Program and system

Abstract

To increase amusement.SOLUTION: Provided is a program for allowing a computer to function as: an event execution section for executing processing of an event in which a user who satisfies a participation condition can participate via a terminal; and a participation determination section for allowing a first user who does not satisfy at least a portion of the participation condition to participate in the event with participation of a second user who is in a predetermined relationship with the first user in the event as a participation condition. The program allows the computer to function as a group management section for managing a group organized by multiple users, and the participation determination section may determine that the second user is in the predetermined relationship with the first user when the first user belongs to the same group as that of the second user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 states, "The reception unit 101 receives from the user a selection of a user group to which the user wishes to join from one or more user groups searched for in step S20." (Paragraph 0047) Patent Document 2 states, "When the target player attempts to participate in an event as a guest, a search is made for another player who is the host in the vicinity of the appearance point of the first gate that the target player approaches, and if the host is not found within that area, the search area is expanded and the search is made again." (Paragraph 0099) [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-152620 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2022-44716 A Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect of the present invention, a program is provided that causes a computer to function as an event execution unit that processes an event in which users who satisfy the participation conditions can participate via a terminal device, and a participation determination unit that allows a first user who does not satisfy at least some of the participation conditions to participate in the event, with the participation condition being that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user also participates in the event.

[0004] The above program causes the computer to function as a group management unit that manages a group formed by multiple users, and the participation determination unit may determine that the second user has the predetermined relationship with the first user if the first user belongs to the same group as the second user.

[0005] In the above program, the group management unit may dissolve the group in response to a predetermined group dissolution condition being satisfied.

[0006] In any of the above programs, when the number of participants in the event has reached an upper limit, the participation determination unit may allow the first user to participate in the event on the condition that the second user also participates in the event.

[0007] Any of the above programs may cause the computer to function as an adjustment unit that, in response to the first user participating in the event when the maximum number of participants has been reached, reduces the number of non-player characters participating in the event, or switches other users who are scheduled to participate or are currently participating in the event to participate in another event that is being held.

[0008] In any of the above programs, the participation determination unit may allow the first user to participate in the event on the condition that the second user is participating in the event when participation recruitment for the event has ended.

[0009] In any of the above programs, the event may be a competition or battle with an enemy character, enemy user, or group of enemy users in the game, and if the parameters of the first user do not satisfy the participation parameter conditions of the event, the participation determination unit may allow the first user to participate in the event on the condition that the second user also participates in the event.

[0010] In any of the above programs, the participation determination unit may relax at least some of the constraints imposed by the event for the first user who participates in the event without satisfying the participation parameter condition.

[0011] Any of the above programs may cause the computer to function as an integrated display unit that displays, on the terminal device of the first user, the status of the second user participating in the event within the event, or a message entered on the terminal device of the second user.

[0012] In a second aspect of the present invention, a system is provided that includes an event execution unit that executes processing of an event in which users who satisfy the participation conditions can participate via a terminal device, and a participation determination unit that allows a first user who does not satisfy at least some of the participation conditions to participate in the event, with the participation condition being that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user also participates in the event.

[0013] The above summary of the invention does not list all of the features of the present invention, and subcombinations of these features may also be inventions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 shows the configuration of a system 10 according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 shows the configuration of a server device 20 according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] An example of a data structure related to each user stored in the database 200 is shown below. [Figure 4] The configuration of a terminal device 30 according to this embodiment is shown together with an input device 50 and a display device 60. [Figure 5] 10 shows a processing flow in the server device 20 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] The configuration of the event processing unit 230 according to this embodiment is shown together with the instruction input unit 210, the game processing unit 220, and the display processing unit 240. [Figure 7] 10 shows an example of an event processing flow in the server device 20 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] An example of the data structure for each group stored in the database 200 is shown below. [Figure 9] 1 shows a first example of a data structure for each event stored in the database 200. [Figure 10] 2 shows a second example of a data structure for each event stored in the database 200. [Figure 11] 1 shows a first example of a display on the terminal device 30 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 shows a second example of the display of the terminal device 30 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 shows a third example of a display on the terminal device 30 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 shows a fourth example of a display on the terminal device 30 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15] 22 illustrates an example computer 2200 in which aspects of the present invention may be embodied, in whole or in part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention according to the claims. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0016] 1 shows a system 10 according to this embodiment. The system 10 includes a server device 20, multiple terminal devices 30, and a network 40. The system 10 has a function of hosting an event associated with a real-world location and allowing one or multiple users to participate using one or multiple terminal devices 30, respectively.

[0017] The server device 20 is connected to a plurality of terminal devices 30 via a network 40. The server device 20 receives access from one or more terminal devices 30 and provides the terminal devices 30 with events associated with real-world locations. The server device 20 may have a function of providing in-game events, live streaming, merchandise sales, or other events as events associated with real-world locations. In the present embodiment, the server device 20 can, for example, provide a game environment to the terminal devices 30 and also provide in-game events associated with real-world locations.

[0018] The server device 20 may be a computer such as a personal computer (PC), a workstation, a server computer, a general-purpose computer, a tablet computer, or a smartphone, or may be a computer system in which multiple computers are connected. Such a computer system is also a computer in the broad sense. The server device 20 may also be implemented as one or more virtual computer environments executable within a computer. Alternatively, the server device 20 may be a dedicated computer designed for the system 10, or may be dedicated hardware implemented using dedicated circuitry.

[0019] The terminal device 30 is connected to the server device 20 via a network 40. The terminal device 30 may be a personal computer, a notebook computer, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a game console, or any other terminal device capable of inputting and outputting data.

[0020] The network 40 connects the server device 20 and a plurality of terminal devices 30. The network 40 may be configured to include, for example, various wired or wireless networks such as the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network, or a mobile phone network, or a combination thereof.

