Program and information processing device

Abstract

To provide a program and an information processing apparatus that allow a plurality of users to share and recognize the presence of a program such as a game.SOLUTION: A program controls display of a virtual space shared by a plurality of users, the program causing a server apparatus 10 to function as: display control means 44 that controls, in the virtual space, display of display information set for each user; and output means 46 that outputs, in the virtual space, information related to a program that a user is authorized to execute and that is different from the program that controls display of the virtual space, in association with the display information set for the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a technique for notifying a user of the existence of a program such as a game.

[0003] Regarding this technology, for example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a technology in which an icon image indicating the presence of an installable game program is displayed on a menu screen displayed on a user's terminal device, and when a user operation on the icon image is received, the default background image is switched to a background image that expresses the world view of the game. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-26087 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technology disclosed in the above Patent Document 1 only effectively presents the existence of the program indicated by the icon image to the user who operated the icon image, but does not present the existence of the program to other users other than the user. Therefore, the technology has a problem in that multiple users cannot share and recognize the existence of the program.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and has an object to provide a program and an information processing device that allow multiple users to share and recognize the existence of a program such as a game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A program related to a first aspect of the present invention is a program for controlling the display of a virtual space shared by multiple users, and causes a computer to function as a display control means for controlling the display of display information set for each user in the virtual space, and an output means for outputting information related to a program different from the program in the virtual space and for which the user has execution authority, in association with the display information set for the user.

[0008] In the program according to a second aspect of the present invention, the display information is an area partitioned in the virtual space and / or an object arranged in the virtual space.

[0009] In a program according to a third aspect of the present invention, the different program is a game program, and the information related to the program is content related to the game, and when the output means outputs the content related to the game in association with the display information set for the user, it outputs the content in a manner corresponding to the user's play status of the game.

[0010] The program according to a fourth aspect of the present invention further causes the computer to function as a receiving means for receiving, from the user, a specification for information related to the program output in the virtual space, and a launching means for launching the program on the user's terminal device when the user who made the specification for the information related to the program has authority to execute the program.

[0011] In the program according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the accepting means accepts the designation when the user performs an operation to select information related to the program in the virtual space.

[0012] In a program according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the different program is a game program, and the information related to the program is content related to the game, and the receiving means receives the designation when the user performs an operation to start the game to which the content is related in the virtual space, and the output means outputs game start information indicating the start of the game in the virtual space when the operation to start the game is performed.

[0013] In a program according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the different program is a game program, and the information related to the program is content related to the game, and when the launching means launches, on the terminal device, the game program to which the content related, the designation of which has been accepted by the accepting means, instructs the terminal device to reflect the content in the game.

[0014] In a program relating to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the different program is a game program, and the information related to the program is content related to the game, and the computer further functions as a buying and selling means that executes a buying and selling process of the game program and / or the content in response to a request from the user in the virtual space.

[0015] A program according to a ninth aspect of the present invention further causes the computer to function as a receiving means for receiving, from the user, a specification for information related to the program output in the virtual space, and a providing means for providing, on the user's terminal device, information for acquiring authority to execute the program when the user who has made the specification for the information related to the program does not have authority to execute the program.

[0016] An information processing device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that executes or provides a program for display-controlling a virtual space shared by a plurality of users, and comprises a display control means for display-controlling display information set for each user in the virtual space, and an output means for outputting information related to a program different from the program in the virtual space and for which the user has execution authority, in association with the display information set for the user. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, a plurality of users can share and recognize the existence of a program such as a game. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the server device in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual space displayed on a terminal device by display control of a display control means. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the inside of a user's house displayed as a virtual space. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the inside of a shop displayed as a virtual space. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of game start information output in a virtual space. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of play information output in a virtual space. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an installation screen for a game program that is displayed on a terminal device of a user who does not have authority to execute the program. [Figure 10]10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow by the server device in the game system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an output mode of game content according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In order to facilitate understanding of the description, the same components and steps in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0020] <Overall composition> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0021] 1, the game system 1 is a system that provides a game to one or more users (players). The game system 1 includes a server device 10 as an information processing device, and one or more terminal devices 12. The server device 10 and the terminal devices 12 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network NT such as the Internet, an intranet, or a telephone line.

[0022] The server device 10 is an information processing device that provides a game obtained by executing the game program 14, or the game program 14 itself, to users of the terminal devices 12 via the communications network NT. In this embodiment, the server device 10 executes the game program 14 and transmits and outputs the results of the execution (image data, audio data, etc.) to each terminal device 12, thereby providing a game to the users of the terminal devices 12. Note that the game program 14 may be executed jointly by the terminal devices 12 and the server device 10.

[0023] Each terminal device 12 is an information processing device owned by a user, and provides a game to the user by outputting the execution result of the game program 14 received from the server device 10. These terminal devices 12 include various devices such as video game machines, portable game machines, arcade game machines, mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, and personal computers. Each terminal device 12 may provide a game to the user by downloading the game program 14 from the server device 10 and executing the game program 14 by itself.

[0024] <Hardware configuration> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the server device 10 of FIG.

[0025] 2, the server device 10 includes a control device 20, a communication device 26, and a storage device 28. The control device 20 is mainly configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22 and a memory 24.

[0026] The control device 20 functions as various functional components by the CPU 22 executing predetermined programs stored in the memory 24 or the storage device 28, etc. The functional components will be described in detail later.

[0027] The communication device 26 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device, etc. This communication device 26 transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal device 12, for example.

[0028] The storage device 28 is composed of a hard disk, etc. This storage device 28 stores various programs and information necessary for executing the processes in the control device 20, including the game program 14, and information on the results of the processes.

[0029] The server device 10 can be realized by using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer, etc. The server device 10 may be configured by a single information processing device, or may be configured by a plurality of information processing devices distributed over a communication network NT.

[0030] 2 shows only a part of the main hardware configuration of the server device 10, and the server device 10 may have other configurations that are generally included in a server. The hardware configuration of the terminal device 12 may also have the same configuration as the server device 10, except for including an operation means, a display device, and a sound output device.

