Program and server

Abstract

To provide a new position game.SOLUTION: In a program, stage setting means transmits stage information showing a setting of a stage in a stage position designated by operation of a first electronic device by a first user to a server. The stage position is a predetermined position in a virtual space or a virtual map. A first game is correlated with a stage. First game progressing means progresses a first game according to operation of the first electronic device by the first user, and / or result acquisition means acquires notification of a result showing the result of the first game progressed by a second electronic device according to operation of the second electronic device by a second user from the server.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and a server. [Background technology]

[0002] As an invention related to a program, for example, a game management device described in Patent Document 1 is known. This game management device is a position game that uses current position information of a user. Specifically, a reference area storage control means stores the user's reference area in a storage device. A position acquisition means acquires the user's real-world position information. A movement detection means detects the user's movement from the reference area based on the user's position information acquired by the position acquisition means. When the movement detection means detects that the user has moved to an area different from the reference area, a display control means preferentially displays on the screen other users who have the area to which the user has moved as their reference area as potential opponents. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-119997 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Meanwhile, new location games are needed.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new location game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first aspect is A program executed by a first electronic device capable of communicating with a server, the first electronic device is operated by a first user; the program causes the first electronic device to function as a position acquisition means, a virtual map acquisition means, an image generation means, and a stage setting means; the location acquisition means acquires location information indicating a location of the first electronic device; the virtual map acquisition means acquires virtual map information indicating a virtual map; the image generating means displays, on a display of the first electronic device, an image obtained by combining an image showing the first avatar object with the virtual space or the virtual map so that a first avatar object that is an operation target of the first user is located in the virtual space or the virtual map corresponding to a position of the first electronic device; the stage setting means transmits to the server stage information indicating that a stage is to be set at a stage position designated by the first user's operation of the first electronic device; the stage position is a predetermined position in the virtual space or the virtual map, a first game is associated with the stage; the program causes the first electronic device to function as first game progression means that progresses the first game in response to an operation of the first electronic device by the first user, and / or the program causes the first electronic device to function as result acquisition means that acquires, from the server, a result notification that indicates a result of the first game progressed by the second electronic device in response to an operation of the second electronic device by a second user; It is a program.

[0007] The second aspect is the first area includes the location of the first electronic device; the first game progression means, when the stage location is included in the first area, progresses the first game in response to an operation of the first electronic device by the first user; 1. A program according to claim 1.

[0008] The third aspect is the second area includes the location of the second electronic device; the second electronic device progresses the first game in response to an operation of the second electronic device by the second user when the stage location is included in the second area; The program according to the first or second aspect.

[0009] The fourth aspect is the third area includes the location of the first electronic device; the stage setting means transmits the stage information to the server when the stage position is included in the third area; The program according to any one of the first to third aspects.

[0010] The fifth aspect is the first game is a game in which a battle is conducted on the stage using a first object associated with the first user and a second object associated with the second user; The program according to any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0011] The sixth aspect is the program causes the first electronic device to function as stage canceling means, the stage abolition means, when it is determined that the first user has lost in the stage based on a predetermined win / loss determination of the first game, causes an image indicating that the stage has been abolished to be displayed on a display of the first electronic device; A program as described in aspect 5.

[0012] The seventh aspect is the second object is one or more second character objects that are movable on the stage, the first object is one or more first character objects that face off against the one or more second character objects in the battle, or a facility object that does not move on the stage; A program according to the fifth or sixth aspect.

[0013] The eighth aspect is a main stage different from the stage is set at a main stage position on the virtual map; a main game is associated with the main stage; the main stage position is a predetermined position in the virtual space or the virtual map, the main game is a game in which a battle is conducted on the main stage using the first object and the second object, the stage abolishing means, when it is determined that the first user has lost in the main stage based on a predetermined win / loss determination of the main game, causes an image indicating that the main stage has been abolished to be displayed on a display of the first electronic device. A program according to aspect 6.

[0014] The ninth aspect is a first parameter is set in the first object; the first parameter changes based on a result of determining whether the battle has been won or lost; a change in the first parameter causes a change in the status of the first object in the main game; a second parameter is set for the second object; the second parameter changes based on the result of the battle; When the second parameter changes, the status of the second object in the main game changes. A program according to aspect 8.

[0015] The tenth aspect is the program causes the first electronic device to function as an image data generating means, the image data generating means displays an AR (Augmented Reality) composite image, in which the first object is combined with an image captured by the first electronic device, on a display of the first electronic device; A program according to any one of the fifth to ninth aspects.

[0016] The 11th aspect is the third area includes the location of the first electronic device; the stage setting means is capable of transmitting the stage information to the server when the stage position is included in the third area; a setting time is required from when the setting is instructed by the first user until the stage is completed; the fourth area includes a location of a third electronic device of a third user; the set time when the stage position is included in the third area and the stage position is included in the fourth area is shorter than the set time when the stage position is included in the third area and the stage position is not included in the fourth area. A program according to any one of the first to tenth aspects.

[0017] The 12th aspect is a server capable of communicating with a first electronic device operated by a first user, a virtual map information transmitting means for transmitting virtual map information indicating a virtual map to the first electronic device in response to a request from the first electronic device; a setting information transmitting means for transmitting setting information to a second electronic device, the setting information being used to set a stage at a stage position on the virtual map based on the stage information transmitted from the first electronic device; A third game progression means; It is equipped with a first game is associated with the stage; the third game progression means progresses the first game on the first electronic device in response to an operation of the first electronic device by the first user, and / or progresses the first game on the second electronic device in response to an operation of the second electronic device by a second user; It is a server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present disclosure, a new location game can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of systems 1, 1a to 1c. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the transition of images displayed by the first electronic device 10-1 and the second electronic device 10-2. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing transitions of images displayed by the first electronic device 10-1 and the second electronic device 10-2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing transitions of images displayed by the first electronic device 10-1 and the second electronic device 10-2. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing transitions of images displayed by the first electronic device 10-1 and the second electronic device 10-2. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing transitions of images displayed by the first electronic device 10-1 and the second electronic device 10-2. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the first electronic device 10-1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the server 110. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the activities executed by the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 and the control unit 112 of the server 110. As shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram showing the operations performed by the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2, and the control unit 112 of the server 110. As shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an activity diagram showing the operations performed by the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2, and the control unit 112 of the server 110. As shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows an image displayed by the first electronic device 10-1. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing transitions of images displayed by the first electronic device 10-1 and the second electronic device 10-2. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing transitions of images displayed by the first electronic device 10-1 and the second electronic device 10-2. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows an image displayed by the first electronic device 10-1. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing transitions of images displayed by the second electronic device 10-2. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an activity diagram showing the operations performed by the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2, and the control unit 112 of the server 110. As shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] (Embodiment) A system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] [System 1 Overview] First, the overall configuration of the system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram of the systems 1, 1a to 1c.

[0022] 1 includes first electronic devices 10-1 to N-th electronic devices 10-N, a server 110, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite 150. The first electronic devices 10-1 to N-th electronic devices 10-N and the server 110 can communicate with each other via a communication network. The network may be the Internet, an intranet, or the like.

[0023] The first electronic device 10-1 to the Nth electronic device 10-N are information processing devices operated by the first user US1 to the Nth user USN, respectively. N is a natural number. The first electronic device 10-1 to the Nth electronic device 10-N send requests to the server 110. The first electronic device 10-1 to the Nth electronic device 10-N are mobile communication terminals. The first electronic device 10-1 to the Nth electronic device 10-N are, for example, smartphones, tablet terminals, VR / AR terminals such as HMDs, or mobile game consoles.

[0024] The server 110 is a computer. The server 110 provides responses in response to requests to the first electronic device 10-1 through the N-th electronic device 10-N. The server 110 is, for example, a web server.

[0025] The GPS satellites 150 transmit GPS signals. Note that four GPS signals are required for each of the first electronic device 10-1 to the Nth electronic device 10-N to calculate the position of the first electronic device 10-1 to the Nth electronic device 10-N based on the GPS signals. Therefore, the system 1 actually includes four GPS satellites 150. However, for the sake of simplicity, only one GPS satellite 150 is shown in the figure.

[0026] [System 1 Operation Overview] Next, we will explain the outline of the operation of the system 1. Figures 2 to 6 are diagrams showing the transition of images displayed by the first electronic device 10-1 and the second electronic device 10-2.

[0027] The first user US1 to the Nth user USN have a first account to an Nth account, respectively. The first user US1 to the Nth user USN play the location game using the first account to the Nth account, respectively. However, in this specification, to avoid complicating the explanation, the first account to the Nth account will be referred to as the first user US1 to the Nth user USN, respectively.

[0028] Each of the first user US1 to the Nth user USN can play a location game by operating the first electronic device 10-1 to the Nth electronic device 10-N, where N is a natural number. The location game is a game that uses location information from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) such as GPS.

[0029] In the position game, a first user US1 through an N-th user USN are divided into two teams and fight. Specifically, the 2n-1-th user US2n-1 belongs to the defense team. The 2n-th user USn belongs to the attacking team. n is a natural number. The 2n-1-th user US2n-1, who belongs to the defense team, sets stages ST1 to ST13 to defend the main stage MST. The 2n-th user US2n, who belongs to the attacking team, attacks the stages ST1 to ST13 to capture the main stage MST. A first game is associated with each of the stages ST1 to ST13. The first game is a game in which a battle is carried out on the stage ST13 using a first object OBJ1 associated with the first user US1 and a second object OBJ2 associated with the second user US2. The first game is a tower defense game, which will be described later. When the 2n-th user US2n belonging to the attacking team attacks a stage ST1 to ST13, a battle begins between the 2n-1-th user US2n-1 belonging to the defending team and the 2n-th user US2n belonging to the attacking team.

[0030] Furthermore, a main stage MST different from the stages ST1 to ST13 is set at the main stage position SPM of the virtual map. A main game is associated with the main stage MST. The main game is a game in which a battle is conducted on the stage ST13 using a first object OBJ1 associated with a first user US1 and a second object OBJ2 associated with a second user US2. The main game is a tower defense game, which will be described later. When a 2n user US2n belonging to the attacking team takes an action on the main stage MST, a battle begins between a 2n-1 user US2n-1 belonging to the defending team and a 2n user US2n belonging to the attacking team. The difficulty level of the main game for the 2n user US2n belonging to the attacking team is higher than the difficulty level of the first game for the 2n user US2n belonging to the attacking team. However, as the number of stages ST1 to ST13 conquered by the 2n user US2n belonging to the attacking team increases, the difficulty level of the main game for the 2n user US2n belonging to the attacking team decreases. If the 2nth user US2n belonging to the attacking team can conquer the main stage MST within a predetermined time (e.g., three days), the attacking team wins. If the 2nth user US2n belonging to the attacking team cannot conquer the main stage MST within the predetermined time, the defending team wins. Below, an overview of the operation of the first electronic device 10-1 of the first user US1 belonging to the defending team and an overview of the operation of the second electronic device 10-2 of the second user US2 belonging to the attacking team will be described.