[0021] 2 shows the server device 20 according to this embodiment. The server device 20 includes a database 200, an instruction input unit 210, a game processing unit 220, an event processing unit 230, and a display processing unit 240.

[0022] The database 200 stores user information about users and content information about events. In this embodiment, the user information is data recording the game progress and play history of each user who is a player of a game as an example of the content to be provided. In this embodiment, the content information is a programmed game scenario, images, sounds, or other data related to the game as an example of the content to be provided. The database 200 may be realized by at least a portion of the storage area of ​​an external storage device such as a hard disk drive connected to the server device 20, or may be realized by a storage device external to the server device 20 provided, for example, by a cloud storage service or the like.

[0023] The instruction input unit 210 is connected to a plurality of terminal devices 30 via the network 40. The instruction input unit 210 receives various instructions from the terminal devices 30, including various operations performed by the user while playing the game and various operations related to events performed by the user. The instruction input unit 210 supplies the received game-related instructions to the game processing unit 220. The instruction input unit 210 may also function as a location information input unit that inputs location information indicating the location of the terminal device 30 from the terminal device 30.

[0024] The game processing unit 220 is connected to the database 200, the instruction input unit 210, and the display processing unit 240. In response to game-related instructions received from the instruction input unit 210, the game processing unit 220 performs processing for progressing the game based on user information and content information stored in the database 200. In the example of this embodiment, the server device 20 provides a role-playing game as the content to be provided. In response to user instructions within the game space, the game processing unit 220 performs various game processes, such as organizing a group (also referred to as a "party") including one or more characters (virtual people or creatures such as animals placed in the game space), equipping each character with items such as weapons or armor, purchasing or selling items, moving the party, having the party fight enemies encountered, and developing characters based on combat experience. The server device 20 may provide any type of game other than a role-playing game.

[0025] The event processing unit 230 is connected to the database 200, the instruction input unit 210, and the display processing unit 240. In addition to the example shown in the figure, the event processing unit 230 may be connected to the game processing unit 220. The event processing unit 230 performs processing for progressing an event based on the user information and content information stored in the database 200, in response to an instruction regarding the event received from the instruction input unit 210.

[0026] The display processing unit 240 is connected to the terminal device 30 via the network 40. The display processing unit 240 performs display processing for displaying various display screens relating to games and events on the terminal device 30 as the display target in response to instructions from the game processing unit 220 and the event processing unit 230.

[0027] 3 shows an example of the data structure for each user stored in database 200. Database 200 stores game state data for each of multiple users. The game state data includes information about each user, such as "user ID," "in-game currency," "in-game rank," "location information," "possessed character information," "possessed item information," and "friend ID."

[0028] "User ID" is information for identifying the corresponding user and may be a number uniquely determined within the system 10. "In-game currency" indicates the remaining amount of in-game currency possessed by the corresponding user. "In-game currency" may be stored separately into the remaining amount of paid in-game currency possessed by the corresponding user and the remaining amount of free in-game currency. "In-game rank" indicates the rank of the corresponding user in the game.

[0029] "Location information" indicates the location information of the corresponding user. The location information may be information about the location of the terminal device 30 used by the corresponding user or information about a location approximate to this. "Location information" may be only the current location information of the corresponding user, or may also include a location history including the location information of the corresponding user at each point in time in the past. The instruction input unit 210 of the server device 20 may acquire the location information from the terminal device 30 via the network 40. The server device 20 may acquire the coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the location where the terminal device 30 is located as the location information. Alternatively, the server device 20 may acquire, from the terminal device 30, for example, a place name, a location ID, or other information that can identify the location of the terminal device 30 with a certain degree of accuracy as the location information.

[0030] "Owned character information" indicates information about one or more characters possessed by the corresponding user. Character information may include the corresponding character's type, attributes, rarity (difficulty of obtaining in the game), HP (hit points), MP (magic points), etc. "Owned item information" indicates information about one or more items possessed by the corresponding user. The items may include the type and quantity of the corresponding item. "Friend ID" indicates the user ID of another user linked to the corresponding user.

[0031] The database 200 may store history information including a part or all of the game play history for each of a plurality of users. The history information may include the history of each user's participation in or application for an event.

[0032] FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the terminal device 30 according to this embodiment, together with the input device 50 and the display device 60. The input device 50 may be a keyboard, a mouse, a touch sensor of a touch panel, or the like, and inputs user instructions to the server device 20 of the system 10 and supplies the instructions to the terminal device 30. The display device 60 may be an image display unit of a display or a touch panel, or the like, and displays a display screen output by the server device 20 of the system 10. The input device 50 and the display device 60 may be integrated with the terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 includes a terminal input processing unit 300, a terminal state acquisition unit 305, a terminal transmission unit 310, a terminal reception unit 320, and a terminal display processing unit 330.

[0033] The terminal input processing unit 300 is connected to the input device 50 and the terminal transmission unit 310. The terminal input processing unit 300 receives user instructions from the input device 50 and supplies the instructions to the terminal transmission unit 310.

[0034] The terminal status acquisition unit 305 is connected to the terminal transmission unit 310. The terminal status acquisition unit 305 receives location information of the terminal device 30 from a location sensor such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver provided in the terminal device 30, and supplies the location information to the terminal transmission unit 310.

[0035] The terminal transmitting unit 310 is connected to the network 40. The terminal transmitting unit 310 supplies the user's instructions received from the terminal input processing unit 300 to the server device 20 via the network 40. The terminal transmitting unit 310 supplies the location information of the terminal device 30 received from the terminal state acquiring unit 305 to the server device 20 via the network 40.

[0036] The terminal receiving unit 320 is connected to the network 40 and the terminal display processing unit 330. The terminal receiving unit 320 receives, via the network 40, various display screens that the server device 20 outputs to the terminal device 30.

