Program, information processing method, and information processing device

Abstract

To provide a more comfortable game environment for a player.SOLUTION: Map information presentation means 64 executes various kinds of processing for acquiring map information on each virtual space stored in a map DB 300, and presenting it to a player. Weapon material information managing means 66 acquires weapon material information stored in a weapon material DB 400, and manages it. Material information presentation means 68 executes processing for presenting an icon generated by icon generation means 80 and related information generated by related information generation means 82 to the player together with the map information. Output control means 70 executes control to cause an output part 16 to display various kinds of game images and the like generated by game processing execution means 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent games, in order to increase the enjoyment of the game, the types of weapons and items in the game have become numerous and complex, and it is often difficult for players to understand them while playing the game. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a concept of guiding a player to game content designated by the player, thereby reducing the effort required to search for game content (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-047177 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, all of the prior art, including the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, is insufficient for players to grasp the complex game situation and play comfortably. In particular, in recent years, with the improvement in the processing power of game consoles and the like, many games have large virtual spaces. In such cases, it is difficult for players to search for weapons, items, and the like that they need within the large virtual space.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in light of these circumstances, and aims to provide a more comfortable gaming environment for players.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present disclosure provides: Computer, a map presentation means for presenting map information showing the topographical conditions of the virtual space; a management means for managing, in the virtual space, information on a second object having a predetermined relationship with a first object associated with a character that can move in the virtual space; an object information presenting means for presenting a predetermined area in which the second object can be acquired in the virtual space in accordance with the map information; It is a program that functions as a

[0007] In addition, in the first aspect, the object information presentation means may present, in conjunction with the map information, a predetermined area in which the second object can be obtained when a first condition that the user has entered a target area in the virtual space and a second condition that the user has engaged in combat with an enemy character related to the second object are satisfied.

[0008] In the first aspect, the object information presenting means may change a type of icon to be presented on a map depending on a type of the character or the first object related to the second object.

[0009] In addition, in the first aspect, the above-mentioned program may further function as related information presentation means that, when a player performs a predetermined operation on an icon presented on a map, further presents information about the character or the first object in conjunction with the map information.

[0010] In the first aspect, the first object may be an object equipped by the character, and the second object may be a material object required to strengthen the first object.

[0011] A second aspect of the present disclosure is A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: a map presentation step of presenting map information indicating the topographical conditions of the virtual space; a management step of managing, in the virtual space, information on a second object having a predetermined relationship with a first object associated with a character that can move in the virtual space; an object information presenting step of presenting a predetermined area in which the second object can be acquired in the virtual space in accordance with the map information; The information processing method includes:

[0012] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a map presentation means for presenting map information showing the topographical conditions of the virtual space; a management means for managing, in the virtual space, information on a second object having a predetermined relationship with a first object associated with a character that can move in the virtual space; an object information presenting means for presenting a predetermined area in which the second object can be acquired in the virtual space in accordance with the map information; The information processing device is provided with:

[0013] An information processing method and an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are also provided as an information processing method or an information processing device corresponding to a program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present disclosure, a more comfortable gaming environment can be provided for players. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a game device that constitutes an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a game device and a server that constitute an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on a game device constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of various processes executed by a game device constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] [Embodiment] First, prior to describing an embodiment of the present disclosure, the content of a game to which an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "the system") is applied will be specifically described. The game in this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "this game") is, for example, an action RPG (Role Playing Game) type game. In this RPG type game, the player aims to eventually clear the game by repeatedly completing tasks set in the game and battling enemy characters, thereby developing the character they control (hereinafter referred to as "player character"). In particular, in this game, the player can obtain game content such as weapons and items by freely controlling the player character and defeating enemy characters placed in a virtual space. The player can then use the weapons and items obtained in this way to create even more powerful weapons and items, thereby gaining an advantage in the game. However, in a vast virtual space, it is difficult and time-consuming for a player to figure out how to obtain the weapon or item they desire. Even if they have already obtained the item, the time it takes to search for it can add to the troublesome work for the player. Therefore, in this game, various auxiliary functions are provided to allow the player to more easily understand how to obtain the weapon, item, etc. that they desire in such cases.

