Information processing method, information processing system, and program

Abstract

To provide a better technology on an information processing method, an information processing system, and a program.SOLUTION: A second object associated with a second user is arranged in a first virtual space associated with a first user. First suggestion information indicating that the second user can be selected as an execution target of a first event is displayed in association with a second object. A selection operation for the second user is received as the execution target of the first event by the first user in the first virtual space. Second generation information is acquired for generating a second event associated with the first event in the first virtual space for the first user by the second user. Second generation information is generated for generating the second event associated with the first event by the first user for the selected second user according to the selection operation by the first user, and settings are performed for making the selection of the second user as the execution target of the first event impossible.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing method for promoting communication between users by allowing a user to execute an event (placement of a message mark) in the virtual space of another user.

[0003] In this information processing method, the user promotes communication by visiting the respective virtual spaces of a plurality of users.

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 above technology.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present disclosure aims to provide, for example, a more excellent technology.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method executed by an information processing system is provided. This information processing method includes the following steps. In the space control step, at least one of a second object associated with a second user and a third object associated with a third user is arranged in a first virtual space associated with a first user. The second user is a user for whom selection as an execution target of a first event is set to be possible, and the third user is a user for whom selection as an execution target of the first event is set to be impossible. Information regarding the progress of the game of the second user is displayed in association with the second object, and information regarding the progress of the game of the third user is displayed in association with the third object. First suggestion information indicating that the second user can be selected as an execution target of the first event is displayed in association with the second object, or second suggestion information indicating that the third user cannot be selected as an execution target of the first event is displayed in association with the third object. In the reception step, in the first virtual space, a selection operation of the second user as an execution target of the first event by the first user is received. In the acquisition step, second generation information for generating a second event associated with the first event by the second user for the first user in the first virtual space is acquired. In the event control step, in response to the selection operation by the first user, second generation information for generating a second event associated with the first event by the first user for the selected second user is generated, and the selection of the second user as an execution target of the first event is set to be impossible. The second event associated with the first event by the first user occurs in a second virtual space associated with the second user. Based on the acquired second generation information, the second event associated with the first event by the second user is caused to occur in the first virtual space for the first user.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, better technology can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[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] Incidentally, 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 to realize its function on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0012] Also, in this embodiment, the “section” may include, for example, a combination of 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 this embodiment, various information is 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, a 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. Description 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 user terminals 3 (a first user terminal 3a, a second user terminal 3b, etc.) are communicably connected to each other via a communication network 11, and a game is executed on the user terminal 3. That is, the information processing system 1 consists of at least one device.

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

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

[0017] 2. Overview of the Information Processing System 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 is composed of an information processing apparatus 2 and a plurality of user terminals 3. The information processing apparatus 2 stores a game program and game data, and manages the game data (for each of the following account information) of the user terminals 3. The information processing apparatus 2 is constituted by, for example, a server. Each of the plurality of user terminals 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, even a single information processing apparatus 2 or user terminal 3 described later can be an example of the information processing system 1.

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

[0019] After user authentication, mutual communication between the information processing apparatus 2 and the user terminal 3 becomes possible. After login, when the user terminal 3 receives data necessary for game progress (data related to the game progress status) from the information processing apparatus 2, the user terminal 3 outputs a game image and sound to the display 4a and the speaker 4b based on the operation of the user and advances the game.

[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 Apparatus 2> As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 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 user terminal 3 via a communication network 11 such as the Internet and a LAN. The main information received by the information processing apparatus 2 via the communication unit 21 includes download request information for a game program, a gacha lottery request according to a user's operation, a quest execution request, an auto-play execution / end request, account information, game data, and the like. The main information transmitted by the information processing apparatus 2 via the communication unit 21 includes information for confirming that the user terminal 3 has received the game program, information regarding the game medium 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 the present embodiment, various data related to the game, and the like.

[0024] Specifically, for example, the storage unit 22 stores a user DB, a lottery list, and the like. In the user DB, for each identification number of a user who plays the game, information such as a user name, a user rank, status information regarding the player character operated by the user, the amount of consumable media available in the virtual game space, and information regarding 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 regarding the game media to be selected. In the lottery list, information regarding the game media (name, ability parameters, rarity, level, etc.) and the selection ratio by the 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, whereby each of the functional units described later 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 be used.

[0026] Examples of the information processing executed by the control unit 23 include a billing settlement process, a user account authentication process, a gacha lottery selection process, and the like. The billing settlement process is executed based on a billing request necessary for, for example, restoring parameters during a game by a predetermined amount. The user account authentication process is executed using, for example, the identification information of the user received from the user terminal 3. The gacha lottery selection process is a process of selecting one or more game media by lottery from a lottery list based on the selection probability for each game medium in accordance with a gacha lottery request. According to the gacha lottery selection process, information regarding the selected game medium 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 medium that won as a result of the user's own gacha draw.

[0027] Here, to further supplement the above, the "game medium" refers to electronic data representing elements related to the game, including the name of the character used as the player character, items (weapons, armor, tools, etc.) used by the player character within the virtual game space, and the like. A user can obtain the game medium through direct purchase by charging, clearing quests, or by a lottery method called gacha. The obtained game medium is associated with the identification information of the user who has come to own the game medium and is stored and managed in the user DB. Furthermore, "gacha" is a method in the information processing device 2 of randomly selecting an arbitrary game medium from a lottery list based on a predetermined selection ratio. The randomly selected arbitrary game medium is given to the user's user terminal 3. "Granting the game medium selected by gacha to the user / the user owning it" is synonymous with "associating / being associated with the identification information indicating the user for the game medium selected in the lottery process."

[0028] <User terminal 3> External connections or built - ins of a display 4a, a speaker 4b, and an input device 4c are provided to the user terminal 3. Also, the user terminal 3 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 user terminal 3 and the information processing device 2. The main information received by the user terminal 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 user terminal 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, etc. 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 user terminal 3 which is the own device, user information, etc. 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 user terminal 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 user terminal 3 which is the own device. In particular, the control unit 33 realizes various functions related to the user terminal 3 which is the own device by reading a predetermined program stored in the storage unit 32. That is, the information processing by software stored in the storage unit 32 is specifically realized by the control unit 33 which is an example of hardware, so that each of the functional units 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 possible.

[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 user terminal 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 image is 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 user terminal 3 which is the own device during the execution of the game.

[0033] The graphic processing unit 34a draws a game image including characters and various objects related to 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 a display 4a which is, for example, 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 it reproduces and synthesizes game sounds according to the instructions of the control unit 33, it outputs them 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 user terminal 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 FIGS. 2 and 3, each functional configuration in the information processing apparatus 2 and the user terminal 3 of the information processing system 1 will be described.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 23 (processor) includes an acquisition unit 231 and a management unit 232 by executing various programs 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, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 23.

[0036] The acquisition unit 231 is configured to acquire various information and inputs as an acquisition step. For example, the acquisition unit 231 acquires information such as user information and inputs from the user from the storage unit 22 of the information processing apparatus 2, or acquires them from the user terminal 3 or another external device via the communication network 11. In the present embodiment, it is described that various information received by the acquisition unit 231 is stored in the storage unit 22. Therefore, the acquisition unit 231 acquires the game status (game play history, progress, owned items, etc.) of each of a plurality of users from the user terminal 3 and accumulates it in the storage unit 22 as data.

[0037] The management unit 232 is configured to manage the occurrence, results, etc. of various events in the virtual spaces of each of a plurality of users. For example, the management unit 232 transfers generation information (information for generating an event for another user) generated by the first user on the first user terminal 3a to the second user terminal 3b of the target second user. In addition, the management unit 232 executes processes such as a lottery based on an event and notifies the user terminal 3 of the processing result of the event.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the user terminal 3 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 33 (processor) includes an acquisition unit 331, a game progress unit 332, a space control unit 333, a reception unit 334, an event control unit 335, and a display processing unit 336 by executing various programs stored in the storage unit 32. That is, the 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 can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 33.

