Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program capable of appropriately recruiting participating users who play a game together according to a situation.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM: An information processing device has a recruiting part for recruiting participating users who play a game with users in a game in which two or more persons play the game. The recruiting part recruits participating users under a second condition set by users unlike under a first condition when recruitment is performed under the first condition and a specific number of participating users do not apply for the recruitment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in computer games such as communication type (online) games, there is known a game in which a plurality of matched users can play simultaneously, which is called so-called multiplayer. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses setting keywords to match users who play multiplayer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, although keywords can be set at the start of recruitment so that groups can be formed among desired users, depending on the matching situation, the keywords set during the recruitment cannot be changed. Therefore, it may be difficult to appropriately recruit participating users who play the game together.

[0005] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to appropriately recruit participating users who play the game together according to the situation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention has a recruitment unit for recruiting participants to play a game with a user in a game played by two or more people, and if the recruitment unit does not recruit a specific number of participants under a first condition, it recruits participants under a second condition set by the user, which is different from the first condition. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately recruit participating users to play the game together, depending on the situation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an information processing system including an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a recruitment conditions setting screen. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the host user list screen. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a matching screen based on the first condition. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a screen for switching recruitment conditions. [Figure 6] This figure shows another example of the matching screen under the second condition. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the functions of an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of user information. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing an example of room information. [Figure 10] This figure shows the information processing flow related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows an information processing flow according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] The flowchart shows the flow of the first notification process. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the second notification process. [Figure 14]This is a flowchart showing the flow of the third notification process. [Figure 15] This flowchart shows the other steps in the second condition switching process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the attached drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. In other words, the present invention can be modified or improved upon from the embodiments described below, without departing from its spirit. Naturally, the present invention also includes equivalents thereof.

[0010] Furthermore, the screen examples described in this specification and the drawings are merely examples, and the screen configuration and design, the content of the displayed information, and the GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc., can be freely designed and modified according to the system design specifications and user preferences. The basic data processing technologies required to realize these contents (communication / transmission technologies, data acquisition technologies, data recording technologies, data processing / analysis technologies, image processing technologies, and visualization technologies, etc.) are publicly known technologies, and therefore, explanations regarding them will be omitted.

[0011] <About the game related to one embodiment of the present invention> The communication system shown in Figure 1 (hereinafter referred to as the information processing system S) is a communication system that includes an information processing device (hereinafter referred to as the server 10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and provides the user with an environment for playing games, etc. In this specification, a user is a person who uses the functions of server 10. Specifically, by operating a predetermined device, the user can play a game while enjoying the benefits (services) brought by the functions of server 10. The predetermined device may be a device owned by the user, such as user terminal 12, or a device installed in a store or the like. Even if the user does not own it, when the user visits the store or the like, it may be a terminal or computer that can be used by entering a PIN number, password, or the like, or by making a payment or the like.

[0012] A game is content that a user plays by operating user terminal 12 while viewing a game screen on user terminal 12 for game play. In this embodiment, it is an online game (electronic game) provided using information processing system S. Online games include browser games using a web browser, social games provided on SNS (Social Networking Service), games that can be played by downloading dedicated application software such as mobile games, and periodic update type online games such as play by web (PBW). Note that the genre (classification) of the game is not particularly limited.

[0013] In this embodiment, when the user performs an operation for game play on user terminal 12, user terminal 12 receives game progress data distributed from the server computer of the game provider, that is, server 10. On user terminal 12, video and audio corresponding to the received data are output, and the user progresses the game while checking the output video and audio. In addition, user terminal 12 transmits data indicating the operation content of the user to server 10, and server 10 transmits game progress data corresponding to the operation content of the user. Such data transmission and reception between server 10 and user terminal 12 is repeatedly performed until the user finishes playing the game.

[0014] In the game, the user can obtain (acquire) and own (possess) game media, and use or consume the owned game media. A game media is a game object that the user can use to advance the game, including game play. For example, characters, items, cards, avatars, etc. used in the game are applicable. In addition, game media includes in-game currency such as coins, medals, tickets, gold, or stones, which can be exchanged for other items or characters in the game, or consumed as a value for playing quests, gacha (a random item providing method called lottery), or other events that are components of the game. Furthermore, in-game currency includes paid in-game currency that can be obtained by charging and free in-game currency that can be obtained without charging. Charging means that the user pays the usage fee of the game to the game provider, etc. Specifically, the user pays the usage fee of the game by using cash, electronic money, credit card, prepaid card, etc. in response to a charging request. Note that the user can obtain game media by purchasing in a shop, playing or clearing events such as quests, or playing a lottery.

[0015] Game media (excluding in-game currency) each have their own characteristics, and for each game media, various parameters (values related to levels, physical strength, attack power, special abilities, etc.) indicating name, rarity, attribute, appearance, and ability are set. These parameters are indicators that affect the progress of the game, including those expressed numerically, those expressed as ranks using letters such as "A, B, C...", and those expressed by indicators such as gauges. Also, among the parameters, there are those that change with the progress of the game and those that are constant and do not change regardless of the progress of the game. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, parameters that change with the progress of the game will simply be referred to as parameters.

[0016] The game of this embodiment is a so-called multiplayer (hereinafter referred to as "cooperative play") compatible game in which multiple users (for example, four users) operate their respective user terminals 12 to simultaneously play a common quest (the constituent unit of the game). Cooperative play is performed through the communication function of each user's user terminal 12, and once a cooperative relationship is formed, the progress of the game is synchronized among the users participating in cooperative play. Cooperative play may be of either type: a cooperative game in which multiple users cooperate, or a competitive game in which players compete against each other. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the members who participate in cooperative play, but users may participate in cooperative play with other users with whom they have a friendly relationship and with whom the users have mutually acknowledged the relationship (hereinafter referred to as "friends"). In addition to progressing through the game in cooperation with friends, users can also play the game by borrowing game media owned by friends.

[0017] Now, referring to Figures 2 through 6, we will explain the process for starting a cooperative play session. Note that the screens shown in Figures 2 through 6 are the screens displayed on the user terminal 12.

[0018] First, when playing a game collaboratively, the host user (hereinafter referred to as the host user) selects a quest to play from the quests displayed on the quest selection screen (not shown). Note that some quests may be unavailable depending on the host user's user rank, and these unavailable quests cannot be selected.

[0019] Once the host user selects a quest to play, the next step is matching the host user with other users to play that quest together. Specifically, the host user first creates a room to gather users and then recruits other users to play together in that room. In response to this recruitment, other users who join the room (hereinafter referred to as guest users) are added to determine the members who will play together (for example, a team consisting of one host user and three guest users).

