Information processor, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique allowing an opportunity to perform multi-play to be provided to a user.SOLUTION: Provided is an information processor having a management part for managing a first group related to an object user from among multiple groups for which multi-play in which multiple users play a game jointly can be recruited, and a notification part for notifying the object user of information regarding a second group not related to the object user for permitting participation in multi-play under a predetermined condition for the object game from among the multiple groups when the first group cannot participate in multi-play under the predetermined condition for the object game.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Complete quests using a team of characters called a deck. In addition, multiple users can play a single quest together. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a game system called multiplay in which users The present invention discloses a game in which a player executes quests using a player character owned by the player. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-044320 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When playing a multiplayer game, users' skill levels and playing purposes are similar. Multiplayer with other users is easier to coordinate within a team. Therefore, it is desirable to form groups of similar users in advance and then It is possible to play multiplayer games on this platform.

[0005] However, when forming groups, it is important to have a group that is actively engaged in activities (e.g., games). A group with many users playing the game) and a group that is not active (e.g., Therefore, there may be a group of users who are not actively playing the game. Users who are in groups that are not active are those who are in groups that are active. It is likely that users with a mobile device will have fewer opportunities to play multiplayer games than users with a mobile device.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides users with an opportunity to play multiplayer games. The purpose is to provide technology that [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is a multiplayer device in which a plurality of users play a game together. A first group associated with a target user among a plurality of groups for which the target user can be recruited is managed. and a management unit that manages the first group to participate in multiplayer games under predetermined conditions for the target game. If it is not possible to do so, the target game is selected from the plurality of groups under the predetermined conditions. A second group not associated with the target user that allows participation in multiplayer games and a notification unit that notifies the target user of information related to the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide users with an opportunity to play multiplayer games. We can provide technology. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a game server and a terminal. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block configuration of a game server. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block configuration of a terminal. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a user management DB and a user group management DB. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a multiplay management DB. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when a user creates a user group. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when joining a user group. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure when a user invites a user to play a multiplayer game within a user group and plays the multiplayer game. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure when a user participates in a multiplay that is open to players within a user group and plays a multiplay. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first example of a screen display. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of a screen display. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of a screen display. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those marked with the same or similar symbols have the same or similar configurations.

[0011] <System configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a game system 1 according to this embodiment. The game system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a game server 10 and one or more terminals 20. The system server 10 and the terminal 20 are connected via the Internet, an intranet, a wireless LAN, or a mobile communication The devices are connected to each other via a communication network N such as a telephone line so that they can communicate with each other.

[0012] The game server 10 manages, for example, various information about users and manages some of the game information. It is a device that performs some of the functions of the terminal 20 to provide the game, such as executing processing. The game server 10 may be configured with one or more information processing devices. It may be configured using a virtual server (such as a cloud server).

[0013] The terminal 20 is an information processing device that provides a game to a user. The user operates the terminal 20. The game according to this embodiment can be executed by creating the terminal 20. Mobile phones (including smartphones), tablets, personal computers, arcade games The terminal 20 is a computer such as a GPS or a consumer game device. (Global Positioning System) or the like, and notifies the game server 10 of its own location. do.

[0014] <Game Overview> Next, an overview of the game provided by the game system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the game provided by the game system 1, a user (may also be called a player) You can play the quest by operating the

[0015] A deck is a team (group) that combines multiple game media. , and create a deck using a game medium selected from multiple game mediums owned by the user. The game contents may be called game objects. The game media may be characters, items, avatars, game cards, etc. The game according to this embodiment does not necessarily have to be a game in which a deck can be organized.

[0016] A quest is a task that can be completed by fulfilling certain predetermined conditions. Quests are generally referred to as explorations, challenges, and missions. Users can clear quests by fulfilling certain conditions. When a user completes a quest, they will receive rewards such as game content or game stock. The story progresses.

[0017] In this embodiment, it is assumed that various quests are provided in the game. The embodiment is not limited to this, and for example, only one quest may be provided. Furthermore, the term "quest" in this embodiment may be replaced with "game."

[0018] Quests can be played by multiple users together. Playing a quest together is called "multiplayer." On the other hand, playing a quest alone is called single play. Multiplayer can be in any form, but the deck The game may be arranged in a way that each user operates the game contents in turn. In games where multiple users fight each other (such as Battle Royale), Competitive games (e.g., soccer games in which each user controls one player) etc. may also be used.

[0019] A user who invites a multiplayer game may be called a host or a host user. Users who participate in multiplayer games recruited by a host are called guests or guest users. Recruiting for multiplayer means recruiting for participation in multiplayer, In this embodiment, the phrase "call a group" may be read as "call a group" or "recruit a group for multiplayer." "Participating in multiplayer" means participating in multiplayer as a guest user, and / Or participate in a multiplayer game as a host user (i.e., invite a multiplayer game yourself) (by joining a multiplayer game).