[0031] In this embodiment, there are operations (1) to (3). (1) First action: The first user US1 sets the stage ST13. (2) Second action: The second user US2 battles the first user US1 in stage ST13. (3) Third action: The second user US2 battles the first user US1 on the main stage MST.

[0032] First, an overview of the first operation will be described. First user US1 moves while carrying first electronic device 10-1. First electronic device 10-1 acquires location information IP indicating the location of first electronic device 10-1 based on GPS signals from GPS satellite 150. First electronic device 10-1 also acquires virtual map information IM indicating virtual map M from server 110. Then, first electronic device 10-1 displays an image in which first avatar object AO1, which is the operation target of first user US1, is combined with virtual map M, as shown in the image in the upper part of FIG. 2.

[0033] As shown in the upper image of FIG. 2, stages ST1 to ST12 have already been set on the virtual map M. Stages ST1 to ST12 are stages set by the 2n-1 user US2n-1 who belongs to the defense team. As shown in the lower image of FIG. 2, the first user US1 can additionally set a stage ST13. The first user US1 can set the stage ST13 at a stage position SP13 within the third area A3 set for the first avatar object AO1. The stage position SP13 is a predetermined position on the virtual map M. The third area A3 is a circular area centered on the first avatar object AO1. Therefore, the third area A3 includes the position of the first electronic device 10-1. The radius of the third area A3 is, for example, 200 m.

[0034] When the first user US1 sets the stage ST13, the setting work for the stage ST13 starts. A setting time is required from when the first user US1 issues a setting instruction until the stage ST13 is completed. The setting time is, for example, one hour.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, when the first user US1 sets the stage ST13, the first user US1's war chest decreases. Therefore, the first user US1 can set stages ST1 to ST13 within the range of the war chest. The first user US1's war chest is the currency used in the game. The first user US1 can acquire war chest as the game progresses. The first user US1 can also acquire war chest by performing a billing process.

[0036] Next, an overview of the second operation will be described. The second user US2 moves while carrying the second electronic device 10-2. The second electronic device 10-2 acquires location information IP indicating the location of the second electronic device 10-2 based on a GPS signal from a GPS satellite 150. The second electronic device 10-2 also acquires virtual map information IM indicating the virtual map M from the server 110. The second electronic device 10-2 then displays an image in which the second avatar object AO2, which is the operation target of the second user US2, is combined with the virtual map M, as shown in the image at the top of FIG. 3. Note that although the first avatar object AO1 is displayed in the image at the top of FIG. 3, the first avatar object AO1 is not displayed in the actual image displayed on the second electronic device 10-2.

[0037] As shown in the upper image of FIG. 3, a first area A1 is set for a first avatar object AO1 belonging to the defense team. The first area A1 is a circular area centered on the first avatar object AO1. Therefore, the first area A1 includes the position of the first electronic device 10-1. The radius of the first area A1 is, for example, 200 m. Similarly, a second area A2 is set for a second avatar object AO2 belonging to the attacking team. The second area A2 is a circular area centered on the second avatar object AO2. Therefore, the second area A2 includes the position of the second electronic device 10-2. The radius of the second area A2 is, for example, 200 m. If the stage position SP13 is included in the first area A1 and the second area A2, the second user US2 can battle the first user US1 in the first game of the stage ST13.

[0038] Before the start of the battle, the second electronic device 10-2 displays the image in the middle of FIG. 3. The image in the middle of FIG. 3 is a setting image displayed on the second electronic device 10-2 in the first game. The second user US2 operates the second electronic device 10-2 to input the troop strength (troop strength) to be set in the first game of the stage ST13. The second user US2 can input the troop strength within the range of the troop strength included in the image in the top of FIG. 3. This causes a plurality of second objects OBJ2 associated with the second avatar object AO2 (second user US2) to be displayed. The second objects OBJ2 are one or more second character objects that can move on the stage ST13. In this embodiment, the second character objects are soldiers.

[0039] Before the start of the battle, the first electronic device 10-1 displays the image in the lower part of FIG. 3. The image in the lower part of FIG. 3 is a setting image displayed on the first electronic device 10-1 in the first game. The first user US1 operates the first electronic device 10-1 to input the equipment (invested equipment) to be set in the first game of the stage ST13. The first user US1 can input the invested equipment within the war chest included in the image of FIG. 3. This causes a plurality of first objects OBJ1 associated with the first avatar object AO1 (first user US1) to be displayed. The first object OBJ1 is an equipment object that does not move on the stage ST13. In this embodiment, the equipment object is a tower.

[0040] When the battle begins, the second objects OBJ2 move toward the first objects OBJ1 and attack the first objects OBJ1, as shown in the image in the top row of Fig. 4. The first objects OBJ1 attack the second objects OBJ2 by ​​firing arrows. The first objects OBJ1 and the second objects OBJ2 are controlled by the first electronic device 10-1, the second electronic device 10-2, and the server 110, respectively, without being controlled by the first user US1 or the second user US2.

[0041] Each of the plurality of first objects OBJ1 and the plurality of second objects OBJ2 has a hit point. Specifically, a meter is provided below each of the plurality of first objects OBJ1 and the plurality of second objects OBJ2. The meter indicates the hit points of the plurality of first objects OBJ1 and the plurality of second objects OBJ2. The hit points of the plurality of first objects OBJ1 and the hit points of the plurality of second objects OBJ2 decrease when the first object OBJ1 and the second object OBJ2 are attacked. When the hit points of the first object OBJ1 and the second object OBJ2 reach 0, the first object OBJ1 and the second object OBJ2 become unable to act in that stage or disappear.

[0042] In the first game, as shown in the middle image of FIG. 4, when the second objects OBJ2 disable all of the first objects OBJ1, the second user US2 belonging to the attacking team wins against the first user US1 belonging to the defending team. In this case, as shown in the bottom image of FIG. 4, the stage ST13 is abolished. In this case, the difficulty level of the main game in the main stage MST for the 2nth user US2n belonging to the attacking team is lowered. Specifically, the hit points of the first object OBJ1 (castle) in the main stage MST are reduced.

[0043] On the other hand, if the multiple first objects OBJ1 destroy all of the multiple second objects OBJ2, the first user US1 belonging to the defense team wins against the second user US2 belonging to the attacking team. In this case, the stage ST13 is not abolished. In this case, the difficulty level of the main game of the main stage MST for the 2nth user US2n belonging to the attacking team is not reduced. Specifically, the hit points of the first object OBJ1 (castle) of the main stage MST are not reduced.

[0044] Next, an overview of the third operation will be described. The second user US2 moves while carrying the second electronic device 10-2. The second electronic device 10-2 acquires location information IP indicating the location of the second electronic device 10-2 based on a GPS signal from a GPS satellite 150. The second electronic device 10-2 also acquires virtual map information IM indicating the virtual map M from the server 110. The second electronic device 10-2 then displays an image in which the second avatar object AO2, which is the operation target of the second user US2, is combined with the virtual map M, as shown in the image at the top of FIG. 5. Note that although the first avatar object AO1 is displayed in the image at the top of FIG. 5, the first avatar object AO1 is not displayed in the actual image displayed on the second electronic device 10-2.

[0045] As shown in the upper image of FIG. 5, a first area A1 is set for a first avatar object AO1 belonging to the defense team. Similarly, a second area A2 is set for a second avatar object AO2 belonging to the attacking team. If a main stage position SPM indicating the position of the main stage MST is included in the first area A1 and the main stage position SPM is included in the second area A2, the second user US2 can battle the first user US1 in the main game. The main stage position SPM is a predetermined position on the virtual map M.

[0046] Before the start of the battle, the second electronic device 10-2 displays the image in the middle row of Fig. 5. The image in the middle row of Fig. 5 is a setting image displayed by the second electronic device 10-2 in the main game. Note that the actions performed by the second user US2 in the image in the middle row of Fig. 5 are the same as the actions performed by the second user US2 in the image in the middle row of Fig. 3, and therefore will not be described here.

[0047] Before the start of a battle, the first electronic device 10-1 displays the image in the lower part of Fig. 5. The image in the lower part of Fig. 5 is a setting image by the first user US1 in the main game. Note that the actions performed by the first user US1 in the image in the lower part of Fig. 5 are the same as the actions performed by the first user US1 in the image in the lower part of Fig. 3, and therefore will not be described here.

[0048] When the battle begins, the second objects OBJ2 move toward the first objects OBJ1 and attack them, as shown in the top image of Fig. 6. The first objects OBJ1 attack the second objects OBJ2 by ​​firing arrows.

[0049] In the main game, as shown in the middle image of FIG. 6, when the second objects OBJ2 render all of the first objects OBJ1 unable to act, the second user US2 belonging to the attacking team defeats the first user US1 belonging to the defending team. In this case, as shown in the bottom image of FIG. 6, the main stage MST is abolished. As a result, the attacking team defeats the defending team. In this case, the battle (main game) between the attacking team and the defending team ends.

[0050] On the other hand, if the multiple first objects OBJ1 destroy all of the multiple second objects OBJ2, the first user US1 belonging to the defense team wins against the second user US2 belonging to the attacking team. In this case, the main stage MST is not abolished. In this case, the battle between the attacking team and the defense team continues without ending.

[0051] [Structure of the first electronic device 10-1 to the Nth electronic device 10-N] Next, the structures of the first electronic device 10-1 to the Nth electronic device 10-N will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 7 is a block diagram of the first electronic device 10-1.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7, the first electronic device 10-1 includes a control unit 12, a memory unit 14, a network interface 16, a GPS receiving unit 17, a graphics processing unit 18, a display 20, an audio processing unit 22, a speaker 24, an operation unit 26, and a touchpad 28.

[0053] The storage unit 14 stores programs and data and is, for example, a combination of a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a storage (for example, a flash memory or a hard disk). The programs include, for example, the following programs: OS (Operating System) programs - Programs for applications that process information (e.g., web browsers or target apps described below)

[0054] The data includes, for example, the following data: Databases referenced in information processing Data obtained by performing information processing (i.e., the results of performing information processing)

[0055] The control unit 12 realizes the functions of the first electronic device 10-1 by executing the program stored in the storage unit 14. The control unit 12 is, for example, at least one of the following: ·CPU(Central Processing Unit) ·GPU(Graphic Processing Unit) ·ASIC(Application Specific Integrated Circuit) ·FPGA(Field Programmable Array)

[0056] The control unit 12 includes, as functional blocks, a position acquisition means 30, an image generation means 32, a virtual map acquisition means 34, a stage setting means 36, a result acquisition means 38, a first game progression means 40, a second game progression means 42, a stage abolition means 44, and an image data generation means 46.

