mission C has two achievement conditions C1 and C2 set to be completed. User U should consider the content of Mission C (for example, by selecting collaboration characters, forming a deck, and clearing a quest) and, hoping that achievement conditions C1 and C2 set to complete Mission C will be fulfilled as a result, aim to form a deck with characters (collaboration characters) selected from among multiple characters owned by User U, and then clear the quest using the formed deck.

[0028] If User U fulfills achievement condition B1 in Mission B, Mission D will be unlocked as the next mission that can be attempted after Mission B. User U can then attempt Mission D (for example, by selecting three specified characters (excluding collaboration characters) to form a deck and clearing the collaboration quest). Mission D has two achievement conditions D1 and D2 set to be completed. For example, achievement condition D1 is to clear the quest (collaboration quest) at the highest difficulty level. For example, achievement condition D2 is to clear a quest (collaboration quest) that is not at the highest difficulty level. User U should consider the content of Mission D (for example, by selecting three specified characters (excluding collaboration characters) to form a deck and clearing the collaboration quest) and, hoping that achievement conditions D1 and D2 set to complete Mission D will be fulfilled as a result, aim to form a deck with characters selected from multiple characters owned by User U and clear the quest (collaboration quest) using the formed deck.

[0029] If user U fulfills achievement condition B2 in Mission B, Mission E will be unlocked as the next mission that can be attempted after Mission B. User U can then attempt Mission E (for example, forming a deck using only characters with a specific attack type and clearing Quest A (a specific quest)). Mission E has two achievement conditions E1 and E2 set to be completed. User U should consider the content of Mission E (for example, forming a deck using only characters with a specific attack type and clearing Quest A (a specific quest)) and, hoping that achievement conditions E1 and E2 set to complete Mission E will be fulfilled as a result, aim to form a deck using characters selected from multiple characters owned by the user and clear the quest (Quest A) using the formed deck.

[0030] If user U fulfills achievement condition C1 in Mission C, Mission F will be unlocked as the next mission that can be attempted after Mission C. User U can then attempt Mission F (for example, forming a deck using only characters with a specific battle type and clearing Quest B (a specific quest)). Mission F has two achievement conditions F1 and F2 set to be completed. User U should consider the content of Mission F (for example, forming a deck using only characters with a specific battle type and clearing Quest B (a specific quest)) and, hoping that achievement conditions F1 and F2 set to complete Mission F will be fulfilled as a result, aim to form a deck using characters selected from multiple characters owned by user U and clear Quest B using the formed deck.

[0031] If user U fulfills achievement condition C2 in Mission C, Mission G will be unlocked as the next mission that can be attempted after Mission C. User U can then attempt Mission G (for example, forming a deck using only characters with a specific attribute and clearing Quest C (a specific quest)). Mission G has two achievement conditions G1 and G2 set to be completed. User U should consider the content of Mission G (for example, forming a deck using only characters with a specific attribute and clearing Quest C (a specific quest)) and, hoping that achievement conditions G1 and G2 set to complete Mission G will be fulfilled as a result, aim to form a deck using characters selected from multiple characters owned by the user and clear the quest (Quest C) using the formed deck.

[0032] The rewards to be granted to user U are determined based on the completion status of missions A to G during the second period (for example, one day), which is shorter than the first period, and the determined rewards are granted to user U. The second period is set multiple times during the first period (for example, seven times). As shown in Figure 2, different rewards A to H are set as rewards to be granted to user U for each completion status of missions A to G. Rewards are items usable in the game (for example, orbs) and characters (hereinafter referred to as items, etc.), or valuable items that can be exchanged for items, etc. (for example, virtual currency usable in the game, or items necessary to conduct a lottery for items, etc. in the game). Rewards may also include temporary effects that can be enjoyed during gameplay (for example, effects that increase character status values).

[0033] As an example, as shown in Figure 2, if user U completes three missions A (fulfilling achievement condition A1), mission B (fulfilling achievement condition B1), and mission D (fulfilling achievement condition D1) during the second period, reward A is determined to be awarded to user U. Reward A is then awarded to user U when user U confirms the displayed visual image related to reward A. Also, if user U completes three missions A (fulfilling achievement condition A1), mission B (fulfilling achievement condition B1), and mission D (fulfilling achievement condition D2) during the second period, reward B is determined to be awarded to user U. Reward B is then awarded to user U when user U confirms the displayed visual image related to reward B.