[0020] Rooms have recruitment conditions set, and these conditions (corresponding to the first condition) are determined by the host user by specifying them on the recruitment condition setting screen G1, as shown in Figure 2. Recruitment conditions can include, for example, a password known only to the host user and some users contacted by the host user (for example, a three-digit password), or the setting of target users. Target users can be set to all users without any particular restrictions, or they can be limited to friends, nearby users, users with a user rank above a certain level, users who own a certain game medium, etc. Recruitment conditions may be determined automatically or randomly regardless of the host user's intentions, or the recruitment conditions set for each quest may be predetermined.

[0021] Once a host user sets the recruitment conditions and creates a room, the created room is displayed on the host user list screen G2, as shown in Figure 3, and can be viewed by other users. The host user list screen G2 is a screen where users can arbitrarily select a host user, and it displays information about the host user, namely the host user's name (or room name), as well as information about the quest to be played together, in a way that allows each host user to be identified. In this case, if the recruitment conditions do not limit the target to friends, the host user may be displayed in a way that distinguishes between friends and non-friends. On the other hand, if the recruitment conditions limit the target to friends, the host user's information will be displayed to the host user's friends, but not to users who are not friends of the host user, and they will not be notified that the host user is recruiting guest users. Also, users who do not meet the recruitment conditions, such as those who are not friends, will not find the room even if they search for it.

[0022] When a user wishes to participate in a co-op play session, they select a host user, and the matching screen G3, based on the first condition as shown in Figure 4, is displayed on the user's terminal 12. The matching screen G3 displays the host user (for example, host user A) and guest users who have already applied for co-op play and belong to the room (for example, guest user E). It also displays slots where guest users have not yet been decided and participants are still being accepted (for example, 2 more slots). In addition, the recruitment conditions set for the room (first condition), for example, the password "666", are displayed. Users who wish to apply to that room can participate as guest users by selecting one of the slots that is currently accepting participants.

[0023] Then, once a certain number of guest users (for example, 3 people) have gathered and the members for cooperative play have been decided, the screen transitions to an unshown gameplay screen, and the game, or quest, begins.

[0024] In this embodiment, if, after initiating the recruitment of guest users, the required number of guest users for cooperative play under the set recruitment conditions are not gathered, and the conditions for switching described in (a) to (d) below are met, the recruitment conditions can be switched even in the middle of recruitment. That is, the host user can switch from the previously set first condition to a second condition that is different from the first condition and newly set by the host user. In the following explanation, the ability to switch recruitment conditions is limited to the host user, but guest users who have already applied may also be able to switch the recruitment conditions. (a) If a specific amount of time (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed since the start of recruitment under Condition 1 (b) When a certain number of guest users (e.g., 1 person) has gathered, which is below the specified number in condition 1. (c) If the required number of guest users are not gathered within a certain time after recruitment begins under Condition 1. (d) If we receive consent from the guest users who have already applied (preferably all or a majority) to switch to condition 2. Regarding (d), it is required that the applicant also meets any of the other switching conditions (a) to (c), and before the application conditions are switched from the first condition to the second condition, guest users who have already applied under the first condition will be notified to confirm whether they agree to the switch to the second condition.

[0025] The recruitment conditions can be switched by the host user. When switching recruitment conditions, for example, the host user specifies the new recruitment conditions (second condition) on the recruitment condition switching screen G4, as shown in Figure 5. Specifically, the host user transitions to the recruitment condition switching screen G4 by tapping the change button displayed on the matching screen G3 for the first condition. The second condition is set when the first condition does not attract enough guest users, so it is preferable that it be a more relaxed condition than the first condition, making it easier for users to apply. For example, setting no password. That is, in the first condition, a password was set, so recruitment was limited to special friends among friends, but in the second condition, although the target is still limited to friends, the password is removed, so friends who were not informed of the password can also apply. It is advisable that while the password can be removed, the content of the password, i.e., changing it from "666" to another number, should not be allowed.

[0026] If the recruitment conditions are switched from the first condition to the second condition during the recruitment process, the host user list screen G2, as shown in Figure 3, will reappear, and other users different from those in the first condition may also be visible. When a user who wishes to participate in co-op play selects a host user, the matching screen G5 for the second condition, as shown in Figure 6, will be displayed on that user's terminal 12. The matching screen G5 displays the host user (for example, host user A) and guest users who have already applied for co-op play and belong to the room (for example, guest users E and F). It also displays slots where a guest user has not yet been decided and participants are still being accepted (for example, 1 slot remaining). In addition, since the password set in the first condition has been removed, the area where the password was displayed is now indicated (for example, grayed out) to show that a password is no longer required. Users who wish to apply to that room can participate as guest users by selecting a slot that is showing as accepting participants. Even if the recruitment conditions change from the first condition to the second condition, we won't be recruiting guest users all over again from scratch. Guest users who have already applied will remain, and we will simply change the conditions to recruit for the remaining guest user slots. Therefore, it is possible to change the recruitment conditions after the users you want to prioritize have joined as guest users.

[0027] If the required number of guest users cannot be gathered under the first condition, the host user may be notified of instructions to switch the recruitment conditions from the first condition to the second condition. The instructions provided here may simply encourage the host user to switch to the second condition, or they may present recommended second conditions. Preferred second conditions are those that make it easier to gather guest users, such as conditions that are more relaxed than the first condition, conditions that have been set in the past by the host user or other users that have received applications from a specified number of people or more, or conditions that have been frequently used by other users in the same quest, etc., and have been used more than a specified number of times.

[0028] If the required number of guest users cannot be gathered under the first condition, the guest users who have already applied can propose to the host user that the recruitment conditions be changed from the first condition to the second condition. If the host user accepts the proposed second condition, the recruitment conditions can be changed from the first condition to the proposed second condition.

[0029] The second condition allows for changes to the recruitment conditions for each missing slot. For example, if four people are playing together and are recruiting guest users for the third (3P) and fourth (4P) slots, the recruitment condition for the 3P slot (second condition) can be limited to friends, while the recruitment condition for the 4P slot (third condition) can be open to all users.

[0030] Guest users who have already applied can also cancel their application before or after the recruitment conditions are changed. Specifically, they can cancel their application and leave the room by tapping the cancel button displayed on the matching screen G3 for the first condition or on the matching screen G5 for the second condition. At this time, all applied guest users may be able to cancel their application unconditionally, or they may be able to cancel their application when the recruitment conditions are changed from the first condition to the second condition, or, as described later, when they refuse to change the recruitment conditions from the first condition to the second condition.