[0057] The network interface 16 controls communication between the first electronic device 10-1 and an external device, which is a server 110.

[0058] The GPS receiving unit 17 receives GPS signals transmitted from the GPS satellites 150. The GPS receiving unit 17 is an antenna and receiver of a satellite positioning system.

[0059] The graphics processing unit 18 displays an image on the display 20 based on the image data generated by the control unit 12. The display 20 is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0060] The audio processing unit 22 causes the speaker 24 to output sound based on the audio data generated by the control unit 12 .

[0061] The operation unit 26 generates an operation signal based on a user's operation on the touchpad 28 and outputs the operation signal to the control unit 12 .

[0062] The structures of the second electronic device 10-2 to the Nth electronic device 10-N are the same as the structure of the first electronic device 10-1, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] [Server 110 Structure] Next, the structure of the server 110 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0064] The server 110 can communicate with a first electronic device 10-1 operated by a first user US1 through an Nth electronic device 10-N operated by an Nth user USN. As shown in FIG. 8, the server 110 includes a control unit 112, a storage unit 114, and a network interface 116.

[0065] The storage unit 114 stores programs and data and is, for example, a combination of a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a storage (for example, a flash memory or a hard disk). The programs include, for example, the following programs: OS (Operating System) programs - Programs for applications that process information (e.g., web browsers or target apps described below)

[0066] The data includes, for example, the following data: Databases referenced in information processing Data obtained by performing information processing (i.e., the results of performing information processing)

[0067] The control unit 112 executes the programs stored in the storage unit 114 to realize the functions of the server 110. The control unit 112 is, for example, at least one of the following: ·CPU(Central Processing Unit) ·GPU(Graphic Processing Unit) ·ASIC(Application Specific Integrated Circuit) ·FPGA(Field Programmable Array)

[0068] The control unit 112 includes a virtual map information transmission means 130, a setting information transmission means 132, and a third game progression means 134 as functional blocks.

[0069] The network interface 116 controls communication between the server 110 and external devices, which are the first electronic device 10-1 through the N-th electronic device 10-N.

[0070] Meanwhile, each of the first user US1 to the Nth user USN can play a location game using the first electronic device 10-1 to the Nth electronic device 10-N. Specifically, the server 110 stores a game program and game data, and manages the game data of the first electronic device 10-1 to the Nth electronic device 10-N.

[0071] Each of the first electronic devices 10-1 through the Nth electronic device 10-N executes a position game based on the operation of the first user US1 through the Nth user USN. To this end, each of the first electronic devices 10-1 through the Nth electronic device 10-N receives (specifically, downloads and installs) a game program and game data from the server 110 via a communication network. An account including identification information and a password is assigned to each user in association with each of the first electronic devices 10-1 through the Nth electronic device 10-N. The account is transmitted from the first electronic device 10-1 through the Nth electronic device 10-N to the server 110 at the time of login and is used for user authentication in the server 110.

[0072] After user authentication, the server 110 and the first electronic device 10-1 through the Nth electronic device 10-N can communicate with each other. After logging in, the first electronic device 10-1 through the Nth electronic device 10-N receive data necessary for the game to proceed (data related to the game progress status) from the server 110, and progress the position game while outputting game images and sounds to the display 20 and speaker 24 based on the operations of the first user US1 through the Nth user USN.

[0073] [System 1 operation] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the system 1. Fig. 9 is an activity diagram executed by the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 and the control unit 112 of the server 110. Figs. 10 and 11 are activity diagrams executed by the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2, and the control unit 112 of the server 110.

[0074] The programs stored in the memory unit 14 are programs executed by the first electronic device 10-1 and the second electronic device 10-2, which are capable of communicating with the server 110. The programs stored in the memory unit 14 cause the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 and the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 to function as position acquisition means 30, image generation means 32, virtual map acquisition means 34, stage setting means 36, result acquisition means 38, first game progression means 40, second game progression means 42, stage abolition means 44, and image data generation means 46.

[0075] The program stored in the memory unit 114 is a program executed by the server 110 that can communicate with the first electronic device 10-1 and the second electronic device 10-2. The program stored in the memory unit 114 causes the control unit 112 to function as virtual map information transmission means 130, setting information transmission means 132, and third game progression means 134.

[0076] (1) First operation The first operation will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In the first operation, the first user US1 sets the stage ST13.

[0077] The control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 executes a process to start the position game when the first user US1 operates the touchpad 28 (step S1). At this time, the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 transmits a start notification indicating that the game start process has been executed to the server 110 via the network interface 16. The start notification includes account information including identification information and a password. The network interface 116 of the server 110 receives the start notification and outputs the start notification to the control unit 112. As a result, the control unit 112 of the server 110 acquires the start notification. Then, the control unit 112 of the server 110 executes the game start process based on the account information included in the start notification (step S21).

[0078] Next, the control unit 12 (position acquisition means 30) of the first electronic device 10-1 acquires position information IP indicating the position of the first electronic device 10-1 (step S2). More specifically, the GPS receiver 17 of the first electronic device 10-1 receives a GPS signal transmitted from a GPS satellite 150. Then, the control unit 12 (position acquisition means 30) of the first electronic device 10-1 acquires the GPS signal from the GPS receiver 17. The control unit 12 (position acquisition means 30) of the first electronic device 10-1 calculates the position of the first electronic device 10-1 based on the GPS signal. As a result, the control unit 12 (position acquisition means 30) of the first electronic device 10-1 acquires position information IP indicating the position of the first electronic device 10-1.

[0079] Next, the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 transmits the location information IP to the server 110 via the network interface 16 (step S3). In response, the network interface 116 of the server 110 receives the location information IP and outputs the location information IP to the control unit 112. As a result, the control unit 112 of the server 110 obtains the location information IP indicating the location of the first electronic device 10-1 from the first electronic device 10-1 (step S22).

[0080] Next, the control unit 112 (virtual map information transmitting means 130) of the server 110 transmits virtual map information IM indicating the virtual map M to the first electronic device 10-1 in response to the request from the first electronic device 10-1 (step S23). More specifically, the control unit 112 (virtual map information transmitting means 130) of the server 110 acquires the virtual map information IM corresponding to the position indicated by the position information IP from the storage unit 114. The control unit 112 (virtual map information transmitting means 130) of the server 110 transmits the virtual map information IM to the first electronic device 10-1 via the network interface 116.

[0081] In response, the network interface 16 of the first electronic device 10-1 receives the virtual map information IM and outputs the virtual map information IM to the control unit 12. As a result, the control unit 12 (virtual map acquisition means 34) of the first electronic device 10-1 acquires the virtual map information IM indicating the virtual map M (step S4).

[0082] Next, the control unit 12 (image generating means 32) of the first electronic device 10-1 causes the display 20 of the first electronic device 10-1 to display an image obtained by combining an image showing the first avatar object AO1 with the virtual map M so that the first avatar object AO1, which is the operation target of the first user US1, is located on the virtual map M corresponding to the position of the first electronic device 10-1, as shown in the image at the top of FIG. 2 (step S5). Specifically, the control unit 12 (image generating means 32) of the first electronic device 10-1 generates image data obtained by combining the first avatar object AO1 with the virtual map M, based on the position information IP acquired in step S2 and the virtual map information IM acquired in step S4. In the image represented by this image data, the first avatar object AO1 is located on the virtual map M at the position indicated by the position information IP, as shown in the image at the top of FIG. 2. Then, the control unit 12 (image generating means 32) of the first electronic device 10-1 causes the display 20 to display the image represented by the image data.

[0083] Next, as shown in the lower image of FIG. 2, the first user US1 operates the touchpad 28 of the first electronic device 10-1 to set the stage ST13 at stage position SP13. At this time, the first user US1 specifies the stage position SP13 as the position where the stage ST13 is to be set. In response, the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 determines whether or not to set the stage ST13 (step S6). In this embodiment, the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 determines whether or not the first user US1 specified the stage position SP13 within the third area A3. If the first user US1 specified the stage position SP13 within the third area A3, the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 determines to set the stage ST13, and the process proceeds to step S7. If the first user US1 did not specify the stage position SP13 within the third area A3, the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 determines not to set the stage ST13, and the process returns to step S2.

[0084] When setting the stage ST13 (i.e., when the stage position SP13 is included in the third area A3), the control unit 12 (stage setting means 36) of the first electronic device 10-1 transmits to the server 110 stage information IS indicating that the stage ST13 will be set at the stage position SP13 specified by the operation of the first electronic device 10-1 by the first user US1 (step S7). In response, the network interface 116 of the server 110 receives the stage information IS transmitted from the first electronic device 10-1 and outputs the stage information IS to the control unit 112. As a result, the control unit 112 of the server 110 acquires the stage information IS (step S24).

[0085] Next, the control unit 112 (setting information transmission means 132) of the server 110 transmits setting information ISS, which sets the stage ST13 at the stage position SP13 on the virtual map M, to the first electronic device 10-1 through the Nth electronic device 10-N (second electronic device 10-2) via the network interface 116 based on the stage information IS transmitted from the first electronic device 10-1 (step S25). In response, the network interface 16 of the first electronic device 10-1 through the Nth electronic device 10-N receives the setting information ISS and outputs it to the control unit 12. As a result, the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 through the Nth electronic device 10-N acquires the setting information ISS (step S8). Then, the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 through the Nth electronic device 10-N can generate image data that combines the stage ST13 and the virtual map M, as shown in the image in the lower part of FIG. 2, and can display an image represented by this image data on the display 20.

[0086] Next, the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 determines whether or not to end the position game (step S9). If the position game is not to be ended, the process returns to step S2. If the position game is to be ended, the process ends.

[0087] (2)Second operation The second action will be described with reference to Fig. 10. In the second action, the second user US2 battles the first user US1 on the stage ST13.

[0088] The control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 executes a process to start the position game when the second user US2 operates the touchpad 28 (step S31). At this time, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 transmits a start notification indicating that the game start process has been executed to the server 110 via the network interface 16. The start notification includes account information including identification information and a password. The network interface 116 of the server 110 receives the start notification and outputs the start notification to the control unit 112. As a result, the control unit 112 of the server 110 acquires the start notification. Then, the control unit 112 of the server 110 executes the game start process based on the account information included in the start notification (step S51).

