Information processor, information processing method, program, and information processing system

Abstract

To provide an information processor capable of facilitating acquisition of a result within a game based on a user's position information, an information processing method, a program, and an information processing system.SOLUTION: An information processor includes: an information acquisition part which acquires position information showing a current position in a real space of a user playing a game; an imparting part which imparts to a user a result corresponding to the object in a game when a distance between an object arranged on a map in the game space and a user on the map determined according to the position information is within a first range; and a range change part which changes the first range of the object into a second range different from the first range when the user satisfies a prescribed condition in the game. When the first range of the object is changed into the second range, the imparting part imparts a result to the user when the distance is within the second range as well.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] There are games that are played using information on the user's current location (location information). In such games, when the user moves in real space, the user's location in the game changes accordingly, and if the user's location in the game satisfies a predetermined location condition, for example, if the user's location is within a predetermined area set in the game, a predetermined result may be given to the user in the game (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-115044 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a game played using user position information as described above, for example, if the user is in a situation where it is difficult for the user to move in real space, it becomes difficult for the user to progress in the game. In particular, in the case of a game in which a predetermined result is awarded when the user's movement in real space brings the user's position into a predetermined area in the game, if the user is in a situation where it is difficult for the user to move, it becomes difficult to obtain the result, and as a result, there is a possibility that progress in the game will be hindered.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and specifically aims to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can make it easier to play games that utilize a user's location information, and in particular, to obtain results within the game based on the location information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an information acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating a current location in real space of a user playing a game, an awarding unit that awards the user a result corresponding to the object in the game when a distance between an object placed on a map of the game space and the user's location on the map determined according to the location information is within a first range, and a range changing unit that changes the first range of the object to a second range different from the first range when the user satisfies a predetermined condition in the game, and is characterized in that when the first range of the object is changed to the second range, the awarding unit awards the user a result even when the distance is within the second range. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, in a game that utilizes a user's location information, it is possible to promote playing of the game by making it easier to obtain in-game results based on the location information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a play screen of the first game. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a play screen of a second game. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in which the area of ​​one spot on a map is expanded. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in which the areas of two spots on a map are each expanded. [Diagram 5] 13 shows an example of an inquiry screen about whether area expansion is necessary. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device and a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information. [Figure 7B] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of first game information. [Figure 7C] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of effect imparting schedule information. [Figure 7D] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of area information. [Figure 7E] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of second game information. [Figure 7F] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of response effect information. [Figure 7G] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of selected quest information. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of functions of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing examples of a quest selection screen and an effect designation screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of provisionally displaying an area having an expanded size. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for notifying condition notification information. [Figure 12A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an information processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention (part 1). [Figure 12B] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an information processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention (part 2). [Figure 12C] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an information processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention (part 3). [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of functions of an information processing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as the present embodiment) will be described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0010] <<Games that can be played in this embodiment>> The present invention relates to information processing technology related to game playing, and more specifically, to a game that can be played through a terminal owned by a user (hereinafter, referred to as a user terminal). In this embodiment, the game is, for example, an online game, and the user can obtain an account for playing the game and log in with the account to play the game. Online games include browser games using a web browser, social games provided on SNS (Social Networking Service), games that can be played by downloading dedicated application software such as mobile games, and regularly updated online games such as play-by-web (PBW).

[0011] In this embodiment, the game that can be played (hereinafter, this game) includes a first game and a second game that have different game specifications. A user who plays this game can select and play either the first game or the second game, and can also switch to the other game while playing one of the first game and the second game, and play the game after the switch.

[0012] The first game is a so-called "location game" in which location information indicating the user's current location in real space is acquired by a GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like, and the game progresses using the acquired location information. The general content of the first game as a location game is common to known location games. To be more specific, a user playing the first game moves through real space while looking at a map for the first game (hereinafter simply referred to as "map") displayed on a user terminal.

[0013] The map is an image showing a predetermined range in the game space of the first game, and reflects the geographical features (e.g., the layout of existing buildings and roads, etc.) of the area including the user's current location in the real space. The map may be, for example, a satellite photo or aerial photo, a line drawing, or an illustrated image showing the area where the user is located in the real space, or a virtual image or a CG (Computer Graphics) image showing the area in a simplified or schematic manner. The map may be a two-dimensional image such as an overhead view, or a three-dimensional image. The three-dimensional image may be a VR (Virtual Reality) space that imitates the real space, a metaverse, or the like.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, a predetermined icon I indicating the user's position is displayed on the map while the first game is being played. The user's position is the user's current position in the game space of the first game, and is determined according to the user's current position in the real space. When the user playing the first game moves in the real space, the user's position on the map, i.e., the display position of the icon I, changes in conjunction with the movement. When the user moves in the real space and passes the boundary position (edge ​​position) of the area represented by the map displayed on the user terminal at that time, the map displayed on the user terminal is updated, and specifically, a map of the area adjacent to the area that was displayed on the map immediately before the update is displayed.

[0015] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1, one or more spots S are arranged on the map. The positions and number of spots S on the map are determined in advance. There is no particular limitation on the method of determining the positions and number of spots S, and any method may be used. Furthermore, each spot S is set at a position on the map that corresponds to a place in real space where the user can enter. In the following, an example will be described in which multiple spots S are arranged on a map currently displayed on a user terminal as shown in FIG. 1.

[0016] A spot S is composed of an object So representing the position of the spot S and an area Sa set based on the object So. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of spots S are arranged on a map, and for each spot S, an object So and an area Sa are displayed for each spot S (in other words, for each object So). The object So is composed of a mark or figure having a predetermined shape (a pin in FIG. 1), and is displayed at a predetermined location on the map. The area Sa is, for example, a circular range centered on the arrangement position of the object So. However, the shape of the area Sa is not limited to a circle, and may be an ellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, a polygon other than these, a star, or an indefinite shape.

[0017] In this embodiment, when the user position is within the area Sa of the spot S in the first game, the user is given a result according to the spot S, that is, a result corresponding to the object So located at the reference position of the area Sa including the user position. Here, the "result" refers to an event, service, effect, etc. within the game that the user can enjoy in the second game, and in this embodiment, it is, for example, an effect that can be used within the second game (hereinafter, in-game effect). The in-game effect is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include an effect of obtaining a value (in-game value) or an item that can be used in the second game, an effect for advantageously progressing through the second game, and an effect of playing a special event (in-game event) in the second game.

[0018] The effect for advantageously progressing through the second game may be an effect for playing a quest described later more efficiently or more easily. For example, the effect may be an effect for temporarily changing the ability of a character corresponding to the user in the second game so as to be compatible with the attributes of the quest to be played (e.g., the characteristics of an enemy that appears during the quest), an effect for temporarily increasing the ability value (parameter) of the character, or an effect for enabling the use of an item or special skill that is effective in playing the quest to be played.

[0019] In addition, characters corresponding to the user in the second game, i.e., characters whose abilities are changed as an effect, may include characters controlled by the user in the second game, characters owned by the user but not controlled by the user, characters that the user can borrow from other users to control, and characters that function as support characters (characters not controlled by the user) within a deck when organizing a deck consisting of multiple characters in the second game.

[0020] In addition, with regard to effects that temporarily change a character's abilities and effects that temporarily change a character's ability values, "temporary" may mean for the duration of the play period of the quest selected by the user, or until the quest is cleared. To explain in more detail, for example, when a quest is selected on a quest selection screen described later and an effect corresponding to that quest is automatically set by the system, that effect may last until the quest is cleared or until a predetermined mission in that quest (for example, defeating the boss enemy of that quest) is accomplished. Note that this case is different from the case where the user selects the effect itself. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, there are cases where the areas Sa of two spots S overlap, and effects corresponding to each spot are given to each spot S. In this case, when one effect is "an effect of being able to participate in and play an event held during a specified period" and the other effect is "an effect of temporarily increasing a character's ability value", the increased state of the character's ability value may be maintained for the period during which the event is held.

[0021] The effect of being able to play a special event in the second game may be, for example, an effect of being granted authority (participation ticket) to participate in the event at any time while playing the second game. Here, the event may include a quest that can be played on the condition that the above authority is possessed. Furthermore, the results given to a user may be extended not only to that user, but also to other users who play multiplayer games with that user, or to other users who have a specified relationship with that user (e.g., friend users), and may be made available to those other users.

[0022] The second game is a game that can be played without using the above-mentioned position information. The genre of the second game is not particularly limited, but hereinafter, the second game is assumed to be a game in which the user operates a playable character in a game space to achieve a predetermined objective (for example, defeating an enemy in the game space). To be more specific, in the second game, a plurality of quests can be played, and the user selects a quest to be played from the plurality of quests (hereinafter, a selected quest), and plays the selected quest by operating the playable character in the stage or field of the selected quest.

[0023] A quest is an in-game event (element game) that is set for the purpose of clearing, and a stage or field is set for each quest as a game space. In addition, attributes are set for each quest. The attributes of a quest are the characteristics of enemies and obstacles that appear in the stage or field of the quest, the conditions for playing the quest (for example, the amount of value consumed to play the quest, etc.), and the difficulty level of the quest. Meanwhile, in the second game, attributes are also set for the user's operated character. The attributes of the operated character are the ability values ​​and performance of the operated character, such as physical strength and movement speed, and other characteristics. In addition, compatibility is set between the attributes of the quest and the attributes of the operated character, and when playing a quest that is compatible with the attributes of the operated character, the user can play the quest more efficiently and more easily.

[0024] Of the multiple quests, the selected quest to be played may be selected based on a selection operation by the user, or may be selected automatically (without a quest selection operation by the user) depending on the progress of the second game. In addition, as a case in which the selected quest is automatically selected, for example, when a designated effect described below is imparted to the user, a quest corresponding to the designated effect may be selected as the selected quest.

