GAME SYSTEM, GAME CONTROL DEVICE, PROGRAM, AND GAME CONTROL METHOD

Abstract

To realize recruitment of participants more suited for a user's intension in a more suitable mode.SOLUTION: A program allows a computer to execute a setting of a series of recruitment limits pertaining to recruitment of plural users as participants of a game, and a setting of identification conditions for recruiting object users while distinguishing them from other users for a partial recruitment limit from among the series of recruitment limits.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, with the development of network technology, mechanisms have been realized that utilize networks such as the Internet to provide content such as games and enable communication between users. Such mechanisms have made it possible for multiple users to play a common game as participants. In light of this background, various mechanisms have been proposed that allow some users to invite others to participate in a game played by multiple users. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a mechanism in which some users become hosts of a game played by multiple users and invite an unspecified number of users to participate in the game. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-279258 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, in a conventional system in which an unspecified number of users are invited to participate in a game, other users who match the intention of the user who invites other users do not necessarily apply for the invitation. In response to this, depending on the content of the game in which other users are invited to participate, it may be desirable to specify conditions and limit the users who are eligible to participate.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to realize a more suitable mode of recruiting participants in accordance with the user's intentions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The program of the present invention causes a computer to set a series of recruitment slots for recruiting a plurality of users as participants in a game, and to set identification conditions for some of the series of recruitment slots for distinguishing and recruiting target users from other users. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a game device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a server device. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an example of a recruitment function. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an example of a search function. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the system. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining functions related to setting recruitment quotas. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining functions related to setting recruitment quotas. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining functions related to setting up a recruitment using search conditions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0009] <System configuration> With reference to FIG. 1, an overview of an example of the configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The system 1 includes a plurality of game devices 10-n (n is a positive integer) and a server device 30. The server device 30 and the game device 10-n are connected to be able to transmit and receive various information and data via a predetermined network N. The plurality of game devices 10-n (e.g., game devices 10-1, 10-2, ...) can have substantially the same configuration. Therefore, hereinafter, when there is no particular distinction between each of the plurality of game devices 10-n, they may be simply referred to as "game devices 10."

[0010] Furthermore, the type of the network N is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of connecting the server device 30 and the game device 10. As a specific example, the network N may be the Internet, a dedicated line, a public line (e.g., a telephone line, a mobile communication line, etc.), a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), etc. Furthermore, the network N may be a wireless network or a wired network. Furthermore, the network N may include a plurality of different types of networks. As a specific example, the communication between the server device 30 and the game device 10 may be relayed by another communication device. In this case, a network of a different type may be applied to the communication between the other communication device and each of the server device 30 and the game device 10.

[0011] For example, a home game machine (fixed type or portable type), a personal computer, a multi-function television receiver (so-called smart TV), an industrial (commercial) game machine, etc. may be applied as the game device 10. In addition, as another example, a smartphone, a mobile phone terminal, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, etc. may be applied as the game device 10.

[0012] The server device 30 stores and manages information about the user's game in a predetermined storage area such as a database in association with a user ID for uniquely identifying each user. The server device 30 also executes an opponent determination process (so-called matching process) when a communication battle is performed. In a communication battle, for example, a user A who operates the game device 10-1 and a user B who operates the game device 10-2 can play a battle game via a network N. In the case of a communication battle, there is a method in which the game device 10-1 and the game device 10-2 matched by the server device 30 directly communicate with each other through a P2P (Peer to Peer) connection or the like to battle. As another example, there is a method in which data exchange between the game device 10-1 and the game device 10-2 is performed via the server device 30. The communication battle may be performed by any method.

[0013] Regarding the communication between game device 10-1 and game device 10-2 that are targets of a communication battle, there are no particular limitations on the communication method and protocol used, so long as data can be exchanged between them. As a specific example, the communication between the game device 10-1 and the game device 10-2 may be realized by UDP (User Datagram Protocol), which is a communication protocol on the transport layer of the OSI reference model and is mainly implemented on the IP protocol. Of course, a protocol other than UDP may be used. In addition, if the game devices 10 involved in the online battle have a short-range wireless communication function using a specified frequency band (e.g., the 2.4 GHz frequency band), the online battle may be realized by direct communication between multiple game devices 10 without going through the server device 30.

[0014] <Hardware configuration> An example of the hardware configuration of each device constituting the system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0015] (Hardware configuration of game device) First, an example of the hardware configuration of the game device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The game device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a communication device 104, an input device 105, an output device 106, and a storage device 107. These components are connected to each other via a bus 108 including an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. Note that an interface circuit may be interposed between the bus 108 and each component as necessary, but the interface circuit is not shown in Fig. 2.

[0016] The CPU 101 loads a control program stored in the ROM 102 into the RAM 103, and executes the loaded control program to realize various functions of the game device 10. The ROM 102 stores programs (for example, an OS (Operation System) and data) for realizing various functions of the game device 10. The RAM 103 is used as a main storage area for the CPU 101, and a storage area for temporarily storing various types of information and various types of data, such as a work area.

[0017] The communication device 104 executes various processes related to communication with the server device 30 and other game devices 10 via the network N. The device used as the communication device 104 may be changed as appropriate depending on the type of communication path and the communication method applied.

[0018] The input device 105 is used to receive various instructions from a user. The input device 105 may be, for example, a touch panel, a physical button, a controller, an analog stick, a keyboard, a pointing device, or the like. Furthermore, the device applied as the input device 105 may be changed as appropriate depending on the method of recognizing instructions from the user. As a specific example, a sound collection device such as a microphone may be applied as the input device 105, and the sound uttered by the user may be collected by the sound collection device. In this case, various analysis processes such as acoustic analysis and natural language processing may be performed on the collected sound, and the contents indicated by the sound may be recognized as instructions from the user. Furthermore, multiple types of devices may be applied as the input device 105.

[0019] The output device 106 is a device that outputs various types of information, and is used to present various types of information to the user (for example, notifying the user of alarm information, etc.). In this embodiment, at least various known display devices such as a liquid crystal display and an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display are applied as the output device 106, and various display information (for example, a game screen, etc.) is displayed to present information to the user. In this case, a display device applied as the output device 106 and a touch panel applied as the input device 105 may work together to realize a display equipped with a touch interface. Also, other devices according to a medium used to present information to a user may be applied as the output device 106. As a specific example, an audio output device such as a speaker may be applied as the output device 106, and information may be presented to a user by outputting sound such as voice or electronic sound from the audio output device. Also, multiple types of devices may be applied as the output device 106.