[0020] In this embodiment, a user is associated with a group (hereinafter referred to as a "user group"). For example, each user can create one or more user groups. Each user can also join one or more user groups created by other users. The user who creates a user group can create a user group and the group owner. Users who join a user group created by another user can In the following description, a user who has created a user group may be referred to as a member user. If there is no particular distinction between users who have joined a user group and users who have joined a user group, These users are called "associated users" or "affiliated users."

[0021] A user who creates a user group can assign any tag to the user group they create. In addition, users who want to join a user group can You can find user groups you want to join by searching for tags. Even if it contains categories and / or arbitrary character strings predetermined by the game operator, etc. good.

[0022] Users can select the user groups they belong to (i.e., user groups they created or You can recruit for multiplayer by specifying the user group you are a member of. When recruiting for multiplayer by specifying a user group, only those who belong to the specified user group can join. Only users who are registered in the game can participate in the multiplayer game.

[0023] In addition, the tags that can be assigned to a user group include one or more arbitrary quests. That is, a user group can be associated with one or more arbitrary quests. It may be possible to play multiplayer games within a user group associated with a quest. When recruitment is performed, the game server 10 executes a quest associated with the user group. Alternatively, only multiplayer games may be permitted.

[0024] Any user can join a user group. Users who share the same level of experience, tastes, or goals for playing games form a group. It is assumed that a loop will be created. For example, during the period when Event Quest A is offered, A user group associated with "Event Quest A" is created, and Users who want to participate in the event can join the user group and play multiplayer games. It is assumed that the goal is to clear Quest A. Users who wish to play or complete a quest can join a user group associated with that particular quest. It is expected that they will join the group.

[0025] The game server 10 determines whether the user, in a user group associated with a quest, If for some reason you are unable to start multiplayer, the user in question will be able to join the multiplayer. and the information about the user group in which the user does not participate is Notify.

[0026] <Hardware configuration> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the game server 10 and the terminal 20. The home server 10 and the terminal 20 are each equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), A processor 11 such as a processor unit (al Processing Unit), a memory, a hard disk drive (HDD) and / or or a storage device 12 such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), a communication IF for wired or wireless communication (Interface) 13, an input device 14 that accepts input operations, and an output device that outputs information. The input device 14 includes, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, a The output device 15 is, for example, a display, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, etc. The components include a panel and / or a speaker.

[0027] <Function block configuration> (game server) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block configuration of the game server 10. 0 includes a storage unit 100, a reception unit 101, a management unit 102, a display control unit 104, and a control unit The storage unit 100 is realized using a storage device 12 provided in the game server 10. In addition, the reception unit 101, the management unit 102, the display control unit 104, and the control The processor 11 of the game server 10 executes the program stored in the storage device 12. The program can be realized by executing the program. The storage medium storing the program is computer-readable. It may also be a non-transitory computer readable medium. The non-transitory storage medium is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a USB memory or a CD-ROM. The storage medium may be a storage medium.

[0028] The storage unit 100 stores game data necessary for the game server 10 to execute the game. The game data includes various databases.

[0029] The reception unit 101 receives various operations related to the game from the user. The unit 101 receives from a user the creation of a user group, tags and queries to be associated with the user group, and It accepts various operations such as specifying an est and joining a user group.

[0030] The management unit 102 is configured to manage a user group (group) from among a plurality of user groups (groups) that can be invited to participate in a multiplayer game. The management unit 102 manages the user groups associated with each user. Manage user groups created by each user and the user groups to which each user belongs .

[0031] The control unit 103 performs various processes related to the execution of the game. The control unit 103 performs processes such as executing the requested quest and providing a reward to the user. , may be called a game control unit, game execution unit, or execution unit.

[0032] The display control unit 104 displays various screens related to the game on the display of the terminal 20. The display control unit 104 also displays various types of information to be notified to the user on the display of the terminal 10. The display of information on the screen of the terminal 10 is carried out by the user of the terminal 20. Since the display control unit 104 also notifies the user of information, the display control unit 104 may be called a "notification unit." In addition, the display control unit 104 may display the user's However, if you are unable to participate in multiplayer quests associated with that user group, Other user groups associated with the quest that do not have a user associated with them The information about the other user groups is displayed. A message recommending joining the group or related to the other user group The message may be a message recommending participation in a multiplayer quest.