[0037] The terminal display processing unit 330 is connected to the display device 60. The terminal display processing unit 330 performs processing for displaying the display screen received from the terminal receiving unit 320 on the display device 60.

[0038] In this embodiment, the terminal device 30 is configured to transmit user instructions input to the input device 50 to the server device 20, and to supply the display screen output by the server device 20 to the display device 60 for output, thereby reducing the processing load on the terminal device 30. Alternatively, the terminal device 30 may include a component corresponding to at least a portion of at least one of the instruction input unit 210, the game processing unit 220, the event processing unit 230, and the display processing unit 240 shown in relation to FIG. 2, and at least a portion of the processing performed by the component may be executed locally within the terminal device 30.

[0039] 5 shows a processing flow in the server device 20 according to this embodiment. In response to receiving an instruction to start a game from a certain terminal device 30, the server device 20 starts the processing flow shown in this figure to provide a game to the user of that terminal device 30.

[0040] In S502 (step 502), the game processing unit 220 and the event processing unit 230 refer to the game state stored in the database 200 for the target user, and instruct the display processing unit 240 to generate a display screen corresponding to the game state. The display processing unit 240 performs processing to generate a game screen and display it on the terminal device 30 of the target user in accordance with the instructions from the game processing unit 220 and the event processing unit 230. For example, if the target user's party is moving within the game space, the display processing unit 240 causes the terminal device 30 to display a screen including an image of the party's surroundings; if the target user is selecting an item to be equipped by a character in the party, the display processing unit 240 causes the terminal device 30 to display a screen prompting the target user to select an item; and if the target user's party is in combat, the display processing unit 240 causes the terminal device 30 to display a screen prompting the target user to input a combat action for each of one or more characters.

[0041] In S504, the user of the terminal device 30, viewing the display screen displayed on the display device 60, inputs an instruction corresponding to the display screen via the input device 50 and transmits the instruction to the server device 20. The terminal device 30 transmits the location information acquired by the terminal state acquisition unit 305 to the server device 20. The instruction input unit 210 supplies the instruction from the terminal device 30 to the game processing unit 220 or the event processing unit 230 depending on the content of the instruction. The instruction input unit 210 supplies the location information of the terminal device 30 to the game processing unit 220 or the event processing unit 230.

[0042] In S506, the game processing unit 220 or the event processing unit 230 performs processing in accordance with the instruction input from the instruction input unit 210 in S504. For example, the game processing unit 220 performs processing such as moving the target user's party within the game space, determining items to be equipped to characters in the party, and having the characters attack a specified enemy using a specified means. The game processing unit 220 may perform processing such as moving the target user's party within the game space in response to a change in the target user's location information input from the instruction input unit 210. For example, the game processing unit 220 may perform processing such as moving the target user's party to a position within the game space corresponding to the target user's location information in response to a change in the target user's location information. Furthermore, the event processing unit 230 performs processing related to the event when the target user participates in an event within the provided content. The event processing unit 230 may perform processing related to the event based on the target user's location information input from the instruction input unit 210. For example, the event processing unit 230 performs processing related to the event when the target user's location information input from the instruction input unit 210 meets the requirements for participating in the event. If the location information of the target user input from the instruction input unit 210 does not satisfy the requirements for participating in the event, the event processing unit 230 does not need to perform processing related to the event.

[0043] In S508, the game processing unit 220 or the event processing unit 230 changes the game state stored in the database 200 in accordance with the processing in S506. For example, the game processing unit 220 updates the position in the game space of each character belonging to the party in the possessed character information shown in FIG. 3 as the party moves within the game space. When the game processing unit 220 equips a character with an item, the game processing unit 220 adds identification information of the equipped item to a data structure indicating a list of items equipped by the character, which is included in the possessed character information. Furthermore, when a character attacks a specified enemy, the game processing unit 220 performs processing such as decrementing an indicator value indicating the health of the enemy, such as HP, associated with the specified enemy. Furthermore, when the game processing unit 220 performs processing in which the enemy attacks a character, it performs processing such as decrementing an indicator value indicating the health of the character, such as HP, associated with the character in the possessed character information. The game processing unit 220 may update the game state using various other methods in accordance with the target user's instructions and the progress of the game. Furthermore, the event processing unit 230 changes the game state stored in the database 200 in accordance with the result of the event processing, thereby reflecting the result of the event in the game state.

[0044] In S502 after returning from S508, the display processing unit 240 performs processing to display a screen after the change in the game state on the display device 60 of the terminal device 30.

[0045] 6 shows the configuration of the event processing unit 230 according to this embodiment, together with the instruction input unit 210, the game processing unit 220, and the display processing unit 240. In this embodiment, the system 10 allows a user who does not satisfy at least some of the conditions for participating in an event to participate in the event in response to the participation of another user who has a predetermined relationship with the user in question.

[0046] In this embodiment, an "event" may refer to an event in which a user who meets the participation conditions can participate using the terminal device 30. Alternatively, an "event" may refer to an event held in a virtual space. Therefore, an "event" does not necessarily include an event held in real space. An "event" may be an event in which a user can participate using the terminal device 30 when the user is located at or near a specific real-world location (event spot) and, as a result, the user's terminal device 30 is located at or near that specific location. As an example, an "event" may be an event in which at least a portion of the user's influences (images, videos, sounds, vibrations, etc.) provided at the event are provided via the terminal device 30. An "event" may grant a user the right to, for example, purchase a specific item via the terminal device 30. An "event" may be an event in which a user (host) who organizes the event and invites participants cooperates with a user (guest) who applies for the invitation and participates in the event. Alternatively, the "event" may be an event in which the first user (host) to issue an instruction to start event recruitment and the second or subsequent user (guest) to issue an instruction to start event recruitment participate cooperatively. Alternatively, the "event" may be an event hosted by a person or organization other than the user, such as an event organizer or an event management organization.