[0039] The acquisition unit 331 is configured to acquire various information and inputs as an acquisition step. For example, the acquisition unit 331 acquires information such as user information from the storage unit 22 of the user terminal 3, or from the storage unit 32 of the information processing apparatus 2 or another external device via the communication network 11. In the present embodiment, it is described that various information received by the acquisition unit 331 is stored in the storage unit 32.

[0040] The game progress unit 332 is configured to control the progress of the game on the user terminal 3 based on the user's operations and the like.

[0041] The space control unit 333 is configured to control the virtual space associated with the game on the user terminal 3 as a space control step.

[0042] The reception unit 334 is configured to receive the user's operations and the like in the virtual space by the operation unit 34c as a reception step.

[0043] The event control unit 335 controls the occurrence of events and the like in the virtual space as an event control step.

[0044] The display processing unit 336 causes the display 4a of the user terminal 3 to display various information stored in the storage unit 22 or the storage unit 32 or a screen including these in a visible manner as a display processing step. Specifically, the display processing unit 336 may generate visual information itself generated in a manner visible to humans, such as a screen, an image (for example, a still image or a moving image), an icon, text, etc., and cause the display 4a to display it, or may receive the visual information generated by the information processing apparatus 2 via the communication network 11 and control the display 4a to display it.

[0045] 3. Explanation of Various Information and Terms In this section, various information and terms handled by the information processing system 1 will be explained.

[0046] <Virtual Space> The virtual space is a two - dimensional or three - dimensional virtual space prepared for each user who plays the game. In the virtual space, there are character objects associated with other users (that is, avatars representing other users playing the same game, etc.), character objects not associated with other users (so - called mob characters), buildings, interiors, exteriors, decorative objects for decorating the virtual space such as accessories, etc. The arrangement, removal, change, etc. of the decorative objects may be arbitrarily set by the user.

[0047] In the virtual space, various events can occur. The virtual space and the events associated with the virtual space mainly constitute the out - of - game part in the game. The out - of - game part includes elements for promoting communication between users. The out - of - game part is configured as a sub - part with respect to the in - game part, which is the main part of the game such as quests to be described later. The out - of - game part may proceed in parallel with the in - game part, or may proceed independently of the in - game part, such as in cases where items can be obtained by charging, etc. The user can prepare for proceeding with the in - game part in the out - of - game part, can enjoy the in - game part more by means of the out - of - game part, or can discover a different kind of fun in the out - of - game part. In the present embodiment, the out - of - game part proceeds using game results such as the progress degree, score, reward, etc. in the in - game part. The information processing system 1 may change the size of the virtual space, the types and numbers of available decorative objects, the upper limit value of the arrangement of character objects, etc. according to the progress of the user's game. Also, the user may be able to access the virtual spaces of other users other than themselves.

[0048] <Item> Items include game items that are necessary for the progress of the game or that exhibit advantageous effects when used in the game, virtual - space items that can be used in the user's virtual space, in - game currency for purchasing or lottery - drawing game media (items, characters, etc.).

[0049] <Other users> The user can associate other users (specifically, user IDs) registered as users of the same application with themselves (for example, register as "friends") through operations within the application. The association of users is executed, for example, by one user making an association application to another user and the other user approving the application. Also, one user may unilaterally associate the other user (for example, "follow") without obtaining the approval of the other user, or the association (for example, "mutual follow") may be established by one user and the other user following each other. In this way, the association between users is registered based on a one-sided or two-sided relationship. Actions that the user can perform within the application include those that can be executed only on other associated users (that is, those that cannot be executed on other unassociated users). Also, the user can disclose their user information (such as game progress) to other associated users.

[0050] 4. Outline of information processing In this section, the outline of the information processing method executed by the information processing system 1 will be described.

[0051] <Activity diagram> FIG. 4 is an activity diagram showing the 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 to 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 the user's operation or may be automatically performed without depending on the user's operation.

[0052] First, the user executes an application for playing a game on the user terminal 3 via the communication unit 31 and the communication network 11 (Activity A101). The user who has executed the application is requested by the information processing apparatus 2 to log in to the service (game) provided by the application. The user inputs a user ID associated with the application and a password corresponding to the user ID in order to log in to the service provided by the application (Activity A102).

[0053] The user ID is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 2 together with the password upon a predetermined input to the screen of the user's application. The information processing apparatus 2 receives the user ID from the user terminal 3 and authenticates the received user ID by the control unit 23 (Activity A103). Specifically, the control unit 23 performs a collation process between the information input to the user terminal 3 and a database that manages combinations of user IDs and passwords stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing apparatus 2.

[0054] In Activity A103, when the combination of the input user ID and password is authenticated, the user can log in to the service of the application using the user ID. That is, the screen displayed on the display 4a transitions to the screen after logging in to the application (for example, the menu screen IM1 described later). In addition, the acquisition unit 331 of the user terminal 3 acquires the user information of the user from the information processing apparatus 2 after the user logs in. The user information may include the user's game status (game play history, progress, owned items, etc.) and information about the user associated with the user.

[0055] After user authentication, the user selects game progress (game play) or movement to the virtual space from the menu of the application displayed on the user terminal 3 (Activity A104). When game progress is selected, a screen for executing the game on the user terminal 3 (for example, the game screen IM2 described later) is displayed, and the game is progressed by the game progress unit 332 of the user terminal 3 (Activity A105).

[0056] In this embodiment, regardless of the type of game provided by the application, for example, it may be any of a puzzle game, an action game, a music game (rhythm game), an RPG, etc. Further, the form of the game is not limited to this and is arbitrary. It may be a single-player game or a multi-player game, a cooperative game or a competitive game, and may be an online game or an offline game. Furthermore, the game may be configured to be divided into, for example, a plurality of chapters and proceed by the user achieving the clear conditions set for each chapter.

[0057] As the game progresses, the acquisition unit 231 of the information processing apparatus 2 acquires the user's game situation and stores it in the storage unit 22 etc. (Activity A106). The acquisition of the game situation is performed, for example, when the clear condition of one chapter is achieved and the user moves to the next chapter.

[0058] When the game reaches a certain division point, the user selects at the user terminal 3 whether to continue the progress of the game or move to the virtual space (Activity A107). When the continuation of the game is selected, the process returns to Activity A105 and the game continues at the user terminal 3.

[0059] In Activity A104 or Activity A107, when the movement to the virtual space is selected, a virtual space (for example, the virtual space display screen IM4 described later) is displayed on the user terminal 3, and the virtual space is controlled by the space control unit 333 of the user terminal 3 (Activity A108). When the user performs an operation input on the virtual space displayed on the user terminal 3, an event or the like corresponding thereto occurs in the virtual space. Specifically, the space control unit 333 of the user terminal 3 determines whether the operation input causes an event or causes the user to leave the virtual space (ends the display of the virtual space) (Activity A109). In Activity A109, if the operation input causes an event, the space control unit 333 of the user terminal 3 causes an event to occur in the virtual space and transmits related information (event data) to the information processing device 2. The event data is acquired by the acquisition unit 231 of the information processing device 2, and the management unit 232 of the information processing device 2 manages the event data (Activity A110). For example, the management unit 232 transmits information such as the occurrence information of the event and the result of the event to the user terminal 3. The space control unit 333 of the user terminal 3 further executes control such as the occurrence of an event in the virtual space and the display of the event result based on the information sent from the management unit 232 of the information processing device 2.

[0060] In Activity A109, if the operation input causes the user to leave the virtual space, the space control unit 333 of the user terminal 3 stops controlling the virtual space. After leaving the virtual space (or simultaneously with leaving the virtual space), the user selects whether to proceed with the game or terminate the application on the user terminal 3 (Activity A111). If the selection is to proceed with the game, the process returns to Activity A105, and the game is proceeded on the user terminal 3.