[0025] Among the multiple quests, there is a specific quest that can be cleared to acquire expansion points. The expansion points are an example of a parameter and can be used in the first game, specifically, to expand the area Sa of the spot S. The number of expansion points that can be acquired by clearing the specific quest is determined, for example, according to the enemies defeated in the quest. Among the multiple quests, there are quests with a time limit, which is a playable period, and such quests can only be played within a certain preset period.

[0026] The second game may be a game that can be played by a single user alone, or may be a cooperative game (a so-called multiplayer game) that allows a user to play the same quest together with other players. The second game may be free to play, or may require payment to play, or may require payment to play some quests.

[0027] The first game and the second game are linked to each other. To be more specific, suppose that a user playing the first game is granted an effect corresponding to a spot S on a map because the user's position is within an area Sa of the spot S. In this case, the user to whom the effect is granted can use the effect while playing the second game (more specifically, while playing a selected quest). In this embodiment, the effects corresponding to spot S are available in the second game only during the period when the user's position is in area Sa of spot S in the first game, and if the user's position subsequently changes and leaves area Sa, the above-mentioned effects become unavailable.

[0028] Furthermore, when the user satisfies a predetermined condition in the second game, the area Sa of any spot S on the map in the first game expands, more specifically, the radius of the area Sa becomes longer. Here, the "predetermined condition" is a condition that the user can achieve through playing the second game, and in this embodiment, it is that a parameter that can be acquired by playing a quest in the second game reaches a value corresponding to the object So of the spot S to be expanded.

[0029] To be more specific, in this embodiment, the user acquires extension points as the above-mentioned parameter by clearing a specific quest in the second game. Then, when the user's current value of extension points (more specifically, the number of points currently held) reaches a predetermined value, the user can use (consume) the extension points to expand the area Sa of the spot S on the map. In this embodiment, the "predetermined value" is the value of extension points required for area expansion, i.e., the amount of points consumed for area expansion, and this value is determined for each spot S, in other words, a numerical value corresponding to the object So of each spot S. Note that the current value of the user's extension points reaching a predetermined value means that the current value of the extension points is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0030] In this embodiment, among the multiple spots S present on the map, the area Sa of the spot S corresponding to a designated effect (hereinafter, designated effect) can be expanded. The spot S corresponding to the designated effect is a spot where the designated effect is given to the user when the user is located within the area Sa of the spot S, and will be referred to as the designated spot below. In the cases shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, a first spot S1 and a second spot S2 described later correspond to the designated spot. The object So included in the designated spot corresponds to the object So corresponding to the designated effect, and the area Sa of the designated spot corresponds to the object So set based on the object So corresponding to the designated effect.

[0031] In this embodiment, once the area Sa of the spot S is expanded, it maintains the expanded size thereafter. However, this is not limited to this, and the spot S whose area Sa has been expanded may return to the area Sa before expansion when a predetermined time has elapsed since the area expansion.

[0032] In addition, in this embodiment, the area Sa of each spot S can be expanded multiple times in stages. Here, the number of times each spot S can be expanded may be set arbitrarily, but in the following, it is assumed to be two times. In other words, the area Sa of each spot S on the map progresses from an area that has not been expanded to an area that has been expanded once, and an area that has been expanded twice, by repeating the expansion. In the following description, an area that has not been expanded is referred to as a "level 1 (LV1) area," an area that has been expanded once is referred to as a "level 2 (LV2) area," and an area that has been expanded twice is referred to as a "level 3 (LV3) area."

[0033] At each spot S, the area Sa expands in the order of LV1 area, LV2 area, and LV3 area. Specifically, it expands concentrically with the object So of that spot S as the center (reference), and reaches its maximum size when it becomes an LV3 area.

[0034] Moreover, the condition for area expansion (predetermined condition) changes depending on the level of the area. To be more specific, the number of expansion points (i.e., the amount of points consumed) required for area expansion is preset, and in this embodiment, the number of points required for the second expansion, i.e., from LV2 to LV3, is greater than the number of points required for the first expansion, i.e., from LV1 to LV2. However, this is not limited to this, and the number of points required for the first expansion and the number of points required for the second expansion may be the same. In this embodiment, the number of points required for area expansion at each stage is determined for each spot S, but this is not limited to the above, and the number of points required for area expansion may be the same for all spots S.

[0035] <<About Game 1>> Next, the above-mentioned first game will be described in detail. While the user is playing the first game, a region of the map corresponding to the user's position in the game, which is determined by the user's current position in real space, is displayed on the screen of the user terminal operated by the user. Specifically, a rectangular region of a preset size is displayed on the map, with the user's position on the map as its center. In the following, an example will be described in which the user does not move in real space and continues to play the game at the same position, i.e., the user's position in the first game does not change. The following example will be described assuming a situation in which the user plays the game all day.

[0036] When multiple spots S are arranged on a map displayed on the screen of a user terminal, if the user position on the map is within the area Sa of any one of the spots S, the user is given a result corresponding to that spot S, specifically, an effect that can be used in the second game is given. The user position on the map being within the area Sa of the spot S means that the distance from the object So of that spot S on the map to the user position is equal to or less than the size of the area Sa of that spot S (more specifically, the radius of the area Sa), in other words, within a range equivalent to the size of that area Sa.

[0037] Here, the distance from the object So to the user's position on the map (hereinafter also referred to as distance D) may be the distance between the centers of the two circles when the object So and the user's position are displayed as circles, for example. Alternatively, the distance D may be the distance between the center of the object So and the point on the outer edge of the circle showing the user's position that is closest to the center of the object So.

[0038] In this embodiment, for each of a plurality of spots S on the map, the effect given to the user when the user is located within the area Sa of the spot S changes according to the time period (more specifically, the date and time) in the real space. For example, when the user is located within the area Sa of a spot S in a certain time period t1, an effect A is obtained, whereas when the user is located within the area Sa of the same spot S in another time period t2, an effect B different from effect A is obtained.

[0039] In addition, in this embodiment, the range equivalent to the width of the area Sa (hereinafter, the area equivalent range) is expanded by expanding the area Sa, and is set in three stages in this embodiment. Here, the range before the area expansion corresponds to the "first range" of the present invention, and the range after the area expansion corresponds to the "second range" of the present invention. To be more specific, when expanding from the area LV1 to the area LV2 or LV3, the range equivalent to the width of the area LV1 corresponds to the first range, and the range equivalent to the width of the area LV2 or LV3 corresponds to the second range. In addition, when expanding from the area LV2 to the area LV3, the range equivalent to the width of the area LV2 corresponds to the first range, and the range equivalent to the width of the area LV3 corresponds to the second range.

[0040] The relationship between the first range and the second range will be described. In this embodiment, the second range is set to include the entire first range and to be wider than the first range. That is, in this embodiment, the second range is an extension of the first range so as to overlap with the entire first range. However, this is not limited thereto, and the second range may be an extension of the first range so as to overlap with only a part of the first range.

[0041] Also, in this embodiment, the area Sa of the multiple spots S can be expanded individually for each spot S. To explain in more detail, in this embodiment, a spot S (designated spot) corresponding to a designated effect is identified from among the multiple spots S, and the area Sa of the designated spot can be expanded. Here, the designated effect corresponds to a designation result, and is an effect designated by the user from among multiple effects that can be granted in the first game. However, the designated effect is not limited to this, and may be, for example, an effect corresponding to a quest (selected quest) selected by the user as an object to be played in the second game, more specifically, an effect for playing the selected quest advantageously, in which case it may be automatically determined according to the selected quest. The spots to be expanded are not limited to the above-mentioned designated spots, but may be spots other than the designated spots, specifically spots selected by the user, or spots automatically selected by the system.

[0042] As described above, in order to expand the area Sa of each spot S in this embodiment, the user must satisfy the condition that the current value of the extension points is equal to or greater than the number of points required for area expansion of each spot S. A user who satisfies this condition is asked whether or not the area needs to be expanded. Specifically, an inquiry screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on a user terminal operated by a user who satisfies the above condition. The user looks at the inquiry screen and considers whether or not the area Sa of the spot S needs to be expanded. The inquiry screen may also display the spot S (for example, the designated spot) that is the target of area expansion, as well as the current area Sa and the area Sa after expansion.

[0043] Although the display format and timing of the inquiry screen are not particularly limited, in this embodiment, if the above conditions are satisfied while the user is playing the second game, the inquiry screen may be displayed during the play of the second game. At this time, the inquiry screen may be displayed as a pop-up or may be displayed by wiping it onto the edge area of ​​the play screen of the second game. Also, when the above conditions are satisfied while the user is playing the second game, the second game may be interrupted, the game being played may be switched from the second game to the first game, and the inquiry screen may be displayed immediately after switching to the first game. In this case, when interrupting the second game and switching to the first game, the user may be asked whether or not to switch to the first game, and when the user requests to switch to the first game, the game may be switched to the first game and the inquiry screen may be displayed. In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, the effect given to the user changes depending on the time of day because the user is located within the area Sa of each spot S. In consideration of this, the inquiry screen may be displayed immediately before the effect given to the user at each spot S changes, that is, when the remaining time until the effect changes becomes equal to or less than a predetermined time.

[0044] Then, when the user wishes to perform area expansion for the spot S that is the target of area expansion, the user responds to that effect through the inquiry screen. As a result, the area Sa of the spot S is expanded. Accordingly, the extension points held by the user are consumed, that is, the current value of the user's extension points is subtracted by the amount required for the area expansion. The amount of the extension points consumed at this time is determined according to the size of the area Sa after the expansion. In other words, the area Sa after the expansion has a size according to the extension points consumed by the user, and when the number of extension points required for expansion to an area of ​​LV2 is consumed, it has the size of an area of ​​LV2, and when the number of extension points required for expansion to an area of ​​LV3 is consumed, it has the size of an area of ​​LV3.