[0020] The storage device 107 is a storage device that stores various data and various programs. As a specific example, the storage device 107 may store a game program related to a game and various data related to the game. The storage device 107 is realized by a storage device that can temporarily or persistently store various data, such as a non-volatile memory represented by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0021] Note that functions and processes of the game device 10, which will be described later, are realized, for example, by the CPU 101 reading out a program stored in the ROM 102 or the storage device 107, expanding the program in the RAM 103, and executing it. Furthermore, as long as CPU 101 is capable of reading out a program for implementing the functions and processing of game device 10, there are no particular limitations on where the program is stored or how CPU 101 reads out the program. As a specific example, CPU 101 may read out a program stored in a recording medium that is detachable from game device 10. As another example, CPU 101 may read out a program transmitted to game device 10 from another device via a network.

[0022] (Server hardware configuration) Next, an example of a hardware configuration of the server device 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The server device 30 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a communication device 304, and a storage device 305. These components are connected to each other via a bus 306 including an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. Note that an interface circuit may be interposed between the bus 306 and each component as necessary, but the interface circuit is not shown in Fig. 3.

[0023] The CPU 301 loads a control program stored in the ROM 302 into the RAM 303, and executes the loaded control program to realize various functions of the server device 30. The ROM 302 stores programs (e.g., an OS, etc.) and data for realizing various functions of the server device 30. The RAM 303 is used as a main storage area for the CPU 301, and a storage area for temporarily storing various types of information and various types of data, such as a work area.

[0024] The communication device 304 executes various processes related to communication with each game device 10 via the network N. The device applied as the communication device 304 may be changed as appropriate depending on the type of communication path and the communication method applied.

[0025] The storage device 305 is a storage device that stores various data and various programs. As a specific example, the storage device 305 may store a program related to the recruitment of participants for the game described below, various data related to the recruitment, information on the user who operates the game device 10, and information for each user managed in the recruitment. The storage device 307 is realized by a storage device that can temporarily or persistently store various data, such as a non-volatile memory represented by an HDD or an SSD. In addition, at least a part of the above-mentioned data and information may be stored in a database (not shown) or the like.

[0026] <Recruitment function overview> Here, as an example of an application target of the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an overview of a recruiting function for some users to recruit participants for a game will be described. The system 1 according to this embodiment has a function for realizing a game in which multiple users can participate as participants, and is provided with a recruiting function for some users to recruit participants for the game in association with this function.

[0027] For example, Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram for outlining an example of the recruiting function, and shows an example of an input screen for receiving input of various information for setting up the recruitment of participants (in other words, various information for registering data related to the recruitment of participants) from a user who is a recruiter. Specifically, the input screen 510 shown in Fig. 4 shows an example of a screen for setting up the recruitment by specifying conditions related to the content of the game (hereinafter also referred to as "game conditions") in a situation where some users become game organizers and recruit participants for the game.

[0028] The input screen 510 is an input form for setting up the recruitment of participants, and is provided with input areas for receiving instructions from the user for each piece of information related to the settings of the recruitment. Specifically, the input screen 510 is provided with an input area 511 for receiving one or more sporting events designated by the user as game conditions. The sporting events correspond to games to be played by participants, and an example of such a game is a so-called "mini-game," which is configured to be playable in conjunction with other games and can also function as a standalone game. The input screen 510 may be configured to be able to accept, as the sport, the designation of a game having different play conditions. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 4, the input screen 510 has, as an input area 511, an input area 512 for accepting the designation of a sport in which a character trained by playing a training game or the like can be used, and an input area 513 for accepting the designation of a sport in which the use of the character is not applicable.

[0029] The input screen 510 may also be provided with a function for setting a combination of one or more sports events as a preset, and inputting the sports events designated as the preset in response to an instruction from the user in the input area 511. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 4, the input area 514 presents, for each preset that has been set in advance, a button for accepting an instruction from the user to designate the preset and input the sports events in the input area 511.

[0030] By accepting the game conditions specified by the user (recruiter) via input screen 510, recruitment of game participants is set based on the game conditions (data related to the recruitment of game participants is registered).

[0031] In addition, in the system 1 according to the present embodiment, when setting the recruitment of participants for a game, the number of participants is designated and a participation limit for the designated number of participants is set by accepting the designation of the number of participants. Specifically, when the recruitment of five participants is set, a participation limit for five people is set. Furthermore, in the system 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to set conditions for limiting users to be recruited (in other words, conditions for identifying users to be recruited) for at least some of the participation slots for the designated number of people. By providing such a function, for example, a user who is a recruiter can set identification conditions for some of the recruitment slots, thereby limiting users who can participate using the recruitment slots to specific users identified by the identification conditions. The function for setting the above-mentioned recruitment quota will be described in detail later. In the following description, when specifically referring to a user who recruits participants for the game, the term "recruiter" may also be used. When specifically referring to a user who applies to the set recruitment quota (in other words, a user who wishes to participate in the game), the term "applicant" may also be used.

[0032] When the setting of the participant recruitment is completed, the recruitment is published on a predetermined network. This allows other users to access the network and refer to information related to the recruitment (e.g., the set game conditions, etc.) and apply for the participation slots of the recruitment.

[0033] Furthermore, in the system 1 according to the present embodiment, each of a plurality of users can individually set the recruitment of game participants. Therefore, the system 1 according to the present embodiment has a search function that accepts the specification of conditions as input and searches for recruitments that satisfy the conditions from among the recruitments that have already been set (recruitments that have been published on the network).

[0034] For example, Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram for outlining an example of a search function, and shows an example of an input screen for accepting designation of conditions related to a search for a recruitment (hereinafter also referred to as "search conditions") from a user who wishes to participate in a game. Specifically, the input screen 520 shown in Fig. 5 shows an example of a screen for accepting designation of game conditions as search conditions and searching for recruitments in which the game conditions are set at least in part.

[0035] The input screen 520 is an input form for searching for participants' invitations, and has an input area for receiving from the user the specification of conditions related to the search for the invitations. Specifically, the input screen 520 is provided with an input area 521 for receiving designation of one or more sporting events from the user as search conditions. The input screen 520 may be configured to be able to accept designation of games with different play conditions as the sports to be used as search conditions. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 5, the input screen 520 has, as an input area 521, an input area 522 for accepting designation of a sports event in which a character trained by playing a training game or the like can be used, and an input area 523 for accepting designation of a sports event in which the use of the character is not applicable.