[0031] <Overview of Game System 1> The game system 1 according to this embodiment controls the display of a virtual space shared by multiple users so that the display device of each user's terminal device 12 displays the virtual space. The virtual space is, for example, a virtual space on a computer. The game system 1 provides the users of the terminal devices 12 with a game (hereinafter referred to as a "community game") in which multiple users can interact with each other in the virtual space. Display information (hereinafter referred to as "user display information") set for each user is displayed in the virtual space. The user display information is, for example, an area partitioned into virtual sections and / or an object arranged in the virtual space. The area is an element that constitutes part of the virtual space, and the object is a tangible object.

[0032] The game system 1 outputs information related to a program that is different from the game program 14 that displays and controls the virtual space in a virtual space and that the user has execution authority to, in association with user display information. The program is, for example, a game program, and the execution authority of the program is the right to play the game by executing the program. The user can obtain the execution authority of the program by, for example, installing the game program in the user's terminal device 12. The installation may be performed by reading a recording medium (disc) on which the game program is recorded, or may be performed by downloading via the Internet. In addition, the user can obtain the execution authority of the program by, for example, registering as a user to play the game online (on the cloud) without installing the program in the terminal device 12.

[0033] In this embodiment, information about a game program for which a user has execution authority is content related to the game (content related to a game other than the community game provided by the game system 1). Hereinafter, the content related to the game is referred to as "game content." The game system 1 outputs game content of a game that a user can play in a virtual space in association with the user display information of the user. This allows multiple users sharing a virtual space to share and recognize with each other the existence of games that other users other than themselves can play.

[0034] <Functional configuration> FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the server device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the server device 10 has, as its functional configuration, a storage means 40, a setting means 42, a display control means 44, an output means 46, a receiving means 48, a starting means 50, a buying and selling means 52, and a providing means 54.

[0036] The storage means 40 is realized by one or more storage devices 28. The functional configuration other than the storage means 40 is realized by the control device 20 executing the game program 14 stored in the storage device 28 or the like. In addition, all or a part of the functional configuration of the server device 10 may be provided in the terminal device 12. For example, the display control means 44, the output means 46, the starting means 50, etc. may be provided in the terminal device 12 instead of the server device 10. In addition, the server device 10 may be connected to the storage means 40 inside the server device 10 or may be connected to the storage means 40 outside the server device 10 as long as it is connectable to the storage means 40. In other words, the server device 10 itself may not be provided with the storage means 40, and the storage means 40 may be provided in another server device or the like.

[0037] The storage means 40 stores game information 40A for each game and user information 40B for each user.

[0038] Game information 40A is information indicating game content for each game, and includes, for example, game identification information and game content identification information linked to the game identification information. Examples of game identification information include a game ID or game name indicating the game. Examples of game content identification information include a content ID or content name indicating the game content. In the following description, the game identification information is referred to as a "game ID" and the game content identification information is referred to as a "content ID."

[0039] The game contents are contents related to the game, and may include information used in the game, information suggesting or evoking the contents of the game, and the like. Specific examples of the game contents include game items, game titles, game logos, game characters, characters corresponding to the user (player), characters owned by the user (player), parts of the characters including equipment, game stages, game backgrounds, numerical values ​​related to the game (level, rank, number of plays, number of draws, charge level, play time, and the like), game background music and sound effects, voices or lines uttered by game characters, and information used in the package and advertisement of the game. The game contents may be information to which predetermined information for making the output mode corresponding to the virtual space is added to these various information. The data format of the game contents is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, data formats such as images, sounds, videos, and text. The information included in the game information 40A is set in advance by, for example, a designer, etc.

[0040] The user information 40B is various information set for each user. The user information 40B includes, for example, a user ID, user display information linked to the user ID, and a game ID linked to the user ID. The user display information is information indicating an area or object set for each user in a virtual space. The game ID linked to the user ID is information indicating a game that the user of the user ID has the right to play. The user information 40B includes, for example, a content ID linked to the user display information. The content ID linked to the user display information is information indicating game content of a game that the user indicated by the user display information has the right to play. The information included in the user information 40B is set, for example, by the setting means 42.

[0041] The information stored in the storage means 40 is not limited to the above information. For example, the storage means 40 may store the game content itself and various other information necessary for displaying and controlling the virtual space. Furthermore, the game content and various other information necessary for displaying and controlling the virtual space do not need to be stored in advance in the storage means 40, and may be provided, for example, from a Web server external to the game system 1.

[0042] The setting means 42 sets an area or an object as user display information to be displayed in a virtual space shared by a plurality of users. For example, the setting means 42 sets an area defined by a predetermined position (coordinates), size, and shape in the virtual space based on a user's operation, by linking it to the user ID of the user, and stores it in the user information 40B. Examples of the area include land owned by the user and a camp corresponding to the user. In this embodiment, the user's operation indicates an input operation by the user to the terminal device 12. The setting means 42 sets an object selected based on the user's operation, by linking it to the user ID of the user, and stores it in the user information 40B. Examples of the object include images showing a building, house, nameplate, garage, storeroom, garden, etc. owned by the user, and avatars, icons, etc. corresponding to the user. The user display information may be set in advance by a designer or the like, linked to a user ID, regardless of the user's operation.

[0043] Furthermore, the setting means 42 sets, for each user, a game ID indicating a game that the user can play. For example, when a user acquires authority to execute a game program by installation or the like, or when a user operates to instruct transmission of information indicating that the user has authority to execute the game, the game ID of the game and the user ID of the user are transmitted from the terminal device 12 of the user to the server device 10. The setting means 42 receives the transmitted game ID and user ID, sets the received game ID in association with the received user ID, and stores the set game ID in the user information 40B.

[0044] Furthermore, the setting means 42 sets a content ID indicating game content of a game that the user can play, by linking it to the user display information of the user. For example, when linking a game ID to a user ID and setting it, the setting means 42 refers to the game information 40A and extracts at least one content ID from the content IDs linked to the game ID. Then, the setting means 42 sets the extracted content ID by linking it to at least one piece of user display information linked to the user ID, and stores it in the user information 40B.

[0045] The display control means 44 controls the display of information to be displayed on each display screen of the terminal devices 12 of multiple users. The display control means 44, for example, acquires information necessary for the display control from the storage means 40 or an external Web server or the like, transmits it to each terminal device 12, and performs the display control.