[0045] On the other hand, if the user does not have the number of extension points required to expand the area Sa of the designated spot, that is, if the user's current value of extension points is insufficient for the number of points required for the area expansion, a candidate quest to be played is presented to the user. The quest selected as the candidate quest to be played is, for example, a specific quest that allows the user to acquire the extension points that are insufficient, and among them, a specific quest that is compatible with the user's attributes is preferable.

[0046] Furthermore, when the area Sa of the spot S is expanded, the areas Sa of two or more spots S may overlap with each other as shown in Fig. 4. In this case, if a user is located within the overlapping area of ​​the areas Sa, the user is given an effect corresponding to each of the two or more spots S for each spot S. For example, if the area Sa of the first spot S1 and the area Sa of the second spot S2 overlap, if the user is located within the overlapping area, both the effect corresponding to the first spot S1 and the effect corresponding to the second spot S2 are given to the user.

[0047] <<About an information processing device and peripheral devices according to one embodiment of the present invention>> Next, the information processing device according to this embodiment and the user terminal 12, which is a peripheral device thereof, will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Note that in Fig. 6, for convenience of illustration, the number of user terminals 12 is only one, but in reality, the number of user terminals corresponds to the number of users who use the functions of the information processing device.

[0048] In this embodiment, the information processing device is configured by a server computer (hereinafter, server 10), and the server 10 is capable of communicating with a user terminal 12 via a communication network N. The server 10 and the user terminal 12 configure an information processing system (communication system), and a user can use the services provided by the server 10 through this system. In other words, the user can play a game by the user terminal 12 communicating with the server 10 through the communication network N. The communication network N is a communication line network consisting of, for example, the Internet or a mobile communication network, and may include a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), an intranet, Ethernet (registered trademark), and the like.

[0049] While a user is playing a game, a series of information processes related to the progress of the game (excluding the input and display of information) are executed on the server 10 side, and on the user terminal 12 side, information to be handed over to the server 10 is input, and information distributed from the server 10 is output, etc.

[0050] The user terminal 12 is a terminal (client terminal) used by a user to play a game, and is configured, for example, by a personal computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a game machine, a television receiver capable of inputting information, or a wearable terminal. An application program for a game (hereinafter, a game app) is installed in the user terminal 12, and the game app starts when the user performs a start-up operation, thereby starting to play the game. When playing a game, the user selects and plays either a first game or a second game, and can also switch the game to be played by performing a predetermined switching operation on the user terminal 12 during play.

[0051] The user terminal 12 is operated by the user while playing the game, generates data according to the operation, and transmits the generated data to the server 10. The user terminal 12 also has a display (corresponding to a display device) for displaying information. While playing the game, the user terminal 12 displays a game screen, which is a display screen of the game, on the display, and also develops display data sent from the server 10 at any time, and displays images and text information, etc., indicated by the display data on the game screen. The user terminal 12 also has a GPS function, and while the user is playing the first game, identifies the current location of the user terminal 12 in real space (i.e., the user's current location), and transmits location information indicating the identified location to the server 10.

[0052] The server 10 is a computer that generates, transmits, and receives data necessary for the game progress, and executes various information processing related to the game progress, and is configured, for example, by an SNS server or a server computer for cloud services. Server computers for cloud services include server computers for ASP (Application Service Provider), SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service). The server 10 may be a single computer, or multiple computers distributed in parallel.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, the server 10 has, as hardware devices, a processor 10A, a memory 10B, a communication interface 10C, and a storage 10D, which are electrically connected via a bus.

[0054] The processor 10A may be composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The memory 10B may be configured with semiconductor memories such as a Read Only Memory (ROM) and a Random Access Memory (RAM).

[0055] The communication interface 10C may be, for example, a network interface card, a communication interface board, etc. The standard of data communication by the communication interface 10C is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include communication by wireless LAN based on Wi-fi (registered trademark), communication by a 3G to 5G or later generation mobile communication system, and communication based on LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0056] The storage 10D may be configured by a flash memory, a hard disc drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flexible disc (FD), a magneto-optical disc (MO disc), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a secure digital card (SD card), a universal serial bus memory (USB memory), etc. The storage 10D may be built into the server 10, may be attached to the server body in an external form, or may be a network attached storage (NAS), etc.

[0057] Furthermore, the storage 10D may be configured by a third computer, such as a database server or online storage, communicably connected to the server 10. In this case, the server 10 constitutes the information processing device of the present invention together with the third computer constituting the storage 10D. Furthermore, as a technology for recording and managing electronic data related to value, a distributed ledger technology such as a block chain may be used to avoid unauthorized data tampering.

[0058] Various information related to the control of the progress of the game is stored and accumulated in the storage 10D. The information related to the control of the progress of the game includes user information, information for the first game, effect imparting schedule information, area information, information for the second game, corresponding effect information, and selected quest information.

[0059] The user information is stored for each user in the storage 10D, and includes, for example, as shown in Fig. 7A, the user's name, account ID, login password, and other personal information, game play history, the presence or absence of users associated with the user such as friends, and information regarding various settings in the game, etc. Also, as shown in Fig. 7A, the user information includes the user's current position in the real space and the current value of the extension points owned by the user.

[0060] The first game information is common among users and is shared among users who play the first game. The first game information is stored in the storage 10D as preset information, and includes, for example, map information for drawing a map and the respective positions of a plurality of spots S set on the map (strictly speaking, the placement positions of the objects So of each spot S), as shown in FIG. 7B. In addition, the first game information specifies the size of the area Sa at each stage (level) for each spot S. In addition, the first game information specifies the number of extension points required to extend the area Sa of each spot S, more specifically, the number of points for extension to an area of ​​LV2 and the number of points for extension to an area of ​​LV3, for each spot S.

[0061] The effect application schedule information is common information between users and is shared between users who play the first game. The effect application schedule information is stored in the storage 10D as preset information, and, for example, as shown in Fig. 7C, for each of a plurality of spots S set on a map, the effect application schedule information specifies the type of effect that is applied to a user when the user is located within an area Sa of the spot S in association with a time period during which the effect can be applied.

[0062] Area information is stored for each user in storage 10D, and, for example, as shown in FIG. 7D, the presence or absence of expansion of area Sa of each spot S (specifically, the level of size of area Sa) and the presence or absence of the user's position within area Sa are specified in association with the user's account ID.

[0063] The information for the second game is common among users and is shared among users who play the second game. The information for the second game is stored in the storage 10D as preset information, and includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 7E, information on each of a plurality of quests that can be played in the second game, specifically, the field set for each quest, the characteristics of enemies and obstacles that appear in each quest, the period during which each quest can be played, and the attributes of each quest. Also, as shown in FIG. 7E, the information for the second game specifies, for a specific quest included in the plurality of quests, the number of extension points that can be acquired by clearing the specific quest, more specifically, a condition value that determines the number of extension points that can be acquired when the quest is cleared.

[0064] The corresponding effect information is common to users and is shared among users who play the second game, and as shown in Fig. 7F, for each of a plurality of quests, the corresponding effect, more specifically, the effect advantageous to playing the quest, is specified for each quest. The corresponding effect information is stored in the storage 10D as preset information, but may be updated (reviewed) as appropriate, for example, when the total number of times each quest is played increases by a certain number, or at any time.

[0065] The selected quest information is stored for each user in storage 10D, and for example, as shown in FIG. 7G, the quest that each user is playing in the second game, more specifically the selected quest, is defined in association with the user's account ID. The selected quest information is updated as needed according to the play status of each user. For example, when play of a certain quest ends and play of a new quest begins, the selected quest information is overwritten with information on the newly started quest.

[0066] Returning to the explanation of the configuration of the server 10, a program for an operating system (OS) and an information processing program for game progress are installed in the server 10. These programs correspond to the "programs" of the present invention, and are programs that control the server 10, which is a computer. In other words, by being executed by the above-mentioned processor 10A, the server 10 fulfills the function of the information processing device of the present invention.

[0067] The above-mentioned game progression program may be obtained by reading it from a computer-readable recording medium, or may be obtained (downloaded) via a network such as the Internet or an intranet.

[0068] <<Functions of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention>> Next, functions of the information processing device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. As described above, the information processing device according to this embodiment is configured by the server 10, and the server 10 has the functions shown in Fig. 8 as an information processing device, specifically, it has an information acquisition unit 21, an operation reception unit 22, a game progression unit 23, an assignment unit 24, a range change unit 25, an inquiry unit 26, a display control unit 27, a condition notification unit 28, a specification unit 29, and a notification unit 30. These functional units are realized by cooperation between various hardware devices constituting the server 10 and a program installed in the server 10. Each functional unit will be described in detail below.

[0069] (Information acquisition department) The information acquisition unit 21 acquires position information indicating the current position in real space of a user playing a game. Specifically, while the user is playing a game (specifically, the first game), the user's current position in real space is periodically identified by the GPS function of the user terminal 12 operated by the user. Then, the user terminal 12 periodically transmits position information indicating the identified current position of the user to the server 10. The information acquisition unit 21 receives the position information sent from the user terminal 12 via the communication network N and acquires this position information. The location information is periodically transmitted from the user terminal 12 while the user is playing the first game, and the information acquisition unit 21 accordingly receives the location information transmitted from the user terminal 12 as needed.

[0070] (Operation reception section) The operation acceptance unit 22 accepts user operations while the user is playing the game. Specifically, when a user operates the user terminal 12 while playing the game, data indicating the operation content is generated by the user terminal 12 and transmitted from the user terminal 12 to the server 10. The operation acceptance unit 22 receives the data indicating the user operation content via the communication network N, thereby accepting the user operation. The user operations accepted by the operation acceptance unit 22 include user selection, designation, instruction, request, command, permission or refusal, registration, and other input operations during game play. In this embodiment, in particular, the operation acceptance unit 22 accepts a quest selection operation and an effect designation operation as user operations.

