Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of providing a user with an experience with higher enjoyability.SOLUTION: A game has a quest using a puzzle board including a plurality of pieces. The game is configured such that, by moving a first piece from a first position to a second position, when a positional relationship between at least one of the first piece and the second piece and a third piece satisfies a predetermined match condition, the puzzle board is updated. The third piece is a piece different from the first piece and the second piece among the pieces arranged in the puzzle board and is a piece involved with satisfying the match condition. In a display step, by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, when a special match condition is satisfied, at least before receiving second operation, visual information is displayed in a mode capable of identifying the third piece involved with satisfying the special match condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for enhancing the interest of a puzzle game.

[0003] In this puzzle game, a player character is arranged corresponding to a predetermined position at the edge of the game board. The puzzle storage on the game board includes an enemy character storage representing an enemy character. The player operates an input of a selection path so as to draw a single stroke starting from a puzzle storage or a player character at a predetermined position on the edge, and selects and erases a group of puzzle storages of the same type or regarded as the same type within the game board. When an enemy character storage is located in the middle of the selection path, an attack is made on the enemy character represented by the enemy character storage with the player character corresponding to the puzzle storage taken as the starting point or the player character taken as the starting point as the attacker.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, there is still room for improvement in the functions according to the above-known technology.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present disclosure aims to provide a technology capable of providing a more interesting experience to users.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing system is provided. The information processing system includes at least one processor, and the processor is configured to execute a program so that the following steps are performed. In the game control step, the game is advanced based on the user's operation. The game has a quest using a puzzle board including a plurality of pieces. When a first operation is input from the user, the first position where the first piece is placed on the puzzle board is configured to be identified. When a second operation is input from the user following the first operation, the second position where the second piece is placed on the puzzle board is configured to be identified, and thereby the first piece is configured to be moved from the first position to the second position. By moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, when the positional relationship between at least one of the first piece and the second piece and the third piece satisfies a predetermined match condition, the puzzle board is configured to be updated. The third piece is a piece that is different from the first piece and the second piece among the pieces placed on the puzzle board and is involved in satisfying the match condition. The match condition includes a normal match condition and a special match condition different from the normal match condition. The special match condition is configured such that when satisfied, an advantageous effect occurs in the progress of the game different from the case when the normal match condition is satisfied. In the display step, when the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, visual information is displayed in a manner that enables identification of the third piece involved in satisfying the special match condition before at least receiving the second operation.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a more interesting experience can be provided to the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

[0010] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Various characteristic matters shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0011] By the way, the program for realizing the software appearing in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable medium readable by a computer, may be provided so as to be downloadable from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is started on an external computer and its function is realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0012] In addition, in the present embodiment, the "unit" may include, for example, hardware resources implemented by a circuit in a broad sense and information processing of software that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. Also, in the present embodiment, various types of information are handled, and these information are represented, for example, by physical values of signal values representing voltage and current, the high and low of signal values as a set of binary bits composed of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculation can be executed on a circuit in a broad sense.

[0013] In addition, the circuit in a broad sense is a circuit realized by appropriately combining at least a circuit, circuitry, a processor, a memory, etc. That is, it includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable logic devices (for example, a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc.

[0014] 1. Explanation of the game FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. In the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1, an information processing apparatus 2 and a plurality of game apparatuses 3 are communicably connected to each other via a communication network 11, and a game is executed in the game apparatus 3.

[0015] The game according to this embodiment is an online game executed by the information processing system 1. In this game, the user of the game device 3 makes one or more player characters act in the virtual game space, or makes the player characters fight against enemy characters that are non-player characters. Also, a character is an example of an object.

[0016] A game as described above is executed using a game device 3 which is an electronic device such as a home game console like PlayStation (registered trademark), a portable game console like Nintendo Switch (registered trademark), or a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc.

[0017] 2. Outline of the information processing system 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 is composed of an information processing device 2 and a plurality of game devices 3. The information processing device 2 stores a game program and game data, and manages the game data (for each of the following account information) of the game device 3. The information processing device 2 is configured by, for example, a server. Each of the plurality of game devices 3 has the same configuration as each other. In this embodiment, a system is composed of one or more devices or components. Therefore, for example, the information processing device 2 or the game device 3 alone described later can also be an example of the information processing system 1.

[0018] The game device 3 executes a predetermined game based on the user's operation. For this purpose, the game device 3 receives (specifically, downloads and installs) a game program and game data from the information processing device 2 via the communication network 11. Account information including identification information and a password is assigned to each user in association with the game device 3. This account information is transmitted from the game device 3 to the information processing device 2 at the time of login and is used for user authentication in the information processing device 2.

[0019] After user authentication, mutual communication between the information processing device 2 and the game device 3 becomes possible. After logging in, when the game device 3 receives data necessary for game progress (data related to the game progress status) from the information processing device 2, it advances the game while outputting game images and sounds to the display 4a and the speaker 4b based on the user's operations.

[0020] 2.1 Hardware Configuration Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1, each hardware configuration of the information processing system 1 will be described.

[0021] <Information Processing Device 2> As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 2 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. The communication unit 21 and the storage unit 22 are electrically connected to the control unit 23 via a communication bus 20.

[0022] The communication unit 21 is a so-called network interface that is communicably connected to each game device 3 via a communication network 11 such as the Internet and a LAN. The main information received by the information processing device 2 via the communication unit 21 includes download request information for game programs, gacha lottery requests according to user operations, quest execution requests, execution / termination requests for auto-play, account information, game data, and the like. The main information transmitted by the information processing device 2 via the communication unit 21 includes information for confirming that the game device 3 has received the game program, information regarding the game media obtained in the gacha, and the like.

[0023] The storage unit 22 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like. The storage unit 22 stores various programs including a part of the game program according to this embodiment and various data related to the game.

[0024] Specifically, for example, the storage unit 22 stores a user database, a lottery list, and the like. In the user database, for each identification number of a user who plays the game, information such as the user name, user rank, status related to the player character operated by the user, the amount of consumable media available in the virtual game space, and information related to parameters is stored in association. The lottery list is used for a lottery process generally called gacha and includes a plurality of pieces of information about game media to be selected. In the lottery list, information about the game media (name, ability parameters, rarity, level, etc.) and the selection ratio by lottery are associated. The ability parameters include, for example, combat power, HP, attack power, defense power, wisdom, or speed when the game media is a player character.

[0025] The control unit 23 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and a semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the information processing apparatus 2 which is the own apparatus. In particular, the control unit 23 realizes various functions related to the information processing apparatus 2 which is the own apparatus by reading a predetermined program stored in the storage unit 22. That is, the information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically realized by the control unit 23 which is an example of hardware, so that each of the functional units described below can be executed. Note that the control unit 23 is not limited to being single, and may be implemented to have a plurality of control units 23 for each function. Or a combination thereof may also be possible.

[0026] Examples of the information processing executed by the control unit 23 include, for example, billing settlement processing, user account authentication processing, gacha lottery selection processing, and the like. The billing settlement processing is executed based on a billing request necessary to recover, for example, a predetermined amount of parameters during the game. The user account authentication processing is executed using, for example, the user identification information received from the game device 3. The gacha lottery selection processing is a process of selecting one or more game media by lottery from among the lottery lists based on the selection probability for each game media in accordance with the gacha lottery request. According to the gacha lottery selection processing, the information regarding the selected game media and the identification information of the user who performed the operation that is the transmission source of the lottery request are associated in the user DB, whereby the user is given the game media that won as a result of pulling the gacha by himself / herself.

[0027] Here, to further supplement the above, the "game media" is electronic data representing elements related to the game, and includes the name of the character used as the player character, items (weapons, armor, tools) used by the player character in the virtual game space, and the like. The user can obtain the game media by direct purchase by billing, clearing quests, or by a lottery method called gacha. The obtained game media is stored and managed in the user DB in association with the identification information of the user who has come to own the game media. Furthermore, "gacha" is a method of selecting an arbitrary game media by lottery from among the lottery lists in the information processing device 2 based on a predetermined selection ratio. The selected arbitrary game media is given to the user's game device 3. "Giving the game media selected by gacha to the user / the user owns" is synonymous with "associating / being associated with the identification information indicating the user with the game media selected in the lottery process".