[0036] The input screen 520 may also be provided with a function for setting a combination of one or more sports events as a preset, and inputting the sports events designated as the preset in response to an instruction from the user in the input area 521. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the input area 524 presents a button for each preset that is set in advance, for accepting an instruction from the user to specify the preset and input the sports events in the input area 521. The input area 524 may also present a button for randomly determining a combination of one or more sports events designated as a search condition, and accepting an instruction from the user to reflect the determination result in the input area 521.

[0037] The input screen 520 may also have a function of searching for and presenting a recruitment designated by the user. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 5, the input screen 520 presents a button 525 for calling a function of searching for and presenting recruitment to which an ID is assigned by accepting, from the user, the designation of an ID assigned to each set recruitment.

[0038] In addition, the system 1 of this embodiment has a function for setting up a new recruitment using the conditions specified as the search conditions when no recruitments that meet the search conditions specified by the user are extracted. Specifically, the system 1 may display the input screen 510 shown in FIG. 4, and input the game conditions specified as search conditions on the input screen 520 into the input form of the input screen 510 for specifying the game conditions. As another example, the system 1 may automatically set a new recruitment in which the game conditions specified as search conditions on the input screen 520 are set. The function for setting up new recruitment will be described in detail later.

[0039] <Functional configuration> An example of the functional configuration of the system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6, focusing in particular on the configurations of the game device 10 and the server device 30.

[0040] (Game device 10) First, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the game device 10. The game device 10 includes a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, a UI 130, and a storage unit 140.

[0041] The communication unit 110 is a component that enables each component of the game device 10 to transmit and receive data to and from an external device (e.g., the server device 30, another game device 10, etc.) via a predetermined network. The communication unit 110 may be realized by, for example, the communication device 104. Note that hereinafter, when each component of the game device 10 transmits and receives data to and from another device, it is assumed that the data is transmitted and received via the communication unit 110 unless otherwise specified.

[0042] The UI 130 corresponds to a so-called user interface, and executes processes related to receiving instructions from a user and processes related to presenting information to the user. The UI 310 includes an input unit 131 and an output unit 132.

[0043] The input unit 131 is realized by a predetermined input device (for example, the input device 105), and outputs input information based on an input received from a user to the control unit 120 (the input analysis unit 121 described below). The input unit 131 can be realized by, for example, a touch panel, an analog stick, a button, or the like. Of course, the above is merely an example, and does not necessarily limit the type of input device used to realize the input unit 131. Furthermore, the content of the input information output from the input unit 131 may be changed as appropriate depending on the type of input device used to realize the input unit 131.

[0044] The output unit 132 is realized by a predetermined output device (for example, the output device 106) and presents various output information to the user. For example, the output unit 132 may be configured such that at least a part of the functions is realized by a display device such as a display, and the information to be presented can be presented to the user as display information such as an image. In addition, the output unit 132 may be configured such that at least a part of the functions is realized by an audio output device such as a speaker, and the information to be presented can be presented to the user as audio such as voice or electronic sound. Of course, the above is merely an example, and the type of output information may be changed as appropriate depending on the type of output device used to realize the output unit 132.

[0045] The storage unit 140 stores various data and various programs used to realize the functions provided by the game device 10. As a specific example, the storage unit 140 may store data for presenting an input screen 510 shown in Fig. 4 or an input screen 520 shown in Fig. 5 to a user via the output unit 132. The storage unit 140 may also store identification information for identifying a user and various information related to the user. The storage unit 140 may be realized by, for example, the storage device 107.

[0046] The control unit 120 performs control related to the realization of various functions provided by the game device 10. The control unit 120 includes an input analysis unit 121, a search processing unit 122, a condition extraction unit 123, a recruitment setting unit 124, an application processing unit 125, and an output control unit 126.

[0047] The input analysis unit 121 acquires, from the input unit 131, input information based on an input received by the input unit 131 from a user, and recognizes an instruction from the user via the input unit 131 based on the input information. For example, when the input unit 131 is realized by a touch panel, the input analysis unit 121 may recognize an instruction from a user according to a position where a touch indicated by the input information is accepted. Of course, the above is merely an example, and a method of recognizing an instruction from a user may be appropriately switched according to the type of input device used to realize the input unit 131. Then, the input analysis unit 121 outputs information according to the result of the recognition of the instruction from the user to a predetermined output destination according to the situation when the input unit 131 accepts the input from the user.

[0048] For example, when the input analysis unit 121 receives an input related to the setting of the recruitment of participants for a game, such as when the input analysis unit 121 receives an input from the user via the input screen 510 shown in Fig. 4, the input analysis unit 121 outputs information according to the recognition result of the instruction from the user to the recruitment setting unit 124 described later. As a specific example, the input analysis unit 121 may recognize a condition (e.g., a game condition) related to the setting of the recruitment of participants for a game specified by the user, and output information according to the recognition result (e.g., information indicating the condition) to the recruitment setting unit 124.

[0049] 5, when the input analysis unit 121 receives an input related to a search for recruitment of game participants, the input analysis unit 121 outputs information according to a recognition result of the instruction from the user to the search processing unit 122 described later. As a specific example, the input analysis unit 121 may recognize a search condition related to a search for recruitment of game participants specified by the user, and output information according to the recognition result (for example, information indicating the search condition) to the search processing unit 122.

[0050] In addition, when the input analysis unit 121 receives an input related to an application to participate in a game for a recruitment quota for participants of the game that has already been set, the input analysis unit 121 outputs information corresponding to the recognition result of the instructions from the user to the application processing unit 125 described later.

[0051] The output control unit 126 presents various information to the user by causing the output unit 132 to output information. For example, the output control unit 126 may present various screens such as an input screen 510 related to settings for recruiting participants for a game shown in Fig. 4 and an input screen 520 related to searching for recruiting participants for a game shown in Fig. 5 to the output unit 132 realized by a display device, to the user.

[0052] The search processing unit 122 requests the server device 30 to search for information based on search conditions in accordance with instructions from the user, and obtains information corresponding to the search results from the server device 30 as a response. For example, the search processing unit 122 may accept designation of game conditions as at least a part of the search conditions from the user via the input screen 520 shown in Fig. 5. In this case, the search processing unit 122 may determine the search conditions according to at least the game conditions designated by the user, and request the server device 30 to search for participants for the game based on the search conditions. Then, when the server device 30 extracts recruitments that satisfy the search conditions, the search processing unit 122 acquires information about the extracted series of recruitments from the server device 30 as a response to the request for the search. In this way, the search processing unit 122 requests the server device 30 to search for recruitments based on the conditions specified by the user, and by obtaining the response, extracts recruitments that satisfy the conditions from the series of recruitments managed by the server device 30.

