Program and information processing system

Abstract

To enhance interest of service.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer to function as, in a service that uses position information indicating a position of a user in a real space, event control means capable of executing an event corresponding to a specified position being a position in a virtual space specified by the user in a state where the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the specified position, and acquisition means that allows the user to acquire a predetermined result for the event corresponding to a specified position which has been executed in a state where the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the specified position, on the basis of the user's arrival at the position in the real space corresponding to the specified position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, games that utilize location information indicating the user's location in real space (in other words, the real world) have been known. In these types of games, the user generally moves to locations where various events are set and plays the events, but there are also cases where the user can play an event without moving to the location where the event is set (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] "How to get a Remote Raid Pass, how to use it, and the number of times it can be used" [online] [searched on March 26, 2024], Internet<https: / / pokemongo-raku.com / post23430> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Meanwhile, there is a demand for services such as games to be more entertaining.

[0005] The present invention aims to improve the interest of a service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment shown in the present disclosure, Computer, In a service that uses location information that indicates a user's location in real space, an event control means for enabling an event corresponding to a designated position, which is a position designated by a user in a virtual space, to be executed in a state in which the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position; and an acquisition means for causing the user to acquire a predetermined result regarding an event corresponding to the designated position, which was executed while the user was not located at the position in real space corresponding to the designated position, based on the user having reached the position in real space corresponding to the designated position. Programs are offered. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the interest of a service. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the information processing system. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for specifying a specified position. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed after a pre-play event is executed. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen related to obtaining the results of a pre-play event. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing related to a pre-play event. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen relating to play of a multiplay event in which a designated position is specified. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen relating to play of a multiplay event in which a designated position is specified. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen relating to play of a multiplay event in which a designated position is specified. [Figure 11]10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing related to a multiplay event in which a designated position is specified. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for specifying a specified position. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for specifying a specified position. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for specifying a specified position. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for specifying a specified position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [First embodiment] <System hardware configuration> As shown in FIG. 1, an information processing system 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of terminal devices 10 and a server 20.

[0011] The terminal device 10 and the server 20 are connected via a network 2. The network 2 may be configured by, for example, the Internet, a mobile communication system (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), etc.), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), other communication lines, or a combination of these. Furthermore, the connection between the terminal device 10 and the server 20 may be wired or wireless.

[0012] The server 20 (in other words, a computer, an information processing device) may be, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. The server 20 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage 23, a communication IF (interface) 24, and an input / output IF 25. These components of the server 20 are connected to each other by a communication bus.

[0013] The processor 21 controls the overall operation of the server 20. The processor 21 may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The processor 21 reads a program from the storage 23 and loads it into the memory 22. The processor 21 executes the loaded program.

[0014] The memory 22 is a main storage device. The memory 22 is configured by storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 22 temporarily stores programs and various data that the processor 21 reads from the storage 23, thereby providing a working area for the processor 21. The memory 22 also temporarily stores various data that the processor 21 generates while operating according to the programs.

[0015] In this embodiment, the program may be a program that realizes a game by the terminal device 10. The program may also be a program that realizes the game through cooperation between the terminal device 10 and the server 20. The game realized through cooperation between the terminal device 10 and the server 20 may, for example, be a game executed on a browser launched on the terminal device 10. The program may also be a program that realizes the game through cooperation between a plurality of terminal devices 10. The various data may include, for example, data related to the game, such as user information and game information, and instructions and notifications transmitted and received between the terminal device 10 and the server 20.

[0016] The storage 23 is an auxiliary storage device. The storage 23 is configured by a storage device such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage 23 stores various data related to the game.

[0017] The communication IF 24 controls transmission and reception of various data between the server 20 and the terminal device 10 and the like via the network.

[0018] The input / output IF 25 is an interface through which the server 20 receives input of data and also an interface through which the server 20 outputs data. The input / output IF 25 may include, for example, an input unit which is an information input device such as a mouse or a keyboard, and a display unit which is a device that displays and outputs images.

[0019] The terminal device 10 (in other words, a computer, an information processing device) may be, for example, a smartphone, a feature phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet computer, a personal computer, a wearable terminal, or a game device. The terminal device 10 may be a mobile terminal. The terminal device 10 may be a portable terminal that a user uses when playing a game.

[0020] The terminal device 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, a communication IF 14, an input / output IF 15, an input unit 17, and a display unit 18. These components included in the terminal device 10 are connected to each other by a communication bus.

[0021] The processor 11 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 10. The processor 11 may include a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, etc. The processor 11 reads a program from the storage 13 and loads it into the memory 12. The processor 11 executes the loaded program.

[0022] The memory 12 is a main storage device. The memory 12 is configured by storage devices such as a ROM and a RAM. The memory 12 provides a working area for the processor 11 by temporarily storing the programs and various data that the processor 11 reads from the storage 13. The memory 12 also temporarily stores various data that the processor 11 generates while operating according to the programs.

[0023] The storage 13 is an auxiliary storage device. The storage 13 is configured by a storage device such as a flash memory or a HDD. The storage 13 stores various data related to the game.

[0024] The communication IF 14 controls transmission and reception of various data between the terminal device 10 and the server 20 etc. via the network.

[0025] The input / output IF 15 is an interface through which the terminal device 10 receives input of data and also an interface through which the terminal device 10 outputs data. The input / output IF 15 may input and output data via, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like. The input / output IF 15 may include an input unit 17, a display unit 18, or the like.

[0026] The input unit 17 accepts input from a user. The input unit 17 may be, for example, a pointing device such as a touchpad. The display unit 18 displays images. The display unit 18 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The terminal device 10 includes, for example, a touch screen 16 which is an electronic component that combines the input unit 17 and the display unit 18.

[0027] The input unit 17 has a function of detecting a position input on the input surface by a user operation (for example, a touch operation, a tap operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, a flick operation, etc.) and transmitting information indicating the detected position as an input signal. The touch panel serving as the input unit 17 may be of a capacitive type or a resistive type, or may be of another type.

[0028] The input unit 17 may be, for example, a keyboard, various physical buttons, various sensors (for example, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a magnetic sensor, a GPS sensor, a motion sensor, a gaze sensor, a bioelectric potential sensor, a fingerprint sensor, a breath sensor, a pressure sensor, or an image sensor), an operation stick, a camera, or a microphone. The display unit 18 may be, for example, a projector.

[0029] <System Functional Configuration> 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20 and the terminal device 10. The server 20 in this embodiment has, for example, a function to provide each terminal device 10 with various data and programs necessary to realize the game, a function to collect and manage data related to the game from each terminal device 10, and a function to perform synchronization processing between the multiple terminal devices 10.

[0030] In this embodiment, the server 20 identifies each user and the terminal device 10 using a user account that is registered in advance. The method of registering the account is not particularly limited. For example, the terminal device 10 or another device such as a personal computer may transmit information required for registering a user account to the server 20 based on a user operation, and the server 20 may create and store an account for each user based on the received information.

[0031] 2, the server 20 functions as a control unit 210 and a storage unit 220 through cooperation of a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage 23, a communication IF 24, an input / output IF 25, etc. The storage unit 220 stores various data used by the control unit 210. The various data include, for example, a game program, game information, and user information.

[0032] The game program is a program for implementing a game. The game information and user information are data that the control unit 210 references when executing the game program.

[0033] In this embodiment, the game program may include a game program executed on the terminal device 10 side in addition to a game program executed on the server 20 side. Furthermore, the storage unit 220 may store a game program executed on the server 20 side and a game program executed on the terminal device 10 side.

[0034] Game information is information common between accounts. Game information includes, for example, information for defining various virtual spaces. A virtual space is, for example, a space in which various objects, such as objects of a character (hereinafter referred to as a "player character") used by a user (in other words, controllable by a user), are placed. Game information includes, for example, various setting information related to objects common between accounts, such as background objects such as buildings, trees, and stones placed in the virtual space, and the placement position, size, color, and shape of non-player character (NPC) objects. Game information also includes, for example, setting values ​​of various NPC parameters. Hereinafter, a character object placed in a virtual space may be simply referred to as a "character."

[0035] User information is information managed for each game account. User information includes, for example, information about the player character, information about owned assets, and information indicating the progress of the game. Owned assets can be considered as value possessed by a user in a virtual space. Examples of such value (in other words, in-game value, owned assets) include electronic currency, items, and characters. Examples of electronic currency include in-game currency that can be used in a game and crypto assets. That is, the storage unit 220 may store information such as electronic currency, items, or characters possessed by each user, for example, in association with identification information that can identify each user. In this embodiment, when a predetermined value (in other words, an object) such as an item is "granted to a user (in other words, acquired)," it can also be considered as storing the value possessed by the user in a predetermined storage unit, linked to the user's account.

[0036] The control unit 210 controls various processes related to the game by executing a game program stored in the storage unit 220. The control unit 210 includes a transmission / reception unit 211 and a game control unit 212, for example.

[0037] The transmitting / receiving unit 211 transmits or receives various types of data. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 211 receives requests to transmit various types of data and programs, requests for synchronization processing to support the multiplay function, data to be subjected to synchronization processing, and the like from each terminal device 10, and passes them to the game control unit 212. Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 211 transmits various types of data and programs, including instructions for achieving synchronization, to each terminal device 10 in accordance with the control of the game control unit 212.

[0038] In this embodiment, the multiplay function is a function that synchronizes game processing by multiple accounts. When multiple accounts logged in to the information processing system 1 participate in the same game, the server 20 and the terminal device 10 of the information processing system 1 execute various processes to support the multiplay function.

[0039] The game control unit 212 provides a game to the terminal device 10 by executing arithmetic processing described in the game program in response to a request from the terminal device 10 or the like.

[0040] The game control unit 212 defines the virtual space based on information for defining the virtual space included in the game information. The game control unit 212 places objects in the virtual space based on object setting information included in the game information. The game control unit 212 also controls the objects in the virtual space. Specifically, the game control unit 212 changes the position, orientation, shape, color, etc. of the objects in the virtual space, and causes the objects to perform predetermined actions.

[0041] Furthermore, the game control unit 212 places the player character in the virtual space based on the information transmitted from the terminal device 10. Furthermore, the game control unit 212 performs various determination processes related to the progress of the game based on the information transmitted from the terminal device 10. In other words, the game control unit 212 controls objects and performs various determination processes based on information input by the user to the terminal device 10.

[0042] Furthermore, when the game control unit 212 receives, for example, a request for synchronization processing to support the multiplay function or data to be subjected to synchronization processing from the terminal device 10 via the transmission / reception unit 211, the game control unit 212 executes synchronization processing to support the multiplay function. The game control unit 212 also issues a command to the transmission / reception unit 211 to instruct the transmission / reception unit 211 to transmit game information or user information. For example, when the server 20 transmits information to multiple terminal devices 10, the game control unit 212 synchronizes the game progressing among the terminal devices 10 by simultaneously transmitting the information to each terminal device 10. By executing synchronization processing, it becomes possible to simultaneously reflect in-game events resulting from operations input on one terminal device 10 on the other terminal devices 10.

[0043] The terminal device 10 in this embodiment has, for example, a function as an input device that accepts input operations from a user, and a function as an output device that outputs images and sounds of a game.

[0044] The terminal device 10 functions as a control unit 110 and a storage unit 120 through cooperation of the processor 11, memory 12, storage 13, communication IF 14, input / output IF 15, etc. The storage unit 120 stores various data used by the control unit 110. Examples of the various data include a game program, game information, and user information. The game program is a program for realizing a game on the terminal device 10 side. The game information and user information are data referenced when the control unit 110 executes the game program. The game information and user information stored in the storage unit 120 may include information similar to the game information and user information stored in the storage unit 220.

[0045] The control unit 110 executes a game program stored in the storage unit 120 to control various processes related to the game executed on the terminal device 10. The control unit 110 includes, for example, an operation reception unit 111, a transmission / reception unit 112, a game control unit 113, a display control unit 114, and a position information acquisition unit 116.

[0046] The operation reception unit 111 receives an operation (hereinafter also referred to as an "input operation") input by the user via the input unit 17. Specifically, when an input operation is performed on the input unit 17, the operation reception unit 111 detects the coordinates of the input position and the type of input operation. Examples of the types of input operations include various operations performed with fingers, etc., such as a touch operation, a tap operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, a flick operation, a pinch-in operation, and a pinch-out operation. The input operation is not limited to an operation of physically contacting the input unit 17 (for example, the touch screen 16) but may also include a non-contact operation. Note that an operation of ending a previously performed input operation, such as a touch-off operation of ending contact with the touch screen 16, can also be considered as one form of input operation.

[0047] Here, the operation reception unit 111 can also receive input operations performed using an operation device connected via the input / output IF 15 in the same way as input operations to the input unit 17 .

[0048] In this embodiment, a change in position information (to be described later) caused by a user moving in real space can also be considered as one aspect of an input operation.

[0049] The transmitting / receiving unit 112 transmits or receives various data. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 112 transmits game information or user information, or a synchronization request for supporting the multiplay function, to the server 20. The transmitting / receiving unit 112 receives various data, programs, data for synchronization for supporting the multiplay function, and the like from the server 20. The data for synchronization includes, for example, synchronization instruction data for instructing each terminal device 10 participating in multiplay to synchronize. The synchronization instruction data includes, for example, data to be synchronized, the type of data, and data for specifying the time to synchronize.

[0050] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 112 transmits to the server 20 operation information relating to the input operation accepted by the operation accepting unit 111, and information from the user such as position information, which will be described later.

[0051] The game control unit 113 executes various processes related to the progress of the game. The game control unit 113 identifies the user's instruction content based on the user's input operation detected by the operation reception unit 111. Furthermore, the game control unit 113 executes various determination processes related to the progress of the game based on the identified instruction content, etc. Furthermore, the game control unit 113 progresses the game while communicating with the server 20 based on the results of the determination processes, etc.

[0052] The game control unit 113 defines a virtual camera for specifying an area of ​​the virtual space to be presented to the user. The game control unit 113 places the virtual camera in the virtual space by defining the position and orientation of the virtual camera within the virtual space. The game control unit 113 instructs the display control unit 114 to generate an image depicting the field of view defined by the virtual camera and the objects located in this field of view. In other words, the game control unit 113 instructs the display control unit 114 to display an image corresponding to the progress of the game on the display unit 18.

[0053] The position and orientation of the virtual camera can be determined appropriately for each virtual space. For example, the game control unit 113 uses the position and orientation of a specific object as a reference and positions the virtual camera so that the specific object is located at the center of the field of view in a specific orientation. In this case, the game control unit 113 adjusts the position and orientation of the virtual camera using the direction, distance, and angle relative to the specific object. The specific object may be, for example, a dynamic object or a static object such as a building, tree, or stone. Examples of dynamic objects include a player character and an NPC that operates based on a game program. NPCs include so-called enemy characters, etc.

[0054] The display control unit 114 displays images relating to the game on the display unit 18. A specific example will be described below.

[0055] The display control unit 114 generates an image depicting the area of ​​the field of view of the virtual camera defined by the game control unit 113 in the virtual space and the objects present in that area, and causes the image to be displayed on the display unit 18. The display control unit 114 can superimpose and draw objects related to a UI (User Interface) required for various game operations, such as icons, buttons, and menus showing various parameters, on the image to be displayed on the display unit 18.