[0033] (Terminal) 4 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block configuration of the terminal 20. The terminal 20 includes a storage unit 20 0, a communication unit 201, a UI (User Interface) unit 202, and a control unit 203. The storage unit 200 can be realized by using the storage device 12 included in the terminal 20. The reception unit 201, the UI unit 202, and the control unit 203 are configured by the processor 11 of the terminal 20. This can be realized by executing a program stored in the device 12. The program can be stored in a storage medium. The non-transitory storage medium may be a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. The body is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a storage medium such as a USB memory or a CD-ROM. Good too.

[0034] The storage unit 200 stores game data necessary for the control unit 203 to execute the game. It stores game data, including image data, game scenarios, etc.

[0035] The communication unit 201 has the function of performing various communications with the game server 10 using the communication IF 13. It has this function.

[0036] The UI unit 202 has the function of receiving various inputs from the user and displaying various game screens on the display. Also, the UI unit 202 displays the game screen on the output device 15 (display) of the terminal 20 according to the instructions of the game server 10. It has this function. It has this function.

[0037] By cooperating with the game server 10, the control unit 203 provides various functions necessary for executing the game. For example, the control unit 203 provides functions such as obtaining various information (icon image data, text data, etc.) for drawing on the game screen from the game server 10. It has this function. It has this function. It has this function.

[0038] Regarding the functional block configuration described above, all or part of the storage unit 100, reception unit 101, management unit 102, display control unit 104, and control unit 103 included in the game server 10 may be provided in the storage unit 200 or control unit 203 of the terminal 20. That is, various processes according to this embodiment may be executed by the game server 10, may be executed by the terminal 20, or may be executed by the cooperation of the game server 10 and the terminal 20. It has this function. It has this function. It has this function. It has this function.

[0039] <DB Configuration> The storage unit 100 of the game server 10 manages the user management DB (Data Base) 100a for the game data of each user and manages the user group management DB for the data related to user groups. It has this function. Management DB 100b, and multi-play management DB 100c for managing the multi-plays being recruited and being performed Store the B100c.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the user management DB 100a and the user group management DB 100b. The user management DB 100a stores, for example, an identifier that uniquely identifies a user (user ID). D), nickname used as a user name in the game, the user's relationship with a certain person (e.g., friend), a friend registration list showing other users with whom the user has a friend relationship, the location of the terminal 20 used by the user, location information indicating the user's location (e.g., current location), user experience value, user level, user status, Mina, various parameters of the number of points owned by the user, game media owned by the user, Also, information regarding deck organization is stored in association with the information.

[0041] The user group ID in the user group management DB 100b uniquely identifies a user group. The creating user indicates the identifier of the user who created the user group. The user group name indicates the name of the user group. The tag indicates the identifier of one or more users who have entered the tag. For example, categories and quests). Multiplayer execution history shows the history of multiplayer play performed by a user group. Various historical information about past multiplayer games (date and time when multiplayer games ended, This indicates the quests played in the game.

[0042] The tag may be, for example, one or more categories selected from a plurality of predetermined categories. , an arbitrary string, and a quest (the name of the quest or an identifier that uniquely identifies the quest) The category may include, for example, the name of a quest that can be played for a limited time. The game's titles and terms used in the game are likely to be of interest to gamers. The quests that can be set as tags can be any quest. or predefined quests that can be associated with user groups. It may also be a

[0043] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the multiplay management DB 100c. a is a multiplayer ID that identifies the multiplayer being recruited or running in the game. The host user and guest user are the hosts who convened the multiplayer game. Indicates the user ID of the user and the user IDs of guest users participating in multiplayer The quest to be played indicates the quest to be played in multiplayer. When a user group is designated and a multiplayer call is made, the designated user The user group identifier is stored. The status indicates whether the user is looking for multiplayer, This indicates whether the quest is currently being carried out in multiplayer mode. This indicates the date and time when the quest begins accepting applications. Indicates the date and time.

[0044] <Processing Procedure> Next, a specific processing procedure performed by the game system 1 will be described.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure when a user creates a user group. First, the reception unit 101 receives a new user request from a user who wishes to create a user group. Then, the management unit 102 receives an instruction to create the group (S10). , a new user group is created, and a new record is registered in the user group management DB 100b. The management unit 102 registers the maximum number of user groups that can be created for each user (S11). If a limit is set, the management unit 102 does not allow the creation of a number of user groups that exceeds the upper limit. It may be possible to make it unacceptable.

[0046] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for joining a user group. First, the reception unit 101 receives a user group search result including a search condition for a user group from a user. A search request is received (S20). The search conditions may be a category or a quest. Next, the display control unit 104 accesses the user group management DB 100b and searches for Data about one or more user groups that match the search criteria (user group name, user The number of users, etc. are obtained and displayed on the screen.

[0047] Next, the reception unit 101 receives from the user one or more user groups searched in step S20. From within the loop, the user selects the user group to which the user wishes to join (S21). The management unit 102 accesses the user group management DB 100b and The user is added to the "Subscribed Users" field of the group record (S22).