[0031] If the recruitment conditions are changed from Condition 1 to Condition 2, for example, guest users who have already applied under Condition 1 may be notified to confirm whether they wish to cancel their application. In this case, the guest users to be notified may be all guest users who have applied, or it may be limited to guest users who have applied but refused the change. Furthermore, if a guest user who has applied requests to cancel their application, the guest user who requested the cancellation may be notified of other host users who are recruiting guest users under conditions equivalent to Condition 1, i.e., the same conditions as Condition 1 or similar conditions to Condition 1.

[0032] Furthermore, after switching from the first condition to the second condition, it may be possible to switch from the second condition to a third condition that is different from the first and second conditions. The switching conditions at this time may be the same as the switching conditions when switching to the second condition, or they may be further relaxed or strengthened. Also, when switching recruitment conditions, it is possible to relax the recruitment conditions in stages from the first condition to the second condition and then to the third condition, without making extreme relaxations. For example, the first condition may be limited to special friends who know the password, the second condition may be limited to friends who do not know the password, and the third condition may be open to all users and wait for guest users to gather.

[0033] You can also invite friends and other users to join your room using email, chat, or other communication tools such as social media. In this case, you will display a link in the email, but if you change the recruitment conditions, you should invalidate the link. Also, if you change the recruitment conditions, you should change the link and resend it with a note indicating that the recruitment conditions have been changed.

[0034] Furthermore, the switch from the first condition to the second condition can be applied not only to matching users when playing together, but also to lending and borrowing game items and other game media between multiple users, or to matching when multiple users participate in events such as lotteries.

[0035] As explained above, in this embodiment, when recruiting users to play together, even if the host user initially wants to gather guest users who meet the first condition, if guest users do not meet the first condition, the host user can switch to a second condition, which is different from the first condition, during the recruitment process to recruit the necessary guest users for the cooperative play. Therefore, the host user can easily recruit the guest users they desire and does not need to repeatedly recruit and start over from the beginning until the desired guest users are gathered. On the other hand, guest users looking for a host user to play with can also easily find a host user that suits their level and play style. In this way, this embodiment enables smooth matching and allows for the appropriate recruitment of guest users for cooperative play according to the situation.

[0036] <Configuration of an information processing device and user terminal related to one embodiment of the present invention> Next, the configuration of the information processing device and user terminal 12 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing device according to this embodiment consists of a computer for game data distribution, more precisely a server computer (hereinafter referred to as server 10). Server 10 is an example of a computer and, as shown in Figure 1, is connected to a plurality of user terminals 12 via a network 14 so as to be able to communicate with them, and together with the user terminals 12, it constructs an information processing system S. The network 14 is a communication network consisting of, for example, the Internet or a mobile communication network, and may include LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), and intranet.

[0037] In the information processing system S of this embodiment, the game progresses through the cooperation of the server 10 and the user terminal 12 as described above. Specifically, the server 10 performs some of the game progression processing, while the user terminal 12 performs some of the graphics processing, etc. For example, the server 10 executes a program that includes certain rules, logic, and algorithms. Meanwhile, the user terminal 12 progresses the game in synchronization with the server 10, using the same rules, logic, and algorithms as the program executed on the server 10. That is, while playing the game, the user terminal 12 displays the game screen, which is the display screen of the game, on a display or the like, and also processes the display data sent from the server 10 as it is received, and displays the images and text information indicated by that display data on the game screen.

[0038] Server 10 is an example of the "information processing device" of the present invention, and is a computer that performs various information processing related to game progression, such as generating and sending / receiving data necessary for game progression, and more specifically, is an SNS server in this embodiment. Server 10 may consist of a single computer, or it may consist of multiple computers arranged in parallel and distributed. Furthermore, Server 10 may be a server computer for ASP (Application Service Provider), SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service). In this case, a series of information processing steps related to game progression (excluding information input and display) are performed by Server 10, so the user terminal 12 only needs to input information to be handed over to Server 10 and display information distributed from Server 10.

[0039] As hardware, the server 10 has a processor 21, memory 22, communication interface 23, and storage 24, as shown in Figure 1, and these devices are electrically connected via a bus 25. The server 10 also has an operating system (OS) and a dedicated program for processing information related to the game installed as software. These programs correspond to the "program" of the present invention. The processor 21 operates according to the above program, allowing the server 10 to function as an information processing device of the present invention and execute a series of processes related to the progress of the game. The program of the present invention may be obtained by reading it from a computer-readable recording medium (media), or it may be obtained (downloaded) via a network 14 such as the Internet or an intranet.

[0040] The processor 21 may consist of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc.

[0041] The memory 22 may be composed of semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0042] The communication interface 23 may be configured, for example, by a network interface card or a communication interface board. The data communication standard using the communication interface 23 is not particularly limited and may include communication via Wi-Fi® wireless LAN, communication via 3G to 5G or later generations of mobile communication systems, or communication based on LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0043] The storage 24 may consist of flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), FD (Flexible Disc), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disc), CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card), or USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory), etc. The storage 24 may be built into the server 10 or attached to the server body as an external device. Furthermore, the storage 24 may consist of an external computer (e.g., a database server) connected to the server body in a communicative manner. In addition, distributed ledger technology such as blockchain may be used as the technology for recording various types of data to prevent unauthorized data tampering.

[0044] Server 10 distributes information necessary for game progression to each user and also collects and stores information from each user. The information stored by Server 10 includes information about each user, information about the room, and various other game-related information. In addition, Server 10 performs various other information processing related to game progression.

[0045] User terminal 12 is a client terminal that a user operates to play a game. User terminal 12 can consist of, for example, a personal computer, smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, game console, television receiver capable of inputting information, and wearable device. Although Figure 1 shows four user terminals 12 for illustrative purposes, in reality, there will be a number of user terminals 12 corresponding to the number of users.

[0046] The user terminal 12 receives game progress data from the server 10 and displays the images (videos) indicated by that data on the user terminal 12's display or on a display device such as a TV connected to the user terminal 12, and outputs sound from a speaker or the like. In other words, in this embodiment, the user terminal 12 functions as a display unit and an audio output unit. For example, in addition to a game play screen (not shown), the user terminal 12 displays a recruitment condition setting screen G1 (Figure 2), a host user list screen G2 (Figure 3), a matching screen for the first condition G3 (Figure 4), a recruitment condition switching screen G4 (Figure 5), and a matching screen for the first condition G5 (Figure 6), etc.