[0047] In this embodiment, the system 10 may provide users with a location-based game that uses location information from the terminal device 30. In this case, an "event" may be one in which participating users compete against each other for points in the event. For example, an "event" may be one in which multiple users cooperate to battle an enemy character in the game, or one in which multiple users cooperate to compete or battle an opposing user (enemy user), or one in which multiple users cooperate to compete or battle a group of enemy users. If the "event" is one in which a battle is against an enemy user or a group of enemy users, the battle may be between an in-game character operated by the user and an in-game character operated by an enemy user.

[0048] In this embodiment, the "participation conditions" are conditions for a user to participate in an event. The "participation conditions" may be conditions determined based on at least one of the event recruitment status (participation recruitment in progress, etc.), the progress of the event (remaining HP of enemy characters, remaining time limit, etc.), or the user's status (in-game level, formation cost, etc.).

[0049] In this embodiment, the game processing unit 220 shown in FIG. 2 has a group management unit 225. The group management unit 225 is connected to the database 200. The group management unit 225 manages groups formed by multiple users. The group management unit 225 may manage groups in which users, each of whom can play a game independently, gather at a real location to play a game together. The group management unit 225 may also manage groups in which users, each of whom can participate in an event independently, gather at a real location to participate in an event together. In this case, the group management unit 225 may be included in the event processing unit 230 instead of the game processing unit 220.

[0050] When the terminal devices 30 of multiple users satisfy a predetermined location condition and input a predetermined instruction, the group management unit 225 may determine that a group including only the multiple users has been formed. For example, when the distance from the location of a user's terminal device 30 to the locations of all other users' terminal devices 30 who are attempting to form a group is within a threshold value (e.g., 10 m), the group management unit 225 may determine that a group has been formed when each of the terminal devices 30 inputs a group formation instruction. The distance may be Euclidean distance (straight-line distance), Manhattan distance, travel distance via roads on a real map or a virtual map, or the like. Alternatively, when the distance between the terminal devices 30 of multiple users who are attempting to form a group is all within a threshold value (e.g., 20 m), the group management unit 225 may determine that a group has been formed when each of the terminal devices 30 inputs a group formation instruction.

[0051] If the terminal devices 30 of multiple users do not satisfy a predetermined location condition, or if the terminal devices 30 of multiple users satisfy a predetermined location condition but do not input a predetermined instruction, the group management unit 225 does not need to determine that a group has been formed. Furthermore, even if the terminal devices 30 of multiple users satisfy a predetermined location condition but do not input a predetermined instruction, the group management unit 225 may determine that a group including only those multiple users has been formed.

[0052] The group management unit 225 may dissolve a group when a predetermined group dissolution condition is satisfied. A server device 20 having such a function can prevent a group from remaining undissolved for a long period of time and from overly relaxing the event participation conditions. The group management unit 225 may not dissolve a group when a predetermined group dissolution condition is not satisfied. The group management unit 225 may dissolve a group even if a predetermined group dissolution condition is not satisfied. The group management unit 225 may dissolve a group when the terminal devices 30 of multiple users no longer satisfy a predetermined location condition. The group management unit 225 may dissolve a group when a predetermined time (e.g., two hours) has elapsed since the group was formed. The group management unit 225 may dissolve a group when a predetermined time (e.g., 6:00 AM) has arrived. The group management unit 225 may dissolve a group when a predetermined time period (e.g., late night hours, such as from midnight to 6:00 AM) has arrived. The group management unit 225 may automatically dissolve a group when a predetermined group dissolution condition is met. The group management unit 225 may change the group information stored in the database 200 in response to the formation and dissolution of a group.

[0053] 2 includes a database connection unit 600, an input acquisition unit 610, a participation determination unit 620, an adjustment unit 630, an event execution unit 640, and a collaboration display unit 650. The database connection unit 600 is connected to the database 200. The database connection unit 600 processes access to the database 200 from each unit in the event processing unit 230.

[0054] The input acquisition unit 610 acquires various instructions related to the event from the instruction input unit 210. In the example shown in the figure, the input acquisition unit 610 includes an event participation instruction acquisition unit 612 and a message acquisition unit 614. Alternatively, the input acquisition unit 610 may include only either the event participation instruction acquisition unit 612 or the message acquisition unit 614.

[0055] The event participation instruction acquisition unit 612 is connected to the instruction input unit 210. The event participation instruction acquisition unit 612 acquires an event participation instruction input by the user of the terminal device 30 from the terminal device 30 via the instruction input unit 210.

[0056] The message acquisition unit 614 is connected to the instruction input unit 210. The message acquisition unit 614 acquires a message input to the terminal device 30 via the instruction input unit 210.

[0057] The participation determination unit 620 is connected to the database connection unit 600 and the event participation instruction acquisition unit 612. In response to the event participation instruction acquisition unit 612 acquiring the event participation instruction, the participation determination unit 620 performs at least one of determining whether the user of the terminal device 30 satisfies the conditions for participation in the event, relaxing the conditions for participation in the event, or relaxing the constraints required by the event. The participation determination unit 620 may determine whether the user of the terminal device 30 satisfies the conditions for participation in the event based on information about the group acquired from the database 200 via the database connection unit 600. The participation determination unit 620 may relax the conditions for participation in the event based on information about the group acquired from the database 200 via the database connection unit 600.

[0058] The adjustment unit 630 is connected to the participation determination unit 620. In response to the participation determination unit 620 determining that the user of the terminal device 30 does not satisfy the participation conditions, the adjustment unit 630 adjusts the users, etc., who will participate in the event.

[0059] The event execution unit 640 is connected to the database connection unit 600, the participation determination unit 620, and the display processing unit 240. The event execution unit 640 performs processing to progress the event based on the determination and relaxation made by the participation determination unit 620 and the user information and event information stored in the database 200. The event execution unit 640 causes a screen related to the event to be displayed on the terminal device 30 via the display processing unit 240.