[0061] <Sequence Diagram> Next, the processing details (control of the virtual space) in activities A108, A109, and A110 of the activity diagram in FIG. 4 will be described in detail using a sequence diagram. FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are sequence diagrams showing the outline of the information processing executed by the information processing system 1. The results of the processing in each sequence included in the information processing described below can be output in a manner recognizable to the user using the display 4a or the like as appropriate. Note that the information processing may include any exception processing not shown. The 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 the user's operation or may be automatically performed without depending on the user's operation.

[0062] Note that the "second user" and "third user" in the information processing are users other than the first user among the users of the application that realizes the information processing. Further, the second user is a user for whom selection as an execution target of the first event described later is set to be possible, and the third user is a user for whom selection as an execution target of the first event is set to be impossible. That is, the second user and the third user are distinguished from users other than the first user by an attribute (possibility of selection as an execution target of an event). Typically, the third user is a user for whom the first user has already executed the first event. Also, there may be a plurality of second users and third users respectively. Note that the "attribute" of users other than the first user is a relative attribute with respect to the first user and is information stored for each first user.

[0063] For the first user, whether another user corresponds to the second user or the third user is determined by the space control unit 333 based on the information of the other user received from the information processing apparatus 2 at the time of generation of the first virtual space (at the time of screen transition).

[0064] In the information processing, the "first user terminal 3a" is the terminal on which the first user executes the application, and the "second user terminal 3b" is the terminal on which the second user executes the application. Also, the "first virtual space" in the information processing is a virtual space associated with the first user (that is, a virtual space unique to the first user generated based on the user information of the first user), and the "second virtual space" is a virtual space associated with the second user (that is, a virtual space unique to the second user generated based on the user information of the second user).

[0065] In the control process of the virtual space, first, the first user inputs an operation for moving to the virtual space (display of the virtual space) on the first user terminal 3a. Along with this, as shown in FIG. 5, the space control unit 333 starts generating the first virtual space based on the terrain data of the virtual space, data such as characters and decorative objects to be arranged in the virtual space (step S101). Also, the space control unit 333 requests the information processing apparatus 2 to provide information of other users (the second user and the third user) (step S102). The management unit 232 of the information processing apparatus 2 receives the request from the first user terminal 3a and transmits the information of other users to the first user terminal 3a (step S103). As a space control step, the space control unit 333 arranges at least one of the second object associated with the second user and the third object associated with the third user in the first virtual space based on the information of other users (step S104). The information of other users may be acquired in advance by the space control unit 333 at an arbitrary timing before the movement to the virtual space is instructed. After arranging the objects, the display processing unit 336 causes an image showing the generated first virtual space to be displayed on the display 4a.

[0066] The second object and the third object are each characters (avatars) representing the avatars of the second user and the third user. The second object and the third object each have, for example, an appearance (type of character, and equipment such as clothing and accessories) set by the second user or the third user. Further, the space control unit 333 may arrange, in the first virtual space, a fourth object that is not associated with a specific user (that is, a non-player character: mob character) in addition to the second object and the third object.

[0067] Note that depending on the environment such as the progress of the game of the first user and the event occurrence situation in the first virtual space, the third object may not be arranged in the first virtual space (for example, a state where only the second object and the fourth object are arranged as character objects), or the second object may not be arranged in the first virtual space (for example, a state where only the third object and the fourth object are arranged as character objects).

[0068] In the present embodiment, the space control unit 333 arranges only the second object and the third object corresponding to the second user and the third user respectively associated with the first user (for example, friend-registered) as player objects. That is, only the objects representing the users associated with the first user are displayed as player objects in the first virtual space.

[0069] In addition, when the total number of the second user associated with (e.g., friend-registered with) the first user and the third user associated with (e.g., friend-registered with) the first user exceeds the upper limit value of the total number of the second object and the third object that can be arranged in the first virtual space, the space control unit 333 preferentially arranges the second object in the first virtual space with respect to the third object. According to such a configuration, the second object associated with the second user who can execute the first event is preferentially arranged. Therefore, the execution of the first event by the first user is promoted. For example, if the total number of users registered as friends by the first user is 10, including 5 second users and 5 third users, and the upper limit value of the total number of the second object and the third object that can be arranged in the first virtual space is 8, the space control unit 333 arranges 5 second objects respectively associated with 5 second users and 3 third objects respectively associated with 3 third users selected by lottery from 5 third users in the first virtual space.

[0070] The upper limit value of the total number of the second object and the third object that can be arranged in the first virtual space (i.e., the upper limit value of the player object) may change according to, for example, the progress of the game of the first user. Also, the upper limit value of the player object may be the same as the upper limit value of the entire character object (the upper limit value of the total number of the second object, the third object, and the fourth object), or may be smaller than the upper limit number of the entire character object. For example, when the upper limit value of the entire character object is 15 and the upper limit value of the player object is 10, at least 5 fourth objects are always arranged in the first virtual space.

[0071] Also, when the total number of users registered as friends by the first user is smaller than the upper limit value of the player object, the difference between the upper limit value of the player object and the total number of friend registrations is filled by the fourth object. For example, when the upper limit value of the player object is 15 and the number of friend registrations of the first user is 10, five fourth objects are arranged in the first virtual space as an alternative to the player object.

[0072] Note that the space control unit 333 may arrange the second object or the third object associated with the second user or the third user not associated with the first user (that is, not registered as a friend) in the first virtual space. As the second user not associated with the first user, for example, a user whose game progress is the same as that of the first user or the difference in progress is within a predetermined value (for example, the number of cleared quests or the difficulty of the cleared quests is slightly more advanced than that of the first user) is preferentially selected. Also, instead of the fourth object described above, the second object or the third object associated with the second user or the third user selected from among the users not registered as friends may be arranged.

[0073] The space control unit 333 associates and displays information on the game progress of the second user with the second object, and also associates and displays information on the game progress of the third user with the third object. For example, the space control unit 333 uses text, icons, combinations thereof (such as balloons), etc. (for example, "Quest 3-2 cleared", "Obtained item XX", etc.) representing information on the game progress of the second user or the third user as the first sub-object, and displays it at a position close to or overlapping the corresponding second object or third object. Note that the information on the game progress of each user is acquired from the information processing device 2.

[0074] Furthermore, the space control unit 333 causes the second object to display the first suggestion information indicating that the second user can be selected as the execution target of the first event, or causes the third object to display the second suggestion information indicating that the third user cannot be selected as the execution target of the first event. For example, the space control unit 333 causes a second sub-object such as text, an icon, or a combination thereof representing the first suggestion information to be displayed at a position close to or overlapping the second object, and causes a third sub-object such as text, an icon, or a combination thereof representing the second suggestion information to be displayed at a position close to or overlapping the third object. Note that the third sub-object may be any object that can be distinguished from the second sub-object, and may be, for example, an icon indicating whether a friend is registered or not.

[0075] In the present embodiment, the space control unit 333 causes at least one of the second sub-object and the third sub-object to be associated with and displayed for all player objects. Further, the space control unit 333 may cause a sub-object including information related to the progress of the game, information other than the first suggestion information and the second suggestion information to be associated with and displayed for the second object or the third object.

[0076] Note that the fourth object, which is a non-player character, cannot be selected as the execution target of the first event. Further, the space control unit 333 does not assign a sub-object to the fourth object. The first user can distinguish the fourth object from the player objects (the second object and the third object) based on the presence or absence of the sub-object.

[0077] Independently of the control of the first virtual space by the first user terminal 3a, the control of the second virtual space is executed on the second user terminal 3b of the second user. Specifically, the second user inputs an operation for moving to the virtual space (display of the virtual space) on the second user terminal 3b. Accordingly, the space control unit 333 of the second user terminal 3b starts generating the second virtual space based on the terrain data of the virtual space, data of characters, decorative objects, etc. to be arranged in the virtual space (step S105). Further, the space control unit 333 requests the information processing apparatus 2 to provide information of other users (such as the first user) (step S106). The management unit 232 of the information processing apparatus 2 receives the request from the second user terminal 3b and transmits the information of other users to the second user terminal 3b (step S107). The space control unit 333 arranges objects etc. associated with the first user in the second virtual space based on the information of other users (step S108). After arranging the objects, the display processing unit 336 causes an image showing the generated second virtual space to be displayed on the display 4a. Here, the display of the second virtual space by the second user does not need to be synchronized with the display of the first virtual space by the first user. That is, the display of the second virtual space by the second user may be performed earlier or later than the display of the first virtual space by the first user.

