Program and information processing system

Abstract

To increase amusement.SOLUTION: A program causes a processor to link a first application that utilizes first user's location information in a real space with a second application different from the first application that utilizes second user's location information in the real space, and upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition, imparts a privilege that can be used in at least one of the first application and the second application.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a game system that provides a benefit that can be used in other games in a linked relationship in association with the play of one game among multiple games in a linked relationship. Patent Document 2 discloses a game system that makes a benefit provided based on the play of one game among multiple games in a linked relationship available in the other games in the linked relationship. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-198947 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-062704 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Nowadays, there is a demand for improved enjoyment when multiple applications are linked together. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to link a first application that uses location information of a first user in real space with a second application different from the first application that uses location information of a second user in real space, and grants a benefit that can be used in at least one of the first application and the second application by satisfying a predetermined condition. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, interest can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a module configuration of a terminal. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a module configuration of a server. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition of the first game on the terminal of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing for executing the first game. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an example of the flow of processing in the preparation part of the first game. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the event part of the first game. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition of the second game on the terminal of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing for executing the second game. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing in the preparation part of the second game. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the event part of the second game. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of processing related to the first condition. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of processing related to the second condition. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a process for granting a benefit that can be used in the second application. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a process for granting a benefit that can be used in the first application. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the first main screen displayed on the terminal of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the first event screen displayed on the terminal of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the first preparation screen displayed on the terminal of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the second main screen displayed on the terminal of FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the second event screen displayed on the terminal of FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the second preparation screen displayed on the terminal of FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a process for granting a benefit that can be used in the first application and the second application in the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the event part of the third game in the second embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the first main screen displayed on the terminal of FIG. 2 in the second embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the second main screen displayed on the terminal of FIG. 2 in the second embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a third event screen displayed on the terminal of FIG. 2 in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An information processing system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. (First embodiment) [System Overview] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 10 includes a network 20, multiple terminals 100, and multiple servers 200. The information processing system 10 may be provided as a home system or a business system. Each terminal 100 is configured to be able to communicate with each of the multiple servers 200 via the network 20. As an example, the information processing system 10 is configured as a game system that provides a game to a user 11 of each terminal 100. In the following description, the term "game" simply refers to the game provided by the information processing system 10. As an example, the information processing system 10 may include a first information processing system 10a and a second information processing system 10b. The first information processing system 10a is configured as a game system that provides a first game. The second information processing system 10b is configured as a game system that provides a second game different from the first game. As an example, the first information processing system 10a includes the network 20, multiple terminals 100, and a first server 200a. As an example, the second information processing system 10b includes a network 20, a plurality of terminals 100, and a second server 200b. Each terminal 100 can be used as a game terminal. The terminal 100 as a game terminal provides a user 11 with a function for playing each game (hereinafter referred to as a game function). The user 11 of each terminal 100 can be a player. Each terminal 100 is an example of an information processing device (computer). The servers 200a and 200b are examples of an information processing device (computer).

[0009] [network] For example, the network 20 includes the Internet and a mobile communication system including a wireless base station. For example, the mobile communication system may be realized as a 3G, 4G, or 5G mobile communication system, LTE (Long Term Evolution), or a wireless network connectable to the Internet via an access point.

[0010] [Device hardware configuration] As an example, each terminal 100 is a smartphone. Each terminal 100 may be a mobile terminal device such as a feature phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), smart glasses, AR glasses, a wearable device, or a tablet computer. Each terminal 100 may be a fixed terminal device such as a personal computer (PC) or a workstation.

[0011] For example, the terminal 100 includes a processor 110, a memory 120, and a storage 130. The terminal 100 may include a communication interface 140 and an input / output interface 150. The terminal 100 may include a microphone 160, a speaker 165, a GNSS receiver 175, and a touch screen 180. Each component included in the terminal 100 is connected to a communication bus 190.

[0012] In response to a signal provided to the terminal 100 or in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition, the processor 110 executes a series of instructions included in a program stored in the memory 120 or the storage 130. For example, the processor 110 can be realized as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other computing device.

[0013] The memory 120 temporarily stores programs and data. For example, the programs are read from the storage 130. The data includes data transmitted to the terminal 100 and data generated by the processor 110. For example, the memory 120 can be implemented as a random access memory (RAM) or other volatile memory. The storage 130 permanently stores the programs and data. For example, the storage 130 can be implemented as a read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or other non-volatile storage device. The storage 130 may also be implemented as a removable storage device such as a memory card.

[0014] As an example, storage 130 stores various applications. Applications include programs and data. As an example, various applications may be stored in storage 130 by being downloaded via network 20. As an example, various applications may include a game application. As an example, the game application realizes game functions. In other words, the game application provides an environment for user 11 to play a game. As an example, the game application may include a first application on the terminal side that provides an environment for user 11 to play a first game, and a second application on the terminal side that provides an environment for user 11 to play a second game. Each game application is an application that uses location information of user 11 in real space. Each game application realizes a function for holding an event within the game. The event may be an in-game event, event, performance, etc.

[0015] As an example, each game application implements a function for holding a battle event in which a user object operated by a user 11 using the terminal 100 and an enemy object decide the outcome based on some criteria. Hereinafter, in this disclosure, when simply referring to an "event," it means an event held within a game provided by the system. As an example, each game application implements a function for communicating with other computers. As an example, a first application implements a function for communicating with a first server 200a. As an example, a second application implements a function for communicating with a second server 200b.

[0016] For example, each game application may include various data. For example, the various data may include data for defining a virtual space, data for defining various objects, and user information (account-related information). The data for defining the virtual space may include map data. The various objects may include electronic data of characters, equipment, and objects constituting screens for various games. For example, the user information may include a user ID, a user name, gender, age, address, etc. For example, the user information may include information regarding a social networking service (SNS) account provided by another system. For example, the user ID may include the user's email address. The user information may include in-game currency, in-game items, and various rewards owned by the user 11. The user information may include information indicating the progress of the game (so-called save data). For example, the information indicating the progress of the game is information indicating how far the game has progressed. Here, progress in the game may include the achievement of an event. That is, the information indicating the progress of the game may include information indicating the completion status of an event. Furthermore, the progression of the game may include the unlocking of new functions and the progression of a story (event) related to the completion of the game. As an example, the user information may include terminal identification information. The terminal identification information is information that is uniquely assigned to each terminal 100. As an example, the terminal identification information is an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). As an example, the terminal identification information is a serial number assigned by the terminal manufacturer. As an example, the terminal identification information is a MAC address. As an example, the user information includes the terminal identification information of the terminal 100 that last launched the game application. As an example, the storage 130 may store other applications and an operating system.

[0017] The communication interface 140 is connected to the network 20. The communication interface 140 communicates with other computers connected to the network 20. For example, the communication interface 140 can be implemented as a LAN (Local Area Network) or other wired communication interface. For example, the communication interface 140 can be implemented as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or other wireless communication interface. The communication interface 140 is not limited to the above.

[0018] The input / output interface 150 communicates with an external input device 300. For example, the input / output interface 150 can be implemented as a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a Digital Visual Interface (DVI), a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI®), or other wired communication interface. For example, the input / output interface 150 can be implemented as a Bluetooth® or other wireless communication interface.

[0019] As an example, the input device 300 is a controller. The controller has one or more operational components. For example, the one or more operational components may include a button, a key, a switch, a handle, a bar, a touchpad, or a stick. The controller transmits an output value to the terminal 100 based on an operation of the user 11 on the operational component. As an example, the controller may include a motion sensor such as an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor. The controller may be configured to transmit an output value of the motion sensor to the terminal 100. The controller may be attachable to and detachable from the terminal 100.

[0020] The input device 300 is not limited to the above. For example, the input device 300 may be a camera. The camera may be configured to transmit a captured image of the user 11 to the terminal 100. For example, the input device 300 may be a distance measurement sensor. The distance measurement sensor may be configured to transmit an output value based on detection of the hand of the user 11, a marker, or the like to the terminal 100.

[0021] The microphone 160 converts speech from the user 11 into an audio signal (electrical signal) and transmits it to the processor 110. The speaker 165 converts the audio signal into sound and outputs it to the user 11. In addition to or instead of the speaker 165, the terminal 100 may be provided with an earphone or an earphone jack to which an earphone can be connected.

[0022] The GNSS receiver 175 acquires location information regarding the current location of the terminal 100. The GNSS receiver 175 may be used as a positioning device configured to acquire location information of the user 11 using the terminal 100. As an example, the GNSS receiver 175 acquires location information regarding the current location coordinates of the terminal 100 from positioning satellites. As an example, the location coordinates are latitude and longitude coordinate values. As an example, the GNSS receiver 175 is a GPS receiver that receives location signals from GPS satellites. Note that the GNSS receiver 175 may also be a GLONASS receiver that receives location signals from GLONASS satellites, a Galileo receiver that receives location signals from Galileo satellites, or a BDS receiver that receives location signals from BDS satellites.

[0023] The positioning device is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, if the positioning device is the input / output interface 150, the processor 110 identifies the current location of the terminal 100 based on a signal transmitted from an external input device 300. For example, if the input device 300 is a camera, the processor 110 identifies the current location of the terminal 100 by identifying the shooting location based on a received captured image. For example, the processor 110 identifies objects, such as buildings and natural objects, included in the captured image and identifies the current location of the terminal 100 based on the positions of the identified objects. In this case, the processor 110 may identify a rough location by identifying the position of a wireless base station or a Wi-Fi router. This can be expected to improve the accuracy of identifying the shooting location based on the captured image.

[0024] The touch screen 180 may include a monitor 181 and a touch sensor 182. The monitor 181 may be realized as a transmissive or non-transmissive display device. For example, the monitor 181 may be realized as a liquid crystal monitor, an organic electroluminescence (EL) monitor, or another display device. The monitor 181 displays various images. The images displayed on the monitor 181 include various objects such as backgrounds, characters, windows, buttons, menus, lists, and icons. The monitor 181 is not limited to those described above. For example, the monitor 181 may be a 3D monitor including a sub-monitor that displays an image for the left eye and a sub-monitor that displays an image for the right eye.

[0025] The touch sensor 182 transmits an output value based on an operation of the user 11 on the monitor 181 to the processor 110. As an example, the touch sensor 182 can be realized as a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor, or another type of touch sensor. The input surface of the touch sensor 182 is a part or all of the display surface of the monitor 181. The touch sensor 182 can be used as an operation device configured to accept an input operation of the user 11. For example, if the operation device is the touch sensor 182, the processor 110 accepts the user 11's physical contact operation with the input surface of the touch sensor 182 as the input operation of the user 11. For example, modes of input operation using the touch sensor 182 can include tapping, swiping, dragging, flicking, and other modes.

[0026] The operation device is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, if the operation device is the communication interface 140, the processor 110 receives a signal transmitted from an operation device (not shown) connected via the network 20 as an input operation by the user 11. For example, if the operation device is the input / output interface 150, the processor 110 receives a signal transmitted from an external input device 300 as an input operation by the user 11. For example, if the input device 300 is a camera and a distance measuring sensor, when the processor 110 detects the hand of the user 11 from a received captured image, the processor 110 receives a gesture detected based on the captured image and an output value as an input operation by the user 11. For example, if the input device 300 is a controller, the processor 110 receives an output value transmitted from the controller as an input operation by the user 11.

[0027] [Server hardware configuration] Each of the servers 200a and 200b may be a workstation or a general-purpose computer such as a PC. The first server 200a includes a processor 210a, a memory 220a, a storage 230a, a communication interface 240a, and an input / output interface 250a. The components included in the first server 200a are connected to a communication bus 290a. The second server 200b includes a processor 210b, a memory 220b, a storage 230b, a communication interface 240b, and an input / output interface 250b. The components included in the second server 200b are connected to the communication bus 290b.

[0028] The processor 210a executes a series of instructions contained in a program stored in the memory 220a or the storage 230a in response to a signal provided to the first server 200a or in response to a predetermined condition being met. The processor 210b executes a series of instructions contained in a program stored in the memory 220b or the storage 230b in response to a signal provided to the second server 200b or in response to a predetermined condition being met. For example, the processors 210a and 210b can be implemented as a CPU, a GPU, an MPU, an FPGA, or other computing device.

[0029] The memories 220a and 220b temporarily store programs and data. For example, programs are read from the storages 230a and 230b. The data may include data sent to the servers 200a and 200b and data generated by the processor 210. For example, the memories 220a and 220b may be implemented as RAM or other volatile memory.

[0030] The storages 230a and 230b permanently store programs and data. For example, the storages 230a and 230b can be implemented as ROM, hard disk drives, flash memory, or other non-volatile storage devices. The storages 230a and 230b may also be implemented as removable storage devices such as memory cards. The servers 200a and 200b may use programs stored in external storage devices instead of the storages 230a and 230b. For example, in situations where multiple information processing systems 10 are used, such as in amusement facilities, programs and data can be updated collectively.

[0031] Storages 230a and 230b store various applications. Applications include programs and data. As an example, the various applications may include a game application. The game application implements game functions. As an example, storage 230a stores a first server-side application that provides an environment for user 11 to play a first game. As an example, storage 230b stores a second server-side application that provides an environment for user 11 to play a second game.

[0032] As an example, each game application realizes a function to communicate with other computers. As an example, the other computers are one or more terminals 100. As an example, the first application realizes a function to communicate with the second server 200b. As an example, the second application realizes a function to communicate with the first server 200a. As an example, the storages 230a and 230b may store other applications and an operating system. As an example, the first application stores data for defining a virtual space, data for specifying objects, and user information. As an example, the second application stores data for defining a virtual space, data for specifying objects, and user information.