[0060] The linked display unit 650 is connected to the database connection unit 600, the message acquisition unit 614, and the display processing unit 240. The linked display unit 650 displays the user status stored in the database connection unit 600 or the message acquired by the message acquisition unit 614 on the terminal device 30 of another user via the display processing unit 240.

[0061] 7 shows an example of an event processing flow in the server device 20 according to this embodiment. In response to receiving an event participation instruction from the terminal device 30 of the first user, the server device 20 starts the processing flow shown in this figure to provide the event to the first user.

[0062] In S710, the instruction input unit 210 in the server device 20 receives an instruction to participate in the event from the first user's terminal device 30. The event participation instruction acquisition unit 612 acquires the instruction to participate in the event from the instruction input unit 210.

[0063] In S720, the participation determining unit 620 relaxes the conditions for participation in the event. The participation determining unit 620 may allow a first user who does not satisfy at least some of the participation conditions to participate in the event, provided that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event as a participation condition. The participation determining unit 620 may determine that the second user has a predetermined relationship with the first user when the second user is linked to the first user in content provided by the system 10. The participation determining unit 620 may determine that the second user has a predetermined relationship with the first user when the first user belongs to the same group as the second user. The participation determining unit 620 may determine whether the first user belongs to the same group as the second user based on information about the group acquired from the database 200.

[0064] When the event invitation for participants has ended, the participation determination unit 620 may allow the first user to participate in the event on the condition that the second user is participating in the event. With the server device 20 having such a function, even when the event invitation for participants has ended, the first user can participate in an event in which the second user is participating, allowing users to enjoy the event more. The event processing unit 230 may end the invitation for participants and perform event start processing when a predetermined number of people have been invited to the event, when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the event invitation for participants began, or when an instruction to end the invitation for participants is received from the terminal device 30 of the host user who is inviting participants for the event. Therefore, when the event invitation for participants for a predetermined period has ended, the participation condition determination unit 620 may allow the first user to participate in the event on the condition that the second user is participating in the event.

[0065] If a condition for participating in an event is that a predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the start of event participation recruitment or the start of event processing, the participation determination unit 620 may allow the first user to participate in the event even after the predetermined time has elapsed, provided that the second user is also participating in the event.If the event is a battle with an enemy character in a game, and a condition for participating in the event is that the HP of the enemy character, which is an index of the enemy character's health, exceeds a predetermined value, the participation determination unit 620 may allow the first user to participate in the event even if the HP of the enemy character is below the predetermined value, provided that the second user is also participating in the event.

[0066] If the event is a competition or battle with an enemy character, enemy user, or group of enemy users in the game, the participation determination unit 620 may allow the first user to participate in the event on the condition that the second user also participates in the event if the first user's parameters do not satisfy the event's participation parameter conditions. With the server device 20 having such a function, even a first user whose parameters do not satisfy the event's participation parameter conditions can participate in the same event as the second user, allowing the user to enjoy the event more than if they were not able to participate in the same event. Here, the "parameter" may be an in-game parameter. The "parameter" may be an index indicating the game's proficiency or strength, such as the user's in-game level, the HP, attack power, and defense power of the character controlled by the user, the number of specific in-game items owned, etc. The participation determination unit 620 may determine whether the first user's parameters satisfy the event's participation parameter conditions based on the user information and event information stored in the database 200.

[0067] The participation determination unit 620 may relax at least some of the constraints required by the event for a first user who participates in the event without satisfying the participation parameter conditions. With the server device 20 having such a function, the constraints required by the event are relaxed, making it easier for a first user whose parameters do not satisfy the event's participation parameter conditions and who has a low level of proficiency to succeed in the event. Here, the "constraints" may be restrictions on at least one of the types or number of commands that can be used, or the types or number of in-game items that can be used. The participation determination unit 620 may acquire information regarding the constraints required by the event from the database 200.

[0068] At S730, the participation determining unit 620 determines whether the first user satisfies the participation conditions relaxed at S720. If the first user does not satisfy the participation conditions (No at S740), the server device 20 ends the processing flow of this figure. If the first user satisfies the participation conditions (Yes at S740), the server device 20 proceeds to S750. At S750, the participation determining unit 620 determines that the first user will participate in the event.

[0069] In S760, the participation determination unit 620 determines the number of people who will participate in the event. Here, the "number of people" may be the number of users participating in the event, or the total number of users participating in the event and the number of non-player characters participating in the event. The participation determination unit 620 references information about the upper limit of the number of people who can participate in the event stored in the database 200, and determines whether the determined number of people exceeds the upper limit. The "upper limit" of the number of people may indicate the maximum number of people who can participate in the event.

[0070] If the number of participants exceeds the upper limit (Yes in S770), the server device 20 proceeds to S780. In S780, when the number of participants in the event has reached the upper limit, the participation determining unit 620 allows the first user to participate in the event on the condition that the second user also participates in the event. A server device 20 with such a function can allow the first user and the second user to participate in the same event regardless of the number of participants in the event, thereby providing an environment in which the first user and the second user can enjoy the event more. The participation determining unit 620 may allow users with a number of participants exceeding the upper limit to participate in one event, or may instruct the adjustment unit 630 to adjust the number of participants so that the number of participants is equal to or less than the upper limit.

[0071] In response to the first user's participation in an event whose maximum number of participants has been reached, the adjustment unit 630 may reduce the number of non-player characters participating in the event or switch other users who are planning to or currently participating in the event to participate in another event. A server device 20 with such functionality can allow the first user and the second user to participate in the same event once the maximum number of participants for the event has been reached. Furthermore, the server device 20 with such functionality can provide other users who are planning to or currently participating in the event with another event. Therefore, the server device 20 can provide an environment in which the first user, the second user, and other users can enjoy the event more. Here, the "other event" may be an event of the same type as the event whose maximum number of participants has been reached. For example, the "other event" may be a battle with the same type of enemy character as the event whose maximum number of participants has been reached, or an event in which the rewards awarded upon success in the event whose maximum number of participants has been reached are the same type and quantity as those in the event whose maximum number of participants has been reached. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 630 may switch other users who are planning to or currently participating in the event to participate in another ongoing event. An "ongoing" event may be an event for which participation is still being accepted, or an event for which participation has ended and is currently underway.