[0034] Furthermore, if user U completes three missions A (fulfilling achievement condition A1), mission B (fulfilling achievement condition B2), and mission E (fulfilling achievement condition E1) during the second period, reward C will be determined as the reward to be given to user U. Reward E will then be given to user U when user U confirms the displayed animation related to reward E. Also, if user U completes three missions A (fulfilling achievement condition A1), mission B (fulfilling achievement condition B2), and mission E (fulfilling achievement condition E2) during the second period, reward D will be determined as the reward to be given to user U. Reward D will then be given to user U when user U confirms the displayed animation related to reward D.

[0035] Furthermore, if user U completes three missions A (fulfilling achievement condition A2), mission C (fulfilling achievement condition C1), and mission F (fulfilling achievement condition F1) during the second period, reward E will be determined as the reward to be given to user U. Reward E will then be given to user U when user U confirms the displayed animation related to reward E. Also, if user U completes three missions A (fulfilling achievement condition A2), mission C (fulfilling achievement condition C1), and mission F (fulfilling achievement condition F2) during the second period, reward F will be determined as the reward to be given to user U. Reward F will then be given to user U when user U confirms the displayed animation related to reward F. Thus, the missions may be structured in a way that allows for multiple stages, with missions being unlocked sequentially in a branching manner. Furthermore, the rewards granted to user U may differ depending on the route taken through these multiple stages of missions. As shown in Figure 2, in a multi-stage mission system, rewards may be granted to user U upon completion of the final stage mission, or rewards may be granted to user U according to their progress along each route on the way to the final stage mission.

[0036] Furthermore, if user U completes three missions A (fulfilling achievement condition A2), mission C (fulfilling achievement condition C2), and mission G (fulfilling achievement condition G1) during the second period, reward G will be determined as the reward to be given to user U. Reward G will then be given to user U when user U confirms the displayed animation related to reward G. Also, if user U completes three missions A (fulfilling achievement condition A2), mission C (fulfilling achievement condition C2), and mission G (fulfilling achievement condition G2) during the second period, reward H will be determined as the reward to be given to user U. Reward H will then be given to user U when user U confirms the displayed animation related to reward H.

[0037] Furthermore, the rewards to be given to User U will be determined and awarded based on the cumulative number of times the achievement conditions set for Missions A to G are met at least once during the second period. In addition, if all the achievement conditions set for Missions A to G are met at least once during the second period, the completion reward will be determined and awarded to User U.

[0038] When the second period ends, at least some of the missions (tasks) that were completed at the end will be updated to an incomplete state. Then, when the next second period begins, user U can challenge the missions again from the updated progress. For example, when the second period ends, some of Mission A (fulfilling completion condition A2) and Mission C (fulfilling completion condition C2), which were completed at the end, will be updated to an incomplete state. Then, user U can challenge the missions again from the updated progress (Mission C). In this case, user U can aim to complete the quest using a deck made up of characters selected from their owned characters, hoping that the completion condition C1 (incomplete) set to complete Mission C will be fulfilled as a result, taking into account the content of Mission C (for example, selecting collaboration characters, forming a deck, and clearing the quest). Alternatively, user U can aim to complete the quest using a deck made up of characters selected from their owned characters, so that the completion condition C2, which was completed in the previous second period, will be fulfilled again.

[0039] (Hardware configuration of Server 10) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 10 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the server 10 is configured to include a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an operation input unit 14, and a monitor 15.

[0040] The control unit 11 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and controls the overall operation of the server 10.

[0041] A portion of the memory unit 12 is composed of, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the control unit 11 executes processing based on various programs.

[0042] Furthermore, a portion of the storage unit 12 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), which stores various data and programs used for processing by the control unit 11. The storage unit 12 can also maintain a database that includes one or more tables for recording various information and processing results.

[0043] The programs stored in the memory unit 12 include, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of the server 10, drivers for controlling various hardware, and programs for realizing various functions, and include programs that function as the "information processing program" of the present invention.

[0044] The communication unit 13 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) and has the function of connecting to the communication line 5. Alternatively, the communication unit 13 may have functions to connect to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network), short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®, and infrared communication, either in place of or in conjunction with the NIC. The server 10 is connected to user terminals 20, etc., via the communication line 5 and can send and receive various types of data with the user terminals 20, etc.