[0033] The communication interfaces 240a and 240b are connected to the network 20. The communication interfaces 240a and 240b communicate with other computers connected to the network 20. For example, the communication interfaces 240a and 240b can be implemented as a LAN or other wired communication interface. For example, the communication interfaces 240a and 240b can be implemented as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, or other wireless communication interface. The communication interfaces 240a and 240b are not limited to those described above.

[0034] The input / output interfaces 250a and 250b communicate with external input / output devices (not shown). For example, the input / output interfaces 250a and 250b can be implemented as USB, DVI, HDMI, or other wired communication interfaces. For example, the input / output interfaces 250a and 250b can be implemented as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other wireless communication interfaces.

[0035] [Device Features] As shown in FIG. 2 , one or more of the components of the terminal 100 are combined to form a functional unit (module) having a cohesive function. As an example, the terminal 100 may include a game control unit 101, a position acquisition unit 103, a display control unit 104, a memory unit 105, a communication unit 106, and an input / output unit 107. As an example, the game control unit 101 and the display control unit 104 can be realized by the processor 110. As an example, the position acquisition unit 103 can be realized by the processor 110 and a GNSS receiver 175. As an example, the memory unit 105 can be realized by the memory 120 and the storage 130. As an example, the communication unit 106 can be realized by the communication interface 140. As an example, the input / output unit 107 can be realized by the processor 110, a touch sensor 182, and an input / output interface 150.

[0036] The input / output unit 107 detects an input operation by the user 11 on the touch sensor 182 and an input operation by the user 11 on an external operating device via the input / output interface 150. As an example, the input / output unit 107 can identify the mode of the input operation based on the input operation by the user 11 on the touch sensor 182. For example, the modes of the input operation that the input / output unit 107 can identify may include tapping, swiping, dragging, flicking, and other modes. Hereinafter, touching the touch sensor 182 with the finger or the like of the user 11 will simply be referred to as "touch."

[0037] When a touch on the touch sensor 182 starts, the input / output unit 107 identifies the coordinates of the touch position (hereinafter referred to as the touch start position). When the touch on the touch sensor 182 stops, the input / output unit 107 identifies the coordinates of the last touch position (hereinafter referred to as the touch end position). While the touch on the touch sensor 182 continues, the input / output unit 107 identifies the coordinates of the touch position at each time (hereinafter referred to as the current touch position). The input / output unit 107 identifies the mode of the input operation by the user 11 based on the touch time from the start of the touch to the end of the touch and the change in the touch position.

[0038] The location acquisition unit 103 acquires location information of the terminal 100 at predetermined intervals. As an example, the predetermined interval is one second. The location acquisition unit 103 identifies the current location of the terminal 100 based on the acquired location information. As an example, the location acquisition unit 103 identifies the latitude and longitude coordinate values ​​of the location of the terminal 100. To improve the accuracy of the location, the location acquisition unit 103 may be able to acquire location information in real time as much as possible. To avoid data load or data volume pressure, the predetermined interval for acquiring location information may be changed as desired.

[0039] The communication unit 106 receives various types of information from the servers 200a and 200b. As an example, the information that the communication unit 106 receives from the servers 200a and 200b may include game progress information and user information. The game progress information is information for controlling the progress of the game. The game progress information may include various requests.

[0040] The communication unit 106 transmits various types of information to the servers 200a, 200b. As an example, the information transmitted by the communication unit 106 to the servers 200a, 200b may include game play information and user information. The game play information is information for reflecting input operations by the user 11 in the progress of the game. The game play information is output in response to input operations received by the input / output unit 107. The game play information is output in response to location information acquired by the location acquisition unit 103. The game play information may include various requests.

[0041] The game control unit 101 defines a virtual space in which the first game is played. The game control unit 101 places various objects in the virtual space. The various objects include objects that constitute a field. As an example, the objects that constitute the field are placed based on map data. That is, the game control unit 101 defines the virtual space in which the first game is played based on map data of the real space. The various objects include a user object corresponding to the user 11. As an example, the user object is an avatar of the user 11. The various objects include an event object corresponding to a first event. The first event is an event of the first game. The game control unit 101 identifies an instruction from the user 11 based on the game progress information, a touch position received by the input / output unit 107, a mode of the input operation, and coordinates of the various objects. As an example, the game control unit 101 can identify an instruction to execute the first event based on the game progress information, a touch position received by the input / output unit 107, a mode of the input operation, the coordinates of the user object, and the coordinates of the event object. The game control unit 101 can make various determinations regarding the progress of the first game. The game control unit 101 can also perform various lotteries regarding the progress of the first game.

[0042] The game control unit 101 defines a virtual space where the second game is set. The game control unit 101 places various objects in the virtual space. The various objects include objects that constitute a field. As an example, the objects that constitute the field are placed based on map data. That is, the game control unit 101 defines the virtual space where the second game is set based on map data of the real space. The various objects include a user object corresponding to the user 11. As an example, the user object is an avatar of the user 11. The various objects include item objects that correspond to items that can be used in the second event. The second event is an event of the second game. The game control unit 101 identifies an instruction from the user 11 based on game progress information, a touch position received by the input / output unit 107, the manner of the input operation, and the coordinates of various objects. As an example, the game control unit 101 can identify an instruction to execute the second event based on the game progress information, a touch position received by the input / output unit 107, and the manner of the input operation. The game control unit 101 can make various determinations regarding the progress of the second game. The game control unit 101 can conduct various lotteries related to the progress of the second game.

[0043] The game control unit 101 generates game play information in response to game progress information, instructions from the user 11, various judgment results, and various lottery results. The game play information generated by the game control unit 101 is transmitted to the servers 200a, 200b by the communication unit 106. As an example, the processor 110, as the game control unit 101, may perform a function corresponding to a step by executing a step for receiving various information. As an example, the processor 110, as the game control unit 101, may perform a function corresponding to a step by executing a step for transmitting various information. As an example, the processor 110, as the game control unit 101, may perform a function corresponding to a step by executing a step for progressing the game.

[0044] The display control unit 104 creates an image to be displayed on the monitor 181. The display control unit 104 creates an image of a game screen according to game progress information received via the communication unit 106. The display control unit 104 creates an image of a game screen according to game play information generated by the game control unit 101. The display control unit 104 displays the image of the game screen on the monitor 181. The display control unit 104 may be configured to display the image of the game screen on an external display device via the input / output interface 150. The display control unit 104 may be configured to display the image of the game screen on an external display device via the communication interface 140. The game screen is an image in which 2D or 3D objects are controlled and drawn.

[0045] The display control unit 104 may control and draw objects (hereinafter referred to as UI objects) for constructing a user interface (hereinafter referred to as UI) required for input operations by the user 11. The UI objects are information for assisting the input operations of the user 11 required to progress through the game. For example, UI objects are icons, buttons, lists, windows, and menus. The various UI objects described in this disclosure are merely examples and are not limited to these aspects. As an example, the processor 110, as the display control unit 104, may execute steps for controlling the display content of the monitor 181, thereby performing functions corresponding to those steps.

[0046] The steps that can be executed in each terminal 100 can be realized by hardware and software (applications) executed by the processor 110. The software may be pre-stored in the storage 130. The software may be distributed as an application stored on a computer-readable non-volatile data storage medium, such as a CD-ROM. The software may be provided as a downloadable application by an information provider connected to a network, such as the Internet. The software is read from the data storage medium by a data reader or downloaded from another computer, such as the servers 200a and 200b, via the communication interface 140 and then stored in the storage 130. The software (applications) is read from the storage 130 by the processor 110 and stored in the memory 120 in the form of an executable program. The processor 110 executes the program.

[0047] [Server Features] As shown in FIG. 3, the components of the servers 200a and 200b are each functionally integrated into a functional unit (module) by combining one or more of them. As an example, the first server 200a may include a game control unit 201a, a storage unit 205a, a communication unit 206a, and an input / output unit 207a. The first server 200a may also include a display control unit (not shown). As an example, the game control unit 201a can be implemented by a processor 210a. As an example, the storage unit 205a can be implemented by a memory 220a and a storage 230a. As an example, the communication unit 206a can be implemented by a communication interface 240a. As an example, the input / output unit 207a can be implemented by the processor 210a and an input / output interface 250a.

[0048] As an example, the second server 200b may include a game control unit 201b, a memory unit 205b, a communication unit 206b, and an input / output unit 207b. The second server 200b may also include a display control unit (not shown). As an example, the game control unit 201b may be implemented by a processor 210b. As an example, the memory unit 205b may be implemented by a memory 220b and a storage 230b. As an example, the communication unit 206b may be implemented by a communication interface 240b. As an example, the input / output unit 207b may be implemented by the processor 210b and an input / output interface 250b.

[0049] The communication units 206a and 206b receive various types of information from each terminal 100. For example, the information received by the communication units 206a and 206b from each terminal 100 includes game play information and user information. The communication units 206a and 206b transmit various types of information to each terminal 100. For example, the information transmitted by the communication units 206a and 206b to each terminal 100 includes game progress information and user information. The input / output units 207a and 207b may detect and accept input operations by the user 11 on an external input device via the input / output interfaces 250a and 250b.

[0050] The game control unit 201a progresses the first game in accordance with the game play information received by the communication unit 206a from the terminal 100. The game control unit 201a can make various determinations regarding the progress of the first game. The game control unit 201a can conduct various lotteries regarding the progress of the first game. The game control unit 201a progresses the first event in accordance with the game play information received by the communication unit 206a from the terminal 100. The game control unit 201a can make various determinations regarding the progress of the first event. The game control unit 201a can conduct various lotteries regarding the progress of the first event. The game control unit 201a generates game progress information in accordance with the results of these processes. The game progress information is transmitted to the terminal 100 by the communication unit 206a. As an example, the processor 210a, as the game control unit 201a, can execute steps for receiving various information, thereby performing a function corresponding to the steps. For example, processor 210a, as game control unit 201a, may perform a function corresponding to a step by executing a step for transmitting various information. For example, processor 210a and game control units 201a, 201b may perform a function corresponding to a step by executing a step for progressing the first game.

[0051] The game control unit 201b progresses the second game in accordance with the game play information received by the communication unit 206b from the terminal 100. The game control unit 201b can make various determinations regarding the progress of the second game. The game control unit 201b can conduct various lotteries regarding the progress of the second game. The game control unit 201b progresses the second event in accordance with the game play information received by the communication unit 206b from the terminal 100. The game control unit 201b can make various determinations regarding the progress of the second event. The game control unit 201b can conduct various lotteries regarding the progress of the second event. The game control unit 201b generates game progress information in accordance with the results of these processes. The game progress information is transmitted to the terminal 100 by the communication unit 206b. As an example, the processor 210b, as the game control unit 201b, can execute steps for receiving various information, thereby performing a function corresponding to the steps. For example, processor 210b, as game control unit 201b, may perform a function corresponding to a step by executing a step for transmitting various information. For example, processor 210b, as game control unit 201b, may perform a function corresponding to a step by executing a step for progressing the second game.

[0052] The steps that can be executed in the servers 200a, 200b can be realized by hardware and software (applications) executed by the processor 210. The software may be pre-stored in the storages 230a, 230b. The software may be distributed as an application stored on a computer-readable non-volatile data storage medium, such as a CD-ROM. The software may be provided as a downloadable application by an information provider connected to a network, such as the Internet. The software (applications) are read from the data storage medium by a data reader or downloaded from another computer, such as an external storage device, via the communication interface 240 and then stored in the storage 230. The software (applications) are read from the storages 230a, 230b by the processors 210a, 210b and stored in the memory 220 in the form of an executable program. The processors 210a, 210b execute the programs.

[0053] [Game 1 Overview] As an example, the first game is a game that uses position information of user 11 in real space. As an example, the first game includes multiple parts. As an example, the parts of the first game include a main part, an event part, and a preparation part. The first game may be composed of four or more parts, or may be composed of two or less parts.

[0054] [Main part of the first game] As an example, in the main part of the first game, the avatar (user object) of user 11 moves to a corresponding virtual position in the virtual space depending on the real position of user 11 in real space. In the main part, a transition to the preparation part can be made by accepting a first preparation start operation. In the main part, a transition to the event part can be made by accepting a first event start operation. As an example, the first preparation start operation is an operation that can be accepted regardless of the real position of user 11. As an example, the first event start operation is an operation that can be accepted when user 11 is located in a real position in the virtual space that corresponds to a virtual position with which an event is associated.

[0055] [Event part of the first game] In the event part of the first game, user 11 can play a first event. As an example, the first event may include accomplishing a predetermined task. As an example, the task is to defeat an enemy object. As an example, the first event includes user 11 controlling his / her own avatar. As an example, the avatar is a character selected in advance by user 11 from among multiple characters.

[0056] As an example, the first event is executed as a battle game between a single avatar and a single enemy object. As an example, the first event employs a turn-based system in which the avatar and the enemy object take turns acting. As an example, the first event employs a command-based system in which the user 11 decides the avatar's action from among multiple options during the avatar's turn of action. A success condition for the first event is that the enemy object becomes incapacitated before a time period set for the first event (hereinafter referred to as the first event time) has elapsed. The avatar and enemy object become incapacitated when their hit points (hereinafter referred to as HP), which are one of their parameters (ability values), reach 0. The enemy object's HP decreases when attacked by the user 11's avatar. The avatar's HP decreases when attacked by the enemy object. A failure condition for the first event is that the first event time elapses before the enemy object's HP reaches 0. A failure condition for the first event is that the avatar's HP reaches 0 before the enemy object's HP reaches 0.