[0072] The adjustment unit 630 may switch the first user to participate in another event in response to the first user's desire to participate in an event whose maximum number of participants has been reached. In this case, the adjustment unit 630 may switch the first user to participate in another event whose situation is similar to the event whose maximum number of participants has been reached. The adjustment unit 630 may determine whether the events are similar to each other based on index values ​​indicating the situation of the events (remaining time, remaining HP of enemy characters, etc.). For example, the adjustment unit 630 may determine that the two events are similar if the difference between the index values ​​indicating the situation of the two events is equal to or less than a threshold. With the server device 20 having such a function, even if the first user and the second user end up participating in different events, the timings at which the respective events end can be brought closer together.

[0073] In S790, the event execution unit 640 executes event processing. When the conditions for starting an event are met, the event execution unit 640 may execute processing to hold an event for which participation is being solicited. As an example, when a predetermined number of users have applied to solicit participation for the event, the event execution unit 640 may execute processing to start the event. When a predetermined time (e.g., one minute) has elapsed since the start of solicitation for the event, the event execution unit 640 may execute processing to start the event.

[0074] The event execution unit 640 writes the status of the event to the database 200 in response to the processing of the event. As an example, if the corresponding event is an event in which multiple users cooperate to defeat an enemy character, the event execution unit 640 performs processing such as decrementing an index value indicating the health of the enemy character, such as HP, associated with the specified enemy character, as characters controlled by the participating multiple users attack the specified enemy character. Furthermore, when the event execution unit 640 performs processing in which an enemy character attacks a character controlled by a user, it performs processing such as decrementing an index value indicating the health of the character, such as HP, associated with the character in the possessed character information, and writes the result to the database 200. The display processing unit 240 performs processing to display a screen after the event status change on the display device 60 of the terminal device 30.

[0075] The event execution unit 640 changes the game state stored in the database 200 when the index value indicating the health of an enemy character falls below a predetermined threshold, thereby granting rewards such as in-game items, in-game currency, and character parameter experience points to each user who participated in the event. The event execution unit 640 performs processing to end the event when the index value indicating the health of one or all of a plurality of characters operated by a certain user falls below a predetermined threshold. The display processing unit 240 performs processing to display a screen after the event ends on the display device 60 of the terminal device 30.

[0076] According to the server device 20 described above, even if a first user does not satisfy at least some of the conditions for participating in an event, the first user can participate in the same event as a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, thereby allowing the user to enjoy the event more than if the user could not participate in the same event. By allowing the first user to participate in an event on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event, the server device 20 can prevent the conditions for participation from being overly relaxed.

[0077] 8 shows an example of the data structure for each group stored in database 200. Database 200 stores group status data for each of one or more groups. The group status data includes information on the "group ID," "group user ID," "group formation time," "group dissolution time," and "group status."

[0078] The "group ID" is information for identifying the corresponding group, and may be a number that is uniquely determined within the system 10. The "group user ID" indicates the user IDs of multiple users who belong to the corresponding group.

[0079] "Group formation time" indicates the time when the corresponding group was formed. In the example of this figure, "group formation time" indicates the date, hour, and minute when the corresponding group was formed, but it may be any time that is uniquely determined within system 10. When the group management unit 225 determines that the corresponding group was formed, it may write that time in database 200 as "group formation time." "Group dissolution time" indicates the time when the corresponding group was dissolved. In the example of this figure, "group dissolution time" indicates the date, hour, and minute when the corresponding group was dissolved, but it may be any time that is uniquely determined within system 10. When the group management unit 225 determines that the corresponding group was dissolved, it may write that time in database 200 as "group dissolution time."

[0080] The "group status" indicates the status of the corresponding group. If the corresponding group is in the process of being formed, the "group status" may be stored as "forming." If the corresponding group has already been dissolved, the "group status" may be stored as "dissolved." The group management unit 225 may update the "group status" stored in the database 200 in response to determining whether the corresponding group has been formed or dissolved.

[0081] 9 shows a first example of a data structure for each event stored in the database 200. The database 200 stores basic event information data for each of a number of types of events. The basic event information data includes information related to the "event ID," "event information," "maximum number of participants," "participation status restrictions," "level restrictions," "organization cost restrictions," "command restrictions," and "item restrictions."

[0082] The "event ID" is information for identifying the type of the corresponding event, and may be a number uniquely determined within the system 10. The "event information" indicates information related to the progress of the corresponding type of event. For example, if the corresponding type of event is an event in which multiple users cooperate to defeat an enemy character, the "event information" may include the name of the enemy character, an image of the enemy character, an index value indicating the health of the enemy character, such as HP, a time limit, etc.

[0083] The "maximum number of participants" indicates the upper limit of the number of people who can participate in the corresponding event. Here, the "number of participants" may be the number of users participating in the corresponding event. If the server device 20 allows non-player characters to participate in the corresponding event, the "number of participants" may be the total number of users and non-player characters participating in the corresponding event. In the example shown in the figure, the "maximum number of participants" is set for all events, but there may be events for which the "maximum number of participants" is not set. The participation determination unit 620 may refer to the "maximum number of participants" to determine whether the current number of participants exceeds the upper limit (S760 in FIG. 7).

[0084] The participation determining unit 620 may allow a number of users exceeding the upper limit to participate in one event (S780 in FIG. 7). For example, in the example shown in the figure, in an event with an "event ID" of "XXXXX," even if the total number of participants exceeds six when a first user participates in the event, the participation determining unit 620 may allow the first user to participate in the event on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user also participates in the event.