[0089] Next, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 acquires location information IP indicating the location of the second electronic device 10-2 (step S32). More specifically, the GPS receiver 17 of the second electronic device 10-2 receives a GPS signal transmitted from a GPS satellite 150. Then, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 acquires the GPS signal from the GPS receiver 17. The control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 calculates the location of the second electronic device 10-2 based on the GPS signal. As a result, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 acquires location information IP indicating the location of the second electronic device 10-2.

[0090] Next, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 transmits the location information IP to the server 110 via the network interface 16 (step S33). In response, the network interface 116 of the server 110 receives the location information IP and outputs the location information IP to the control unit 112. As a result, the control unit 112 of the server 110 acquires the location information IP indicating the location of the second electronic device 10-2 from the second electronic device 10-2 (step S52).

[0091] Next, the control unit 112 of the server 110 transmits virtual map information IM indicating the virtual map M to the second electronic device 10-2 in response to the request from the second electronic device 10-2 (step S53). More specifically, the control unit 112 of the server 110 acquires the virtual map information IM corresponding to the position indicated by the position information IP from the storage unit 114. The control unit 112 of the server 110 transmits the virtual map information IM to the second electronic device 10-2 via the network interface 116.

[0092] In response, the network interface 16 of the second electronic device 10-2 receives the virtual map information IM and outputs the virtual map information IM to the control unit 12. As a result, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 acquires the virtual map information IM indicating the virtual map M (step S34).

[0093] Next, control unit 12 of second electronic device 10-2 causes display 20 of second electronic device 10-2 to display an image obtained by combining an image showing second avatar object AO2 with virtual map M so that second avatar object AO2, which is the operation target of second user US2, is located on virtual map M corresponding to the position of second electronic device 10-2, as shown in the image at the top of FIG. 3 (step S35). Specifically, control unit 12 of second electronic device 10-2 generates image data obtained by combining second avatar object AO2 with virtual map M, based on position information IP acquired in step S32 and virtual map information IM acquired in step S34. In the image represented by this image data, second avatar object AO2 is located on virtual map M at the position indicated by position information IP, as shown in the image at the top of FIG. 3. Then, control unit 12 of second electronic device 10-2 causes display 20 to display the image represented by the image data.

[0094] Next, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 determines whether the stage position SP13 is included in the second area A2 (step S36). If the stage position SP13 is not included in the second area A2, the process returns to step S32. If the stage position SP13 is included in the second area A2, the process proceeds to step S71.

[0095] If stage position SP13 is included in first area A1, control unit 12 of first electronic device 10-1 determines whether stage position SP13 is included in first area A1 (step S71). If stage position SP13 is not included in first area A1, this process returns to step S32. If stage position SP13 is included in first area A1, this process proceeds to step S37.

[0096] If the stage position SP13 is included in the first area A1, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 determines whether the second user US2 will start a battle with the first user US1 (step S37). In step S37, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 displays on the display 20 an image for confirming with the second user US2 whether the second user US2 will start a battle with the first user US1. The second user US2 selects whether the second user US2 will start a battle with the first user US1 by operating the touchpad 28. If the second user US2 will start a battle with the first user US1, the process proceeds to step S38. If the second user US2 will not start a battle with the first user US1, the process returns to step S32.

[0097] When the second user US2 starts a battle with the first user US1, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 performs a first game start process in response to the second user US2 operating the touchpad 28 (step S38). At this time, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 transmits a start notification indicating that the first game start process has been executed to the server 110 via the network interface 16. The network interface 116 of the server 110 receives the start notification and outputs the start notification to the control unit 112. As a result, the control unit 112 of the server 110 acquires the start notification. Then, the control unit 112 of the server 110 executes the first game start process based on the account information included in the start notification (step S54).

[0098] Furthermore, the control unit 112 of the server 110 transmits a start notification indicating that the first game start process has been executed to the first electronic device 10-1 via the network interface 16. The network interface 16 of the first electronic device 10-1 receives the start notification and outputs the start notification to the control unit 12. As a result, the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 acquires the start notification. Then, the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 executes the first game start process based on the account information included in the start notification (step S72).

[0099] Next, the control unit 12 (second game progression means 42) of the second electronic device 10-2, the control unit 112 of the server 110, and the control unit 12 (first game progression means 40) of the first electronic device 10-1 progress the first game (steps S39, S55, S73). In steps S39, S55, and S73, the second electronic device 10-2, the server 110, and the first electronic device 10-1 communicate with each other to progress the first game. At this time, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 and the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 display the images of FIGS. 3 and 4 as the first game progresses. As described above, when the stage position SP13 is included in the first area A1 and the second area A2, the control unit 12 (second game progression means 42) of the second electronic device 10-2 progresses the first game in response to the operation of the second electronic device 10-2 by the second user US2. Similarly, when stage position SP13 is included in first area A1 and second area A2, control unit 12 (first game progression means 40) of first electronic device 10-1 progresses the first game in response to operation of first electronic device 10-1 by first user US1. Then, control unit 112 (third game progression means 134) of server 110 progresses the first game in first electronic device 10-1 in response to operation of first electronic device 10-1 by first user US1, and progresses the first game in second electronic device 10-2 in response to operation of second electronic device 10-2 by second user US2.

[0100] Next, the control unit 112 of the server 110 determines whether the first user US1 or the second user US2 has won (step S56). As shown in the image in the middle of FIG. 4, when the second objects OBJ2 eliminate all of the first objects OBJ1, the second user US2 belonging to the attacking team wins against the first user US1 belonging to the defending team. In this case, the process proceeds to step S57. When the first objects OBJ1 render all of the second objects OBJ2 unable to act, the first user US1 belonging to the defending team wins against the second user US2 belonging to the attacking team. In this case, the process proceeds to step S58.

[0101] If the second user US2 wins, the control unit 112 of the server 110 performs a process to abolish the stage ST13 (step S57). After that, the process proceeds to step S58.

[0102] In step S58, the control unit 112 of the server 110 transmits a result notification indicating the result of the first game to the second electronic device 10-2 and the first electronic device 10-1 via the network interface 116 (step S58). In response, the network interface 16 of the second electronic device 10-2 receives the result notification transmitted from the server 110 and outputs it to the control unit 12. As a result, the control unit 12 (result acquisition means 38) of the second electronic device 10-2 acquires from the server 110 a result notification indicating the result of the first game played by the second electronic device 10-2 in response to the operation of the second electronic device 10-2 by the second user US2 (step S40). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S41. Similarly, the network interface 16 of the first electronic device 10-1 receives the result notification transmitted from the server 110 and outputs it to the control unit 12. As a result, the control unit 12 (result acquisition means 38) of the first electronic device 10-1 acquires from the server 110 a result notification indicating the result of the first game progressed by the first electronic device 10-1 in response to the operation of the first electronic device 10-1 by the first user US1 (step S74).

[0103] Next, the first electronic device 10-1 displays an image reflecting the result of the first game on the display 20 (step S75). Specifically, if the first user US1 wins, the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 displays an image in which the stage ST13 has not been abolished on the display 20. The image in which the stage ST13 has not been abolished is an image in which the stage ST13 has been placed at the stage position SP13, as in the image in the upper part of FIG. 3. If the second user US2 wins (if it is determined that the first user US1 has lost at the stage ST13 based on a predetermined win / loss determination of the first game), the control unit 12 (stage abolition means 44) of the first electronic device 10-1 displays an image in which the stage ST13 has been abolished on the display 20. The image in which the stage ST13 has been abolished is an image in which the destroyed stage ST13 has been placed at the stage position SP13, as in the image in the lower part of FIG. 4.

[0104] In step S41, the second electronic device 10-2 displays an image reflecting the result of the first game on the display 20 (step S41). Specifically, if the first user US1 wins, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 displays an image in which the stage ST13 has not been abolished on the display 20. The image in which the stage ST13 has not been abolished is an image in which the stage ST13 has been placed at the stage position SP13, as shown in the image in the upper part of FIG. 3. If the second user US2 wins (if it is determined that the first user US1 has lost in the stage ST13 based on a predetermined win / loss determination of the first game), the control unit 12 (stage abolition means 44) of the second electronic device 10-2 displays an image in which the stage ST13 has been abolished on the display 20, as shown in the image in the lower part of FIG. 4. The image in which the stage ST13 has been abolished is an image in which the destroyed stage ST13 has been placed at the stage position SP13, as shown in the image in the lower part of FIG. 4.

[0105] Next, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 determines whether or not to end the positional game (step S44). In step S44, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 determines whether or not the second user US2 has performed an operation to end the positional game using the touchpad 28. If the second user US2 has not performed an operation to end the positional game using the touchpad 28, this process returns to step S32. If the second user US2 has performed an operation to end the positional game using the touchpad 28, this process ends.

[0106] (3) Third action The third operation will be described with reference to Fig. 11. In the third operation, the second user US2 battles the first user US1 on the main stage MST.

[0107] Steps S31 to S35 and S51 to S53 in FIG. 11 are the same as steps S31 to S35 and S51 to S53 in FIG. 10, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0108] Next, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 determines whether the main stage position SPM is included in the second area A2 (step S136). If the main stage position SPM is not included in the second area A2, the process returns to step S32. If the main stage position SPM is included in the second area A2, the process proceeds to step S171.

[0109] If the main stage position SPM is included in the first area A1, the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 determines whether the main stage position SPM is included in the first area A1 (step S171). If the main stage position SPM is not included in the first area A1, the process returns to step S32. If the main stage position SPM is included in the first area A1, the process proceeds to step S137.

[0110] If the main stage position SPM is included in the first area A1, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 determines whether the second user US2 will start a battle with the first user US1 (step S137). In step S137, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 displays on the display 20 an image for confirming with the second user US2 whether the second user US2 will start a battle with the first user US1. The second user US2 selects whether the second user US2 will start a battle with the first user US1 by operating the touchpad 28. If the second user US2 will start a battle with the first user US1, the process proceeds to step S138. If the second user US2 will not start a battle with the first user US1, the process returns to step S32.

[0111] When the second user US2 starts a battle with the first user US1, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 performs a main game start process in response to the second user US2 operating the touchpad 28 (step S138). At this time, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 transmits a start notification indicating that the main game start process has been executed to the server 110 via the network interface 16. The network interface 116 of the server 110 receives the start notification and outputs the start notification to the control unit 112. As a result, the control unit 112 of the second electronic device 10-2 acquires the start notification. Then, the control unit 112 of the server 110 executes the main game start process based on the account information included in the start notification (step S154).

[0112] Furthermore, the control unit 112 of the server 110 transmits a start notification indicating that the main game start process has been executed to the first electronic device 10-1 via the network interface 16. The network interface 16 of the first electronic device 10-1 receives the start notification and outputs the start notification to the control unit 12. As a result, the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 acquires the start notification. Then, the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 executes the main game start process based on the account information included in the start notification (step S172).