[0045] The operation input unit 14 consists of a keyboard and mouse, and accepts input of various operations from users using the server 10. The monitor 15 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and displays various images.

[0046] The control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, operation input unit 14, and monitor 15 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 16. Therefore, the control unit 11 can access the storage unit 12, display images on the monitor 15, understand the user's operation status on the operation input unit 14, and access various communication networks and user terminals 20 via the communication unit 13.

[0047] (Hardware configuration of user terminal 20) Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 20 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the user terminal 20 is configured to include a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, a display unit 24, a speaker 25, a microphone 26, a camera 27, and operation buttons 28.

[0048] The control unit 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and controls the overall operation of the user terminal 20.

[0049] A portion of the memory unit 22 is composed of, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the control unit 21 executes processing based on various programs.

[0050] Furthermore, a portion of the storage unit 22 is, for example, non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive), which stores various data and programs used for processing by the control unit 21. The storage unit 22 can also maintain a database including one or more tables for recording various information and processing results.

[0051] The programs stored in the memory unit 22 include, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of the user terminal 20, drivers for controlling various hardware, and programs for realizing various functions.

[0052] The communication unit 23 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) and has the function of connecting to the communication line 5. Alternatively, the communication unit 23 may have functions to connect to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network), short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®, and infrared communication, either in place of or in conjunction with the NIC. The user terminal 20 is connected to the server 10 and other user terminals 20 via the communication line 5, and can send and receive various types of data between the server 10 and other user terminals 20.

[0053] The display unit 24 is a touch panel display or the like, capable of displaying images and accepting operations from the user U.

[0054] The speaker 25 outputs various sounds under the control of the control unit 21. The microphone 26 receives various sounds under the control of the control unit 21. The camera 27 captures images of the subject under the control of the control unit 21.

[0055] The operation buttons 28 are located on the side of the user terminal 20, for example, and include power buttons for starting or stopping the user terminal 20, and buttons for adjusting the volume of sound output from the speaker 25.

[0056] The control unit 21, storage unit 22, communication unit 23, display unit 24, speaker 25, microphone 26, camera 27, and operation buttons 28 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 29. Therefore, the control unit 21 can access the storage unit 22, display images on the display unit 24, understand the operation status of the touch panel display (display unit 24) and operation buttons 28 by the user U, input sound to the microphone 26, output sound from the speaker 25, control the camera 27, and access various communication networks, the server 10, and other user terminals 20 via the communication unit 23.

[0057] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 11 provided in the server 10 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 11 has a functional configuration comprising a task control unit 11a, a progress control unit 11b, a reward determination unit 11c, a display control unit 11d, and a disclosure unit 11e. In general, the control unit 11 of the server 10 has various other functions besides those described above, but here only the functions characteristic of the game system 1 in this embodiment will be described, and other known functions will not be shown or described.

[0058] The progress control unit 11b receives a request from user U via user U1's operation on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20 for gameplay that can be played by consuming in-game value (e.g., stamina, orbs) (for example, a challenge to one of several missions A to G set in the first period).

[0059] When the progress control unit 11b receives a request for gameplay from user U, it controls the gameplay performed by user U.

[0060] When the progress control unit 11b starts controlling gameplay, the task control unit 11a controls the progress of multiple game missions A to G set for the first period. When user U playing the game attempts the first task (for example, mission A) from among the multiple missions A to G, the task control unit 11a unlocks a different second task (for example, mission B or mission C) that can be attempted later, depending on which of the multiple achievement conditions (for example, achievement conditions A1 and A2) set for completing the first task has been met.

[0061] When a second period (for example, one day) shorter than the first period has ended, the progress control unit 11b updates the game progress by updating at least some of the missions that were in an completed state at the end of the second period to an uncompleted state. The progress control unit 11b then receives a request from user U via user U1's operation on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20 for gameplay that can be played by consuming in-game value (for example, stamina, orbs) (for example, retrying multiple missions A to G from the updated progress).

[0062] The reward determination unit 11c determines the reward to be given to user U (for example, reward G) according to the achievement status of multiple missions A to G during the second period (for example, mission A (achievement condition A2 is met), mission C (achievement condition C2 is met), and mission G (achievement condition G1 is met) is achieved). The reward determination unit 11c then grants the determined reward to user U.

[0063] The display control unit 11d displays information related to the rewards set for the completion status of multiple missions A to G on the display screen shown on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20.