[0085] "Participation status restriction" indicates the situation in which a user can participate in the corresponding event. "Participation status restriction" may be a situation based on the event's recruitment status or progress status. As an example, "participation status restriction" may indicate the recruitment status in which a user can participate in the corresponding event (e.g., participation open), or the progress status in which a user can participate in the corresponding event (e.g., the enemy character's remaining HP, the remaining time limit, etc.). In the example of this figure, an event with an "event ID" of "XXXXX" indicates that a user cannot participate in the event unless the enemy character's remaining HP is 50% or more. In the example of this figure, an event with an "event ID" of "ZZZZZ" indicates that a user can participate in the event regardless of the event's status.

[0086] The participation determination unit 620 may relax the "participation status restriction" for the first user on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event (S720 in FIG. 7). For example, in the example of the present figure, in an event with an "event ID" of "XXXXX," on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event, the participation determination unit 620 may relax the "participation status restriction" for the first user from "HP 50% or more" to "HP 20% or more," thereby allowing the first user to participate in the event even if the remaining HP of an enemy character is between 20% and 50%. In the example of the present figure, in an event with an "event ID" of "XXXXX," on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event, the participation determination unit 620 may change the "participation status restriction" for the first user to "none," thereby allowing the first user to participate in the event regardless of the event status. In addition to the example shown in this figure, the database 200 may store information on the relaxed “participation status restrictions”, and the participation determination unit 620 may read out the information on the relaxed “participation status restrictions” from the database 200 .

[0087] "Level Restriction" indicates the in-game level of users who can participate in the corresponding event. In the example shown in this diagram, an event with an "Event ID" of "XXXXX" indicates that only users with an in-game level of 80 or higher can participate in the corresponding event. In the example shown in this diagram, an event with an "Event ID" of "ZZZZZ" indicates that any user can participate in the corresponding event, regardless of their in-game level.

[0088] The participation determining unit 620 may relax the "level restriction" for the first user on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event (S720 in FIG. 7). For example, in the example of the present drawing, in an event whose "event ID" is "XXXXX," on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event, the participation determining unit 620 may relax the "level restriction" for the first user from "level 80 or higher" to "level 50 or higher," thereby allowing the first user to participate in the event even if their in-game level is between 50 and 80. In the example of the present drawing, in an event whose "event ID" is "XXXXX," on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event, the participation determining unit 620 may change the "level restriction" for the first user to "none," thereby allowing the first user to participate in the event regardless of their in-game level. In addition to the example shown in this figure, the database 200 may store information about the relaxed “level restriction,” and the participation determination unit 620 may read out the information about the relaxed “level restriction” from the database 200 .

[0089] "Organization cost limit" refers to the limit (lower limit, upper limit, etc.) on the organization cost for participating in the corresponding event. Here, "organization cost" may refer to the total cost of the characters to be organized or the total cost of items such as weapons and armor to be equipped to the characters to be organized. In the example of this figure, an event with an "event ID" of "XXXXX" indicates that only users with a total organization cost of 200 or less can participate in the corresponding event. In the example of this figure, an event with an "event ID" of "ZZZZZ" indicates that any user can participate in the corresponding event regardless of the total organization cost.

[0090] The participation determining unit 620 may relax the "organization cost limit" for the first user on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event (S720 in FIG. 7). For example, in the example of this figure, for an event whose "event ID" is "XXXXX," on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event, the participation determining unit 620 may relax the "organization cost limit" for the first user from "200 or less" to "300 or less," thereby allowing the first user to participate in the event even if the organization cost is between 201 and 300. In the example of this figure, for an event whose "event ID" is "XXXXX," on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event, the participation determining unit 620 may change the "organization cost limit" for the first user to "none," thereby allowing the first user to participate in the event regardless of the organization cost. In addition to the example shown in this figure, the database 200 may store information about the relaxed “organization cost limit”, and the participation determination unit 620 may read out the information about the relaxed “organization cost limit” from the database 200.

[0091] "Command restrictions" refers to restrictions on the commands that can be used within the corresponding event, and may refer to restrictions on the types or number of commands that can be used within the corresponding event. Here, "commands" refer to actions such as attacking enemy characters, strengthening characters, and restoring a character's HP, MP, etc. In the example shown in this diagram, an event with an "Event ID" of "XXXXX" indicates that users who participate in the event cannot use any recovery commands. In the example shown in this diagram, an event with an "Event ID" of "YYYYY" indicates that users who participate in the event can use recovery commands up to one time. In the example shown in this diagram, an event with an "Event ID" of "ZZZZZ" indicates that users who participate in the event can use any command.

[0092] When the in-game level of the first user does not satisfy the participation level condition, the participation determination unit 620 may relax the "command restriction" for the first user, on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event (S720 in FIG. 7). For example, in an event with an "event ID" of "XXXXX" in the example of this figure, on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event, the participation determination unit 620 may relax the "command restriction" for a first user whose in-game rank is less than 80 (e.g., in-game rank 60) from "recovery commands not permitted" to "up to two recovery commands," thereby allowing the first user to use recovery commands up to two times during the event. In the example of the figure, for an event with an "event ID" of "XXXXX," the participation determining unit 620 may relax the "command restriction" for a first user with an in-game rank of less than 80 (e.g., in-game rank 60) from "recovery commands not permitted" to "none," thereby allowing the first user to use recovery commands without restriction during the event, on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event. In addition to the example of the figure, the database 200 may store information about the relaxed "command restriction," and the participation determining unit 620 may read out information about the relaxed "command restriction" from the database 200.