[0053] When the search processing unit 122 acquires information on a series of recruitments extracted based on the above search conditions from the server device 30 (in other words, information corresponding to the search results), the search processing unit 122 may cause the output control unit 126 to output the information on the series of recruitments as a search result. This allows the user to apply to participate in the game for the recruitment slots of some of the series of recruitments output as the search results. Note that the process related to applying to participate in the game for the recruitment slots of recruitments that have already been set will be described below as the process of the application processing unit 125.

[0054] In addition, the game device 10 according to the present embodiment provides a function for setting a new recruitment using at least some of the search conditions when a recruitment satisfying the search conditions specified by the user is not extracted as a search result. In order to realize this function, the search processing unit 122 outputs information about the search conditions to the condition extraction unit 123 described later when a recruitment satisfying the search conditions specified by the user is not extracted as a search result.

[0055] The condition extraction unit 123 obtains information on the search conditions designated by the user (search conditions related to searching for recruitment of game participants) from the search processing unit 122, and extracts at least a part of the search conditions that can be used for setting a new recruitment. The condition extraction unit 123 outputs information according to the extraction result of at least a part of the conditions from the search conditions designated by the user to the recruitment setting unit 124 as input information related to the setting of a new recruitment.

[0056] The recruitment setting unit 124 executes various processes related to the settings for recruiting participants for the game. For example, the recruitment setting unit 124 requests the server device 30 to set up recruitment of participants for the game in response to an instruction from the recruiter. At this time, the recruitment setting unit 124 may receive from the recruiter designation of conditions (game conditions) related to the game (sport) to be played by the participants, the number of participants, and the like, and request the server device 30 to set up recruitment of participants for the game in response to the designation. In this case, the recruitment setting unit 124 may cause the output control unit 126 to output a screen related to the recruitment setting, such as an input screen 510 shown in FIG. 4, and receive an instruction from the recruiter related to the recruitment setting from the recruiter via the screen.

[0057] Furthermore, the recruitment setting unit 124 may set conditions for limiting users to be recruited (in other words, identification conditions for identifying target users) for at least some of the participants recruited to participate in the game in response to an instruction from the recruiter. In other words, the recruitment setting unit 124 may set identification conditions for at least some of the recruitment slots out of a series of recruitment slots set according to the number of participants to be recruited, thereby limiting users who can participate using the recruitment slots to specific users identified by the identification conditions. Details of the above process will be described separately below as an explanation of the "function related to setting recruitment quotas."

[0058] In addition, when no recruitment satisfying the search conditions is extracted as a result of the search for recruitment of game participants, the recruitment setting unit 124 may execute processing related to setting a new recruitment using at least some of the search conditions. Specifically, the recruitment setting unit 124 acquires input information corresponding to the extraction result of at least a part of the search conditions specified at the time of the search from the condition extraction unit 123. The recruitment setting unit 124 may cause the output control unit 126 to output a screen related to the recruitment settings, such as the input screen 510 shown in Fig. 4, and input information corresponding to the acquired input information into at least a part of the input fields of the input form presented on the screen. As another example, the recruitment setting unit 124 may automatically set a new recruitment based on the acquired input information. Details of the above process will be described later separately as an explanation of the "function related to setting recruitment using search conditions."

[0059] Furthermore, the recruitment setting unit 124 may request the server device 30 to update the already set recruitment contents (for example, game conditions, the number of users recruited to participate, etc.) in response to an instruction from the recruiter. As a specific example, the recruitment setting unit 124 may request the server device 30 to change the number of recruitment slots for which identification conditions are to be set among a series of recruitment slots that have already been set, in response to instructions from the recruiter.

[0060] The application processing unit 125 executes processing related to application for participation in a game for a recruitment slot for a recruitment of participants for a game that has already been set. For example, the application processing unit 125 receives a designation of a recruitment to be applied for from a user, and requests the server device 30 to apply for participation in the game for the designated recruitment. In addition, at this time, the application processing unit 125 may also receive a designation of a recruitment slot to be applied for from a user, and in this case, may request the server device 30 to apply for participation in the game for the designated recruitment slot. In this disclosure, "designation of recruitment slots" is not limited to cases where a recruitment slot is directly designated by an applicant, but may also include cases where a target recruitment slot is indirectly designated depending on the method of application by the applicant. For example, a case where a recruitment slot for which the application is targeted is determined by designating an application method involving input of specific information set as an identification condition, may correspond to an example of a case where a target recruitment slot is indirectly designated.

[0061] Furthermore, when an identification condition for a target user is set for a specified recruitment slot, the application processing unit 125 may determine whether or not the applicant satisfies the identification condition. In this case, when the application processing unit 125 determines that the applicant satisfies the identification condition, the application processing unit 125 may request the server device 30 to apply for the applicant to participate in the game for the target recruitment slot.

[0062] As a specific example, when input of information related to the identification of a target user is specified as an identification condition, application processing unit 125 may request the applicant to input the information related to the identification by causing output control unit 126 to notify predetermined notification information. In this case, for example, application processing unit 125 may determine that the user satisfies the identification condition when the information input by the applicant matches the information requested to be input as the identification condition.

[0063] The determination of whether or not a user who is an applicant satisfies the identification condition set for a recruitment slot may be performed by an application receiving unit 323 of the server device 30, described later, instead of the application processing unit 125. In this case, the application processing unit 125 may acquire information according to the determination result of whether or not the user satisfies the identification condition set for the recruitment slot from the server device 30, as a response to a request for application to participate in a game for a recruitment slot specified by the user (applicant). Also, in this case, the application processing unit 125 may notify the user (applicant) of the determination result by having the output control unit 126 output information according to the above-mentioned determination result acquired from the server device 30.

[0064] (Server device 30) Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the server device 30. The server device 30 includes a communication unit 310, a control unit 320, and a storage unit 330.

[0065] The communication unit 310 is a configuration for each component of the server device 30 to transmit and receive data to and from an external device (such as the game device 10) via a predetermined network. The communication unit 310 may be realized by, for example, the communication device 304. Note that hereinafter, when each component of the server device 30 transmits and receives data to and from another device, it is assumed that the data is transmitted and received via the communication unit 310 unless otherwise specified.