[0057] The first event may involve a battle between multiple avatars and a single enemy object, a battle between a single avatar and multiple enemy objects, or a battle between multiple avatars and multiple enemy objects. In a first event including multiple avatars, each avatar may be controlled by a single user 11, or may be controlled by a different user 11. In other words, the first event may be playable by multiple users 11. A first event including multiple enemy objects may involve points being awarded when enemy objects are rendered unable to act. In this case, the success condition of the first event may be that one or more specific enemy objects are rendered unable to act, and that the points reach a predetermined value, etc.

[0058] [Preparation for Game 1] An example of specific specifications for the preparation part of the first game will be described below. As an example, user 11 may change the appearance of a character used as their avatar in preparation for the first event. As an example, the character's appearance may include race, gender, body shape, hairstyle, and facial expression. Preparation for the first event may include adding, exchanging, and deleting equipment, items, and skills. As an example, equipment may include weapons, armor, and accessories. As an example, equipping an avatar with equipment may improve the avatar's parameters. As an example, equipping an avatar with equipment may add skills that the avatar can use. As an example, in the preparation part, equipment, items, and skills may be associated with user 11's avatar. As an example, associating equipment with an avatar may include making the target equipment equipable to the avatar. As an example, associating an item with an avatar may include making the target item usable by the avatar. As an example, associating a skill with an avatar may include making the target skill usable by the avatar. As an example, associating a skill with an avatar may include enabling the avatar to learn the target skill. That is, in the preparation part, user 11 can electronically obtain equipment, items, and skills. Associating the equipment, items, skills, etc. with the avatar changes the avatar's parameters. Associating the equipment with the avatar increases parameters such as attack power and HP. As an example, associating the avatar with an item changes parameters related to the use of the item to indicate that the item can be used. As an example, associating the avatar with a skill changes parameters related to the use or learning of the skill to indicate that the skill can be used or has been learned.

[0059] [Game 2 Overview] As an example, the second game is a game that uses position information of user 11 in real space. As an example, the second game includes multiple parts. As an example, the parts of the second game include a main part, an event part, and a preparation part. The second game may be composed of four or more parts, or may be composed of two or less parts.

[0060] [Main part of the second game] As an example, in the main part of the second game, the avatar (user object) of user 11 moves to a corresponding virtual position in the virtual space according to the real position of user 11 in the real space. In the main part, a transition to the preparation part can be made by accepting a second preparation start operation. In the main part, a transition to the event part can be made by accepting a second event start operation. As an example, the second preparation start operation and the second event start operation are operations that can be accepted regardless of the real position of user 11.

[0061] [Event part of the second game] In the event part of the second game, the user 11 can play a second event. As an example, the second event may include accomplishing a predetermined task. As an example, the task of the second game is to bankrupt an enemy object. As an example, the second event includes the user 11 controlling his / her own avatar. As an example, the avatar is a character selected in advance by the user 11 from among a plurality of characters.

[0062] As an example, the second event is executed as a table game between a single avatar and one or more enemy objects. As an example, the second event is executed as a board game in which a single avatar and one or more enemy objects determine a progress amount in a predetermined order and move around squares according to the determined progress amount. As an example, in the second event, during the avatar's action turn, the user 11 determines the avatar's action from among multiple options. As an example, the avatar's action may include moving around squares according to the progress amount. As an example, the avatar's action may include using an item. As an example, during the avatar's action turn, the avatar (user 11) may determine the progress amount by electronically rolling dice or electronically spinning a roulette. A success condition in the second event is to put all of one or more enemy objects into a bankrupt state before the avatar goes bankrupt. The avatar and enemy objects go bankrupt when their own money, which is one of their parameters (ability values), falls below 0. The amount of money possessed by the avatar and enemy object may change depending on the results of actions. For example, the amount of money possessed by the avatar and enemy object may change depending on the content of the square after progression. For example, the amount of money possessed by the avatar and enemy object may change depending on the content of the item used.

[0063] The second event may be a board game featuring multiple avatars and a single enemy object, a board game featuring multiple avatars and multiple enemy objects, or a board game featuring multiple avatars. In a second event including multiple avatars, each avatar may be controlled by a single user 11, or may be controlled by a different user 11. In other words, the second event may be playable by multiple users 11. A second event including multiple enemy objects may be a game in which points are awarded when enemy objects go bankrupt. In this case, the success condition of the second event may be that one or more specific enemy objects go bankrupt, and that the points reach a predetermined value, etc.

[0064] Each event is not limited to the content described above. For example, each event may be a sports game such as soccer, tennis, table tennis, boxing, or basketball. For example, each event may be a racing game such as a car race, a yacht race, a ski race, or an airplane race. Each event is not limited to having game content. Furthermore, each event is not limited to having competitive content. Each event may also have cooperative content in which multiple users or multiple groups cooperate to complete a task. In this case, the task may be to develop a character or to create a city or a building. Furthermore, the first event and the second event may have different content or the same content. Here, different content may include the content of each event being the same genre (category), such as a sports game or a racing game.

[0065] [Preparation for Game 2] An example of specific specifications for the preparation part of the second game will be described below. As an example, user 11 can change the appearance of the character used as their avatar in preparation for the second event. Preparation for the second event includes adding, exchanging, and deleting equipment (clothing), items, and skills. As an example, equipment is clothing and accessories. As an example, equipping an avatar with equipment can improve the avatar's parameters. As an example, equipping an avatar with equipment can add skills that the avatar can use. As an example, in the preparation part, equipment, items, and skills can be associated with user 11's avatar. Associating equipment with the avatar can change parameters related to the amount of money and progress at the start of the second event. As an example, associating an item with the avatar changes parameters related to the use of the item to indicate that the item can be used. As an example, associating a skill with the avatar changes parameters related to the use or learning of the skill to indicate that the skill can be used or has been learned.

[0066] [Overview of screen transitions for the first game on the device] An overview of screen transitions on the terminal 100 will be described. 4, various screens may be displayed on the monitor 181 of each terminal 100 in accordance with the progress of the first game and instructions from the user 11. As an example, the various screens may include a first main screen 40a, a first event screen 50a, and a first preparation screen 60a.

[0067] [Main screen of Game 1] The first main screen 40a is the initial screen in the first game. The first main screen 40a may be displayed in the main part. On the first main screen 40a, when a first event start operation is received, a first event screen 50a is displayed. On the first main screen 40a, when a first preparation start operation is received, a first preparation screen 60a is displayed. The first main screen 40a may include information indicating a real position corresponding to a virtual position associated with the first event.

[0068] [Game 1 event screen] The first event screen 50a may be displayed during the event part. The first event screen 50a is a screen for displaying the progress of the first event. The first event screen 50a may include a screen for displaying the results of the first event. The results of the first event may include information indicating whether the first event has been achieved. When the first event ends, the first event screen 50a displays the first main screen 40a.

[0069] [Game 1 preparation screen] The first preparation screen 60a may be displayed in the preparation part. In the preparation part, the first main screen 40a is displayed when a first preparation end operation is received. The first preparation screen 60a may include information indicating the current equipment details of the avatar.

[0070] [An example of the process flow for the main part of the first game] As shown in FIG. 5, in step S100, when the first application is launched, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 starts the first game and transmits a first game start notification to the first server 200a, the first game start notification including information that identifies the start of the first game. As an example, the first game start notification includes the user ID of the first game. As an example, the first game start notification includes location information of the terminal 100 and surrounding map data. The part at the start of the first game is the main part. Note that when the first application and the second application are running simultaneously, one may be run in the background, or both may be run in the foreground. When both are running in the foreground, the screen of one may be displayed superimposed on a portion of the screen of the other, or each screen may be displayed in a different display area.

[0071] In step S101, the processor 210a of the first server 200a receives a first game start notification. Based on the first game start notification, the processor 210a synchronizes location information and map information with information (save data) indicating the user ID and the progress of the first game, thereby enabling the first game using location information to be progressed. In step S102, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 displays the first main screen 40a on the monitor 181. For example, the processor 110 defines a virtual space and places a virtual camera in the virtual space, thereby displaying the first main screen 40a on the monitor 181, the first main screen 40a including the area captured by the virtual camera. As an example, the virtual space is defined based on map data. As an example, an avatar of the user 11 is placed in the virtual space. The avatar of the user 11 is placed at a virtual position corresponding to the real location of the user 11. The avatar of the user 11 is an object that indicates the real location of the user 11 based on its placement position. As an example, an event object corresponding to a first event is placed in a virtual space. The event object is placed at a virtual position associated with the corresponding first event. The event object is an object whose placement position indicates a real position corresponding to the virtual position associated with the first event.

[0072] In step S103, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 executes a first main process on the terminal side. The processor 110 transmits and receives various information to and from the first server 200a via the communication interface 140. The processor 110 controls the game based on the various information received from the first server 200a. As an example, when the user 11 moves, the processor 110 moves the avatar of the user 11 based on the position information. As an example, the processor 110 transmits play information indicating the position information after the movement to the first server 200a. As an example, the processor 110 receives progress information from the first server 200a. The processor 110 updates the virtual space data according to the progress information. As an example, the processor 110 associates a first event with a predetermined virtual position and places an event object at the virtual position according to the progress information.

[0073] In step S104, the processor 210a of the first server 200a executes a first main process on the server side. The processor 210a transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal 100 via the communication interface 240a. The processor 210a controls the game based on the various information received from the terminal 100. As an example, the processor 210a receives play information from the terminal 100. In response to the play information, the processor 210a transmits progress information to the terminal 100 indicating that a first event is associated with a predetermined virtual position.

[0074] [An example of the process flow for the preparation part of the first game] 6, in step S200, processor 110 of terminal 100 accepts a first preparation start operation. In step S201, when processor 110 of terminal 100 accepts the first preparation start operation instructing transition to the preparation part, processor 110 transitions to the preparation part and transmits a first preparation start notification including information that can identify the transition to the preparation part to first server 200a. In step S202, processor 110 of terminal 100 displays first preparation screen 60a on monitor 181.

[0075] In step S203, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 executes a first terminal-side preparation process. For example, the processor 110 transmits and receives various information to and from the first server 200a via the communication interface 140. For example, when the processor 110 receives an operation instructing the addition, exchange, or deletion of equipment, items, and skills of the avatar, the processor 110 transmits play information indicating the operation content to the first server 200a. For example, when the processor 110 receives an operation instructing the acquisition of equipment, items, and skills, the processor 110 transmits play information indicating the operation content to the first server 200a. The processor 110 updates the avatar settings on the terminal side based on the various information received from the first server 200a. For example, the processor 110 updates the user information stored in the storage 130 based on the progress information received from the first server 200a.

[0076] In step S204, the processor 210a of the first server 200a receives a first preparation start notification. In step S205, the processor 210a executes a server-side first preparation process. For example, the processor 210a transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal 100 via the communication interface 240a. As an example, the processor 210a may receive play information from the terminal 100. The processor 210a updates the server-side avatar settings based on the various information received from the terminal 100. As an example, the processor 210a updates the user information stored in the storage 230a based on the play information received from the terminal 100. The processor 210a transmits progress information indicating the update results to the terminal 100. In step S206, upon receiving the first preparation end operation, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 ends the terminal-side first preparation process. In step S207, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 sends a first preparation end notification to the first server 200a, the first preparation end notification including information that can identify the transition to the main part, i.e., the end of the preparation part. Thereafter, the processor 110 transitions from the preparation part to the main part, displays the first main screen 40a on the monitor 181, and ends the series of processes in the preparation part. In step S208, upon receiving the first preparation end notification, the processor 210a of the first server 200a ends the server-side first preparation process and ends the series of processes in the preparation part.

[0077] [An example of the process flow for the event part of the first game] As shown in FIG. 7 , in step S300, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 accepts a first event start operation when the user 11 is located at a real location corresponding to a virtual location associated with the first event. For example, the processor 110 determines that the user 11 is located at a real location corresponding to the virtual location associated with the first event when the user 11 is located within a predetermined real range in real space corresponding to a predetermined virtual range in virtual space. For example, the predetermined real range is a cylindrical range with a predetermined radius centered on the position coordinates of the real location corresponding to the virtual location associated with the first event. For example, the predetermined radius is 50 meters. In step S301, when the processor 110 of the terminal 100 accepts a first event start operation instructing the start of the first event, the processor 110 starts the first event and transmits a first event start notification to the first server 200a, the first event start notification including information identifying the start of the first event. In step S302, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 displays a first event screen 50a on the monitor 181.

[0078] In step S303, processor 110 of terminal 100 executes terminal-side first event processing. For example, processor 110 transmits and receives various information to and from first server 200a via communication interface 140. As an example, when processor 110 receives an operation to instruct an avatar to act (hereinafter referred to as an action instruction operation), processor 110 transmits play information indicating the operation content to first server 200a. Processor 110 controls the first event based on the various information received from first server 200a. As an example, processor 110 updates first event screen 50a according to the progress information.

[0079] In step S304, the processor 210a of the first server 200a receives a first event start notification. In step S305, the processor 210a of the first server 200a executes server-side first event processing. For example, the processor 210a transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal 100 via the communication interface 240a. The processor 210a controls the first event based on the various information received from the terminal 100. As an example, the processor 210a may receive play information from the terminal 100. The processor 210a manages the actions of the avatar according to the play information. As an example, the processor 210a determines whether an attack has hit an enemy object. As an example, attacks may include attacks using skills and attacks without using skills. If the processor 210a determines that the attack has hit, it reduces the HP of the enemy object. The processor 210a transmits progress information indicating the results of the avatar's actions to the terminal 100. When the avatar's action ends, the processor 210a causes the enemy object to act. As an example, the processor 210a determines whether the attack hit the avatar. If the processor 210a determines that the attack hit, it reduces the avatar's HP. The processor 210a transmits progress information indicating the result of the enemy object's action to the terminal 100.