[0071] Specifically, when a user plays the second game, a quest selection screen shown in the left diagram of Fig. 9 is displayed on user terminal 12, and the user selects one quest to play from among the multiple quests displayed on the screen and operates user terminal 12 to select that quest. Data indicating the quest selected by the user is then sent from user terminal 12, and operation acceptance unit 22 receives the data and accepts the quest selection operation. The quest to be played by the user, i.e., the selected quest, is determined by accepting the quest selection operation.

[0072] Thereafter, the screen displayed on user terminal 12 switches to an effect designation screen shown in the right diagram of Fig. 9, and the user selects a desired effect from among the multiple effects displayed on the screen, and operates user terminal 12 to designate the effect. Data indicating the effect designated by the user is then sent from user terminal 12, and operation reception unit 22 receives the data and accepts the effect designation operation. By accepting the effect designation operation, the effect designated by the user, i.e., the designated effect, is determined, and in conjunction with this, a designated spot is determined in the first game. In addition, the effect designation screen may display a recommended effect ("recommended effect" in the figure) corresponding to the selected quest, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 9. A recommended effect is, for example, an effect that allows the selected quest to be played advantageously, and the user can designate an effect after checking the recommended effect on the effect designation screen. In addition, the number of effects that can be designated through the effect designation screen is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, two or more effects can be designated.

[0073] (Game Progression Department) While the user is playing the game, the game progression unit 23 progresses the game in response to operations received from the user. Specifically, when the user is playing the first game, the game progression unit 23 progresses the first game based on the position information acquired by the information acquisition unit 21. More specifically, the game progression unit 23 sets a user position based on the position information on a map of the first game, and when the user moves in real space and the position information changes, the game progression unit 23 changes (updates) the user position on the map in conjunction with the change.

[0074] Furthermore, when the user is playing the second game, or more precisely, when playing a selected quest in the second game, the game progression unit 23 progresses the second game (selected quest) based on the user operation accepted by the operation acceptance unit 22. More specifically, the game progression unit 23 moves the user's controlled character on the field of the selected quest and causes the controlled character to act in accordance with the user operation accepted by the operation acceptance unit 22. At this time, the game progression unit 23 executes a process of causing the controlled character to attack enemies present on the field, or a process of changing the state of the controlled character (more specifically, physical strength, etc.) when the controlled character is damaged by an enemy, obstacle, etc.

[0075] Furthermore, when a user plays and clears a specific quest in the second game, the game progression unit 23 grants the user extension points according to the play content of the specific quest. To explain in more detail, the game progression unit 23 reads out the information of the user who cleared the specific quest from the user information stored in storage 10D, and executes a process of adding the numerical value of the granted extension points to the current value of the extension points included in the read user information.

[0076] (Granting department) When the user's position is within the area Sa of a spot S during the play of the first game, the granting unit 24 grants to the user an effect corresponding to the object So of the spot S, among the effects available in the second game. In other words, when the distance D between the object So of a spot S and the user's position on the map of the first game is within a first range of the object So, the granting unit 24 grants to the user an effect corresponding to the object So in the game. Here, the effect corresponding to the object So is synonymous with the effect corresponding to the spot S having the object So. In addition, the first range of the object So is a range equivalent to the size of the area Sa of the spot S having the object So, and more specifically, is the first range at the time before the area Sa is expanded.

[0077] Furthermore, when the area Sa of a certain spot S is expanded, even when the user position is within the expanded area Sa, the granting unit 24 grants the user the effect corresponding to the object So of the spot S. In other words, when the first range of the object So of a certain spot S is expanded to the second range, the granting unit 24 grants the user the effect corresponding to the object So even when the above-mentioned distance D is within the second range.

[0078] To explain the above content with a specific example, when the area Sa of the designated spot corresponding to the effect designated by the user, i.e., the designated effect, is LV1, if the user position is within the area Sa of LV1, the granting unit 24 grants the designated effect to the user. Here, the fact that the user position is within the area Sa of LV1 means that the distance D is within a range equivalent to the size of the area Sa of LV1, i.e., within a first range. Then, when the area Sa of the designated spot is expanded from LV1 to LV2, even if the user position is within the area Sa of LV2, the granting unit 24 grants the designated effect to the user. Here, the fact that the user position is within the area Sa of LV2 means that the distance D is within a range equivalent to the size of the area Sa of LV2, that is, within the second range.

[0079] In addition, when the areas Sa of two or more spots S overlap and the user position is within the overlapping area (see Figure 4), the granting unit 24 grants the effect corresponding to the object So of each spot S to the user for each spot S (in other words, for each object So). To explain with a specific example, for example, assume that the user specifies a first effect and a second effect as the specified effect. Here, the first effect corresponds to the first result, and the second effect corresponds to the second result. Also, the first spot S1, which is the specified spot corresponding to the first effect, and the second spot S2, which is the specified spot corresponding to the second effect, are spots S that are separated from each other on the map. In other words, the object So (first object) of the first spot S1 and the object So (second object) of the second spot S2 are located at different positions on the map. Then, when the area Sa of the first spot S1 and the area Sa of the second spot S2 partially overlap each other and the user position is within the overlapping area, the granting unit 24 grants both the first effect and the second effect to the user.

[0080] In this embodiment, the effect given when the user's position is within the area Sa of each spot S on the map differs depending on the time of day. In other words, the effect given by the giving unit 24 when the first range or the second range of each object So is within the distance D varies depending on the time of day. To be more specific, when determining the effect to be given to the user, the giving unit 24 refers to the effect giving schedule information stored in the storage 10D, and determines the effect to be given to the user based on the spot S in which the user's position is within the area Sa and the current time of day.

[0081] (Range change section) When the user satisfies the condition for area expansion while playing the second game, the range change unit 25 expands the area Sa of the spot S to be expanded, in other words, changes the first range of the object So of the spot S to a second range obtained by expanding the first range. In this embodiment, when the current value of the user's expansion points reaches the number of points required for area expansion of the designated spot, the range change unit 25 expands the area of ​​the designated spot, that is, changes the first range of the object So of the designated spot to the second range.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the range modification unit 25 changes the size of the expanded area Sa (in other words, the second range) according to the content of the area expansion condition satisfied by the user while playing the second game. Specifically, the size of the expandable area Sa is determined according to the number of points required for the level of area expansion that the current value of the user's expansion points has reached. For example, in a case where the number of points required to change the area Sa of the designated spot to LV2 is 300 points and the number of points required to change it to LV3 is 500 points, if the current value of the user's expansion points is 500 points or more, the range modification unit 25 can expand the area Sa of the designated spot to LV3. In the above case, the level to which the area Sa of the designated spot is expanded may be determined according to the user's instruction. For example, in the above case, even if the current value of the user's expansion points is 500 points or more and the area can be expanded up to LV3, if the user instructs expansion to LV2, the range change unit 25 expands the area Sa of the designated spot to LV2, but not to LV3.

[0083] When the range change unit 25 expands (changes) the area Sa of the designated spot, the extension points held by the user are consumed accordingly. That is, a process is executed to subtract the number of points required for the area expansion from the current value of the user's extension points, and in detail, the information on the current value of the extension points among the user information stored in the storage 10D is overwritten with the number of points after subtraction.

[0084] (Inquiries Department) The inquiry unit 26 inquires of a user who meets the condition for area expansion while playing the second game as to whether or not area expansion is required for the designated spot, that is, whether or not to change the first range of the object So of the designated spot to a second range. Specifically, suppose that the user plays a specific quest in the second game and the current value of the user's extension points reaches the number of points required for area extension of the designated spot. In this case, while the user is playing the second game, the inquiry unit 26 inquires of the user whether or not the area of ​​the designated spot needs to be expanded, and in detail, causes the inquiry screen of Fig. 5 to be displayed on the user terminal 12. Then, if the user answers that the area will be expanded in response to the inquiry from the inquiry unit 26, the range change unit 25 expands the area Sa of the designated spot in accordance with the content of the answer, i.e., changes the first range of the object So of the designated spot to the second range.

[0085] The style and timing of the inquiry by the inquiry unit 26 are not particularly limited. For example, when the user meets the condition for area expansion while playing the second game, the inquiry unit 26 may interrupt the user's play of the second game, and when interrupting the play of the second game, may inquire of the user whether the area needs to be expanded. Specifically, when the user meets the condition for area expansion while playing the second game, the inquiry unit 26 notifies the user of the fact, for example, by displaying a notification message on the play screen of the second game. When the user responds to this notification and performs a predetermined operation (for example, an operation of touching a predetermined place on the screen) on the user terminal 12, the inquiry unit 26 may interrupt the play of the second game and start the play of the first game, and may display the inquiry screen of FIG. 5 on the user terminal 12.

[0086] (Display control unit) During game play, the display control unit 27 causes a screen (play screen) corresponding to the user's play status to be displayed on the display of the user terminal 12. Specifically, during play of the first game, the display control unit 27 causes the user terminal 12 to display a map showing a plurality of spots S, that is, a plurality of areas Sa each set based on an object So. Furthermore, during play of the second game, particularly a quest, the display control unit 27 causes the user terminal 12 to display a quest field showing the playable character, enemies, etc. (see FIG. 2).