[0078] In this information processing, the term "second user" is used from the perspective of the "first user" who first appears. That is, from the perspective of the "second user" in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the "first user" corresponds to the "second user" or the "third user", but in the sequences of FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the terms "first user" and "second user" are fixedly used without relatively changing them.

[0079] When an image of the first virtual space is displayed, the reception unit 334 of the first user terminal 3a receives, as a reception step, a selection operation of a second user as an execution target of a first event by the first user in the first virtual space. Specifically, the reception unit 334 receives a selection operation on the second object itself or a second sub-object (first suggestion information) associated with the second object (step S109). The selection operation is executed, for example, by a tap operation on a selection target in the first user terminal 3a or a click operation input with a cursor aligned with the selection target by an input device such as a mouse.

[0080] The event control unit 335 executes, as an event control step, a first event with the selected second user as an execution target in the first user terminal 3a (step S110). The first event is, for example, an event of sending a communication medium such as an item or a message from the first user to the second user, and is typically an event of presenting an unspecified item to the second user (granting a lottery right for the item). The first event is an event that can be executed without the user consuming an item.

[0081] In accompaniment with the execution of the first event, the event control unit 335 generates, as an event control step, second generation information for generating a second event associated with the first event by the first user for the selected second user according to the selection operation by the first user (step S111). Further, the event control unit 335 transmits the generated second generation information to the information processing device 2 (step S112). The acquisition unit 231 of the information processing device 2 receives the second generation information transmitted from the first user terminal 3a. Further, the management unit 232 of the information processing device 2 transmits the received second generation information to the second user terminal 3b (step S113).

[0082] The acquisition unit 331 of the second user terminal 3b acquires the second occurrence information from the information processing apparatus 2. The event control unit 335 of the second user terminal 3b generates a second event in the second virtual space based on the acquired second occurrence information and the operation of the second user (step S114). In this way, the second event associated with the first event by the first user occurs in the second virtual space associated with the second user. Details of the second event will be described later.

[0083] With the execution of the first event, the event control unit 335 of the first user terminal 3a sets, as an event control step, the selection of the second user selected by the first user as the execution target of the first event to be impossible (step S115). Further, the event control unit 335 replaces the first suggestion information (second sub-object) displayed in association with the second object corresponding to the second user in the first virtual space with the second suggestion information (third sub-object), or deletes the first suggestion information. Thereby, the attribute regarding the first event (executability of the first event) of the second user for whom the first event has been executed by the first user becomes the same as that of the third user.

[0084] The second user for whom the selection as the execution target of the first event has become impossible can again be selected as the execution target of the first event based on a preset return condition. That is, for the third user, the attribute of the second user changes based on the return condition. Examples of the return condition include, for example, date update, elapse of a certain time, etc. For example, when "date update" is the return condition, the first user can execute the first event once a day for one second user.

[0085] After the execution of the first event, the event control unit 335 of the first user terminal 3a executes a third event associated with the second user who is the execution target of the first event for the first user (step S116). Note that the execution of the third event may be performed simultaneously with, or before, the generation and transmission of the second occurrence information. That is, as an event control step, the event control unit 335 generates second occurrence information for the second user in response to a selection operation by the first user, and generates a third event associated with the second user for the first user. According to such a configuration, as a reward for the occurrence of the second event in the second user, the third event occurs for the first user, so that the execution of the first event can be promoted for the first user. As a result, communication between users is promoted.

[0086] The third event is an event of receiving a gift in return for the execution action of the first event, and is typically an event of obtaining a specific or unspecified item. Details of the items obtained in the third event will be described later. As an event control step, the event control unit 335 immediately associates the result of the third event with the first user in response to a selection operation of the second user who is the target of the first event by the first user. According to such a configuration, since the third event occurs immediately by the execution of the first event, the motivation to execute the first event can be given to the user.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 6, the event control unit 335 of the second user terminal 3b executes a first event for the first user in the second virtual space in response to a selection operation of the second user for the first user in the second virtual space, similar to the event control unit 335 of the first user terminal 3a (step S117). The first event executed in the second virtual space is common to the first event executed in the first virtual space, except that the executor and the execution target of the event are different.

[0088] The event control unit 335 of the second user terminal 3b generates second generation information for generating a second event associated with the first event by the second user for the selected first user in response to a selection operation by the second user, and transmits it to the information processing device 2 (step S118). The acquisition unit 231 of the information processing device 2 receives the second generation information transmitted from the second user terminal 3b. Further, the management unit 232 of the information processing device 2 transmits the received second generation information to the first user terminal 3a (step S119).

[0089] As an acquisition step, the acquisition unit 331 of the first user terminal 3a acquires second generation information for generating, in the first virtual space, a second event associated with the first event by the second user for the first user (step S120). Subsequently, as an event control step, the event control unit 335 of the first user terminal 3a generates, in the first virtual space, a second event associated with the first event by the second user for the first user based on the acquired second generation information.

[0090] Specifically, as an event control step, the event control unit 335 displays a list (second event list) indicating a plurality of second events generated based on each of the plurality of second generation information acquired from each of the plurality of second users (step S121). In the second event list, for example, the user names (user IDs) of the plurality of second users who generated the second event, icons indicating the second users, etc. are displayed in a list.

[0091] After the display of the second event list, the acquisition unit 331 accepts a selection operation by the first user for the second event included in the second event list (step S122). Further, as an event control step, the event control unit 335 causes the second event selected by the first user among the plurality of second events included in the second event list to occur in the first virtual space for the first user. That is, the event control unit 335 executes the second event in the first virtual space (step S123). According to such a configuration, it is possible to confirm the user who executed the first event (caused the second event to occur) by the second event list. Therefore, the generation of attachment to other users can be enhanced.

[0092] Note that for the second user who generated the second generation information (executed the first event), the selection as the execution target of the first event for the first user is not set to be impossible by the occurrence of the second event for the first user. Also, it is possible for a third user (a user for whom selection as the execution target of the first event is impossible) to generate the second generation information for the first user.

[0093] The second event is an event whose result changes based on probability. Specifically, in the second event for the first user, an item selected by lottery from a previously prepared first table is given to the first user. The first table is an example of a lottery list and is a user-common table that defines a plurality of items and their respective lottery probabilities. That is, the first table is a fixed table in which the items or lottery probabilities defined according to the progress of the user's game or the like do not change. The first table is stored, for example, in the storage unit 22 of the information processing apparatus 2. The lottery probability of an item is set to be smaller as the rarity of the item is higher. The rarity of an item is determined based on the effect of the item, the difficulty of obtaining it in the game, the conversion value in terms of in-game currency, and the like. The second event is an event that can be executed without the user consuming an item.

[0094] Specifically, the event control unit 335 of the first user terminal 3a notifies the information processing apparatus 2 of the execution of the second event in the first virtual space (step S124). The management unit 232 of the information processing apparatus 2 refers to the first table and executes a lottery process for items for the second event (step S125). Further, the management unit 232 adds information on the item that won to the user information of the first user according to the lottery result. The management unit 232 transmits the lottery result (the winning item) to the first user terminal 3a (step S126).

[0095] The acquisition unit 331 of the first user terminal 3a acquires the lottery result of the second event from the information processing apparatus 2. The event control unit 335 associates the lottery result of the second event with the first user and causes the lottery result to be displayed on the first user terminal 3a (step S127).