[0028] <Game device 3> The game device 3 has a display 4a, a speaker 4b, and an input device 4c externally connected or built-in. The game device 3 also has a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a control unit 33, a graphic processing unit 34a, an audio processing unit 34b, and an operation unit 34c. The communication unit 31, the storage unit 32, the graphic processing unit 34a, the audio processing unit 34b, and the operation unit 34c are electrically connected to the control unit 33 via a communication bus 30.

[0029] The communication unit 31 is a so-called network interface that is communicably connected to the communication network 11 in order to transmit and receive various data between the game device 3 and the information processing device 2. The main information received by the game device 3 via the communication unit 31 includes account information, download request information for new game data, gacha execution requests, quest execution requests, and the like. The main information transmitted by the game device 3 via the communication unit 31 includes new game data sent from the information processing device 2 in response to the download request information, information regarding the game medium selected by the lottery process, and the like.

[0030] The storage unit 32 is composed of an HDD, an SSD, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The storage unit 32 stores game data downloaded from the information processing device 2, various programs including a part of the game program, account information of the game device 3 which is the own device, user information, and the like. Note that the user information is at least part of the information of the user DB stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2. The user DB manages the master of the user information, and the storage unit 32 of the game device 3 stores at least part of this master information distributed from the information processing device 2.

[0031] The control unit 33 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and a semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the game device 3 which is the own device. In particular, the control unit 33 realizes various functions related to the game device 3 which is the own device by reading a predetermined program stored in the storage unit 32. That is, the information processing by the software stored in the storage unit 32 is specifically realized by the control unit 33 which is an example of hardware, whereby each functional unit described later can be executed. Note that the control unit 33 is not limited to being single, and may be implemented to have a plurality of control units 33 for each function. Or a combination thereof may also be used. In other words, the information processing system 1 includes at least one processor, and the processor includes a program so that each step described later proceeds.

[0032] In particular, the control unit 33 is configured to execute a game according to the operation of the input device 4c by the user of the game device 3 which is the own device. Specifically, the control unit 33 reads data such as virtual game space objects and textures included in the game data from the storage unit 32, or uses the data received from the information processing device 2 to generate two-dimensional or three-dimensional game image information. When the game image information is processed by the graphic processing unit 34a, the processed game images are sequentially displayed on the display 4a. In other words, the control unit 33 is configured to perform display control of the display 4a and audio output control of the speaker 4b according to the operation of the user of the game device 3 which is the own device when executing the game.

[0033] The graphic processing unit 34a draws a game image including various objects related to characters and the virtual game space in video format according to the game image information output from the control unit 33. The graphic processing unit 34a is connected to, for example, a display 4a of the liquid crystal type, and the game image drawn in video format is displayed on the display 4a as a game screen. The audio processing unit 34b is connected to a speaker 4b, and when reproducing and synthesizing game sounds according to the instructions of the control unit 33, outputs this from the speaker 4b. The operation unit 34c is connected to an input device 4c, and transmits and receives data related to operation inputs to and from the input device 4c. The user inputs an operation signal to the game device 3 by operating the input device 4c. Note that the input device 4c is a general term for a touch panel integrated with the display 4a, an external game pad, a mouse, a keyboard, and the like.

[0034] 2.2 Functional Configuration Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 2, each functional configuration in the game device 3 of the information processing system 1 will be described.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the game device 3 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 33 functions as a game control unit 331, a reception unit 332, a specifying unit 333, an arithmetic unit 334, and a display control unit 335 by executing various programs stored in the storage unit 32. That is, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 32 is specifically realized by the control unit 33, which is an example of hardware, and thus can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 33.

[0036] The game control unit 331 is configured to control the progress of the game. That is, the game control unit 331 advances the game based on the user's operation as a game control step. Details will be described later.

[0037] The reception unit 332 is configured to receive various data. For example, the reception unit 332 receives user information, game data, input from the user, etc. from the information processing device 2, the storage unit 32, or the operation unit 34c. In the present embodiment, it is described that various information received by the reception unit 332 is stored in the storage unit 32.

[0038] The specifying unit 333 is configured to specify arbitrary information based on an input from the user. Details will be described later.

[0039] The arithmetic unit 334 is configured to execute various information processing operations related to the game device 3.

[0040] As a display step, the display control unit 335 causes various information stored in the storage unit 32 or a screen including the same to be displayed on the display 4a of the game device 3 in a visible manner. Specifically, the display control unit 335 causes visual information generated in a manner visible to humans, such as a screen, an image (e.g., a still image or a moving image), an icon, text, etc., to be displayed on the display 4a. Further, the display control unit 335 may control the game device 3 to receive rendering information for displaying visual information generated by the information processing device 2 and cause the visual information to be displayed on the display 4a. Note that the display control unit 335 may generate the visual information itself generated in a manner visible to humans, or may generate, for example, rendering information for displaying visual information and transmit this.

[0041] 3. Explanation of Various Information and Terms In this section, an example of a game provided in the information processing system 1 will be described.

[0042] The game provided in the information processing system 1 includes an out-game and an in-game.

[0043] The out-game includes obtaining and cultivating characters, decorating appearances, obtaining, purchasing, and disposing of various items, and mainly includes the element part for the user to prepare for executing the in-game.

[0044] The in-game includes the element part mainly constituting the main part of the game, such as quests and mini-games. Also, a quest, which is an example of the in-game, is cleared by satisfying the clear conditions set for the quest by advancing the game according to the user's operation. On the other hand, a quest fails to clear when the end condition is satisfied without satisfying the clear conditions.

[0045] The clear conditions are, for example, reaching a specified goal point, defeating a specific enemy character such as a boss, winning a battle between characters, etc. The end conditions are, for example, the physical strength value of the character operated by the player falling below a predetermined value and becoming unable to fight, or the elapse of a limited time or a specified number of action turns.

[0046] In one embodiment, the game has, as an in-game, a quest using a puzzle board surface PB including a plurality of pieces Pi. The puzzle board surface PB includes a plurality of squares Sq where the pieces Pi can be placed, and each piece Pi included in the puzzle board surface PB is configured to be movable based on an operation OP by the user. That is, the quest according to one embodiment is a so-called puzzle game configured to proceed by swapping the positions of the pieces Pi so as to satisfy the match condition MC.

[0047] The operation OP is an operation for moving the piece Pi included in the puzzle board surface PB, and is a click operation, a tap operation, a swipe operation (for example, an input operation by a single stroke), a selection operation, an operation combining these, etc. In one embodiment, the operation OP includes a first operation OP1 and a second operation OP2. Also, the operation OP is configured to be able to move the piece Pi, for example, in the vertical direction (an example of the first direction), the horizontal direction (an example of the second direction), and the direction at 45 degrees with respect to the vertical and horizontal directions (an example of the third direction intersecting the first and second directions) on the puzzle board surface PB.

[0048] The first operation OP1 is an operation for selecting the first piece Pi1 as the piece Pi to be moved among the pieces Pi arranged on the puzzle board surface PB. When the first operation OP1 is input, the square Sq where the first piece Pi1 is located is specified as the first position Pn1. In other words, the first position Pn1 is the position of the square Sq where the first piece Pi1 is arranged, which is specified by the input of the first operation OP1. That is, the puzzle game according to one embodiment is configured such that when the first operation OP1 is input from the user, the square Sq where the first piece Pi1 is arranged on the puzzle board surface PB is specified as the first position Pn1. Note that the first operation OP1 may be an operation for selecting the square Sq where the first piece Pi1 is located instead of selecting the first piece Pi1.