[0113] Next, the control unit 12 (second game progression means 42) of the second electronic device 10-2, the control unit 112 of the server 110, and the control unit 12 (first game progression means 40) of the first electronic device 10-1 progress the main game (steps S139, S155, S173). In steps S139, S155, and S173, the second electronic device 10-2, the server 110, and the first electronic device 10-1 communicate with each other to progress the main game. At this time, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 and the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 display the images of FIGS. 5 and 6 as the main game progresses. As described above, when the main stage MST is included in the first area A1 and the second area A2, the control unit 12 (second game progression means 42) of the second electronic device 10-2 progresses the main game in response to the operation of the second electronic device 10-2 by the second user US2. Similarly, when the main stage position SPM is included in the first area A1 and the second area A2, the control unit 12 (first game progression means 40) of the first electronic device 10-1 progresses the main game in accordance with the operation of the first electronic device 10-1 by the first user US1.

[0114] Next, the control unit 112 of the server 110 determines whether the first user US1 or the second user US2 has won (step S156). As shown in the image in the middle of FIG. 6, when the second objects OBJ2 eliminate all of the first objects OBJ1, the second user US2 belonging to the attacking team wins against the first user US1 belonging to the attacking team. In this case, the process proceeds to step S157. When the first objects OBJ1 render all of the second objects OBJ2 unable to act, the first user US1 belonging to the defending team wins against the second user US2 belonging to the attacking team. In this case, the process proceeds to step S158.

[0115] If the second user US2 wins, the control unit 112 of the server 110 performs a process to abolish the main stage MST (step S157). After that, the process proceeds to step S158.

[0116] In step S158, the control unit 112 of the server 110 transmits a result notification indicating the result of the main game to the second electronic device 10-2 and the first electronic device 10-1 via the network interface 116 (step S158). In response, the network interface 16 of the second electronic device 10-2 receives the result notification transmitted from the server 110 and outputs it to the control unit 12. As a result, the control unit 12 (result acquisition means 38) of the second electronic device 10-2 acquires from the server 110 a result notification indicating the result of the main game played by the second electronic device 10-2 in response to the operation of the second electronic device 10-2 by the second user US2 (step S140). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S141. Similarly, the network interface 16 of the first electronic device 10-1 receives the result notification transmitted from the server 110 and outputs it to the control unit 12. As a result, the control unit 12 (result acquisition means 38) of the first electronic device 10-1 acquires from the server 110 a result notification indicating the result of the main game progressed by the first electronic device 10-1 in response to the operation of the first electronic device 10-1 by the first user US1 (step S174).

[0117] Next, the first electronic device 10-1 displays an image reflecting the result of the main game on the display 20 (step S175). Specifically, if the first user US1 wins, the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 displays an image in which the main stage MST is not abolished on the display 20. An image in which the main stage MST is not abolished is an image in which the main stage MST is positioned at the main stage position SPM, as in the image in the upper part of FIG. 5. If the second user US2 wins (if it is determined that the first user US1 lost at the main stage MST based on a predetermined win / loss determination of the main game), the control unit 12 (stage abolition means 44) of the first electronic device 10-1 displays an image in which the main stage MST is abolished on the display 20. An image in which the main stage MST is abolished is an image in which the destroyed main stage MST is positioned at the main stage position MSP, as in the image in the lower part of FIG. 6. This image includes information indicating that the attacking team has defeated the defending team.

[0118] In step S141, the second electronic device 10-2 displays an image reflecting the result of the main game on the display 20 (step S141). Specifically, if the first user US1 wins, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 displays an image in which the main stage MST is not abolished on the display 20. The image in which the main stage MST is not abolished is an image in which the main stage MST is located at the main stage position SPM, as shown in the image in the upper part of FIG. 5. If the second user US2 wins (if it is determined that the first user US1 lost at the stage ST13 based on a predetermined win / loss determination of the first game), the control unit 12 (stage abolition means 44) of the second electronic device 10-2 displays an image in which the main stage MST is abolished on the display 20, as shown in the image in the lower part of FIG. 6. The image in which the main stage MST is abolished is an image in which the destroyed main stage MST is located at the main stage position MSP, as shown in the image in the lower part of FIG. 6. This image includes information indicating that the attacking team has won against the defending team.

[0119] Next, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 determines whether or not to end the positional game (step S144). In step S144, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 determines whether or not the second user US2 has performed an operation to end the positional game using the touchpad 28. If the second user US2 has not performed an operation to end the positional game using the touchpad 28, this process returns to step S32. If the second user US2 has performed an operation to end the positional game using the touchpad 28, this process ends.

[0120] [effect] The system 1 can provide a new position-based game. More specifically, the control unit 12 (stage setting means 36) of the first electronic device 10-1 transmits to the server 110 stage information IS indicating that a stage ST13 is to be set at a stage position SP13 designated by the first user US1 operating the first electronic device 10-1. The stage ST13 is associated with a first game. The control unit 12 (first game progression means 40) of the first electronic device 10-1 progresses the first game in accordance with the operation of the first user US1 operating the first electronic device 10-1. In this way, the first user US1 can set the stage ST13 in the virtual map M and further play the first game on the stage ST13. A position-based game in which the first user US1 can set a stage ST13 associated with the first game is not described in Patent Document 1 or other documents, and is a new position-based game.

[0121] The system 1 encourages the first user US1 to move (exercise, such as walking). More specifically, the control unit 12 (stage setting means 36) of the first electronic device 10-1 transmits to the server 110 stage information IS indicating that a stage ST13 is to be set at a stage position SP13 designated by the first user US1's operation of the first electronic device 10-1. A first game is associated with the stage ST13. The control unit 12 (first game progression means 40) of the first electronic device 10-1 progresses the first game in accordance with the first user US1's operation of the first electronic device 10-1. In this way, the first user US1 can set the stage ST13 on the virtual map M and further play the first game on the stage ST13. This allows the first user US1 to move around the area of ​​the virtual map M to set the stage ST13 and play the first game. As a result, the system 1 encourages the first user US1 to walk. Furthermore, the first user US1 can learn about the history, roads, post towns, place names, and the like of the virtual map M by moving around the area of ​​the virtual map M.

[0122] In particular, when the third area A3 includes the stage position SP13, the control unit 12 (stage setting means 36) of the first electronic device 10-1 transmits the stage information IS to the server 110. Therefore, the first user US1 needs to move close to the stage position SP13 to set the stage ST13. Therefore, the first user US1 moves more within the virtual map M to set the stage ST13. As a result, the system 1 further encourages the first user US1 to move (exercise such as walking).

[0123] According to the system 1, the first user US1 is encouraged to move (exercise such as walking). More specifically, when the first area A1 includes the stage position SP13, the control unit 12 (first game progression means 40) of the first electronic device 10-1 progresses the first game in accordance with the operation of the first electronic device 10-1 by the first user US1. As a result, the first user US1 needs to move closer to the stage position SP13 in order to play the first game. Therefore, the first user US1 moves more frequently through the areas of the virtual map M in order to play the first game. As a result, according to the system 1, the first user US1 is further encouraged to walk.

[0124] According to the system 1, the second user US2 is encouraged to move (exercise such as walking). More specifically, when the second area A2 includes the stage position SP13, the control unit 12 (second game progression means 42) of the second electronic device 10-2 progresses the first game in accordance with the operation of the second electronic device 10-2 by the second user US2. As a result, the second user US2 needs to move close to the stage position SP13 in order to play the first game. Therefore, the second user US2 moves around the area of ​​the virtual map M in order to play the first game. As a result, according to the system 1, the second user US2 is encouraged to walk.

[0125] In the system 1, the first game is a game in which a battle is conducted on a stage ST13 using a first object OBJ1 associated with a first user US1 and a second object OBJ2 associated with a second user US2. This allows the first user US1 and the second user US2 to compete with each other in a position game. As a result, the first user US1 and the second user US2 become more proactive in playing the position game.

[0126] System 1 can provide a new position-based game. More specifically, in a typical position-based game, a user attacks a stage. On the other hand, in system 1, when it is determined that first user US1 has lost in stage ST13 based on a predetermined win / loss determination of the first game, control unit 12 (stage abolition means 44) of first electronic device 10-1 displays an image of stage ST13 being abolished on display 20 of first electronic device 10-1. In this way, in the first game, first user US1 battles to defend stage ST13. Therefore, system 1 can provide a new position-based game in which first user US1 fights to protect stage ST13.

[0127] A main stage MST associated with the main game is set in the system 1. This allows the first user US1 and the second user US2 to have a final battle in the main stage MST.

[0128] (First Modification) A system 1a according to the first modification will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 12 shows an image displayed by the first electronic device 10-1.

[0129] System 1a differs from system 1 in that a first user US1 belonging to the defense team and a third user US3 belonging to the defense team can cooperate to set up a stage ST13. More specifically, in system 1a, the first user US1 can set up the stage ST13. In this case, a setting time is required from the time the first user US1 issues a setting instruction until the stage ST13 is completed. On the other hand, when the first user US1 and the third user US3 cooperate to set up the stage ST13, the time required from the time the first user US1 and the third user US3 issue a setting instruction until the stage ST13 is completed is shorter than the setting time.

[0130] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the fourth area A4 is a circular region centered on the third avatar object AO3. Therefore, the fourth area A4 includes the location of the third electronic device 10-3. The radius of the fourth area A4 is, for example, 200 m. The control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 determines whether the third area A3 includes the stage position SP13 and whether the fourth area A4 includes the stage position SP13. If the third area A3 includes the stage position SP13 and the fourth area A4 includes the stage position SP13, the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1 determines that the first user US1 and the third user US3 can cooperate to set the stage ST13. The setting time when the third area A3 includes the stage position SP13 and the fourth area A4 includes the stage position SP13 is shorter than the setting time when the third area A3 includes the stage position SP13 and the fourth area A4 does not include the stage position SP13.

[0131] According to the system 1a, the first user US1 and the third user US3 actively cooperate to play the location game.

[0132] (Second Modification) A system 1b according to the second modification will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figures 13 and 14 are diagrams showing transitions of images displayed by first electronic device 10-1 and second electronic device 10-2.