[0047] Furthermore, the user terminal 12 receives user operations performed during gameplay and transmits information corresponding to those operations to the server 10. For example, the user may perform operations such as setting recruitment conditions (including the first, second, and third conditions) to recruit other users to play the game with, applying to select a user to play with and applying to a room set by that user, canceling an application to a room that has already been applied to, accepting or rejecting a change in recruitment conditions in a room that has already been applied to, proposing a change in recruitment conditions in a room that has already been applied to, accepting or rejecting a proposal from an applied user regarding a change in recruitment conditions for a room that the user has set up, selecting a game to play, and playing the selected game, and transmit information based on these operations to the server 10. In addition to the operations described above, the user may perform any other operations necessary to enjoy the services provided by the information processing system S of this embodiment on the user terminal 12 as appropriate.

[0048] <Functions of the information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention> The configuration of the server 10, which is an information processing device according to this embodiment, will now be explained again from a functional standpoint. As shown in Figure 7, the server 10 has a storage unit 30, an information acquisition unit 31, a display control unit 32, a recruitment unit 33, a first notification unit 34, a second notification unit 35, a third notification unit 36, and a game processing unit 37. Of these, the storage unit 30 is realized by memory 22 or storage 24, and the other functional units are realized by the cooperation of the hardware equipment constituting the server 10 and the program installed on the server 10. If the server 10 is composed of multiple computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the multiple computers performs different functions from each other. Each functional unit will be explained in detail below.

[0049] (Storage part) The memory unit 30 stores various information necessary for playing the game. Specifically, the memory unit 30 stores information about the user, information about the room, and various other information related to the game (for example, game medium information and quest information).

[0050] User information, as shown in Figure 8, is stored for each user, with various pieces of information linked to identification information (such as an identification ID or game account name) that identifies each user. For example, user information items include user rank, owned game media, game progress, co-op play history, login history, and information indicating friends. Information indicating game media includes information indicating the type and number of game media owned by the user, such as characters, items, and coins. Information indicating game progress includes information indicating status, as well as the number of times each quest has been played and the number of times it has been completed. Information indicating co-op play history includes information indicating the number of times co-op play has been performed and the history of belonging to rooms during co-op play. Information indicating login history includes information indicating the date and time of play, the number of times played, and the duration of play. Information indicating friends includes information to identify other users with whom the user is friends. In addition, user information may also include other information, such as personal information of the user, such as contact information, and billing history, such as the number of times and amount of money spent on the game.

[0051] Room information is stored for each room, as shown in Figure 9, with various pieces of information linked to an identification information (such as an identification ID) that identifies each room. For example, the room information items include information such as the date and time the room was set up, the host user, guest users, recruitment status, current recruitment conditions, history of changes in recruitment conditions, and performance. The host user information includes information to identify the user who set up the room as the host. The guest user information includes information to identify the user who joined the room as a guest user. The recruitment status information includes whether or not there are guest recruitments at that time, the number of people being recruited, and information such as recruitment results for each recruitment condition. The current recruitment conditions information includes information such as the recruitment conditions set at that time, for example, the target of recruitment or the content of the password. The history of changes in recruitment conditions information includes information such as the content of recruitment conditions that were set in the past and the time when the recruitment conditions were changed. The performance information includes information such as the results of games played collaboratively by users belonging to the room, for example, whether or not the game was cleared or the score obtained.

[0052] (Information acquisition department) The information acquisition unit 31 acquires information (data) based on operations performed by the user on the user terminal 12 during gameplay by communicating with the user terminal 12. The information acquired by the information acquisition unit 31 includes information based on recruitment condition setting operations, application operations, application cancellation operations, switching acceptance operations, switching proposal operations, proposal acceptance operations, game selection operations, and gameplay operations. In addition to the above information, the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 31 also includes information based on various selections, specifications, instructions, requests, commands, permission or denial, registration, and other input operations performed by the user at various points in the game.

[0053] (Display Control Unit) The display control unit 32 controls the user terminal 12 and displays information for game progression on the screen of the user terminal 12. Specifically, the display control unit 32 generates display data to display the results of information processing by the recruitment unit 33, the first notification unit 34, the second notification unit 35, the third notification unit 36, and the game processing unit 37, etc., which will be described later, and transmits the generated display data to the user terminal 12 via the network 14. For example, the display control unit 32 displays the recruitment condition setting screen G1 (Figure 2), the host user list screen G2 (Figure 3), the first condition matching screen G3 (Figure 4), the recruitment condition switching screen G4 (Figure 5), and the first condition matching screen G5 (Figure 6), etc., on the user terminal 12 as a result of information processing by the recruitment unit 33, etc. The display control unit 32 also displays various notification screens, etc. (not shown) that reflect the results of information processing by the first notification unit 34, the second notification unit 35, or the third notification unit 36, etc., on the user terminal 12. Furthermore, the display control unit 32 displays a gameplay screen (not shown) on the user terminal 12 that reflects the results of information processing by the game processing unit 37, etc.

[0054] (Recruitment Department) The recruitment unit 33 performs information processing related to matching users who will play together. Specifically, the recruitment unit 33 sets up a room for playing together based on the recruitment conditions information obtained from the host user by the information acquisition unit 31, and recruits guest users to join that room. When a user applies to a room, the recruitment unit 33 associates the room, the host user who set up the room, and the guest users who applied to the room, and stores this information in the storage unit 30, thereby allowing multiple users to belong to the same room.

[0055] The recruitment unit 33, after starting to recruit guest users, may switch the recruitment conditions from the first condition to a second condition different from the first condition if the specified number of guest users required for cooperative play under the set first condition are not gathered, and the above switching conditions are met. In this case, the system may automatically switch from the first condition to the second condition when the switching conditions are met, or the system may switch from the first condition to the second condition when the information acquisition unit 31 acquires information about the second condition from the host user as a trigger.

[0056] When the recruitment unit 33 switches from the first condition to the second condition, it may switch to the second condition specified by the host user or the guest user who has already applied, or it may automatically set the content of the second condition. Furthermore, if the recruitment unit 33 receives a proposal for the second condition from a guest user who has already applied, and the host user accepts the proposal, it may switch to the second condition based on that proposal. In addition, when the recruitment unit 33 switches from the first condition to the second condition to recruit guest users, it may change the second condition when recruiting one guest user (corresponding to the first participating user) and the second condition when recruiting other guest users (corresponding to the second participating user). For example, when recruiting two more guest users with the second condition, one may limit applications to friends of the host user or a guest user who has already applied, while the other may accept applications from all users.