[0049] The second operation OP2 is an operation for selecting, as the second piece Pi2, a piece Pi that is arranged in a direction in which the first piece Pi1 can be moved among the pieces Pi arranged on the puzzle board surface PB. When the second operation OP2 is input following the first operation OP1, the square Sq where the second piece Pi2 is located is specified as the second position Pn2. In other words, the second position Pn2 is the position of the square Sq where the second piece Pi2 is arranged, which is specified by the input of the second operation OP2. That is, the puzzle game according to one embodiment is configured such that when the second operation OP2 is input following the first operation OP1 from the user, the square Sq where the second piece Pi2 is arranged on the puzzle board surface PB is specified as the second position Pn2. And the puzzle game is configured to move the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2 when the first position Pn1 and the second position Pn2 are specified based on the operation OP. Note that when the operation of selecting a piece Pi arranged in a direction in which the first piece Pi1 can be moved is not performed as the second operation OP2, the second position Pn2 is not specified. The second operation OP2 may be an operation of selecting the square Sq where the second piece Pi2 is located instead of selecting the second piece Pi2.

[0050] The matching condition MC is a condition for advancing a puzzle game, which is an example of a quest, and is defined by, for example, the arrangement of the pieces Pi. For example, the matching condition MC is configured to be satisfied when a plurality of pieces Pi arranged on the puzzle board PB take a predetermined arrangement. For example, the matching condition MC is configured to be satisfied when three or more pieces Pi are aligned. A puzzle game having such a matching condition MC is called a so-called match-three type puzzle game. Specifically, for example, the matching condition MC is that a predetermined number of pieces Pi of the same attribute are continuously arranged along the vertical direction (an example of the first direction D1) or the horizontal direction (an example of the second direction D2) on the puzzle board PB. In this way, a set of pieces PiG is formed as a set of pieces Pi that satisfy the matching condition MC by continuously arranging a predetermined number of pieces Pi of the same attribute. That is, the piece group PiG is a group of pieces Pi that satisfy the matching condition MC in the positional relationship of the pieces Pi as a result of the movement based on the operation OP. The matching condition MC includes a normal matching condition MC1 and a special matching condition MC2 that is different from the normal matching condition MC1.

[0051] The normal matching condition MC1 is a matching condition MC among the matching conditions MC that can be more easily satisfied than the special matching condition MC2, and is, for example, a condition that three pieces Pi are aligned.

[0052] The special match condition MC2 is a match condition among the match conditions MC that is more difficult to satisfy than the normal match condition MC1. For example, it is a condition that four or more pieces Pi are aligned. In other words, the special match condition MC2 is a match condition that includes the normal match condition MC1 as a necessary condition. That is, when a certain piece group PiG satisfies the special match condition MC2, the piece group PiG necessarily satisfies the normal match condition MC1. However, even if a certain piece group PiG satisfies the normal match condition MC1, the piece group PiG does not necessarily satisfy the special match condition MC2. Further, the special match condition MC2 is configured such that when satisfied, an advantageous effect occurs in the game progress different from the case where the normal match condition MC1 is satisfied. The details of the advantageous effect will be described later.

[0053] The clear condition in the puzzle game is to eliminate a predetermined number of specific pieces Pi or to accumulate a predetermined value of points obtained by eliminating any piece Pi. Also, an example of the end condition is the elapse of a limited time or operating the piece Pi a set number of times.

[0054] In one embodiment, the puzzle game is configured such that visual information VI is displayed as support for making it easier to satisfy the clear condition. The visual information VI is information that displays the piece Pi or the square Sq where the piece Pi is located and another piece Pi or the square Sq where the other piece Pi is located in a distinguishable manner visually, so as to identify the piece Pi involved in the match condition MC. The piece Pi involved in the match condition MC is not limited to the piece Pi that forms the piece group PiG that satisfies the match condition MC as a result of the movement based on the operation OP. For example, it may include a piece Pi other than the piece Pi that forms the piece group PiG and that is moved by the operation OP. The visual information VI includes match information VI1 and special match information VI2.

[0055] Match information VI1 is any information that can visually distinguish at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 to be selected by the operation OP from other pieces Pi in order to satisfy the match condition MC. Specifically, for example, the match information VI1 is any information that can visually distinguish the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 involved in satisfying the match condition MC from other pieces Pi.

[0056] Special match information VI2 is information that is drawn in addition to the match information VI1 when the special match condition MC2 is satisfied, and is information drawn in a manner that can identify the piece Pi involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2. Specifically, for example, the special match information VI2 is any information that can visually distinguish the square Sq where the piece Pi involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2 is located from the squares Sq where other pieces Pi are located.

[0057] 4. Flow of operations of the information processing system 1 In this section, the flow of operations of the above-described information processing system 1 will be explained.

[0058] 4.1 Outline of information processing First, an outline of the flow of the information processing method executed by the information processing system 1 will be explained. FIG. 3 is an activity diagram showing an outline of the information processing executed by the information processing system 1. The results of the processing in each activity included in the information processing described below can be output in a manner recognizable by the user using the display 4a or the like as appropriate. Note that the information processing may include any exception processing not shown. Exception processing includes interruption of the information processing and omission of each process. The selection or input performed in the information processing may be based on an operation by the user or may be automatically performed without depending on the user's operation.

[0059] First, the display control unit 335 causes the display 4a to display a top screen (not shown) that enables a user to input selections related to the game by operating. Subsequently, the reception unit 332 receives an input (e.g., click operation, tap operation, swipe operation, selection operation, etc.) by the user's operation, and the display control unit 335 causes a screen corresponding to the input to be displayed. Hereinafter, it will be described assuming that the game screen 5 (see FIGS. 4 to 7) is displayed based on the input by the user's operation.

[0060] The display control unit 335 causes the game screen 5 to be displayed based on the input by the user's operation (Activity A001). The puzzle board surface PB is drawn on the game screen 5. Thereby, the game screen 5 is configured to be able to execute a quest using the puzzle board surface PB. The puzzle board surface PB is configured such that the first piece Pi1 can be moved by inputting a first operation OP1 as an operation OP and a second operation OP2 subsequent to the first operation OP1.

[0061] First, the game control unit 331 starts receiving an operation OP that is an operation input from the user via the game screen 5 (Activity A002).

[0062] Next, the game control unit 331 initializes the elapsed time t (Activity A003) and starts counting the elapsed time t (Activity A004) as parallel processing to Activity A002. That is, the elapsed time t indicates the time elapsed since the start of receiving the operation input from the user.

[0063] Subsequently, the game control unit 331 waits until an operation OP, which is an operation input from the user, is input (Activity A005). Specifically, for example, the game control unit 331 waits until a first operation OP1 and then a second operation OP2 are input as the operation OP. In this case, the calculation unit 334 determines whether the elapsed time t counted while waiting for the input of the operation OP has exceeded the support time Ts (Activity A101). If the operation OP is input without the count of the elapsed time t exceeding the support time Ts, the process proceeds to Activity A201. If the count of the elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts, the process proceeds to Activity A102. That is, Activity A005 is an interruptible process. Hereinafter, the process of Activity A102 will be described first. The support time Ts is the time until the progress of the puzzle game is supported. For example, it is the time until visual information VI is drawn on the puzzle board PB. Specifically, for example, the support time Ts is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 seconds, and it may be within the range between any two of the numerical values exemplified here. Hereinafter, it will be described assuming that the support time Ts is set to 5 seconds.

[0064] When the count of the elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts, the calculation unit 334 determines whether there is a piece Pi arranged on the puzzle board PB that satisfies the special match condition MC2 by moving (Activity A102).

[0065] Among the pieces Pi arranged on the puzzle board PB, if there is a piece Pi that satisfies the special match condition MC2 by moving, the display control unit 335 displays the visual information VI in a manner that can identify the piece Pi involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2 (activity A103). Specifically, for example, the display control unit 335 displays match information VI1 and special match information VI2 as the visual information VI on the puzzle board PB. Thereby, the user can easily grasp the piece Pi to be moved to satisfy the special match condition MC2 by the match information VI1 and the special match information VI2. Specifically, for example, when the first piece Pi1 is moved from the square Sq specified as the first position Pn1 to the square Sq specified as the second position Pn2 to satisfy the special match condition MC2, before receiving at least the second operation OP2, the display control unit 335 may display the special match information VI2 (an example of the visual information VI) in a manner that can identify the third piece Pi3 involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2. The third piece Pi3 in this case is a piece Pi among the pieces Pi arranged on the puzzle board PB that is different from the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 and is involved in satisfying the match condition MC.