[0046] For example, the display control means 44 controls the display of a virtual space shared by multiple users. The display control means 44 also controls the display of user display information in the virtual space. The user display information is, for example, user display information linked to a user ID in the user information 40B. The display control means 44 also controls the display of information indicating an entrance for starting a game (for example, an entrance to a racetrack in a racing game) and a shop for buying and selling games or game contents in the virtual space.

[0047] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the virtual space 100 displayed on the terminal device 12 by the display control of the display control means 44. Note that Fig. 4 shows a part of the virtual space 100 displayed on the terminal device 12, and the virtual space 100 may have an extension other than the part shown in the figure, and for example, a part other than the part may be displayed by a user operation (scrolling the display screen).

[0048] A virtual space 100 shown in Fig. 4 is shared by, for example, at least users A, B, and C. In this virtual space 100, for example, a land 102, a nameplate 103, a house 106, a garage 110, and an avatar 112 are displayed as user display information of user A. Furthermore, a land 104, a nameplate 105, a house 108, and an avatar 113 are displayed as user display information of user B. Furthermore, an avatar 114 is displayed as user display information of user C.

[0049] The plots 102 and 104 are areas set as plots owned by the users A and B in the virtual space 100. The nameplates 103 and 105 are objects set as nameplates owned by the users A and B in the virtual space 100. The nameplates 103 and 105 include user identification information such as "user A" and "user B", and indicate the user who is the owner of the plots 102 and 104 by being placed in the plots 102 and 104. The houses 106 and 108 are objects set as houses owned by the users A and B in the virtual space 100, and are placed in the plots 102 and 104. The garage 110 is an object set as a garage owned by the user A in the virtual space 100, and is placed in the plot 102 of the user A. The avatars 112, 113, and 114 are objects set as avatars corresponding to the users A, B, and C in the virtual space 100, and can move within the virtual space 100 in response to the operations of the users A, B, and C. The objects arranged within the land 102 and 104 may be displayed differently when the virtual space 100 is displayed from above and when the avatar enters the land 102 or 104. That is, when the virtual space 100 is displayed from above, the objects may be displayed in a simplified manner, and when the avatar enters the land 102 or 104, a new virtual space corresponding to the land 102 or 104 may be set, and the owner of the land 102 or 104 or objects associated with the land 102 or 104 may be arranged in the virtual space as unsimplified objects, and the objects may be displayed on the terminal device 12 of the user associated with the avatar from a viewpoint based on the avatar that entered. A specific example will be described later.

[0050] Also displayed in virtual space 100 are a racetrack entrance 126, a shop 128, and a road P. Racetrack entrance 126 is an object that virtually represents the entrance to a racetrack in a game with the game title "AAA RACING." Furthermore, shop 128 is an object that represents a shop where users can buy and sell game programs or game contents in virtual space 100. Road P is an object that connects between each of land plots 102, 104, racetrack entrance 126, and shop 128, and represents a passageway along which avatars 112, 113, and 114 corresponding to users A, B, and C can move.

[0051] Furthermore, for example, when a user performs an operation to move the avatar 112, 113, 114 corresponding to the user into the house 106, 108 or the shop 128, the display control means 44 performs display control according to the operation. For example, the display control means 44 performs display control so as to display the virtual space 100 showing the inside of the destination house 106, 108 or the shop 128 on the terminal device 12 of the user who performed the operation.

[0052] More specifically, when user C performs an operation to move his / her corresponding avatar 114 into user B's house 108, the display control means 44 switches the virtual space 100 displayed on user C's terminal device 12 from the virtual space 100 shown in FIG. 4 to the virtual space 100A shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the inside of user B's house 108 displayed as the virtual space 100A. Also, when user A and user B perform an operation to move their respective avatars 112 and 113 into a shop 128, the display control means 44 switches the virtual space 100 displayed on each of user A and user B's terminal devices 12 from the virtual space 100 shown in FIG. 4 to the virtual space 100B shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the inside of the shop 128 displayed as the virtual space 100B. In this way, when moving within virtual space 100, only the processing required to display simplified objects is required, and when the avatar is moved to a specific area such as a house or shop, the processing can be switched to more detailed virtual spaces 100A, 100B, thereby conserving hardware resources.

[0053] Returning to FIG. 3, the output means 46 outputs the game content of the game (a program different from the game program 14) in association with the user display information of the user as information related to the game program for which the user has execution authority in the virtual space 100. The game program for which the user has execution authority is a program that is linked to the identification information (user ID) of the user by the user acquiring execution authority. In other words, the game program for which the user has execution authority is a game program for which the user has play rights and can play.

[0054] The output means 46, for example, acquires game content indicated by a content ID linked to the user display information in the user information 40B from the storage means 40 or an external Web server, and outputs the acquired game content in association with the user display information. Here, output means outputting in a manner recognizable via the virtual space 100 by multiple users who share the same virtual space 100. In this embodiment, recognizable means, for example, visually and / or audibly recognizable.

[0055] The timing at which the game content is output by the output means 46 is not particularly limited, and the output means 46 may continue to output the game content while the virtual space 100 is being displayed by the display control means 44, or may output the game content at a predetermined timing. Examples of the predetermined timing include the timing at which the user display information is selected by a user operation, and the timing at which the avatars 112, 113, and 114 that move by a user operation approach within a predetermined range of the user display information.

[0056] In this embodiment, output refers to, for example, display control. For example, when the game content is content in a visual data format such as video, image, text, etc., output refers to transmitting the content to the terminal device 12 and controlling the display of the content so that the content is displayed in the virtual space 100. In this case, a specific method of outputting the game content in association with the user display information can be, for example, display control so that the game content is displayed on or near the user display information.

[0057] Furthermore, the term "output" may refer to, for example, audio control. For example, when the game content is audio or other audio data format content, the term "output" refers to transmitting the content to the terminal device 12 and audio controlling the content so that the content is output as audio within the virtual space 100. In this case, a specific method for outputting the game content in association with the user display information may include audio control so that the game content is output as audio at the above-mentioned predetermined timing.

[0058] Furthermore, when outputting game content of a game in association with user display information, the output means 46 may output the game content in a manner corresponding to the play status of the game by the user. In this case, for example, when extracting a content ID linked to the user display information with reference to user information 40B, the output means 46 extracts the content ID based on the play status, thereby outputting the game content in a manner corresponding to the play status.