[0133] In the system 1b, as shown in FIG. 13, a morale (first parameter) is set for the first object OBJ1. The morale of the first object OBJ1 increases when the first user US1 wins in each stage of the first game. The morale of the first object OBJ1 decreases when the first user US1 loses in each stage. In this way, the morale (first parameter) of the first object OBJ1 changes based on the outcome of the battle in the first game. Furthermore, when the morale (first parameter) of the first object OBJ1 changes, the status of the first object OBJ1 in the main game, such as the attack power and defense power, also changes. Specifically, when the morale of the first object OBJ1 is high, the defense power of the first object OBJ1 in the main game increases. When the defense power of the first object OBJ1 increases, the hit points of the first object OBJ1 are less likely to be reduced by attacks from the second object OBJ2. If the morale of the first object OBJ1 is low, the defensive power of the first object OBJ1 in the main game will be low. When the defensive power of the first object OBJ1 is low, the hit points of the first object OBJ1 will be more likely to be reduced by attacks from the second object OBJ2.

[0134] In addition, in the system 1b, as shown in FIG. 14, a morale (second parameter) is set for the second object OBJ2. The morale of the second object OBJ2 increases when the second user US2 wins in each stage of the first game. The morale of the second object OBJ2 decreases when the second user US2 loses in each stage. In this way, the morale (second parameter) of the second object OBJ2 changes based on the outcome of the battle in the second game. Furthermore, when the morale (second parameter) of the second object OBJ2 changes, the status of the second object OBJ2 in the main game, such as the attack power and defense power, changes. Specifically, when the morale of the second object OBJ2 is high, the attack power of the second object OBJ2 in the main game increases. When the attack power of the second object OBJ2 increases, the hit points of the first object OBJ1 are more likely to be reduced by attacks from the second object OBJ2. If the morale of the second object OBJ2 is low, the attack power of the second object OBJ2 in the main game will be low. If the defense power of the second object OBJ2 is low, the hit points of the first object OBJ1 will be less likely to be reduced by attacks from the second object OBJ2.

[0135] According to the system 1b, the morale (first parameter) of the first object OBJ1 and the morale (second parameter) of the second object OBJ2 change depending on the outcome of the battle. As a result, when the morale (first parameter) of the first object OBJ1 increases, the first user US1 can play the main game advantageously. When the morale (second parameter) of the second object OBJ2 increases, the second user US2 can play the main game advantageously. Therefore, each of the first user US1 and the second user US2 will actively play the first game in order to increase the morale (first parameter) of the first object OBJ1 and the morale (second parameter) of the second object OBJ2.

[0136] (Third Modification) A system 1c according to the third modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 15 shows an image displayed by the first electronic device 10-1.

[0137] System 1c differs from system 1 in that the control unit 12 (image data generation means 46) of the first electronic device 10-1 displays an AR (Augmented Reality) composite image, in which a first object OBJ1 is combined with an image captured by the first electronic device 10-1, on the display 20 of the first electronic device 10-1. In this way, the stage positions SP1 to SP13 and the main stage position SPM may be predetermined positions in the virtual space Sp.

[0138] (Fourth Modification) Next, an outline of the operation of the system 1d will be described. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the transition of images displayed by the second electronic device 10-2.

[0139] System 1d differs from System 1 in that in the first game and the main game, a computer battles with a second user US2 instead of a first user US1. Therefore, when the second user US2 plays the first game or the main game, the first user US1 does not need to be located near stage position SP13 or the main stage position SPM.

[0140] In this modification, there are operations (1) to (3). (1) First action: The first user US1 sets the stage ST13. (2) Second action: The second user US2 battles the computer in stage ST13. (3) Third action: The second user US2 battles the computer on the main stage MST.

[0141] The first operation of system 1d differs from the first operation of system 1 in the following respects. Specifically, when setting up stage ST13, first electronic device 10-1 displays the image in the lower part of FIG. 3. The image in the lower part of FIG. 3 is a setting image displayed on first electronic device 10-1. First user US1 operates first electronic device 10-1 to input the equipment (invested equipment) to be set up in the first game of stage ST13. Note that first user US1 can input the invested equipment within the war chest included in the image of FIG. 3. As a result, multiple first objects OBJ1 associated with first avatar object AO1 (first user US1) are displayed. First object OBJ1 is an equipment object that does not move on stage ST13. In this modification, the equipment object is a tower. Thus, in system 1d, first user US1 inputs the equipment (invested equipment) to be set up in the first game of stage ST13 when setting up stage ST13. Note that other parts of the first operation of system 1d are the same as those of system 1, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0142] Next, an overview of the second operation will be described. The second user US2 moves while carrying the second electronic device 10-2. The second electronic device 10-2 acquires location information IP indicating the location of the second electronic device 10-2 based on a GPS signal from a GPS satellite 150. The second electronic device 10-2 also acquires virtual map information IM indicating the virtual map M from the server 110. Then, the second electronic device 10-2 displays an image in which the second avatar object AO2, which is the operation target of the second user US2, is combined with the virtual map M, as shown in the image in the upper part of FIG.

[0143] As shown in the upper image of FIG. 16, a second area A2 is set for the second avatar object AO2 belonging to the attacking team. The second area A2 is a circular region centered on the second avatar object AO2. Therefore, the second area A2 includes the position of the second electronic device 10-2. The radius of the second area A2 is, for example, 200 m. If the stage position SP13 is included in the second area A2, the second user US2 can battle the computer in the first game of the stage ST13.

[0144] Before the start of the battle, the second electronic device 10-2 displays the image in the lower part of FIG. 3. The image in the lower part of FIG. 3 is a setting image displayed on the second electronic device 10-2 in the first game. The second user US2 operates the second electronic device 10-2 to input the troop strength (troop strength) to be set in the first game of the stage ST13. The second user US2 can input the troop strength within the range of the troop strength included in the image in the upper part of FIG. 3. This causes a plurality of second objects OBJ2 associated with the second avatar object AO2 (second user US2) to be displayed. The second objects OBJ2 are one or more second character objects that can move on the stage ST13. In this embodiment, the second character objects are soldiers.

[0145] When the battle begins, the second objects OBJ2 move toward the first objects OBJ1 and attack the first objects OBJ1, as shown in the image in the top row of Fig. 4. The first objects OBJ1 attack the second objects OBJ2 by ​​firing arrows. The first objects OBJ1 and the second objects OBJ2 are controlled by the first electronic device 10-1, the second electronic device 10-2, and the server 110, respectively, without being controlled by the first user US1 or the second user US2.

[0146] Each of the plurality of first objects OBJ1 and the plurality of second objects OBJ2 has a hit point. Specifically, a meter is provided below each of the plurality of first objects OBJ1 and the plurality of second objects OBJ2. The meter indicates the hit points of the plurality of first objects OBJ1 and the plurality of second objects OBJ2. The hit points of the plurality of first objects OBJ1 and the hit points of the plurality of second objects OBJ2 decrease when the first object OBJ1 and the second object OBJ2 are attacked. When the hit points of the first object OBJ1 and the second object OBJ2 reach 0, the first object OBJ1 and the second object OBJ2 become unable to act in that stage or disappear.

[0147] In the first game, as shown in the middle image of FIG. 4, when the second objects OBJ2 disable all of the first objects OBJ1, the second user US2 belonging to the attacking team defeats the first user US1 controlling the first objects OBJ1 of the defending team. Then, as shown in the bottom image of FIG. 4, the stage ST13 is abolished. In this case, the difficulty level of the main game of the main stage MST for the 2nth user US2n belonging to the attacking team is reduced. Specifically, the hit points of the first object OBJ1 (castle) of the main stage MST are reduced.

[0148] On the other hand, if the multiple first objects OBJ1 destroy all of the multiple second objects OBJ2, the computer controlling the multiple first objects OBJ1 of the defense team wins against the second user US2 belonging to the attacking team. In this case, the stage ST13 is not abolished. In this case, the difficulty level of the main game of the main stage MST for the 2nth user US2n belonging to the attacking team is not reduced. Specifically, the hit points of the first object OBJ1 (castle) of the main stage MST are not reduced.

[0149] The third operation of the system 1d is the same as the second operation of the system 1d except that the second user US2 plays the main game instead of the first game, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0150] Next, details of the second operation will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is an activity diagram executed by the control unit 12 of the first electronic device 10-1, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2, and the control unit 112 of the server 110. In the second operation, the second user US2 battles against the computer in stage ST13.

[0151] The control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 executes a process to start the position game when the second user US2 operates the touchpad 28 (step S31). At this time, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 transmits a start notification indicating that the game start process has been executed to the server 110 via the network interface 16. The start notification includes account information including identification information and a password. The network interface 116 of the server 110 receives the start notification and outputs the start notification to the control unit 112. As a result, the control unit 112 of the server 110 acquires the start notification. Then, the control unit 112 of the server 110 executes the game start process based on the account information included in the start notification (step S51).

[0152] Next, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 acquires location information IP indicating the location of the second electronic device 10-2 (step S32). More specifically, the GPS receiver 17 of the second electronic device 10-2 receives a GPS signal transmitted from a GPS satellite 150. Then, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 acquires the GPS signal from the GPS receiver 17. The control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 calculates the location of the second electronic device 10-2 based on the GPS signal. As a result, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 acquires location information IP indicating the location of the second electronic device 10-2.

[0153] Next, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 transmits the location information IP to the server 110 via the network interface 16 (step S33). In response, the network interface 116 of the server 110 receives the location information IP and outputs the location information IP to the control unit 112. As a result, the control unit 112 of the server 110 acquires the location information IP indicating the location of the second electronic device 10-2 from the second electronic device 10-2 (step S52).

[0154] Next, the control unit 112 of the server 110 transmits virtual map information IM indicating the virtual map M to the second electronic device 10-2 in response to the request from the second electronic device 10-2 (step S53). More specifically, the control unit 112 of the server 110 acquires the virtual map information IM corresponding to the position indicated by the position information IP from the storage unit 114. The control unit 112 of the server 110 transmits the virtual map information IM to the second electronic device 10-2 via the network interface 116.

[0155] In response, the network interface 16 of the second electronic device 10-2 receives the virtual map information IM and outputs the virtual map information IM to the control unit 12. As a result, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 acquires the virtual map information IM indicating the virtual map M (step S34).

[0156] Next, control unit 12 of second electronic device 10-2 causes display 20 of second electronic device 10-2 to display an image obtained by combining an image showing second avatar object AO2 with virtual map M so that second avatar object AO2, which is the operation target of second user US2, is located on virtual map M corresponding to the position of second electronic device 10-2, as shown in the image at the top of FIG. 16 (step S35). Specifically, control unit 12 of second electronic device 10-2 generates image data obtained by combining second avatar object AO2 with virtual map M, based on position information IP acquired in step S32 and virtual map information IM acquired in step S34. In the image represented by this image data, second avatar object AO2 is located on virtual map M at the position indicated by position information IP, as shown in the image at the top of FIG. 16. Then, control unit 12 of second electronic device 10-2 causes display 20 to display the image represented by the image data.