[0087] In this embodiment, the display control unit 27 changes the display contents according to the user's game play status when displaying a map on the user terminal 12. Specifically, before the area Sa of the spot S is expanded, that is, before the first range of the object So of the spot S is changed to the second range, the display control unit 27 displays the area Sa having a size corresponding to the first range (that is, the area Sa before expansion) as shown in Fig. 1. On the other hand, after the area Sa of the spot S is expanded, that is, after the first range of the object So of the spot S is changed to the second range, the display control unit 27 displays the area Sa having a size corresponding to the second range (that is, the area Sa after expansion) as shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

[0088] More specifically, when the area Sa of the designated spot is not expanded, that is, when the first range of the object So corresponding to the designated effect is not changed to the second range, the display control unit 27 displays the area Sa of a size corresponding to the first range (size before expansion) based on the object So corresponding to the designated effect. At this time, the display control unit 27 also displays the area Sa of a size corresponding to the second range (size after expansion) based on the object So corresponding to the designated effect as shown in Fig. 10, and strictly speaking, may display it provisionally. Here, the object So of the designated spot corresponds to a selected object selected from a plurality of objects So arranged on the map.

[0089] Provisionally displaying the area Sa after expansion means temporarily or limitedly displaying the expanded area Sa for the purpose of informing the user of the expanded size of the area Sa of the designated spot if it is expanded. When provisionally displaying the area Sa after expansion, it is preferable to provisionally display the area Sa in a display mode (for example, the display color of the area Sa, whether the area Sa flashes, etc.) different from the display mode when the area Sa is actually expanded.

[0090] On the other hand, when the area Sa of the designated spot is expanded, that is, when the first range of the object So corresponding to the designated effect is changed to the second range, the display control unit 27 displays the area Sa of a size corresponding to the second range (size after expansion) at the designated spot on the map, based on the object So corresponding to the designated effect.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display control unit 27 identifies a recommended effect associated with a selected quest selected by the user as a target to be played in the second game, based on the corresponding effect information stored in the storage 10D. Then, the display control unit 27 displays a map on the user terminal 12 when the user plays the first game, and at this time, among the multiple objects So on the map, an object So (hereinafter, a target object) corresponding to the above-mentioned recommended effect may be displayed so as to be distinguishable from other objects So.

[0092] The manner in which the target object is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other objects So is not particularly limited, but for example, the display color of the target object may be made different from the display color of the other objects So, or the target object may be highlighted (specifically, illuminated or blinked) so as to be more noticeable than the other objects So. In addition, as another manner in which the target object is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other objects So, detailed information on the effect corresponding to the object, the condition for area expansion, etc. may be displayed for the target object, and this information may be displayed on the map, while the other objects So do not support the display of the detailed information, and this information may be displayed on the map.

[0093] Furthermore, if the selected quest is a time-limited quest that can only be played for a certain period of time, the display control unit 27 may display the target object (i.e., the object So corresponding to the recommended effect associated with the selected quest) in a manner distinguishable from other objects So during the period in which the selected quest is playable. In this case, when the user satisfies the condition for area expansion for the spot S of the target object, the display control unit 27 may terminate displaying the target object in a manner distinguishable from other objects So at that point in time.

[0094] (Condition notification section) 11, the condition notification unit 28 notifies the user of information on the condition for expanding the area Sa of the designated spot (hereinafter, condition notification information). Here, the designated spot corresponds to a spot S having an object So corresponding to a designated effect (designated result) designated from among the effects (results) that can be granted by the granting unit 24. Also, the condition for expanding the area Sa of the designated spot corresponds to a predetermined condition for changing the first range of the object So possessed by the designated spot to a second range. The condition notification information may be, for example, the number of expansion points required to expand the area Sa of the specified spot until the area Sa is large enough to accommodate the user's position, and / or the quest (more specifically, a specific quest) that should be played to obtain that number of points.

[0095] Furthermore, when the first effect and the second effect are specified as the specified effect, a first spot S1, which is a specified spot corresponding to the first effect, and a second spot S2, which is a specified spot corresponding to the second effect, are set on the map. In other words, an object So (first object) of the first spot S1 and an object So (second object) of the second spot S2 are placed at different positions on the map. In this case, the condition notification unit 28 specifies at least one spot S (hereinafter, unreached spot) among the first spot S1 and the second spot S2, in which the user position is not present within the area Sa. Here, specifying at least one unreached spot corresponds to specifying at least one object So, in the first object and the second object, in which the distance D is not within the first range.

[0096] Then, when at least one unreached spot is identified, the condition notification unit 28 notifies the user of condition notification information such that the size of the area Sa of the identified at least one unreached spot satisfies a predetermined change requirement. The condition notification information notified at this time corresponds to information on the condition of area expansion for changing the first range of at least one of the first object and the second object, the distance D of which is not within the first range, to a second range of a size that satisfies the change requirement. The change requirement is a requirement set for the size of the area Sa of the unreachable spot (in other words, the first range of the object So that the unreachable spot has), and specifically, after the area Sa of the unreachable spot is expanded (i.e., after the first range of at least one of the objects So is changed to the second range), a part of the area Sa of the first spot S1 overlaps with a part of the area Sa of the second spot S2.

[0097] In addition, when notifying the user of condition notification information in which the size of the area Sa of at least one unreached spot satisfies the above-mentioned change requirements, the condition notification unit 28 may notify the user of the above-mentioned condition notification information during a time period in which both the first effect and the second effect can be imparted.

[0098] (Specific part) Before the area Sa of the designated spot is expanded, the determination unit 29 determines the size of the expanded area Sa when the user's position is within the expanded area Sa as the size of the expanded area Sa. The size of the area Sa determined by the determination unit 29 corresponds to the size of a second range changed from a first range of the object So corresponding to the designated effect when a distance D is within the second range.

[0099] Then, when the size of the expanded area Sa is specified by the specification unit 29, the condition notification unit 28 notifies the user of information (condition notification information) on the area expansion conditions for expanding the area Sa of the designated spot to the size specified by the specification unit 29. The condition notification information notified in this case corresponds to information on the area expansion conditions for changing the first range of the object So corresponding to the specified effect to a second range having a size equivalent to the size of the area Sa specified by the specification unit 29.

[0100] Furthermore, when both the first effect and the second effect are specified as the specified effect, the determination unit 29 may determine the size of the expanded area Sa for each of the first spot S1, which is the specified spot corresponding to the first effect, and the second spot S2, which is the specified spot corresponding to the second effect. Here, the size of the expanded area Sa is the size when the user position is within the expanded area Sa, as described above, and in other words, corresponds to the size of the second range, when the distance D is within the second range changed from the first range of the object So corresponding to the specified effect. Then, the condition notification unit 28 may notify the user of information (condition notification information) on the area expansion condition for expanding each of the areas Sa of the first spot S1 and the second spot S2 to the size specified by the specification unit 29. The condition notification information notified in this case corresponds to information on the area expansion condition (predetermined condition) for changing the first range of the first object corresponding to the first effect and the first range of the second object corresponding to the second result to a second range having a size equivalent to the size of the area Sa specified by the specification unit 29.

[0101] <<Information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention>> Next, the information processing flow of this embodiment, specifically the information processing flow relating to the progress of the first game and the second game, will be described. The information processing flow of this embodiment employs the information processing method of the present invention, and proceeds according to the flow shown in Figs. 12A to 12C. In other words, each step in the information processing flow (specifically, each step shown in Figs. 12A to 12C) corresponds to a component of the information processing method of the present invention. Note that the information processing flow described below is merely an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the order of steps may be changed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0102] In the information processing flow, a processor 10A of the server 10, which constitutes an information processing device, and a processor (not shown) of the user terminal 12, which is operated by a user while playing a game, each execute corresponding processes, and data communication is performed between the server 10 and the user terminal 12.

[0103] Specifically, the information processing flow begins when a user starts playing a game (S001). Processor 10A of server 10 identifies which game the user will play, the first game or the second game (S002), and if the user will play the first game, executes processing for the first game (S003). On the other hand, if the user will play the second game, executes processing for the second game (S004). Then, processor 10A repeatedly executes processing for each game until the user finishes the game (S005). Below, the process for the first game and the process for the second game will be described separately.

[0104] (Processing for the first game) The process for the first game is a series of information processes for progressing the first game. In the process for the first game, the processor 10A of the server 10 generates display data for the map and transmits it to the user terminal 12 (S011) in order to display a map on which a plurality of spots S are set on the display of the user terminal 12. The user terminal 12 that receives this display data displays the map based on the display data (S012).

[0105] Furthermore, the user terminal 12 identifies the current position of the user terminal 12 in real space, i.e., the current position of the user, using a GPS function or the like, and transmits position information indicating the identified current position of the user to the server 10 (S013). The processor 10A receives the position information sent from the user terminal 12, thereby acquiring the position information (S014). Then, when the position information is acquired, a user position corresponding to the current position of the user indicated by the position information is determined in the game space of the first game (i.e., the space represented by a map).

[0106] After that, the processor 10A judges whether the user position is within the area Sa of the designated spot (S015). To explain step S015 in detail, if the area Sa of the designated spot is in the state before expansion, in this step S015, it is judged whether the user position is within the area Sa of the designated spot before expansion, in other words, it is judged whether the distance D between the object So on the map and the user position is within the first range of the object So of the designated spot. On the other hand, if the area Sa of the designated spot has already been expanded, in this step S015, it is judged whether the user position is within the area Sa of the designated spot after expansion, in other words, it is judged whether the distance D is within the second range of the object So of the designated spot.

[0107] Then, in step S015, if the user position is within the area Sa of the designated spot, the processor 10A imparts the designated effect to the user (S016). If the user position is not within the area Sa of the designated spot, step S016 is omitted and the process proceeds to step S017. It should be noted that the designated effect is determined in advance when play of the first game is started, and for example, the designated effect may be designated by the user when play of the first game is started.