[0064] Figure 6 shows an example of a display screen shown on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20. As shown in Figure 6, the display screen shows period information 30 indicating the first period (October 1st to October 31st in the illustrated example) and the time remaining until the end of the second period (10 hours, 30 minutes, and 45 seconds in the illustrated example), mission information 32 indicating the content of the mission that user U can currently attempt (Mission B in the illustrated example), and achievement condition information 34, 44 indicating the two achievement conditions set to achieve the mission, respectively.

[0065] In the example shown, since User U has previously completed Mission B by fulfilling achievement condition B1 (clearing in solo play), information indicating the content of achievement condition B1 is displayed as achievement condition information 34. Furthermore, since User U has previously completed Mission B by fulfilling achievement condition B1, then completed Mission D by fulfilling achievement condition D2, and was awarded reward B (for example, character B), a character image 38 representing character B is displayed as related information for reward B. By referring to the displayed related information, User U can understand the content of reward B that may be awarded depending on the completion status of multiple missions (for example, the situation where achievement condition B1 is fulfilled and Mission B is completed, and then achievement condition D2 is fulfilled and Mission D is completed). Note that since User U has never completed Mission D by fulfilling achievement condition D1 after completing Mission B by fulfilling achievement condition B1 (and therefore has never been awarded reward A), related information for reward A is not displayed, and a question mark image 36 indicating that reward A is unknown is displayed.

[0066] Furthermore, since User U has never previously met achievement condition B2 (clear in multiplayer) and completed Mission B, achievement condition information 44 displays information (a question mark) indicating that achievement condition B2 is unknown. And naturally, since User U has never previously met achievement conditions E1 and E2 and completed Mission E after meeting achievement condition B2 and completing Mission B (and therefore has never been awarded rewards C and D), the information related to rewards C and D is not displayed, and question mark images 46 and 48, respectively, indicating that rewards C and D are unknown, are displayed.

[0067] The disclosure unit 11e discloses to the first user, by displaying on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20 used by the first user, achievement condition information indicating the achievement conditions (for example, achievement conditions A1, A2) achieved by a second user (for example, user U2) who has a predetermined relationship with the first user (for example, user U1) in at least a portion of the multiple missions A to G (for example, mission A). Here, the second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user may be a second user who is within a predetermined distance range from the first user, or a second user who has a friendly relationship with the first user and has been mutually acknowledged by the first user. The manner of disclosure may include methods such as notifying the user of achievement conditions audibly by playing an acoustic signal through the speaker 25 of the user terminal 20; notifying the user of achievement conditions visually by generating light by controlling the color, lighting / flashing pattern, light intensity, etc., of the light in the user terminal 20; or notifying the user of achievement conditions tactilely by generating vibrations using the vibration function of the user terminal 20 by controlling the vibration pattern, intensity, etc.

[0068] Figure 7 shows an example of a display screen shown on the display unit 24 of a user terminal 20 used by a first user (for example, user U1). As shown in Figure 7, the display screen shows achievement condition information 62, 64, etc., indicating the content of the achievement conditions (for example, achievement conditions A1, A2 in the illustrated example) achieved by a second user (for example, user U2) who has a predetermined relationship with the first user in at least some of the missions A to G (for example, mission A in the illustrated example). By referring to the achievement condition information 62, 64 displayed on the display screen shown in Figure 7, the first user can understand in advance the content of the achievement conditions set to achieve mission A and challenge mission A, and thereby gain an advantage in challenging (playing) multiple missions A to G. In other words, if there is another user U who has a predetermined relationship with the user and has achieved the achievement conditions, user U can gain an advantage in challenging (playing) multiple missions A to G compared to when there is no such user U.

[0069] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the control processing performed by the server 10 in this embodiment (corresponding to the "information processing method" of the present invention). The processing in step S100 is executed after the start of the first period.

[0070] First, the progress control unit 11b receives a request from user U via user U1's operation on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20 for gameplay that can be played by consuming in-game value (e.g., stamina, orbs) (for example, a challenge to one of several missions A to G set in the first period) (step S100).

[0071] Next, when the progress control unit 11b receives a request for gameplay from user U, it starts controlling the gameplay by user U (step S110).

[0072] Next, the progress control unit 11b determines whether the second period, which is shorter than the first period, has ended (step S120). If the determination is that the second period has not ended (step S120, NO), the process returns to before step S120.