[0057] If the recruitment unit 33 receives a request to cancel an application from a guest user who has already applied, it may allow the guest user to cancel their application. In this case, it may allow the guest user to cancel their application unconditionally, or it may allow the guest user to cancel their application if the recruitment conditions are changed from the first condition to the second condition, or if the guest user refuses to change the recruitment conditions from the first condition to the second condition. If a guest user who has already applied cancels their application, the recruitment unit 33 removes the guest user from the room by releasing the association between the guest user and the room and updating the information in the storage unit 30.

[0058] The recruitment unit 33 may, after switching the recruitment conditions from the first condition to the second condition, further switch to a third condition that is different from the first and second conditions. For example, if the first condition limits applications to users who are friends of the host user and have notified the password, and the second condition limits applications to users who are friends of the host user, but a certain number of guest users necessary for cooperative play have still not been gathered, then the third condition may be to accept applications from all users. The conditions for switching to the third condition may be the same as the conditions for switching from the first condition to the second condition, or they may be relaxed or strengthened.

[0059] Furthermore, when the recruitment section 33 no longer needs to continue the room, such as after the quest is completed, it will disband the room by unlinking the configured users.

[0060] (Notification Department) The first notification unit 34, the second notification unit 35, and the third notification unit 36 ​​communicate with the user terminal 12 to notify the user of various information at an appropriate time. Specifically, they generate notification data that includes various information or links to places where that information can be obtained, and transmit the generated notification data to the user terminal 12 of the user to be notified via the network 14.

[0061] The first notification unit 34, if a specific number of guest users cannot be gathered under the first condition, notifies the host user of instructions to switch the recruitment conditions from the first condition to the second condition. The instructions to be notified may, for example, simply encourage the host user to switch the recruitment conditions to the second condition, or it may determine a recommended second condition and notify the host user of instructions to switch to that determined second condition. The recommended second condition is preferably one that makes it easier to gather guest users, for example, a condition that is more relaxed than the first condition, a condition that has been set in the past by the host user or other users that has received applications from a predetermined number of people or more, or a condition that has been frequently used by other users in the same quest, etc., and has been used more than a predetermined number of times.

[0062] The second notification unit 35 notifies guest users who have already applied (for example, guest users who applied under the first condition) of the need to confirm whether or not to cancel their application when the recruitment conditions are changed, for example, when they are changed from the first condition to the second condition. At this time, the guest users to whom the notification is sent may be all guest users who have already applied, or it may be limited to guest users who have already applied and refused to switch in response to the third notification described later. Furthermore, when the second notification unit 35 receives a request to cancel an application from a guest user who has already applied, it notifies the guest user who made the request to cancel their application of information about other host users who are recruiting guest users under other conditions equivalent to the first condition, that is, the same conditions as the first condition or similar conditions to the first condition.

[0063] The third notification unit 36 ​​notifies guest users who have already applied (for example, guest users who applied under the first condition) of the notification to confirm whether they accept or reject the change before the application conditions are changed, for example, before they are changed from the first condition to the second condition.

[0064] (Game performance) The game processing unit 37 performs information processing necessary for the game's progress and advances the game according to the various information acquired by the information acquisition unit 31. Specifically, the game processing unit 37 performs actions such as moving game media such as characters in response to user actions and implementing effects that correspond to user actions. It also changes the settings of game media parameters according to the game's progress. For example, based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 31, it controls the movement of the user's character or makes the character attack other characters. If an attack by a character hits another character such as an enemy, it reduces parameters such as the health of the other character based on the attack power of the character and the defense power of the other character.

[0065] The configurations of server 10 and user terminal 12 have been described above. While server 10 and user terminal 12 generally possess various other functions, only the characteristic functions that contribute to the effectiveness of the information processing system S in this invention will be described here. Other known functions will not be illustrated or described.

[0066] <Information processing method relating to one embodiment of the present invention> Next, with reference to Figures 10 to 15, the flow of information processing performed in the information processing system S having the above configuration (hereinafter referred to as the information processing flow) will be described. The information processing flow employs the information processing method of the present invention and is realized by using the information processing system S, which functions as a computer system. In other words, each step in the information processing flow corresponds to a component of the information processing method of the present invention. Note that the information processing flow described below is merely an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps added, or the order of execution of steps changed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0067] (Information processing flow) This information processing flow is the core information processing of the present invention, performed when a host user sets room recruitment conditions and recruits guest users to play quests together when starting a co-op play session, and proceeds, for example, according to the flow shown in Figure 10.

[0068] As shown in Figure 10, first, the server 10, which is a computer, sets the first conditions of a room based on information obtained through communication with the user terminal 12 operated by the host user, based on the recruitment condition setting operation (operation to specify the first conditions) (S101), and recruits guest users to participate in co-op play with the host user based on the set first conditions (S102). At this time, the server 10 obtains information based on the application operation performed by the user through communication with the user terminal 12, and when it accepts an application from a user that meets the first conditions, it associates the room set by the host user with the applied user, thereby setting the applied user as a guest user to play co-op with the host user.

[0069] Then, if server 10 determines that a certain number of guest users have gathered as a result of recruiting guest users under the first condition (S103: YES), it starts gameplay (cooperative play) at that point (S108) and terminates the process.

[0070] On the other hand, if server 10 determines that a certain number of guest users have not yet gathered (S103: NO) and that the above switching conditions that allow switching the recruitment conditions are met (S104: YES), it switches from the first condition to the second condition (S105) based on information obtained through communication with user terminal 12 operated by the host user based on the recruitment condition setting operation (operation to specify the second condition), and recruits the remaining guest users who are lacking under the newly set second condition (S106). At this time, if server 10 obtains information based on the application operation performed by the user through communication with user terminal 12 and accepts applications from users who meet the second condition, it associates the room set by the host user with the applicant user and sets the applicant user as a guest user to play together with the host user. If server 10 determines that the switching conditions are not met (S104: NO), it continues to recruit guest users who are lacking under the first condition (S102).

[0071] Then, if server 10 determines that it has gathered a specific number of guest users necessary for cooperative play as a result of recruiting guest users under the second condition (S107: YES), it starts gameplay (cooperative play) (S108) and terminates the process. On the other hand, if server 10 determines that it has not yet gathered a specific number of guest users (S107: NO), it continues to recruit the missing guest users under the second condition (S106). The above is an example of the information processing flow of the present invention.

[0072] In this embodiment, after switching the recruitment conditions from the first condition to the second condition, it may be possible to further switch to a third condition that is different from the first and second conditions. In this case, the information processing proceeds, for example, according to the flow shown in Figure 11.