[0108] When the user performs an operation to expand the area Sa of the designated spot during play of the first game (S017), data indicating the operation is transmitted from the user terminal 12 to the server 10. Upon receiving the operation data, the processor 10A of the server 10 expands the area Sa of the designated spot based on the operation data (S018). In addition, in response to the area expansion, the processor 10A displays the area Sa of the designated spot having the expanded size on the map displayed on the user terminal 12. On the other hand, if the user does not perform the area expansion operation, step S018 is omitted. As a prerequisite for performing an area expansion operation, the user is assumed to have satisfied the conditions for area expansion in the second game; specifically, the user's current value of expansion points is assumed to have reached the number of points required to expand the area Sa of the designated spot.

[0109] Following the above flow, the processing for the first game is carried out. 12B, the process for the first game may further include steps based on the above-mentioned functions (specifically, the display control unit 27, the condition notification unit 28, and the identification unit 29) of the server 10. For example, at a stage where the area Sa of the designated spot has not yet been expanded, the area Sa of the expanded size may be provisionally displayed based on the object So of the designated spot. Furthermore, among a plurality of objects So on the map, an object So (target object) corresponding to a recommended effect associated with a selected quest may be displayed so as to be distinguishable from other objects So. Also, information regarding the conditions for expanding the area Sa of the designated spot, that is, condition notification information, may be notified to the user. In addition, when the first effect and the second effect are specified as the designated effect, an unreached spot in which the user position is not present within the area Sa may be specified among the first spot S1 corresponding to the first effect and the second spot S2 corresponding to the second effect. Furthermore, the user may be notified of information (condition notification information) regarding the condition for area expansion such that the size of the area Sa of the unreached spot satisfies the change requirement, that is, the condition for the area Sa of the unreached spot to partially overlap with the area Sa of the first spot S1 and the area Sa of the second spot S2 when the area Sa of the unreached spot is expanded.

[0110] (Processing for the second game) The processing for the second game is a series of information processes for progressing the second game. In the processing for the second game, first, the user selects a quest to be played from among a plurality of quests, and performs an operation for inputting the result of the selection, i.e., a quest selection operation, on user terminal 12 (S021). User terminal 12 transmits data indicating the result of the quest selection to server 10, and processor 10A of server 10 receives the data and determines the quest selected by the user, i.e., the selected quest (S022).

[0111] After selecting a selected quest, if the user wishes to obtain (confer) an effect in the first game to play the selected quest advantageously, the user can specify the effect and perform an operation to input the result of the specification, that is, an effect specification operation. In this case, data indicating the effect specified by the user (specified effect) is transmitted from user terminal 12 to server 10, and processor 10A of server 10 receives the data and accepts the user's specification of the effect. Processor 10A then suspends the user's play of the second game, and switches the game being played to the first game (S024).

[0112] On the other hand, if the user does not specify an effect, the user can play the selected quest according to the normal play procedure (S025). In addition, when the user plays the selected quest, more specifically, plays a specific quest as the selected quest, and clears the specific quest, the user can acquire extension points. Then, when the current value of the user's extension points meets the condition for area expansion, specifically, when it reaches the number of points required to expand the area Sa of the spot S (specified spot) corresponding to the specified effect (S026), the processor 10A inquires the user about whether or not area expansion is required (S027).

[0113] If the user responds to the above inquiry that the area will be expanded (S028), processor 10A receives data indicating the response from user terminal 12, suspends the user's play of the second game, and switches the game being played to the first game (S029). On the other hand, if the user responds to the above inquiry that the area will not be expanded, the user continues playing the second game. Following the above-mentioned flow, the processing for the second game is carried out.

[0114] <<Other embodiments>> Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be modified or improved from the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0115] In addition, the screen examples shown in the drawings referenced in the description of the above embodiments are merely examples, and the screen configuration examples, the content of the information displayed, and the GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc., can be freely designed according to the system design specifications and user preferences, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the manner in which an image or the like is displayed on the user terminal 12 includes a manner in which the image or the like is displayed on a display device (display) provided in the terminal itself, and a manner in which the image or the like is displayed on a display device connected to the terminal in a wired or wireless manner. Note that the display device connected to the user terminal 12 may include a general stationary display, as well as an HMD (Head Mounted Display) such as VR goggles.

[0117] In addition, with regard to the present invention, a number of other embodiments (variations) different from the above-mentioned embodiment are possible. Each of the variations will be described below. Note that the following mainly describes the differences from the above-mentioned embodiment, and the description of the commonalities will be omitted. In addition, in the multiple embodiments (variations) described below, the elements and features of each embodiment may be appropriately combined. In other words, among the multiple embodiments described below, the configuration of any one of the embodiments may be applied to the other embodiments, and the effects brought about by the configuration may be similarly achieved.

[0118] (Modifications regarding the configuration of the information processing device) The information processing device of the present invention is not limited to being configured by the server 10, and some of the functions of the information processing device of the present invention may be provided in the user terminal 12. In that case, the information processing device of the present invention is configured by the cooperation of the server 10 and the user terminal 12.

[0119] (How to select a quest) In the above embodiment, the selected quest to be played is selected from among a plurality of quests playable in the second game according to the user's selection. However, the method of selecting the selected quest is not limited to the above, and the selected quest may be selected by other methods. For example, the difference between the extension point value required for area expansion of the designated spot and the current value (current parameter) of the user's extension points may be calculated, and the selected quest may be selected according to the difference. Specifically, a specific quest that can acquire extension points equal to or greater than the difference or close to the difference, or a specific quest that can acquire extension points equivalent to the difference efficiently (within a relatively short time) may be selected as the selected quest. In this case, the server 10 constituting the information processing device of the present invention may further be provided with a function (notification unit 30 in the figure) of notifying the user of the selected quest selected in the above manner, as shown in FIG. 13.

[0120] (About the specifications of the second game) In the above embodiment, the second game is a game that can be played without using location information indicating the user's current location. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second game may be a game that uses location information. Specifically, the second game may have game specifications in which whether or not a part of a quest can be played is determined according to location information (for example, a quest can be played when the user is in a predetermined place in real space). In the above embodiment, when one of the first game and the second game is being played and the other game is to be played, the one game is interrupted and switched to the other game. However, this is not limited to the above, and both the first game and the second game may be played simultaneously on the same user terminal 12.

[0121] (Modifications regarding expansion of spot areas) In the above embodiment, in the first game, the area Sa of each of the multiple spots S on the map can be expanded individually for each spot S, but this is not limited to this, and the areas Sa of all of the multiple spots S may be expanded together (simultaneously).

[0122] (Regarding area expansion conditions) In the above embodiment, in order to expand the area Sa of the spot S in the first game, the user needs to have extension points, and more specifically, it is necessary to acquire and consume the number of extension points required for the area expansion. However, this is not limited to this, and among the parameters that can be acquired in the second game (for example, can be acquired by playing a quest), parameters other than the extension points, such as experience points and the performance value (ability value) of the operated character, may be used to expand the area Sa of the spot S. In addition, the area Sa of the spot S may be expanded by using and consuming items (including in-game currency), game media, etc. that are available in the second game.

[0123] (Regarding area expansion) In the above embodiment, when the area Sa of the spot S is changed in the first game, the area Sa before expansion is expanded so that the expanded area Sa overlaps with a part of the area Sa before expansion. In other words, in the above embodiment, the first range of the object So of the spot S is changed to a second range obtained by expanding the first range so as to overlap with a part or the whole of the first range. However, this is not limited to this, and the expanded area Sa may not overlap with the area Sa before expansion, in other words, the second range may be a range that is wider than the first range but does not overlap with the first range.

[0124] [summary] One of the objectives of the present invention is to improve the interest of games that use a user's current location in real space, particularly games that are played with the aim of obtaining a predetermined result based on the user's current location. More specifically, the present invention aims to solve the problems corresponding to [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 19] below.

[0125] [Appendix 1] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to [Appendix 1], specifically, to facilitate the awarding of results in games in which predetermined results are obtained based on the user's location information, thereby promoting the playing of such games. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of [Appendix 1] has the following configuration. An information processing device comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating a current position in real space of a user playing a game; an awarding unit that awards a result corresponding to an object in the game to the user when a distance between an object placed on a map of a game space and the user's position on the map determined according to the position information is within a first range; and a range changing unit that changes the first range of the object to a second range different from the first range when the user satisfies a predetermined condition in the game, wherein when the first range of the object is changed to the second range, the awarding unit awards the result to the user even when the distance is within the second range. According to the above configuration, by changing the first range of the object on the map to the second range, it becomes easier for the user to obtain a predetermined result (in-game effect) based on the location information indicating the user's current location. As a result, it is possible to stimulate the user's desire to play the above game, and it is expected that more users will play the above game.

[0126] [Appendix 2] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to [Appendix 2], specifically, to make it easier to award results in games in which predetermined results are obtained based on the user's location information. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of [Appendix 2] has the following configuration. The information processing device described in [Appendix 1], wherein when the user satisfies the specified condition, the range change unit changes the first range of the object to the second range that is an extension of the first range. According to the above configuration, the first range of the object is changed to a second range that is an extension of the first range, making it even easier for the user to obtain a predetermined result (in-game effect) based on location information indicating the user's current location.

[0127] [Appendix 3] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to [Appendix 3], specifically, to make it easier for a user to recognize the first range and second range of an object on a map. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of [Appendix 3] has the following configuration. An information processing device as described in [Appendix 1] or [Appendix 2], further comprising a display control unit that causes a display device to display the map showing an area set based on the object, wherein the display control unit causes the area to be displayed with a size corresponding to the first range before the first range of the object is changed to the second range, and causes the area to be displayed with a size corresponding to the second range after the first range of the object is changed to the second range. According to the above configuration, the first and second ranges of the object are visualized and displayed as areas on a map, so that the first and second ranges of the object are easily recognized by the user. In other words, a GUI that allows the user to easily recognize the first and second ranges of the object is realized. This makes it easier to play a game in which a predetermined result is obtained based on the user's position information, so that it is expected that even more users will play the game.