[0073] On the other hand, if the second period ends (step S120, YES), the progress control unit 11b terminates control of the gameplay by user U (step S130).

[0074] Next, the reward determination unit 11c determines the reward to be given to user U according to the achievement status of multiple missions A to G during the second period (step S140). Then, the reward determination unit 11c gives the determined reward to user U.

[0075] Next, the progress control unit 11b updates the game progress by updating at least some of the missions that are in an achieved state at the end of the second period to an unachieved state (step S150).

[0076] Next, the progress control unit 11b determines, via user U1's operation on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20, whether or not it has received a request from user U for gameplay that can be played by consuming in-game value (e.g., stamina, orbs) (for example, retrying multiple missions A to G based on updated progress) (step S160). If the determination results in the acceptance of the gameplay request (step S160, YES), the process returns to before step S110.

[0077] On the other hand, if the request for gameplay is not accepted (step S160, NO), the progress control unit 11b determines whether the first period has ended or not (step S170). If the determination shows that the first period has not ended (step S170, NO), the process returns to before step S160. On the other hand, if the first period has ended (step S170, YES), the server 10 terminates the control process shown in Figure 8.

[0078] As explained in detail above, in this embodiment, the server 10 (information processing device) comprises a task control unit 11a, a progress control unit 11b, and a reward determination unit 11c. The task control unit 11a controls the progress of multiple missions A to G of the game set in the first period, and when a user U playing the game attempts the first task from among the multiple missions A to G, it releases a different second task that can be attempted later, depending on whether the user has met any of the multiple achievement conditions set to complete the first task. When the second period, which is shorter than the first period, ends, the progress control unit 11b updates at least some of the tasks that are in an achieved state at the end to an unachieved state, and accepts attempts at tasks based on the updated progress. The reward determination unit 11c determines the reward to be given to user U according to the achievement status of the multiple tasks in the second period.

[0079] According to this embodiment, as the second period ends, the progress of multiple missions A to G in the game is updated, and opportunities arise to challenge various missions (missions not yet attempted, missions attempted but not completed, missions attempted and completed) and receive rewards, thereby promoting gameplay by user U.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the progress control unit 11b may adjust the degree to which it updates the game progress status to an uncompleted state when the second period ends, depending on the remaining time until the first period ends (i.e., the period during which it is possible to attempt multiple missions A to G). For example, if the remaining time until the first period ends is long, the progress control unit 11b will increase the degree to which it updates the game progress status to an uncompleted state when the second period ends, because there is ample time to attempt multiple missions A to G. On the other hand, if the remaining time until the first period ends is short, the progress control unit 11b will decrease the degree to which it updates the game progress status to an uncompleted state when the second period ends, because there is no longer enough time to attempt multiple missions A to G.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the progress control unit 11b may control the system so that user U can specify the progress status after the update of the game's progress status (for example, the status where Mission A (achievement condition A2) and Mission C (achievement condition C2) have been achieved) when the second period ends. Alternatively, the progress control unit 11b may also control the system so that user U can specify the progress status after the update of the game's progress status when the second period ends (for example, the status where Mission A (achievement condition A2) has been achieved) when the second period ends, taking into account the achievement history of multiple missions A to G (for example, the status where Mission A (achievement condition A2) and Mission C (achievement condition C2) have been achieved). In this case, the progress control unit 11b controls the system so that user U cannot specify the status where Mission A (achievement condition A1) has been achieved (i.e., a progress status that does not correspond to the achievement history) when the second period ends and the game's progress status has been updated. Furthermore, if there is a second user (for example, user U2) who has a predetermined relationship with the first user (for example, user U1), the progress control unit 11b may control the game progress after the update of the game progress when the second period ends, so that the first user can specify it in accordance with the game progress of the second user.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the game progress is updated without the mission being completed in a mission included in the multiple missions A to G (for example, Mission A: Completion of the Collaboration Quest) after fulfilling at least some of the conditions for fulfilling the play status related to the completion condition (for example, Completion Condition A1: Completion of Quest A) (for example, playing Quest A), and user U plays the game from the updated progress and attempts the mission again, the task control unit 11a may change the completion condition (for example, Completion of Quest A) to a different completion condition (for example, Completion of Quest A with reduced difficulty, or Completion of Quest C). This is, for example, to improve the likelihood that user U will fulfill the mission's completion condition. In this case, the display control unit 11d may display a message on the display screen shown on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20 indicating that the completion condition has been changed.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the task control unit 11a may make the achievement conditions for the missions included in the multiple missions A to G (for example, Mission A: clearing the collaboration quest) (e.g., clearing quest A) different depending on whether the remaining time until the end of the first period (the period during which multiple missions A to G can be retried) is a predetermined period (for example, 2 days) or longer, or whether the remaining time is less than the predetermined period. For example, if the remaining time until the end of the first period is less than the predetermined period (i.e., there is not enough time to challenge multiple missions A to G), the task control unit 11a may lower the difficulty of the achievement conditions for the missions included in the multiple missions A to G (e.g., clearing quest A) compared to when the remaining time is the predetermined period or longer. This is to improve the possibility that user U can meet the mission achievement conditions even when there is not enough time to challenge multiple missions A to G.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the missions may be made available in different ways depending on the remaining time of the first period. That is, even if missions are unlocked along the same progression route during the first period, different missions may be unlocked depending on the remaining time of the first period.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as a reward for completing multiple missions, the rewards given to user U may include the granting of rewards for clearing quests unrelated to unlocking missions, or an increase in the probability of receiving those rewards. This can encourage user U to play the game more.