[0059] The play status may include the game play result, the number of times the game is played, the progress of the game, etc. As a method of extracting a content ID based on the play status, for example, a content ID indicating an item acquired as a result of playing the game or a stage being played, or a number or type of content ID corresponding to the number or type of items acquired may be extracted. As an extraction method, a content ID may be extracted according to a numerical value related to the game (level, rank, number of times played, number of lotteries, charge level, play time, etc.) or the progress of the game. More specifically, as an extraction method, the larger the numerical value related to the game is or the more advanced the progress of the game is, more content IDs may be extracted, or content IDs of rare or high quality content may be extracted.

[0060] Here, with reference to Fig. 4, a more specific example will be described in which game content in the form of image data is displayed and controlled in virtual space 100. In virtual space 100 shown in Fig. 4, race cars 116, 118, and 120 and game titles 122 and 124 are displayed as the game content.

[0061] The race cars 116, 118, and 120 are game contents of a racing game with the game title "AAA RACING", and are images showing race cars that are items used in the racing game. The race cars 116 and 118 are arranged in the garage 110 of the user A, and are associated with the garage 110. The garage 110 is arranged in the land 102 of the user A, and is associated with the land 102. The race car 120 is arranged in the land 104 of the user B, and is associated with the land 104. This association visually indicates in the virtual space 100 that the users A and B have the authority to execute the program of the racing game. The garage 110 is arranged in the land 102 of the user A when the racing game is installed, but if the number of race cars and their parts, etc. owned increases as the racing game progresses, it can be expanded by paying a fee.

[0062] Furthermore, the game title 122 is game content for an RPG game with the game title "BBB RPG," and is an image showing the game title of the RPG game. The game title 122 is placed on the roof of the house 108 of user B, and is thereby associated with the house 108. This association visually indicates in the virtual space 100 that user B has authority to execute the program of the RPG game.

[0063] Furthermore, game title 124 is game content for a fishing game with the game title "CCC FISHING" and is an image showing the game title of the fishing game. Game title 124 is placed on the roof of user B's house 108, and is thereby associated with the house 108. This association visually indicates in virtual space 100 that user B has the authority to execute the program for the fishing game.

[0064] 5, a more specific example will be described in which game content in the form of image data is displayed and controlled in virtual space 100A showing the inside of the house of user B. In virtual space 100A shown in FIG. 5, an aquarium 132, fish 134, 135, an armory 136, and weapons 138, 139 are displayed as the game content.

[0065] The aquarium 132 and the fishes 134, 135 are game contents of the fishing game, and are images showing the aquarium and fish, which are items used in the fishing game. The aquarium 132 and the fishes 134, 135 are arranged in the house 108 of the user B, and are associated with the house 108. This association visually indicates in the virtual space 100A that the user B has authority to execute the program of the fishing game. The aquarium 132 and the fishes 134, 135 may also reflect the playing situation of the fishing game played by the user B, and in this case, the playing situation of the user B is visually indicated in the virtual space 100A. In this case, the fish caught in the fishing game are the fishes 134, 135, but in addition, replay footage or movie footage showing the state of catching the fish may be associated with the fishes 134, 135, and may be played and displayed when the user selects them. In addition, fishing equipment owned in the fishing game may be arranged in the virtual space 100A as game contents.

[0066] Moreover, the armory 136 and the weapons 138, 139 are game contents of the RPG game, and are images showing the armory and weapons used in the RPG game. The armory 136 and the weapons 138, 139 are arranged in the house 108 of the user B, and are associated with the house 108. This association visually indicates in the virtual space 100A that the user B has authority to execute the program of the RPG game. The armory 136 and the weapons 138, 139 may also reflect the playing situation of the RPG game played by the user B, in which case the playing situation of the user B is visually indicated in the virtual space 100.

[0067] Returning to Fig. 3, reception means 48 receives from the user a designation for game content (information related to a game program) output in virtual space 100 by output means 46. The designation for the game content indicates a designation for starting a game program to which the game content is related. Reception means 48 receives a designation for the game content when, for example, a user operation is performed for the output game content in virtual space 100.

[0068] The user's operation on the game content is, for example, a selection operation of the game content. Examples of the selection operation include a click operation, a tap operation, a long press operation, etc. For example, in the virtual space 100, when the user performs a selection operation of the race car 118, the reception means 48 receives a designation of the race car 118 from the user.

[0069] Furthermore, the user's operation on the game content may be, in addition to or instead of the selection operation, an operation for starting a game related to the game content in the virtual space 100 by the user. Examples of the operation for starting the game include an operation for selecting a start button for starting the game, an operation for moving an avatar to an entrance for starting the game, an operation for selecting game content and setting it as an avatar, and an operation for moving the selected game content or the avatar with the game content set to an entrance for starting the game related to the game content. For example, when the user selects a race car 118 and performs an operation for moving the selected race car 118 to a racetrack entrance 126, the reception means 48 receives a designation for the race car 118 from the user.

[0070] Furthermore, when a user performs an operation to start the game, the output means 46 may output game start information indicating the start of the game in the virtual space 100. The game start information is output in a manner that can be recognized even by other users other than the user who performed the game operation, as long as the other users share the same virtual space 100.

[0071] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of game start information output in the virtual space 100. FIG. 7 shows an example in which game start information of a racing game related to the race car 118 is output when the user A performs an operation to set the avatar 112 corresponding to the user A to the race car 118. As shown in FIG. 7, as the game start information, a state in which the race car 118 on which the avatar 112 is riding moves in the direction indicated by the arrow Y on the road P and moves to the race track entrance 126 is displayed and controlled. At this time, the race car 118 moves on the road P connected to other users and the race track entrance 126, etc. beyond the range in which the area and objects of the user A are displayed in the virtual space 100, so that it is possible to widely inform other users sharing the virtual space 100 in the virtual space 100 that the user A is starting a racing game related to the race car 118.

[0072] As described above, the game start information as shown in FIG. 7 may be automatically displayed when the user simply performs an operation to set the avatar 112 to the race car 118, or when the user performs an operation to move the race car 118 to the race track entrance 126 in addition to the above operation, the game start information as shown in FIG. 7 may be displayed in response to the above operation. Also, a fishing pond (not shown) for playing a fishing game, a game area (not shown) such as a mountain or grassland for playing an RPG game, etc. may be arranged in the virtual space 100, and the race car 118 may be used to travel from the owned land to those areas. In this way, by using items from another game as an operation for playing a specific game, an environment close to the real world can be experienced in the virtual space 100.