[0048] Figure 9 shows the situation when a user invites other users to play multiplayer games within a user group. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure. In the example of FIG. 9, the quest is associated with This explanation will be based on the assumption that a user group will be recruiting for multiplayer games. The unit 101 invites users to join a multiplayer game from one or more user groups to which the users belong. Then, the control unit 103 receives the designation of the user group to be designated (S30). In a user group, multiplayer on a quest associated with that user group At this time, the display control unit 104 starts soliciting players for multi-play (S31). The system notifies each user in the specified user group that the user has been assigned a password. For example, The display control unit 104 displays multiple images on the screen of each user belonging to the specified user group. A message indicating that a lei is being recruited may be displayed.

[0049] Next, the control unit 103 performs the process in the case where the "predetermined condition for multiplay" is satisfied (S32- If the answer is YES, it is determined that multi-play has been established, and the process proceeds to step S33. The "predetermined conditions for multiplayer" are met after a certain amount of time has passed since the start of recruitment for multiplayer. If the condition is not satisfied within the time limit (S32-NO), the control unit 103 determines that multiplay is not possible. If it is determined that the predetermined condition for multi-play has been met, the process proceeds to step S34. " will be discussed later.

[0050] Next, the control unit 103 controls a plurality of users (i.e., a host user) to participate in the multiplay. The display control unit 104 starts multiplayer play with the user (user and guest user) (S33). Each user who has expressed interest in participating in the multiplayer game (i.e., the host user and guest user) ) other user groups to which each user does not belong, and which are players in multiplayer mode. The other user groups associated with the quest that was scheduled to be performed are notified (S34 ).

[0051] Figure 10 shows how a user can join a multiplayer game that is open to users in a user group. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for performing the above-mentioned process. Similarly, multiplayer recruitment will be conducted in the user group to which the quest is associated. Let me explain the premise.

[0052] First, the reception unit 101 receives a request from one or more user groups to which the user belongs. Accepts the specification of the multiplayer mode in which you will participate as a guest user ( S40). Next, the control unit 103 determines whether the "predetermined conditions for multiplay" are met ( S41-YES), it is determined that multi-play has been established, and the process proceeds to step S42. The "predetermined conditions for multiplayer" are met after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of recruitment for multiplayer. If the condition is not satisfied until the time has elapsed (S41-NO), the control unit 103 determines whether multiplay is successful. It is determined that the condition is not satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S43.

[0053] Next, the control unit 103 starts a multiplay with multiple users participating in the multiplay. On the other hand, the display control unit 104 displays the status of each user who has expressed their intention to participate in the multiplay (S42). Users can play in multiplayer mode with other user groups to which they do not belong. The other user groups associated with the quest that was scheduled for the event are notified (S43 ).

[0054] The "predetermined conditions for multiplayer" in the processing procedure described above are more specifically as follows: For example, "a condition for starting multiplayer" may be used. The "predetermined condition" may be that the number of users required to start multiplayer reaches a certain number. If the number of users required to start multiplayer is 10, If nine users, in addition to one host user, have expressed interest in participating as guest users, For example, the "predetermined conditions for multiplayer" will be met. A game in which multiple users fight each other and one user ultimately wins. In this game, when a certain number of people (for example, 10 people) declare their participation, the battle royale begins. Examples include cases where the following occurs:

[0055] In addition, the "predetermined conditions for multiplayer" may be, for example, the conditions required to start multiplayer. For example, a two-versus-two (2VS2) system can be used. In a multiplayer game where two teams of players compete against each other, In some cases, a match will begin when all three players are present.

[0056] In addition, "predetermined conditions for multiplayer" may be, for example, the occurrence of a specific event. The specific event may be any event, for example, a multi-event. A user who owns a specific piece of land among the host users or guest users participating in Chiplay In this case, the fact that a battle has broken out on the land may be a And then multiplayer will begin.

[0057] In addition, if a user invites a multiplayer game as a host user, or if a user invites a game as a guest user, Although you participated in multiplayer as a remote user, the conditions for multiplayer were not met. "Participation in multiplayer under certain conditions" refers to the situation where multiplayer will not start because the player is unable to participate in multiplayer. It is also possible to express this as "cannot be used by the host user or the guest user." To make it possible for the conditions for multiplayer to be met (i.e., multiplayer) "Giving players the opportunity to participate in multiplayer games under certain conditions" is defined as "allowing players to participate in multiplayer games under certain conditions." It may also be expressed as "to make it so."