[0086] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are merely examples of how the present invention may be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its gist or its main features.

[0087] <Summary> [General tasks] One of the objectives of this invention is to improve the enjoyment of games.

[0088] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 1] One of the objectives of this invention is to facilitate gameplay by users. [Note 1] The information processing device according to this embodiment includes: a task control unit that controls the progress of multiple tasks in a game set in a first period, and when a user playing the game attempts the first task, it releases a different second task that can be attempted later depending on which of the multiple achievement conditions set to achieve the first task has been met; a progress control unit that, when the second period which is shorter than the first period has ended, updates at least some of the tasks that are in an achieved state at the end to an unachieved state and accepts the challenge of tasks based on the updated progress; and a reward determination unit that determines the reward to be given to the user according to the achievement status of the multiple tasks in the second period. According to the above information processing device, it is possible to facilitate gameplay by the user.

[0089] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 2] One of the objectives of the present invention is to vary the degree to which the game progress is updated to an unachieved state when the second period ends, depending on the remaining time until the first period ends. [Note 2] The second period is set multiple times during the first period, and the progress control unit varies the degree to which the game progress status is updated to an uncompleted state when the second period ends, depending on the remaining time until the first period ends, as described in Note 1. This allows the degree to which the game's progress is updated to an incomplete state upon the end of the second period to vary depending on the remaining time until the end of the first period.

[0090] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 3] One of the objectives of the present invention is to enable users to understand the rewards they receive in accordance with their progress in completing multiple tasks. [Appendix 3] The information processing device according to Appendix 1 or 2, further comprising a display control unit that sets different rewards for each achievement status of multiple tasks and displays related information of the rewards set for each achievement status of multiple tasks. This allows users to understand the rewards they will receive based on their progress in completing multiple tasks by referring to the displayed related information.

[0091] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 4] One of the objectives of the present invention is to enable the user to specify the game's progress after the game's progress has been updated when the second period ends. [Note 4] The progress control unit is an information processing device according to any one of Notes 1 to 3, which controls the progress status after the update of the game progress status when the second period ends, so that the user can specify it. This allows users to specify their game progress after the update following the end of the second period.

[0092] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 5] One of the objectives of the present invention is to enable a user to attempt the same challenge again if the game progress is updated after the user has met at least some of the conditions for fulfilling the play status related to the achievement conditions of a challenge included in a group of challenges, but the challenge has not been completed. [Note 5] The task control unit is an information processing device described in any one of Notes 1 to 4, which changes the achievement conditions to different achievement conditions when, in a task included in multiple tasks, at least some of the conditions for fulfilling the play status related to the achievement conditions are met, but the task is not completed and the game progress is updated, and the user plays the game from the updated progress and attempts the task again. This allows users to attempt the same challenge again if they have met at least some of the conditions for completing a challenge that is part of a larger challenge, but the challenge is not completed and the game progress is updated, even if the completion conditions have been changed.

[0093] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 6] One of the objectives of the present invention is to differentiate the conditions for achieving the problems included in a plurality of problems depending on whether the remaining period until the end of the first period is greater than or equal to a predetermined period, or whether the remaining period is less than the predetermined period. [Note 6] The task control unit is an information processing device described in any one of Notes 1 to 5, which makes the completion conditions for tasks included in multiple tasks different depending on whether the remaining period until the end of the first period is equal to or greater than a predetermined period, or whether the remaining period is less than a predetermined period. This allows for different completion conditions for tasks included in multiple tasks depending on whether the remaining time until the end of the first period is longer than a predetermined period or shorter than a predetermined period.