[0096] The event control unit 335 accepts, from the first user, a batch operation of selecting a plurality of second events included in the second event list as a selection operation for the second event in step S122. Further, in step S123, the event control unit 335 causes a plurality of second events corresponding to the plurality of first events included in the second event list to occur to the first user according to the batch operation of the first user. Furthermore, in step S127, the event control unit 335 displays the results of the plurality of second events together with the information of the second user corresponding to the second event. According to such a configuration, since a plurality of second events can be generated in a batch, the convenience for the user is improved. In addition, since the result of the second event is displayed together with the information of the second user, the generation of affection for the second user associated with the second event that has obtained a good result can be enhanced.

[0097] Here, also in the second event for the second user in step S114 (FIG. 5), the item selected by lottery from the first table is given to the second user. The first table is the same as the first table used in the second event for the first user. With such a configuration, since the item obtained in the second event is determined regardless of the progress of the games of the first user and the second user, etc., it is possible to suppress the bias in the user for whom the first event is executed (the second event is generated).

[0098] Also, in the third event in step S116 (FIG. 5), among the plurality of items defined in the first table, a reward item whose lottery probability is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold is given to the first user. With such a configuration, since a more valuable item can be obtained in the second event than in the third event, the value of the second event due to the execution of the first event by other users increases. As a result, it is possible to give the user an incentive to actively execute the first event. The reward item may be, for example, the item with the highest lottery probability among the plurality of items defined in the first table, or may be an item further selected by lottery from among the plurality of items whose lottery probability is equal to or higher than the threshold. Note that as the threshold for defining the reward item, a value larger than the smallest lottery probability defined in the first table is set.

[0099] The event control unit 335 of the first user terminal 3a, as an event control step, permits the execution of the fifth event for the first user according to the result of the second event for the first user (step S128). The fifth event is an event for generating fourth generation information for causing a fourth event for the second user. The fifth event is, for example, an event of sending a communication medium such as an item or a message from the first user to the second user as a return gift for the second event, and typically is an event of presenting an unspecified item to the second user (granting a lottery right for the item). According to such a configuration, when the first user obtains a good result in the second event, a fourth event corresponding to the result can be caused for the second user who caused the second game (executed the first event associated with the second game). Thereby, a sense of solidarity with the second user can be provided for the first user. The fifth event is an event that can be executed without the user consuming an item.

[0100] The event control unit 335 sets, for example, in the lottery of the second event, that the lottery probability is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, or that an item with a rarity of a certain level or higher has been selected, as a condition for permitting the execution of the fifth event. Therefore, when an item that does not satisfy the execution permission condition (an item with a lottery probability exceeding the threshold value or a rarity of less than a certain level) is selected in the lottery of the second event, the event control unit 335 does not permit the execution of the fifth event for the first user.

[0101] When the execution of the fifth event is permitted for the first user, the event control unit 335 causes a notification (e.g., an object such as an icon) indicating that the execution of the fifth event has become possible to be displayed in the first virtual space. Also, the reception unit 334 of the first user terminal 3a receives an execution operation of the fifth event by the first user. The execution operation is executed by, for example, tapping the execution - possible notification of the fifth event, clicking in a state where the execution - possible notification is selected, or other such inputs. As shown in FIG. 7, the event control unit 335 executes the fifth event on the first user terminal 3a as an event control step (step S129).

[0102] Along with the execution of the fifth event, the event control unit 335 generates fourth generation information for causing a fourth event associated with the fifth event by the first user to occur to the second user who is the execution target of the fifth event as an event control step (step S130). Also, the event control unit 335 transmits the generated fourth generation information to the information processing apparatus 2 (step S131). The acquisition unit 231 of the information processing apparatus 2 receives the fourth generation information transmitted from the first user terminal 3a. Also, the management unit 232 of the information processing apparatus 2 transmits the received fourth generation information to the second user terminal 3b (step S132).

[0103] The acquisition unit 331 of the second user terminal 3b acquires the fourth generation information from the information processing apparatus 2. The event control unit 335 of the second user terminal 3b causes the fourth event to occur in the second virtual space based on the acquired fourth generation information and the operation of the second user (step S133). Thus, the fourth event associated with the fifth event by the first user occurs in the second virtual space associated with the second user. Details of the fourth event will be described later.

[0104] Similar to the event control unit 335 of the first user terminal 3a, the event control unit 335 of the second user terminal 3b executes the fifth event for the first user in the second virtual space in response to the execution operation of the fifth event of the second user in the second virtual space (step S134). The fifth event executed in the second virtual space is common to the fifth event executed in the first virtual space, except that the event executor and the execution target are different. Also, similar to the event control unit 335 of the first user terminal 3a, the event control unit 335 of the second user terminal 3b permits the execution of the fifth event for the second user according to the result of the second event for the second user.

[0105] Upon execution of the fifth event, the event control unit 335 of the second user terminal 3b generates fourth generation information for generating, for the first user, the fifth event associated with the fourth event by the second user, and transmits the information to the information processing apparatus 2 (step S135). The acquisition unit 231 of the information processing apparatus 2 receives the fourth generation information transmitted from the second user terminal 3b. Also, the management unit 232 of the information processing apparatus 2 transmits the received fourth generation information to the first user terminal 3a (step S136).

[0106] As an acquisition step, the acquisition unit 331 of the first user terminal 3a acquires fourth generation information for generating, in the first virtual space, the fifth event associated with the fourth event by the second user (step S137). Subsequently, as an event control step, the event control unit 335 of the first user terminal 3a causes, for the first user, the fourth event associated with the fifth event by the second user to occur in the first virtual space based on the acquired fourth generation information and the execution operation of the fourth event of the first user. That is, the event control unit 335 executes the fourth event in the first virtual space (step S138).

[0107] In other words, as an event control step, the event control unit 335 generates a fourth event for the first user via a fifth event for the second user according to the result of the second event for the second user. With such a configuration, when the second user obtains a good result in the second event, a fourth event corresponding to the result can occur to the first user who generated the second game (executed the first event associated with the second game). Thereby, a sense of solidarity with the second user can be provided to the first user.

[0108] The fourth event is an event whose result changes based on probability. Specifically, in the fourth event for the first user, an item selected by lottery from a previously prepared second table is given to the first user. The second table is an example of a lottery list different from the first table, and is a table common to users that defines a plurality of items and their respective lottery probabilities. That is, the second table is a fixed table in which the items or lottery probabilities defined according to the progress of the user's game or the like do not change. The second table is stored, for example, in the storage unit 22 of the information processing apparatus 2. The second table is defined such that the lottery probability of an item whose lottery probability satisfies a predetermined condition in the first table is defined to be higher than that in the first table, or includes items not defined in the first table. With such a configuration, since the value of the fourth event is enhanced, it is possible to give the user a motivation to actively execute the first event that is the starting point of the fourth event. The fourth event is an event that can be executed without the user consuming an item.

[0109] For example, in the second table, among the items defined in the first table, the drawing probabilities of items with a rarity of a certain level or higher, or items with a drawing probability equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, are defined to be higher than those in the first table. Also, for example, in the second table, items that are not defined in the first table and have a rarity higher than at least one of the plurality of items defined in the first table are defined. In this way, compared with the first table, the second table has a higher expected winning value for valuable items with a high rarity.

[0110] Note that the fourth event may be an event with a fixed result. That is, the fourth event may be an event in which an item having a rarity of a certain level or higher (for example, a rarity higher than the item obtained in the third event) is given to the user.

[0111] When the event control unit 335 of the first user terminal 3a executes the fourth event in the first virtual space, it notifies the information processing apparatus 2 of the execution of the fourth event (step S139). The management unit 232 of the information processing apparatus 2 refers to the second table and executes a drawing process for the item for the fourth event (step S140). Also, the management unit 232 adds information on the item that has won to the user information of the first user according to the drawing result. The management unit 232 transmits the drawing result (the winning item) to the first user terminal 3a (step S141).

[0112] The acquisition unit 331 of the first user terminal 3a acquires the drawing result of the fourth event from the information processing apparatus 2. The event control unit 335 associates the drawing result of the fourth event with the first user and causes the drawing result to be displayed on the first user terminal 3a (step S142).