[0080] In step S306, when the termination condition for the first event is met, the processor 210a of the first server 200a ends the first event and transmits a first event result notification indicating the result of the first event to the terminal 100. As an example, the processor 210a determines that the termination condition for the first event is met due to failure when the avatar's HP is 0 after being reduced due to a successful attack. As an example, the processor 210a determines that the termination condition for the first event is met due to failure when a withdrawal notification instructing the user to withdraw from the first event is received from the terminal 100. As an example, the processor 210a transmits the withdrawal notification for the first event to the first server 200a when the processor 110 of the terminal 100 accepts an operation instructing the user to withdraw from the first event. As an example, the processor 210a determines that the termination condition for the first event is met due to success when the enemy object's HP is 0 after being reduced due to a successful attack. As an example, if the first event time has elapsed, the processor 210a determines that the termination condition of the first event has been met due to a failure.

[0081] In step S307, processor 110 of terminal 100 receives the first event result notification. In step S308, processor 110 of terminal 100 displays the event result of the first event on first event screen 50a on monitor 181. Thereafter, processor 110 of terminal 100 displays first main screen 40a on monitor 181, and ends the series of processes for executing the first event.

[0082] [Overview of screen transitions for the second game on the device] An overview of screen transitions on the terminal 100 will be described. 8, various screens may be displayed on the monitor 181 of each terminal 100 according to the progress of the second game and instructions from the user 11. As an example, the various screens may include a second main screen 40b, a second event screen 50b, and a second preparation screen 60b.

[0083] [Main screen of game 2] The second main screen 40b is the initial screen in the second game. The second main screen 40b can be displayed in the main part. When a second event start operation is received on the second main screen 40b, a second event screen 50b is displayed. When a second preparation start operation is received on the second main screen 40b, a second preparation screen 60b is displayed.

[0084] [Game 2 event screen] The second event screen 50b may be displayed during the event part. The second event screen 50b is a screen for displaying the progress of the second event. The second event screen 50b may include a screen for displaying the results of the second event. The results of the second event may include information indicating whether the second event has been achieved. When the second event ends, the second event screen 50b displays the second main screen 40b.

[0085] [Preparation screen for Game 2] The second preparation screen 60b may be displayed during the preparation part. In the preparation part, the second main screen 40b is displayed when a second preparation end operation is received. The second preparation screen 60b may include information indicating the avatar's current equipment.

[0086] [An example of the process flow in the main part of the second game] As shown in FIG. 9, in step S400, when the second application is launched, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 starts the second game and transmits a second game start notification to the second server 200b, the second game start notification including information that can identify that the second game is starting. As an example, the second game start notification includes the user ID of the second game. As an example, the second game start notification includes location information of the terminal 100 and surrounding map data. The part at the start of the second game is the main part.

[0087] In step S401, the processor 210 of the second server 200b receives a second game start notification. Based on the second game start notification, the processor 210b synchronizes location information and map information with information (save data) indicating the user ID and the progress of the second game, thereby enabling the second game using location information to be progressed. In step S402, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 displays the second main screen 40b on the monitor 181. For example, the processor 110 defines a virtual space and places a virtual camera in the virtual space, thereby displaying the second main screen 40b on the monitor 181, the second main screen 40b including the area captured by the virtual camera. As an example, the virtual space is defined based on map data. As an example, an avatar of the user 11 is placed in the virtual space. The avatar of the user 11 is placed at a virtual position corresponding to the real location of the user 11. The avatar of the user 11 is an object that indicates the real location of the user 11 based on its placement position. As an example, an item object corresponding to an item available in the second event is placed in the virtual space. The item object is placed at a predetermined virtual position. The item object is an object that indicates, by its placement position, a real-world position corresponding to a virtual position associated with the item available in the second event.

[0088] In step S403, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 executes a second main process on the terminal side. The processor 110 transmits and receives various information to and from the second server 200b via the communication interface 140. The processor 110 controls the game based on the various information received from the second server 200b. As an example, when the user 11 moves, the processor 110 moves the avatar of the user 11 based on the position information. As an example, the processor 110 transmits play information indicating the position information after the movement to the second server 200b. As an example, the processor 110 receives progress information from the second server 200b. The processor 110 updates the virtual space data in accordance with the progress information. As an example, the processor 110 associates an item available in the second event with a predetermined virtual position in accordance with the progress information, and places an item object at the virtual position.

[0089] In step S404, the processor 210b of the second server 200b executes a second main process on the server side. The processor 210b transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal 100 via the communication interface 240b. The processor 210b controls the game based on the various information received from the terminal 100. As an example, the processor 210b receives play information from the terminal 100. In response to the play information, the processor 210b transmits to the terminal 100 progress information indicating that an item available in the second event is associated with a predetermined virtual position.

[0090] [An example of the process flow in the preparation part of the second game] 10, in step S500, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 accepts a second preparation start operation. In step S501, when the processor 110 of the terminal 100 accepts the second preparation start operation instructing a transition to the preparation part, the processor 110 transitions to the preparation part and transmits a second preparation start notification including information that can identify the transition to the preparation part to the second server 200b. In step S502, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 displays a second preparation screen 60b on the monitor 181.

[0091] In step S503, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 executes a terminal-side second preparation process. For example, the processor 110 transmits and receives various information to and from the second server 200b via the communication interface 140. For example, when the processor 110 receives an operation instructing the addition, exchange, or deletion of equipment, items, and skills of the avatar, the processor 110 transmits play information indicating the operation content to the second server 200b. For example, when the processor 110 receives an operation instructing the acquisition of equipment, items, and skills, the processor 110 transmits play information indicating the operation content to the second server 200b. The processor 110 updates the avatar settings on the terminal side based on the various information received from the second server 200b. For example, the processor 110 updates the user information stored in the storage 130 based on the progress information received from the second server 200b.

[0092] In step S504, the processor 210b of the second server 200b receives a preparation start notification. In step S505, the processor 210b of the second server 200b executes a server-side second preparation process. For example, the processor 210b transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal 100 via the communication interface 240b. As an example, the processor 210b may receive play information from the terminal 100. The processor 210b updates the server-side avatar settings based on the various information received from the terminal 100. As an example, the processor 210b updates the user information stored in the storage 230b based on the play information received from the terminal 100. The processor 210b transmits progress information indicating the update results to the terminal 100. In step S506, upon receiving the second preparation end operation, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 terminates the terminal-side second preparation process. In step S507, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 transmits a second preparation end notification to the second server 200b, the second preparation end notification including information that can identify the transition to the main part, i.e., the end of the preparation part. The processor 110 then transitions from the preparation part to the main part, displays the second main screen 40b on the monitor 181, and ends the series of processes in the preparation part. In step S508, upon receiving the second preparation end notification, the processor 210b of the second server 200b ends the server-side second preparation process and ends the series of processes in the preparation part.

[0093] [An example of the process flow for the event part of the second game] 11, in step S600, processor 110 of terminal 100 accepts a second event start operation in the main part. In step S601, when processor 110 of terminal 100 accepts a second event start operation instructing the start of the second event, processor 110 starts the second event and transmits a second event start notification including information that can identify that the second event is starting to second server 200b. In step S602, processor 110 of terminal 100 displays second event screen 50b on monitor 181.

[0094] In step S603, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 executes terminal-side second event processing. For example, the processor 110 transmits and receives various information to and from the second server 200b via the communication interface 140. As an example, when the processor 110 receives an operation to instruct the avatar to act, the processor 110 transmits play information indicating the operation content to the second server 200b. The processor 110 controls the second event based on the various information received from the second server 200b. As an example, the processor 110 updates the second event screen 50b according to the progress information.

[0095] In step S604, the processor 210b of the second server 200b receives the second event start notification. In step S605, the processor 210b of the second server 200b executes server-side second event processing. For example, the processor 210b transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal 100 via the communication interface 240b. The processor 210b controls the second event based on the various information received from the terminal 100. As an example, the processor 210b may receive play information from the terminal 100. The processor 210b manages the behavior of the avatar according to the play information. As an example, the processor 210b determines the progress of the avatar. As an example, the processor 210b determines the progress of the avatar based on predetermined information associated with the avatar (user 11). As an example, the predetermined information is the number of rights associated with the avatar (user 11) that determine the progress. As an example, the predetermined information is the number of dice associated with the avatar. As an example, the number of dice may increase based on the user's movement in real space while the second application is running. As an example, the number of dice may change based on the number of steps taken by the user in real space or the distance traveled by the user in real space. As an example, the number of dice may increase when the number of steps or the distance traveled reaches a predetermined value. As an example, the number of dice may increase by performing a dice acquisition operation when the user 11 is located at a real position corresponding to a virtual position associated with an increase in the number of dice. Alternatively, the number of dice may increase when the user's movement speed maintains a predetermined speed for a predetermined period of time. Furthermore, the number of dice may increase based on the user's movement within a predetermined period of time. As an example, the number of dice may increase as the number of steps taken by the user 11 in a predetermined period of time or the distance traveled by the user 11 in a predetermined period of time increases. Furthermore, the number of dice may increase based on the movement direction of the user 11 being a predetermined direction. Furthermore, the number of dice may increase based on the movement path of the user 11 being a predetermined path. Furthermore, the number of dice may increase based on the user 11 passing through a predetermined real position within a predetermined period of time.

[0096] For example, processor 210b causes the avatar to use an item associated with the avatar. For example, processor 210b exerts an effect corresponding to the used item on the avatar and at least some of the enemy objects. For example, the effect of the item may vary the number of rights that determine the amount of progress of some randomly determined objects. For example, the effect of the item may vary the number of rights that determine the amount of progress of some objects arbitrarily determined by the user. In this case, an operation in the main part that instructs acquisition of an item available in the second event can be considered an operation of acquiring dice. For example, the effect of the item may vary the number of rights that determine the amount of progress of all objects. For example, the effect of the item may vary the amount of money possessed by some randomly determined objects. For example, the effect of the item may vary the amount of money possessed by some objects arbitrarily selected by the user. For example, the effect of the item may vary the amount of money possessed by all objects. For example, when the amount of money possessed by each object changes (decreases), processor 210b determines whether the amount of money possessed after the change is less than 0. As an example, the processor 210b puts an object into a bankrupt state when the amount of money held after the change becomes less than 0. The processor 210b transmits to the terminal 100 progress information indicating the results of the avatar's actions.

[0097] As an example, processor 210b causes one or more enemy objects to act in a predetermined order. As an example, processor 210b determines whether to advance an enemy object whose turn it is to act or to use an item associated with the enemy object whose turn it is to act. If it is determined to advance the enemy object, processor 210b determines the amount of advancement of the enemy object. As an example, processor 210b determines the amount of advancement of the enemy object based on predetermined information associated with the enemy object. If it is determined to use an item associated with the enemy object, processor 210b exerts an effect according to the item used on the avatar and at least a portion of the enemy object. As an example, the effect of the item may be exerted on a portion of objects selected to be advantageous to the enemy object associated with the item. As an example, when the amount of money held by each object changes (decreases), processor 210b determines whether the amount of money held after the change is less than 0. As an example, processor 210b puts an object whose amount of money held after the change is less than 0 into a bankrupt state. Processor 210b transmits progress information indicating the result of the enemy object's action to terminal 100.

[0098] In step S606, when the termination condition of the second event is met, the processor 210b of the second server 200b ends the second event and transmits a second event result notification indicating the result of the second event to the terminal 100. As an example, when all enemy objects are in a bankrupt state, the processor 210b determines that the termination condition of the second event is met due to success. As an example, when the avatar is in a bankrupt state, the processor 210b determines that the termination condition of the second event is met due to failure. As an example, when the processor 210b receives a withdrawal notification from the terminal 100 instructing the withdrawal of the second event, the processor 210b determines that the termination condition of the second event is met due to failure.

[0099] In step S607, processor 110 of terminal 100 receives the second event result notification. In step S608, processor 110 of terminal 100 displays the event result on second event screen 50b on monitor 181. Thereafter, processor 110 of terminal 100 displays second main screen 40b on monitor 181, and ends the series of processes for executing the second event.

[0100] [Example of the process flow for granting benefits that can be used in linked applications] The process of granting a benefit that can be used in a linked application will be described. As an example, a first application and a second application can be linked. Linking a first application and a second application means associating a first game with a second game. In other words, linking a first application and a second application means linking a first game with a second game. As an example, linking multiple applications means enabling at least some applications to use information (data) for the other applications. As an example, when linking a first application and a second application, user information for each game application can be mutually used. As an example, linking may be updating user information in at least some of the multiple applications to be linked to indicate that linking is in progress. As an example, linking may be performed when a linking operation instructing linking is received in a running application while at least some of the multiple applications to be linked are running. As an example, linking may be performed when a linking operation is received in a running application other than the multiple applications to be linked. As an example, when a first application is launched, processor 110 determines whether a second application is running. When the second application is running, processor 110 links the first application with the second application. As an example, when the second application is started, processor 110 determines whether the first application is running. When the first application is running, processor 110 links the first application with the second application.

[0101] As an example, when the first application and the second application are linked, a benefit that can be used in the first application and the second application is granted to the user 11 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. As an example, granting the benefit may include associating an item that can be used in each game application with the user 11. That is, the benefit may be an item that can be used in each game application. As an example, the item may be an item associated with the first application or an item associated with the second application. That is, an item associated with the first application may be made available in the second application, and an item associated with the second application may be made available in the first application. Here, the item associated with the first application is an item that is available in the first application but not in the second application when the first application and the second application are not linked. Similarly, the item associated with the second application is an item that is available in the second application but not in the first application when the first application and the second application are not linked. As an example, granting the benefit may include enabling the user 11 to play a predetermined event in each game application. That is, the benefit may be the right to play an event in each game application. As an example, the predetermined condition may include a first condition and a second condition.