[0066] Among the pieces Pi arranged on the puzzle board PB, if there is no piece Pi that satisfies the special match condition MC2 by moving, the arithmetic unit 334 determines whether there is a piece Pi that satisfies the normal match condition MC1 by moving among the pieces Pi arranged on the puzzle board PB (activity A104). That is, the arithmetic unit 334 preferentially determines whether there is a piece Pi that satisfies the special match condition MC2 by moving among the pieces Pi arranged on the puzzle board PB, and then determines whether there is a piece Pi that satisfies the normal match condition MC1 by moving among the pieces Pi arranged on the puzzle board PB.

[0067] Among the pieces Pi arranged on the puzzle board surface PB, if there is a piece Pi that can satisfy the normal match condition MC1 by moving, the display control unit 335 displays match information VI1 as visual information VI on the puzzle board surface PB (activity A105). As a result, the user can easily grasp the piece Pi to be moved to satisfy the normal match condition MC1 based on the match information VI1. Specifically, for example, when the normal match condition MC1 is satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, the display control unit 335 displays the match information VI1 in a manner that can identify at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 involved in satisfying the normal match condition MC1, at least before receiving the second operation OP2. On the other hand, if there is no piece Pi among the pieces Pi arranged on the puzzle board surface PB that can satisfy the normal match condition MC1 by moving, the processing of the above activity A105 is omitted.

[0068] When the processing of activity A103 is executed, if there is no piece Pi among the pieces Pi arranged on the puzzle board surface PB in the processing of activity A104 that can satisfy the normal match condition MC1 by moving, or when the processing of activity A105 is executed, the processing proceeds to activity A106.

[0069] The game control unit 331 waits until an operation OP, which is an operation input from the user, is input (activity A106). Specifically, for example, the game control unit 331 waits until a second operation OP2 is input following the first operation OP1 as the operation OP. During this period, the visual information VI displayed in activity A103 or activity A105 is continuously displayed on the puzzle board surface PB. When the operation OP is input, the processing proceeds to activity A201.

[0070] Next, the case where an operation OP is input in the processing of activity A005 or activity A106 and the processing proceeds to activity A201 will be described.

[0071] When the input of the second operation OP2 follows the input of the first operation OP1, the reception unit 332 receives the inputs of the first operation OP1 and the second operation OP2 (activity A201).

[0072] Subsequently, the specifying unit 333 specifies the first position Pn1 and the second position Pn2 based on the received inputs of the first operation OP1 and the second operation OP2 (activity A202).

[0073] Furthermore, the game control unit 331 moves the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2 (activity A203). That is, summarizing the processes of activities A201 to A203, in a puzzle game which is an example of a game, when the first operation OP1 is input from the user, the first position Pn1 where the first piece Pi1 is placed on the puzzle board PB is configured to be specified. Furthermore, in the puzzle game, when the second operation OP2 is input from the user following the first operation OP1, the second position Pn2 where the second piece Pi2 is placed on the puzzle board PB is configured to be specified. And, the puzzle game is configured to move the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2 when the first position Pn1 and the second position Pn2 are specified. Note that if the match condition MC is not satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, the game control unit 331 cancels moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, and waits until an operation OP which is an operation input is input from the user again.

[0074] Next, based on the fact that the first piece Pi1 has been moved from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, the game control unit 331 deletes from the puzzle board PB a group of pieces PiG which is a set of pieces Pi that satisfy the match condition MC. The group of pieces PiG is a group of pieces Pi composed of at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 and the third piece Pi3.

[0075] The arithmetic unit 334 determines whether the satisfied match condition MC is a special match condition MC2 (Activity A205). Specifically, for example, the arithmetic unit 334 determines whether the number of pieces Pi included in the group of pieces PiG to be erased from the puzzle board PB is four or more.

[0076] When the special match condition MC2 is satisfied, that is, when the number of pieces Pi included in the group of pieces PiG to be erased from the puzzle board PB is four or more, the game control unit 331 generates a special piece PiS and arranges it on the puzzle board PB (Activity A206). The special piece PiS is a piece Pi that is different from the normal pieces Pi arranged on the puzzle board PB and has an advantageous effect in the progress of the game. Specifically, for example, when the group of pieces PiG is erased at a position adjacent to the special piece PiS, the game control unit 331, in addition to erasing the group of pieces PiG and the special piece PiS, erases the pieces Pi located at a predetermined square Sq starting from the square Sq where the special piece PiS is located.

[0077] When the satisfied match condition MC does not include the special match condition MC2 or when the process of Activity A206 is executed, the display control unit 335 displays the updated puzzle board PB (Activity A207). Specifically, for example, the puzzle board PB is updated to replenish the square Sq where the erased group of pieces PiG was located with a piece Pi. That is, the puzzle game is configured such that when the positional relationship between at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 and the third piece Pi3 satisfies a predetermined match condition MC by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, the puzzle board PB is updated. Specifically, for example, the game control unit 331 updates the puzzle board PB by replenishing a random type of piece Pi.

[0078] Then, the arithmetic unit 334 determines whether or not it meets a predetermined condition (Activity A208). The predetermined condition is either a clear condition or an end condition. If it does not meet the predetermined condition, the process returns to Activity A002, and thereby the puzzle game continues. If it meets the predetermined condition, the game control unit 331 ends the puzzle game.

[0079] Summarizing the above, the information processing method executed by the information processing system 1 includes the following steps. As a game control step, the game control unit 331 advances the game based on the user's operation OP. The game has a quest using a puzzle board PB including a plurality of pieces Pi. The game is configured such that when a first operation OP1 is input from the user, a first position Pn1 where the first piece Pi1 is placed on the puzzle board PB is specified. When a second operation OP2 is input from the user following the first operation OP1, the game is configured such that a second position Pn2 where the second piece Pi2 is placed on the puzzle board PB is specified, and thereby the first piece Pi1 is moved from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2. When the first piece Pi1 is moved from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, the game is configured such that the puzzle board PB is updated when the positional relationship between at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 and the third piece Pi3 satisfies a predetermined match condition MC. The third piece Pi3 is a piece Pi among the pieces Pi placed on the puzzle board PB that is different from the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 and is involved in satisfying the match condition MC. The match condition MC includes a normal match condition MC1 and a special match condition MC2 different from the normal match condition MC1. The special match condition MC2 is configured such that when it is satisfied, an advantageous effect occurs in the progress of the game different from the case when the normal match condition MC1 is satisfied. As a display step, when the special match condition MC2 is satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, the display control unit 335 displays the visual information VI in a manner that enables identification of the third piece Pi3 involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2, at least before accepting the second operation OP2. Further, the program according to the present embodiment causes at least one computer to execute each step of the information processing system 1. According to such an aspect, a more interesting experience can be provided to the user.

[0080] 4.2 Details of Information Processing The detailed part of the information processing described above will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0081] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of game screens 5a and 5b in which an example of visual information VI is displayed in game screen 5.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, game screens 5a and 5b have regions 501 to 503, and information regarding the quest is shown in regions 501 to 503. In region 501, the characters "1-3 Chase the Mysterious Great Buddha" are drawn as the name of the quest being executed. In region 502, the number of operations OP input by the user up to that point and the number of operations OP allowed in the quest being executed are drawn. Here, "0 / 18" is drawn, indicating that the number of operations OP input by the user up to that point is 0 and the number of operations OP allowed in the quest "1-3 Chase the Mysterious Great Buddha" being executed is 18. Further, in region 503, an illustration when piece Pi is erased and the number to be erased (for example, "32") are drawn. That is, it is determined that the clear condition of the quest is satisfied when the user erases 32 arbitrary pieces Pi within 18 inputs.

[0083] Furthermore, on game screens 5a and 5b, a puzzle board surface PB1 is drawn as a puzzle board surface PB used in a puzzle game. Puzzle board surface PB1 is composed of a plurality of square-shaped cells Sq arranged along a grid (for example, a square grid). A piece Pi is arranged in each of the plurality of cells Sq. Puzzle board surface PB1 is configured to be movable so that each piece Pi arranged in cell Sq satisfies match condition MC based on an operation OP by the user.