[0066] The storage unit 330 stores various data and various programs used to realize the functions provided by the server device 30. As a specific example, the storage unit 330 may store various data related to recruitment (hereinafter also referred to as "recruitment data 331") set by the recruitment data management unit 322 described later based on a request from the game device 10. The storage unit 330 may also store various information related to users who play games using the game device 10, information related to management of each user, and the like. The storage unit 330 may be realized by, for example, the storage device 305.

[0067] The control unit 320 performs control related to the realization of various functions provided by the server device 30. The control unit 320 includes an extraction unit 321, a recruitment data management unit 322, and an application acceptance unit 323.

[0068] The recruitment data management unit 322 executes various processes related to management of the recruitment of game participants. For example, upon receiving a request from the game device 10, the recruiting data management unit 322 sets up the recruitment of participants for the game based on the conditions (e.g., game conditions, the number of participants, etc.) specified in the request. Specifically, the recruiting data management unit 322 generates data in which the game conditions related to the recruitment of participants for the game and a recruitment quota for the number of participants to be recruited are set, and stores the data in the storage unit 330 as recruiting data 331. In addition, at this time, the recruitment data management unit 322 may, in response to a request from the game device 10, set identification conditions for limiting the users to be recruited for at least a portion of the set series of recruitment slots.

[0069] Furthermore, the recruitment data management unit 322 may update the contents of the recruitment that have already been set in response to a request from the game device 10. As a specific example, the recruitment data management unit 322 may change, in response to a request from the game device 10, the number of recruitment slots for which an identification condition is to be set among a series of recruitment slots that have already been set.

[0070] The extraction unit 321 receives a search request from the game device 10, extracts data that satisfies the search conditions specified in the search request from the data stored in the memory unit 330, and returns information corresponding to the results of the extraction to the game device 10. For example, the extraction unit 321 may receive a search request from the game device 10 to search for a recruitment of participants for a game in which game conditions or the like are specified as search conditions. In this case, the extraction unit 321 may extract recruitments that satisfy the conditions specified as the search conditions from the recruitment data 331 stored in the storage unit 330, and return information on the extracted recruitments to the requesting game device 10. Furthermore, when no recruitments that satisfy the conditions specified as the search conditions are extracted, the extraction unit 321 may return information indicating that no recruitments that satisfy the search conditions have been extracted to the requesting game device 10.

[0071] The application acceptance unit 323 executes various processes related to accepting applications for recruitment that has already been set up. For example, the application receiving unit 323 may receive an application request for a recruitment of participants for a game that has already been set from the game device 10. In this case, the application receiving unit 323 may extract the recruitment specified in the application request from the recruitment data 331 stored in the storage unit 330, and register users who are the subject of the application (for example, users specified in the application request) as participants of the game for the recruitment frame set for the application. In addition, when a recruitment slot for which applications are to be made is specified in response to an application request from the game device 10, the application receiving unit 323 may register the user who is to be the subject of the application as a participant of the game for the recruitment slot specified in the request, among the recruitment slots set in the extracted application.

[0072] Furthermore, when an identification condition is set for a recruitment slot to which an application is to be made, the application receiving unit 323 may determine whether or not the user to whom the application is made (i.e., the applicant) satisfies the identification condition. In this case, when the applicant satisfies the identification condition, the application receiving unit 323 may register the applicant as a game participant for the designated participation slot. Furthermore, when the applicant does not satisfy the identification condition, the application receiving unit 323 may not register the applicant for the designated participation slot, and may notify the game device 10 that is the source of the application request that the applicant does not satisfy the identification condition.

[0073] It should be noted that the configuration shown in FIG. 6 is merely an example and does not necessarily limit the functional configuration of the system 1 according to this embodiment. For example, the functions of the server device 30 may be realized by cooperation between a plurality of devices. As a specific example, some of the components of the server device 30 may be provided in a device other than the server device 30. As another example, the load related to the execution of the processing of at least some of the components of the server device 30 may be distributed to a plurality of devices. Similarly, the functions of game device 10 may be realized by a plurality of devices working together. Furthermore, some of the game devices 10 may take on the role of the server device 30. In this case, the some of the game devices 10 may include each of the components of the server device 30.

[0074] <Recruitment feature details> Below, details of the recruitment functions of system 1 in this embodiment will be explained, along with the processing flow, of "functions related to setting recruitment slots" and "functions related to setting recruitment using search conditions."

[0075] (Functions related to setting recruitment quotas) First, with reference to Figs. 7 and 8, a function relating to setting a recruitment frame among the recruitment functions of the system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. First, the input screen 530 for receiving instructions from the recruiter regarding the setting of the recruitment frame will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The input screen 530 is displayed on the output unit 132 in response to an instruction from the output control unit 126 when, for example, a game condition is specified in the input form presented on the input screen 510 and then a button 515 for receiving an instruction from the recruiter regarding the transition to the next screen is pressed.

[0076] The input screen 530 is an input form for setting the recruitment quota, and has input areas for receiving various instructions from the user for setting the recruitment quota. Specifically, the input screen 530 is provided with an input area 531 for receiving a designation of the number of participants to be recruited (in other words, the number of recruitment slots to be set) from the user. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the input area 531 is configured so that the number of participants to be recruited can be designated by a numerical value. In other words, the repair slots are set to the numerical value designated in the input area 531.

[0077] The input screen 530 also has an input area 532 for receiving from the user a recruitment quota for setting identification information in order to limit users who are the subject of recruitment. In the example shown in Fig. 7, on the premise that participants for the game are recruited using a virtual area called a "room" set on the network, whether or not an ID set for each room (hereinafter also referred to as a "room ID") has been input is set as an identification condition for users to be recruited. Based on this premise, in the example shown in Fig. 7, the input area 532 is configured so that the number of recruitment slots (recruitment slots for which identification conditions are set) for identifying users to be recruited based on the input of a room ID can be specified by a numerical value within a range not exceeding the numerical value specified in the input area 531.

[0078] Furthermore, the input screen 530 is provided with a button 533 for receiving a notification from the recruiter indicating completion of input of information related to the recruitment of game participants. When the button 533 is pressed, a process related to the setting of the recruitment of game participants is executed based on the information input in the input form of each of the input screens 510 and 530. This starts the recruitment of game participants based on the conditions input in the input form of each of the input screens 510 and 530.

[0079] Here, a process related to recruiting game participants based on the recruitment quotas for which the identification conditions are set will be described with a specific example with reference to Fig. 8. Specifically, in the example shown in Fig. 8, recruitment quotas for five people 541a to 541e are set as the recruitment quotas for game participants.