[0058] That is, the processing procedure of step S34 in FIG. 9 and the processing procedure of step S43 in FIG. 10 are , may be expressed as follows: The display control unit 104 displays the user (target user) in the user group (first group) when the user makes a query. If you are unable to participate in multiplayer under the specified conditions for the game, Among the multiple user groups that exist within the quest, multiple players who meet the specified conditions for the quest will be selected. A user group that allows participation of a user (target user) and is associated with the user A user group that has not been included in the list (hereinafter referred to as the "recommended group" or "second group") ) may be notified to the user (target user). The above-mentioned "target user" is intended to refer to a user who is the processing target of the display control unit 104. Specifically, each host user or guest user who was unable to participate in the multiplayer game This applies to:

[0059] For example, assume that user A is only a member of user group A. User group B is associated with quest X. The "predetermined conditions for playing" are that three guest users gather. User A Assume that you are a host user and are looking for a multiplayer game of Quest X. A certain amount of time has passed since User A started recruiting for multiplayer on Quest X in User Group A. If no guest users gather even after the time has elapsed, the display control unit 104 User A joins a user group that is looking for multiplayer players on Quest X. The information recommending joining user group B, which is not yet joined, is stored in the terminal 20 as a recommended joining group. The information may be displayed on the screen. User A may then join User Group B according to the information. You can join and participate as a guest in multiplayer games being recruited by User Group B. In this state, if two other guest users express their intention to participate, Since the "predetermined conditions for multiplay" are met, User A can play Quest X. It will be possible to play in multiplayer.

[0060] <Modification> Next, in the processing procedure of step S34 in FIG. 9 and the processing procedure of step S43 in FIG. 10, The display control unit 104 notifies the user of information about the recommended group. The following multiple modifications will be described. The multiple modifications described below can be combined in any way. That's fine.

[0061] (Variation 1) A user group may have an upper limit on the number of users that can belong to it. The display control unit 104 selects users who can belong to a plurality of user groups that exist in the game. The number of users (the number of users that can be associated with a user group) has not reached the upper limit. The group will be notified to the user as information about the recommended group (second group). You can do this.

[0062] For example, User A belongs to User Group A, and User Group A, User Group B, User Group C, User Group D, User Group E, User Group F, User Group G, User Group I ... Assume that Quest X is associated with User Group B and User Group C. The number of users belonging to User Group B has not reached the upper limit, but the number of users belonging to User Group C has In this case, the display control unit 104 determines whether the number of users for Quest X has reached the upper limit. A user group that allows participation in multiplay under certain conditions, where user A is a It is a user group other than user group A to which you belong, and the number of users belonging to it is the upper limit. User group B, which has not yet been reached, is notified to users as a recommended group to join. This allows you to set up a recommended group for users who cannot actually join the group. It is possible to prevent the user from being notified.

[0063] (Variation 2) The display control unit 104 selects a user (target user) from among a plurality of groups present in the game. Groups to which other users who have a predetermined relationship belong (groups to which other users are associated) The user will be notified of this information regarding the recommended group (second group). The target user and the other user are referred to as a first user and a second user, respectively. Good too.

[0064] For example, user group A includes users A and B, and user group B includes User B belongs to User Group A and User Group B. Quest X is associated with User A. User A and User B are also friends. In this case, the display control unit 104 notifies the user A of the recommended group to join. As a group, it is a user group that allows participation in multiplayer for Quest X under certain conditions. A user group that does not include user A and User A is notified of user group B to which user B belongs in a forward relationship. This allows the user group to which the user who has a predetermined relationship with the user belongs. This makes it possible to recommend groups.

[0065] (Variation 3) The display control unit 104 determines the attributes (first attribute) of users other than the users belonging to the user group. Attributes of users other than the target user associated with the group) and attributes of the members ( Other user groups with similar attributes (associated users) are added to the recommended group. The user may be notified of this information.

[0066] For example, user A and user B belong to user group A, and user C belongs to user group B. Assume that User B belongs to Group B. Also, the attributes of User B and User C are similar. In addition, Quest X is related to User Group A and User Group B. First, the display control unit 104 checks the user group management DB 100 By referring to b, users other than user A who belong to the same user group A as user A can be In this example, it is assumed that user B is found. Next, the display control unit 1 04 refers to the user management DB 100a to find a user who has attributes similar to the attributes of user B. In this example, it is assumed that user C is found. Next, the display control unit 104 refers to the user group management DB 100b to find out the group to which the user C belongs. Then, the display control unit 104 extracts one or more user groups. From the user group, select the desired user for quest X associated with user group A. A user group that allows participation in multiplayer under certain conditions, and User A is User group B, to which user A does not belong, is notified to user A as a recommended group to join.