[0113] To summarize the above, in the space control step, in the first virtual space associated with the first user, at least one of the second object associated with the second user and the third object associated with the third user is arranged. The second user is a user whose selection as an execution target of the first event is set to be possible, and the third user is a user whose selection as an execution target of the first event is set to be impossible. The second user causes information regarding the progress of the second user's game to be displayed in association with the second object and causes information regarding the progress of the third user's game to be displayed in association with the third object. The second user causes first suggestion information indicating that the second user can be selected as an execution target of the first event to be displayed in association with the second object, or causes second suggestion information indicating that the third user cannot be selected as an execution target of the first event to be displayed in association with the third object. In the reception step, in the first virtual space, a selection operation of the second user as an execution target of the first event by the first user is received. In the acquisition step, second generation information for generating a second event associated with the first event by the second user in the first virtual space is acquired. In the event control step, in response to the selection operation by the first user, for the selected second user, second generation information for generating a second event associated with the first event by the first user is generated, and the selection of the second user as an execution target of the first event is set to be impossible. The second event associated with the first event by the first user occurs in the second virtual space associated with the second user. The second event causes, based on the acquired second generation information, the second event associated with the first event by the second user to occur in the first virtual space for the first user.

[0114] According to such a configuration, in the virtual space prepared individually for each user, the user can provide an event to another user while checking the progress of the game of the other user. Therefore, the user can widely and superficially communicate with other users who play the same game.

[0115] 5. Details of Information Processing In this chapter, the details of the information processing outlined in the previous chapter will be described with the aid of diagrams.

[0116] <Menu Screen IM1> Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the menu screen IM1 in the game executed by the information processing system 1. The menu screen IM1 includes an editing button B11, a quest button B12, an island button B13, and a shop button B14.

[0117] When the editing button B11 is operated, an editing screen for editing the characters involved in the progress of the game is displayed. When the quest button B12 is operated, a play request for the game that constitutes the in-game is generated. When the acquisition unit 331 acquires the play request, a game screen IM2 for progressing the game is displayed. When the island button B13 is operated, a movement request to the virtual space is generated. When the acquisition unit 331 acquires the movement request, a virtual space display screen IM4 for displaying the virtual space is displayed. When the shop button B14 is operated, a screen for performing purchase processing related to items or the game is displayed.

[0118] <Game Screen IM2> Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the game screen IM2. The game screen IM2 is configured to transition from, for example, the menu screen IM1. In the example of Figure 9, the game screen IM2 includes a play area PF for a puzzle game as the in-game, a character display area CF in which the character of the first user that operates in accordance with the progress of the puzzle game and the character of the opponent are displayed.

[0119] <Progress Screen IM3> FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the progress screen IM3. In the example of FIG. 10, the progress screen IM3 is a screen that is displayed when quest 3-2, which is one of the game element contents, is cleared. On the progress screen IM3, for example, the score at the time of clearing the quest and the rewards obtained by the clearance are displayed. Also, on the progress screen IM3, user objects Ob11 (for example, icons representing users) associated with a plurality of other users who cleared the same quest a little while ago are displayed. Further, in the vicinity (below in the example of FIG. 10) of the user object Ob11 of a user registered as a friend of the first user, a friend display object Ob12 indicating friend registration is displayed. Also, in the vicinity (below in the example of FIG. 10) of the user object Ob11 of a user not registered as a friend of the first user, an application button B21 for applying for friend registration is displayed. When the application button B21 is operated, a friend registration application is sent to the corresponding user.

[0120] Note that the friend registration application may be executable from the user search screen. The user search screen is displayed, for example, by performing a search for a user from a user search menu provided on the menu screen IM1. Also, a friend registration application may be made by directly sending information necessary for friend registration to another user as a code such as a two-dimensional code.

[0121] <Virtual space display screen IM4> FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the virtual space display screen IM4. The virtual space display screen IM4 is configured to transition, for example, from the menu screen IM1. On the virtual space display screen IM4, an island object Ob21, a second object Ob22 associated with a second user, a third object Ob23 associated with a third user, a fourth object Ob24 not associated with a user, a first sub-object Ob25, a second sub-object Ob26, a third sub-object Ob27, and a second event object Ob28 are displayed.

[0122] The island object Ob21 is a terrain object indicating the occupied area (land) of the first user in the first virtual space. The second object Ob22, the third object Ob23, and the fourth object Ob24 are arranged on the island object Ob21. The area of the island object Ob21 where various objects can be arranged, and the upper limit value of the player objects that can be arranged on the island object Ob21 change, for example, according to the progress of the game of the first user.

[0123] The first sub-object Ob25 is an object that displays information regarding the progress of the game of the second user or the third user. The second sub-object Ob26 is an object that displays first suggestion information indicating that it can be selected as an execution target of the first event, and is displayed in association with the second object Ob22. The second sub-object Ob26 constitutes a UI (button) capable of receiving input. The third sub-object Ob27 is an object that displays second suggestion information indicating that it cannot be selected as an execution target of the first event, and is displayed in association with the third object Ob23. The second event object Ob28 is an object that constitutes a UI (button) capable of receiving input for the first user to execute the second event (display the second event list) in the first virtual space. The second event object Ob28 is displayed when another user (the second user or the third user) executes the first event on the first user.

[0124] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the virtual space display screen IM4 when the first user selects and operates the second sub-object Ob26. In the virtual space display screen IM4 shown in FIG. 11, when the first user selects and operates one of the second sub-objects Ob26 (for example, the second sub-object Ob26 associated with the rightmost second object Ob22 in FIG. 10), as shown in FIG. 12A, a third event (acquisition of a gift) occurs for the first user, and the selected second sub-object Ob26 disappears and the message object Ob29 is displayed. In addition, a present (second occurrence information) is transmitted to the second user associated with the selected second sub-object. The message object Ob29 includes the type and number of the gifts obtained by the first user and a message indicating that the gifts have been obtained. The message object Ob29 disappears after a certain period of time or by a selection operation by the first user or the like. After the message object Ob29 disappears, as shown in FIG. 12B, the third sub-object Ob27 is displayed instead of the selected second sub-object Ob26.

[0125] <List display screen IM5> FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the list display screen IM5. The list display screen IM5 is configured to be displayed, for example, by a selection operation of the second event object Ob28 on the virtual space display screen IM4. On the list display screen IM5, the user names, avatars (icons), etc. of other users (second user or third user) who have given a present to the first user (sent the second occurrence information by executing the first event) are displayed in a list. The list display screen IM5 also includes an individual reception button B31 and a batch reception button B32. The individual reception button B31 is displayed for each user. When the first user operates the individual reception button B31, the second event (receiving the present) associated with the corresponding user is executed. Also, when the first user operates the batch reception button B32, the second events (receiving the present) respectively associated with all the users displayed in the list are executed simultaneously. Further, on the list display screen IM5, for example, above the individual reception button B31, return information IF1 indicating the time (return condition) until the first event can be executed is displayed for each user on the list.

[0126] <Lottery result display screen IM6> FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery result display screen IM6. The lottery result display screen IM6 is configured to be displayed, for example, by operating the individual receipt button B31 or the batch receipt button B32 on the list display screen IM5. On the lottery result display screen IM6, the lottery result of the second event (type and number of acquired items) and the source of the second event (present giver) are displayed. When the batch receipt button B32 is operated, as shown in FIG. 14, the results for each user are displayed in a list, and the results of items with higher rarity are displayed at the top. Also, on the lottery result display screen IM6, a thank-you button B41 is displayed, which is associated with the source of the second event in which an item having a certain level or higher of rarity (lottery probability is a certain level or lower) has been won. Note that in FIG. 14, the thank-you button B41 is displayed only for one user, but depending on the result of the second event, there may be cases where the thank-you button B41 is displayed for multiple users, or cases where the thank-you button B41 is not displayed for any user. When the first user operates the thank-you button B41, a fourth event (sending of thanks) occurs in the first virtual space.