[0017] We will also briefly explain ally characters, one of the distinctive features of this game. In this game, ally characters are a type of so-called NPC (Non-Player Character) that accompany the player's character and participate in battles with enemy characters. In other words, by using high-performance ally characters, the player can gain an advantage in battles with enemy characters. This game also includes features such as the ability for the player to freely set the gender and appearance of ally characters, the ability to lend ally characters to other players, and the ability to borrow ally characters from other players. However, these features are not essential to this disclosure, and the system can omit some functions or freely add other functions. In the following description, when simply referring to an NPC, it refers to the ally characters described above.

[0018] <Summary> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of this system. As shown in FIG. 1, the system includes a game device 1 and a server 2. The game device 1 and the server 2 are connected to each other via a predetermined network N such as the Internet. However, the network N is not an essential component, and other technologies such as NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or LAN (Local Area Network) may also be used. Note that hereinafter, when simply referring to an "image," it is intended to include any image such as a "moving image" or a "still image."

[0019] The game device 1 is used by a player who wishes to use this system. The game device 1 may be a general-purpose home game console, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet, or the like. The game device 1 executes various processes required for the game to progress.

[0020] The server 2 is managed by an administrator of the system, etc. The server 2 is configured by a general-purpose PC, etc. While communicating with the game device 1, etc., the server 2 stores and manages various information required for the progress of the game.

[0021] <Hardware configuration> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a game device in this system.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the game device 1 includes a control unit 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a memory unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0023] The control unit 11 is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU, a GPU, a semiconductor memory, etc. The control unit 11 executes various processes according to a program recorded in a ROM 12 or a program loaded from a storage unit 18 to a RAM 13. The RAM 13 also stores information necessary for the control unit 11 to execute various processes as needed.

[0024] The control unit 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to one another via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14. An output unit 16, an input unit 17, a memory unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

[0025] The output unit 16 outputs image information, audio information, etc. to a display, a speaker, etc. The image information or audio information output by the output unit 16 is output from the display, the speaker, etc. in a form that can be recognized by a person as an image or audio.

[0026] The input unit 17 is, for example, a game controller, and inputs various information in response to input operations by the player.

[0027] The storage unit 18 is configured with a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc., and stores various information. For example, the storage unit 18 stores various game programs, save data, account information, etc., which are necessary for progressing through the game.

[0028] The communication unit 19 controls mutual communications with other hardware and the like via a network N including the Internet.

[0029] The drive 20 is provided as needed. Removable media 31, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, is appropriately attached to the drive 20. Various programs for executing the game are stored in the removable media 31. The programs read from the removable media 31 by the drive 20 are installed in the storage unit 18 as needed. Furthermore, the removable medium 31 can also store various types of information stored in the storage unit 18 in the same manner as the storage unit 18.

[0030] Here, the hardware configuration of the server 2 is omitted here because it can be basically the same as the hardware configuration of the game device 1. Cooperation between such various hardware and various software enables the game device 1 and the server 2 to execute various processes.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the game device of FIG. 2 and the server of FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 11 of the game device 1 executes various programs and functions as a game processing execution means 60, an input operation receiving means 62, a map information presentation means 64, a weapon material information management means 66, a material information presentation means 68, and an output control means 70. Additionally, one area of ​​the storage unit 18 is provided with a map DB 300 and a weapon material DB 400. The map DB 300 stores information indicating the topography and structure of each virtual space in the game (hereinafter referred to as "map information"). The weapon material DB 400 stores information relating to various weapons in the game and information relating to various items required to create or strengthen each weapon (collectively referred to as "weapon material information") in association with each other.

[0032] The game processing execution means 60 of the game device 1 executes various processes related to the game. Specifically, the game processing execution means 60 reads virtual game space objects and textures included in the game information from a storage unit (not shown) in accordance with various input operations by the player, etc., and generates two-dimensional or three-dimensional images, sounds, etc. related to the game while executing the game program. In other words, the game processing execution means 60 controls the progress of the game by generating and managing game images of the game based on the input operations and the position and angle of the virtual camera. Furthermore, the game processing execution means 60 transmits various pieces of information relating to the game to the server 2 as appropriate.