[0094] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 7] One of the objectives of the present invention is to enable a first user to understand the success conditions achieved by a second user with whom they have a predetermined relationship in at least some of a set of tasks. [Appendix 7] An information processing device according to any one of Appendix 1 to 6, further comprising a disclosure unit that discloses to the first user the success conditions achieved by a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user in at least some of the tasks. This allows the first user to understand, by referring to the disclosed success conditions, the success conditions achieved by a second user with whom they have a predetermined relationship in at least some of the tasks.

[0095] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 8] One of the objectives of this invention is to facilitate gameplay by users. [Note 8] In this embodiment, the information processing method involves a processor controlling the progress of multiple game challenges set in the first period, and when a user playing the game attempts the first challenge, the processor releases a different second challenge that can be attempted later, depending on which of the multiple achievement conditions set for completing the first challenge is met. When the second period, which is shorter than the first period, ends, the processor updates at least some of the challenges that are in an achieved state at the end to an unachieved state, accepts challenges based on the updated progress, and determines the rewards to be given to the user according to the achievement status of the multiple challenges in the second period. According to the above information processing method, it is possible to facilitate gameplay by the user.

[0096] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 9] One of the objectives of this invention is to facilitate gameplay by users. [Note 9] The information processing program according to this embodiment controls the progress of multiple game challenges set in the first period, and when a user playing the game attempts the first challenge, it releases a different second challenge that can be attempted later, depending on which of the multiple achievement conditions set to complete the first challenge has been met. When the second period, which is shorter than the first period, ends, it updates at least some of the challenges that are in an achieved state at the end to an unachieved state, accepts challenges based on the updated progress, and executes a process to determine the rewards to be given to the user according to the achievement status of the multiple challenges in the second period. According to the above information processing program, it is possible to facilitate gameplay by the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1: Voting system, 10: Server, 11: Control unit, 11a: Task control unit, 11b: Progress control unit, 11c: Reward determination unit, 11d: Display control unit, 11e: Disclosure unit, 12: Memory unit, 13: Communication unit, 14: Operation input unit, 15: Monitor, 16: System bus, 20, 20a, 20b, 20c: User terminal, 21: Control unit, 22: Memory unit, 23: Communication unit, 24: Display unit, 25: Speaker, 26: Microphone, 27: Camera, 28: Operation buttons, 29: System bus, 30: Period information, 32: Mission information, 34, 44, 62, 64: Achievement condition information, 36, 46, 48: Question mark image, 38: Character image, U, U1, U2, U3: User

Claims

1. It comprises a task control unit, a progress control unit, and a reward determination unit. The task control unit controls the progress of multiple tasks in the game set during the first period, and when a user playing the game attempts the first task, it releases a different second task that can be attempted later, depending on which of the multiple achievement conditions set for completing the first task is met. When the second period, which is shorter than the first period, ends, the progress control unit updates at least some of the tasks that were in an achieved state at the end of the period to an unachieved state, and accepts the challenge of the tasks based on the updated progress status. The reward determination unit determines the reward to be given to the user according to the achievement status of the multiple tasks during the second period. The second period is set multiple times during the first period. The progress control unit varies the degree to which the game progress status is updated to an uncompleted state when the second period ends, depending on the remaining time until the first period ends. Information processing device.

2. comprising a task control unit, a progress control unit, and a reward determination unit, The task control unit controls the progress of multiple tasks in the game set during the first period, and when a user playing the game attempts the first task, it releases a different second task that can be attempted later, depending on which of the multiple achievement conditions set for completing the first task is met. When the second period, which is shorter than the first period, ends, the progress control unit updates at least some of the tasks that were in an achieved state at the end of the period to an unachieved state, and accepts the challenge of the tasks based on the updated progress status. The reward determination unit determines the reward to be given to the user according to the achievement status of the multiple tasks during the second period. The progress control unit controls the progress status after the update of the game's progress status when the second period ends, so that the user can specify it. Information processing device.