[0073] As shown in Figure 11, first, the server 10, which is a computer, sets the first conditions for the room based on information obtained through communication with the user terminal 12 operated by the host user, based on the recruitment condition setting operation (operation to specify the first conditions) (S201), and recruits guest users to participate in co-op play with the host user based on the set first conditions (S202). Then, if the server 10 determines that a specific number of guest users have gathered as a result of recruiting guest users based on the first conditions, making co-op play possible (S203: YES), it starts gameplay (co-op play) at that point (S: 212) and terminates the process.

[0074] On the other hand, if server 10 determines that a specific number of guest users have not yet gathered (S203: NO) and that the above switching conditions for switching to the second condition have been met (S204: YES), it switches from the first condition to the second condition (S205) based on the information obtained through communication with the user terminal 12 operated by the host user (the operation to specify the second condition), and recruits the remaining guest users who are lacking under the newly set second condition (S206). If server 10 determines that the conditions for switching to the second condition have not been met (S204: NO), it continues to recruit the remaining guest users who are lacking under the first condition (S202). Then, if server 10 determines that a specific number of guest users who are able to play together have been gathered as a result of recruiting guest users under the second condition (S207: YES), it starts gameplay (cooperative play) at that point (S212) and terminates the process.

[0075] On the other hand, if server 10 determines that a certain number of guest users have still not gathered even after switching to the second condition (S207: NO), and that the conditions for switching to the third condition have been met (S208: YES), then, based on the information obtained through communication with the user terminal 12 operated by the host user regarding the setting of the recruitment conditions (the operation to specify the third condition), it switches from the second condition to the third condition (S209), and recruits the remaining guest users who are still lacking even after switching to the second condition (S210). If server 10 determines that the conditions for switching to the third condition have not been met (S208: NO), it continues to recruit the remaining guest users who are still lacking under the second condition (S206).

[0076] Then, if server 10 determines that a specific number of guest users have gathered to enable cooperative play (S211:YES) as a result of recruiting guest users under condition 3, it starts gameplay (cooperative play) (S212) and terminates processing. On the other hand, if server 10 determines that a specific number of guest users have not yet gathered (S211:NO), it continues to recruit the missing guest users under condition 3 (S210). The above is another example of the information processing flow of the present invention.

[0077] (First notification process) Next, an example of the first notification process will be explained based on Figure 12. The first notification process is the process of notifying the host user to switch the recruitment conditions from the first condition to the second condition if a specific number of guest users do not gather under the first condition.

[0078] As shown in Figure 12, first, the computer server 10 determines recommended second conditions for co-op play, such as recruitment conditions that make it easier to gather guest users, for example, recruitment conditions that are more relaxed than the currently set first conditions, or recruitment conditions that have been used more than a predetermined number of times in the past or have received more than a predetermined number of applications (S301). It then generates notification data that includes information on the determined second conditions or a link to a place where such information can be obtained, and transmits the generated notification data to the user terminal 12 of the host user to be notified via the network 14, thereby notifying the user to switch to the determined second conditions (S302), and then terminates the process. The above is an example of the first notification process.

[0079] (Second notification process) Next, an example of the second notification process will be explained based on Figure 13. The second notification process is the process of notifying guest users who have already applied when the application conditions are changed, instructing them to confirm whether or not they need to cancel their application. Here, we will explain the case when the conditions are changed from the first to the second, but the same applies when the conditions are changed from the second to the third.

[0080] As shown in Figure 13, first, when the application conditions are switched from the first condition to the second condition, the server 10, which is a computer, generates notification data that includes information to confirm whether or not to cancel the application, or a link to a place where such information can be obtained. The generated notification data is then sent via the network 14 to the user terminal 12 of the guest user who has already applied under the first condition, thereby notifying them of the need to confirm whether or not to cancel their application (S401). Then, through communication with the user terminal 12, the server 10 obtains information based on the application cancellation operation performed by the applied guest user, and if it determines that it has received an application cancellation request from the applied guest user (S402: YES), it cancels the applied guest user's application by revokeing the association between the applied guest user and the room (S403).

[0081] Furthermore, the server 10 selects other host users from among those who are also setting up rooms and recruiting guest users for cooperative play, who are recruiting guest users under conditions equivalent to the first condition applied for by the guest user who withdrew their application, i.e., conditions that are the same as the first condition or similar to the first condition (S404). The server 10 generates notification data that includes information indicating the selected host user (more precisely, information indicating the room set up by that host user) or a link to a place where that information can be obtained. The server 10 then transmits the generated notification data to the user terminal 12 of the guest user who withdrew their application via the network 14, thereby notifying the guest user of the host user's information (S405), and then terminates the process. The above is an example of the second notification process.

[0082] (Third notification process) Next, an example of the third notification process will be explained based on Figure 14. The third notification process is the process of notifying guest users who have already applied, in order to confirm whether they accept or reject the change in recruitment conditions, before the conditions are changed. Here, we will explain the case where the conditions are changed from the first condition to the second condition, but the same applies when the conditions are changed from the second condition to the third condition.

[0083] As shown in Figure 14, first, the computer server 10 generates notification data that includes information to confirm acceptance or rejection of the change in recruitment conditions, or a link to a location where such information can be obtained, before the recruitment conditions are switched from the first condition to the second condition. The generated notification data is then sent via the network 14 to the user terminal 12 of the guest user who has already applied under the first condition, thereby notifying them of the confirmation of acceptance or rejection of the change in recruitment conditions (S501). Then, through communication with the user terminal 12, the server 10 obtains information based on the acceptance operation performed by the guest user who has already applied, and if it determines that the guest user has accepted the change in recruitment conditions (S502: YES), it sets the recruitment conditions to a state where they can be switched from the first condition to the second condition (S503) and terminates the process.

[0084] On the other hand, the server 10 obtains information based on the switch acceptance operation performed by the guest user who has applied through communication with the user terminal 12. If the server determines that the guest user has rejected the switch to the recruitment conditions, i.e., that acceptance has not been received (S502: NO), it sets the recruitment conditions to a state where it is impossible to switch from the first condition to the second condition (S503) and terminates the process. At this time, whether or not the switch has been accepted may be determined by a majority vote of the guest users who have applied, or it may be determined that it has been accepted if even one of the applicants has accepted, or it may be determined that it has been rejected if even one of the applicants has rejected. Furthermore, guest users who have applied and rejected the switch may be allowed to cancel their application. The above is an example of the third notification process.