[0033] The input operation receiving means 62 receives input operations related to the game from the player. Here, the input operations received by the input operation receiving means 62 include information on the type of the received input operation, information on the time and number of times the input operation was performed, etc.

[0034] The map information presentation means 64 presents map information indicating the topographical conditions of the virtual space. Specifically, the map information presentation means 64 acquires map information of each virtual space stored in the map DB 300 and executes various processes for presenting the map information to the player.

[0035] The weapon material information management means 66 manages, in the virtual space, information on a second object that has a predetermined relationship with a first object associated with a character that can move in the virtual space. Specifically, the weapon material information management means 66 acquires and manages weapon material information stored in the weapon material DB 400. In addition, the weapon material information management means 66 identifies the game media (hereinafter referred to as "material items") that are used as materials for creating or strengthening the weapon currently equipped by the player, and the areas in the virtual space where each material item can be obtained.

[0036] The material information presenting means 68 presents, in accordance with the map information, a predetermined area in the virtual space where the second object can be obtained. The material information presenting means 68 executes processing for presenting, to the player, information relating to an area in the virtual space where material items for creating or strengthening a weapon to be equipped by the player can be obtained in accordance with the map information. Here, the material information presenting means 68 is provided with an icon generating means 80 and a related information generating means 82. The icon generating means 80 generates an icon corresponding to each material item to be displayed in the virtual space. Note that the icon generating means 80 can change the type of icon to be generated depending on, for example, the type of character related to the weapon to be displayed. When the player performs a predetermined operation on an icon presented on the map, the related information generating means 82 further presents information about the character or the first object in conjunction with the map information. Specifically, the related information generating means 82 generates additional information (hereinafter referred to as "related information") related to material items in an area designated by each icon displayed on the map. Note that the related information includes, for example, the names of places where each material item can be obtained, the names of enemy characters from which each material item can be obtained, the names of each material item required for strengthening, and the number of each material item required for strengthening. To summarize the above, the material information presenting means 68 executes processing for presenting to the player the icons generated by the icon generating means 80 and the related information generated by the related information generating means 82 together with map information.

[0037] The output control means 70 executes control to display various game images and the like generated by the game processing execution means 60 on the output unit 16 .

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 100 of the server 2 executes various programs and the like, thereby causing a game information management means 120 to function.

[0039] The game information management means 120 of the server 2 manages various information and executes various processes required for the progress of the game by the game device 1. Specifically, for example, the game information management means 120 executes authentication of account information transmitted from the game device 1, distribution of game information in response to a download request from the game device 1, and the like.

[0040] Next, details of game images that are actually displayed on the player's game screen in this game will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a game device that constitutes an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] In the example of Fig. 4, six icons P0 to P5 are displayed along with a map showing the topography of the virtual space of the game. In the example of Fig. 4, for example, each icon indicates that the area it represents is one of the following areas: (1) A black round icon (for example, icon P0) indicates, for example, the current position of the player's operated character in the virtual space. (2) The black triangle icons (icon P1, icon P2, icon P5) indicate locations where material items can be obtained that can be used to strengthen the weapon equipped by the first character (e.g., the character controlled by the player). (3) A white triangular icon (e.g., icon P3) indicates a location where a material item that can be used to strengthen a weapon equipped by a second character (e.g., an allied NPC) can be obtained. (4) For example, a location where a black triangle icon and a white triangle icon coexist, such as icon P4, indicates a location where both the first character's strengthening material and the second character's strengthening material can be obtained. Also, in the example of FIG. 4, icon P2 is selected in response to an input operation by the player. As a result, in the example of FIG. 4, "XX Village," "Goblin," "Goblin Horn," "Goblin Axe," "Diamond Wolf," "Wolf Fur," and "Wolf Fang" are displayed. This displays details of the location indicated by icon P2. That is, in the example of FIG. 4, the location indicated by icon P2 is called XX Village, and enemy characters called goblins and diamond wolves appear and can be used for battle. Note that in the example of FIG. 4, the player can obtain wolf fur, a material item for the first character, by fighting and defeating the diamond wolf.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of various processes executed by a game device constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] In step S1, the weapon material information management means 66 acquires and manages the weapon material information stored in the weapon material DB 400.