3. comprising a task control unit, a progress control unit, and a reward determination unit, The task control unit controls the progress of multiple tasks in the game set during the first period, and when a user playing the game attempts the first task, it releases a different second task that can be attempted later, depending on which of the multiple achievement conditions set for completing the first task is met. When the second period, which is shorter than the first period, ends, the progress control unit updates at least some of the tasks that were in an achieved state at the end of the period to an unachieved state, and accepts the challenge of the tasks based on the updated progress status. The reward determination unit determines the reward to be given to the user according to the achievement status of the multiple tasks during the second period. The task control unit, when at least some of the conditions for fulfilling the play status related to the achievement condition are met in one of the multiple tasks, but the task is not completed and the game progress is updated, and the user plays the game from the updated progress and attempts the task again, changes the achievement condition to a different achievement condition. Information processing device.

4. comprising a task control unit, a progress control unit, and a reward determination unit, The task control unit controls the progress of multiple tasks in the game set during the first period, and when a user playing the game attempts the first task, it releases a different second task that can be attempted later, depending on which of the multiple achievement conditions set for completing the first task is met. When the second period, which is shorter than the first period, ends, the progress control unit updates at least some of the tasks that were in an achieved state at the end of the period to an unachieved state, and accepts the challenge of the tasks based on the updated progress status. The reward determination unit determines the reward to be given to the user according to the achievement status of the multiple tasks during the second period. The task control unit makes the achievement conditions for the tasks included in the plurality of tasks different depending on whether the remaining period until the end of the first period is equal to or greater than a predetermined period, or whether the remaining period is less than the predetermined period. Information processing device.

5. In the processor, The system controls the progress of multiple game challenges set during the first period, and when a user playing the game attempts the first challenge, it unlocks a different second challenge that can be attempted later, depending on which of the multiple achievement conditions set for completing the first challenge is met. If a second period, which is shorter than the first period and is set multiple times during the first period, ends, at least some of the tasks that were in an achieved state at the end of the second period will be updated to an unachieved state, and the challenge to the tasks will be accepted based on the updated progress. Depending on the achievement status of the aforementioned multiple tasks during the second period, the benefits to be granted to the user will be determined. Depending on the remaining time until the end of the first period, the degree to which the game's progress is updated to an uncompleted state when the second period ends will vary. An information processing program that executes a process.

6. The processor includes: The system controls the progress of multiple game challenges set during the first period, and when a user playing the game attempts the first challenge, it unlocks a different second challenge that can be attempted later, depending on which of the multiple achievement conditions set for completing the first challenge is met. If a second period shorter than the first period ends, at least some of the tasks that were in an achieved state at the end of the period will be updated to an unachieved state, and the challenge to complete the tasks will be accepted based on the updated progress. Depending on the achievement status of the aforementioned multiple tasks during the second period, the benefits to be granted to the user will be determined. When the second period ends, the user can specify the progress of the game after the progress has been updated. An information processing program that executes a process.

7. The processor includes: The system controls the progress of multiple game challenges set during the first period, and when a user playing the game attempts the first challenge, it unlocks a different second challenge that can be attempted later, depending on which of the multiple achievement conditions set for completing the first challenge is met. If a second period shorter than the first period ends, at least some of the tasks that were in an achieved state at the end of the period will be updated to an unachieved state, and the challenge to complete the tasks will be accepted based on the updated progress. Depending on the achievement status of the aforementioned multiple tasks during the second period, the benefits to be granted to the user will be determined. If, in one of the aforementioned tasks, at least some of the conditions for fulfilling the play status related to the achievement condition are met, but the task is not completed, and the game progress is updated, and the user plays the game from the updated progress and attempts the task again, the achievement condition is changed to a different achievement condition. An information processing program that executes a process.

8. The processor includes: The system controls the progress of multiple game challenges set during the first period, and when a user playing the game attempts the first challenge, it unlocks a different second challenge that can be attempted later, depending on which of the multiple achievement conditions set for completing the first challenge is met. If a second period shorter than the first period ends, at least some of the tasks that were in an achieved state at the end of the period will be updated to an unachieved state, and the challenge to complete the tasks will be accepted based on the updated progress. Depending on the achievement status of the aforementioned multiple tasks during the second period, the benefits to be granted to the user will be determined. The conditions for achieving the tasks included in the plurality of tasks are made different depending on whether the remaining period until the end of the first period is equal to or greater than a predetermined period, or whether the remaining period is less than the predetermined period. An information processing program that executes a process.

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