[0073] Returning to FIG. 3, when a user who has specified game content has authority to execute a program of a game related to the game content, the launching means 50 launches the program on the terminal device 12 of the user.

[0074] First, launching means 50 determines whether or not the user who has designated the game content accepted by accepting means 48 has authority to execute the program of the game to which the designated game content is related. Launching means 50, for example, refers to user information 40B and makes this determination based on whether or not the user ID of the user who has made the designation is linked to the game ID of the game to which the designated game content is related.

[0075] When the user ID is linked to the game ID, the launching means 50 makes a positive determination, and transmits to the terminal device 12 an instruction (command) indicating that the terminal device 12 of the user who made the designation should launch the game program related to the designated game content. In response to this instruction, the terminal device 12 launches the game program, and the display screen of the terminal device 12 is switched from the virtual space 100 to the game screen of the game. On the other hand, when the user ID is not linked to the game ID, the launching means 50 makes a negative determination, and does not launch the game program related to the designated game content in the terminal device 12 of the user who made the designation. Then, the launching means 50 outputs information indicating the result of the determination to the providing means 54.

[0076] More specifically, when user A or user B, who has the authority to execute the program of the racing game, specifies any one of the race cars 116, 118, 120, the program of the racing game is started on the terminal device 12 of user A or user B. In contrast, when user A, who does not have the authority to execute the program of the RPG game, specifies the game title 122, the program of the RPG game is not started on the terminal device 12 of user A.

[0077] In addition, when a program is started based on a user's designation, if the user designates game content associated with the user display information of the user, the program is started, but if the user designates game content associated with the user display information of another user different from the user, the program may not be started. In this case, for example, if user A designates his / her own race cars 116, 118 placed in his / her garage 110, the program of the racing game is started, but if user A designates user B's race car 120 placed on user B's land 104, the program is not started. In addition, if the user's own race car is in the garage of another user, the racing game may be started. Also, the game may be started with the user and another user in the user's own race car, and the other user may operate the race car after the game is started.

[0078] Furthermore, when starting a program of a game related to game content whose designation has been accepted by the accepting means 48 in the terminal device 12, the starting means 50 may instruct the terminal device 12 to reflect the game content in the game. For example, when starting a racing game based on accepting a designation for a race car 118 from user A, the starting means 50 transmits an instruction to the terminal device 12 of user A to automatically set the race car indicated by the race car 118 as the race car to be used in the racing game and start the racing game.

[0079] In addition, while the game is being played on the terminal device 12 by the launching means 50 launching the game program, the output means 46 may output play information in the virtual space 100 indicating that the user of the terminal device 12 is playing the game.

[0080] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of play information 130 output in the virtual space 100. As shown in Fig. 8, for example, on the roof of user A's house 106, play information 130 including information indicating the title of the game being played, "PLAYING: AAA RACING", is displayed. This play information 130 indicates that a racing game program called "AAA RACING" is running on user A's terminal device 12, and that user A is playing the racing game.

[0081] The play information 130 is not limited to information indicating the title of the game being played, and may include information used in the game being played, information suggesting or evocative of the game being played, information indicating the play status of the game being played, and the like. The play information 130 may be output not only as visual information, but also as auditory information such as sound. While the play information 130 is being displayed, the designated game content or an avatar corresponding to the user playing the game may be displayed in the virtual space 100 in a manner that makes it possible to identify that the game is being played, or these game contents or avatars may be hidden. Examples of a manner that makes it possible to identify that the game is being played include display control in the virtual space 100 with the game content mounted on an avatar.

[0082] Returning to FIG. 3, the buying and selling means 52 executes a buying and selling process of a game program and / or game contents in the virtual space 100 in response to a request from a user. The buying and selling process includes a selling process and / or a buying process. The selling process is, for example, a process for selling a game program or game contents of a game that the user does not have the authority to execute to the user. Selling a program or game contents to a user means setting the program or game contents in association with the user ID of the user in exchange for a fee paid by the user, that is, giving the user the right to own the program or game contents. Also, the buying process is, for example, a process for purchasing a game program or game contents of a game that the user has the authority to execute from the user. Purchasing a program or game contents from a user means releasing the association between the set program or game contents and the user ID of the user in exchange for a fee paid to the user, that is, giving up the right to own the program or game contents.

[0083] For example, when user A and user B perform an operation to move their corresponding avatars 112, 113 into the shop 128, a virtual space 100B showing the inside of the shop 128 as shown in Fig. 6 is displayed on the terminal devices 12 of user A and user B. This allows user A and user B to make requests to buy and sell game programs and game contents in the virtual shop 128, for example.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 6, the shop 128 includes, for example, a game shop 140 and content shops 142, 144, and 146. The game shop 140 is a shop for buying and selling game programs. The content shop 142 is a shop for buying and selling game content for the racing game. The content shop 144 is a shop for buying and selling game content for the RPG game. The content shop 146 is a shop for buying and selling game content for the fishing game.

[0085] For example, user A and user B can move their corresponding avatars 112, 113 in front of a shop for buying and selling game programs and game contents they wish to buy and sell in shop 128, and perform a predetermined operation to select the game programs and game contents they wish to buy and sell. In response to this operation, buying and selling means 52 accepts a request to execute a buying and selling process for the selected programs and game contents, and executes the buying and selling process in response to the accepted request.

[0086] Furthermore, when the buying and selling means 52 is executing a buying and selling process, the output means 46 may output buying and selling information indicating the state of the buying and selling process in the virtual space 100B so that users in the same shop 128 can recognize the state of the buying and selling process. For example, when user A requests a buying and selling process from the content shop 142 and the buying and selling process is being executed in response to the request, information indicating the game content that is the subject of the buying and selling process may be output in the virtual space 100B so that the game content that user A is buying and selling can also be recognized by user B.