[0084] In addition, on the puzzle board PB1, a piece Pia, which is a piece Pi illustrated by an acorn illustration, is placed on squares Sq1, Sq31 to Sq34, Sq4, Sq61, and Sq62. Further, on squares Sq2 and Sq5 of the puzzle board PB1, a piece Pib, which is a piece Pi illustrated by a candy illustration, is placed. As an example, Table 1 summarizes illustration examples corresponding to piece Pia and piece Pib.

Table 1

[0085] On the puzzle board PB1, the square Sq adjacent to the lower side of square Sq1 is square Sq2, the square Sq adjacent to the left side of square Sq2 is square Sq31, the square Sq adjacent to the right side of square Sq2 is square Sq32, the square Sq adjacent to the lower side of square Sq2 is square Sq33, and the square Sq adjacent to the lower side of square Sq33 is square Sq34. Summarizing the positional relationship of the pieces Pi arranged on these squares Sq, the user can make piece Pia adjacent at the positions of squares Sq2 and Sq31 to 34, that is, in five squares Sq, by swapping the positions of piece Pia arranged on square Sq1 and piece Pib arranged on square Sq2. In this case, since five pieces Pia are erased, the special match condition MC2 is satisfied.

[0086] In addition, on the puzzle board PB1, the square Sq adjacent to the right of the square Sq4 is the square Sq5, the square Sq adjacent to the above of the square Sq5 is the square Sq61, and the square Sq adjacent to the below of the square Sq5 is the square Sq62. Summarizing the positional relationship of the pieces Pi arranged in these squares Sq, the user can make the piece Pia adjacent by swapping the positions of the piece Pia arranged in the square Sq4 and the piece Pib arranged in the square Sq5, at the positions of the square Sq5, the square Sq61, and the square Sq62, that is, in three squares Sq. In this case, since three pieces Pia are erased, the normal match condition MC1 is satisfied. That is, the puzzle board PB1 is configured to enable both the operation OP of moving the piece Pi to a positional relationship that satisfies the normal match condition MC1 and the operation OP of moving the piece Pi to a positional relationship that satisfies the special match condition MC2.

[0087] Also, on the puzzle board PB1, match information VI1 is drawn in a manner that enables discrimination between the piece Pia placed on the square Sq1 and the piece Pib placed on the square Sq2. Specifically, for example, the match information VI1 on the puzzle board PB1 consists of visual information in a manner of moving the piece Pia placed on the square Sq1 closer to or away from the square Sq2, and visual information in a manner of moving the piece Pib placed on the square Sq2 closer to or away from the square Sq1. In detail, the match information VI1 in Fig. 4A consists of visual information in a manner of moving the piece Pia placed on the square Sq1 closer to the square Sq2 as indicated by the arrow in the figure, and visual information in a manner of moving the piece Pib placed on the square Sq2 closer to the square Sq1. Also, the match information VI1 in Fig. 4B consists of visual information in a manner of moving the piece Pia placed on the square Sq1 away from the square Sq2 as indicated by the arrow in the figure, and visual information in a manner of moving the piece Pib placed on the square Sq2 away from the square Sq1. That is, the match information VI1 is configured to suggest to the user that the positions of the piece Pia placed on the square Sq1 and the piece Pib placed on the square Sq2 be swapped by visual information. According to such a manner, since the user can satisfy the match condition MC by swapping the piece Pi according to the match information VI1, the puzzle game can be advanced easily. That is, according to such a manner, when it takes time to input the operation OP by considering the piece Pi to be moved, the user can visually identify the piece Pi involved in satisfying the match condition MC by the match information VI1. In this case, one of the piece Pia placed on the square Sq1 and the piece Pib placed on the square Sq2 corresponds to the first piece that can be identified by the match information VI1 as the visual information VI, and the other corresponds to the second piece that can be identified by the match information VI1 as the visual information VI.

[0088] Summarizing the match information VI1 drawn on the puzzle board PB1, the display control unit 335, when moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2 to satisfy the match condition MC, or when moving the second piece Pi2 from the second position Pn2 to the first position Pn1 to satisfy the match condition MC, at least before receiving the second operation OP2, displays the match information VI1 as visual information VI in a manner that can identify at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 involved in satisfying the match condition MC.

[0089] Furthermore, on the puzzle board PB1, special match information VI2 is drawn in a manner that can distinguish the piece Pib placed on the square Sq2 from the pieces Pia placed on the squares Sq31 to Sq34. Specifically, for example, the special match information VI2 on the puzzle board PB1 is drawn such that the squares Sq2 and Sq31 to Sq34 are visually distinguishable from other squares Sq. In detail, the special match information VI2 is composed of visual information in a manner of filling the squares Sq2 and Sq31 to Sq34. According to such a manner, when considering the piece Pi to be moved and it takes time until the operation OP is input, in addition to the match information VI1, the special match information VI2 is drawn, enabling the user to visually identify the piece Pi involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2. In this case, the pieces Pia placed on the squares Sq31 to Sq34 correspond to the third piece Pi3 that can be identified by the special match information VI2 as visual information VI.

[0090] Regarding the special match information VI2 drawn on the puzzle board PB1, summarizing, when the match condition MC satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2 is the special match condition MC2, or when the special match condition MC2 is satisfied by moving the second piece Pi2 from the second position Pn2 to the first position Pn1, further, the display control unit 335 displays the special match information VI2 as visual information VI in a distinguishable manner for the third piece Pi3 involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2. According to such a mode, it becomes possible to display the visual information VI according to the satisfied match condition MC, and the user can easily grasp which match condition MC is satisfied. Also, preferably, when the special match condition MC2 is satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, or when the special match condition MC2 is satisfied by moving the second piece Pi2 from the second position Pn2 to the first position Pn1, the display control unit 335, before receiving at least the second operation OP2, in addition to the third piece Pi3 involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2, further displays the visual information VI in a distinguishable manner for the second piece Pi2 involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2. According to such a mode, before performing at least the second operation OP2, by grasping the second piece Pi2 and the third piece Pi3 involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2, the positional relationship where the special match condition MC2 is satisfied can be easily grasped visually.

[0091] On the one hand, as described above, on the puzzle board surface PB1, by swapping the positions of the piece Pia arranged on the square Sq4 and the piece Pib arranged on the square Sq5, the normal match condition MC1 can be satisfied. However, the visual information VI that enables the identification of the piece Pi arranged on the squares Sq4, Sq5, Sq61, and Sq62 is not drawn on the puzzle board surface PB1. That is, on the puzzle board surface PB1, since the match information VI1 and the special match information VI2 that enable the identification of the piece Pi satisfying the special match condition MC2 are already drawn, the visual information VI that enables the identification of the piece Pi arranged on the squares Sq4, Sq5, Sq61, and Sq62, which is different from the said piece Pi, is not drawn. In other words, regarding the visual information VI shown in FIG. 4, the display control unit 335 displays the visual information VI so as to preferentially suggest satisfying the special match condition MC2 when the puzzle board surface PB is configured to enable both the operation OP of moving the piece Pi to a positional relationship that satisfies the normal match condition MC1 and the operation OP of moving the piece Pi to a positional relationship that satisfies the special match condition MC2. According to such an aspect, it becomes possible to preferentially suggest satisfying the special match condition MC2 over satisfying the normal match condition MC1, and a more interesting experience can be provided to the user.

[0092] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of game screens 5c to 5d in which an example of the first operation OP1 and the second operation OP2 and an example of the piece group PiG are displayed. Note that the description of the configuration similar to that of the game screen 5a is omitted.