[0056] The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may arrange objects in the virtual space based on object data sent from the server 20, information indicating the positions of various objects in the virtual space, and the like, and display a predetermined area of ​​the virtual space on the display unit 18. The control unit 210 of the server 20 may also arrange objects in the virtual space and control the virtual camera, generate an image to be displayed on the display unit 18, and transmit it to the terminal device 10, and the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may display the image on the display unit 18. In other words, various processes related to control of objects based on information from the user, control of the virtual camera, generation of an image to be displayed on the display unit 18, and the like may be performed by the server 20 or the terminal device 10.

[0057] The location information acquisition unit 116 acquires location information indicating the location of the user in real space (in other words, the user's current location). The location information may be any information indicating the location of the user in real space identified by an account or the like. Various methods for acquiring location information have been conventionally known, and any known method may be used. For example, the location information acquisition unit 116 may acquire location information using a GPS sensor provided in the terminal device 10 in which the user is logged in to an account. Furthermore, the location information acquisition unit 116 may acquire location information acquired in a device used by the user, such as various devices (e.g., smart devices) that link with the terminal device 10 (e.g., a smartphone) (e.g., link via the user's account or link via wireless communication), as location information indicating the location of the user who is logged in to the account from the terminal device 10. Furthermore, the location information acquisition unit 116 may acquire location information using, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or the like (e.g., based on communication between the terminal device 10 and a Wi-Fi access point). The location information acquisition unit 116 may be included in the control unit 210 of the server 20, for example.

[0058] 2 are merely examples. Each device, such as the terminal device 10 and the server 20, may have at least some of the functions of the other devices. Furthermore, each device, such as the terminal device 10 and the server 20, does not have to be realized by an integrated device, but may be realized, for example, by multiple devices connected via a network or the like. Furthermore, the information processing system 1 may be configured, for example, by only the terminal device 10 or the server 20. In other words, the information processing system 1 does not have to be realized by multiple devices connected via a network.

[0059] <Processing according to this embodiment> Next, the processing according to this embodiment will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the processor 11 of the terminal device 10 or the processor 21 of the server 20 will be described as performing each processing according to this embodiment by executing a game program stored in the information processing system 1. However, at least a portion of the processing according to this embodiment performed by the processor 11 may be performed by a processor other than the processor 11. Furthermore, at least a portion of the processing according to this embodiment performed by the processor 21 may be performed by a processor other than the processor 21. For example, some or all of the processing performed by one of the control unit 110 and the control unit 210 may be performed by the other. In other words, the computer that executes the game program in this embodiment may be either the terminal device 10 or the server 20, or may be realized by a combination of multiple devices.

[0060] The configuration according to this embodiment can be applied, for example, to a location-based game in which a user's position in real space is linked to a user's position in a virtual space. The following describes an example in which the configuration according to this embodiment is applied to such a location-based game.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 3, the game control unit 212 places a player character 30 corresponding to the user operating the terminal device 10 (in other words, the player character 30 linked to the user's account) at a position in the virtual space corresponding to the user's position in real space (in other words, the position indicated by the position information). Then, the game control unit 212 moves the player character 30 in the virtual space in conjunction with the user's movement in real space. Note that FIG. 3 is an example of a play screen 300 displayed on the display unit 18 when the user plays a game.

[0062] That is, in this embodiment, the game control unit 212 moves the player character 30 of the user in the virtual space based on the user's position information as information from the user. Note that the game control unit 212 may also move the player character 30 of the user in the virtual space based on operation information as information from the user regarding an input operation to the input unit 17 (for example, an operation of moving a finger in any direction while touching the touch screen 16 (i.e., a swipe operation)).

[0063] The virtual space of this embodiment is a virtual space that reflects at least a part of the real space. In other words, the virtual space of this embodiment is a virtual space that is generated using map information of the real space. For example, in the virtual space of this embodiment, objects corresponding to each of a plurality of roads that actually exist in the real space (e.g., road objects 31) are arranged at positions corresponding to the positions of each of the plurality of roads in the real space.

[0064] In games such as location-based games, a plurality of objects (hereinafter referred to as "event objects 33") associated with a predetermined event (in other words, an effect or phenomenon) are placed in a virtual space, and it is known that an event corresponding to the specific event object 33 occurs when the user approaches the event object 33 (for example, by approaching the event object 33 and then performing an operation (for example, a touch operation) on the event object 33 displayed on the display unit 18). Here, in a location-based game, approaching a specific event object 33 placed in a virtual space can be said to mean approaching the specific event object 33 in the virtual space, or reaching a position in real space corresponding to the position in virtual space where the specific event object 33 is placed (in other words, approaching the specific event object 33 in real space). When an event object 33 for which a specific event occurs is placed in a virtual space, the game control unit 212 generates a specific event corresponding to the event object 33 based on the user's arrival at a position in real space corresponding to the position in virtual space where the event object 33 is placed. The location in the virtual space where the event object 33 is placed can also be said to be the location where a predetermined event is set.

[0065] The event objects 33 include, for example, an item spot 33a corresponding to an event such as obtaining an item and a recovery spot 33b corresponding to an event such as the recovery of a predetermined parameter related to the user (e.g., the stamina of the player character 30). The event objects 33 also include an enemy object 33c corresponding to an event such as a battle with an enemy character and a spot corresponding to an event that constitutes part of the game story. The game control unit 212 provides the user with an item corresponding to a specific item spot 33a based on the user reaching a position in real space corresponding to a position in virtual space where the specific item spot 33a is located. The game control unit 212 also recovers a predetermined parameter related to the user (in other words, brings the predetermined parameter closer to a specified value) based on the user reaching a position in real space corresponding to a position in virtual space where a specific recovery spot 33b is set. The game control unit 212 also starts a battle with a specific enemy character based on the user reaching a position in real space corresponding to a position in virtual space where an enemy object 33c related to the specific enemy character is located. The event associated with the event object 33 may be an event that can be progressed through multiplay (in other words, an event that can be played by at least two or more people). In other words, an event that is progressed through multiplay (for example, an event in which users cooperate with other users to fight enemy characters (a so-called raid battle)) may be started by approaching the event object 33 that corresponds to an event that can be progressed through multiplay. The appearance of the event object 33 is not particularly limited, and may be the shape of an item, a building, a character, or a predetermined symbol. The event associated with the event object 33 may be one that is progressed and completed automatically without user operation, or one that is progressed through user operation (for example, one that is progressed by operating the player character 30, etc.).

[0066] In this embodiment, a user's operation (e.g., a touch operation) on an event object 33 located within a predetermined range (in other words, an operable range, hereinafter referred to as the "usable range X") from the player character 30 in the virtual space is valid. When the user moves the player character 30 so that the event object 33 for which the user wants to generate a corresponding event (in other words, the event object 33 the user wants to use) is located within the usable range X and performs an operation on the event object 33, the game control unit 212 generates an event corresponding to the operated event object 33. That is, in this embodiment, when the user reaches a position in real space corresponding to the position where a specific event object 33 is located in the virtual space (specifically, by reaching the position and performing a predetermined operation (e.g., a touch operation on the specific event object 33)), an event corresponding to the specific event object 33 can be generated. In other words, the user can use the event object 33 located within the usable range X. In other words, the game control unit 212 determines whether or not the event object 33 is located within the usable range X, and controls the event object 33 located within the usable range X so that it can be used. Note that "usable" here means that it is possible to cause an event set in the event object to occur, etc.

[0067] The usable range X may be, for example, a circular range of a predetermined size centered on the player character 30 (in other words, the user's position). Note that the shape of the usable range X is not limited to a circle, and is not limited to a range centered on the player character 30. The usable range X can also be said to be a range available to the user in the virtual space (in other words, in the entire virtual space). The usable range X is determined according to the user's position in the real space (in other words, based on the user's position information), and varies according to the user's position in the real space. The display control unit 114 displays a display indicating the usable range X (a circular display in FIG. 3 ) on the display unit 18, making the usable range X recognizable to the user.

[0068] In this embodiment, the player character 30 is placed in a position in the virtual space corresponding to the user's position in real space and displayed on the display unit 18. However, a configuration may be adopted in which the player character 30 is not placed in that position in the virtual space (in other words, a configuration in which the player character 30 is not displayed on the screen illustrated in FIG. 3, etc.). Even in such a configuration, a configuration may be adopted in which an event corresponding to the event object 33 is generated based on a user's operation on the event object 33 located within the usable range X determined according to the user's position in real space. Similarly, even in a game that can be progressed in first-person display, such as a game in which the third-person display displaying the player character 30 can be switched to a first-person display in which the player character 30 is barely displayed, a usable range X in which operation is possible may be set for each person.

[0069] The game control unit 212 may be capable of switching between modes related to game progression based on a user's operation: a manual mode in which a corresponding event is generated when a user approaches an event object 33 and performs an operation (e.g., a touch operation) on the event object 33; and an automatic mode in which an event corresponding to the approached event object 33 is automatically generated (in other words, without requiring a touch operation, etc.) when the user approaches the event object 33. That is, in the automatic mode, the game control unit 212 may automatically generate an event corresponding to a specific event object 33 when the specific event object 33 is located within the available range X. Note that, regardless of whether the manual mode or the automatic mode is set, some event objects 33 may automatically generate an event corresponding to the event object 33 when the user approaches the event object 33 (in other words, when the event object 33 is located within the available range X). Note also that even when the automatic mode is set, an event may be generated based on an operation (e.g., a touch operation) on the event object 33. Switching between the manual mode and the automatic mode may be performed automatically based on the establishment of a predetermined condition (for example, triggered by the start of a predetermined event, etc.).

[0070] In a game in which real space and virtual space are associated with each other, such as a location-based game, each point in real space corresponds to each point in virtual space. In other words, the correspondence between each point in real space and each point in virtual space is stored in the storage unit 220. Therefore, making a predetermined setting for a specific point in virtual space can also be said to be making a predetermined setting for a specific point in real space. Making a predetermined setting for a specific point in real space can also be said to be making a predetermined setting for a specific point in virtual space. That is, for example, placing a specific event object 33 at a specific point in virtual space can also be said to be placing the event object 33 at the corresponding specific point in real space. Also, for example, setting a specific range in virtual space as a range related to a predetermined control can also be said to be setting a specific range in the corresponding real space as a range related to a predetermined control. The setting may be performed by a game operator or by a user.

[0071] Furthermore, in games in which real space and virtual space are associated with each other, such as location-based games, when users are located within a predetermined range, it can be said that the users are located within a predetermined range in real space, and it can also be said that the users (in other words, the player characters 30 of each user) are located within a predetermined range in virtual space.

[0072] <Pre-play> The game control unit 212 enables an event corresponding to a designated position, which is a position designated by a user in virtual space, to be executed when the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position. Furthermore, the game control unit 212 allows the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding an event corresponding to a designated position that was executed when the user was not located at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position, based on the user having reached a position in real space corresponding to the designated position.

[0073] Hereinafter, an event corresponding to a specified position that can be executed when the user is not located at the position in real space corresponding to the specified position will be referred to as a "pre-play event." Furthermore, the event object 33 associated with a pre-play event will be referred to as a pre-play object 33d (see FIG. 4). The position in virtual space associated with the pre-play event (in other words, the position where the pre-play event is set) can also be referred to as the position where the pre-play object 33d is placed.

[0074] As described above, in a location-based game, a user typically goes to a location in real space corresponding to a location in virtual space where an event is set (in other words, a location where an event object 33 corresponding to the event is placed) to play the event. In contrast, in the game of this embodiment, the user can play a pre-play event (hereinafter referred to as a "pre-play") associated with a pre-play object 33d before going to a location in real space corresponding to a location where the pre-play object 33d is placed. After playing the pre-play, the user can reach the location in real space and obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event.

[0075] The game control unit 212 executes a pre-play event associated with the operated pre-play object 33d based on a user operation on a pre-play object 33d outside the usable range X. In other words, the game control unit 212 executes a pre-play event associated with the operated pre-play object 33d based on a user operation on a pre-play object 33d that is located at a position that is a predetermined distance or more away from the user (in other words, the player character 30). Executing a pre-play event can also be said to cause the user to play the pre-play event.

[0076] The pre-play event may be progressed based on a user operation, or may be progressed automatically (in other words, without requiring a user operation). In other words, having a user play a pre-play event includes progressing a started pre-play event based on a user operation, having a user view a display related to an automatically progressing pre-play event, etc.

[0077] A case will be described in which a pre-play event is progressed based on a user's operation. For example, based on a user's operation on a pre-play object 33d outside the usable range X, the game control unit 212 starts a pre-play event associated with the operated pre-play object 33d. The game control unit 212 also progresses the started pre-play event based on the user's operation. The game control unit 212 also ends the pre-play event when a predetermined end condition is satisfied. For example, such a pre-play event may be a battle event with an enemy character. In other words, the pre-play object 33d may be the enemy object 33c. For example, the game control unit 212 progresses the started pre-play event based on a user's operation to move the player character 30 (e.g., an operation to attack the enemy character, etc.). The game control unit 212 ends the pre-play event when an end condition is satisfied based on the user's operation in the pre-play event (e.g., when the user wins (or loses) against the enemy character). The end condition may be satisfied when a time limit set for the pre-play event has elapsed.

[0078] Next, a case where a pre-play event progresses automatically will be described. For example, based on a user's operation on a pre-play object 33d outside the usable range X, the game control unit 212 instructs the terminal device 10 to display an image (e.g., a video, in other words, a presentation) related to the pre-play event corresponding to the operated pre-play object 33d. Based on the instruction, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display the image. When a predetermined end condition is satisfied (e.g., when the display of the image ends), the game control unit 212 ends the pre-play event. For example, such a pre-play event may be an item acquisition event. In other words, the pre-play object 33d may be an item spot 33a.

[0079] The pre-play event may be an event that constitutes part of the story of the game. In other words, the pre-play object 33d may be an event object 33 corresponding to an event that constitutes part of the story of the game. Such an event that constitutes part of the story may also be an event in which an enemy character is fought or an event in which an item can be obtained.

[0080] The game control unit 212 can progress and end a started pre-play event without requiring the user to move (in other words, without requiring a change in position information). That is, for example, while a pre-play event that progresses based on user operation is in progress, the user progresses the pre-play event while stopping movement in real space.

[0081] The game control unit 212 grants the user the right to obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event based on the execution (in other words, play) of the pre-play event. Specifically, the game control unit 212 stores information (hereinafter referred to as "obtainment right information") indicating that the user has the right to obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event based on the execution (in other words, play) of the pre-play event in the storage unit 220.

[0082] The game control unit 212 causes the user to obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event based on the user's arrival at a position in real space corresponding to the specified position after the execution of the pre-play event corresponding to the specified position. Specifically, with the acquisition right information stored in the storage unit 220, the game control unit 212 causes the user to obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event based on the user's movement in real space to a position where the point in virtual space associated with the pre-play event is within a predetermined range determined based on the user's position information. The predetermined range may be the usable range X, or may be a range wider or narrower than the usable range X (for example, a circular range centered on the user's position indicated by the position information (in other words, the position of the player character 30), which is wider or narrower than the usable range X). Hereinafter, the predetermined range will be referred to as the "acquisition range Y." In other words, the position in real space corresponding to the specified position may be, for example, a position where the point in virtual space associated with the pre-play event corresponding to the specified position is located within the acquisition range Y of the point in virtual space corresponding to the user's current location indicated by the position information. The display control unit 114 may cause the display unit 18 to display a display indicating the acquisition range Y, so that the acquisition range Y can be recognized by the user (see FIG. 6(a)).