[0087] 3, when a user who has specified game content does not have authority to execute a program of a game related to the game content, the providing means 54 provides information for acquiring authority to execute the program on the terminal device 12 of the user. The providing means 54 performs display control so that an installation screen for installing the program, a user registration screen for acquiring authority to execute the program, etc. are displayed on the terminal device 12, for example.

[0088] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an installation screen 148 of a game program displayed on the terminal device 12 of a user who does not have the authority to execute the program. As shown in FIG. 9, the installation screen 148 is an installation screen of the above-mentioned racing game, and includes instruction information 150, a YES button 152, and a NO button 154. The instruction information 150 is information for instructing whether or not to permit installation. The YES button 152 is a button for instructing to permit installation, and when the button is selected by a user's operation, the installation is executed. The NO button 154 is a button for instructing to reject the installation, and when the button is selected by a user's operation, the installation screen 148 is closed without executing the installation. After closing the installation screen 148, the display screen of the terminal device 12 may return to the screen displaying the original virtual space 100 before the installation screen 148 was displayed.

[0089] <Processing flow> Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing by the server device 10 in the game system 1. The following processing starts in a state in which the display of the virtual space 100 is controlled as shown in Fig. 4, for example. Note that the order or content of the following processing can be changed as appropriate.

[0090] (Step SP10) The reception means 48 judges whether or not the user has performed a selection operation on the game content (race cars 116, 118, 120, game titles 122, 124, etc.) displayed in the virtual space 100. If the judgment is affirmative, the reception means 48 accepts a designation for the game content for which the selection operation has been performed, and the process proceeds to step SP12. On the other hand, if the judgment is negative, the process proceeds to step SP28.

[0091] (Step SP12) The launching means 50 judges whether or not the user who designated the game content in the processing of step SP10 has authority to execute the program of the game to which the designated game content is related. The launching means 50 refers to the user information 40B and executes this judgment based on whether or not the user ID of the user who made the designation is linked to the game ID of the game to which the designated game content is related. If this judgment is judged as positive, the processing proceeds to the processing of step SP14. On the other hand, if this judgment is judged as negative, the processing proceeds to the processing of step SP22.

[0092] (Step SP14) The starting means 50 starts a game program related to the designated game content in the terminal device 12 of the user who made the designation in the processing of step SP10. For example, when a selection operation on the race car 118 is performed by the user A in the processing of step SP10, the starting means 50 starts a racing game related to the race car 118 in the terminal device 12 of the user A. Then, the processing proceeds to the processing of step SP16.

[0093] (Step SP16) The output means 46 controls the display of play information indicating that the user of the terminal device 12, whose game program has been started by the processing of step SP14, is playing the game, in the virtual space 100. For example, when user A is playing a racing game, the output means 46 controls the display of play information 130 as shown in Fig. 8. Then, the processing proceeds to the processing of step SP18.

[0094] (Step SP18) The starting means 50 judges whether or not the game has ended in the terminal device 12 that started the game program in the processing of step SP14. The starting means 50 makes this judgment based on whether or not it has received information indicating the end of the game transmitted from the terminal device 12 based on a user's operation, for example. If the judgment is affirmative, the processing proceeds to processing of step SP20. In contrast, if the judgment is negative, the processing returns to processing of step SP16. Note that when returning from the processing of step SP18 to the processing of step SP16, the output of the play information may be continued as is without being output again, or the play information may be output again so that the content corresponds to the play situation.

[0095] (Step SP20) The output means 46 ends the display control of the play information 130 displayed on the terminal device 12 in the processing of step SP16, and prevents the play information 130 from being displayed in the virtual space 100. As a result, the virtual space 100 displayed on the terminal device 12 returns from the virtual space 100 shown in Fig. 8 to the virtual space 100 shown in Fig. 4. Then, the series of processing shown in Fig. 10 ends.

[0096] (Step SP22) The providing means 54 performs display control so that an installation screen (for example, an installation screen 148 as shown in FIG. 9) for installing a game program related to the designated game content is displayed on the terminal device 12 of the user who designated the game content in the processing of step SP10. Then, the processing proceeds to the processing of step SP24.

[0097] (Step SP24) The providing means 54 accepts an instruction as to whether or not to permit installation on the installation screen provided in the processing of step SP22. For example, if the YES button 152 on the installation screen 148 is selected, the determination is affirmative, and installation is performed in the terminal device 12 of the user who specified the game content in the processing of step SP10. Then, the processing proceeds to the processing of step SP26. On the other hand, if the NO button 154 on the installation screen 148 is selected, the determination is negative, the installation is not performed, and the series of processing shown in FIG. 10 ends.

[0098] (Step SP26) The output means 46 outputs the game content of the game installed in the process of step SP24 in the virtual space 100 in association with the user display area of ​​the user who permitted the installation. For example, when the user A installs the program of the RPG game, the setting means 42 first extracts a content ID linked to a game ID indicating the RPG game from the game information 40A, and sets the content ID linked to the land 102, the house 106, etc. set for the user A in the user information 40B. Next, the output means 46 acquires the game content indicated by the set content ID, and controls the display so that the acquired game content is displayed on or near the land 102, the house 106, etc. of the user A linked to the content ID. Then, the series of processes shown in FIG. 10 ends.

[0099] (Step SP28) The buying and selling means 52 judges whether or not a request for buying and selling a game program or game content has been received from the user. For example, the buying and selling means 52 executes this judgment based on whether or not a predetermined operation for selecting a program or game content and requesting buying and selling has been received from the user. If the judgment is positive, the buying and selling means 52 accepts the request from the user, and the process proceeds to step SP30. On the other hand, if the judgment is negative, the series of processes shown in FIG. 10 ends.

[0100] (Step SP30) The buying and selling means 52 executes buying and selling processing of game programs and game contents in response to the request received in the processing of step SP28. Then, the series of processing shown in Fig. 10 ends. Note that the buying and selling means 52 may perform processing on a single server device 10 (centralized), or may use a known blockchain technology as a digital asset (NFT) to synchronize and record data on multiple computers (not shown) so that transaction history is shared by participating users.

[0101] <Action and effect> As described above, in this embodiment, the game program 14 controls the display of a virtual space 100 shared by a plurality of users, and the server device 10 as a computer functions as a display control means 44 that controls the display of user display information (display information set for each user) in the virtual space 100, and an output means 46 that outputs information related to a program other than the game program 14 and for which the user has execution authority in the virtual space 100, in association with the user display information of that user.