[0093] In FIG. 5A, a situation is shown where the user refers to the visual information VI and inputs an operation OP by the user via the game screen 5c. Specifically, for example, in FIG. 5A, a situation is shown where an operation OP is input so as to exchange the positions of the piece Pia arranged on the square Sq1 and the piece Pib arranged on the square Sq2 so as to satisfy the special match condition MC2. In the operation OP in this case, a first operation OP1 is performed to select the piece Pia arranged on the square Sq1 as the first piece Pi1. Subsequently to the first operation OP1, a second operation OP2 is performed which is a swipe operation starting from the position of the square Sq1 selected by the first operation OP1 and ending at the position of the square Sq2. The piece Pib arranged on the square Sq2 is selected as the second piece Pi2 by the second operation OP2. Furthermore, by inputting the first operation OP1, the square Sq where the first piece Pi1 is located is specified as the first position Pn1. By inputting the second operation OP2 subsequently to the first operation OP1, the square Sq where the second piece Pi2 is located is specified as the second position Pn2.

[0094] In FIG. 5B, a game screen 5d including the puzzle board surface PB2 in which the first piece Pi1 has moved from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2 is shown due to the input of the operation OP by the user. Specifically, for example, on the puzzle board surface PB2, the second piece Pi2 is located at the square Sq1 specified as the first position Pn1, and the first piece Pi1 is located at the square Sq2 specified as the second position Pn2. That is, at the positions of the square Sq2 and the squares Sq31 to 34, five pieces Pia are adjacent. And by the five pieces Pia being adjacent, a piece group PiG is formed as a set of pieces Pi that satisfy the special match condition MC2. Note that the piece group PiG includes the pieces Pia located at the squares Sq31 to 34 as the third piece Pi3 arranged so as to satisfy the special match condition MC2.

[0095] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of game screens 5e to 5f showing an example of a special piece PiS generated and placed on the puzzle board PB and an example of the puzzle board PB being updated. Note that the description of the configuration similar to that of game screen 5a is omitted.

[0096] In the puzzle board PB3 shown in FIG. 6A, due to the special match condition MC2 being satisfied on the puzzle board PB2, a situation is shown where the piece Pi forming the piece group PiG that satisfies the special match condition MC2 is erased. Specifically, for example, the piece Pi forming the piece group PiG placed on the squares Sq2 and Sq31 to Sq34 is erased with an effect. Further, a special piece PiS is generated by satisfying the special match condition MC2, and the generated special piece PiS is placed on the square Sq2 specified as the second position Pn2. Note that in the area 502 on the game screen 5e, "1 / 18" is described due to an operation OP being input by the user, indicating that the number of operations OP input by the user up to that point is 1. Further, in the area 503 on the game screen 5e, "25" is described due to the piece Pi being erased. That is, the user can grasp that 5 pieces Pi have been erased by one operation OP.

[0097] In the puzzle board surface PB4 shown in FIG. 6B, after the piece Pi forming the piece group PiG is erased and the special piece PiS is placed, the situation where the puzzle board surface PB is updated is shown. Specifically, for example, the existing piece Pi moves from above to below the puzzle board surface PB so that a new piece Pi is placed in the square Sq where the piece Pi forming the piece group PiG was erased, and a new replenishment piece PiR is added to the square Sq before the movement. In this way, the puzzle board surface PB is updated. Note that in FIG. 6B, the special piece PiS moves from the square Sq where it is generated and placed to the square Sq below when the puzzle board surface PB is updated, but it is not limited to this, and it may stay in the square Sq where it is generated and placed. In this case, except for the square Sq where the special piece PiS is generated and placed, the existing piece Pi moves from above to below the puzzle board surface PB so that a new piece Pi is placed in the square Sq where the piece Pi forming the piece group PiG was erased, and a new replenishment piece PiR is added to the square Sq before the movement.

[0098] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the game screens 5g and 5h in which visual information VI is displayed as a suggestion to move the piece Pi in the third direction in the game screen 5. Note that the description of the same configuration as the game screen 5a is omitted.

[0099] In the game screens 5g and 5h in FIGS. 7A and 7B, after the puzzle board surface PB is updated, a puzzle board surface PB5 where a new input of the operation OP is possible is shown. Specifically, for example, on the puzzle board surface PB5, a piece Pic which is a piece Pi shown by an illustration of a shell is placed in the squares Sq7, Sq91 and Sq92, and a piece Pid which is a piece Pi shown by an illustration of a mushroom is placed in the square Sq8. As an example, Table 2 summarizes examples of illustrations corresponding to each piece Pi.

Table 2

[0100] In the puzzle board surface PB5 in FIG. 7, the square Sq adjacent to the left of the square Sq7 is the square Sq92, the square Sq adjacent to the upper side of the square Sq92 is the square Sq8, and the square Sq adjacent to the upper side of the square Sq8 is the square Sq91. Summarizing the positional relationship of the pieces Pi arranged in these squares Sq, the user can make the piece Pic adjacent at the positions of the squares Sq8, Sq91, and Sq92, that is, in three squares Sq, by swapping the positions of the piece Pic arranged in the square Sq7 and the piece Pid arranged in the square Sq8. In this case, since three pieces Pic are erased, the normal match condition MC1 is satisfied. Also, the moving direction of the piece Pi in this case is a direction of 45 degrees with respect to the vertical and horizontal directions of the puzzle board surface PB. That is, the puzzle game is configured such that the first piece Pi1 can be moved from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2 when the first position Pn1 and the second position Pn2 are adjacent along any one of the vertical direction (an example of the first direction D1), the horizontal direction (an example of the second direction D2), and the direction of 45 degrees with respect to the vertical and horizontal directions (an example of the third direction D3 that intersects the first direction D1 and the second direction D2). According to such an aspect, in addition to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the piece Pi can be moved along the third direction D3, and a more interesting experience can be provided to the user.

[0101] Also, on the puzzle board PB5, match information VI1 is drawn in a manner that enables discrimination between the piece Pic placed on square Sq7 and the piece Pid placed on square Sq8. Specifically, for example, the match information VI1 on the puzzle board PB5 includes visual information indicating a manner of moving the piece Pic placed on square Sq7 closer to or farther from square Sq8, and visual information indicating a manner of moving the piece Pid placed on square Sq8 closer to or farther from square Sq7. More specifically, the match information VI1 in FIG. 7A includes visual information indicating a manner of moving the piece Pic placed on square Sq7 closer to square Sq8 along the third direction D3 as indicated by the arrow in the figure, and visual information indicating a manner of moving the piece Pid placed on square Sq8 closer to square Sq7. Also, the match information VI1 in FIG. 7B includes visual information indicating a manner of moving the piece Pic placed on square Sq7 away from square Sq8 along the third direction D3 as indicated by the arrow in the figure, and visual information indicating a manner of moving the piece Pid placed on square Sq8 away from square Sq7. That is, the match information VI1 is configured to suggest to the user, by visual information, to swap the positions of the piece Pic placed on square Sq7 and the piece Pid placed on square Sq8 along the third direction D3. The match information VI1, which is the visual information VI in this case, includes information indicating in which direction, among the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3, at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 should be moved in order to satisfy the match condition MC. According to such a manner, in addition to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, it becomes possible to suggest to the user the third direction D3, which is difficult for the user to notice, regarding the direction in which the piece Pi should be moved to satisfy the match condition MC, and the user can easily grasp where on the puzzle board PB the match condition MC is satisfied.

[0102] [Others] Regarding the information processing system 1 according to the foregoing embodiment, the following aspects may be adopted.

[0103] In the foregoing embodiment, in the puzzle board surface PB1 in FIG. 4, the case where the special match information VI2 is drawn in a distinguishable manner between the piece Pib arranged on the square Sq2 and the pieces Pia arranged on the squares Sq31 to Sq34 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, other examples will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0104] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of game screens 6a and 6b on which an example of the visual information VI is displayed. As shown in FIG. 8, the game screens 6a and 6b have regions 601 to 603, and the regions 601 to 603 in the game screens 6a and 6b have the same configuration as the regions 501 to 503 in the game screens 5a and 5b. In addition, the description of the same configuration as that of the game screens 5a and 5b will be omitted.