[0085] (Other second condition switching processes) In the information processing flow described above (Figures 10 and 11), the system switches from the first condition to the second condition based on information obtained through communication with the user terminal 12 operated by the host user, specifically based on the recruitment condition setting operation (the operation to specify the second condition). The host user may also receive suggestions regarding the content of the second condition from the guest users who have already applied. In this case, the information processing proceeds, for example, according to the flow shown in Figure 15. While this explanation focuses on switching from the first condition to the second condition, the process is similar when switching from the second condition to the third condition.

[0086] As shown in Figure 15, first, the computer server 10, before the recruitment conditions are switched from the first condition to the second condition, for example, when a certain number of guest users have not yet gathered and the above-mentioned switching conditions that make it possible to switch the recruitment conditions are met, obtains information based on the switching proposal operation performed by the guest users who have applied through communication with the user terminal 12 and accepts a proposal for the second condition from the guest users who have applied (S601). Then, it generates notification data that includes information to confirm whether the proposal is accepted or rejected, or a link to a place where such information can be obtained, and transmits the generated notification data to the user terminal 12 of the host user to be notified via the network 14, thereby notifying the host user of the information to confirm whether the proposal is accepted or rejected (S601).

[0087] Then, through communication with the user terminal 12, the server 10 obtains information based on the host user's proposal acceptance operation and determines that the host user has accepted the content of the second condition (S603: YES). In this case, the server 10 switches the recruitment conditions from the first condition to the proposed second condition (S604) and terminates processing. On the other hand, through communication with the user terminal 12, the server 10 obtains information based on the host user's proposal acceptance operation and determines that the host user has rejected the content of the proposed second condition, i.e., has not accepted it (S603: NO). In this case, the server 10 terminates processing. The above is an example of another second condition switching process.

[0088] <Other Embodiments> To date, the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program of the present invention have been described with specific examples. However, the above embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments; other embodiments are also conceivable.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the server 10 functions as the information processing device of the present invention, but the invention is not limited to this, and some of the functions of the server 10 may be provided on the user terminal 12. For example, some or all of the functions of the recruitment unit 33, the first notification unit 34, the second notification unit 35, the third notification unit 36, or the game processing unit 37 may be provided on the user terminal 12.

[0090] In the above embodiment, user information and room information are stored on the server 10. However, a separate database server (not shown) may be provided to store the information collectively, or the information may be stored on the user terminal 12.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the genre (type) of game is not specifically mentioned, but any game that allows for cooperative play by multiple users is acceptable. For example, a game in which a player controls a game medium to compete against enemy characters or other users (game mediums controlled by other users) is conceivable. Other examples include word games, fighting games, sports games, shooting games, racing games, puzzle games, card games, board games, role-playing games, or simulation games. Furthermore, the game may be played between humans as users, or between a human and a computer (for example, an AI or robot).

[0092] In the above embodiment, users can, in principle, enjoy all functions free of charge, but some functions are limited and can be used by paying a predetermined usage fee. In addition, various other conditions may be set for paying users to give them an advantage in playing the game. For example, paying users may be able to obtain hard-to-find game media depending on the amount they pay. This usage fee may be based on a pay-per-use system, or it may be a subscription-like system where a one-time payment is effective for a certain period (e.g., one month or one year) for the user.

[0093] <Summary> The main features of the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program according to the embodiment described above are as follows.

[0094] [1] The information processing device according to this embodiment has a recruitment unit for recruiting participants to play a game with a user in a game played by two or more people, and if the recruitment unit does not recruit a specific number of participants under the first condition, it recruits participants under a second condition set by the user, which is different from the first condition. According to the information processing device described above, when a user is recruiting participants to play together, even if they initially want to gather participants who meet the first condition, if they cannot gather enough participants under that condition, they can switch to a second condition that is different from the first condition and recruit the remaining participants. Therefore, for users recruiting participants, it is easier to recruit the participants they want, and they do not need to repeatedly restart the recruitment process until they gather the desired participants. On the other hand, for participants looking to play together, it is easier to find partners that match their level and play style. This enables smooth matchmaking and allows for the appropriate recruitment of participants to play the game together according to the situation.

[0095] [2] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the recruitment unit can switch from the first condition to the second condition after a certain amount of time has elapsed since the recruitment started under the first condition. This allows for a more appropriate recruitment of participants for the game, even if it is difficult to gather enough users under the first condition. After a certain amount of time has passed, the system can switch to the second condition, retaining the users who have already joined while recruiting the remaining users.

[0096] [3] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the recruitment unit can switch from the first condition to the second condition when a predetermined number of participating users have gathered under the first condition. This allows for more appropriate recruitment of participants for the game, depending on the situation. Even if it is difficult to gather participants under the first condition, once the required number of participants is gathered, the existing participants can remain, and the system can switch to the second condition to gather any remaining participants.

[0097] [4] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the recruitment unit can switch from the first condition to the second condition if a predetermined number of participating users are not gathered within a certain time after the recruitment is started under the first condition. This allows for a more appropriate recruitment of participants for the game, depending on the situation. Even if it is difficult to gather participants under the first condition, if the required number of participants are not gathered by a certain time, the system can switch to the second condition and gather the remaining participants while keeping the participants who have already gathered.

[0098] [5] In the above-mentioned information processing device, when the recruitment unit recruits a first participant user and a second participant user under the second condition, it changes the second condition used when recruiting the first participant user and the second condition used when recruiting the second participant user. This allows for individual recruitment conditions to be set according to each participant's role in the game when switching from the first condition to the second condition to recruit missing participants, enabling more appropriate recruitment of participants to play the game together, depending on the situation.

[0099] [6] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the recruitment unit can switch from the second condition to a third condition that is different from the first and second conditions if a certain amount of time has elapsed since recruitment began under the second condition. This allows for a more appropriate recruitment of players for the game, depending on the situation. If it is still difficult to gather participants even after switching from the first condition to the second condition, after a certain amount of time has passed, the system can switch to the third condition, keeping the already gathered participants and gathering the remaining participants.

[0100] [7] The above-mentioned information processing device has a first notification unit that, if a specific number of participating users do not gather under the first condition, notifies the user to switch from the first condition to the second condition. This allows users to be encouraged to switch to a different second condition if they cannot gather enough participants under the first condition, enabling more appropriate recruitment of participants to play the game together, depending on the situation.

[0101] [8] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the first notification unit recommends, as guidance, setting as the second condition a condition among the conditions previously set that has a track record of receiving applications from a specified number of people or more. This allows for a more appropriate recruitment of participants for the game when guiding users to switch from the first condition to a second condition that differs from the first condition. This is because the second condition should be one that makes it easier to attract users who have previously received applications from a certain number of people or more.