[0080] Furthermore, among the recruitment slots 541a to 541e, for the two recruitment slots 541a and 541b, an identification condition is set for identifying the target user by inputting the identification information 542 (e.g., room ID). This limits the users who can apply for the recruitment slots 541a and 541b to the users who recognize the identification information 542. For example, if the recruiter notifies only the users Ua and Ub of the identification information 542, the users who can apply for the recruitment slots 541a and 541b are substantially limited to the users Ua and Ub (i.e., specific users). In contrast, the other three recruitment slots 541c to 541e do not have any restrictions on the users to whom they can be recruited. That is, any user Ub can apply for the recruitment slots 541c to 541e. Under such conditions, it is possible to simultaneously recruit participants for the recruitment slots 541a and 541b and the recruitment slots 541c to 541e. This allows the recruiter to reserve some of the recruitment slots set for specific users such as acquaintances, while recruiting non-specific users for the remaining recruitment slots without restricting the target. In other words, in this case, the identification conditions set for the recruitment slots 541a and 541b can be said to be conditions for distinguishing specific users from non-specific users who are invited to participate without restricting the target.

[0081] In addition, different identification information 542 may be set individually for the recruitment frames 541a and 541b that limit users to be recruited. This makes it possible to individually limit users who can apply for the recruitment frames 541a and 541b, for example.

[0082] Also, among the set series of recruitment slots, different types of identification conditions may be set for some of the recruitment slots and other recruitment slots. As a specific example, it is possible to set the acceptance of input of predetermined information such as an ID and a password as an identification condition for some of the recruitment slots, and to set a condition regarding the parameters of the character used by the applicant for the other recruitment slots (for example, a condition that the value of a predetermined parameter is equal to or greater than a threshold value).

[0083] The number of recruitment slots set for the recruitment of participants in the game may be updateable according to instructions from the recruiter. As a specific example, even if five recruitment slots are set at the beginning of the recruitment, the number of recruitment slots may be reduced to four or less, or may be increased to six or more, according to subsequent instructions from the recruiter. In addition, the number of recruitment slots for which the identification condition is set may be changeable within the range of the number of recruitment slots set according to instructions from the recruiter. As a specific example, even if the identification condition is set for three of the five recruitment slots at the beginning of the recruitment setting, the setting of the identification condition may be canceled for some of the three recruitment slots according to instructions from the recruiter thereafter. In this case, the part of the recruitment slots will invite participation from unspecified users without limiting the target. Similarly, it is also possible to increase the number of recruitment slots for which the identification condition is set by setting an identification condition for some of the recruitment slots among a series of recruitment slots for which no identification condition is set.

[0084] As described above, in the system 1 according to the present embodiment, by setting an identification condition for some of the recruitment slots, it is possible to limit users who can use the recruitment slots to specific users identified by the identification condition. Therefore, the recruiter can, for example, reserve at least some of the set series of recruitment slots for users who intend to participate. In this way, according to the system 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to recruit participants more flexibly according to the intention of the recruiter (for example, the purpose of the game hosted by the recruiter) compared to the case where participation of unspecified users is invited without limiting the target.

[0085] (Function related to setting recruitment using search conditions) Next, referring to FIG. 9, a function related to setting a recruitment using search conditions will be described among the recruitment functions of the system 1 according to this embodiment. As described with reference to FIG. 5, the system 1 according to this embodiment has a search function that accepts a search condition as an input and searches for a recruitment that satisfies the search condition from among the already set recruitments (recruitments published on the network). However, there is not necessarily a recruitment that satisfies the specified search condition. Therefore, the system 1 according to this embodiment has a function that allows a new recruitment of game participants to be set using the search condition when a recruitment that satisfies the specified search condition is not extracted.

[0086] For example, the example shown in FIG. 9 shows a case where a game condition is specified as a search condition by the user via the input screen 520, and no offers that satisfy the search condition (the game condition) are extracted. Specifically, the game device 10 presents the user with a dialogue 550 displaying notification information indicating that no recruitment satisfying the specified search conditions was extracted, and accepts an instruction from the user as to whether or not to set a new recruitment via the dialogue 550. When the game device 10 accepts an instruction from the user to set a new recruitment via the dialogue 550, the game device 10 presents the user with an input screen 510 for setting the recruitment of participants for the game described with reference to Fig. 4. At this time, the game device 10 inputs the game conditions specified as search conditions in an input area 521 of the input screen 520 at the time of search into an input area 511 on the input screen 510 for accepting the designation of game conditions from the user.

[0087] As a specific example, input screen 520 has input area 522 and input areas 523a to 523c as input area 521, and accepts the designation of game conditions from the user for each of them individually as conditions related to the recruitment settings. Furthermore, input screen 510 has input area 512 and input areas 513a to 513c as input area 511, and accepts the designation of game conditions from the user for each of them individually as search conditions. Furthermore, input screen 510 accepts the designation of game conditions of the same type as the game conditions designated in input area 522 via input area 512, and accepts the designation of game conditions of the same type as the game conditions designated in input areas 523a to 523c via input areas 513a to 513c. Then, if game conditions were specified in the input area 522 at the time of the search, the game device 10 inputs the game conditions specified in the input area 522 into the input area 512 when setting a new recruitment. Similarly, if game conditions were specified in the input areas 523a to 523c at the time of the search, the game device 10 inputs the game conditions specified in the input areas 523a to 523c into the input areas 512a to 512c when setting a new recruitment. By applying such control, if no participants that meet the conditions intended by the user are extracted from the recruitment of game participants, it is possible to reduce the effort required by the user to set up a new recruitment that takes those conditions into account.

[0088] In addition, the game device 10 may input predetermined information (e.g., conditions set as default) into other input fields 511, different from the input field 511 into which information based on conditions specified when searching for the recruitment has been input, among a series of input fields 511 on the input screen 510 related to setting a new recruitment. As a specific example, if information (e.g., game conditions) has not been input into some of the input fields 511 at the time of search, then when setting a new recruitment, no information is input into the corresponding input field 521. In such a case, for example, the game device 10 may separately input information set as default into the input field 521. As a result, for example, when setting up a new recruitment for game participants, even in a situation where the conditions specified when searching for recruitment are insufficient to input all the conditions required for setting up the recruitment, the game device 10 can complete the input of the missing conditions, thereby reducing the user's effort when setting up a new recruitment.