[0102] First, the process related to the first condition will be described. As an example, the first condition is a condition that can be satisfied by utilizing the first application.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 12, in step S700, processor 110 of terminal 100 determines whether a first condition is satisfied while the first application is running. If it is determined that the first condition is not satisfied (step S700: NO), processor 110 ends the processing related to the first condition. As an example, processor 110 may determine that the first condition is satisfied when the first real position is a first real position in real space. That is, the first condition may include that the first application is running at the first real position in real space. The first real position is one or more predetermined real positions in real space.

[0104] As an example, processor 110 may determine that the first condition is satisfied when a predetermined operation is received from a user at a first real location in real space. That is, the first condition may include a predetermined operation being performed by a user while a first application is running at the first real location in real space. As an example, the predetermined operation is a first event start operation that instructs the start of a first event associated with the first real location. As an example, processor 110 may determine that the first condition is satisfied when the first event associated with the first real location is successful. That is, the first condition may include one or more events (first events) of the first application associated with the first real location in real space being successful.

[0105] As an example, the first condition may be a condition related to the user's movement while the first application is running. As an example, processor 110 may determine that the first condition is satisfied when the number of steps taken by the user in real space while the first application is running reaches a predetermined number of steps. As an example, processor 110 may determine that the first condition is satisfied when the distance traveled by the user in real space while the first application is running reaches a predetermined distance. That is, the first condition may include the number of steps taken by the user in real space while the first application is running reaching a predetermined number of steps, or the distance traveled by the user in real space while the first application is running reaching a predetermined distance. Alternatively, the first condition related to the user's movement while the first application is running may include the user's movement speed being maintained at a predetermined speed for a predetermined period of time. Furthermore, the first condition may be a condition related to the user's movement within a predetermined period of time. As an example, the predetermined period is an arbitrary number of hours or days. As an example, the predetermined period is the execution period of a predetermined first event (e.g., a first event associated with a first real-world location). The first condition may also include that the movement direction of user 11 is a predetermined direction. The first condition may also include that the movement path of user 11 is a predetermined path. The first condition may also include that user 11 passes through a predetermined real-world position within a predetermined period of time.

[0106] As an example, the first condition may be that the first application is running. That is, the first condition may be satisfied by the first application being running. The first condition may be satisfied based on information associated with user 11 by the second application. As an example, the information is a code that can be input into the first application. That is, the first condition may be satisfied by inputting a code (linking code) associated with user 11 by the second application into the first application. As an example, the code may be an image such as a QR code (registered trademark), or may be a character string. In this case, inputting the code into the first application can be considered an operation that instructs linking between the first application and the second application.

[0107] If it is determined that the first condition is satisfied (step S700: YES), in step S701, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 transmits first achievement information indicating that the first condition has been satisfied to the first server 200a. In step S702, the processor 210a of the first server 200a receives the first achievement information from the terminal 100. As an example, the processor 210a updates the user information based on the first achievement information so that it is possible to identify that the first condition has been satisfied. As an example, the processor 210a may determine whether the first condition has been correctly satisfied based on the first achievement information, the play information, and the user information. In this case, if the first condition has not been correctly satisfied, the processor 210a may transmit information indicating that the first condition has not been correctly satisfied to the terminal 100 without updating the user information.

[0108] The process related to the second condition will be described. As an example, the second condition is a condition that can be satisfied by utilizing a second application.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 13 , in step S710, processor 110 of terminal 100 determines whether a second condition is satisfied while the second application is running. If processor 110 determines that the second condition is not satisfied (step S710: NO), processor 110 terminates the processing related to the second condition. As an example, processor 110 may determine that the second condition is satisfied when the second real position is a second real position in real space. That is, the second condition may include the second application being running at the second real position in real space. The second real position is one or more predetermined real positions in real space. As an example, the second real position may be partially or entirely the same as the first real position, or may be entirely different from the first real position. Note that a portion of the first real position and the second real position being the same means that there is a predetermined position in real space that is both the first real position and the second real position, and a predetermined position that is either the first real position or the second real position.

[0110] As an example, processor 110 may determine that the second condition is satisfied when a predetermined operation is received from a user at a second real location in real space. That is, the second condition may include a predetermined operation being performed by a user while a second application is running at the second real location in real space. As an example, the predetermined operation is a second event start operation that instructs the start of a second event at the second real location. As an example, processor 110 may determine that the second condition is satisfied when the second event started at the second real location is successful. That is, the second condition may include one or more events (second events) of the second application started at the second real location in real space being successful.

[0111] As an example, the second condition may be a condition related to the user's movement while the second application is running. As an example, processor 110 may determine that the second condition is satisfied when the number of steps taken by the user in real space while the second application is running reaches a predetermined number of steps. As an example, processor 110 may determine that the second condition is satisfied when the distance traveled by the user in real space while the second application is running reaches a predetermined distance. That is, the second condition may include the number of steps taken by the user in real space while the second application is running reaching a predetermined number of steps, or the distance traveled by the user in real space while the second application is running reaching a predetermined distance. Alternatively, the second condition related to the user's movement while the second application is running may include the user's movement speed being maintained at a predetermined speed for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the second condition may be a condition related to the user's movement within a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the second condition may include the direction of movement of user 11 being a predetermined direction. Alternatively, the second condition may include the route of movement of user 11 being a predetermined route. The second condition may also include that the user 11 passes through a predetermined real-world location within a predetermined period of time.

[0112] As an example, the second condition may be that the second application is running. In other words, the second condition may be satisfied by the second application being running. If the first condition is also configured to be satisfied by the first application being running, the predetermined condition is satisfied by the first application and the second application being simultaneously running on the terminal 100 used by the user 11. In other words, the predetermined condition may include the first application and the second application being simultaneously running on the terminal 100 used by the user 11. The second condition may be satisfied based on information associated with the user 11 by the first application. As an example, the information is a code that can be entered by the second application. In other words, the second condition may be satisfied by entering the code (association code) associated with the user 11 by the first application into the second application.

[0113] If it is determined that the second condition is satisfied (step S710: YES), in step S711, processor 110 of terminal 100 transmits second achievement information indicating that the second condition has been satisfied to second server 200b. In step S712, processor 210b of second server 200b receives the second achievement information from terminal 100. As an example, processor 210b updates user information based on the second achievement information so as to identify that the second condition has been satisfied. As an example, processor 210b may determine whether the second condition has been correctly satisfied based on the second achievement information, play information, and user information. In this case, if the second condition has not been correctly satisfied, processor 210b may transmit information indicating that the second condition has not been correctly satisfied to terminal 100 without updating the user information.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 14, in step S720, the processor 210a of the first server 200a transmits first user information of the user 11 who has satisfied the first condition to the second server 200b. The first user information is user information of the first application. As an example, the processor 210a executes the process of step S720 when it receives first achievement information from the terminal 100. As an example, the processor 210a may execute the process of step S720 when it receives first collaboration information transmitted by the terminal 100 that input the first collaborative operation while the first application is running. As an example, the first collaborative operation is an operation that instructs collaboration with the second application. As an example, the terminal 100 is able to accept the first collaborative operation when it satisfies the first condition. As an example, the first user information may include information indicating the first achievement information.

[0115] In step S721, the processor 210b of the second server 200b receives the first user information. For example, the processor 210b determines whether the same user fulfills the second condition based on the first user information. For example, the processor 210b determines whether there is second user information including terminal identification information that matches the terminal identification information included in the first user information. The second user information is user information for the second application. If there is no second user information with matching terminal identification information, the processor 210b determines that the same user does not fulfill the second condition. For example, the processor 210b may identify the same user based on predetermined authentication information in addition to or instead of the terminal identification information. For example, the predetermined authentication information may include an email address. For example, the predetermined authentication information may include a phone number. For example, the predetermined authentication information may include an account for a service provided by another system (e.g., an SNS account). For example, the predetermined authentication information may include text information (such as a keyword or password) set by the user 11 when using the first application and the second application. For example, the predetermined authentication information may include cryptographic information generated by at least one of the first application and the second application. Note that the predetermined authentication information is not limited to the above. Furthermore, the predetermined authentication information may be arbitrarily selected from one or more pieces of information including the above.

[0116] If there is second user information with matching terminal identification information, processor 210b determines whether the user has satisfied the second condition based on the second user information. If the user has satisfied the second condition, processor 210b determines that the same user as the user who satisfied the first condition has satisfied the second condition. In other words, processor 210b determines that the user has satisfied the predetermined condition. If the user has not satisfied the second condition, processor 210b determines that the same user has not satisfied the second condition. If the user has not satisfied the second condition, processor 210b updates the user information of the second application so that it is possible to identify that the user has satisfied the first condition. In step S722, processor 210b of second server 200b grants a benefit to the user who has satisfied the predetermined condition. For example, granting the benefit means associating the benefit with an item that can be used in the second application. For example, granting the benefit means making a predetermined event in the second application playable. Note that even if the user has satisfied the second condition, processor 210b refers to the user information to determine whether the predetermined condition has been satisfied. That is, it is determined whether the user has already fulfilled the first condition. In this case, the processor 210b also grants a reward to the user who fulfills the predetermined condition.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 15, in step S730, the processor 210b of the second server 200b transmits second user information of a user who has satisfied the second condition to the first server 200a. As an example, the processor 210b executes the process of step S730 when the processor 210b receives second achievement information from the terminal 100. As an example, the processor 210b may execute the process of step S730 when the processor 210b receives second achievement information transmitted by the terminal 100 that input a second cooperation operation while the second application is running. As an example, the second cooperation operation is an operation that instructs cooperation with the first application. As an example, the terminal 100 is able to accept the second cooperation operation when the second condition is satisfied. As an example, the second user information may include information indicating the second achievement information.

[0118] In step S731, the processor 210a of the first server 200a receives second user information. As an example, the processor 210a determines whether the same user meets the first condition based on the second user information. As an example, the processor 210a determines whether there is first user information including terminal identification information that matches the terminal identification information included in the second user information. If there is no first user information with matching terminal identification information, the processor 210a determines that the same user does not meet the first condition. As an example, the processor 210a may identify the same user based on the predetermined authentication information in addition to or instead of the terminal identification information.

[0119] If there is first user information with matching terminal identification information, the processor 210a determines whether the user has satisfied the first condition based on the first user information. If the user has satisfied the first condition, the processor 210a determines that the same user as the user who satisfied the second condition has satisfied the first condition. That is, the processor 210a determines that the user has satisfied the predetermined condition. If the user has not satisfied the first condition, the processor 210a determines that the same user has not satisfied the first condition. If the user has not satisfied the first condition, the processor 210a updates the first user information so that it is possible to identify that the user has satisfied the second condition. In step S732, the processor 210a of the first server 200a grants a benefit to the user who has satisfied the predetermined condition. For example, granting the benefit means associating the benefit with an item that can be used in the first application. For example, granting the benefit means making a predetermined event in the first application playable. Note that even if the user has satisfied the first condition, the processor 210a refers to the user information to determine whether the predetermined condition has been satisfied. That is, the processor 210a determines whether the user has already fulfilled the second condition. In this case, the processor 210a also grants a reward to the user 11 who fulfills the predetermined condition.

[0120] [Example of display screen on device and processing flow related to display] [Main screen of the first application] As shown in FIG. 16 , when the first application is launched and the game starts, a first main screen 40a is displayed. The first main screen 40a includes various objects. As an example, the first main screen 40a may include a field object 80a based on map data. As an example, the first main screen 40a may include an avatar 91a of the user 11. The avatar 91a is an object that indicates the real-world location of the user 11. As an example, the first main screen 40a may include an event object 92a. The event object 92a is an object that indicates a real-world location corresponding to a virtual location associated with the first event. The event object 92a may be an object that indicates the content of the first event. The event object 92a may be an object that indicates the remaining time of a specified time for the first event. As an example, the event object 92a is an object that resembles an enemy object that appears in the first event. As an example, the user 11 can instruct the avatar 91a to move to a corresponding position in the virtual space by moving in real space. As one example, when the user 11 is located in a real position corresponding to the virtual position associated with the first event, the user 11 can perform a first event start operation to instruct the start of the first event by tapping on a portion where the event object 92a is displayed. As one example, the first main screen 40a may include a preparation icon 85a. As one example, the user 11 can perform a first preparation start operation to instruct a transition to the preparation part by tapping on a portion where the preparation icon 85a is displayed.

[0121] [Event screen of the first application] As shown in FIG. 17, when the first event starts, a first event screen 50a is displayed. The first event screen 50a includes various objects. For example, the first event screen 50a may include a field object 81a that constitutes the stage for the first event. The first event screen 50a may include an avatar 91a. The first event screen 50a may include an enemy object 93a. The first event screen 50a may include an HP bar 94a that indicates the HP of the avatar 91a. The first event screen 50a may include command icons 95a that instruct the avatar 91a to take action. For example, the command icons 95a may include an attack icon that instructs an attack on the enemy object 93a without using a skill. For example, the command icons 95a may include a skill icon that instructs the use of a skill. For example, the command icons 95a may include an item icon that instructs the use of an item. For example, the command icons 95a may include a withdraw icon that instructs the player to withdraw from the first event. As an example, by tapping on the portion where the attack icon is displayed, an operation to instruct an attack without using a skill against the enemy object 93a can be performed. As an example, by tapping on the portion where the skill icon is displayed, an operation to instruct the use of a skill can be performed. As an example, skills are used for purposes such as attack, recovery, and support. As an example, by tapping on the portion where the item icon is displayed, an operation to instruct the use of an item can be performed. As an example, by tapping on the portion where the withdrawal icon is displayed, an operation to instruct the withdrawal of the first event can be performed. The first event screen 50a may include a result window 82a that indicates the result of the first event. The result window 82a is displayed when the first event ends. As an example, the result window 82a may include an object that indicates that a first condition has been met if the first event associated with the first real-world location is successful. As an example, the result window 82a may include an object that indicates that a predetermined condition has been met.