[0083] Having the user obtain a predetermined result related to a pre-play event can also be said to have the user obtain at least a portion of the result of the pre-play event. That is, after a pre-play event corresponding to a designated position is executed, the game control unit 212 causes the user to obtain at least a portion (in other words, a part or all) of the result of the pre-play event based on the user arriving at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position.

[0084] Allowing the user to obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event may include allowing the user to obtain a reward for the pre-play event. The reward for the pre-play event may be an item, electronic currency, experience points related to an increase in the level of the player character 30 (in other words, points related to an increase in the parameters of the player character 30), or the like. In other words, allowing the user to obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event includes granting the user an item or the like that can be acquired based on play in the pre-play event.

[0085] Furthermore, having the user obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event may include adopting the achievements of playing the pre-play event as official achievements (in other words, registering them in association with the user's account). That is, for example, if the pre-play event is a battle event against an enemy character and the user wins the battle event, having the user obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event may mean counting the user's victory as the user's achievements. Also, for example, in a configuration in which a predetermined ranking is assigned among multiple users who played the pre-play event, having the user obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event may mean including the user's achievements in the pre-play event among the achievements used to determine the predetermined ranking.

[0086] In other words, having the user obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event may include having the user obtain a result other than an item as a reward for the event (for example, experience points, play achievements, etc.).

[0087] The game control unit 212 may allow the user to acquire a portion of the result of the pre-play event (e.g., a reward) when the pre-play event is executed (in other words, before the user reaches a position in real space that corresponds to the position in virtual space with which the pre-play event is associated). That is, for example, the game control unit 212 may allow the user to acquire a portion of the reward (e.g., an item, electronic currency, or experience points) for the pre-play event that corresponds to a designated position when the pre-play event is executed, and may allow the user to acquire the remaining portion based on the user reaching a position in real space that corresponds to the designated position. The game control unit 212 may not allow the user to acquire any reward (e.g., an item, electronic currency, or experience points) for the pre-play event that corresponds to the designated position when the pre-play event is executed (in other words, before the user reaches a position in real space that corresponds to the position in virtual space with which the pre-play event is associated).

[0088] Note that, when a pre-play event is executed, the game control unit 212 may determine whether or not to store the acquisition right information in the storage unit 220 depending on whether or not the user has satisfied a predetermined achievement condition in the pre-play event. The achievement condition may be, for example, clearing an event or defeating an enemy character. Specifically, when the user plays a pre-play event and satisfies the achievement condition set for the pre-play event (e.g., clearing the pre-play event), the game control unit 212 stores the acquisition right information in the storage unit 220. Furthermore, when the user plays a pre-play event and does not satisfy the achievement condition set for the pre-play event (e.g., failing to clear the pre-play event), the game control unit 212 does not store the acquisition right information in the storage unit 220. In other words, when a predetermined achievement condition is satisfied in a pre-play event corresponding to a designated position, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to acquire a predetermined result related to the pre-play event based on the user's arrival at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position after the execution of the pre-play event. In addition, if a specified achievement condition is not met in a pre-play event corresponding to a specified position, the game control unit 212 may not allow the user to obtain a specified result regarding the pre-play event even if the user reaches a position in real space corresponding to the specified position after the pre-play event is executed.

[0089] If the user plays a pre-play event corresponding to a designated position but does not satisfy the achievement condition set for that pre-play event, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to play the pre-play event again based on the user having reached a position in real space corresponding to the designated position. If the achievement condition set for that pre-play event is satisfied by the replay, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to obtain a predetermined result (e.g., a reward) related to that pre-play event.

[0090] As described above, the game control unit 212 causes the user to obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event based on the user's movement in real space to a position where a point in virtual space, with which a pre-play event corresponding to the designated position is associated, is within an acquisition range Y determined based on the user's position information. Specifically, this may include the following configuration. That is, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to obtain the result of the pre-play event based on the user's movement in real space to a position where a point in virtual space, with which a pre-play event is associated, is within the acquisition range Y and the user performing an operation on a pre-play object 33d placed at that point (in other words, within the acquisition range Y). Alternatively, when the user moves in real space to a position where a point in virtual space, with which a pre-play event is associated, is within the acquisition range Y, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to obtain the result of the pre-play event without requiring the user to operate the pre-play object 33d placed at that point (in other words, automatically). When the manual mode is set, the result of the pre-play event may be granted to the user based on the user's operation on the pre-play object 33d within the acquisition range Y, and when the automatic mode is set, the result of the pre-play event may be granted to the user without the user's operation on the pre-play object 33d within the acquisition range Y. When the automatic mode is set and the result of the pre-play event is granted to the user without the user's operation on the pre-play object 33d within the acquisition range Y, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may cause the display unit 18 to display a display notifying the user that the result of the pre-play event has been granted to the user at the timing when the automatic mode is cancelled (in other words, at the timing when the mode is changed to manual mode).

[0091] In this manner, the game control unit 212 executes a pre-play event based on a user operation on a pre-play object 33d outside the available range X, and then causes the user to acquire the result of the executed pre-play event based on the user's movement in real space to a position where the pre-play object 33d is within the acquisition range Y. However, the former pre-play object 33d and the latter pre-play object 33d may differ in at least appearance. In other words, the former is a pre-play object 33d for executing a pre-play event, and the latter is a pre-play object 33d for acquiring the result of the pre-play event, and when the pre-play event is executed, the game control unit 212 may erase the former pre-play object 33d from the position in the virtual space associated with the pre-play event, and instead place the latter pre-play object 33d at the position in the virtual space associated with the pre-play event.

[0092] Note that, after a pre-play event corresponding to a designated position is executed, a time period during which a predetermined result related to the pre-play event can be obtained based on reaching a position in real space corresponding to the designated position may be limited. That is, for example, when a pre-play event corresponding to a designated position is executed, the game control unit 212 may allow the user to obtain the result of the pre-play event if the user reaches a position in real space corresponding to the designated position before a predetermined time has elapsed. Also, for example, when a pre-play event corresponding to a designated position is executed, the game control unit 212 may not allow the user to obtain the result of the pre-play event if the user reaches a position in real space corresponding to the designated position after a predetermined time has elapsed. Also, for example, when a pre-play event corresponding to a designated position is executed, the game control unit 212 may allow the user to obtain only a portion of the result of the pre-play event (in other words, a portion of the result that can be obtained if the user reaches the position in real space before the predetermined time has elapsed) if the user reaches a position in real space corresponding to the designated position after a predetermined time has elapsed, or if the user reaches the position in real space within a certain time after the elapsed time. For example, the game control unit 212 may erase the pre-play object 33d associated with the pre-play event from the virtual space after a predetermined time has elapsed. In other words, the game control unit 212 may erase the acquisition right information based on the passage of a predetermined time. Note that the predetermined time may be, for example, a fixed time based on the time when the pre-play event was executed (e.g., the time when the pre-play event was cleared), or a fixed time based on the time when the pre-play event was associated with a specific position in the virtual space.

[0093] Furthermore, the game control unit 212 may expand the acquisition range Y based on the approaching end of a period during which a predetermined result related to the pre-play event can be obtained based on reaching a position in real space corresponding to the designated position. In other words, the game control unit 212 may expand the acquisition range Y in accordance with the time remaining until the end of a period during which a predetermined result related to the pre-play event can be obtained based on reaching a position in real space corresponding to the designated position. In other words, the game control unit 212 may expand the acquisition range Y based on the passage of a predetermined time when a pre-play event corresponding to the designated position is executed. Note that the predetermined time may be, for example, a fixed time based on the time when the pre-play event is executed (e.g., the time when the pre-play event is cleared), a fixed time based on the time when the pre-play event is associated with a specific position in virtual space, or the like.

[0094] Note that, if the user does not reach the position in real space corresponding to the designated position after the execution of a pre-play event corresponding to the designated position, the game control unit 212 may grant the user a reward according to the degree to which the user approached the position in real space corresponding to the designated position. For example, when a pre-play event corresponding to the designated position is executed and a predetermined period of time has elapsed (e.g., when a limited period during which a predetermined result can be obtained has elapsed), the game control unit 212 determines the degree to which the user approached the position in real space corresponding to the designated position (in other words, how close the user has come) during the period from the execution of the pre-play event until the predetermined period of time has elapsed. The game control unit 212 may then grant the user a reward according to the result of this determination. Specifically, for example, if the user does not reach the position in real space corresponding to the designated position but reaches a location within a predetermined distance from the position in real space, a portion of the reward for the pre-play event (e.g., half of the experience points, electronic currency, items, etc. granted as a reward) may be granted to the user. Furthermore, for example, the closer the position the user has reached (in other words, the closest position) is to the position in real space corresponding to the specified position, the closer the reward that is awarded to the reward that would have been obtainable if the user had reached the position in real space corresponding to the specified position.

[0095] (Specify the specified position) As described above, the game control unit 212 enables a pre-play event corresponding to a designated position, which is a position designated by a user in virtual space, to be executed when the user is not located at a position in real space that corresponds to the designated position. Here, the designation of a designated position by a user will be described. Note that designating a designated position can also be considered as designating (in other words, setting) a planned location in real space.

[0096] The designated position may be designated by selecting a pre-play object 33d arranged at a specific position in the virtual space. Specifically, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may accept, as an operation for designating the designated position, a user operation of selecting a pre-play object 33d arranged at a specific point on the map of the virtual space displayed on the display unit 18.

[0097] For example, the control unit 110 causes the display unit 18 to display a map of the virtual space in which multiple pre-play objects 33d are arranged (in other words, a position designation screen 400, described later), based on the user performing a predetermined operation related to the start of pre-play. The game control unit 212 executes a pre-play event corresponding to a specific pre-play object 33d, based on the user's operation of selecting the specific pre-play object 33d from the multiple pre-play objects 33d displayed on the map of the virtual space. In this case, by selecting the specific pre-play object 33d from the multiple pre-play objects 33d, the user designates the position in the virtual space where the specific pre-play object 33d is arranged (in other words, a location) as the designated position.

[0098] The designated position may also be specified by designating a specific position in virtual space as a position to be associated with the pre-play event. Specifically, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may accept a user operation specifying a position in virtual space to be associated with the pre-play event. Specifically, the control unit 110 may accept a user operation specifying a specific point on a map of virtual space displayed on the display unit 18 as an operation to associate the pre-play event with the specific point. The game control unit 212 associates the pre-play event with the position specified by the user based on the user operation specifying a position in virtual space to be associated with the pre-play event. Furthermore, the game control unit 212 places the pre-play object 33d associated with the pre-play event at the position specified by the user based on the user operation specifying a position in virtual space to be associated with the pre-play event. In other words, associating the pre-play event with a specific position in virtual space can also be said to place the pre-play object 33d associated with the pre-play event at the specific position. In other words, the operation of specifying a position in the virtual space to which the pre-play event is to be associated can also be said to be an operation of specifying a position in the virtual space to place the pre-play object 33d.

[0099] In this case, the game control unit 212 may execute (in other words, start) a pre-play event when the user specifies a position in virtual space to which the pre-play event is to be associated (in other words, triggered by the specification). Alternatively, the game control unit 212 may place a pre-play object 33d to which the pre-play event is to be associated at the position when the user specifies a position in virtual space to which the pre-play event is to be associated, but may not execute (in other words, start) the pre-play event. The game control unit 212 may then execute the pre-play event based on the user performing an operation (e.g., a touch operation) on the pre-play object 33d placed at the position. In this case, the user specifies a position (in other words, a location) to which the pre-play event is to be associated, thereby specifying the position as a specified position.

[0100] In this way, after the user specifies a position to which the pre-play event is to be associated, the game control unit 212 may start play of the pre-play event based on an operation to start play of the pre-play event (e.g., an operation on the pre-play object 33d). In this configuration in which the user can play the pre-play event at any timing after specifying a position to which the pre-play event is to be associated, a limit may be set on the period during which the pre-play event can be played. That is, for example, the game control unit 212 may enable the user to play the pre-play event until a predetermined period has elapsed since the pre-play event was associated with a specific position, and may disable the user from playing the pre-play event after the predetermined period has elapsed. For example, after the predetermined period has elapsed, the game control unit 212 may erase the pre-play object 33d placed at the specific position from the virtual space or disable the user's operation on the pre-play object 33d.

[0101] In a case where the game control unit 212 allows the user to play a pre-play event until a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the game control unit 212 may control the user to disable play of the pre-play event based on detection of user movement, even before the predetermined period of time has elapsed. That is, for example, the game control unit 212 may allow the user to play the pre-play event until a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the pre-play event was associated with a specific location, and may control the user to disable play of the pre-play event if predetermined movement of the user in real space is detected before the predetermined period of time has elapsed. Specifically, if the user starts moving toward a specific location after the pre-play event is associated with the specific location and before the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the game control unit 212 may control the user to disable play of the pre-play event based on the movement.

[0102] Here, the control that makes it impossible to play a pre-play event is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, the following control. That is, when the game control unit 212 detects a predetermined movement of the user in real space before a predetermined period of time has elapsed, it may change the pre-play object 33d that is located at a specific position and associated with the pre-play event to an event object 33 that is located at a specific position and associated with an event having the same content as the pre-play event, but that cannot be executed from outside the usable range X. That is, until the predetermined movement is detected, the user can operate the event object 33 (specifically, the pre-play object 33d) that is located at the specific position outside the usable range X to play the pre-play event. On the other hand, once the predetermined movement is detected, the user will no longer be able to operate the event object 33 that is located at the specific position outside the usable range X to play the pre-play event. After the specified movement is detected, the user can move to a location where the event object 33 placed at the specific position is located within the available range X, and perform operations on the event object 33 within the available range X to play an event with the same content as the pre-play event.

[0103] The location associated with a pre-play event may be changeable based on a user operation. For example, a specific pre-play event may be associated with a first location in virtual space. In this case, the game control unit 212 may change the location associated with the specific pre-play event from the first location to the second location based on a user operation that changes the location associated with the specific pre-play event from the first location to the second location (for example, an operation that specifies the second location as the location associated with the specific pre-play event). Specifically, the game control unit 212 may accept a user operation that moves a pre-play object 33d associated with the specific pre-play event, which is located at the first location, to the second location.

[0104] (Replay) A pre-play event associated with a specific position in the virtual space may be playable again after being played once. For example, if a user plays a pre-play event associated with a specific position and fails to clear the pre-play event, the game control unit 212 may allow the user to retry the pre-play event. Specifically, first, based on a user operation (specifically, an operation from outside the usable range X) on a pre-play object 33d associated with a specific position, the game control unit 212 causes the user to play the pre-play event associated with the pre-play object 33d. Furthermore, after playing the pre-play event (for example, if the user fails to clear the pre-play event), the game control unit 212 again accepts a user operation (specifically, an operation from outside the usable range X) on the pre-play object 33d, and based on the user operation, causes the user to play the pre-play event associated with the pre-play object 33d again.