[0067] Here, the attribute of a user is similar if the value indicating the attribute is within a predetermined range. The value indicating the attribute is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a level, an experience value, etc. For example, suppose that users A, B, and C are at levels 10, 50, and 15, respectively. In addition, users with a level difference of 10 or less are considered similar users according to the game specifications. In this case, user A and user C have similar attributes. Therefore, the attributes of users A and B, or users B and C, are not similar. In addition, similar user attributes mean that at least one of the game media in the deck is similar to the other. It is acceptable for some of the game media (for example, the first game media in the deck) to be the same game media. The same game content means, for example, that at least the game content identifier or the game content It may also refer to game media with the same name as the game media. If the name of the game medium is the same, even if the parameter values ​​are different, it is the same game medium. It may be considered that there is.

[0068] In addition, the attributes of users other than those who belong to the user group and the attributes of the users who belong to the user group A user group with similar attributes is one in which the average value of the attributes of multiple users belonging to the group is within a predetermined range. For example, user group A includes users A, B, and User group B is associated with users D, E, and F. Assume that user group C is associated with users G, H, and I. In addition, it is assumed that the user A is notified of the recommended group to join. In this case, the display control unit 1 04 calculates the average value of the attributes of users B and C other than user A in user group A. Here, it is assumed that the level is 30. Next, the display control unit 104 Calculate the average value of the attributes of users D, E, and F in group B. The average value is at level 90. Next, the display control unit 104 determines whether the users G and H in the user group C are Calculate the average value of the attributes of and I. Assume that the average value is level 25. Within the specified range, the difference in the average level is 10 or less. The control unit 104 selects a user group whose level difference from the average value of the user group A is 10 or less. C is determined as another user group whose average value of the user's attribute is within a predetermined range.

[0069] (Variation 4) The display control unit 104 is configured to select a user group to which the user (target user) can belong (can be associated). If the number of groups reaches a certain number, the user will be The user group to which the user belongs (the user group to which the user is associated) ) to a user group to which the user does not belong (the user is associated The information recommending the user to change their association to a user group that is not associated with the user group is provided to the user. The user may be notified.

[0070] For example, user A belongs to user groups A to D, and one user can belong to each group. The number of user groups that can be used is four. User groups A, E, and F are , and quest X. Also, user A is a member of user group B D has been playing multiplayer games for the past week, while user group A has been playing multiplayer games for over a month. In this case, the display control unit 104 displays the following information for user A: and leaves User Group A and is associated with the same quest as User Group A. A message recommending that user A join user group E or F is sent to terminal 2 of user A. This allows users who are not playing multiplayer to view the game on the screen. By leaving your group and joining another user group, you can play multiplayer games. This will enable us to increase the number of participants.

[0071] In addition, if the number of user groups to which the user (target user) can belong reaches a predetermined number The display control unit 104 detects whether the user has not played a multiplayer game within a predetermined period of time. From the user group to which the user belongs, the quests associated with that user group are A user group that allows participation in multiplayer games under certain conditions, and Add information that recommends the user to change his / her affiliation to a user group to which he / she does not belong. The user may be notified of this information as information about the recommended group. , leave a user group that is not playing multiplayer and join another user group. By doing so, it will be possible to increase the opportunities for multiplayer play.

[0072] (Variation 5) The display control unit 104 is configured to select a user group to which the user (target user) can belong (can be associated). When the number of groups reaches a predetermined number, the user group to which the user belongs is A user group (in which the user is involved) whose number of multiplayer games played between them is less than a predetermined number. (Groups in which the number of multiplayer games played during a specified period of time is less than a specified number) Change of user group affiliation to a user group to which the user does not belong (the user is associated The system will notify the user that it is recommended to change the association to a group that is not associated with the group. It can also be set to

[0073] For example, user A belongs to user groups A to D, and one user can belong to each group. The number of user groups that can be used is four. User groups A, E, and F are , and Quest X. The predetermined period and the predetermined number of times are respectively In addition, user A is in user groups B to F. In the past week, each user played multiplayer five times. In this case, the number of multiplayer games played in the last week is 0. In this case, the display control The unit 104 allows the user A to withdraw from the user group A and to register with the same user group A. A message recommending joining user group E or F associated with the quest. The message may be displayed on the screen of the terminal 20 of the user A. Leave user groups that rarely play and join other user groups This will increase the opportunities for multiplayer play.

[0074] (Variation 6) A user (target user) participates in a quest (target game) in a user group (first group). While recruiting participants for multiplayer on the If not, the control unit 103 notifies the group that is recruiting participants for the multiplayer quest. Among the group, there are other user groups (second group) that meet the predetermined conditions for multiplayer. ) users can participate in multiplayer in the user group (first group) It may be possible to control the

[0075] For example, user A belongs to user group A, and users B to E belong to user group A. User groups A and B are also involved in Quest X. In addition, the conditions for multiplayer are set by the The number of users who join is a certain number (here, the total of 1 host user and 3 guest users). The goal is to reach the number of users belonging to user group B. Four users, User B to User E, have met the conditions for multiplayer and are therefore eligible to play Quest X. Assume you are about to start a multiplayer game.