[0127] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a first table TB1 used in the second event. As shown in FIG. 15, in the first table TB1, the type of item, the quantity of the item, and its winning probability are defined. The higher the rarity or the larger the quantity of the item, the smaller the winning probability. Also, the item given to the user in the third event is, for example, "5 stones" which has the highest winning probability among those in the first table TB1.

[0128] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual space display screen IM4 when the fourth event (sending of thanks) is executed for the first user. When another user (second user or third user) executes the fourth event for the first user, a fifth event object Ob30 is displayed on the virtual space display screen IM4. The fifth event object Ob30 is an object that constitutes a UI (button) capable of receiving an input for the first user to execute the fifth event in the first virtual space.

[0129] <Thank-you display screen IM7> FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the thank-you display screen IM7. The thank-you display screen IM7 is configured to be displayed, for example, by a selection operation of the fifth event object Ob30 of the virtual space display screen IM4. On the thank-you display screen IM7, the user names, avatars (icons), etc. of other users (second user or third user) who have given thanks to the first user (sent the fourth occurrence information by executing the fourth event) are listed. The thank-you display screen IM7 also includes an individual reception button B51 and a batch reception button B52. The individual reception button B51 is displayed for each user. By the first user operating the individual reception button B51, the fifth event (receiving thanks) associated with the corresponding user is executed. Also, by the first user operating the batch reception button B52, the fifth events (receiving thanks) respectively associated with all the users displayed in the list are executed simultaneously.

[0130] The result of the fifth event is displayed, for example, in the form of the lottery result display screen IM6 shown in FIG. 14. However, the thank-you button B41 is not displayed for the result of the fifth event. In the thank-you display screen IM7, a button for making a friend application may be displayed for the originator (the person who gave thanks) of the fifth event. Also, the fifth event may be displayed together with the second event on the list display screen IM5.

[0131] [Others] Regarding the information processing system 1 according to the foregoing embodiment, the following aspects may be adopted.

[0132] In one embodiment, the second event and the fifth event are events for granting an item to the first user based on probability, but the contents of the second event and the fifth event are not limited to this. For example, the second event and the fifth event may be events for granting a fixed item to the first user without using probability, events for changing the status of the first user based on probability, and the like. In particular, the fifth event may be an event for definitely granting a high - rarity item.

[0133] In one embodiment, the third event is an event for granting an item defined in the first table used in the second event to the first user, but in the third event, an item not defined in the first table may be granted to the first user.

[0134] In one embodiment, the third event, the fourth event, and the fifth event are generated based on a selection operation of the first user or the second user or the like, but the event control unit 335 may generate only the first event and the second event.

[0135] As described above, the information processing system 1 includes at least one device (for example, the information processing device 2 or the like), and at least one of these devices may be installed outside Japan. For example, the user terminal 3 may be installed in Japan, and the information processing device 2 may be installed outside Japan. Similarly, the user may access the information processing device 2 using his / her user terminal 3 from outside Japan. According to such an aspect, a more interesting experience can be provided to the user by various management forms.

[0136] The information processing device 2 may be in an on - premise form or a cloud form. As the information processing device 2 in the cloud form, for example, in the form of SaaS (Software as a Service), cloud computing, the above - mentioned functions and processes may be provided.

[0137] In the above-described embodiment, the information processing apparatus 2 performs various storage and controls. However, instead of the information processing apparatus 2, a plurality of external devices may be used. That is, various information and programs may be distributed and stored in a plurality of external devices using blockchain technology or the like. Further, at least a part of the functional units realized by the control unit 23 of the information processing apparatus 2 may be implemented as functional units realized by the control unit 33 of the user terminal 3.

[0138] The aspects of the above-described embodiment may also be an information processing method. The information processing method is executed by the information processing system 1. Further, the aspects of the above-described embodiment may also be a program. The program causes at least one computer to execute each step of the information processing method.

[0139] Furthermore, it may be provided in each of the aspects described below.

[0140] (1) An information processing method executed by an information processing system, including the following steps. In the space control step, in a first virtual space associated with a first user, at least one of a second object associated with a second user and a third object associated with a third user is arranged. Here, the second user is a user whose selection as an execution target of a first event is set to be possible, and the third user is a user whose selection as an execution target of the first event is set to be impossible. Information regarding the progress of the game of the second user is associated with and displayed on the second object, and information regarding the progress of the game of the third user is associated with and displayed on the third object. First suggestion information indicating that the second user can be selected as an execution target of the first event is associated with and displayed on the second object, or second suggestion information indicating that the third user cannot be selected as an execution target of the first event is associated with and displayed on the third object. In the reception step, in the first virtual space, a selection operation of the second user as an execution target of the first event by the first user is received. In the acquisition step, second generation information for generating a second event associated with the first event by the second user for the first user in the first virtual space is acquired. In the event control step, in response to the selection operation by the first user, second generation information for generating the second event associated with the first event by the first user for the selected second user is generated, and the selection of the second user as an execution target of the first event is set to be impossible. Here, the second event associated with the first event by the first user occurs in a second virtual space associated with the second user, and based on the acquired second generation information, the second event associated with the first event by the second user is caused to occur for the first user in the first virtual space. Information processing method.

[0141] According to such a configuration, in the virtual space prepared individually for the user, the user can provide an event to another user while checking the progress of the game of the other user. Therefore, the user can widely and superficially communicate with other users who play the same game.

[0142] (2) In the information processing method according to (1) above, in the event control step, in response to the selection operation by the first user, the second generated information is generated for the second user, and a third event associated with the second user is generated for the first user.

[0143] According to such a configuration, as a result of the occurrence of the third event for the first user in return for the occurrence of the second event in the second user, the execution of the first event can be promoted for the first user. As a result, communication between users is promoted.

[0144] (3) In the information processing method according to (2) above, in the second event for the first user, an item selected by lottery from a previously prepared first table is given to the first user. Here, the first table defines a plurality of items and their respective lottery probabilities, and in the third event, among the plurality of items defined in the first table, an item whose lottery probability is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value is given to the first user.

[0145] According to such a configuration, in the second event, an item more valuable than the third event can be obtained. Therefore, the value of the second event caused by the execution of the first event by another user is increased. As a result, it is possible to give the user a motivation to actively execute the first event.

[0146] (4) In the information processing method according to (2) or (3) above, in the event control step, in response to a selection operation by the first user, the result of the third event is associated with the first user, and a list showing a plurality of the second events generated based on each of the plurality of the second occurrence information obtained from each of the plurality of the second users is displayed. Among the plurality of the second events included in the list, the second event selected by the first user is caused to occur in the first virtual space for the first user. Information processing method.

[0147] According to such a configuration, since the third event immediately occurs by executing the first event, a motivation to execute the first event can be given to the user. Also, the list allows the user who executed the first event (caused the second event to occur) to be identified. Therefore, the generation of attachment to other users can be enhanced.

[0148] (5) In the information processing method according to (4) above, in the event control step, a batch operation for batch-selecting a plurality of the second events included in the list is received from the first user, and in response to the batch operation, a plurality of the second events corresponding to the plurality of the first events included in the list are caused to occur for the first user, and the results of the plurality of the second events are displayed together with the information of the second user corresponding to the second event. Information processing method.

[0149] According to such a configuration, since a plurality of the second events can be caused to occur in a batch, the convenience for the user is improved. Also, since the results of the second events are displayed together with the information of the second users, the generation of attachment to the second users associated with the second events that obtained good results can be enhanced.

[0150] (6) In the information processing method according to any one of (1) to (5) above, the second event is an event whose result changes based on probability, and in the event control step, a fourth event is generated for the first user according to the result of the second event for the second user.

[0151] According to such a configuration, when the second user obtains a good result in the second event, a fourth event corresponding to the result can occur to the first user who generated the second game (executed the first event associated with the second game). Thereby, a sense of solidarity with the second user can be provided to the first user.