[0157] Next, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 determines whether the stage position SP13 is included in the second area A2 (step S36). If the stage position SP13 is not included in the second area A2, the process returns to step S32. If the stage position SP13 is included in the second area A2, the process proceeds to step S37.

[0158] If the stage position SP13 is included in the first area A1, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 determines whether the second user US2 will start a battle with the computer (step S37). In step S37, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 displays on the display 20 an image for confirming with the second user US2 whether the second user US2 will start a battle with the computer. The second user US2 selects whether or not the second user US2 will start a battle with the computer by operating the touchpad 28. If the second user US2 will start a battle with the computer, the process proceeds to step S38. If the second user US2 will not start a battle with the computer, the process returns to step S32.

[0159] When the second user US2 starts a battle with the computer, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 performs a first game start process in response to the second user US2 operating the touchpad 28 (step S38). At this time, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 transmits a start notification indicating that the first game start process has been executed to the server 110 via the network interface 16. The network interface 116 of the server 110 receives the start notification and outputs the start notification to the control unit 112. As a result, the control unit 112 of the server 110 acquires the start notification. Then, the control unit 112 of the server 110 executes the first game start process based on the account information included in the start notification (step S54).

[0160] Next, the control unit 12 (second game progression means 42) of the second electronic device 10-2 and the control unit 112 of the server 110 progress the first game (steps S39 and S55). In steps S39 and S55, the second electronic device 10-2 and the server 110 communicate with each other to progress the first game. At this time, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 displays the images of FIGS. 3 and 4 as the first game progresses. As described above, when the second area A2 includes the stage position SP13, the control unit 12 (second game progression means 42) of the second electronic device 10-2 progresses the first game in response to the operation of the second electronic device 10-2 by the second user US2. Then, the control unit 112 (third game progression means 134) of the server 110 progresses the first game on the second electronic device 10-2 in response to the operation of the second electronic device 10-2 by the second user US2.

[0161] Next, the control unit 112 of the server 110 determines whether the computer or the second user US2 has won (step S56). As shown in the image in the middle of FIG. 4, when the second objects OBJ2 destroy all of the first objects OBJ1, the second user US2 belonging to the attacking team wins against the computer controlling the second objects OBJ2 of the defending team. In this case, the process proceeds to step S57. When the first objects OBJ1 render all of the second objects OBJ2 incapacitated, the computer controlling the second objects OBJ2 of the defending team wins against the second user US2 belonging to the attacking team. In this case, the process proceeds to step S58.

[0162] If the second user US2 wins, the control unit 112 of the server 110 performs a process to abolish the stage ST13 (step S57). After that, the process proceeds to step S58.

[0163] In step S58, the control unit 112 of the server 110 transmits a result notification indicating the result of the first game to the second electronic device 10-2 and the first electronic device 10-1 via the network interface 116 (step S58). In response, the network interface 16 of the first electronic device 10-1 receives the result notification transmitted from the server 110 and outputs it to the control unit 12. As a result, the control unit 12 (result acquisition means 38) of the first electronic device 10-1 acquires from the server 110 a result notification indicating the result of the first game played by the first electronic device 10-1 in response to the operation of the first electronic device 10-1 by the first user US1 (step S74). The first electronic device 10-1 then displays an image reflecting the result of the first game on the display 20 (step S75). Similarly, the network interface 16 of the second electronic device 10-2 receives the result notification transmitted from the server 110 and outputs it to the control unit 12. As a result, the control unit 12 (result obtaining means 38) of the second electronic device 10-2 obtains from the server 110 a result notification indicating the result of the first game played by the second electronic device 10-2 in response to the operation of the second electronic device 10-2 by the second user US2 (step S40). After this, the process proceeds to step S41.

[0164] In step S41, the second electronic device 10-2 displays on the display 20 an image reflecting the result of the first game (step S41). Specifically, if the computer wins, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 displays on the display 20 an image in which the stage ST13 has not been abolished. An image in which the stage ST13 has not been abolished is an image in which the stage ST13 has been placed at the stage position SP13, as in the image in the top row of FIG. 16. If the second user US2 wins, the control unit 12 (stage abolition means 44) of the second electronic device 10-2 displays on the display 20 an image in which the stage ST13 has been abolished, as in the image in the bottom row of FIG. 4. An image in which the stage ST13 has been abolished is an image in which the destroyed stage ST13 has been placed at the stage position SP13, as in the image in the bottom row of FIG. 4.

[0165] Next, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 determines whether or not to end the positional game (step S44). In step S44, the control unit 12 of the second electronic device 10-2 determines whether or not the second user US2 has performed an operation to end the positional game using the touchpad 28. If the second user US2 has not performed an operation to end the positional game using the touchpad 28, this process returns to step S32. If the second user US2 has performed an operation to end the positional game using the touchpad 28, this process ends.

[0166] The system 1d described above can also achieve the same effects as the system 1.

[0167] (Other embodiments) The various control means and processing procedures described in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses. The various control means and processing procedures can be appropriately modified in design within the scope that does not change the gist of the present invention.

[0168] The structures of the systems 1, 1a to 1d may be combined arbitrarily.

[0169] In the systems 1, 1a to 1d, the server 110 may include one computer or may include multiple computers.

[0170] Note that stages ST7, ST9, and ST11 in FIG. 2 are captured by the attacking team. Stages ST7 and ST9 are marked with a "◯" symbol. Stage ST11 is marked with an "X" symbol. The "◯" symbol means that the 2n-1th user US2n-1 belonging to the defending team can set stages ST7 and ST9. The "X" symbol means that the 2n-1th user US2n-1 belonging to the defending team cannot set stage ST11. For example, if stage ST11 is captured by the 2nth user US2n of the attacking team a predetermined number of times, the "◯" symbol changes to an "X" symbol.

[0171] The stages ST1 to ST13 may be assigned the account name of the (2n-1)th user US2n-1 who set the stages ST1 to ST13. This allows the (2n-1)th user US2n-1 who belongs to the defense team to set the stages ST1 to ST13 in order to increase his or her contribution to the defense team. The account name may be a real name, an arbitrary name, an ID number, or the like, as long as it is information that can identify the user.

[0172] Note that the control unit 12 (stage setting means 36) of the first electronic device 10-1 may be able to set the stage ST13 even if the stage position SP13 is not included in the third area A3. That is, even if the first electronic device 10-1 is located far away from the stage position SP13, the control unit 12 (stage setting means 36) of the first electronic device 10-1 may be able to set the stage ST13. In this case, the stage ST13 may be set by selecting an arbitrary position from a stage map corresponding to the map, or the stage ST13 may be set at a predetermined position automatically (based on setting processing by the server or the first electronic device) when the user performs an operation to set the stage.

[0173] The first object OBJ1 may be a facility such as a pitfall, falling rocks, a cannon, etc. The status of the first object (attack power, hit points, attackable range, etc.) varies depending on the type of the first object OBJ1.

[0174] The first object OBJ1 may be one or more first character objects that face one or more second character objects in a battle. The first character object may be, for example, a soldier.

[0175] The soldier of the first object OBJ1 and the soldier of the second object OBJ2 may be an infantryman or a cavalryman. The status of an infantryman is different from the status of a cavalryman. The soldier of the first object OBJ1 and the soldier of the second object OBJ2 may also be a recovery soldier that recovers the hit points of combat-specific objects such as an infantryman or a cavalryman.

[0176] In the first battle, when multiple users belonging to the attacking team start the battle, users belonging to the defending team may be allowed to participate in the battle (perform operations to fight back). Furthermore, for users belonging to the defending team to participate in the battle, the first area A1 of the avatar object may need to include the stage position SP13. A battle may also be fought between multiple users belonging to the defending team and multiple users belonging to the attacking team. Specifically, if the first area A1 of the avatar objects associated with multiple users belonging to the defending team includes the stage position SP13, the avatar objects associated with the multiple users belonging to the defending team can participate in the first game. Similarly, if the second area A2 of the avatar objects associated with multiple users belonging to the attacking team includes the stage position SP13, the avatar objects associated with the multiple users belonging to the attacking team can participate in the first game.

[0177] In the main battle, when multiple users belonging to the attacking team start a battle, users belonging to the defending team may be allowed to participate in the battle (perform operations to fight back). Alternatively, multiple users belonging to the defending team may battle multiple users belonging to the attacking team. Specifically, if the second area A2 of the main object associated with multiple users belonging to the defending team includes the main stage position SPM, the avatar objects associated with the multiple users belonging to the defending team can participate in the main game. Similarly, if the second area A2 of the avatar objects associated with multiple users belonging to the attacking team includes the main stage position SPM, the avatar objects associated with the multiple users belonging to the attacking team can participate in the main game.

[0178] Specific areas such as roads and post towns may be set based on the virtual map M. Post towns are set along the roads. The first user US1 through the Nth user USN can purchase items and restore the hit points of the first object OBJ1 through the Nth object OBJN in the post towns. For example, items include items that restore hit points, items that increase attack power or defense power, items that increase the stage setting speed, and objects that are set in the stage. Furthermore, the morale of the first object OBJ1 through the Nth object OBJN may increase when the first user US1 through the Nth user USN stop by the post town.

[0179] In the first game, when a first user US1 belonging to the attacking team defeats a second user US2 belonging to the defending team (destroys the stage of the defending team), the morale (second parameter) of the second object OBJ2 of the second user US2 belonging to the defending team may decrease, thereby decreasing the difficulty level of the main game for the second user US2 belonging to the attacking team.

[0180] In the first game, when the second user US2 belonging to the defense team defeats the first user US1 belonging to the attacking team, the morale (first parameter) of the first object OBJ1 of the first user US1 belonging to the attacking team may decrease.

[0181] Note that an experience value may be set for the first user US1 (account, character). In this case, the first user US1 can acquire the experience value based on the results (win / loss or score) of the first game. The level of the first user US1 increases according to the experience value acquired by the first user US1. When the level of the first user US1 increases, the status of the first object OBJ1, such as attack power, defense power, and hit points, increases, the hit point recovery speed of the first object OBJ1 increases, and the range of the first area A1 and the third area A3 expands. Furthermore, when the level of the first user US1 increases, the first user US1 may be able to select a first object OBJ1 with a higher status.

[0182] Note that an experience value may be set for the second user US2 (account, character). In this case, the second user US2 can acquire the experience value based on the results (win / loss or score) of the first game. The level of the second user US2 increases according to the experience value acquired by the second user US2. When the level of the second user US2 increases, the status of the second object OBJ2, such as the attack power, defense power, and hit points, increases, the hit point recovery speed of the second object OBJ2 increases, and the range of the second area A2 expands. Furthermore, when the level of the second user US2 increases, the second user US2 may be able to select a second object OBJ2 with a higher status.