[0076] For example, User A is looking for a multiplayer game for Quest X in User Group A. However, only one guest user can gather, and multiplayer cannot be started. In this case, the control unit 103 starts the invitation for multiplayer play after the user A starts the invitation for multiplayer play. If three guest users are not gathered within a certain time, the quest will be Any two of the four users B, C, D, and E who are trying to start event X On the other hand, you can temporarily move to user group A and play multiplayer games with user A. For example, if users B and C among users B, C, D, and E are Move to Group A and play multiplayer with User A, and play multiplayer with User Group A. After the play is complete, return to user group B and play multiple times with users B, C, D, and E. This allows you to start a multiplayer mode once certain conditions are met. It is now possible to provide opportunities for multiplayer to users from user groups who are not familiar with the game. do.

[0077] <Screen display example> FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first example of a screen display. Screen M100 is a screen in which a user is a host user. When recruiting for multiplayer, you will be asked to specify the user group you are recruiting for multiplayer. For example, if the user wants to play Quest M, the user The display control unit 104 selects the associated "Group A." When Loop A is selected, the screen transitions to a screen M101 that displays a list of participating users. On the screen M101, three guest user frames are displayed. The predetermined condition is that three guest users are present. When the numbers match, pressing Start will start the multiplayer mode. If a predetermined time has passed without all three users being present, the display control unit 104 displays the following message on the screen M102: As shown, the system encourages users to change their membership from the user group they currently belong to to the recommended group. The information may be displayed on the user's terminal 20.

[0078] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a second example of a screen display. Screen M200 shows a screen in which a user is logged in as a guest user. When joining a multiplayer game, you can specify a user group looking for multiplayer. For example, if a user wants to play Quest M, the user can select the The display control unit 104 selects "Group A" on the screen M200. When this is selected, the screen transitions to screen M201, which displays a list of participating users. 1 shows three guest user frames, one of which shows the user himself. When three guest users are present, pressing Start will start multiplayer. On the other hand, if the specified time has passed without all three guest users present, the display control As shown on the screen M202, the control unit 104 selects a user group to which the user currently belongs and a new user group to which the user currently belongs. Information urging the user to change his / her affiliation to a recommended group may be displayed on the user's terminal 20. stomach.

[0079] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third example of a screen display. Screen M300 is the same as that described in the sixth modification example above. As explained above, it is possible to temporarily move to another user group and play multiplayer games. When the user moves to another user group, the user is prompted to move to the other user group. An example screen is shown.

[0080] <Summary> According to the embodiment described above, the game server 10 allows the user to associate a quest with a game. If a user cannot start multiplayer in a specified user group, Information about user groups that can participate in the ray but that the user does not belong to This will provide the user with an opportunity to play multiplayer games. It becomes possible to do this.

[0081] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The flowcharts, sequences, and implementations described in the embodiments are not intended to be interpreted as a single entity. The elements of the embodiment, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc., are merely examples. It is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate.

[0082] For example, user groups are not created or joined by users, but are pre-defined groups. There are multiple user groups in the system, and each user can assign themselves to one or more users. It may be possible to associate it with a user group (e.g., register it as a favorite). In this case, an upper limit may be set for the number of users that can be associated with a user group. .

[0083] Also, when a quest is associated with a user group, the tag of the user group It is not limited to setting quests. For example, the host user can invite multiplayer players. This may include selecting the quest you want to play.

[0084] <Additional Notes> <Appendix 1> A group of multiple users can join a multiplayer game. a management unit that manages a first group associated with the user; If the first group is unable to participate in multiplayer games under the specified conditions for the target game, In this case, among the plurality of groups, a multiple play under the predetermined condition for the target game is selected. Enables participation of the target user a notification unit that notifies the target user of the An information processing device having the above.

[0085] According to Appendix 1, it is possible to provide users with the opportunity to play multiplayer games. We can provide technology.

[0086] <Appendix 2> The notification unit notifies the user that the number of users that can be associated with a group is larger than the number of users that can be associated with a group among the plurality of groups. The group that has not reached the limit is notified to the target user as information about the second group. Know, 10. The information processing device according to claim 1.

[0087] According to Appendix 2, the target user cannot be associated because the number of users has reached the upper limit. This can prevent the target user from being notified of groups that are not available to the target user.

[0088] <Appendix 3> The notification unit notifies other users in the plurality of groups who have a predetermined relationship with the target user. Notifying the target user of the associated group as information about the second group do, 3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0089] According to Appendix 3, it is possible to notify the target user of groups that are highly relevant to the user. become.