[0089] Furthermore, the game device 10 may update the information (for example, game conditions) input in the input area 511 in response to an instruction from the user. This allows the user, when setting up a new recruitment, to change the conditions for setting up the new recruitment according to the situation at the time, rather than being limited to the conditions (e.g., game conditions) specified when searching for the recruitment. As a more specific example, a situation may be assumed in which it is difficult to gather participants for the game under the game conditions specified at the time of the search. In such a case, the user can set a new recruitment after modifying the game conditions inputted by the game device 10 in the input area 511 of the input screen 510 according to the situation at the time.

[0090] As another example, when the game device 10 receives an instruction from the user via the dialog 550 to set up a new recruitment, the game device 10 may set up the new recruitment using the game conditions specified as search conditions at the time of the search, without receiving an instruction from the user via the input screen 510. By applying such control, when no participants that meet the conditions intended by the user are extracted from the recruitment of game participants, it is possible to further reduce the effort required of the user when setting up a new recruitment that takes those conditions into account.

[0091] Furthermore, when setting a new recruitment using the search conditions, the game device 10 may set a predetermined condition (for example, a condition set as a default) for other conditions that are not set based on the conditions specified at the time of searching for the recruitment among a series of conditions related to the setting of the recruitment. In particular, the game device 10 may set a predetermined condition for conditions required for setting the recruitment among other conditions that are not set based on the conditions specified at the time of searching for the recruitment. As a result, for example, when setting up a new recruitment of game participants, even in a situation where the conditions specified when searching for the recruitment do not meet the conditions required for setting up the recruitment, the game device 10 can complement the missing conditions, thereby preventing the user from having to perform cumbersome operations such as re-entering information for the missing conditions.

[0092] Furthermore, the game device 10 may update at least some of the conditions among a series of conditions (e.g., game conditions) applied when setting a new recruitment, in response to an instruction from the user. Note that the game device 10 may perform the update in advance in response to an instruction from the user when setting a new recruitment, or may perform the update after the fact in response to an instruction from the user after setting a new recruitment. This allows the user, when setting up a new recruitment, to change the conditions for setting up the new recruitment according to the situation at the time, rather than being limited to the conditions (e.g., game conditions) specified when searching for the recruitment. As a more specific example, a situation may be assumed in which it is difficult to gather participants for the game using the game conditions specified at the time of the search. In such a case, the user can modify the game conditions applied when setting up a new recruitment in accordance with the situation at the time.

[0093] As described above, in the system 1 according to the present embodiment, when no solicitation satisfying the search conditions specified during a search for solicitations for game participants is extracted, information corresponding to the search conditions is set as at least a part of the information for setting a new solicitation. This makes it possible to reduce the user's effort in setting a new solicitation that takes into account the conditions when no solicitation satisfying the conditions intended by the user is extracted as solicitations for game participants.

[0094] <Other application examples> The recruitment function of the system 1 according to the present embodiment can be applied to any situation where participants are recruited for a game in which multiple users can participate, regardless of the content of the game. For example, the recruitment function according to the present embodiment can be applied in a situation where participants are recruited for a game in which some users act as game organizers, each participant plays a designated sport (game), and users compete against each other for the total score obtained according to the results. As another example, the recruitment function according to the present embodiment described above can also be applied in a situation where participants are being recruited for a game in which a plurality of users play cooperatively. It should be noted that the conditions (for example, game conditions) related to the settings for recruiting game participants may be changed as appropriate depending on the content and type of game to which the recruiting function according to this embodiment is applied.

[0095] In addition, the conditions specified when a new recruitment is set are not necessarily limited to game conditions. For example, when a new recruitment is set, conditions other than game conditions may be specified, such as conditions related to the parameters of a character that the user uses to play the game, or conditions related to the user himself, such as the user's age and gender. In addition, when a new recruitment is set, a combination of multiple types of conditions may be specified. In addition, the conditions specified as search conditions when searching for recruitment are not necessarily limited to only game conditions. As a specific example, when searching for recruitment, conditions other than the game conditions exemplified above may be specified as search conditions. In addition, when searching for recruitment, multiple types of conditions may be specified as search conditions. In addition, when no recruitment satisfying the specified search conditions is extracted, the conditions used for setting a new recruitment are not necessarily limited to the game conditions. In other words, among the series of conditions specified as search conditions, conditions that can be specified when setting a recruitment may be used for setting a new recruitment.

[0096] <Additional Notes> From the above description, the present invention can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0097] (1) A program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to set a series of recruitment slots for recruiting a plurality of users as participants in a game, and set identification conditions for some of the series of recruitment slots for distinguishing target users from other users and recruiting them.

[0098] (7) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device comprising: a first setting means for setting a series of recruitment slots for recruiting a plurality of users as participants in a game; and a second setting means for setting, for some of the series of recruitment slots, identification conditions for distinguishing target users from other users and recruiting them.

[0099] (8) An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing method that includes setting a series of recruitment slots for recruiting a plurality of users as participants in a game, and setting identification conditions for some of the series of recruitment slots for distinguishing target users from other users and recruiting them.

[0100] According to the invention related to (1), (7), or (8) above, by setting an identification condition for a part of the recruitment slots, it is possible to limit users who can participate using the recruitment slots to specific users identified by the identification condition. Therefore, the recruiter can reserve a part of the recruitment slots for users who intend to participate. This makes it possible to recruit participants according to the content of the game in which the recruiter invites other users to participate (for example, the purpose of the game hosted by the recruiter), compared to the case where the recruiter invites participation from unspecified users without restricting the target.

[0101] (2) In one aspect of the present invention, in the above aspect (1), the program executes in parallel the recruitment of participants for each of the part of the recruitment slots and other recruitment slots of the series of recruitment slots that are different from the part of the recruitment slots. According to the above aspect (2), it is possible to keep some recruitment slots secured while recruiting participants for other recruitment slots (for example, recruiting participants from a wider range). Therefore, for example, it is possible to operate in such a way that some recruitment slots are secured for acquaintances, while recruiting participants widely for other recruitment slots without specifying conditions.

[0102] (3) In one aspect of the present invention, in the above aspect (1) or (2), the program updates the number of recruitment slots to be allocated as the part of the series of recruitment slots in response to instructions from the recruiter. According to the above aspect (3), it is possible to expand or reduce some of the recruitment slots for which identification conditions are set depending on the situation at the time. This makes it possible to, for example, reserve a recruitment slot for an acquaintance who wishes to participate after the start of recruitment, or to widely recruit participants without specifying conditions for the recruitment slot reserved for the acquaintance when the acquaintance who was scheduled to participate is unable to participate.