[0152] (7) In the information processing method according to (6) above, in the second event for the first user, an item selected from a previously prepared first table is given to the first user, and in the fourth event for the first user, an item selected from a previously prepared second table is given to the first user. The first table and the second table each define a plurality of items and their respective lottery probabilities, and the second table is defined such that the lottery probability of an item whose lottery probability in the first table satisfies a predetermined condition is higher than that in the first table, or includes an item not defined in the first table.

[0153] According to such a configuration, since the value of the fourth event is enhanced, it is possible to give the user a motivation to actively execute the first event that is the starting point of the fourth event.

[0154] (8) In the information processing method according to any one of (1) to (7) above, the second event is an event whose result changes based on probability. In the event control step, according to the result of the second event for the first user, the first user is permitted to execute a fifth event. Here, the fifth event is an event for generating fourth generation information for causing a fourth event to occur for the second user. Information processing method.

[0155] According to such a configuration, when the first user obtains a good result in the second event, a fourth event corresponding to the result can be caused to occur for the second user who caused the second game (executed the first event associated with the second game). Thereby, a sense of solidarity with the second user can be provided to the first user.

[0156] (9) In the information processing method according to any one of (1) to (8) above, in the second event for the first user, an item selected from a previously prepared first table is given to the first user. In the second event for the second user, an item selected from the first table is given to the second user. The first table is a user common table that defines a plurality of items and their respective lottery probabilities. Information processing method.

[0157] According to such a configuration, since the item obtained in the second event is determined regardless of the progress of the games of the first user and the second user, etc., it is possible to suppress the bias of the user as the target for executing the first event (causing the second event).

[0158] (10) In the information processing method according to any one of (1) to (9) above, in the space control step, when the total number of the second user associated with the first user and the third user associated with the first user exceeds the upper limit value of the total number of the second object and the third object that can be arranged in the first virtual space, the second object is preferentially arranged in the first virtual space with respect to the third object.

[0159] According to such a configuration, the second object associated with the second user who can execute the first event is preferentially arranged. Therefore, the execution of the first event by the first user is promoted.

[0160] (11) An information processing system including at least one device, comprising at least one processor that executes a program so that each step of the information processing method according to any one of (1) to (10) above is performed.

[0161] According to such a configuration, the user can widely and superficially communicate with other users who play a common game.

[0162] (12) A program that causes at least one computer to execute each step of the information processing method according to any one of (1) to (10) above.

[0163] According to such a configuration, the user can widely and superficially communicate with other users who play a common game. Of course, this is not the limit.

[0164] 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 the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0165] 1: Information processing system 2: Information processing device 3: User terminal 3a: First user terminal 3b: Second user terminal 4a: Display 4b: Speaker 4c: Input device 11: Communication network 20: Communication bus 21: Communication unit 22: Storage unit 23: Control unit 30: Communication bus 31: Communication unit 32: Storage unit 33: Control unit 34a: Graphics processing unit 34b: Audio processing unit 34c: Operation unit 231: Acquisition unit 232: Management unit 331: Acquisition unit 332: Game progress unit 333: Space control unit 334: Reception unit 335: Event control unit 336: Display processing unit B11: Formation button B12: Quest button B13: Island button B14: Shop button B21: Application button B31: Individual Receipt Button B32: Bulk Receipt Button B41: Thank-You Button B51: Individual Receipt Button B52: Bulk Receipt Button CF: Character Display Area IF1: Return Information IM1: Menu Screen IM2: Game Screen IM3: Progress Screen IM4: Virtual Space Display Screen IM5: List Display Screen IM6: Lottery Result Display Screen IM7: Thank-You Display Screen Ob11: User Object Ob12: Friend Display Object Ob21: Island Object Ob22: Second Object Ob23: Third Object Ob24: Fourth Object Ob25: First Sub-Object Ob26: Second Sub-Object Ob27: Third Sub-Object Ob28: Second Event Object Ob29: Message Object Ob30: Fifth Event Object PF: Play Area TB1: First Table

Claims

1. An information processing method executed by an information processing system, comprising the following steps: In the space control step, in a first virtual space associated with a first user, at least one of a second object associated with a second user and a third object associated with a third user is arranged, where the second user is a user set to be selectable as an execution target of a first event, and the third user is a user set to be non-selectable as an execution target of the first event, display information regarding the progress of the game of the second user in association with the second object and display information regarding the progress of the game of the third user in association with the third object, display first suggestion information indicating that the second user is selectable as an execution target of the first event in association with the second object, or display second suggestion information indicating that the third user is non-selectable as an execution target of the first event in association with the third object, In the reception step, in the first virtual space, a selection operation of the second user as an execution target of the first event by the first user is received, In the acquisition step, second generation information for generating a second event associated with the first event by the second user for the first user in the first virtual space is acquired, In the event control step, in response to the selection operation by the first user, second generation information for generating the second event associated with the first event by the first user for the selected second user is generated, and the selection of the second user as an execution target of the first event is set to be impossible, where the second event associated with the first event by the first user occurs in a second virtual space associated with the second user, An information processing method for causing the second event associated with the first event by the second user to occur in the first virtual space for the first user based on the acquired second generation information.

2. In the information processing method according to Claim 1, In the event control step, in response to a selection operation by the first user, second occurrence information is generated for the second user, and a third event associated with the second user is generated for the first user. An information processing method.

3. In the information processing method according to claim 2, In the second event for the first user, an item selected from a previously prepared first table is given to the first user. Here, the first table defines a plurality of items and their respective lottery probabilities. In the third event, among the plurality of items defined in the first table, an item with a lottery probability equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold is given to the first user. An information processing method.

4. In the information processing method according to claim 2, In the event control step, In response to a selection operation by the first user, the result of the third event is associated with the first user. A list showing a plurality of the second events generated based on each of the plurality of the second occurrence information obtained from each of the plurality of the second users is displayed. Among the plurality of the second events included in the list, the second event selected by the first user is caused to occur for the first user in the first virtual space. An information processing method.

5. In the information processing method according to claim 4, In the event control step, A batch operation for batch-selecting a plurality of the second events included in the list is received from the first user. In response to the batch operation, a plurality of the second events corresponding to the plurality of the first events included in the list are caused to occur for the first user. The results of the plurality of the second events are displayed together with the information of the second user corresponding to the second event. An information processing method.

6. In the information processing method according to claim 1, The second event is an event whose result changes based on probability. In the event control step, in response to the result of the second event for the second user, a fourth event is generated for the first user. An information processing method.

7. In the information processing method according to claim 6, In the second event for the first user, an item selected from a previously prepared first table is given to the first user. In the fourth event for the first user, an item selected from a pre-prepared second table is given to the first user. The first table and the second table each define a plurality of items and their respective lottery probabilities. The second table is defined such that the lottery probability of an item whose lottery probability satisfies a predetermined condition in the first table is defined to be higher than that in the first table, or includes an item not defined in the first table. An information processing method.

8. In the information processing method according to claim 1, The second event is an event whose result changes based on probability. In the event control step, according to the result of the second event for the first user, the first user is permitted to execute a fifth event. Here, the fifth event is an event that generates fourth generation information for generating a fourth event for the second user. An information processing method.

9. In the information processing method according to claim 1, In the second event for the first user, an item selected from a pre-prepared first table is given to the first user. In the second event for the second user, an item selected from the first table is given to the second user. The first table is a user-common table that defines a plurality of items and their respective lottery probabilities. An information processing method.

10. In the information processing method according to claim 1, In the space control step, when the total number of the second user associated with the first user and the third user associated with the first user exceeds the upper limit value of the total number of the second object and the third object that can be arranged in the first virtual space, the second object is preferentially arranged in the first virtual space with respect to the third object. An information processing method.

11. An information processing system comprising at least one device, Comprising at least one processor that executes a program so that each step of the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is performed. An information processing system.

12. A program, A program that causes at least one computer to execute each step of the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images