[0044] In step S2, the weapon material information management means 66 identifies material items for the weapon currently equipped by the player and areas in the virtual space where each material item can be obtained.

[0045] In step S3, the icon generating means 80 generates icons corresponding to the material items to be displayed in the virtual space.

[0046] In step S4, the related information generating means 82 generates additional information related to the material items in the areas designated by the icons displayed on the map, that is, related information.

[0047] In step S5, the material information presenting means 68 executes a process for presenting to the player the icon generated by the icon generating means 80 and the related information generated by the related information generating means 82 together with the map information, thereby completing the material display process.

[0048] The above describes one embodiment of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications and improvements within the scope of achieving the object of the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure.

[0049] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, the game content that can be created or enhanced by the system is described as weapons, but this is not limited thereto. The system may create or enhance any game content, such as various types of protective gear or accessories.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the system does not set any conditions for displaying the icon and related information, but this is not limited to this. The system may set some conditions for displaying the icon and related information. For example, the system may present the icon and related information to the player only when two conditions are met: (1) the player has entered a target area in the virtual space, and (2) the player has fought an enemy character from which a material item can be obtained.

[0051] In the above-described embodiment (particularly the embodiment shown in FIG. 4), the present system shows examples of each icon, but these are examples and are not limiting. The color and shape of the icons that the present system displays together with the map can be determined arbitrarily by the provider of the present system, etc.

[0052] In the above-described embodiment (particularly the embodiment in FIG. 4), each material item is described as being obtainable by defeating a predetermined enemy character, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the system may be configured such that each material item can be obtained when the player explores a predetermined location or completes a predetermined task in the game.

[0053] Furthermore, although not explained in the above embodiment, the system may have a function to, for example, display the number of each material item required when there are multiple of each material item required to strengthen a weapon, and to display a message to that effect if there are not enough of each material item to meet the required number.

[0054] In the above-described embodiment (particularly the embodiment of FIG. 4), the system changes the type of icon indicating the location of a material item depending on the type of each character, but this is not limited to this. For example, the system may generate a different icon for each weapon that displays a material item and display the icon on the map.

[0055] In the above-described embodiment (particularly the embodiment of FIG. 4), the system has been described as displaying on the map the material items of the weapons equipped by each character, but this is not limited thereto. The system may also display on the map other weapons possessed by each character and material items of game content other than weapons. In this case, the system may, for example, present weapons possessed and display material items on a map for a weapon selected by the player from among the presented weapons.

[0056] Furthermore, although not explained in the above-described embodiments (particularly the embodiment of FIG. 4), the present system may have a function for enlarging or reducing the size of a map in response to a player's operation on a game screen that displays the map, for example.

[0057] In the above embodiment (particularly the embodiment of FIG. 4), the system simultaneously displays, for example, black and white icons when two types of material items are present, but this is not limited thereto. In such a case, the system may alternately display one icon (for example, a black triangle icon) and the other icon (for example, a white triangle icon).

[0058] Furthermore, although not explained in the above-described embodiments (particularly the embodiment of FIG. 4), the present system may have a function to display, for example, when an icon displayed on a map is selected, which character's and which piece of equipment the target material item is related to.

[0059] Furthermore, although not explained in the above embodiment, the game may be executed by any hardware, such as a home game console such as a PlayStation (registered trademark), a portable game console such as a Nintendo Switch (registered trademark), various game consoles designed for commercial use, or electronic devices such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet.

[0060] Although not described in the above embodiment, the content of the game related to this system is not limited. This system may be applied to any game, such as a first-person shooter (FPS), a third-person shooter (TPS), a role-playing game (RPG), an action game, a simulation game, a sports game, a card game, a battle royale (symmetric or asymmetric), a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), a music game, a fighting game, or a quiz game.

[0061] The above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. In other words, the functional configurations in FIG. 3 and the like are merely examples and are not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient that the information processing system is provided with a function that can execute the above-described series of processes as a whole, and the type of functional block used to realize this function is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 3. Furthermore, the location of the functional block is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 3, and may be arbitrary. Furthermore, one functional block may be configured by hardware alone, by software alone, or by a combination of these.