[0105] (Bonus Reward) When a pre-play event corresponding to a designated position is executed, the game control unit 212 may grant the user a specific reward (in other words, a bonus reward) depending on the time it takes for the user to reach the position in real space that corresponds to the designated position. Note that this time may be, for example, the time from when the pre-play event is executed until when the user arrives at the position, or the time from when the pre-play event is associated with a specific position in virtual space until when the user arrives.

[0106] Specifically, when a pre-play event corresponding to a designated position is executed, if the user reaches a position in real space corresponding to the designated position within a predetermined time, the game control unit 212 may grant a specific reward to the user. In other words, if the user reaches a position in real space corresponding to the designated position early, the game control unit 212 may grant a reward for reaching the position early.

[0107] (Background communication) The game control unit 212 causes the user to obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event even if, after a pre-play event corresponding to the designated position, the user reaches a position in real space corresponding to the designated position while the screen of the application related to the game of this embodiment is not displayed on the user's terminal device 10 (in other words, while the application is not displayed on the display unit 18) (specifically, even if the user arrives and then moves away from the position in this state). That is, the control unit 110 may function as a background processing unit that executes the application related to the game of this embodiment in the background to acquire position information and sends the acquired position information to the server 20. The game control unit 212 may then use the position information acquired by executing the application in the background to determine whether the user has reached a position in real space corresponding to the designated position, and if it determines that the user has reached the position, cause the user to obtain a result of the pre-play event. Note that the timing of making this determination is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, while the application is running in the background, or when an application running in the background starts running in the foreground.

[0108] (Specifying multiple locations) The game control unit 212 may execute a first event corresponding to a first designated position designated by a user while the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the first designated position, and may execute a second event corresponding to a second designated position designated by the user while the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the second designated position after the first event is executed (e.g., after an achievement condition for the first event is satisfied) and before arriving at a position in current space corresponding to the first designated position. That is, for example, the game control unit 212 may enable the user to place a pre-play object 33d at the first designated position and play (e.g., complete) a first pre-play event associated with the pre-play object 33d while remaining stationary in one location in real space, and after playing the pre-play event, to place the pre-play object 33d at a second designated position and play (e.g., complete) a second pre-play event associated with the pre-play object 33d.

[0109] Furthermore, when a first event is executed while the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to a first designated position, and a second event is executed while the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to a second designated position, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to obtain a predetermined result for the first event based on the user's arrival at a position in real space corresponding to the first designated position, and may cause the user to obtain a predetermined result for the second event based on the user's arrival at a position in real space corresponding to the second designated position. Here, the game control unit 212 may not cause the user to obtain the predetermined result for the first event and the predetermined result for the second event unless, after the execution of the first event and the second event, the user reaches a position in real space corresponding to the first designated position and then reaches a position in real space corresponding to the second designated position. Specifically, if, after the first event and the second event are executed, the position in real space corresponding to the second designated position is reached before the position in real space corresponding to the first designated position is reached, the game control unit 212 may be configured to prevent the user from obtaining a predetermined result for the second event (and a predetermined result for the first event). In other words, when multiple pre-play events are executed, the game may be configured such that, in order to obtain a predetermined result for each pre-play event, the user must arrive at a location for obtaining each result in a predetermined order (e.g., the order in which the events were executed).

[0110] Note that, if the user reaches both a real-space position corresponding to the first designated position and a real-space position corresponding to the second designated position after the first event and the second event are executed, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to obtain a predetermined result related to the first event and a predetermined result related to the second event, regardless of the order in which the user arrived. In other words, if the user reaches a real-space position corresponding to the second designated position after the first event and the second event are executed, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to obtain a predetermined result related to the second event, regardless of whether the user previously arrived at a real-space position corresponding to the first designated position. Furthermore, if the user reaches a real-space position corresponding to the first designated position after the first event and the second event are executed, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to obtain a predetermined result related to the first event, regardless of whether the user previously arrived at a real-space position corresponding to the second designated position.

[0111] Note that a predetermined fee may be required for executing the first event or the second event (in other words, executing the pre-play event). In other words, the first event or the second event may be executed by consuming a predetermined value owned by the user. The timing at which the predetermined value is consumed may be, for example, when an operation to designate a first designated position is performed or when an operation to designate a second designated position is performed. The timing at which the predetermined value is consumed may also be when an operation to instruct execution of the first event is performed or when an operation to instruct execution of the second event is performed. For example, when the game control unit 212 places the pre-play object 33d at a specific position in the virtual space based on a user operation, the game control unit 212 may decrease the predetermined value owned by the user upon the placement. For example, when the game control unit 212 starts play of a pre-play event based on a user operation, the game control unit 212 may decrease the predetermined value owned by the user upon the start of the pre-play event. Here, the predetermined value may be electronic currency, a predetermined item, predetermined points that the user can earn in the game, or the like. Furthermore, the amount of the predetermined value that is reduced by performing the second event (e.g., designating the second designated location) may be greater than the amount of the predetermined value that is reduced by performing the first event (e.g., designating the first designated location). In other words, a greater amount of compensation may be required for performing the second event than for performing the first event.

[0112] The game control unit 212 may, while the user is stationary at a specific location in real space, specify a specific location and play (e.g., complete) a pre-play event corresponding to the specified location, and may prohibit the user from specifying another specified location and playing another pre-play event while remaining stationary at the specific location. In other words, the game control unit 212 may enable the execution of a pre-play event corresponding to a second location in virtual space based on the user's movement after a pre-play event corresponding to a first location in virtual space is executed. Specifically, the game control unit 212 may enable the user to associate a pre-play event with a location other than the virtual space location associated with the played pre-play event based on the user's operation, or to execute a pre-play event associated with the different location, based on the user's arrival at a real-space location corresponding to the virtual-space location associated with the played pre-play event. Alternatively, the game control unit 212 may enable the user to associate a pre-play event with a location other than the virtual-space location associated with the played pre-play event based on the user's operation, or to execute a pre-play event associated with the different location, based on the user's movement of a predetermined amount or more in real space after a pre-play event is played. Note that movement of a predetermined amount or more may be, for example, movement of a predetermined distance or more, movement of a predetermined number of steps or more, or movement of a predetermined time or more.

[0113] (Multiplayer event) The pre-play event may be an event that is progressed through multiplayer. Specifically, the pre-play event may be an event in which a user who has designated a designated position and a user who is at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position (in other words, within a predetermined range from the designated position designated by the user) can participate.

[0114] The game control unit 212 matches the user who specified the specified position with a user who is at a position in real space that corresponds to the specified position, and starts a pre-play event in which the matched users will participate. The pre-play event may be an event in which the matched users cooperate with each other to progress (for example, an event in which they cooperate to fight an enemy character), or it may be an event in which the matched users compete against each other.

[0115] (Example 1) A specific example of a game according to this embodiment will be described.

[0116] 4(a) shows an example of a screen for specifying a specified position (hereinafter referred to as a "position specification screen 400"). The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display the position specification screen 400 based on a predetermined operation by the user. For example, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display the position specification screen 400 based on a user operation on a predetermined UI displayed on the play screen 300.

[0117] A map of the virtual space is displayed on the position designation screen 400. The control unit 110 then accepts an operation to designate a specific point on the map of the virtual space as an operation to designate the specific point in the virtual space as a designated position (in other words, an operation to associate the specific point with a pre-play event). That is, the position designation screen 400 accepts a user operation to designate a designated position. Based on the operation, the game control unit 212 associates a pre-play event with the point in the virtual space designated by the user, and places a pre-play object 33d associated with the pre-play event at the point (see FIG. 4(c)). Note that the operation to designate a specific point on the map of the virtual space may be an operation to select a specific point from multiple candidates 401 presented as shown in FIG. 4(a), or may be an operation that allows the user to arbitrarily select a specific point without any restrictions on the presented candidates.

[0118] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4(b), based on the association of a pre-play event with a specific point in the virtual space, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a notification display 410 notifying the user that a pre-play event has been associated with the specific point in the virtual space. The notification display 410 includes an indication of the location in real space corresponding to the specific point (e.g., an indication of the name of the location). The notification display 410 also includes a confirmation display 412 that confirms whether or not to execute the pre-play event associated with the specific point (in other words, whether or not to play immediately). While the confirmation display 412 is displayed, the control unit 110 accepts an operation to select whether or not to execute the pre-play event associated with the specific point. Then, when an operation to select execution of the pre-play event is performed, the game control unit 212 executes the pre-play event (in other words, starts play of the pre-play event). During execution of the pre-play event, the game control unit 212 progresses the pre-play event based on the user's operation, and ends the pre-play event when an achievement condition set for the pre-play event is met.

[0119] Note that, if no operation is performed to select execution of a pre-play event while the confirmation display 412 is displayed (for example, if an operation is performed on the close button 413 illustrated in FIG. 4(b)), the game control unit 212 executes the pre-play event based on a user operation on a pre-play object 33d placed at that specific point, which will be executed later. For example, the game control unit 212 executes the pre-play event based on an operation on the close button 413 displayed together with the confirmation display 412, followed by an operation on a pre-play object 33d on the map of the virtual space displayed by the control unit 110 on the display unit 18 at a predetermined timing (see FIG. 4(c)).

[0120] The notification display 410 may include a display of a note 415 related to the execution of the pre-play event. In other words, the control unit 110 may display the note 415 related to the execution of the pre-play event on a predetermined screen on which an operation to select whether or not to execute a pre-play event associated with a specific location is accepted. Specifically, the note 415 may display a note related to obtaining the result of the pre-play event, a note related to the fee for executing the pre-play event, or the like. More specifically, the note 415 may display a message indicating that, to obtain the result of the pre-play event, it is necessary to reach a position in real space corresponding to the position associated with the pre-play event (in other words, the designated position). The note may also display details of the fee for executing the pre-play event, or the like.

[0121] Furthermore, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may present the user with details of the reward for the pre-play event (specifically, the reward that can be obtained by reaching a position in real space that corresponds to the position associated with the pre-play event (in other words, the designated position)) before the pre-play event is executed. Specifically, the control unit 110 may cause the display unit 18 to display a display indicating the details of the reward for the executed pre-play event, as shown in FIG. 4(d), based on an operation to select execution of the pre-play event while the confirmation display 412 is displayed, or an operation on the pre-play object 33d. Furthermore, while this display is displayed, the control unit 110 may accept a user operation (for example, an operation on the start button 417 illustrated in FIG. 4(d)) that instructs (confirms) execution of the pre-play event. The game control unit 212 may then execute the pre-play event based on this operation.

[0122] Furthermore, when the pre-play event ends, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display an end screen 430, as illustrated in FIG. 5( a). In other words, the control unit 110 causes the display unit 18 to display the end screen 430 based on the fact that the end condition (i.e., the achievement condition) of the pre-play event has been met. The end screen 430 includes a display relating to the result of the pre-play event that can be obtained by reaching a position in real space corresponding to the position associated with the pre-play event (i.e., a designated position). Specifically, the end screen 430 includes a display indicating the content of the result of the pre-play event that can be obtained by reaching a position in real space corresponding to the position associated with the pre-play event. The end screen 430 also includes a display indicating the conditions for obtaining the result of the pre-play event. Specifically, the end screen 430 may display a deadline by which the result of the pre-play event can be obtained, a message indicating that, in order to obtain the result of the pre-play event, it is necessary to reach a position in real space corresponding to the position associated with the pre-play event, etc. Furthermore, based on information about the user's past movement speed and the distance to the designated position, a display may be displayed indicating by what time the user should depart from their current location in order to reach the designated position within a period in which a predetermined result can be obtained (for example, a display such as "Let's leave by 2 p.m. today" or "Let's leave within the next hour"). The display indicating by what time the user should depart may also be a display of the time required to reach a position in real space corresponding to the designated position from the current position (for example, a display such as "It is expected to take about an hour to reach the destination").

[0123] Furthermore, when a pre-play event ends, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may accept an operation to select whether or not to continue playing another pre-play event. For example, a UI 432 related to accepting the operation is displayed on the end screen 430. Based on the operation on the UI 432, the control unit 110 displays a position designation screen 400 and accepts an operation to associate the other pre-play event with a position designated by the user in the virtual space, an operation related to the execution of the other pre-play event, and the like (see FIG. 4 ). Then, based on these operations by the user, the game control unit 212 associates the other pre-play event with the position designated by the user in the virtual space and executes the other pre-play event.

[0124] Note that a display 433 indicating the remaining number of times a pre-play event can be played may be displayed on the screen that accepts an operation to select whether or not to continue playing another pre-play event. That is, in this embodiment, the game control unit 212 may perform control to limit the number of times a pre-play event can be executed. Specifically, the game control unit 212 may limit the number of times a pre-play event can be executed within a predetermined period. Furthermore, the game control unit 212 may prohibit the execution of another pre-play event when a predetermined number of executed (e.g., cleared) pre-play events (e.g., pre-play events that have been executed and for which acquisition of results has not been completed; in other words, pre-play events that have not yet reached a position in real space corresponding to a position in virtual space with which the pre-play event is associated) has been executed (e.g., cleared). Furthermore, the value of the predetermined number may change based on the user's game progress (e.g., the user's level, information about previous movements, etc.). For example, the value of the predetermined number may be larger when the user's level is low than when the user's level is high, and the value of the predetermined number may be smaller when the user's level is high than when the user's level is low. The user level may be the level of the user himself / herself, or the level of the player character 30 used by the user. For example, information about the user's past movements (in other words, past movement status) or information about the number of steps may be acquired (in other words, stored as user information in the storage unit 220, etc.), and a user who is determined to move frequently based on the acquired information (in other words, a user who is determined to have a large amount of movement) may have a larger value for the predetermined number than a user who is not determined to move frequently (in other words, a user who is determined to have a small amount of movement). This allows preferential treatment to be given to users who are considered to have a high probability of reaching the designated position after the pre-play event. For users who are determined to move frequently, the value of the predetermined number may be smaller than that of users who are not determined to move frequently. This allows users who do not move often to be motivated to move toward the designated position.

[0125] After a pre-play event is executed, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a map of the virtual space indicating a location in the virtual space with which the pre-play event is associated. In other words, after the pre-play event ends, the control unit 110 causes the map of the virtual space to display a destination for obtaining the result of the pre-play event. For example, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the point on the map of the virtual space where the pre-play object 33d corresponding to the pre-play event is placed becomes the destination for obtaining the result of the pre-play event.

[0126] Furthermore, when a pre-play event is executed, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 displays, on the play screen 300, a support display 450 that supports obtaining the result of the pre-play event, as shown in FIG. 6(a). The support display 450 may notify the user of at least one of a location to which the user should go to obtain the result, a direction to which the user should go, a distance to which the user should travel, or a deadline by which the result can be obtained. In other words, the support display 450 may notify the user of the direction to a specified position, the distance to the specified position, or the like. The support display 450 may be a display of a character string or a display of a predetermined object. The predetermined object may be an object placed at a position associated with the pre-play event, an object indicating the direction to which the user should go (an arrow in FIG. 6), or the like.

[0127] After the execution of a pre-play event, the user may be able to play the game as usual while heading to a designated location to obtain the result of the pre-play event. That is, after the execution of a pre-play event, until the result of the pre-play event is obtained, the game control unit 212 may be able to generate an event corresponding to the operated event object 33 based on the user's operation on the event object 33 within the usable range X determined based on the user's position information, and allow the user to play the event. Alternatively, the game control unit 212 may restrict the user from playing a predetermined event (for example, playing an event based on an operation on an event object 33 within the usable range X (for example, a specific type of event object 33)) after the execution of the pre-play event, until the result of the pre-play event is obtained.