[0183] Note that the first user US1 may be able to select a first object OBJ1 with a higher status by using a larger amount of war funds. The first user US1 may also be able to increase the status of the first object OBJ1 by using the war funds. Similarly, the second user US2 may be able to select a second object OBJ2 with a higher status by using a larger amount of war funds. The second user US2 may also be able to increase the status of the second object OBJ2 by ​​using the war funds.

[0184] Note that the positions at which the first user US1 belonging to the defense team can set the stage ST13 may be limited. In this case, a plurality of stage settable positions at which the stage ST13 can be set are set in advance on the virtual map M. The first user US1 can move to any of the plurality of stage settable positions and set the stage ST13 at the stage settable position. Furthermore, the number of stage settable positions set around the main stage position SPM of the main stage MST is greater than the number of stage settable positions set outside the vicinity of the main stage position SPM.

[0185] The set time of the stage ST13 may change depending on the distance between the stage position SP13 and the first user US1. Specifically, as the distance between the stage position SP13 and the first user US1 increases, the set time of the stage ST13 increases. As the distance between the stage position SP13 and the first user US1 decreases, the set time of the stage ST13 decreases. Furthermore, the first user US1 can shorten the set time of the stage ST13 by using items, war funds, etc.

[0186] Note that statuses may be set for the stages ST1 to ST13. The statuses of the stages ST1 to ST13 affect, for example, the status of the first object OBJ1 set for the stages ST1 to ST13. That is, when the status of the stages ST1 to ST13 increases, the status of the first object OBJ1 set for the stages ST1 to ST13 increases. In this case, users belonging to the defense team may use war funds or the like to increase the status of the stages ST1 to ST13 set by other users.

[0187] In the system 1c, facilities (specific areas) of a post town may be set in real buildings included in the virtual space Sp. For example, if the post town is set as a shopping district, many users will visit the shopping district.

[0188] The first game and the main game are tower defense games. In a tower defense game, after the start of the first game and the main game, the first object OBJ1 and the second object OBJ2 are controlled by the first electronic device 10-1, the second electronic device 10-2, and the server 110, without being controlled by the first user US1 or the second user US2. However, the first object OBJ1 and the second object OBJ2 may be controlled by the first user US1 or the second user US2 after the start of the first game and the main game. For example, the first user US1 and the second user US2 can select where and when objects (the first object OBJ1 and the second object OBJ2) will appear on the stage. Items can also be used during battles.

[0189] In the first game and the main game, the second user US2 may battle the computer instead of the first user US1. In this case, the control unit 12 (result acquisition means 38) of the first electronic device 10-1 acquires from the server 110 a result notification indicating the results of the first game and the main game progressed by the second electronic device 10-2 in response to the operation of the second electronic device 10-2 by the second user US2. This allows the first user US1 to know whether the stage ST13 and the main stage MST have been defended.

[0190] In the first game and the main game, the first user US1 may battle against the computer instead of the second user US2.

[0191] The first user US1 can also play the first game on stages other than the stage ST13 set by the first user US1.

[0192] The hit points of the first object OBJ1 and the hit points of the second object OBJ2 may be completely restored when the battle of the first game ends, or may be restored in accordance with the time that has passed since the end of the battle. Furthermore, the hit points of the first object OBJ1 and the hit points of the second object OBJ2 may be restored by a predetermined value when the battle of the first game ends, and then may be restored in accordance with the time that has passed since the end of the battle. Furthermore, a predetermined parameter (so-called stamina) may be consumed at the start of a battle, and this parameter may be restored over time.

[0193] The second avatar object AO2 may be able to attack the main stage MST at any time (or play the main game). Also, the second avatar object AO2 may be able to attack the main stage (or play the main game) when the hit points of the first object OBJ1 on the main stage MST fall below a predetermined value or when the morale of the second avatar object AO2 falls below a predetermined value.

[0194] Note that a first user US1 belonging to the defense team may be able to support the first game of another user belonging to the defense team in stage ST13 even if the stage position SP13 is not located within the first area A1 of the first user US1. Support methods include, for example, having the first object OBJ1 of the first user US1 participate in a battle in the first game, using war funds to improve the status of the first object OBJ1 of the other user belonging to the defense team, or providing an item to the other user belonging to the defense team. Note that an upper limit may be set on the number of times the first user US1 can provide support per day.

[0195] Note that a second user US2 belonging to the attacking team may be able to support another user belonging to the attacking team in the first game on stage ST13 even if the stage position SP13 is not located within the second area A2 of the second user US2. Support methods include, for example, having the second object OBJ2 of the second user US2 participate in a battle in the first game, using war funds to improve the status of the second object OBJ2 of the other user belonging to the attacking team, or providing an item to the other user belonging to the defending team. Note that an upper limit may be set on the number of times the second user US2 can provide support per day.

[0196] Note that the first user US1 through the Nth user USN may be able to watch the play of the first game and the main game by other users through the first electronic device 10-1 through the Nth electronic device 10-N.

[0197] Note that the first user US1 may be able to acquire an item when the stage ST13 is set. The item may, for example, restore the hit points of the first object OBJ1. There may be an upper limit on the number of items that can be granted per day.

[0198] When multiple stages are set in a specific area, the multiple stages may be combined into one large stage. In this case, the first user US1 through the Nth user USN can play the first game set in the large stage.

[0199] The first game and the main game may be, for example, an action game, a shooting game, a role-playing game, a simulation game, a card game, a sports game, a board game, or a puzzle game. [Explanation of symbols]

[0200] 1, 1a to 1d: System 10-1: 1st electronic equipment 10-2:Second electronic equipment 10-3:Third electronic equipment 12: Control unit 14: Storage part 16: Network interface 17: GPS receiver 18: Graphics processing unit 20: Display 22: Audio processing section 24: Speaker 26:Operation unit 28: Touchpad 30: Location acquisition means 32: Image generation means 34: Virtual map acquisition means 36: Stage setting means 38:Result acquisition means 40: First game progression method 42: Second game progression method 44: Stage Cancellation Method 46: Image data generation means 110: Server 112: Control unit 114: Storage section 116: Network interface 130: Virtual map information transmission means 132: Setting information transmission means 134: Third game progression method 150:GPS satellite A1: Area 1 A2: Area 2 A3: Third Area A4: Area 4 AO1: First Avatar Object AO2: Second Avatar Object AO3: Third Avatar Object IM: Virtual map information IP: Location information IS: Stage Information ISS:Settings M: Virtual map MST: Main Stage OBJ1: First object OBJ2: Second object SP1 to SP13: Stage positions ST1~ST13: Stage Sp: Virtual Space US1: First user US2: Second user US3: Third user

Claims

1. A program executed by a first electronic device capable of communicating with a server, the first electronic device is operated by a first user; the program causes the first electronic device to function as a position acquisition means, a virtual map acquisition means, an image generation means, and a stage setting means; the location acquisition means acquires location information indicating a location of the first electronic device; the virtual map acquisition means acquires virtual map information indicating a virtual map; the image generating means displays, on a display of the first electronic device, an image obtained by combining an image showing the first avatar object with the virtual space or the virtual map so that a first avatar object that is an operation target of the first user is located in the virtual space or the virtual map corresponding to a position of the first electronic device; the stage setting means transmits to the server stage information indicating that a stage is to be set at a stage position designated by the first user's operation of the first electronic device; the stage position is a predetermined position in the virtual space or the virtual map, a first game is associated with the stage; the program causes the first electronic device to function as first game progression means that progresses the first game in response to an operation of the first electronic device by the first user, and / or the program causes the first electronic device to function as result acquisition means that acquires, from the server, a result notification that indicates a result of the first game progressed by the second electronic device in response to an operation of the second electronic device by a second user. program.

2. the first area includes the location of the first electronic device; the first game progression means, when the stage location is included in the first area, progresses the first game in response to an operation of the first electronic device by the first user; The program according to claim 1.

3. the second area includes the location of the second electronic device; the second electronic device progresses the first game in response to an operation of the second electronic device by the second user when the stage location is included in the second area; The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the third area includes the location of the first electronic device; the stage setting means transmits the stage information to the server when the stage position is included in the third area; The program according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the first game is a game in which a battle is conducted on the stage using a first object associated with the first user and a second object associated with the second user; The program according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the program causes the first electronic device to function as a stage canceling means, the stage abolition means, when it is determined that the first user has lost in the stage based on a predetermined win / loss determination of the first game, causes an image indicating that the stage has been abolished to be displayed on a display of the first electronic device; The program according to claim 5.

7. the second object is one or more second character objects that are movable on the stage, the first object is one or more first character objects that face off against the one or more second character objects in the battle, or a facility object that does not move on the stage; The program according to claim 5.

8. a main stage different from the stage is set at a main stage position on the virtual map; a main game is associated with the main stage; the main stage position is a predetermined position in the virtual space or the virtual map, the main game is a game in which a battle is conducted on the main stage using the first object and the second object, the stage abolishing means, when it is determined that the first user has lost in the main stage based on a predetermined win / loss determination of the main game, causes an image indicating that the main stage has been abolished to be displayed on a display of the first electronic device. The program according to claim 6.

9. a first parameter is set for the first object; the first parameter changes based on a result of determining whether the battle has been won or lost; When the first parameter changes, a status of the first object in the main game changes; a second parameter is set for the second object; the second parameter changes based on a result of determining whether the battle has been won or lost; When the second parameter changes, the status of the second object in the main game changes. The program according to claim 8.

10. the program causes the first electronic device to function as an image data generating unit, the image data generating means displays an AR (Augmented Reality) composite image, in which the first object is composited with an image captured by the first electronic device, on a display of the first electronic device; The program according to claim 5.

11. the third area includes the location of the first electronic device; the stage setting means is capable of transmitting the stage information to the server when the stage position is included in the third area; a setting time is required from when the setting is instructed by the first user until the stage is completed; the fourth area includes the location of a third electronic device of a third user; the set time when the stage position is included in the third area and the stage position is included in the fourth area is shorter than the set time when the stage position is included in the third area and the stage position is not included in the fourth area. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

12. a server capable of communicating with a first electronic device operated by a first user, a virtual map information transmitting means for transmitting virtual map information indicating a virtual map to the first electronic device in response to a request from the first electronic device; a setting information transmitting means for transmitting setting information to a second electronic device, the setting information being used to set a stage at a stage position on the virtual map based on the stage information transmitted from the first electronic device; a third game progression means; It is equipped with a first game is associated with the stage; the third game progression means progresses the first game on the first electronic device in response to an operation of the first electronic device by the first user, and / or progresses the first game on the second electronic device in response to an operation of the second electronic device by a second user; server.

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