[0090] <Appendix 4> The notification unit notifies the user of the first group of the notification of the other users other than the target user. A group having a similar attribute and an attribute of an associated user is referred to as a second group. notifying the target user as information; 4. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0091] According to Appendix 4, it is possible to notify the target user of groups that are highly relevant to the user. become.

[0092] <Appendix 5> The notification unit notifies the target user when the number of groups to which the target user can be associated reaches a predetermined number. The target user who has not engaged in multiplayer within a predetermined period of time is associated with A change of association from a group to which the target user is associated to a group to which the target user is not associated. notifying the target user of information recommending the change; 5. The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4.

[0093] According to Appendix 5, users are asked to leave groups in which they are not playing multiplayer games. This will increase the opportunities for users to play multiplayer games. .

[0094] <Appendix 6> The notification unit notifies the target user when the number of groups to which the target user can be associated reaches a predetermined number. The number of multiplay games played during a predetermined period associated with the target user is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. The target user is associated with a group that is under the same group as the target user. notifying said target users of the recommended changes; 6. The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5.

[0095] According to Appendix 6, users are encouraged to leave groups where they play multiplayer games less frequently. This will increase the opportunities for users to play multiplayer games. become.

[0096] <Appendix 7> The target user invites participants in a multiplayer game of the target game in the first group. If the predetermined conditions are not met during collection, Among the groups recruiting participants for multiplayer games of the target game, those who meet the specified conditions In addition, users of the second group can participate in multiplayer games with the first group. and a control unit that controls the 7. The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6.

[0097] According to Appendix 7, users who are participating in multiplayer in other groups can be This will allow users to participate in multiplayer games, providing more opportunities for users to play multiplayer games. It becomes possible to increase

[0098] <Appendix 8> The information processing device is a device that can invite multiple users to play a game together in multiplayer mode. managing a first group of the groups associated with the target user; The information processing device selects a multiplay mode for the target game in the first group under a predetermined condition. If the player is unable to participate, the player who is one of the plurality of groups is A second group not associated with the target user that allows participation in multiplayer games in the notifying the target users of information regarding the loop; An information processing method including:

[0099] According to Appendix 9, it is possible to provide users with the opportunity to play multiplayer games. We can provide technology.

[0100] <Appendix 9> A group of multiple users can join a multiplayer game. managing a first group associated with the user; If the first group is unable to participate in multiplayer games under the specified conditions for the target game, In this case, among the plurality of groups, a multiple play under the predetermined condition for the target game is selected. information about a second group not associated with the target user, enabling participation of the target user; notifying the target user of the information; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

[0101] According to Appendix 10, it is possible to provide users with an opportunity to play multiplayer games. We can provide the technology to [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1... Game system, 10... Game server, 11... Processor, 12... Storage device, 13 ...Communication IF, 14...input device, 15...output device, 20...terminal, 100...storage unit, 100a...User management DB, 100b...User group management DB, 100c...Multiple A management DB, 101... reception unit, 102... management unit, 103... control unit, 104... display control unit, 200...storage unit, 201...communication unit, 202...UI unit, 203...control unit

Claims

1. Displaying a first screen including information on a plurality of groups to which a target user can invite other users for multiplayer games; when a multiplay of the target game is not established in a first group in which the target user has selected to participate among the multiple groups, and the target user is unable to participate in the multiplay, displaying a second screen including information on a second group in which the number of times the target game has been played in multiplay within a predetermined period is greater than that of the first group; Information processing device.

2. A processor displays a first screen including information on a plurality of groups to which the target user can invite other users for multiplayer games in which the target user can play a game together with other users; when a multiplay for the target game is not established in a first group in which the target user has selected to participate among the plurality of groups, and the target user is unable to participate in the multiplay, the processor displays a second screen including information on a second group in which the number of times multiplay of the target game has been performed in a predetermined period is greater than that of the first group; Information processing device.

3. Displaying a first screen including information on a plurality of groups to which the target user can invite other users for multiplayer games; when a multiplay of the target game is not established in a first group in which the target user has selected to participate among the multiple groups, and the target user is unable to participate in the multiplay, displaying a second screen including information on a second group in which the number of times the target game has been played in multiplay within a predetermined period is greater than that of the first group; A program that causes a processor to execute a process.

4. A system comprising a server and a terminal, The server, displaying on the terminal a first screen including information on a plurality of groups to which the target user can invite other users for multiplayer games; when a multiplay of the target game is not established in a first group in which the target user has selected to participate among the multiple groups, and the target user is unable to participate in the multiplay, displaying on the terminal a second screen including information on a second group in which the number of times that multiplay of the target game has been performed in a predetermined period is greater than that of the first group; system.

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