[0128] The game control unit 212 causes the user to obtain the result of a pre-play event that was executed by specifying a specified position, based on the user reaching a position in real space that corresponds to a position in virtual space associated with the pre-play event (in other words, the specified position). Furthermore, after causing the user to obtain the result of the pre-play event, the game control unit 212 instructs the terminal device 10 to notify the user that the result of the pre-play event has been obtained. Based on the instruction, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a notification display 455 related to the notification, as shown in FIG. 6(b). The notification display 455 includes, for example, a display indicating that the result of the pre-play event has been obtained, a display showing the content of the obtained result, and the like.

[0129] Note that control unit 110 may cause notification display 455 to be displayed on display unit 18 at the timing when the user reaches a position in real space that corresponds to a position in virtual space associated with a pre-play event that was executed by designating a designated position (in other words, the designated position). Also, for example, if the user reaches the position in real space while playing a game in automatic mode, control unit 110 may cause notification display 455 to be displayed on display unit 18 at the timing when the user cancels automatic mode (in other words, when switching to manual mode).

[0130] Furthermore, as described above, the control unit 110 may execute an application related to the game of this embodiment in the background. The game control unit 212 then causes the user to obtain the result of the pre-play event even if the user reaches the location in real space while the application is executing in the background. In this manner, when the game control unit 212 causes the user to obtain the result of the pre-play event based on the user reaching the location in real space while the application is executing in the background, the control unit 110 may cause the display unit 18 to display a notification display 455 when the application that was executing in the background starts executing in the foreground.

[0131] Note that the control unit 110 may output a sound indicating arrival from a speaker included in the terminal device 10 or generate a vibration indicating arrival from a vibration generating device (e.g., a vibration motor) included in the terminal device 10, based on the user reaching a position in real space that corresponds to a position in virtual space associated with a pre-play event executed by specifying a specified position (in other words, the specified position). For example, the control unit 110 may generate the sound or vibration at the timing when the position in real space is reached. In other words, the control unit 110 may generate a sound or vibration to notify the user that a condition for obtaining a predetermined result of the pre-play event has been satisfied (in other words, at the timing when the condition is satisfied) when the user reaches the position in real space.

[0132] (Processing flow) Next, an example of processing according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0133] First, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 displays the position designation screen 400 on the display unit 18 based on a predetermined operation by a user who is playing a game that uses position information (step S101).

[0134] Next, the control unit 110 accepts a user operation on the position designation screen 400 to designate a position in the virtual space to which the pre-play event is to be associated (step S102). In other words, the control unit 110 accepts an operation on the position designation screen 400 to designate a designated position.

[0135] Next, based on a user's operation specifying a position in the virtual space to which the pre-play event is to be associated, the game control unit 212 associates the pre-play event with the position specified by the user (step S103).

[0136] Next, the game control unit 212 executes the pre-play event based on a user operation that selects execution of the pre-play event (step S104). In other words, the game control unit 212 starts play of the pre-play event based on a user operation that selects starting play of the pre-play event. Note that the operation of specifying a position to which the pre-play event is associated may also serve as the operation of selecting execution of the pre-play event. In other words, when a position to which the pre-play event is associated is specified, the pre-play event may be automatically started.

[0137] Next, the game control unit 212 grants the user the right to obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event based on the execution (in other words, play) of the pre-play event (step S105).

[0138] Next, the game control unit 212 determines whether a user who has the right to obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event has reached a position in real space corresponding to a position in virtual space associated with the pre-play event (in other words, a designated position) based on the user's position information (step S106). In other words, the game control unit 212 determines whether a user who played a pre-play event corresponding to the designated position has reached a position in real space corresponding to the designated position. For example, the game control unit 212 determines whether the position in virtual space associated with the pre-play event is within an acquisition range Y determined based on the user's position information.

[0139] If it is determined that the position in real space has been reached (YES in step S106), the game control unit 212 causes the user to obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event (step S107). For example, the game control unit 212 grants the user a reward for the pre-play event. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the position in real space has been reached (NO in step S106), the game control unit 212 does not cause the user to obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event. For example, if it is not determined that the position in real space has been reached within a predetermined time limit, the game control unit 212 decides not to cause the user to obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event. Note that even if it is not determined that the position in real space has been reached within the predetermined time limit, the game control unit 212 may grant the user a reward according to the degree to which the user approached the position in real space within the predetermined time limit.

[0140] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing system 1 of the second embodiment may employ the contents described in the first embodiment to the extent that no contradictions arise. For example, the information processing system 1 of the second embodiment may include part or all of the configuration of the information processing system 1 of the first embodiment. In other words, the information processing system 1 of the first embodiment may employ the contents described in the second embodiment to the extent that no contradictions arise. In the following, the matters described in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0141] In this embodiment, the control unit 110 accepts a user's operation of designating a specific point on a map of the virtual space displayed on the display unit 18 as an operation of designating the specific point as a designated position. Based on the operation, the game control unit 212 sets the specific point as the designated position designated by the user (in other words, stores the specific point in the storage unit 220 as the user's designated position, linked to the user's account). Furthermore, the game control unit 212 cancels the setting of the designated position based on the lapse of a predetermined period of time since the designated position was set (in other words, deletes information indicating that the specific point is the designated position set by the user from the storage unit 220). That is, the game control unit 212 sets the point in the virtual space designated by the user as the designated position for a predetermined period of time.

[0142] In this embodiment, the designated position can also be said to be the user's current position in the virtual space. That is, in the game according to this embodiment, the position of the user (in other words, the player character 30) in the virtual space is normally a position corresponding to the user's position in real space (in other words, a position indicated by the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 116). However, when a designated position is designated, the user's position in the virtual space is changed to the designated position. In other words, while the designated position is set, the game control unit 212, in a predetermined process, treats the user as being present at the designated position in real space (in other words, a position in real space corresponding to the designated position). In this embodiment, the player character 30 is placed at the designated position. That is, the designated position can also be said to be the position of the player character 30 in the virtual space. Note that the period during which the designated position is set does not have to coincide with the period during which the user is treated as being present at the designated position in real space in various processes. That is, for example, during the period in which the designated position is set, the player character 30 may be placed at the designated position until a predetermined time has elapsed, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the player character 30 may be placed at the user's position in real space. Also, for example, during the period in which the designated position is set, when determining a match partner for a multiplayer event described below, the match partner may be determined assuming that the user is present at the designated position in real space, and the results of the multiplayer event may be obtained by determining whether the user has reached a predetermined location based on the user's position in real space and allowing the user to obtain the results.

[0143] Furthermore, in the game according to this embodiment, each user can execute an operation on his / her own terminal device 10 to recruit members to participate in a multiplayer game. Based on this operation, the game control unit 212 notifies the terminal devices 10 of other users (for example, users within a predetermined range from the user who performed the operation) of the recruitment. Based on the notification, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a message related to the recruitment, and accepts an operation to apply for the recruitment. Then, based on the application operation, the game control unit 212 establishes a multiplayer game between the user who performed the operation to recruit and the user who performed the operation to apply (in other words, starts a multiplayer game in which these users participate).

[0144] Specifically, for example, when a user performs an operation on a specific event object 33 on the play screen 300 or the map of the virtual space, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a recruitment button 501 as a UI that accepts an operation to recruit members to participate in an event associated with the specific event object 33 (specifically, an event that allows multiplayer play (hereinafter referred to as a "multiplayer event")), as shown in FIG. 8(a).

[0145] Based on the operation of the recruiting button 501, the game control unit 212 notifies the terminal devices 10 of users who are within a predetermined range (e.g., several tens of meters) of the user who operated the recruiting button 501 about the recruitment. The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 that received the notification causes the display unit 18 to display a display related to the recruitment based on the notification, as shown in FIG. 8(b). Specifically, the control unit 110 causes the display unit 18 to display, as the display related to the recruitment, a notification display 502 notifying that there is a multiplay event for which members are being recruited (in other words, a display encouraging participation in the event). Furthermore, based on the user's operation of the notification display 502, the control unit 110 causes the display unit 18 to display a list 505 of multiplay events for which members are being recruited, as shown in FIG. 8(c). The list 505 displays a list of the multiplay events for which members are being recruited, as notified by the game control unit 212. The control unit 110 accepts an operation to select a specific multiplay event from the multiplay events displayed in the list 505 as an operation to participate in the specific multiplay event (in other words, an operation to apply for a member recruitment for the specific multiplay event). Based on the operation, the game control unit 212 causes the user who performed the operation and the user who recruited members to participate in the specific multiplay event to participate in the specific multiplay event, and progresses the specific multiplay event.

[0146] That is, when a user performs an operation to recruit members to participate in a multiplayer event, the game control unit 212 determines users located within a predetermined range of the user as users eligible for recruitment (in other words, users who can participate in the event).The game control unit 212 then notifies the terminal devices 10 of each user determined as a user eligible for recruitment of the recruitment by that user.In other words, the game control unit 212 instructs the terminal devices 10 of each user determined as a user eligible for recruitment to include the multiplayer event for which the user is recruiting members in the events to be displayed in the list 505.

[0147] Here, "within a predetermined range from a certain user" may be a predetermined range centered on a specific event object 33 selected by the certain user (in other words, an event object 33 associated with a multi-play event for which the certain user is recruiting members).

[0148] In such a configuration, if you want to participate in a multiplayer event that other users are inviting, or if you want other users to participate in your own multiplayer event, you need to be surrounded by other users who want to play multiplayer games. However, in this embodiment, even with this configuration, it is possible to participate in multiplayer games from a remote location by specifying a designated location. This point will be explained below.

[0149] When a user is recruiting members to participate in a multiplayer event, the game control unit 212, when determining users to be recruited, determines whether a user for whom a designated location has not been set is located within a predetermined range from the user, based on location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 116. The game control unit 212 then determines users determined to be located within the predetermined range from the user as users to be recruited. Furthermore, when a user is recruiting members to participate in a multiplayer event, the game control unit 212, when determining users to be recruited, determines whether a user for whom a designated location has been set is located within a predetermined range from the user, based on the designated location. The game control unit 212 then determines users determined to be located within the predetermined range from the user as users to be recruited. Note that the user here is a user for whom a designated location has not been set.

[0150] Next, a case will be described in which a user designates a designated location and recruits members to participate in a multi-play event. When a user performs an operation to designate a designated location and also performs an operation to recruit members to participate in a multi-play event, the game control unit 212, when determining users to be recruited, determines whether or not a user for whom a designated location has not been set is located within a predetermined range from the designated location specified by the user, based on the location information indicated by the location information acquisition unit 116. The game control unit 212 then determines users determined to be located within the predetermined range from the designated location specified by the user as users to be recruited (in other words, includes the users as users to be recruited). Furthermore, when a user performs an operation to designate a designated location and also performs an operation to recruit members to participate in a multi-play event, the game control unit 212, when determining users to be recruited, determines whether or not a user for whom a designated location has been set is located within a predetermined range from the designated location specified by the user, based on the designated location. The game control unit 212 then determines users determined to be located within the predetermined range from the designated location specified by the user as users to be recruited.

[0151] In other words, when a user is recruiting members to participate in a multiplayer event, the game control unit 212 determines users whose current locations are within a predetermined range from the user as users to be recruited. At this time, for a user for whom a designated location has not been set, the game control unit 212 determines the location indicated by the location information (in other words, a location that actually exists in real space) as the user's current location. Furthermore, for a user for whom a designated location has been set, the game control unit 212 determines the location indicated by the designated location as the user's current location.

[0152] (Example 2) A specific example of a game according to this embodiment will be described.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 9(a), the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 displays a designation start button 520 on the play screen 300 as a UI for accepting an operation related to starting designation of a designated position. Based on an operation on the designation start button 520, the control unit 110 displays a position designation screen 400, as illustrated in FIG. 9(b), on the display unit 18. The position designation screen 400 is a screen for accepting an operation to designate a designated position. In this embodiment, a map of the virtual space is displayed on the position designation screen 400. That is, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 110 transitions the screen displayed on the display unit 18 from the play screen 300 to the position designation screen 400. Note that, although the predetermined condition is satisfied by operating the designation start button 520 here, the predetermined condition may also be satisfied by, for example, using a specific item (in other words, consuming a predetermined value owned by the user). In other words, a predetermined value owned by the user may be required as consideration for designating the designated position.

[0154] Control unit 110 accepts a user operation to specify a specific point on the map of the virtual space displayed on position specification screen 400 as an operation to specify the specific point as a specified position. Control unit 110 changes the range of the virtual space shown on the map (in other words, the area in the virtual space shown on the map) based on a slide operation on the map of the virtual space (specifically, a slide operation of sliding a finger on the map). This allows the user to find a point in the virtual space on the map that corresponds to a point that the user wants to set as a destination in real space, and specify the point as a specified position.

[0155] The control unit 110 may be capable of accepting an operation of inputting a keyword by the user and displaying on the display unit 18 a map showing an area in the virtual space related to the input keyword. For example, the control unit 110 displays on the display unit 18 a search window 522 into which a keyword can be input, as shown in FIG. 9(b), based on a predetermined operation such as an operation on the designation start button 520. The control unit 110 then accepts an operation of inputting a keyword into the search window 522. Furthermore, when a keyword is input into the search window 522, the control unit 110 displays on the display unit 18 a map showing an area in the virtual space related to the input keyword. For example, a place name, a station name, or a facility name in the real space may be input as a keyword. For example, based on the input of the keyword "Sapporo," the control unit 110 changes the map of the virtual space displayed on the display unit 18 to a state showing an area in the virtual space corresponding to Sapporo in the real space (e.g., virtual Sapporo). Similarly, for example, when the keyword "Shinjuku Station" is input, control unit 110 changes the map of the virtual space displayed on display unit 18 to a state showing an area in the virtual space corresponding to the area around Shinjuku Station in real space (for example, the area around virtual Shinjuku Station). Furthermore, for example, when the name of a specific shopping center is input as a keyword, control unit 110 changes the map of the virtual space displayed on display unit 18 to a state showing an area in the virtual space corresponding to the area in real space where the specific shopping center is located.

[0156] Based on a user's operation to designate a specific point on the map of the virtual space displayed on the display unit 18, the game control unit 212 sets the specific point as the user's designated position. Note that the operation to designate a specific point on the map of the virtual space may be an operation to select a specific point from multiple candidates presented, or an operation in which the user can arbitrarily select a specific point without being restricted by the presented candidates. When the designated position is set, an object 530 indicating the designated position is placed at the designated position on the map of the virtual space, as shown in FIGS. 9(c) and (d).

[0157] Once the user-specified designated position has been set, the control unit 110 causes the display unit 18 to display a list 505 of events corresponding to the designated position (see FIG. 10(a)). The list 505 displays a list of multiplay events for which other users in the vicinity of the designated position are recruiting members, and for which the user himself / herself has been determined to be a target user based on the designated position he / she has specified. In other words, the list 505 displays multiplay events for which other users within a predetermined range of the user-specified designated position are recruiting members.

[0158] Specifically, when the designated position is set, the control unit 110 displays a notification display 502 (in other words, a display encouraging participation in the multiplay event) on a screen displaying a map of the virtual space as shown in Fig. 9(d) to notify the user that there is a multiplay event in which members are being recruited and that the user has been determined to be a target user for the event. Furthermore, the control unit 110 displays a list 505 on the display unit 18 as shown in Fig. 10(a) based on the user's operation on the notification display 502.