[0105] In the puzzle board surface PB6, match information VI1 is drawn in a distinguishable manner between the piece Pia arranged on the square Sq1 and the piece Pib arranged on the square Sq2. Further, in the puzzle board surface PB6, special match information VI2 is drawn in a distinguishable manner for the pieces Pia arranged on the square Sq1 and the squares Sq31 to Sq34. Specifically, for example, the special match information VI2 on the puzzle board surface PB6 is drawn such that the squares Sq1 and Sq31 to Sq34 are visually distinguishable from other squares Sq. In detail, the special match information VI2 is composed of visual information in a manner of filling the squares Sq1 and Sq31 to Sq34.

[0106] Regarding the special match information VI2 drawn on the puzzle board PB6, when summarizing, the display control unit 335, when moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2 to satisfy the special match condition MC2, or when moving the second piece Pi2 from the second position Pn2 to the first position Pn1 to satisfy the special match condition MC2, before accepting the first operation OP1, in addition to the third piece Pi3 involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2, the visual information VI may be displayed in a manner that can identify the first piece Pi1 involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2. According to such a manner, at least before performing the first operation OP1, by grasping the first piece Pi1 and the third piece Pi3 involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2, it is possible to simultaneously grasp both the piece Pi to be moved to satisfy the special match condition MC2 and the positional relationship that can satisfy the special match condition MC2.

[0107] In the above-described embodiment, the match information VI1 and the special match information VI2, which are the visual information VI, were described by taking as an example the case where they are displayed when the count of the elapsed time t waiting for the input of the operation OP exceeds the support time Ts. However, it is not limited to this. For example, when the normal match condition MC1 is satisfied, the match information VI1 may be displayed when the count of the elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts. When the special match condition MC2 is satisfied, first the match information VI1 may be displayed when the count of the elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts, and then the special match information VI2 may be displayed after a further predetermined time has elapsed. Or for example, when the normal match condition MC1 is satisfied, the match information VI1 may be displayed when the count of the elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts. When the special match condition MC2 is satisfied, the match information VI1 may be displayed before the count of the elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts, and then the special match information VI2 may be displayed when the count of the elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts.

[0108] When displaying the above-mentioned match information VI1, when the puzzle board PB can perform both an operation OP that can move the piece Pi to a positional relationship that satisfies the match condition MC by moving the piece Pi in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2, and an operation OP that can move the piece Pi to a positional relationship that satisfies the match condition MC by moving the piece Pi in the third direction D3, the match information VI1 may be displayed based on a preset priority.

[0109] For example, the match information VI1 may be preferentially displayed compared to the match information VI1 that suggests moving the piece Pi in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2, which suggests moving the piece Pi in the third direction D3. According to such an aspect, regarding the direction in which the piece Pi is moved to satisfy the match condition MC, the user can preferentially grasp the third direction D3, which is less noticeable to the user compared to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and the proficiency of the user in the game can be improved.

[0110] Or for example, the match information VI1 may be preferentially displayed compared to the match information VI1 that suggests moving the piece Pi in the third direction D3, which suggests moving the piece Pi in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. According to such an aspect, regarding the direction in which the piece Pi is moved to satisfy the match condition MC, the user can preferentially grasp the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, which are more noticeable compared to the third direction D3, and the user can easily progress the game.

[0111] Furthermore, for example, the priority for displaying the match information VI1 may be determined based on the user's play history. For example, in the play history, when the operation OP of moving the piece Pi in the third direction D3 has not been input or has not been input more than a predetermined number of times, the match information VI1 suggesting moving the piece Pi in the third direction D3 is preferentially displayed compared to the match information VI1 suggesting moving the piece Pi in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. In this way, regarding the direction in which the piece Pi needs to be moved to satisfy the match condition MC, the user can preferentially grasp the third direction D3, which is less noticeable to the user compared to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and the proficiency of the user in the game can be improved.

[0112] Or for example, in the play history, when the operation OP of moving the piece Pi in the third direction D3 has not been input or has not been input more than a predetermined number of times, the match information VI1 suggesting moving the piece Pi in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 is preferentially displayed compared to the match information VI1 suggesting moving the piece Pi in the third direction D3. In this way, regarding the direction in which the piece Pi needs to be moved to satisfy the match condition MC, the user can preferentially grasp the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, which are more noticeable compared to the third direction D3, and the user can easily progress the game. Note that in the play history, when the operation OP of moving the piece Pi in the third direction D3 has been input more than a predetermined number of times, there may be no need to set a difference between the priority for displaying the match information VI1 suggesting moving the piece Pi in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 and the priority for displaying the match information VI1 suggesting moving the piece Pi in the third direction D3.

[0113] In the foregoing embodiment, as an example of the special match information VI2, the case where the square Sq where the piece Pi involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2 is located is filled in so that the user can visually identify the piece Pi has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the special match information VI2 may be visual information in a mode that emphasizes the frame of the square Sq where the piece Pi is located, or may be visual information in a mode that emphasizes the piece Pi itself.

[0114] In the foregoing embodiment, the case where the visual information VI is continuously displayed on the puzzle board PB has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after the visual information VI is displayed, the state of displaying the visual information VI and the state of not displaying the visual information VI may be repeated at a predetermined frequency, or the visual information VI may be not displayed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the visual information VI was displayed.

[0115] In the foregoing embodiment, the advantageous effect has been described by taking the case where the special piece PiS is generated and arranged on the puzzle board PB as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be an effect, a right, or the like for improving the user's interest in the virtual space as compared with the normal time. For example, the advantageous effect may be an effect for improving the interest in the virtual space through the user's five senses, such as displaying a special visual effect on the display 4a, enriching the display of the image, generating a special BGM or sound effect, and applying vibration to the input device 4c. Further, for example, the right may be an advantageous right in the real space, such as the right to apply for a predetermined lottery or the like, the right to enable the execution of a predetermined lottery or the like, the right of prior reservation, and the right of special discount.

[0116] In the foregoing embodiment, the case where the puzzle board surface PB includes a plurality of rectangular squares Sq and is configured in a shape similar to a go board was described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The shape of the square Sq only needs to allow the placement of the piece Pi. For example, it may be a polygon (triangle, trapezoid, hexagon, etc.), a circle, an ellipse, or the like. Further, the puzzle board surface PB only needs to be capable of satisfying the matching condition MC by moving the piece Pi placed on the square Sq, and may be configured by combining a plurality of squares Sq of polygons (triangle, trapezoid, hexagon, etc.), circles, ellipses, or the like. Also, the outer shape of the puzzle board surface PB is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a rectangle, a circle, a concave and convex shape, or the like.

[0117] At least one of the devices included in the information processing system 1 may be installed outside Japan. For example, the information processing device 2 may be installed outside Japan, and a user in Japan may access the information processing device 2 using their own game device 3. Alternatively, the information processing device 2 may be installed in Japan, and a user outside Japan may access the information processing device 2 using their own game device 3. According to such an aspect, a more interesting experience can be provided to the user under various management forms.

[0118] In the present embodiment, the game control unit 331, the reception unit 332, the specifying unit 333, the arithmetic unit 334, and the display control unit 335 are described as functional units realized by the control unit 33 of the game device 3. However, at least a part of these may be implemented as functional units realized by the control unit 23 of the information processing device 2. Furthermore, various information described in the above example may be stored not only in the storage unit 32 of the game device 3 but also distributedly stored in other external devices. In such a case, distributed ledger management based on blockchain or the like may be performed.

[0119] Furthermore, it may be provided in each of the aspects described below.

[0120] (1) An information processing system comprising at least one processor, the processor being configured to execute a program such that the following steps proceed. In a game control step, a game is advanced based on a user's operation. Here, the game has a quest using a puzzle board including a plurality of pieces. When a first operation is input from the user, the system is configured to identify a first position on the puzzle board where a first piece is placed. When a second operation is input from the user following the first operation, the system is configured to identify a second position on the puzzle board where a second piece is placed, thereby configuring the first piece to move from the first position to the second position. By moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, when the positional relationship between at least one of the first piece and the second piece and a third piece satisfies a predetermined match condition, the puzzle board is configured to be updated. The third piece is a piece among the pieces placed on the puzzle board that is different from the first piece and the second piece and is involved in satisfying the match condition. The match condition includes a normal match condition and a special match condition different from the normal match condition. The special match condition is configured such that when satisfied, an advantageous effect occurs in the progress of the game that is different from when the normal match condition is satisfied. In a display step, when the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, visual information is displayed in a manner that enables identification of the third piece involved in satisfying the special match condition, at least before receiving the second operation.