[0102] According to this configuration, in the virtual space 100 shared by multiple users, information related to a program for which a user has execution authority is output in association with the user display information of the user. Such association allows other users other than the user to recognize the existence of a program for which the user, indicated by the user display information, has execution authority. That is, multiple users can share and recognize the existence of a program such as a game. This allows, for example, the user to show off to other users the existence of a program for which the user has execution authority, or to attract the interest of other users in the program. As a result, the user can be encouraged to further acquire execution authority for a program in order to show off to other users, or other users can be encouraged to acquire execution authority for a program that has attracted their interest, and it is possible to actively acquire users (new users) who newly acquire execution authority for a program. In addition, the number or type of information related to the program output in the virtual space 100 changes depending on the number or type of programs for which the user has execution authority, so that the number or type of programs for which the user has execution authority can also be recognized by other users via the virtual space 100.

[0103] In addition, in this embodiment, the user display information is areas partitioned in the virtual space 100 (lands 102, 104, etc.) and / or objects placed in the virtual space 100 (houses 106, 108, nameplates 103, 105, garage 110, avatars 112, 113, 114, etc.).

[0104] According to this configuration, since the user display information is areas set for each user, such as plots of land 102, 104 in virtual space 100, and houses 106, 108, nameplates 103, 105, garage 110, avatars 112, 113, 114, etc., arranged in virtual space 100, it is possible to easily visually identify the user indicated by the user display information. Since information related to programs that the user has authority to execute is associated with such user display information, it is possible to easily identify the user to whom the information is associated.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the program different from game program 14 is a game program, and the information related to the program is game content (content related to the game), and when outputting the game content of the game in association with the user's user display information, output means 46 outputs the game content in a manner according to the user's playing status of the game.

[0106] According to this configuration, the output mode of the game content in the virtual space 100 can be changed according to the game play status, so that the user can show off his / her own play status to other users via the virtual space 100. In addition, the other users can recognize the play status through the virtual space 100, which can increase their interest in the game indicated by the play status.

[0107] In addition, in this embodiment, the server device 10 further functions as a receiving means 48 that receives specifications from a user regarding information related to the program output in the virtual space 100, and a launching means 50 that launches the program on the user's terminal device 12 when the user who has specified the information related to the program has the authority to execute the program.

[0108] According to this configuration, in the virtual space 100, by designating information related to a program for which a user has execution authority, the program can be started on the terminal device 12 of the user.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a user performs an operation to select information related to a program in the virtual space 100, the receiving means 48 receives a designation for that information.

[0110] According to this configuration, in the virtual space 100, a user who has authority to execute a program can launch the program on the terminal device 12 of the user by simply selecting information related to the program.

[0111] Also, in this embodiment, the program different from game program 14 is a game program, and the information related to the program is game content, and when a user performs an operation to start a game in virtual space 100 to which the game content is related, reception means 48 receives a designation for the game content, and when an operation to start the game is performed, output means 46 outputs game start information indicating that the game is to be started in virtual space 100.

[0112] According to this configuration, in the virtual space 100, a user who has authority to execute a game program can perform an operation to start the game, thereby starting the program in the terminal device 12 of the user. Furthermore, since game start information is output in the virtual space 100 based on the operation to start the game by the user, other users other than the user can be made aware that the user is starting the game. For example, as game start information, a display control is performed to show a race car 118 with an avatar 112 moving in the direction indicated by an arrow Y on a road P and moving to a racetrack entrance 126, so that other users in the same virtual space 100 can see that user A corresponding to the avatar 112 is starting a racing game. Therefore, the interest of the other users in the game can be further increased. For example, if the other users have the right to play the same game, they can be motivated to start the game. Furthermore, if the other users do not have the right to play the same game, they can be motivated to obtain the right to play the game by installing the game, etc.

[0113] Also, in this embodiment, the program different from the game program 14 is a game program, and the information related to the program is game content, and when the launching means 50 launches in the terminal device 12 a game program related to the game content whose designation has been accepted by the accepting means 48, it instructs the terminal device 12 to reflect the game content in the game.

[0114] According to this configuration, when the terminal device 12 starts a program of a game related to game content designated by the user, the terminal device 12 is instructed to reflect the game content in the game. Therefore, the terminal device 12 can automatically set the game content in accordance with the instruction and start the game. For example, if the game content is a weapon, the game can be started with the game content such as a weapon equipped on the game character. Therefore, when the user wants to set the game content designated in the virtual space 100 in the game, the user can save the trouble of manually setting the game content after starting the game. In addition, the virtual space 100 and the game space shown on the execution screen of the game started by the starting means 50 can be given the user a sense of being integrally connected, and the user can enjoy smooth movement between the virtual space 100 and the game space.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the program different from the game program 14 is a game program, and the information related to the program is game content, and the server device 10 further functions as a buying and selling means 52 that executes buying and selling processing of the game program and / or game content in response to a request from a user in the virtual space 100B.

[0116] According to this configuration, in the virtual space 100B, a buying and selling process of a game program or game content can be performed in response to a user's request. In addition, when buying and selling information showing the state of the buying and selling process is output to the virtual space 100B, the state of the buying and selling process can be shown to other users who share the same virtual space 100B but are different from the user who requests the buying and selling process. This can serve as a trigger to increase the interest of the other users in the game program or game content for which the buying and selling process has been performed.

[0117] In addition, in this embodiment, the server device 10 further functions as a receiving means 48 that receives, from a user, a specification for information related to the program output in the virtual space 100, and a providing means 54 that provides, when a user who has made a specification for information related to the program does not have authority to execute the program, information for obtaining authority to execute the program on the user's terminal device 12.

[0118] According to this configuration, a user can obtain information for acquiring rights required to execute a program by specifying information related to the program for which the user does not have execution authority in the virtual space 100. This makes it easier for a user to smoothly acquire execution authority for a program via the virtual space 100, and can more proactively acquire users (new users) who newly acquire execution authority for a program.

[0119] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. In other words, the above-mentioned embodiment may be modified by a person skilled in the art as appropriate, and the modifications may be included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. In addition, the elements of the above-mentioned embodiment and the modifications described below may be combined to the extent technically possible, and the combinations of these may be included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

[0120] For example, the user display information is not limited to an area or an object, and may be anything that can identify a user. For example, the user display information may be an avatar or character icon corresponding to each user, or a user ID or user name indicating each user.