[0159] When the designated position is set, the control unit 110 may cause the display unit 18 to display a notice 531 regarding the multiplay event to be executed by designating the designated position, as shown in Fig. 9(c). Specifically, the notice 531 may display a notice regarding obtaining the results of the multiplay event, information regarding users who can play multiplay together, information regarding the number of multiplay events that can be executed, etc.

[0160] Note that, once the designated position is set, an image of the virtual space in which the player character 30 is placed at the designated position may be displayed, as shown in Fig. 8(b). In other words, when a designated position is not set, the control unit 110 may cause the display unit 18 to display the play screen 300 in which the player character 30 is placed at a position in the virtual space corresponding to the user's position information, but when a designated position is set, the control unit 110 may cause the display unit 18 to display the play screen 300 in which the player character 30 is placed at the position designated by the user. Then, a notification display 502 may be displayed on the play screen 300 in which the player character 30 is placed at the designated position, or a list 505 may be displayed by performing a predetermined operation on the play screen 300.

[0161] The control unit 110 also accepts an operation to select a specific multiplay event from among the multiplay events included in the list 505 as an operation to request participation in the specific multiplay event. Specifically, the list 505 displays a join button 506 corresponding to each multiplay event. The control unit 110 accepts an operation on the join button 506 as an operation to request participation in the multiplay event corresponding to the operated join button 506. Based on a user's operation to request participation in a specific multiplay event, the game control unit 212 invites the user to participate and starts the specific multiplay event. Specifically, the game control unit 212 matches the user with users who have recruited members to participate in the specific multiplay event, and starts a multiplay event in which these users play together. Note that in this embodiment, the multiplay event may be an event in which three or more users can participate. For example, if a multiplay event is an event in which up to four users can participate, the game control unit 212 matches a user who has recruited members to participate in the multiplay event with three users who have requested to participate in the multiplay event, and starts a multiplay event in which these users play together. In this case, users requesting participation may include users who are actually within a predetermined range from the user recruiting members (in other words, users whose current location indicated by their location information is within the predetermined range).

[0162] Note that the number of users who can participate in a multiplay event by specifying a designated location (in other words, by participating from a remote location) may be limited (e.g., limited to one). For example, when a user (e.g., a user who recruits members without specifying a designated location) recruits members to participate in a multiplay event, the game control unit 212 may limit (e.g., limit to one) the number of users who are not actually located within a predetermined range from the user and who can participate in the multiplay event by specifying a designated location. Also, when a user recruits members to participate in a multiplay event by specifying a designated location, the game control unit 212 may limit users who can apply to participate in the multiplay event to users who are actually located within a predetermined range from the designated location. Also, participation from remote locations may be restricted depending on the attributes of the multiplay event (e.g., participation from remote locations may be restricted in the case of an event, etc., whose purpose is to attract people to a location in real space corresponding to the multiplay event (in other words, to a specific location in real space)). In other words, the game control unit 212 may restrict (e.g., prohibit) matching between users who participate by specifying a specified location (in other words, participating from a remote location) in multiplayer matching. This configuration makes it possible to restrict the participation of users from remote locations in a multiplayer event held between users who actually come to a location in real space corresponding to the multiplayer event. Furthermore, depending on the event, it may not be appropriate to allow participation only from users who actually gather at a location in real space corresponding to the multiplayer event due to factors such as anticipated congestion in the real space.In this case, a user may be able to participate in a multiplay event by designating a designated location from a remote location, but the users who can designate a designated location to participate in the multiplay event may be users who are not within the usable range X of the multiplay event but are within a predetermined distance from a location in real space corresponding to the multiplay event, or the multiplay event may have a time limit set for obtaining predetermined results for the multiplay event after pre-play that is shorter than usual (in other words, shorter than other predetermined pre-play events). In this way, pre-play can be accepted only from users who are substantially located near the multiplay event.

[0163] Note that the screen displaying list 505 may also display an indication of the content of each multi-play event included in list 505. Specifically, the indication of the content of the event may include the name of the event, information about the characters appearing in the event (for example, the names of enemy characters), or an indication of the difficulty level of the event.

[0164] Furthermore, when an operation to request participation in a multiplay event is performed, the control unit 110 may cause the display unit 18 to display a standby screen 540, as shown in FIG. 10(b). The standby screen 540 is a screen for waiting for the start of the multiplay event. An operation to instruct the start of the event may be accepted on the standby screen 540. The game control unit 212 may then start the multiplay event based on an operation to instruct the start of the event by users participating in the multiplay event (e.g., all participating users). Alternatively, the standby screen 540 may not accept user operations, and the multiplay event may start automatically after a predetermined time has elapsed while the standby screen 540 is displayed (in other words, after various processes for starting the event are completed).

[0165] The standby screen 540 may display information about each user participating in the multiplay event. Specifically, the standby screen 540 may display information that identifies each user participating in the multiplay event (e.g., user name, etc.), the location from which each user is participating (e.g., the name of the user's current location (specifically, a location in real space or a location in virtual space)), etc. The standby screen 540 may also display a display that identifies users who set a designated location to participate in the multiplay event (e.g., the display of the words "Remote Participation" in FIG. 10(b)).

[0166] Furthermore, the game control unit 212 progresses the multiplay event based on the operations of each user participating in the multiplay event, and ends the multiplay event when the event achievement conditions are met. For example, the game control unit 212 progresses a multiplay event in which users participating in the event cooperate to defeat an enemy character based on the operations of each user, and ends the multiplay event when the enemy character is defeated.

[0167] This multiplay event functions as a pre-play event for users who participate by setting a designated location. On the other hand, this multiplay event functions as a normal event for users who participate without setting a designated location. That is, the game control unit 212 allows users who participate without setting a designated location (e.g., users who recruited members or users who are actually within a predetermined range of such users) to obtain the results of the event when the multiplay event ends. Specifically, the game control unit 212 grants event rewards to users who participate without setting a designated location when the multiplay event ends.

[0168] On the other hand, the game control unit 212 does not allow users who set a designated position and participated to obtain at least a portion of the event results (for example, does not allow them to obtain any of them) when the multiplay event ends. When the achievement conditions for the multiplay event are met, the game control unit 212 instructs the terminal devices 10 of the users who set a designated position and participated to display an end screen 550, as shown in FIG. 10(c), on the display unit 18. Furthermore, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 displays the end screen 550 on the display unit 18 based on the instruction (i.e., when the multiplay event as a pre-play event ends).

[0169] The end screen 550 includes a display related to the results of the multiplay event that can be obtained by reaching a location in real space that corresponds to the specified position. Specifically, the end screen 550 includes a display showing the content of the results of the multiplay event that can be obtained by reaching a location in real space that corresponds to the specified position. The end screen 550 also includes a display showing the conditions for obtaining the results of the multiplay event. Specifically, the end screen 550 may display a deadline by which the results of the multiplay event can be obtained, a message indicating that the player must reach a location in real space that corresponds to the specified position in order to obtain the results of the multiplay event, etc.

[0170] The game control unit 212 acquires the results of the multiplay event played by specifying the specified position, based on the fact that the user who specified the specified position has reached the position in real space that corresponds to the specified position.

[0171] Note that various events according to the present embodiment, such as multiplayer events and pre-play events, may be events in which a user can increase a reward by paying a predetermined fee. For example, the control unit 110 may accept a user operation related to increasing the reward for the event at a predetermined timing between the start and end of the event (e.g., while the end screen 550 is displayed). The game control unit 212 increases the reward for the event (e.g., a reward that the user is granted based on the fulfillment of an achievement condition) based on the operation. Specifically, when the operation is performed, the game control unit 212 doubles the reward for the event. Furthermore, the game control unit 212 decreases a predetermined value owned by the user as consideration for increasing the reward at a predetermined timing (e.g., between the time the operation is performed and the time the reward is granted).

[0172] The various events according to the present embodiment may be events in which a user who plays without specifying a designated position (e.g., a user who participates in a multi-play event without setting a designated position) can increase their reward by paying a predetermined fee. On the other hand, the various events according to the present embodiment may be events in which a user who plays by specifying a designated position (e.g., a user who sets a designated position and participates in a multi-play event) cannot increase their reward by paying a predetermined fee. In other words, the various events according to the present embodiment may be events in which a user can increase their reward by paying a predetermined fee if the event is not played as a pre-play event, but may not be events in which a user can increase their reward by paying a predetermined fee if the event is played as a pre-play event. This configuration can prevent a user who played a pre-play event but did not meet the conditions for obtaining the results of the pre-play event from paying a fee unnecessarily.

[0173] Furthermore, various events according to this embodiment may be events in which a user plays by designating a designated position (e.g., a user who sets a designated position and participates in a multi-play event), or events in which a reward can be increased by paying a predetermined fee. In other words, a pre-play event may be an event in which a reward can be increased by paying a predetermined fee. In this case, if a user who played an event corresponding to a designated position designated by the user does not reach a location in real space corresponding to the designated position designated by the user (e.g., does not reach the location within a limited time period), the game control unit 212 may return at least a portion (e.g., all) of the predetermined fee paid to the user. This configuration prevents a user who played a pre-play event but did not satisfy the conditions for obtaining the result of the pre-play event from paying a fee unnecessarily.

[0174] Note that, once a designated position has been set, the user may be able to select an event object 33 in the vicinity of the designated position and cause an event corresponding to the selected event object 33 to occur. For example, once a designated position has been set, the display unit 18 may display a play screen 300 in which the player character 30 is positioned at the designated position (see FIG. 8(b)). At this time, the game control unit 212 sets the usable range X to a predetermined range centered on the player character 30 (in other words, including the position where the player character 30 is positioned). In other words, the game control unit 212 sets the usable range X to a predetermined range centered on the designated position (in other words, including the designated position). In other words, when a designated position has not been set, the game control unit 212 determines the usable range X based on the position indicated by the user's position information, whereas when a designated position has been set, the game control unit 212 determines the usable range X based on the designated position.

[0175] Furthermore, in a state where the usable range X is determined based on the designated position (in other words, a state where the player character 30 is positioned at the designated position), the control unit 110 accepts a user operation (e.g., a touch operation) on an event object 33 within the usable range X. The game control unit 212 generates an event corresponding to the operated event object 33 based on the operation. Here, the event corresponding to the operated event object 33 is a pre-play event, and the user can obtain the result of the event by later reaching a position in real space corresponding to the designated position. Specifically, the game control unit 212 may generate an event related to the acquisition of an item based on an operation on the item spot 33a. In this case, the event is executed at the timing when the operation on the item spot 33a is performed, but the item is given to the user based on the user's arrival at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position after the event is executed. Furthermore, the game control unit 212 may generate a battle event with an enemy character based on an operation on an enemy object 33c. In this case, the battle with the enemy character is carried out at the time an operation is performed on the enemy object 33c, but the result of the event is given to the user based on whether the user has reached a position in real space corresponding to the specified position after the event is carried out.

[0176] The event object 33 may also be an event object 33 associated with a multi-play event. The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may display a recruiting button 501 on the display unit 18 based on an operation on the event object 33 (see FIG. 8(a)). In this case, when a user performs an operation to recruit members to participate in the multi-play event, such as an operation on the recruiting button 501, the game control unit 212 determines, as described above, users located within a predetermined range from a designated position designated by the user as users to be recruited, and notifies the terminal devices 10 of each user determined as a user to be recruited of the recruitment.

[0177] Furthermore, in a state where a designated position is set and the player character 30 is placed at the designated position, the game control unit 212 may move the player character 30 in the virtual space based on a user operation. Then, the game control unit 212 may move the usable range X in accordance with the movement of the player character 30. In other words, the game control unit 212 may move the usable range X determined based on the designated position in response to a user operation that moves the usable range X (in other words, the player character 30) in a predetermined direction (e.g., east, west, north, or south) in the virtual space. In other words, in a state where a designated position is not specified, the player character 30 moves in the virtual space in conjunction with the user's movement in real space, but in a state where a designated position is set, the player character 30 may move in the virtual space based on, for example, a user's operation of indicating the movement direction of the player character 30 with a finger.

[0178] In addition, in a state where a designated position is set and the available range X is determined based on the designated position, regardless of whether the available range X (in other words, the player character 30) is movable or immovable, the game control unit 212 may expand the available range X in a state where the available range X is determined based on the designated position compared to a state where the available range X is determined based on the user's position in real space.

[0179] Note that, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the game control unit 212 may return the state in which the available range X is determined based on the designated position to a state in which the available range X is determined based on the user's position in real space. In other words, a time limit may be set for the period during which an event object 33 in the vicinity of the designated position can be selected and an event corresponding to the selected event object 33 can be generated.

[0180] In the configuration of this embodiment, the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position may be an event associated with an event object located in the vicinity of the designated position. In other words, the pre-play event may be an event associated with each point within a predetermined range from the designated position. Furthermore, the game control unit 212 may execute multiple pre-play events as a pre-play event corresponding to one designated position. In other words, the game control unit 212 enables a user who has designated a designated position to play multiple pre-play events as pre-play events corresponding to the designated position.

[0181] When a user designates a designated position and plays multiple pre-play events as pre-play events corresponding to the designated position, the game control unit 212 causes the user to obtain the results of each of the multiple pre-play events played, based on the user's arrival at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position. Specifically, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to obtain the results of all of the multiple pre-play events played collectively, based on the user's movement in real space to a position where the point in virtual space designated by the user as the designated position is within an acquisition range Y determined based on the user's position information. Furthermore, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to obtain the results of each pre-play object played individually, based on the user's movement in real space to a position where the point in virtual space associated with the played pre-play event is within an acquisition range Y determined based on the user's position information. In other words, the position in real space corresponding to the designated position may be a single range (e.g., a circular range) centered on the designated position, or may be ranges centered on points associated with pre-play events around the designated position.

[0182] In this specification, obtaining an item can be interpreted as obtaining an object. Objects include items, characters, and the like. That is, instead of or in addition to the item spot 33a, an event object 33 from which a character can be obtained may be provided as the event object 33. In other words, the reward for an event associated with the event object 33 may be a character. That is, after a pre-play event corresponding to a designated position is executed, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to obtain a character as a result of the pre-play event, based on the user reaching a position in real space corresponding to the designated position.

[0183] (Processing flow) Next, an example of processing according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0184] First, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 displays the position designation screen 400 on the display unit 18 based on a predetermined operation by the user (step S201).

[0185] Next, control unit 110 accepts a user operation to specify a specified position on position specification screen 400 (step S202).

[0186] When a user specifies a designated location, if there is a multiplay event for which other users are recruiting members and for which the user is eligible to participate, the game control unit 212 notifies the terminal device 10 of the user that there is a multiplay event for which the user is eligible to participate (step S203). The game control unit 212 determines whether the user who specified the designated location is eligible to participate in each multiplay event based on the user's designated location. For example, if the user's designated location is located within a predetermined range from other users who are recruiting members, the game control unit 212 determines that the user is eligible to participate.

[0187] The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 that has received the notification accepts an operation by the user to apply for the multi-play event for which the user is soliciting participants (step S204). Note that if there are multiple multi-play events for which the user is soliciting participants, the control unit 110 accepts an operation by the user to apply for a specific multi-play event among the multiple multi-play events.