[0121] According to such an aspect, a more interesting experience can be provided to the user.

[0122] (2) In the information processing system according to (1) above, in the display step, when the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, before receiving at least the second operation, further, in a manner capable of identifying the second piece involved in satisfying the special match condition, the visual information is displayed.

[0123] According to such an aspect, by grasping the second piece and the third piece involved in satisfying the special match condition before performing at least the second operation, the positional relationship in which the special match condition is satisfied can be easily grasped visually.

[0124] (3) In the information processing system according to (1) or (2) above, in the display step, when the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, before receiving the first operation, further, in a manner capable of identifying the first piece involved in satisfying the special match condition, the visual information is displayed.

[0125] According to such an aspect, by grasping the first piece and the third piece involved in satisfying the special match condition before performing at least the first operation, both the piece to be moved to satisfy the special match condition and the positional relationship that can satisfy the special match condition can be grasped simultaneously.

[0126] (4) In the information processing system according to any one of (1) to (3) above, in the display step, when the puzzle board surface is configured to be capable of both an operation of moving the piece to a positional relationship that satisfies the normal match condition and an operation of moving the piece to a positional relationship that satisfies the special match condition, the visual information is displayed so as to preferentially suggest satisfying the special match condition.

[0127] According to such an aspect, it becomes possible to preferentially suggest satisfying a special match condition over satisfying a normal match condition, and a more interesting experience can be provided to the user.

[0128] (5) In the information processing system according to any one of (1) to (4) above, in the display step, at least before receiving the second operation, when the match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, the visual information is displayed in a manner capable of identifying at least one of the first piece and the second piece involved in satisfying the match condition, and when the match condition satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position is the special match condition, further, the visual information is displayed in a manner capable of identifying the third piece involved in satisfying the special match condition. System.

[0129] According to such an aspect, it becomes possible to display visual information according to the match condition to be satisfied, and the user can easily grasp which match condition is satisfied.

[0130] (6) In the information processing system according to any one of (1) to (5) above, the match condition is that a predetermined number of pieces of the same attribute are continuously arranged along a first direction or a second direction on the puzzle board surface, and the game is configured such that the first piece can be moved from the first position to the second position when the first position and the second position are adjacent along any one of the first direction, the second direction, and a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. System.

[0131] According to such an aspect, in addition to the first direction and the second direction, it becomes possible to move pieces along the third direction, and a more interesting experience can be provided to the user.

[0132] (7) In the information processing system according to (6) above, the visual information includes information suggesting in which direction at least one of the first piece and the second piece should be moved in any of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction in order to satisfy the matching condition.

[0133] According to such an aspect, it becomes possible to suggest to the user the direction in which the piece should be moved to satisfy the matching condition not only in the first direction and the second direction but also in the third direction that is difficult for the user to notice, and the user can easily grasp where on the puzzle board the matching condition is satisfied.

[0134] (8) An information processing method including each step of the information processing system according to any one of (1) to (7) above.

[0135] According to such an aspect, it is possible to provide a more interesting experience to the user.

[0136] (9) A program that causes at least one computer to execute each step of the information processing system according to any one of (1) to (7) above.

[0137] According to such an aspect, it is possible to provide a more interesting experience to the user. Of course, this is not the limit.

[0138] Finally, although various embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the disclosure. Such embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the disclosure and are also included in the disclosure described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0139] 1: Information Processing System 11: Communication Network 2: Information Processing Device 20: Communication Bus 21: Communication Unit 22: Memory Unit 23: Control Unit 3: Game Device 30: Communication Bus 31: Communication Unit 32: Memory Unit 33: Control Unit 331: Game Control Unit 332: Reception Unit 333: Identification Unit 334: Arithmetic Unit 335: Display Control Unit 34a: Graphics Processing Unit 34b: Audio Processing Unit 34c: Operation Unit 4a: Display 4b: Speaker 4c: Input Device 5: Game Screen 5a: Game Screen 5b: Game Screen 5c: Game Screen 5d: Game Screen 5e: Game Screen 5f: Game Screen 5g: Game Screen 5h: Game Screen 501: Area 502: Area 503: Area 6: Game Screen 6a: Game Screen 6b: Game Screen 601: Area 602: Area 603: Area D1: First Direction D2: Second Direction D3: Third Direction MC: Match Condition MC1: Normal Match Condition MC2: Special match condition OP: Operation OP1: First operation OP2: Second operation PB: Puzzle board PB1: Puzzle board PB2: Puzzle board PB3: Puzzle board PB4: Puzzle board PB5: Puzzle board PB6: Puzzle board Pi: Piece Pi1: First piece Pi2: Second piece Pi3: Third piece PiG: Piece group PiR: Supplementary piece PiS: Special piece Pia: Piece Pib: Piece Pic: Piece Pid: Piece Pn1: First position Pn2: Second position Sq: Square Sq1: Square Sq2: Square Sq31: Square Sq32: Square Sq33: Square Sq34: Square Sq4: Square Sq5: Square Sq61: Square Sq62: Square Sq7: Square Sq8: Square Sq91: Square Sq92: Square t: Elapsed time Ts: Support time VI: Visual information VI1: Match information VI2: Special match information

Claims

1. An information processing system, comprising at least one processor configured to execute a program such that the following steps are performed, In a game control step, the game is advanced based on a user operation, where the game has a quest using a puzzle board including a plurality of pieces, is configured such that when a first operation is input from the user, a first position where a first piece is placed on the puzzle board is identified, is configured such that when a second operation is input from the user following the first operation, a second position where a second piece is placed on the puzzle board is identified, thereby configuring the first piece to move from the first position to the second position, By moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, when the positional relationship between at least one of the first piece and the second piece and a third piece satisfies a predetermined match condition, the puzzle board is configured to be updated, The third piece is a piece among the pieces placed on the puzzle board that is different from the first piece and the second piece and is involved in satisfying the match condition, The match condition includes a normal match condition and a special match condition different from the normal match condition, The special match condition is configured such that when satisfied, an advantageous effect occurs in the progress of the game different from when the normal match condition is satisfied, In a display step, when the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, visual information is displayed in a manner that enables identification of the third piece involved in satisfying the special match condition, at least before receiving the second operation. A system.

2. In the information processing system according to claim 1, In the display step, when the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, visual information is further displayed in a manner that enables identification of the second piece involved in satisfying the special match condition, at least before receiving the second operation. A system.

3. In the information processing system according to claim 1, In the display step, when the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, before accepting the first operation, further, the visual information is displayed in a manner that enables identification of the first piece involved in satisfying the special match condition. A system.

4. In the information processing system according to claim 1, In the display step, when the puzzle board surface is configured to enable both an operation of moving the piece to a positional relationship that satisfies the normal match condition and an operation of moving the piece to a positional relationship that satisfies the special match condition, the visual information is displayed so as to preferentially suggest satisfying the special match condition. A system.

5. In the information processing system according to claim 1, In the display step, at least before accepting the second operation, when the match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, the visual information is displayed in a manner that enables identification of at least one of the first piece and the second piece involved in satisfying the match condition, when the match condition satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position is the special match condition, further, the visual information is displayed in a manner that enables identification of the third piece involved in satisfying the special match condition. A system.

6. In the information processing system according to claim 1, the match condition is that a predetermined number of pieces of the same attribute are continuously arranged along the first direction or the second direction on the puzzle board surface, the game is configured such that when the first position and the second position are adjacent along any one of the first direction, the second direction, and a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction, the first piece can be moved from the first position to the second position. A system.

7. In the information processing system according to claim 6, the visual information includes information indicating in which direction among the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction to move at least one of the first piece and the second piece in order to satisfy the match condition. A system.

8. An information processing method, A method comprising each step of the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. **Claim 9** A program, which causes at least one computer to execute each step of the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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