[0121] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an output mode of game content according to a modified example. In the modified example shown in FIG. 11, the output means 46 controls the display of each item display unit 200, 202 including game content in association with the avatars 112, 113 corresponding to each user A, B in the virtual space 100. The item display units 200, 202 are information display units that display game content of a program of a game that each user A, B has authority to execute, such as game items of a game that each user A, B can play. The item display units 200, 202 are controlled to be displayed at a predetermined timing, for example. For example, when the distance between the avatars 112, 113 corresponding to each user A, B in the virtual space 100 is greater than a predetermined range, the output means 46 hides the item display units 200, 202. In response to this, when the distance between the avatars 112, 113 corresponding to the users A and B approaches within a predetermined range, the output means 46 controls the display so that the item display units 200, 202 are displayed in the virtual space 100 shared by the users A and B. Note that the display may be controlled not only when the distance between the avatars 112, 113 approaches, but also when, for example, the avatar 113 corresponding to the user B is selected by an operation of the user A, the item display unit 202 associated with the avatar 113 may be displayed.

[0122] In the above embodiment, an example in which game content is output in association with user display information has been described, but game content may be output without association with user display information. For example, game content may be output in association with an element different from the user display information (for example, a shared area or object that is not set for any user) in the virtual space 100. Even in this case, a game program that one of the users has execution authority to output in the virtual space 100 allows multiple users sharing the same virtual space 100 to share and recognize the existence of the program.

[0123] Furthermore, the reception means 48 may receive a designation for game content not only when a user operates on game content output to virtual space 100, but also when authentication information for starting a game program related to the game content is acquired from the user through user authentication such as voice authentication or biometric authentication. Examples of authentication information include voice information and biometric information such as a fingerprint.

[0124] For example, when a user utters the voice "Launch BBB RPG", the terminal device 12 of the user recognizes the voice and transmits the voice data to the server device 10. The reception means 48 receives the data and acquires it as authentication information for activating the RPG game program "BBB RPG". The activation means 50 determines which user the user is by voice authentication that compares the acquired authentication information with pre-stored user voice data. The activation means 50 then determines whether the determined user has authority to execute the RPG game program "BBB RPG", and when the determination is affirmative, activates the program on the terminal device 12 of the user.

[0125] Furthermore, the game content may be output in a manner according to the game play status in the virtual space 100 as shown in Fig. 4, not limited to the virtual space 100A showing the inside of the user's house as shown in Fig. 5. For example, the appearance, type, number, etc. of the race cars 116, 118, 120 and game titles 122, 124 output in the virtual space 100 may be changed according to the play result, the numerical value related to the game, the game progress status, etc. More specifically, the race cars 116, 118, 120 and game titles 122, 124 may have a luxurious appearance, a rare type, a large number, etc., as the play result is better, the numerical value related to the game is larger, or the game progresses.

[0126] In addition, when a user who has specified game content acquires execution authority for a program of a game to which the game content is related by installation or the like based on information provided by the providing means 54, the user indicated by the user display information associated with the game content can be regarded as the user who induced the acquisition of the execution authority. Therefore, in this case, a reward may be given to the user who induced the acquisition of the execution authority. At this time, a reward may also be given to the user who acquired the execution authority. In addition, it is assumed that the user who acquired the execution authority and the user who induced the acquisition of the execution authority are in a friend relationship. Therefore, the user who acquired the execution authority and the user who induced the acquisition of the execution authority may be automatically set to a friend relationship or a group (guild) may be formed based on the acquisition of the execution authority.

[0127] Also, although an example has been described in which the program output in the virtual space 100 is a game program, the program is not limited to a game program. For example, the program may be software other than a game (communication software such as e-mail, software for social networking services, content viewing software, content creation software, etc.). [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 10: server device (computer, information processing device), 12: terminal device, 44: display control means, 46: output means, 48: reception means, 50: starting means, 52: buying and selling means, 54: provision means

Claims

1. A program for controlling the display of a virtual space shared by a plurality of users, causing a computer to in the virtual space, display control means for controlling the display of display information set for each user; in the virtual space, information related to a program that is different from the program and that each user has the right to execute by installing it, is output by arranging it in association with the display information set for each installed user; output means; A program for functioning as.

2. The display information is an area partitioned in the virtual space and / or an object arranged in the virtual space, The program according to claim 1.

3. The different program is a game program, and the information related to the program is content related to the game, When the output means outputs by arranging the content related to the game in association with the display information set for each installed user, the content is output in a manner according to the play status of the game for each user. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. causing the computer to reception means for receiving a designation from the user for information related to the program output in the virtual space; activation means for activating the program on the terminal device of the user when the user who has designated the information related to the program has the right to execute the program; further functioning as, The program according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The reception means receives the designation when there is a selection operation of information related to the program by the user in the virtual space. The program according to claim 4.

6. The different program is a game program, and the information related to the program is content related to the game, The reception means receives the designation when there is an operation by the user to start the game related to the content in the virtual space, When there is an operation to start the game, the output means outputs game start information indicating that the game is started in the virtual space. The program according to claim 4.

7. The different programs are game programs, and the information related to the programs is content related to the game, and when the starting means starts the program of the game related to the content received by the receiving means in the terminal device, it instructs the terminal device to reflect the content in the game. The program according to claim 4.

8. The different programs are game programs, and the information related to the programs is content related to the game, and the computer is trading means for executing a trading process of the game program and / or the content in response to a request from the user in the virtual space. function further as The program according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the computer is receiving means for receiving from the user a designation for information related to the program output in the virtual space; providing means for providing, in the terminal device of the user, information for acquiring the execution right of the program when the user who has designated the information related to the program does not have the execution right of the program; function further as The program according to claim 1 or 2.

10. An information processing apparatus that executes or provides a program for controlling the display of a virtual space shared by a plurality of users, display control means for controlling the display of display information set for each user in the virtual space; output means for outputting, by associating and arranging information related to a program that is different from the program in the virtual space and that each user has an execution right every time the user installs it, with the display information set for each installed user; An information processing apparatus comprising.

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