[0188] Next, the game control unit 212 executes a multiplay event in which other users who have recruited members and the user who applied for the recruitment participate (step S205).

[0189] Next, based on the execution of the multi-play event, the game control unit 212 grants the user who has designated the designated position and participated in the multi-play event the right to obtain a predetermined result related to the multi-play event (step S206).

[0190] Next, the game control unit 212 determines whether a user who has the right to obtain a predetermined result related to the multi-play event has reached a position in real space corresponding to a designated position specified by the user, based on the user's position information (step S207).

[0191] If it is determined that the position in real space has been reached (YES in step S207), the game control unit 212 causes the user to obtain a predetermined result related to the multiplay event (step S208). For example, the game control unit 212 grants the user a reward for the multiplay event. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the position in real space has been reached (NO in step S207), the game control unit 212 does not cause the user to obtain a predetermined result related to the multiplay event. For example, if it is not determined that the position in real space has been reached within a predetermined time limit, the game control unit 212 determines not to cause the user to obtain a predetermined result related to the multiplay event. Note that even if it is not determined that the position in real space has been reached within the predetermined time limit, the game control unit 212 may grant the user a reward according to the degree to which the user approached the position in real space within the predetermined time limit.

[0192] (Indication relating to the designation of the designated position) As illustrated in FIG. 12(a) or 12(b), the position specification screen 400 may display a map of the virtual space color-coded based on predetermined conditions related to the specification of the specified position. For example, a map of the virtual space color-coded based on the number of surrounding users or the amount of predetermined objects may be displayed. That is, for example, a map of the virtual space may be displayed in such a way that areas on the map with a large number of users are indicated in a color (e.g., red) indicating a large number of users, and areas on the map with a small number of users are indicated in a color (e.g., blue) indicating a small number of users. Furthermore, a map of the virtual space may be displayed in such a way that areas on the map with a large amount of predetermined objects are indicated in a color (e.g., red) indicating a large amount of predetermined objects, and areas on the map with a small amount of predetermined objects are indicated in a color (e.g., blue) indicating a small amount of predetermined objects. The predetermined object may be, for example, a predetermined event object 33 or an object (e.g., an item) that can be obtained in an event. The color-coded map of the virtual space may be a map in which only specific areas, such as areas with a large number of users, are colored based on predetermined conditions, as shown in Figure 12(a), or a map in which the entire map is colored based on predetermined conditions, as shown in Figure 12(b). Note that Figures 12(a) and 12(b) are merely examples, and the display format of the color coding is not particularly limited. In other words, the position specification screen 400 may display a map of the virtual space in a display mode based on predetermined conditions related to the specification of the specified position.

[0193] The number of users may be determined based on, for example, the location information of each user. For example, the game control unit 212 may determine the number of users in each area on the map (e.g., the number of users currently in each area) based on the location information of each user. Then, the control unit 110 may display a map of the virtual space on the location specification screen 400, in which areas determined to have a large number of users are shown in a color indicating a large number of users, and areas determined to have a small number of users are shown in a color indicating a small number of users.

[0194] Furthermore, the amount of predetermined objects may be determined based on, for example, the number of event objects 33 placed at each point in the virtual space. For example, the control unit 110 may cause the position specification screen 400 to display a map of the virtual space in which areas with a large number of event objects 33 of a specific type (e.g., item spots 33a or enemy objects 33c, etc.) are shown in a color indicating a large amount of predetermined objects, and areas with a small number of event objects 33 of the specific type are shown in a color indicating a small amount of predetermined objects. Note that here, "a large number (or a small number) of event objects 33 of a specific type" may include not only a large number (or a small number) of currently placed event objects 33 of a specific type, but also a high (or low) probability or frequency at which event objects 33 of a specific type are placed.

[0195] Furthermore, the amount of predetermined objects may be determined, for example, based on details of events associated with each location in the virtual space. For example, the control unit 110 may display a map of the virtual space on the position specification screen 400, in which an area where many events (e.g., events in which a specific item is set as a reward) are set, is shown in a color indicating a large amount of predetermined objects, and an area where few events are set where the specific item can be obtained, is shown in a color indicating a small amount of predetermined objects. Note that here, "many (or few) events where a specific item can be obtained" may include not only a large (or small) number of currently set events where the specific item can be obtained, but also a high (or low) probability or frequency that an event object 33 where the specific item can be obtained is set.

[0196] A virtual space map colored based on predetermined conditions may be capable of displaying colors that change over time based on predictions. For example, map applications and the like have been known to display the congestion level of each area or store (specifically, the current congestion level, the expected congestion level for each day and time period, etc.). For example, a server control unit or the like may store the location information history of each user in a predetermined storage unit, predict the congestion level (in other words, the number of users at each location) based on each user's past location information, and display the congestion level based on the prediction. In this embodiment, the control unit 210 of the server 20 may predict the future number of users in each area on the virtual space map based on each user's past location information. The control unit 110 may then change the color of the virtual space map colored based on predetermined conditions over time based on the prediction. For example, the position specification screen 400 may display a play button 560 that accepts an operation to start a display in which the color changes over time. Then, based on a user's operation on the play button 560, the control unit 110 may change the color of each area of ​​the map of the virtual space over time based on a prediction (for example, according to a predicted increase or decrease in the number of users in the future). Specifically, based on a user's operation on the play button 560, the control unit 110 may change the color of each area of ​​the map of the virtual space over time to gradually indicate a prediction further into the future. More specifically, based on the operation on the play button 560, the control unit 110 may change the color of each area of ​​the map of the virtual space over time, for example, to a color based on a prediction for five minutes from now, a color based on a prediction for ten minutes from now, and a color based on a prediction for fifteen minutes from now. In other words, the position specification screen 400 may be capable of displaying a map of the virtual space color-coded according to a prediction of the number of users after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, several minutes or several hours from now).

[0197] The number of users may refer to the number of users using the game of this embodiment (in other words, the application of the game), or may refer to the number of users using a specific function of the game (e.g., a multiplayer function), or may include both users using the game and users not using the game. That is, for example, by using location information of users using the game of this embodiment (e.g., location information acquired via the game application) as the location information used by the control unit 210 to calculate the number of users at each location, the number of users using the game (e.g., the current number and the past number) at a location in real space corresponding to each location in virtual space can be determined. Furthermore, for example, by using location information acquired via devices such as smartphones used by users using the game of this embodiment and users not using the game (in other words, devices on which the game application is installed and devices on which it is not installed) as the location information used by the control unit 210 to calculate the number of users at each location in real space corresponding to each location in virtual space, the number of users (e.g., the current number and the past number) at a location in real space corresponding to each location in virtual space can be determined.

[0198] Note that the prediction is not limited to predicting the number of users, but may also predict the amount of predetermined objects. The amount of predetermined objects may be predicted from the past amount of predetermined objects in each area, similar to the number of users. Furthermore, the placement of event objects 33 and details of events associated with each location are determined based on a game program or game information, and the amount of predetermined objects can also be easily predicted from the program or game information. The control unit 110 may change the color of each area of ​​the virtual space map, which is color-coded based on the amount of predetermined objects, over time in accordance with predicted future changes in the amount of predetermined objects. That is, the position specification screen 400 may be capable of displaying a virtual space map color-coded based on the predicted amount of predetermined objects after a predetermined time has elapsed (e.g., several minutes or several hours).

[0199] The game control unit 212 may extract locations recommended as designated locations based on conditions input by the user. For example, when the user inputs conditions such as place names such as "Sapporo" or "Minato Ward" or location attributes such as "shopping" or "shrine" (e.g., input into the search box 522), locations that meet the input conditions and are determined to be excellent based on predetermined criteria (in other words, locations determined to be optimal) may be extracted as locations recommended as designated locations. Here, locations determined to be excellent based on predetermined criteria may be, for example, locations where a specific item can be obtained (e.g., locations where an event in which a specific item is set as a reward can be played), locations where a large number of items can be obtained (e.g., locations where many event objects 33 related to an event in which an item can be obtained are placed), locations where a large number of event objects 33 of a specific type are located, or locations where the difficulty level of events that can be executed when set as a designated location is suitable for the user. The user may input conditions by, for example, inputting a character string (e.g., a keyword) or by selecting from multiple options presented.

[0200] The game control unit 212 may also be capable of automatically setting the extracted recommended location as the designated position. In other words, the game control unit 212 may automatically determine which position in the virtual space should be the designated position based on conditions input by the user.

[0201] Alternatively, the game control unit 212 may present the extracted recommended location to the user. When the game control unit 212 extracts a location recommended as a designated location based on conditions input by the user, the game control unit 212 may instruct the user's terminal device 10 to present the extracted recommended location to the user. Then, based on the instruction, the control unit 110 may cause the display unit 18 to display a display indicating the extracted recommended location and may accept a user operation to set the extracted recommended location as a designated location, as illustrated in FIG. 13 . Then, based on the user operation, the game control unit 212 may set the extracted recommended location as a designated location. Note that the display indicating the extracted recommended location may be a display in which a specific object 565 is placed at a location corresponding to the location in the virtual space, or a display of information 566 regarding the location, such as the name and position of the location.

[0202] The game control unit 212 may determine a location recommended as a designated position based on feedback data input by the user. In other words, a location determined to be excellent based on a predetermined criterion may be a location determined to be excellent based on feedback data. The feedback data is data input by the user as feedback on the gameplay. For example, the feedback data may indicate the user's evaluation or impressions regarding whether people gathered in a multiplayer game or whether the user obtained a desired item. The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 prompts the user to input feedback data at a predetermined timing and accepts the user's operation to input the feedback data. The feedback data may be input by, for example, inputting a character string or by selecting from multiple presented options. The control unit 210 of the server 20 accumulates the feedback data input by each user in the storage unit 220. The game control unit 212 may then determine a location recommended as a designated position based on the accumulated feedback data.

[0203] Each piece of feedback data is associated with a specific location. The method for associating feedback data with a specific location is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, as follows. For example, the feedback data may be data input by a user who plays a game with a designated location set, and the data may be associated with the designated location. That is, for example, if a user plays a game (in other words, an event) with a designated location set, and the setting of the designated location is canceled, the user may be prompted to input feedback data related to the play with the designated location set. Also, the feedback data may be data input by a user who plays a specific event, and the data may be associated with a location with which the specific event is associated. That is, for example, if a user plays a specific event, the user may be prompted to input feedback data related to the specific event at the end of the specific event. With this configuration, for example, if a user who plays a pre-play event by designating a specific location in virtual space as a designated location is highly satisfied with the play, the feedback data related to the specific location indicates high user satisfaction. Then, as feedback data indicating high satisfaction with the specific location is accumulated, the specific location becomes more likely to be selected as a location recommended as a designated location. Furthermore, for example, if a user who plays a pre-play event by designating a specific location in virtual space as a designated location has low satisfaction with the play, feedback data related to the specific location will indicate low user satisfaction. As feedback data indicating low satisfaction with the specific location accumulates, the specific location will become less likely to be selected as a location recommended as a designated location.

[0204] The state in which position designation screen 400 is displayed can be said to be a state in which the user can set a designated position. That is, it can be said that control unit 110 switches the mode of the game (in other words, the application related to the game) to a designated position setting mode based on an operation on designation start button 520 as an operation related to starting designation of a designated position. Note that the state in which play screen 300 is displayed can also be said to be a state in which the game mode is a play mode (specifically, a mode in which the game is played by moving in real space).

[0205] While the position specification screen 400 is displayed (in other words, in the specified position setting mode), the control unit 110 accepts a user operation to narrow down the area in which the specified position is to be set. For example, the control unit 110 accepts an operation on the search box 522 as an operation to narrow down the area in which the specified position is to be set. For example, as shown in FIG. 14(a), when "Sapporo" is entered in the search box 522, the area in which the specified position is to be set is narrowed down to Sapporo.

[0206] Furthermore, when the area in which the specified position is to be set has been narrowed down, the control unit 110 accepts a user operation to specify further narrowing down criteria. For example, the control unit 110 accepts a user operation to specify "congestion level" or "type of obtainable item" as a narrowing down criterion. For example, the control unit 110 may display a criterion specification UI 570 as a UI that allows the user to select the narrowing down criterion from multiple options on the position specification screen 400, and accept an operation on the criterion specification UI 570 as an operation to specify the narrowing down criterion.

[0207] The game control unit 212 narrows down the areas narrowed down as areas for setting the designated position to locations suitable for setting the designated position based on criteria specified by the user. After narrowing down the locations suitable for setting the designated position based on the criteria specified by the user, the game control unit 212 instructs the user's terminal device 10 to present the narrowed down locations to the user. Then, based on the instruction, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may cause the display unit 18 to display a display indicating the narrowed down locations, as exemplified in FIG. 14(a), and may accept a user operation to set the narrowed down locations as the designated position. Then, based on the user's operation, the game control unit 212 may set the narrowed down locations as the designated position. Note that the display indicating the narrowed down locations may be a display in which a specific object 571 is placed at a location corresponding to the location in the virtual space, or a display of information about the location, such as the name and position of the location.

[0208] For example, if "congestion level" is specified as a criterion for narrowing down the search, the game control unit 212 narrows down the searched areas to those with high congestion levels (in other words, those with a large number of users). In this specification, the congestion level and the number of users may be determined relatively within the narrowed down area, or may be determined based on predetermined criteria. The congestion level may be the congestion level at the time the search is performed, or may be the average congestion level at each location within a predetermined period of time.

[0209] Furthermore, for example, when "a specific type of item" is specified as a criterion for narrowing down the search, the game control unit 212 narrows down the search to locations suitable for obtaining the specified specific type of item within the narrowed down area. For example, the game control unit 212 narrows down the search to locations suitable for obtaining the specific type of item based on event objects 33 placed (or predicted to be placed) at each location or around each location, or events set (or predicted to be set) at each location or around each location.

[0210] As a result of the narrowing down, one location or multiple locations may be presented to the user. Furthermore, the narrowed down location presented to the user may be a specific point in the virtual space or a specific range in the virtual space. In other words, a display indicating a specific range in a virtual section may be displayed as an indication of the narrowed down location.

[0211] Furthermore, when the user designates a designated position, the game control unit 212 may provide the user with information regarding the state of the designated position (hereinafter referred to as "designated position-related information 580"). The designated position-related information 580 is information specific to the designated position designated by the user, and can also be considered information related to an event corresponding to the designated position designated by the user. Specifically, the game control unit 212 may transmit the designated position-related information 580 to the terminal device 10 based on a user operation to designate a designated position (for example, an operation to designate a specific point in the virtual space on the position designation screen 400). Then, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may display the transmitted designated position-related information 580 on the display unit 18, as shown in FIG. 14(b). Note that the designated position-related information 580 may be displayed after the user designates a designated position and the designated position is confirmed (in other words, set) (see FIG. 14(b)). In addition, the designated position related information 580 may be displayed when the user designates a designated position and before the designated position is confirmed (in other words, in a state where an operation related to confirming the designated position is accepted) (see FIG. 14(a)).