[0128] [Appendix 4] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to [Appendix 4], specifically, to make it possible to check in advance the situation when the first range of a selected object is changed to the second range. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of [Appendix 4] has the following configuration. The information processing device described in [Appendix 3], wherein, on the map on which a plurality of the objects are arranged, the area is displayed for each of the objects, a selected object is selected from among the plurality of the objects, and when the first range of the selected object has not been changed to the second range, the display control unit displays the area of ​​a size corresponding to the second range based on the selected object. According to the above configuration, for example, in a case where an object that may affect the progress of a game played by a user is selected as a selected object from among a plurality of objects, the situation in which the first range of the selected object is changed to the second range, specifically, the area of ​​the size corresponding to the second range, can be confirmed before the first range is changed to the second range. This allows the user to grasp in advance how easy it will be to obtain a result corresponding to the selected object by changing the first range of the selected object to the second range.

[0129] [Appendix 5] One of the objects of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to [Appendix 5], specifically, to make it easier to obtain the specified result. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of [Appendix 5] has the following configuration. The information processing device according to [Appendix 3] or [Appendix 4], further comprising a condition notification unit that notifies the user of information regarding the specified condition for changing the first range of the object corresponding to a specified result specified from the results that the assignment unit can assign to the second range. According to the above configuration, since the information on the condition for changing the first range of the object corresponding to the designation result to the second range is notified to the user, the user can play the game referring to the notified information and efficiently change the first range of the object to the second range. This allows the user to obtain the designation result more easily, and it is expected that even more users will play the above game.

[0130] [Appendix 6] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to [Appendix 6], specifically, to motivate users to play a game in a way that satisfies certain conditions. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of [Appendix 6] has the following configuration. The information processing device described in [Appendix 5], wherein the range change unit changes the second range depending on the content of the specified condition satisfied by the user, and when the first range of the object corresponding to the specified result is changed to the second range, the display control unit displays the area on the map with a size corresponding to the second range, based on the object corresponding to the specified result. According to the above configuration, the second range changes according to the content of the predetermined condition satisfied by the user, that is, the ease of obtaining the specified result changes. Therefore, the user will play the game to satisfy the predetermined condition with the content that allows the specified result to be obtained more easily. In other words, according to the above configuration, the user can be effectively motivated to play the game to satisfy the predetermined condition.

[0131] [Appendix 7] One of the objects of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to [Appendix 7], specifically, to make it easier to obtain multiple specified results. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of [Appendix 7] has the following configuration. The information processing device described in [Appendix 6], wherein when a first result and a second result are specified as the specified results and a first object corresponding to the first result and a second object corresponding to the second result are located at different positions on the map, the condition notification unit identifies at least one of the first object and the second object, the distance of which is not within the first range, and notifies the user of information regarding the specified condition for changing the first range of the identified at least one object to the second range of a size that satisfies a change requirement, and the change requirement is that after the first range of the at least one object is changed to the second range, a part of the area based on the first object and a part of the area based on the second object overlap. According to the above configuration, the user is notified of information on the conditions for changing the first range of at least one of the objects to the second range so that a part of the area based on the first object overlaps with a part of the area based on the second object. The user can play the game while referring to the notified information to more efficiently overlap the two areas, and if the user's position is within the overlapping range, the user can obtain both the first result and the second result. In other words, the above configuration allows the user to more easily obtain both the first result and the second result.

[0132] [Appendix 8] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to [Appendix 8], specifically, to notify a user at an appropriate time of information regarding the conditions for changing the first range of at least one object to a second range. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of [Appendix 8] has the following configuration. The information processing device described in [Appendix 7], wherein the result assigned by the assignment unit when there is the distance between the first range or the second range of each of the objects changes depending on the time period, and the condition notification unit notifies the user of information regarding the specified condition for changing the first range of at least one of the objects to the second range of a size that satisfies the change requirements during a time period in which both the first result and the second result can be assigned. There may be cases where the time period during which both the first effect and the second effect can be obtained is predetermined (restricted). With the above configuration, even in such cases, the user can be appropriately notified of information regarding the conditions for changing the first range of at least one of the objects to the second range so that a part of an area based on the first object overlaps with a part of an area based on the second object, according to the time period. Then, the user can more appropriately obtain both the first result and the second result by playing the game based on the notified information.

[0133] [Appendix 9] One of the objects of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to [Appendix 9], specifically, to make it easier to obtain the specified result. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of [Supplementary Note 9] has the following configuration. The information processing device described in [Appendix 5] to [Appendix 8] further includes an identification unit that identifies the size of the second range to which the first range of the object corresponding to the designation result is changed when the distance is within the second range, and the condition notification unit notifies the user of information regarding the specified condition for changing the first range of the object corresponding to the designation result to the second range of the size identified by the identification unit. According to the above configuration, the user is notified of information on a predetermined condition for changing a first range of an object corresponding to a specified result to a second range of a size such that the user can obtain the specified result at the current position. The user can efficiently change the first range of an object corresponding to a specified result to the second range by playing the game while referring to the notified information. This allows the user to obtain the specified result more easily.

[0134] [Appendix 10] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to [Appendix 10], specifically, to make it easier to obtain multiple results. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of [Supplementary Note 10] has the following configuration. The information processing device described in [Appendix 9], wherein when the first result and the second result are specified as the specified results, the condition notification unit notifies the user of information regarding the specified conditions for changing the first range of a first object corresponding to the first result and the first range of a second object corresponding to the second result, respectively, to the second range of the size specified by the identification unit. According to the above configuration, when the first result and the second result are specified, the user is notified of information on a predetermined condition for changing the first range of the object corresponding to each result to, for example, a second range in which the user can obtain both the first result and the second result at the user's current location. By playing the game with reference to the notified information, the user can efficiently change the first range of the first object corresponding to the first result and the first range of the second object corresponding to the second result to the above-mentioned second ranges, respectively. This allows the user to more easily obtain both the first effect and the second effect.

[0135] [Appendix 11] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to [Appendix 11], specifically, to promote play of both a first game that uses location information and a second game that can be played without using location information. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of [Supplementary Note 11] has the following configuration. An information processing device described in any of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 10], wherein the games include a first game that can be played by using the location information and a second game that can be played without using the location information, and the specified condition is a condition that can be achieved through playing the second game. According to the above configuration, by playing the second game and satisfying a predetermined condition, the first range in the first game is changed to the second range, making it easier to award a result. In other words, by playing the second game that can be played without using location information, the first game that uses location information can be played more advantageously, which effectively motivates the user to play both the first game and the second game, thereby promoting play of each game.

[0136] [Appendix 12] One of the objects of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to [Appendix 12], specifically, to make it possible to efficiently satisfy the conditions for changing the first range to the second range. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of [Supplementary Note 12] has the following configuration. The information processing device described in [Appendix 11], wherein a plurality of quests can be played in the second game, the predetermined condition being that a parameter that can be obtained by playing the quest in the second game reaches a numerical value corresponding to the object, and the information processing device further comprises an information processing unit that calculates a difference between the numerical value and the user's current parameter, and notifies the user of a selected quest selected from the plurality of quests based on the difference. According to the above configuration, the difference (shortage) between the parameters required to change the first range to the second range and the user's current parameters is calculated, and a selected quest selected according to the calculated difference is notified to the user. The user can efficiently acquire parameters equivalent to the difference by playing the notified quest (selected quest). This allows the user to efficiently satisfy the condition (predetermined condition) for changing the first range to the second range in the second game.

[0137] [Appendix 13] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to [Appendix 13], specifically, to efficiently obtain results associated with a selected quest. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of [Supplementary Note 13] has the following configuration. The information processing device described in [Appendix 11] or [Appendix 12], wherein a plurality of quests can be played in the second game, and the information processing device is provided with a display control unit that displays the object corresponding to the result associated with a selected quest selected from the plurality of quests on the map on which the objects are shown, in a manner distinguishable from other objects. According to the above configuration, the object corresponding to the result associated with the selected quest is displayed in a manner that can be distinguished from other objects. This allows the user to preferentially change the first range of the object corresponding to the result associated with the selected quest to the second range, thereby efficiently obtaining the result. In other words, the above configuration provides a GUI for efficiently obtaining the result associated with the selected quest.

[0138] [Appendix 14] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to [Appendix 14], specifically, to make it possible to effectively utilize the function of displaying objects corresponding to the results associated with a selected quest in a manner that makes them distinguishable from other objects. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of [Supplementary Note 14] has the following configuration. The information processing device described in [Appendix 13], wherein the display control unit displays the object corresponding to the result associated with the selected quest in a manner distinguishable from other objects during a period in which the selected quest is playable, and when the user satisfies the specified condition, stops displaying the object corresponding to the result associated with the selected quest in a manner distinguishable from other objects. With the above configuration, a result associated with the selected quest (e.g., a result that is advantageous to playing the selected quest) is highly useful (valued) during the period in which the selected quest is playable, and there is a high demand for that result. Therefore, if an object corresponding to the result associated with the selected quest is displayed in a manner that is distinguishable from other objects during such a period, the function will be effectively utilized. Furthermore, when the condition (predetermined condition) for changing the first range to the second range for an object corresponding to the result associated with the selected quest is met, it is no longer necessary to display the object in a manner that is distinguishable from other objects. Therefore, by ceasing to display the object corresponding to the result associated with the selected quest in a manner that is distinguishable from other objects when the above-mentioned condition is met, it is possible to avoid the function from being exercised at an unnecessary time.