[0062] Furthermore, the number of various hardware components constituting this system and the number of users are optional, and the system may also include other hardware components.

[0063] Furthermore, when a series of processes is executed by software, the programs that make up the software are installed into a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium.

[0064] The computer may also be a computer that is built into dedicated hardware, or a computer that can execute various functions by installing various programs. That is, for example, the various hardware in the above-described embodiments may be freely adopted as any computer, any mobile terminal such as a smartphone, any game console, etc. Furthermore, any combination of types and contents of various input units and various output units may be adopted.

[0065] Furthermore, the recording medium containing such a program may be configured not only as a removable medium (not shown) provided separately from the device main body in order to provide the program to the player, etc., but also as a recording medium provided to the player in a state where it is pre-installed in the device main body.

[0066] In this specification, the steps of writing the program to be recorded on the recording medium may be executed in a time-series manner, or may be executed in parallel or individually. Also, some of the steps described in the above embodiments may be omitted.

[0067] In addition, in this specification, the term "system" refers to an overall device that is made up of a plurality of devices or a plurality of means.

[0068] The effects of this embodiment can be achieved even when these other embodiments are adopted. Furthermore, this embodiment can be combined with other embodiments, and other embodiments can be combined with each other as appropriate.

[0069] To summarize the above, the information processing system to which the present disclosure is applied can take on a variety of different embodiments having the following configurations. Computer, a map presentation means (e.g., map information presentation means 64) for presenting map information showing the topographical conditions of the virtual space; management means (e.g., weapon material information management means 66) for managing, in the virtual space, information on a second object having a predetermined relationship with a first object associated with a character movable in the virtual space; an object information presentation means (for example, a material information presentation means 68) that presents a predetermined area in the virtual space where the second object can be acquired in accordance with the map information; Any program that functions as such is sufficient.

[0070] That is, the map information presentation means 64 functions as a map presentation means. The weapon material information management means 66 functions as a management means. The material information presentation means 68 functions as an object information presentation means.

[0071] <Effects> This allows the player to more easily strengthen weapons and the like, allowing the player to enjoy the game more comfortably. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1. Game device 11 Control section 60 Game processing execution means 62 Input operation acceptance means 64 Map information presentation means 66 Weapon material information management means 68 Material information presentation means 80 Icon Generation Method 82 Related information generation means 70 Output control means 300 Map DB 400 Weapon material DB 2 Server 100 control section 120 Game information management means

Claims

1. Computer, a map presentation means for presenting map information showing the topographical conditions of the virtual space; a management means for managing, in the virtual space, information on a second object having a predetermined relationship with a first object associated with a character that can move in the virtual space; an object information presenting means for presenting a predetermined area in the virtual space where the second object can be acquired in accordance with the map information; A program that functions as a

2. the object information presenting means presents, in accordance with the map information, a predetermined area in which the second object can be acquired when a first condition that the user has entered a target area in the virtual space and a second condition that the user has engaged in combat with an enemy character related to the second object are satisfied; The program according to claim 1.

3. the object information presenting means changes the type of icon to be presented on the map depending on the type of the character or the first object related to the second object. The program according to claim 1.

4. and further functioning as related information presenting means for presenting information about the character or the first object together with the map information when a player performs a predetermined operation on an icon presented on the map. The program according to claim 1.

5. the first object is an object equipped by the character, the second object is a material object required to strengthen the first object; The program according to claim 1.

6. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: a map presentation step of presenting map information indicating the topographical conditions of the virtual space; a management step of managing, in the virtual space, information on a second object having a predetermined relationship with a first object associated with a character movable in the virtual space; an object information presenting step of presenting a predetermined area in the virtual space where the second object can be acquired in accordance with the map information; An information processing method including:

7. a map presentation means for presenting map information showing the topographical conditions of the virtual space; a management means for managing, in the virtual space, information on a second object having a predetermined relationship with a first object associated with a character that can move in the virtual space; an object information presenting means for presenting a predetermined area in the virtual space where the second object can be acquired in accordance with the map information; An information processing device comprising:

Images