[0122] [First application preparation screen] As shown in FIG. 18, when the preparation part starts in response to a first preparation start operation, a first preparation screen 60a is displayed. As an example, the first preparation screen 60a includes various objects. As an example, the first preparation screen 60a may include an avatar window 83a. As an example, an avatar 91a is displayed in the avatar window 83a. As an example, the appearance of the avatar 91a changes depending on the settings of the avatar 91a. As an example, the appearance of the avatar 91a changes depending on the equipment currently equipped to the avatar 91a.

[0123] As an example, the first preparation screen 60a may include a main icon 86a that instructs transition to the main part. As an example, an operation to instruct transition to the main part can be performed by tapping on the portion where the main icon 86a is displayed. As an example, the first preparation screen 60a may include a settings icon 87a that instructs display of a settings window (not shown) for changing settings of the avatar 91. As an example, an operation to instruct display of the settings window can be performed by tapping on the portion where the settings icon 87a is displayed. As an example, the first preparation screen 60a may include a lottery icon 88a that instructs display of a lottery window (not shown) for drawing lots for an object to be obtained by the user 11. As an example, an operation to instruct display of the lottery window can be performed by tapping on the portion where the lottery icon 88a is displayed. As an example, an operation to instruct display of the lottery window can be performed by tapping on the portion where the lottery icon 88a is displayed. As an example, the first preparation screen 60a may include a bonus window 84a that indicates that a bonus has been awarded. As an example, the bonus window 84a may include an object that indicates that a bonus has been awarded because a predetermined condition has been met. For example, the bonus window 84a may include an object indicating the bonus that has been granted. For example, the bonus window 84a is displayed when the game first transitions to the preparation part after a predetermined condition is met.

[0124] [Main screen of the second application] As shown in FIG. 19 , when the game is started by launching the second application, a second main screen 40b is displayed. The second main screen 40b includes various objects. As an example, the second main screen 40b may include a field object 80b based on map data. As an example, the second main screen 40b may include an avatar 91b of the user 11. The avatar 91b is an object indicating the real-world location of the user 11. As an example, the second main screen 40b may include an item object 92b. The item object 92b is an object indicating a real-world location corresponding to a virtual location associated with an item available in the second event. The item object 92b may be an object indicating the content of the item available in the second event. As an example, the item object 92b is an object that resembles the associated item. As an example, when the user 11 is located in a real-world location corresponding to the virtual location associated with the item, an item acquisition operation can be performed to instruct the user to acquire the item by tapping on the portion where the item object 92b is displayed. As an example, the second main screen 40b may include an event icon 85b. As an example, by tapping on the portion where the event icon 85b is displayed, a second event start operation can be performed to instruct a transition to the event part. As an example, the second main screen 40b may include a preparation icon 85c. As an example, by tapping on the portion where the preparation icon 85c is displayed, a second preparation start operation can be performed to instruct a transition to the preparation part.

[0125] [Event screen of the second application] As shown in FIG. 20 , when the second event starts, a second event screen 50b is displayed. The second event screen 50b includes various objects. For example, the second event screen 50b may include a field object 81b that constitutes the stage for the second event. The second event screen 50b may include an avatar 91b. The second event screen 50b may include an enemy object 93b. The second event screen 50b may include command icons 95b that instruct the avatar 91b to act. For example, the command icons 95b may include movement icons that instruct the avatar 91b to move. For example, the movement icons function as objects that instruct the player to determine the amount of progress. For example, the command icons 95b may include item icons that instruct the player to use an item. For example, the command icons 95b may include status icons that instruct the player to be notified of the progress status of the second event. For example, the status icons function as objects that instruct the player to withdraw from the second event. As an example, by tapping on the portion where the movement icon is displayed, an operation to instruct the avatar 91b to move can be performed. As an example, by tapping on the portion where the movement icon is displayed, an operation to determine the progress amount of the avatar 91b can be performed. As an example, by tapping on the portion where the item icon is displayed, an operation to instruct the use of an item can be performed. As an example, by tapping on the portion where the status icon is displayed, an operation to instruct the notification of the progress status of the second event can be performed. As an example, by tapping on the portion where the status icon is displayed, an operation to instruct the withdrawal of the second event can be performed. The second event screen 50b may include a result window 82b that shows the result of the second event. The result window 82b is displayed when the second event ends. As an example, the result window 82b may include an object indicating that a second condition has been met if the second event associated with the second real-world location is successful. As an example, the result window 82b may include an object indicating that a predetermined condition has been met.

[0126] [Preparation screen for the second application] As shown in FIG. 21 , when the preparation part starts in response to a second preparation start operation, a second preparation screen 60b is displayed. As an example, the second preparation screen 60b includes various objects. As an example, the second preparation screen 60b may include an avatar window 83b. As an example, an avatar 91b is displayed in the avatar window 83b. As an example, the appearance of the avatar 91b changes depending on the settings of the avatar 91b. As an example, the appearance of the avatar 91b changes depending on the equipment that the avatar 91b is equipped with.

[0127] As an example, the second preparation screen 60b may include a main icon 86b that instructs transition to the main part. As an example, an operation to instruct transition to the main part can be performed by tapping on the portion where the main icon 86b is displayed. As an example, the second preparation screen 60b may include a settings icon 87b that instructs display of a settings window (not shown) for changing settings of the avatar 91b. As an example, an operation to instruct display of the settings window can be performed by tapping on the portion where the settings icon 87b is displayed. As an example, the second preparation screen 60b may include a lottery icon 88b that instructs display of a lottery window (not shown) for drawing lots for an object to be obtained by the user 11. As an example, an operation to instruct display of the lottery window can be performed by tapping on the portion where the lottery icon 88b is displayed. As an example, the second preparation screen 60b may include a bonus window 84b that indicates that a bonus has been awarded. As an example, the bonus window 84b may include an object that indicates that a bonus has been awarded because a predetermined condition has been met. For example, the bonus window 84b may include an object indicating the bonus that has been granted. For example, the bonus window 84b is displayed when the game first transitions to the preparation part after a predetermined condition is met.

[0128] The effects of the present disclosure will be described. (1-1) A first application and a second application that use location information in the real space of the user 11 can be linked. Then, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a benefit that can be used in each application is granted. This gives the user 11 a reason to launch both the first application and the second application that use location information. This increases the interest.

[0129] (1-2) When each game application is running at a location corresponding to the first application and the second application, a benefit that can be used in each application is granted, which gives user 11 an incentive to move to the location corresponding to each of the first application and the second application.

[0130] (1-3) By inputting a predetermined operation at a location corresponding to each of the first and second applications, a benefit that can be used in each application is granted. This makes it easier for the user 11 to stay at each location for a longer period of time. This makes it easier for the user 11 to realize the joy of staying at that location.

[0131] (1-4) When a predetermined condition is met, a benefit that can be used in the second application out of the first application and the second application is granted. This benefit is granted based on information associated with the user 11 by the first application. This gives the user 11 who uses the second application a reason for using the first application.

[0132] (1-5) When a predetermined condition is met, a benefit that can be used in the first application out of the first application and the second application is granted. This benefit is granted based on information associated with user 11 by the second application. This gives user 11, who uses the first application, a reason to use the second application.

[0133] (1-6) The predetermined condition can be satisfied depending on the number of steps or distance traveled by the user 11 while the first application is running, and the number of steps or distance traveled by the user 11 while the second application is running. This allows the user to have a purpose for moving through real space by running each application.

[0134] (1-7) It is determined based on the terminal identification information that the user 11 using the first application and the user 11 using the second application are the same user. This improves the accuracy of determining whether the first application and the second application are running simultaneously on one terminal 100.

[0135] (1-8) The benefit granted when a predetermined condition is satisfied is an item that can be used in the first application or the second application. This can increase the motivation of the user 11 who wants to associate the item to use both the first application and the second application.

[0136] (1-9) The benefit granted when a predetermined condition is satisfied is the right to play an event of the first application or the second application. This can increase the motivation of users 11 who want to play an event to use both the first application and the second application.

[0137] (1-10) The second event is executed with a board game as its content. In the second event, the amount of progress can change depending on the number of steps or distance traveled by the user 11 in the real space. This can give the user 11 who is trying to play the second event a purpose for moving around the real space.

[0138] (1-11) In addition, in the second event, the more steps or distance traveled by the user 11 in real space, the more likely the progress will be. This can give the user 11 who wants to play the second event a reason to travel a longer distance.

[0139] (1-12) The benefit granted when a predetermined condition is satisfied is that an item associated with the first application can be used in the second application, and an item associated with the second application can be used in the first application, which gives the user 11 a sense of novelty.

[0140] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment will be described below. In the following description, the same configurations and the same controls as those in the already described embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0141] In the second embodiment, the information processing system 10 links a first application with a second application launched on a different terminal. In the second embodiment, a third game is provided as a benefit granted when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In other words, in the second embodiment, the right to play the third game is granted when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 22 , the information processing system 10 of the second embodiment may include a third information processing system 10c. The third information processing system 10c is configured as a game system that provides a third game. As an example, the third information processing system 10c includes a first server 200a, a second server 200b, a third server 200c, and multiple terminals 100. The multiple terminals 100 may include a first terminal 100a used by a first user 11a and a second terminal 100b used by a second user 11b. As an example, the first terminal 100a is a terminal capable of launching a first application. As an example, the second terminal 100b is a terminal capable of launching a second application. In other words, in the second embodiment, a first application that uses location information of the first user 11a in real space and a second application that uses location information of the second user 11b in real space are linked. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, linking the game applications can be said to be associating the first user 11a with the second user 11b. Note that the first terminal 100a may be a terminal capable of launching the second application in addition to the first application. In other words, the first terminal 100a may function as the second terminal 100b. Similarly, the second terminal 100b may be a terminal capable of launching the first application in addition to the second application. In other words, the second terminal 100b may function as the first terminal 100a. In the second embodiment, an environment for playing the third game is provided by each of the first application and the second application.

[0143] [Hardware configuration of the third server] The third server 200c may be a workstation or a general-purpose computer such as a PC. The third server 200c includes a processor 210c, a memory 220c, a storage 230c, a communication interface 240c, and an input / output interface 250c. Each component included in the third server 200c is connected to a communication bus 290c.

[0144] The processor 210c executes a series of instructions contained in a program stored in the memory 220c or the storage 230c in response to a signal provided to the third server 200c or in response to a predetermined condition being met. For example, the processor 210c can be implemented as a CPU, a GPU, an MPU, an FPGA, or other computing device. The memory 220c temporarily stores programs and data. For example, the programs are read from the storage 230c. The data may include data transmitted to the third server 200c and data generated by the processor 210c. For example, the memory 220c can be implemented as a RAM or other volatile memory.

[0145] The storage 230c permanently stores programs and data. For example, the storage 230c can be realized as a ROM, a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or other non-volatile storage device. The storage 230c may also be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. The third server 200c may use programs stored in an external storage device instead of the storage 230c.

[0146] Storage 230c stores various applications. The applications include programs and data. As an example, the various applications may include a third game application. As an example, the third game application realizes a function for communicating with other computers. As an example, the other computers are multiple terminals 100. As an example, the other computers are servers 200a and 200b. As an example, the third game application stores data defining objects and user information. As an example, storage 230c may store other applications and an operating system.

[0147] The communication interface 240c is connected to the network 20. The communication interface 240c communicates with other computers connected to the network 20. For example, the communication interface 240c can be implemented as a LAN or other wired communication interface. For example, the communication interface 240c can be implemented as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, or other wireless communication interface. The communication interface 240c is not limited to the above. The input / output interface 250c communicates with an external input / output device (not shown). For example, the input / output interface 250c can be implemented as a USB, DVI, HDMI, or other wired communication interface. For example, the input / output interface 250c can be implemented as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other wireless communication interface.

[0148] [Third Server Functions] The third server 200c has one or more components that are combined to form a functional unit (module) with a cohesive function. As an example, the third server 200c may include a game control unit, a memory unit, a communication unit, and an input / output unit. The third server 200c may also include a display control unit. As an example, the game control unit may be realized by the processor 210c. As an example, the memory unit may be realized by the memory 220c and the storage 230c. As an example, the communication unit may be realized by the communication interface 240c. As an example, the input / output unit may be realized by the processor 210c and the input / output interface 250c.

[0149] The communication unit receives various types of information from each terminal 100. For example, the information received by the communication unit from each terminal 100 includes game play information and user information. The communication unit transmits various types of information to each terminal 100. For example, the information transmitted by the communication unit to each terminal 100 includes game progress information and user information. The input / output unit may detect and accept input operations by the user 11 on an external input device via an input / output interface.

[0150] The game control unit progresses the third game in accordance with the game play information received by the communication unit from the terminal 100. The game control unit may make various determinations regarding the progress of the third game. The game control unit may conduct various lotteries regarding the progress of the third game. The game control unit progresses events of the third game in accordance with the game play information received by the communication unit from the terminal 100. The game control unit may make various determinations regarding the progress of events of the third game. The game control unit may conduct various lotteries regarding the progress of events of the third game. The game control unit generates game progress information in accordance with the results of these processes. The game progress information is transmitted to the terminal 100 by the communication unit. As an example, the processor 210c, as the game control unit, may perform a function corresponding to a step by executing a step for receiving various information. As an example, the processor 210c, as the game control unit, may perform a function corresponding to a step by executing a step for transmitting various information. As an example, the processor 210c, as the game control unit, may perform a function corresponding to a step by executing a step for progressing the third game. The steps that can be executed in the third server 200c can be realized by hardware and software (applications) executed by the processor 210c. The software (applications) are read by the processor 210c from the storage 230c and stored in the memory 220c in the form of an executable program. The processor 210c executes the program.