[0102] [9] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the first notification unit recommends, as guidance, that the condition of being used a predetermined number of times or more in the game be set as the second condition. This allows for a more appropriate recruitment of players to play the game together, as the second condition is recommended to attract players who tend to frequently use the first condition, when guiding them to switch from the first condition to a second condition that differs from the first condition.

[0103]

[10] The above-mentioned information processing device has a second notification unit that, when switched from the first condition to the second condition, notifies participating users who have applied under the first condition to confirm whether or not they need to cancel their application. This allows users to recruit more appropriate participants to play the game with them, depending on the situation, and also allows existing participants to cancel their applications if the change from the first condition to the second condition causes inconvenience.

[0104]

[11] In the above-mentioned information processing device, if the second notification unit receives a request to cancel an application from a participant who has already applied, it notifies the participant who made the request to cancel their application of information about other users who are recruiting participants under other conditions equivalent to the first condition. This allows users to recruit other players to play the game with them more appropriately according to the situation, and for users who have already applied, if they cancel their application due to a change from the first condition to the second condition, they can obtain information on users who are recruiting players under other conditions equivalent to the first condition, improving the convenience of reapplying.

[0105]

[12] The above-mentioned information processing device has a third notification unit that, before switching from the first condition to the second condition, notifies participating users who have applied under the first condition to confirm whether they agree or disagree to the switch. This allows users to recruit more appropriate participants to play the game with them, depending on the situation, and also allows registered participants to express their willingness to accept the change in conditions before they are switched from the first condition to the second condition.

[0106]

[13] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the recruitment unit will be able to switch from the first condition to the second condition if it receives consent for the switch from a participating user who has already applied. This allows users to recruit more appropriate participants to play the game with them, depending on the situation, and also allows registered participants to express their willingness to accept the change in conditions before they are switched from the first condition to the second condition.

[0107]

[14] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the recruitment unit will be able to switch from the first condition to the second condition if it receives consent for the switch from all or more of the participating users who have applied. This allows users to recruit more appropriate participants to play the game with them, depending on the situation, and also allows registered participants to express their willingness to accept the change in conditions before they are switched from the first condition to the second condition.

[0108]

[15] In the above-mentioned information processing device, if the recruitment unit switches from the first condition to the second condition, it may cancel the application of a participant who has already applied but refused the switch. This allows users to recruit more appropriate participants to play the game with them, depending on the situation, and also allows registered participants to cancel their application if the conditions are changed from the first to the second against their will.

[0109]

[16] In the above-mentioned information processing device, if the recruitment unit receives a proposal for the second condition from a participating user who has already applied, and the user accepts the proposal, it will be possible to switch from the first condition to the second condition based on the proposal. This allows registered participants to express their opinion on the change in conditions before it is switched from the first condition to the second condition, and also allows users to set more suitable second conditions based on suggestions from other participants, thus enabling the recruitment of participants to play the game together more appropriately according to the situation.

[0110]

[17] The information processing method according to this embodiment involves a computer recruiting participants to play a game with a user in a game played by two or more people, and if the computer does not recruit a specific number of participants under the first condition, it recruits participants under a different condition from the first condition or under a second condition set by the user. According to the above information processing method, if participants cannot be gathered under the first condition, the system can switch to a second condition, which is different from the first condition, to recruit participants. This allows for the appropriate recruitment of participants to play the game together, depending on the situation.

[0111]

[18] The program according to this embodiment causes the computer to recruit participants to play a game with the user in a game played by two or more people, and if a certain number of participants cannot be gathered by recruiting under the first condition, it causes the computer to recruit participants under a second condition set by the user, which is different from the first condition. According to the program described above, if enough participants are not gathered under the first condition, the program can switch to a second condition, which is different from the first, to recruit participants. This allows for the appropriate recruitment of participants to play the game together, depending on the situation. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0112] 10 servers 12 User terminals 14 Networks 21 processors 22 memory 23 Communication Interfaces 24 storage 25 buses 30 Storage section 31 Information Acquisition Department 32 Display Control Unit 33 Recruitment Department 34 First Notification Department 35 Second Notification Department 36 Third Notification Department 37 Game Processing Section G1 Recruitment Conditions Setting Screen G2 Host User List Screen G3 Matching screen under condition 1 G4 Recruitment Conditions Switching Screen G5 Matching screen under condition 2 S Information Processing System

Claims

1. a processor, the processor comprising: displaying a recruiting condition setting screen for receiving, from the user, a setting of a first condition for recruiting participating users to play the game together with the user in a game to be played by two or more people; start recruiting participating users based on the first condition set by the user via the recruiting condition setting screen; displaying a recruitment condition switching screen for accepting a second condition set by the user, which is different from the first condition, when a specific number of participating users are not gathered after the recruitment under the first condition is started; Recruiting participating users to make up the number of users that is insufficient to meet the specific number of users based on the second condition set by the user via the recruitment condition switching screen. Information processing device.

2. A step in which a processor displays a recruitment condition setting screen for accepting, from a user, the setting of a first condition for recruiting participating users to play a game together with the user in a game played by two or more people; A step in which a processor starts recruiting participating users based on the first condition set by the user via the recruiting condition setting screen; a step of displaying a recruitment condition switching screen that accepts a setting of a second condition different from the first condition by the user when a specific number of participating users are not gathered after the processor starts the recruitment under the first condition; and a step of recruiting participating users to the number of participants that is less than the specific number of participants, based on the second condition set by the user via the recruiting condition switching screen by the processor. Information processing methods.

3. The processor: displaying a recruiting condition setting screen for receiving, from the user, a setting of a first condition for recruiting participating users to play the game together with the user in a game to be played by two or more people; starting to recruit new users based on the first condition set by the user via the recruitment condition setting screen; displaying a recruitment condition switching screen for accepting a second condition set by the user, which is different from the first condition, when a specific number of participating users are not gathered after the recruitment under the first condition is started; execute a process of recruiting participating users to make up the number of participants that is insufficient to the specific number of participants, based on the second condition set by the user via the recruiting condition switching screen; program.

4. The system includes a server and a terminal, the server comprising: displaying on the terminal a recruiting condition setting screen for receiving from the user a setting of a first condition for recruiting participating users to play the game together with the user in a game played by two or more people; start recruiting participating users based on the first condition set by the user via the recruiting condition setting screen; displaying, on the terminal, a recruitment condition switching screen that accepts a setting of a second condition different from the first condition by the user when a specific number of participating users are not gathered after the start of recruitment under the first condition; Recruiting participating users to make up the number of users that is insufficient to meet the specific number of users based on the second condition set by the user via the recruitment condition switching screen. system.

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