[0212] The designated position related information 580 may be information about the degree of congestion around the designated position, information about event objects 33 placed around the designated position, information about items that can be obtained around the designated position, or information about the attributes of the area including the designated position. The designated position related information 580 may also indicate the current state of the designated position or the predicted future state of the designated position. In other words, the designated position related information 580 may also indicate a prediction of future changes in the state of the designated position. That is, the designated position related information 580 may be, for example, information that the area around the designated position is currently congested, or information that congestion is predicted to occur in the future (e.g., in a few minutes or a few hours). The designated position related information 580 may also be information that a large number of event objects 33 of a particular type are placed around the designated position, or information that a large number of event objects 33 are predicted to be placed in the future. The designated position related information 580 may also be information that a large number of events of a particular type are set, or information that a large number of events are predicted to be set in the future. Furthermore, the designated position related information 580 may be, for example, information regarding the difficulty of obtaining a specific item around the current designated position, or information regarding the difficulty of obtaining a specific item around a future designated position. Furthermore, the designated position related information 580 may be information indicating the current attributes of the area that includes the designated position, or information indicating a future change in the attributes.

[0213] The attribute of the area containing the designated position may be, for example, an attribute assigned to each region, which may affect an event associated with the event object 33 placed in that region. Specifically, for example, a land-related attribute such as plains, forest, or desert may be set as the area attribute for each region in the virtual space. Furthermore, a weather-related attribute such as sunny, cloudy, or rainy may be set as the area attribute for each region in the virtual space. Furthermore, the attribute set for each region may be fixed or may change. When an item that can be obtained in that region (for example, a reward for an event set in that region) changes depending on the attribute, information related to the attribute may function as information related to the obtainable item.

[0214] Furthermore, when the designated position designated by the user satisfies a predetermined condition, the game control unit 212 may recommend to the user that the user designate another position as the designated position. Specifically, when the designated position designated by the user satisfies a predetermined condition, the game control unit 212 may instruct the terminal device 10 to display a recommendation display 590 that recommends designating another position as the designated position. Based on the instruction, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may cause the display unit 18 to display the recommendation display 590 illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0215] Here, whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied may be determined based on the degree of congestion around the designated position, event objects 33 placed around the designated position, events set around the designated position, etc. For example, the game control unit 212 may determine that a predetermined condition is satisfied in cases such as when there are few people around the designated position, when there are few items that can be obtained around the designated position, or when a designated position is specified after specifying a narrowing-down criterion and is determined to be inappropriate as a designated position in light of the narrowing-down criterion (for example, when a specific type of item is specified as a narrowing-down criterion and the specified designated position is a location where it is difficult to obtain the specific type of item), etc.

[0216] The recommendation display 590 may include a character string recommending that another position be designated as the designated position. The recommendation display 590 may also include a display of a location recommended as the designated position. That is, for example, when the designated position designated by the user satisfies a predetermined condition, the game control unit 212 may extract a location recommended as the designated position (in other words, a location determined to be excellent based on a predetermined standard). Then, the game control unit 212 may instruct the terminal device 10 to display a display indicating the extracted recommended location as the recommendation display 590.

[0217] (others) When a user specifies a designated position, the game control unit 212 may automatically adjust the point set as the designated position from the point specified by the user. That is, for example, when the user performs an operation to specify a specific point on a map of the virtual space as the operation to specify the designated position, the game control unit 212 may determine a point slightly adjusted from the specific point as the designated position. In other words, when the user performs an operation to associate a pre-play event with a specific point, the game control unit 212 may associate the pre-play event with the point slightly adjusted from the specific point. Even when such a slightly adjusted point is determined as the designated position, the designated position after the minor adjustment can be said to be a position specified by the user. Such adjustments may be performed for, for example, the following purpose. That is, a point specified by the user before adjustment may be a place in real space where the user is prohibited from entering or a place where few people pass by, and therefore is unlikely to be included in the acquisition range Y when visited in real space. Therefore, the game control unit 212 may perform such adjustments so that the user can easily obtain the results of the pre-play event when visited in real space.

[0218] The configuration described in this specification can achieve, for example, the following effects. That is, in a typical location-based game, the user actually goes to a location where the event object 33 is located and then plays an event associated with the event object 33. In contrast, the configuration described in this specification allows the user to play an event associated with the event object 33 before actually going to the location where the event object 33 is located. Furthermore, in order to obtain the results of the played event, the user is required to actually go to the location after playing the event, so the fun that is unique to location-based games in which the game progresses through movement in real space is not lost.

[0219] Furthermore, according to the configuration described in this specification, a user can play an event before actually traveling to a designated location that the user has designated. Therefore, for example, a user can designate a location where the user plans to go to for some business in the real world as the designated location and play an event in advance, thereby enabling the user to concentrate on the business in the real world when the user actually arrives at the location. For example, if the business is to meet a friend, playing the event in advance allows the user to concentrate on the conversation with the friend while meeting the friend at the designated location.

[0220] Furthermore, allowing events to be played before actually moving to the designated location also helps to prevent players from playing the game while walking.

[0221] Furthermore, for example, in a typical location-based game, when an event is available for multiplayer play between users within a certain range, the ease of playing the event may vary depending on the user's location. That is, users living in densely populated areas may find it easier to match and play the multiplayer event, while users living in sparsely populated areas may find it more difficult to match and play the multiplayer event. However, with the configuration of this embodiment, even users living in sparsely populated areas can play the multiplayer event at home or elsewhere before traveling to urban areas. This makes it easier for each user to play the multiplayer event.

[0222] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The configuration of this embodiment may be applied to a game that uses information about a user's position in real space. Furthermore, the configuration of this embodiment may be applied to a game that links a virtual space with a real space, such as the location-based game described in this embodiment or a game that uses captured images of real space. Games that use captured images of real space may include, for example, a game that can display a superimposed image in which a virtual object (e.g., a virtual space object such as a player character) is superimposed on a captured image of real space (in other words, a game that uses augmented reality), or a game in which a captured image of real space has a predetermined effect on a virtual space (e.g., a game in which parameters of an object in virtual space are changed or the shape of an object in virtual space is deformed based on the captured image). In other words, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may be capable of acquiring a captured image captured by a predetermined camera, such as a camera built into the terminal device 10, and generating a superimposed image in which a virtual object is superimposed on the captured image. The configuration of this embodiment may also be applied to games other than games that link virtual space and real space. The configuration of this embodiment may also be applied to games other than games that use information about the user's position in real space. The configuration of this embodiment may also be applied to services (in other words, applications) other than games. For example, it may be applied to a walking app, a running app, a pedometer app, etc.

[0223] Within the scope of the present invention, the components can be freely combined, any component can be modified, any component can be replaced, any component can be omitted, or other components can be added. Furthermore, the process flow described in this specification is merely an example, and the order and configuration of each process may be different. Furthermore, some processes described in this specification may not exist. In other words, the process flow and specific determination processes may be different from those exemplified in this specification.

[0224] <Additional Notes> The configuration of this embodiment may be used to, for example, improve the interest of a service. The matters described in the above embodiment may also be written as in the following supplementary notes.

[0225] (Appendix 1) Computer, In a service that uses location information that indicates a user's location in real space, an event control means (for example, a game control unit 212) that enables an event corresponding to a designated position, which is a position in virtual space designated by the user, to be executed in a state in which the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position; and (e.g., the game control unit 212) causing the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding an event corresponding to the designated position that was executed while the user was not located at the position in real space corresponding to the designated position, based on the user having reached the position in real space that corresponds to the designated position. program. This configuration allows a user to play an event before actually going to the location where the event is set. Furthermore, the user can then be encouraged to move around in real space to obtain the results of the event. This makes it possible to balance the ease of playing the event with the enjoyment of moving around in real space, thereby increasing the interest of the service.

[0226] (Appendix 2) Having the user obtain a predetermined result related to an event corresponding to the specified position based on the user having reached a position in real space corresponding to the specified position includes having the user obtain a result other than an item as a reward for the event. The program described in Appendix 1. According to this configuration, it is possible to allow the user to acquire things other than items, such as play achievements and experience points, based on movement in real space.

[0227] (Appendix 3) A time period is limited during which a predetermined result regarding an event corresponding to the specified position can be obtained based on the user having reached a position in real space corresponding to the specified position. The program described in Appendix 1. With this configuration, a user who specifies a designated location and plays an event can be encouraged to move quickly.

[0228] (Appendix 4) Computer, and functioning as an enlarging means (for example, the game control unit 212) for enlarging the range within which it is determined that the user has reached the position in real space corresponding to the specified position, based on the fact that the end of a period during which a predetermined result can be obtained for the event corresponding to the specified position is approaching. The program described in Appendix 3. With this configuration, it is possible to rescue users who unfortunately are unlikely to reach a place where they can obtain a predetermined result.

[0229] (Appendix 5) When an event corresponding to the designated position is executed while the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position and the user does not subsequently reach the position in real space corresponding to the designated position, the acquisition means grants the user a reward according to the degree to which the user has approached the position in real space corresponding to the designated position. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 4. With this configuration, when the position in real space corresponding to the designated position is not reached, movement toward the position in real space can be prevented from being perceived as wasted.

[0230] (Appendix 6) the event control means executes an event corresponding to a second designated position, which is a position in virtual space designated by the user, while the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position, after the event corresponding to the designated position is executed while the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position, and before the user arrives at the position in real space corresponding to the designated position, the event control means executes an event corresponding to a second designated position, which is a position in virtual space designated by the user, while the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the second designated position; The acquisition means When an event corresponding to the designated position is executed while the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position, and when an event corresponding to the second designated position is executed while the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the second designated position, having the user obtain a predetermined result regarding an event corresponding to the specified position based on the user reaching a position in real space corresponding to the specified position; and causing the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding an event corresponding to the second specified position based on the user reaching a position in real space corresponding to the second specified position. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 4. This configuration makes it possible to play multiple events in advance, and then start moving in real space to obtain the results of each event, eliminating the need to alternate between moving and playing events.

[0231] (Appendix 7) the event corresponding to the designated position is an event that can be played in multiplay between the user and another user who is at a position in real space that corresponds to the designated position, The acquisition means allows the user to acquire the multiplay reward based on the user reaching a position in real space that corresponds to the specified position. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 4. With this configuration, a user can designate a specific location and play a multi-play game with other users in remote locations. Also, the user can be encouraged to move around in real space to obtain the results of the multi-play game.

[0232] (Appendix 8) The computer is caused to function as a presentation means (for example, the control unit 110) that presents a map of the virtual space in a display mode based on predetermined conditions related to the designation of the designated position to the user before the user designates the designated position. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 4. This configuration makes it easier to find a place suitable for designating as a designated position, thereby enabling the user who designates a designated position to comfortably designate the designated position.

[0233] (Appendix 9) The presenting means provides the user with a display in which the color of each area of ​​the map of the virtual space, which is color-coded based on the predetermined condition, changes over time in accordance with predicted future changes in the predetermined condition. 1. The program described in Appendix 8. This configuration allows users to easily grasp changes in the state of each location in the virtual space through color changes, making it easier for users to find a suitable location to specify as a designated location and allowing them to specify a designated location more easily.

[0234] (Appendix 10) The computer functions as a providing means (for example, the game control unit 212) that provides the user with information about the state of the specified position specified by the user. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 4. With this configuration, the user can easily check whether the specified position he or she has specified meets the conditions he or she desires.

[0235] (Appendix 11) In a service that uses location information that indicates a user's location in real space, an event control means for enabling an event corresponding to a designated position, which is a position in virtual space designated by the user, to be executed in a state in which the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position; and an acquisition means for causing the user to acquire a predetermined result related to an event corresponding to the designated position, which was executed while the user was not located at the position in real space corresponding to the designated position, based on the user having reached the position in real space corresponding to the designated position. Information processing system. According to this configuration, the same effects as those of the program described in Supplementary Note 1 can be achieved.

[0236] The problem-solving means constituted by the above-mentioned program (for example, each configuration described in the appendix) can be appropriately diverted to an apparatus, system, method, medium, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0237] 1 Information processing system, 10 Terminal device, 11 Processor, 12 Memory, 13 Storage, 14 Communication IF, 15 Input / output IF, 17 Input unit, 18 Display unit, 20 Server, 21 Processor, 22 Memory, 23 Storage, 24 Communication IF, 25 Input / output IF, 110 Control unit, 111 Operation acceptance unit, 112 Transmission / reception unit, 113 Game control unit, 114 Display control unit, 116 Position information acquisition unit, 120 Memory unit, 210 Control unit, 211 Transmission / reception unit, 212 Game control unit, 220 Memory unit

Claims

1. Computer, In a service that uses location information that indicates a user's location in real space, an event control means for enabling an event corresponding to a designated position, which is a position in virtual space designated by the user, to be executed in a state in which the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position; and an acquisition means for causing the user to acquire a predetermined result regarding an event corresponding to the designated position, which was executed while the user was not located at the position in real space corresponding to the designated position, based on the user having reached the position in real space corresponding to the designated position. program.

2. Having the user obtain a predetermined result related to an event corresponding to the specified position based on the user having reached a position in real space corresponding to the specified position includes having the user obtain a result other than an item as a reward for the event. The program according to claim 1.

3. A time period is limited during which a predetermined result regarding an event corresponding to the specified position can be obtained based on the user having reached a position in real space corresponding to the specified position. The program according to claim 1.

4. Computer, and functioning as an enlarging means for enlarging a range within which it is determined that the user has reached a position in real space corresponding to the specified position, based on the approaching end of a period during which a predetermined result related to the event corresponding to the specified position can be obtained. The program according to claim 3.

5. When an event corresponding to the designated position is executed while the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position and the user does not subsequently reach the position in real space corresponding to the designated position, the acquisition means grants the user a reward according to the degree to which the user has approached the position in real space corresponding to the designated position. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the event control means executes an event corresponding to a second designated position, which is a position in virtual space designated by the user, while the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position, after the event corresponding to the designated position is executed while the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position, and before the user arrives at the position in real space corresponding to the designated position, the event control means executes an event corresponding to a second designated position, which is a position in virtual space designated by the user, while the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the second designated position; The acquisition means When an event corresponding to the designated position is executed while the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position, and when an event corresponding to the second designated position is executed while the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the second designated position, having the user obtain a predetermined result regarding an event corresponding to the specified position based on the user having reached a position in real space corresponding to the specified position; and causing the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding an event corresponding to the second specified position based on the user reaching a position in real space corresponding to the second specified position. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. the event corresponding to the designated position is an event that can be played in multiplay between the user and another user who is at a position in real space that corresponds to the designated position, The acquisition means allows the user to acquire the multiplay reward based on the user reaching a position in real space that corresponds to the specified position. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The computer is caused to function as a presentation means for presenting a map of the virtual space in a display mode based on predetermined conditions related to the designation of the designated position to the user before the user designates the designated position. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The presenting means provides the user with a display in which the color of each area of ​​the map of the virtual space, which is color-coded based on the predetermined condition, changes over time in accordance with predicted future changes in the predetermined condition. The program according to claim 8.

10. The computer functions as a providing means for providing the user with information about the state of the specified position specified by the user. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

11. In a service that uses location information that indicates a user's location in real space, an event control means for enabling an event corresponding to a designated position, which is a position in virtual space designated by the user, to be executed in a state in which the user is not located at a position in real space corresponding to the designated position; and an acquisition means for causing the user to acquire a predetermined result related to an event corresponding to the designated position, which was executed while the user was not located at the position in real space corresponding to the designated position, based on the user having reached the position in real space corresponding to the designated position. Information processing system.

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