[0151] [Game 3 Overview] For example, the third game may consist of only an event part. For example, the third game may consist of two or more parts. For example, the third game may include a main part and a preparation part.

[0152] [Event part of the third game] In the event part of the third game, the first user 11a using the first application and the second user 11b using the second application can play the same event. In other words, the event of the third game is a common event that can be played by both the first user 11a and the second user 11b using different applications. As an example, the first user 11a can play the common event using the first application. As an example, the second user 11b can play the common event using the second application. As an example, the common event may include achieving a predetermined challenge. As an example, the challenge is to have more points than an opposing user. As an example, the common event includes the users 11a and 11b controlling their own avatars. As an example, each avatar is a character selected in advance by the users 11a and 11b themselves from a plurality of characters.

[0153] As one example, the common event may be a table game played by multiple avatars. As another example, the common event may be a mahjong game played by multiple avatars. A success condition for the common event is to have the most points when a period set for the common event ends. A failure condition for the common event is to have fewer points than any other avatar when a period set for the common event ends. As another example, a success condition for the common event may be to have more points than an initial point when a period set for the common event ends. In other words, a failure condition for the common event may be to have fewer points than an initial point when a period set for the common event ends. As another example, a success condition for the common event may be to have more points than any other avatar when a period set for the common event ends. In other words, a failure condition for the common event may be to have the fewest points when a period set for the common event ends. The common event may involve mahjong between multiple avatars and a single enemy object, mahjong between a single avatar and multiple enemy objects, or mahjong between multiple avatars and multiple enemy objects. Note that, like the first and second events, the common event is not limited to the above-mentioned content and may be changed as desired.

[0154] [Overview of screen transitions for the third game on the device] In the event part of the third game, a common event screen 50c may be displayed. The common event screen 50c is a screen for displaying the progress of the common event. The common event screen 50c may include a screen for displaying the results of the common event. The results of the common event may include information indicating whether the common event has been achieved. When the common event ends, the main screen 40a or 40b is displayed on the common event screen 50c depending on the application being used.

[0155] [Example of processing flow for granting benefits in the second embodiment] As shown in FIG. 23, in steps S800 and S801, the processor 110 of the first terminal 100a and the processor 110 of the second terminal 100b transmit and receive user information via the communication interface 140. For example, the processor 110 of each terminal 100 transmits and receives user information via a close-proximity wireless communication interface such as Bluetooth. As an example, the processor 110 links the game applications when the terminal identification information included in the user information of each game application is different. In other words, the processor 110 links the game applications when a first user and a second user using different terminals 100 are located at predetermined real positions in real space. The predetermined real positions are predetermined real positions within a range in which the terminals 100 can communicate with each other.

[0156] In steps S802 and S803, the processor 110 of each terminal 100 determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied. That is, the processor 110 of each terminal 100 determines whether a first condition is satisfied in the first application of the first terminal 100a and a second condition is satisfied in the second application of the second terminal 100b. As an example, the first condition and the second condition may be that the first terminal 100a and the second terminal 100b are capable of communicating with each other. That is, the predetermined condition may be that the game applications are linked. In this case, the predetermined condition may be that each user 11 is located within a distance that allows communication between the terminals 100. In steps S804 and S805, the processor 110 of each terminal 100 transmits each achievement information to the servers 200a and 200b if the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0157] In step S806, the processor 210a of the first server 200a receives the first achievement information. In step S807, the processor 210a of the first server 200a sends a first benefit granting notification to the first terminal 100a. In step S808, the processor 210b of the second server 200b receives the second achievement information. In step S809, the processor 210b of the second server 200b sends a second benefit granting notification to the second terminal 100b. In steps S810 and S811, the processor 110 of each terminal 100 receives each benefit granting notification. The processor 110 associates the common event with each user 11. That is, the processor 110 grants the right to play the common event.

[0158] [An example of the process flow for the event part of the third game] As shown in FIG. 24, in step S900, when the processor 110 of each terminal 100 receives a common event start operation instructing the start of a common event, the processor 110 transmits a common event start notification including information capable of identifying the start of the common event to the third server 200c. As an example, the processor 110 receives the common event start operation when the user 11 is located at a real location corresponding to the virtual location associated with the common event. As an example, the virtual locations associated with the common event may be partially or entirely the same in the first application and the second application, or may be entirely different locations. In other words, the common event is associated with a predetermined virtual location in the virtual space corresponding to a predetermined real location in the real space in each of the first application and the second application.

[0159] In step S901, the processor 210c of the third server 200c receives a common event start notification. The processor 210c performs a matching process based on the common event start notification. In the matching process, the processor 210c matches users so that the number of users playing the common event reaches the upper limit. Note that if the upper limit of users playing the common event is not reached before a specified time has elapsed, the processor 210c may include an enemy object in the common event.

[0160] In step S902, the processor 210c of the third server 200c executes server-side common event processing. For example, the processor 210c transmits and receives various information to and from each terminal 100 via the communication interface 240c. The processor 210c controls the common event based on the various information received from each terminal 100. As an example, the processor 210c may receive play information from each terminal 100. The processor 210c manages the actions of the avatars according to the play information. As an example, the processor 210c manages the game based on the actions of the avatars. As an example, the processor 210c exchanges the avatar's hand tiles based on the actions of the avatars. As an example, the processor 210c updates the avatar's score based on the result of the game.

[0161] In step S903, the processor 110 of each terminal 100 executes terminal-side common event processing. For example, the processor 110 transmits and receives various information to and from the third server 200c via the communication interface 140. As an example, when the processor 110 receives an operation to instruct an avatar to act, the processor 110 transmits play information indicating the operation content to the third server 200c. The processor 110 controls the common event based on the various information received from the third server 200c.

[0162] In step S904, when the termination condition of the common event is met, the processor 210c of the third server 200c terminates the common event and transmits a common event result notification indicating the result of the common event to the terminal 100 of the user who played the common event. As an example, the processor 210c determines that the termination condition of the common event is met when a predetermined upper limit number of games (e.g., 1) has been completed. As another example, the processor 210c may determine that the termination condition of the common event is met when four half-games, one half-game, etc. have been completed. When the termination condition of the common event is met, the processor 210c determines that the period specified for the common event has ended and determines the result of the common event for each user based on the score at that time. The processor 210c grants a benefit to each user 11a based on the result of the common event. As an example, the processor 210c grants a benefit that can be used in the first application according to the first user 11a's contribution to the common event. For example, the processor 210c may grant a reward available in the second application in accordance with the contribution of the second user 11b to the common event. For example, the contribution is the proportion of the rewards held by each user 11 to the total score.

[0163] In step S905, the processor 110 of each terminal 100 receives the common event result notification. In step S906, the processor 110 of each terminal 100 displays the event result on the common event screen 50c on the monitor 181. Thereafter, the processor 110 of each terminal 100 displays the main screen 40a, 40b on the monitor 181 according to the application being used, and ends the series of processes for executing the common event.

[0164] [Example of terminal display screen and display processing flow in the second embodiment] [Main screen of each game application] As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 , the main screen 40a of the first application and the second main screen 40b of the second application may each include a common event object 92c that instructs the play of a common event. The common event object 92c is an object that indicates a real location corresponding to a virtual location associated with the common event. The common event object 92c may be an object that indicates the content of the common event. The common event object 92c may be an object that indicates the remaining time of a specified time for the common event. As an example, when each user 11a, 11b is located at a real location corresponding to the virtual location associated with the common event, the user can perform a common event start operation that instructs the play of the common event by tapping on the portion of the first main screen 40a where the common event object 92c is displayed. In other words, when the user 11a is located at a first real location corresponding to the first virtual location associated with the common event, the user 11a can perform a common event start operation by tapping on the portion of the first main screen 40a where the common event object 92c is displayed. On the other hand, user 11b can perform a common event start operation by tapping the part of the second main screen 40b where the common event object 92c is displayed when user 11b is located at a second real position corresponding to the second virtual position with which the common event is associated.

[0165] [Common Event Screen] As shown in FIG. 27, when a common event starts, a common event screen 50c is displayed on both the first terminal 100a and the second terminal 100b. The common event screen 50c includes various objects. As an example, the common event screen 50c may include a field object 81c that forms the stage for the common event. The common event screen 50c may include a result window (not shown) that displays the results of the common event. The result window is displayed when the common event ends.

[0166] The effects of the present disclosure will be described. (2-1) A first application used by user 11a and a second application used by user 11b are linked. Then, a benefit that can be used in each of the first application and the second application is granted. This makes it possible to increase the interest of the application to which the benefit is granted.

[0167] (2-2) The granted benefit is the right to play the event, which can increase the motivation of users 11a and 11b who want to play the event to link with other applications used by different users.

[0168] (2-3) The granted benefit is the right to play the same common event with users 11a and 11b. This allows users who use different applications to interact with each other. Furthermore, compared to when the event is playable in application 1, the event is more likely to be played by many users.

[0169] (2-4) The users 11a and 11b are given rewards that can be used in the applications they use, depending on their contribution to the common event, which can increase their motivation to play the common event.

[0170] (2-5) When the first terminal 100a and the second terminal 100b are able to communicate with each other, the first application and the second application are linked. This allows the users 11a and 11b to be prompted to move to a real location where the first terminal 100a and the second terminal 100b are able to communicate with each other.

[0171] (2-6) Furthermore, the first application and the second application are linked when they are launched on terminals 100 with different terminal identification information, which makes it easier to encourage interaction between different users.

[0172] (2-7) Furthermore, the first application and the second application are linked when the users 11a and 11b are located at a predetermined real-world position, which allows the users 11a and 11b to be prompted to move to the predetermined real-world position.

[0173] The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility. [Change Example 1] The benefit granted when a predetermined condition is satisfied may be a benefit available in at least one of the first application and the second application. As an example, the benefit may be associated with at least one of the first user 11a and the second user 11b. In other words, the benefit may be a right for at least one of the first user 11a and the second user 11b to play an event.

[0174] [Change Example 2] The predetermined condition may include only one of the first condition and the second condition. For example, if the predetermined condition does not include either the first condition or the second condition, the predetermined condition is satisfied when the other condition is satisfied. In this case, the benefit granted when the predetermined condition is satisfied may be a benefit available in the first application, a benefit available in the second application, or a benefit available in both applications.

[0175] [Change Example 3] The terminal 100 may be equipped with multiple monitors 181. In this case, when multiple applications are simultaneously running in the foreground, the screens corresponding to the applications can be displayed on different monitors 181.

[0176] [Change Example 4] The predetermined condition may include that the terminal identification information is specific information. As an example, the predetermined condition may include that the terminal 100 is a specific terminal 100. As an example, the specific terminal 100 is a terminal 100 manufactured by a specific manufacturer. This makes it possible to impress upon the user 11 the relationship between the specific terminal 100 and each application. Therefore, it is easy to get the user 11 who uses the specific terminal 100 to use each application. It is also easy to get the user 11 who uses each application to use the specific terminal 100.

[0177] [Change Example 5] The applications to be linked may be changed arbitrarily. As an example, one or both of the first application and the second application may link with one or more arbitrary applications in addition to or instead of the other application. As an example, the first application, the second application, and the one or more arbitrary applications are applications that provide arbitrary services including games. As an example, each application does not have to be an application that uses location information of the user 11. Specifically, in the second embodiment, some applications may be applications that can be launched (used) by a fixed terminal device. As an example, the fixed terminal device may be installed at an arbitrary location such as the user 11's home, or may be installed in a commercial facility such as a game center. In this case, the application to be linked may be one that uses a gaming medium such as a medal.

[0178] [Change Example 6] A benefit granted when a predetermined condition is satisfied may be arbitrarily changed. For example, the benefit may be arbitrarily changed depending on the content of an event of the application to be linked, the content of the predetermined condition, and other information. For example, if the predetermined condition includes launching the application at a predetermined real-world location, the benefit may be arbitrarily changed depending on the predetermined real-world location. For example, the benefit may be arbitrarily changed depending on the timing when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the timing when the benefit is granted, and the timing when the benefit is used. For example, the benefit may be a right to play an event corresponding to a predetermined real-world location, or a right to play an event corresponding to each timing. For example, the setting of the event may differ depending on the predetermined real-world location. In this case, the content of the event, particularly the content that may affect the play of user 11, may differ depending on the predetermined real-world location. For example, the task of the event may change depending on the predetermined real-world location (so-called local rules). Furthermore, for example, the setting of the event may change depending on the predetermined real-world location. Specifically, if the event is a race, the setting (race course) of the race may be a setting that imitates the predetermined real-world location. Furthermore, if the event involves a board game, the stage (board) may be a stage that imitates a predetermined real-world location. Furthermore, if the event involves an interaction (for example, romance) with a predetermined object (character), the stage for the interaction (for example, a date course) may be a stage that imitates a predetermined real-world location. As an example, if the event involves a board game, the stage for the board game may change according to a predetermined real-world location. As an example, if the event involves a puzzle, the pieces of the puzzle may change according to a predetermined real-world location.

[0179] Furthermore, if an event includes music, the music used in the event that can be played as a bonus may change depending on a predetermined real-world location. As an example, the music used in the event may be background music, or the rhythm or pitch of the music may be used in playing the event (so-called rhythm games).

[0180] Also, as an example, if the event involves the use of gaming media such as medals, the benefit may be that the gaming media is physically given to user 11, or that it may be easier for user 11 to physically acquire gaming media.