[0103] (4) In one aspect of the present invention, in any one of the above aspects (1) to (3), the identification condition is a condition for identifying a user who is invited to participate without limiting the target. According to the above aspect (4), it is possible to invite participation from unspecified users without restricting the target, while inviting participation from specific users for a part of the recruitment slots.

[0104] (5) In one aspect of the present invention, in any of the above aspects (1) to (3), the program sets other identification conditions for the other recruitment slots based on conditions different from the identification conditions set for the some of the recruitment slots, in order to limit the eligible participants. According to the above aspect (5), by setting the identification condition not only for some recruitment slots but also for other recruitment slots, it is possible to invite participation from a wider variety of users.

[0105] (6) In one aspect of the present invention, in any of the above aspects (1) to (5), the program sets the acceptance of input of predetermined information based on instructions from the recruiter as at least part of the identification conditions. According to the above aspect (6), it is possible to allow participation by users who know the information (e.g., ID, password, etc.) that has been set in advance in response to instructions from the recruiter. Therefore, for example, it is possible to implement an operation such as limiting users who can participate in a corresponding recruitment slot to users who have been notified of the above information. Note that the information that is set may be information explicitly specified by the recruiter, or may be information that is automatically generated by a computer in response to instructions from the recruiter.

[0106] (9) A program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to extract from among the solicitations for participants of a set game those that satisfy specified conditions, and if no solicitations that satisfy the specified conditions are extracted, set information corresponding to the specified conditions as at least part of the information for setting up a new solicitation for participants of the game.

[0107] (17) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an extraction means for extracting from among the recruitments for participants of a set game those which satisfy specified conditions, and a setting means for setting information corresponding to the specified conditions as at least part of information for setting a new recruitment of participants for the game if no recruitments which satisfy the specified conditions are extracted.

[0108] (18) An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes extracting, from among the recruitments for participants of a set game, those that satisfy specified conditions, and, if no recruitments that satisfy the specified conditions are extracted, setting information corresponding to the specified conditions as at least part of information for setting a new recruitment of participants for the game.

[0109] According to the invention related to (9), (17), or (18) above, when a user is unable to find a match for a game participant that meets the conditions he or she desires, it is possible to reduce the user's effort in setting up a new match that meets those conditions.

[0110] (10) In one aspect of the present invention, in aspect (9) above, the program generates an input form including one or more input fields that accept input of conditions for setting up the new recruitment from a user, and inputs information corresponding to the specified conditions into at least some of the input fields of the input form. According to the above aspect (10), in a situation where a recruitment that satisfies the conditions intended by the user is not extracted and the user specifies information to set up a new recruitment, it is possible to reduce the user's effort in inputting the information.

[0111] (11) In one aspect of the present invention, in aspect (10) above, the program inputs specified information into other input fields included in the input form that are different from the input field into which information corresponding to the specified conditions has been input. According to the above aspect (11), when at least some of the conditions required to set up a recruitment are not included in the conditions specified when searching for recruitment, default information, etc. is automatically entered, thereby reducing the user's effort in entering information.

[0112] (12) In one aspect of the present invention, in aspect (10) or (11) above, the program updates the information entered into at least a portion of the input fields included in the input form based on instructions from a user. According to the above aspect (12), when setting up a new recruitment, the user is able to change the conditions according to the situation at the time, not just the conditions specified when searching for recruitment.

[0113] (13) In one aspect of the present invention, in the aspect (9) above, the program sets up a recruitment of new game participants based on the specified conditions. According to the above aspect (13), by using the conditions specified when searching for a recruitment to set up a new recruitment, it is possible to reduce the user's effort in setting up the recruitment.

[0114] (14) In one aspect of the present invention, in aspect (13) above, the program sets predetermined conditions for any of a series of conditions related to the setting of recruiting participants for the new game that have not been set based on the specified conditions. According to the above aspect (14), when at least some of the conditions required to set up a recruitment are not included in the conditions specified when searching for recruitment, default information, etc. is automatically input, thereby making it possible to prevent the occurrence of cumbersome operations such as inputting information again.

[0115] (15) In one aspect of the present invention, in the above aspect (13) or (14), the program updates at least a portion of the set of conditions related to the setting of recruiting participants for the new game based on instructions from the recruiter. According to the above aspect (15), even when a new recruitment is automatically set, the user can change the conditions according to the situation at the time, not limited to the conditions specified when searching for the recruitment.

[0116] (16) In one aspect of the present invention, in any of the above aspects (9) to (15), at least a portion of the conditions related to the recruitment settings include game conditions related to a game to be played by the participant as part of the game. The technology according to the present disclosure is particularly compatible with use cases in which one or more competitive events (mini-games, etc.) to be actually played are set in the game for which participants are recruited as described above. In other words, the technology according to the present disclosure can more effectively achieve the various operational effects described in each of the above aspects in the above use cases. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1 System 10 Gaming Devices 110 Communications Department 120 Control section 121 Input Analysis Unit 122 Search processing unit 123 Condition extraction part 124 Recruitment Settings Department 125 Application Processing Section 126 Output control section 130 UI 131 Input section 132 Output section 140 Storage section 30 Server device 310 Communications Department 320 Control Unit 321 Extraction part 322 Recruitment Data Management Department 323 Application Reception Department 330 Storage section

Claims

1. A setting means for setting the number of users to be recruited as participants in a game; a request means for requesting an applicant to input identification information for a portion of the number of applicants, the identification information being different from information that can identify the applicant; A game system including:

2. A change means for changing the number of players based on an operation of a player of the game after the number of players has been set; The game system of claim 1 further comprising:

3. A reception means for receiving applications from the remaining number of people other than the partial number of people without requiring the input of the identification information. The game system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. The requesting means, when a recruiter of the game instructs that the identification information be set for all of the number of players, requests input of the identification information for all of the number of players. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A setting means for setting the number of users to be recruited as participants in a game; a request means for requesting an applicant to input identification information for a portion of the number of applicants, the identification information being different from information that can identify the applicant; 13. A game control device comprising:

6. A program for causing a computer to function as a game system described in any one of claims 1 to 4 or a game control device described in claim 5.

7. Setting the number of users to be recruited as participants of the game, For a portion of the number of applicants, the applicant is requested to input identification information different from information that can identify the applicant. Game control methods.

Images