[0139] [Appendix 15] One of the objects of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to [Supplementary Note 15], specifically, to change a first range of an object to a second range based on a user's intention. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of [Supplementary Note 14] has the following configuration. The information processing device according to any one of [Appendix 11] to [Appendix 14], further comprising an inquiry unit that inquires of the user who satisfies the specified condition as to whether to change the first range of the object to the second range. According to the above configuration, by inquiring of a user who satisfies a predetermined condition as to whether or not to change the first range of an object to a second range, the first range can be changed to the second range based on the user's wishes.

[0140] [Appendix 16] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to [Appendix 16], specifically, to quickly provide an opportunity to change the first range of an object to a second range when a user satisfies a predetermined condition. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of [Supplementary Note 16] has the following configuration. The information processing device described in [Appendix 15], wherein when the user satisfies the specified condition while playing the second game, the inquiry unit inquires the user whether to change the first range of the object to the second range while the user is playing the second game, or while the user is able to interrupt playing the second game. According to the above configuration, during the user's play of the second game, or when the user's play of the second game can be interrupted, a user who satisfies a predetermined condition is asked whether to change the first range of the object to the second range. In other words, when the user satisfies the predetermined condition, the user is given an opportunity to change the first range of the object to the second range, and by taking advantage of this opportunity, the user can immediately change the first range to the second range even while playing the second game.

[0141] [Appendix 17] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to [Appendix 17], specifically, to provide an information processing method that can facilitate the awarding of results in a game in which a predetermined result is obtained based on a user's location information, thereby promoting playing of the game. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing method of [Supplementary Note 17] has the following configuration. An information processing method in which a processor acquires location information indicating a current location in real space of a user playing a game, and when a distance between an object placed on a map of a game space and the user's location on the map determined according to the location information is within a first range, the processor grants the user a result corresponding to the object in the game, and when the user satisfies a predetermined condition in the game, the processor changes the first range of the object to a second range different from the first range, and when the first range of the object is changed to the second range, the result is granted to the user even if the distance is within the second range. According to the above configuration, since it becomes easier to obtain a predetermined result (in-game effect) based on location information indicating one's current location, it is expected that more users will play the above game.

[0142] [Appendix 18] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to [Appendix 18], specifically, to provide a program that can facilitate the awarding of results in a game in which a predetermined result is obtained based on a user's location information, thereby promoting the playing of the game. In order to solve the above problems, the program of [Appendix 18] has the following configuration. A program that causes a processor to acquire position information indicating a current position in real space of a user playing a game, and when a distance between an object placed on a map of a game space and the user's position on the map determined according to the position information is within a first range, causes the processor to grant the user a result corresponding to the object in the game, and when the user satisfies a predetermined condition in the game, causes the processor to change the first range of the object to a second range different from the first range, and when the first range of the object is changed to the second range, the result is granted to the user even if the distance is within the second range. According to the above configuration, since it becomes easier to obtain a predetermined result (in-game effect) based on location information indicating one's current location, it is expected that more users will play the above game.

[0143] [Appendix 19] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to [Appendix 19], specifically, to provide an information processing system that can facilitate the awarding of results in a game in which a predetermined result is obtained based on a user's location information, thereby promoting the playing of the game. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing system of [Appendix 19] has the following configuration. An information processing system consisting of a user terminal operated by a user playing a game and a server computer capable of communicating with the user terminal via a network, the information processing system comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating the user's current position in real space; an awarding unit that awards the user a result corresponding to the object in the game when a distance between an object placed on a map of a game space and the user's position on the map determined according to the position information is within a first range; and a range change unit that changes the first range of the object to a second range different from the first range when the user satisfies a predetermined condition in the game, and when the first range of the object is changed to the second range, the awarding unit awards the user the result even when the distance is within the second range. According to the above configuration, since it becomes easier to obtain a predetermined result (in-game effect) based on location information indicating one's current location, it is expected that more users will play the above game. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 10 Server (information processing device) 10A Processor 10B Memory 10C Communication Interface 10D Storage 12 User terminal 21 Information Acquisition Department 22 Operation reception section 23 Game Progression Section 24 Granting Department 25 Range change section 26 Inquiry Department 27 Display control section 28 Condition Notification Section 29 Specific section 30. Notification Department I Icon N Communication network S Spot Sa Area So object

Claims

1. an information acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating a current position in real space of a user playing a game; an awarding unit that awards to the user a result corresponding to the object in the game when a distance between an object placed on a map of a game space and a position of the user on the map determined according to the position information is within a first range; a range change unit that changes the first range of the object to a second range different from the first range when the user satisfies a predetermined condition in the game, When the first range of the object is changed to the second range, the granting unit grants the result to the user even when the distance is within the second range.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein, when the user satisfies the predetermined condition, the range change unit changes the first range of the object to the second range obtained by expanding the first range.

3. a display control unit that displays, on a display device, the map showing an area set based on the object; 2. The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the area having a size corresponding to the first range before the first range of the object is changed to the second range, and displays the area having a size corresponding to the second range after the first range of the object is changed to the second range.

4. On the map on which a plurality of the objects are arranged, the area is displayed for each of the objects; 4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein when a selected object is selected from among the plurality of objects and the first range of the selected object has not been changed to the second range, the display control unit displays the area of ​​a size corresponding to the second range based on the selected object.

5. 4. The information processing device according to claim 3, further comprising a condition notification unit that notifies the user of information regarding the specified condition for changing the first range of the object corresponding to a specified result specified from among the results that can be assigned by the assignment unit to the second range.

6. The range change unit changes the second range in accordance with the content of the predetermined condition satisfied by the user, 6. The information processing device of claim 5, wherein when the first range of the object corresponding to the specified result is changed to the second range, the display control unit displays the area on the map with a size corresponding to the second range, based on the object corresponding to the specified result.

7. When a first result and a second result are specified as the specified result, and a first object corresponding to the first result and a second object corresponding to the second result are located at different positions on the map, the condition notification unit: Identifying at least one of the first object and the second object, the distance of which is not within the first range; notifying the user of information on the predetermined condition for changing the first range of the identified at least one object to the second range having a size that satisfies a change requirement; 7. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the change requirement is that after the first range of the at least one object is changed to the second range, a portion of the area based on the first object overlaps with a portion of the area based on the second object.

8. the result given by the giving unit when the distance is within the first range or the second range of each of the objects varies depending on a time of day; 8. The information processing device of claim 7, wherein the condition notification unit notifies the user of information regarding the specified conditions for changing the first range of at least one of the objects to the second range of a size that satisfies the change requirements during a time period in which both the first result and the second result can be assigned.

9. a determination unit that determines a size of the second range when the distance is within the second range changed from the first range of the object corresponding to the designation result, 6. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the condition notification unit notifies the user of information regarding the predetermined condition for changing the first range of the object corresponding to the designation result to the second range of the size specified by the identification unit.

10. 10. The information processing device of claim 9, wherein when a first result and a second result are specified as the specified results, the condition notification unit notifies the user of information regarding the specified conditions for changing the first range of a first object corresponding to the first result and the first range of a second object corresponding to the second result, respectively, to the second range of a size specified by the identification unit.

11. the games include a first game that can be played by using the location information and a second game that can be played without using the location information; The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined condition is a condition that can be achieved through playing the second game.

12. In the second game, a plurality of quests are playable; the predetermined condition being that a parameter that can be acquired by playing the quest in the second game reaches a value corresponding to the object; The information processing device according to claim 11 , further comprising a notification unit that calculates a difference between the numerical value and the current parameter of the user, and notifies the user of a selected quest that is selected from the plurality of quests according to the difference.

13. In the second game, a plurality of quests are playable; The information processing device according to claim 11 , further comprising a display control unit that displays, on the map on which the objects are shown, the object corresponding to the result associated with a selected quest selected from the plurality of quests in a manner that makes it distinguishable from other objects.

14. The information processing device of claim 13, wherein the display control unit displays the object corresponding to the result associated with the selected quest in a manner distinguishable from other objects during a period in which the selected quest is playable, and when the user satisfies the specified condition, terminates displaying the object corresponding to the result associated with the selected quest in a manner distinguishable from other objects.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11 , further comprising an inquiry unit that inquires of the user who satisfies the predetermined condition as to whether to change the first range of the object to the second range.

16. 16. The information processing device of claim 15, wherein when the user satisfies the specified condition while playing the second game, the inquiry unit inquires the user whether to change the first range of the object to the second range while the user is playing the second game, or by allowing the user to interrupt playing the second game.

17. The processor acquires position information indicating a current position in real space of a user playing a game; when a distance between an object placed on a map of a game space and a position of the user on the map determined according to the position information is within a first range, a processor gives the user a result corresponding to the object in the game; a processor that changes the first range of the object to a second range different from the first range when the user satisfies a predetermined condition in the game; An information processing method, wherein when the first range of the object is changed to the second range, the result is given to the user even if the distance is within the second range.

18. causing a processor to obtain position information indicating a current position in real space of a user playing a game; when a distance between an object placed on a map of a game space and a position of the user on the map determined according to the position information is within a first range, causing the processor to give the user a result corresponding to the object in the game; when the user satisfies a predetermined condition in the game, causing a processor to change the first range of the object to a second range different from the first range; When the first range of the object is changed to the second range, the result is also given to the user if the distance is within the second range.

19. An information processing system including a user terminal operated by a user who plays a game, and a server computer capable of communicating with the user terminal via a network, an information acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating a current position of the user in a real space; an awarding unit that awards to the user a result corresponding to the object in the game when a distance between an object placed on a map of a game space and a position of the user on the map determined according to the position information is within a first range; a range change unit that changes the first range of the object to a second range different from the first range when the user satisfies a predetermined condition in the game, When the first range of the object is changed to the second range, the granting unit grants the result to the user even when the distance is within the second range.

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