[0181] [Change Example 7] In the above embodiment, a game using location information is exemplified as a service provided by the first application and the second application, but this is not limiting. As an example, one or both of the services provided by the first application and the second application may be a game that does not use location information, or may be a service other than a game. In other words, each of the first application and the second application may be an application that provides a game, or an application that provides a service other than a game. As an example, each of the first application and the second application may be an application that provides a health support service related to training or fitness. As an example, each of the first application and the second application may be an application that provides an advertising service for commercial facilities, etc. As an example, each of the first application and the second application may be an application that provides a transportation guidance service. As an example, each of the first application and the second application may be an application that provides an education-related service.

[0182] [Change Example 8] The above-described processes and the order of steps are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. The order of steps and processes can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the scope of the embodiments and modifications.

[0183] [Change Example 9] One or more modules or functions provided in the terminal 100 and the servers 200a, 200b, and 200c may be realized by circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or an MCU (Micro Control Unit).

[0184] [Change Example 10] One or more modules or functions of the terminal 100 and the servers 200a, 200b, and 200c may be implemented by software using a processor. The computer includes a processor, memory, and storage. The above programs and various data are recorded in the storage so that they can be read by the processor. The programs are deployed in the memory. The processor then reads and executes the programs from the storage, thereby realizing the functions of the present disclosure. As already explained, the storage can be implemented as a non-volatile storage device.

[0185] [Change Example 10] The program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the program (such as a communication network or broadcast waves).

[0186] [Change Example 11] The program may be recorded on a storage medium such as a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, MO, etc.), or a semiconductor memory (ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.).

[0187] [Change Example 12] The game application of the servers 200a, 200b, and 200c and the game application of the terminal 100 can be understood as a single application, or as separate applications. All processing may be performed by the servers 200a, 200b, and 200c, and the processing results may be displayed as images on the monitor 181 of the terminal 100.

[0188] [Change Example 13] In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, some or all of the processes and steps executed by the processor 210 of the servers 200a, 200b, and 200c as the game control unit 201 may be executed by the processor 110 of the terminal 100 as the game control unit 101. In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, some or all of the processes and steps executed by the processor 110 of the terminal 100 as the game control unit 101 may be executed by the processor 210 of the servers 200a, 200b, and 200c as the game control unit 201. In other words, all of the processes and steps described in the embodiment and modified examples may be executed by the processor 210 of the servers 200a, 200b, and 200c, or may be executed by the processor 110 of the terminal 100.

[0189] [Change Example 14] Any specific process and step among the processes and steps described in the embodiment and modified examples may be executed by the processor 210 of the servers 200a, 200b, and 200c, and any process and step other than the specific process and step among the processes and steps described in the embodiment and modified examples may be executed by the processor 110 of the terminal 100. That is, in the information processing system 10, the computer may be configured with one or more terminals 100 and one or more servers 200a, 200b, and 200c. As an example, all of the various means and functions that can be implemented by the processor 210 of the servers 200a, 200b, and 200c may be implemented by the processor 110 of the terminal 100. As an example, any part of the various means and functions that can be implemented by the processor 210 of the servers 200a, 200b, and 200c may be implemented by the processor 210 of the servers 200a, 200b, and 200c, and the remaining parts may be implemented by the processor 110 of the terminal 100.

[0190] [Change Example 15] The various functions that can be realized by the game control unit 201 may be configured by a single processor 210, or may be configured by multiple processors included in one server 200 or multiple servers 200. The various functions that can be realized by the game control unit 101 and the display control unit 104 are not limited to being configured by a single processor 110, but may be configured by multiple processors included in one terminal 100 or multiple terminals 100. Furthermore, the various functions may be configured by one or multiple processors included in one or multiple terminals 100 and one or multiple servers 200. In this way, a computer may be configured by one or more terminals 100, one or more servers 200, or may be configured to include one or more terminals 100 and one or more servers 200.

[0191] [Change Example 16] When the terminal 100 executes all of the processes and steps described in the embodiment and modified examples, the terminal 100 may be configured not to communicate with other devices when executing these processes and steps. Furthermore, the computer is not limited to being configured by one or both of the terminal 100 and the server 200. The computer may also be a device that does not communicate with other devices. As an example, the computer may be a stationary device for home or business use, or may be a portable device.

[0192] [Note] The present disclosure includes the following examples, in which reference numbers are provided to elements of the embodiments to aid understanding and not by way of limitation.

[0193] (Objective) For example, the objective is to improve interest. (Appendix 1) A program that causes a computer (100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 200c) to link a first application that uses a user's location information in real space with a second application that uses the location information, and grants a benefit that can be used in at least one of the first application or the second application by satisfying a predetermined condition.

[0194] For example, when a predetermined condition related to multiple applications that utilize the user's real-world location information is satisfied, a benefit that can be used in one of the applications is granted. This provides the user with a reason to launch multiple applications that utilize location information, thereby increasing the user's interest.

[0195] (Appendix 2) The program described in Appendix 1, wherein the specified conditions include a first condition and a second condition, the first condition including the first application being running at a first location in real space, and the second condition including the second application being running at a second location in real space.

[0196] For example, when an application is running at a location corresponding to each application, a special benefit that can be used in at least one of the applications is granted, which gives the user an incentive to move to the locations corresponding to each of the multiple applications.

[0197] (Appendix 3) The program described in Appendix 2, wherein the first condition includes the user performing a predetermined operation while the first application is running at the first location in real space, and the second condition includes the user performing a predetermined operation while the second application is running at the second location in real space.

[0198] For example, it is easy to encourage the user to stay longer at a location corresponding to each application, which makes it easier for the user to realize the enjoyment of staying at that location. (Appendix 4) A program described in any of Appendices 1 to 3, which causes a computer (100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 200c) to grant a benefit that can be used in the second application when the specified condition is met, and the benefit is granted based on information associated with the user by the first application.

[0199] For example, a user who uses the second application can be given a purpose for using the first application. (Appendix 5) The program described in any of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined conditions include a first condition and a second condition, the first condition including the number of steps taken by the user in real space while the first application is running reaching a predetermined number of steps, or the distance traveled by the user in real space while the first application is running reaching a predetermined distance, and the second condition including the number of steps taken by the user in real space while the second application is running reaching a predetermined number of steps, or the distance traveled by the user in real space while the second application is running reaching a predetermined distance.

[0200] For example, the user can be given the purpose of moving through the real world by launching each application. (Supplementary Note 6) The program according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined condition includes that the first application and the second application are running simultaneously on one terminal used by the user.

[0201] For example, a user can be given the opportunity to run each application simultaneously on one device. (Appendix 7) A program as described in Appendix 6, which causes a computer (100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 200c) to determine whether the first application and the second application are running simultaneously on one terminal based on identification information of the terminal running the first application and identification information of the terminal running the second application.

[0202] For example, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining whether a first application and a second application are running simultaneously on one terminal. (Supplementary Note 8) The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the benefit is an item that can be used in the first application or the second application.

[0203] For example, associating an item with a user through the first application or the second application can increase the user's willingness to use multiple applications that utilize location information.

[0204] (Supplementary Note 9) The program according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the benefit is a right to play a predetermined event by using the first application or the second application.

[0205] For example, by granting the right to play an event by the first application or the second application, it is possible to increase the user's willingness to use multiple applications that use location information.

[0206] (Appendix 10) A program that causes a computer (100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 200c) to provide a board game in which the amount of progress can be determined based on the number of steps taken by a user in real space or the distance traveled by a user in real space.

[0207] For example, a user playing the board game can be given a purpose for moving around in real space. (Supplementary Note 11) The program according to Supplementary Note 10, wherein the greater the number of steps in a predetermined period or the greater the distance traveled in a predetermined period, the greater the right to determine the progress amount is granted.

[0208] For example, a user playing the board game can be given the objective of traveling a longer distance. (Appendix 12) A program described in any of Appendices 10 to 12, wherein the number of steps or the distance traveled is counted for each area in real space, and a board game associated with the specified area can be progressed based on the number of steps or the distance traveled counted in the specified area.

[0209] For example, a user playing the board game can be given the objective of traveling to a specific area. (Appendix 13) A program that causes a computer (100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 200c) to link a first application that uses location information of a first user in real space with a second application that is different from the first application and uses location information of a second user in real space, and grants a benefit that can be used in at least one of the first application and the second application by satisfying a predetermined condition.

[0210] For example, by linking applications that use location information of different users, a benefit that can be used in at least one of the applications is granted, which can increase the interest of the application to which the benefit is granted.

[0211] (Appendix 14) The program described in Appendix 13, wherein the benefit is the right for at least one of the first user and the second user to play an event. For example, by making an event playable as a bonus, interest can be increased.

[0212] (Appendix 15) The program described in Appendix 14, wherein the benefit is the right for the first user and the second user to play the same event. For example, the number of users who play the event can be increased compared to when the event can be played using one application.

[0213] (Appendix 16) The program described in Appendix 14 or Appendix 15, wherein the benefit includes at least one of making an item associated with the first application available to the second user at the event and making an item associated with the second application available to the first user.

[0214] For example, it allows for increased specificity of events by different applications. (Appendix 17) The program described in any of Appendices 14 to 16, wherein the first user can play the event using the first application, and the second user can play the event using the second application, and the event is associated in each of the first application and the second application with a predetermined virtual position in a virtual space corresponding to a predetermined real position in a real space, and causes a computer (100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 200c) to grant the first user a benefit that can be used in the first application according to the first user's contribution to the event, and grant the second user a benefit that can be used in the second application according to the second user's contribution to the event.

[0215] For example, each user can be given the objective of playing an event that is awarded as a reward. (Appendix 18) The program described in any of Appendices 13 to 17, wherein the specified condition includes associating the first user with the second user, and causes a computer (100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 200c) to associate the first user with the second user when a first terminal used by the first user and a second terminal used by the second user are capable of communicating.

[0216] For example, each user can be made to act in such a way that the terminals are in a state where they can communicate with each other. (Appendix 19) A program described in Appendix 18, which causes a computer (100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 200c) to associate the first user with the second user when the identification information of the first terminal and the identification information of the second terminal are different.

[0217] For example, it is possible to improve the likelihood that the first user and the second user are different users. (Appendix 20) A program described in any of Appendices 13 to 19, wherein the specified condition includes associating the first user with the second user, and causes a computer (100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 200c) to associate the first user with the second user when the first user and the second user are located at specified real positions in real space.

[0218] For example, each user may be given the objective of traveling to a predetermined real-world location. The configurations described in Supplementary Notes 1 to 20 may be appropriately applied to the fields of devices, systems, methods, and media.

[0219] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, some of the components described in the embodiment (or one or more aspects thereof) may be omitted, or some components may be combined. The same applies to procedures. The scope of the present invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. [Explanation of symbols]

[0220] 10 (10a, 10b, 10c)... Information processing system 11 (11a, 11b)... User 20... Network 40a... First main screen 40b... Second main screen 50a... First event screen 50b... Second event screen 50c... Third event screen 60a... First preparation screen 60b... Second preparation screen 80a, 80b, 81a, 81b... Field object 82a, 82b... Result window 83a, 83b... Avatar window 84a, 84b... Bonus window 85a, 85c... Preparation icon 85b... Event icon 86a, 86b... Main icon 87a, 87b... Setting icon 88a, 88b... Lottery icon 91a, 91b... Avatar 92a... Event object 92b... Item object 92c... Common event object 93a, 93b... enemy object 94a... HP bar 95a, 95b... command icon 100 (100a, 100b)... terminal 101... game control unit 103... position acquisition unit 104... display control unit 105... memory unit 106... communication unit 107... input / output unit 110... processor 120... memory 130... storage 140... communication interface 150... input / output interface 160... microphone 165... speaker 170... camera 175... GNSS receiver 180... touch screen 181... monitor 182... touch sensor 190... communication bus 200a, 200b, 200c... server 201a, 201b... game control unit 205a, 205b... memory unit 206a, 206b... communication unit 207a, 207b... input / output unit 210a, 210b... Processors 220a, 220b... Memory 230a, 230b... Storage 240a, 240b... Communication interfaces 250a, 250b... Input / output interfaces 290a, 290b... Communication bus 300... Input device

Claims

1. A program that links a first application that uses location information of a first user in real space with a second application that is different from the first application and uses location information of a second user in real space, and grants a benefit that can be used in at least one of the first application and the second application by satisfying a predetermined condition.

2. The program according to claim 1 , wherein the benefit is a right for at least one of the first user and the second user to play an event.

3. The program according to claim 2 , wherein the benefit is a right for the first user and the second user to play the same event.

4. The program described in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the benefit includes at least one of making an item associated with the first application available to the second user during the event and making an item associated with the second application available to the first user.

5. The first user is able to play the event using the first application; The second user can play the event using the second application; the event is associated with a predetermined virtual position in a virtual space corresponding to a predetermined real position in a real space in each of the first application and the second application; The program of claim 2, which causes a computer to grant a benefit available in the first application to the first user in accordance with the first user's contribution to the event, and grant a benefit available in the second application to the second user in accordance with the second user's contribution to the event.

6. the predetermined condition includes that the first user and the second user are associated with each other; The program according to claim 1 , which causes a computer to associate the first user with the second user when a first terminal used by the first user and a second terminal used by the second user are capable of communicating with each other.

7. The program according to claim 6 , causing a computer to associate the first user with the second user when the identification information of the first terminal and the identification information of the second terminal are different.

8. the predetermined condition includes that the first user and the second user are associated with each other; The program according to claim 1 , which causes a computer to associate the first user with the second user when the first user and the second user are located at predetermined real positions in real space.

9. An information processing system that links a first application that uses location information of a first user in real space with a second application different from the first application that uses location information of a second user in real space, and grants benefits that can be used in at least one of the first application and the second application by satisfying specified conditions.

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