[0093] "Item restrictions" refer to restrictions on in-game items that can be used in the corresponding event, and may refer to restrictions on the types or number of times that an in-game item can be used in the corresponding event. Here, "items" may refer to in-game items that strengthen, restore, or otherwise improve a character. In the example shown in this figure, an event with an "event ID" of "XXXXX" indicates that users who participate in the event cannot use any items that restore a character. In the example shown in this figure, an event with an "event ID" of "YYYYY" indicates that users who participate in the event can use any item that restores a character up to one time. In the example shown in this figure, an event with an "event ID" of "ZZZZZ" indicates that users who participate in the event can use any item.

[0094] When the in-game level of the first user does not satisfy the participation level condition, the participation determination unit 620 may relax the "item restriction" for the first user, on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event (S720 in FIG. 7). For example, in an event with an "event ID" of "XXXXX" in the example of this figure, on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event, the participation determination unit 620 may relax the "item restriction" for a first user whose in-game rank is less than 80 (e.g., in-game rank 60) from "no recovery items allowed" to "up to two recovery items," thereby allowing the first user to use a recovery item up to two times during the event. In the example of the present drawing, for an event with an "event ID" of "XXXXX," the participation determination unit 620 may relax the "item restriction" for a first user with an in-game rank of less than 80 (e.g., in-game rank 60) from "no recovery items allowed" to "none," thereby allowing the first user to use recovery items without restriction during the event, on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event. In addition to the example of the present drawing, the database 200 may store information about the relaxed "item restriction," and the participation determination unit 620 may read out information about the relaxed "item restriction" from the database 200.

[0095] 10 shows a second example of the data structure for each event stored in the database 200. The database 200 stores event status information data for each of a plurality of events. The event status information data includes information related to an "event instance ID," an "event ID," a "participating user ID," a "participating non-player character ID," a "remaining number of participants," and an "event status."

[0096] The "event instance ID" is information for identifying the corresponding event, and may be a number uniquely determined within the system 10. The "event ID" is information for identifying the type of the corresponding event, and may be the same as the "event ID" in Fig. 9. In S780 in Fig. 7, the adjustment unit 630 may treat an event having the same "event ID" as a certain event as an event of the same type as the certain event.

[0097] The "participating user ID" indicates the user ID of a user participating in the corresponding event. If the corresponding event distinguishes between hosts and guests, the database 200 may store the user ID of the host user separately from the user ID of the guest user. The "participating non-player character ID" is information for identifying a non-player character participating in the corresponding event, and may be a number uniquely determined within the system 10.

[0098] The "remaining number of participants" indicates the remaining number of people who can participate in the corresponding event. The "remaining number of participants" may be the number obtained by subtracting the number of users currently participating in the corresponding event from the "maximum number of participants" in FIG. 9. If a user participating in the corresponding event belongs to a group, the "remaining number of participants" may be the number obtained by subtracting the total number of users currently participating in the corresponding event and the number of users in the group to which the user belongs who are not currently participating in the corresponding event from the "maximum number of participants" in FIG. 9.

[0099] "Event status" indicates the status of the corresponding event. If the corresponding event is currently accepting participants, the "event status" may be stored as "open." If the corresponding event has already ended, the "event status" may be stored as "ended." If the corresponding event has ended its invitation to participate and the corresponding event is in progress, the "event status" may be stored as "ongoing." If the corresponding event is "ongoing," detailed status of the event (remaining time of the event, remaining HP of enemy characters, etc.) may also be stored.

[0100] 11 shows a first example of a display on the terminal device 30 according to this embodiment. When one or more users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user are not participating in the event, the display processing unit 240 generates a display screen 1100 and transmits it to the terminal device 30 of the first user. The display screen 1100 includes a game window 1110, a menu button 1120, and an organization button 1130.

[0101] The game window 1110 is an area where the main screen of the game provided by the server device 20 is displayed. In the example of this figure, the game window 1110 is an area where the field screen of the game is displayed, and includes a character 1112, a background object 1114, and an enemy monster object 1116. The character 1112 represents the appearance of the character controlled by the first user. If the game provided by the server device 20 is a position-based game, the background object 1114 is an object placed in the background of the game. In the example of this figure, the background object 1114 is an object representing a mountain.

[0102] The enemy monster object 1116 is an object representing an enemy monster. The instruction input unit 210 may receive an instruction to participate in an event in which the user battles an enemy monster in response to the first user clicking the enemy monster object 1116. Alternatively, the instruction input unit 210 may receive an instruction to display an event status screen in response to the first user clicking the enemy monster object 1116. In this case, in response to the instruction input unit 210 receiving the instruction, the event processing unit 230 may read data related to the event status from the database 200 and send an instruction to the display processing unit 240 to generate an event status screen. The display processing unit 240 may generate the event status screen and transmit it to the terminal device 30.

[0103] The menu button 1120 is a button for switching the game window 1110 to a menu screen. The instruction input unit 210 receives a menu screen display instruction in response to the first user clicking the menu button 1120. In response to the instruction input unit 210 receiving the menu screen display instruction, the game processing unit 220 reads data related to the menu screen from the database 200 and transmits an instruction to the display processing unit 240 to generate a menu screen. The display processing unit 240 may generate the menu screen and transmit it to the terminal device 30.

[0104] The formation button 1130 is a button for switching the game window 1110 to a formation screen. The instruction input unit 210 receives an instruction to display a formation screen in response to the first user clicking the menu button 1120. In response to the instruction input unit 210 receiving the instruction to display a formation screen, the game processing unit 220 reads data related to the formation screen from the database 200 and transmits an instruction to the display processing unit 240 to generate a formation screen. The display processing unit 240 may generate the formation screen and transmit it to the terminal device 30.

[0105] When a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user is participating in the event, the display processing unit 240 generates a display screen 1150 and transmits it to the terminal device 30 of the first user. The linkage display unit 650 may cause the terminal device 30 of the first user to display the status of the second user participating in the event or a message input to the terminal device 30 of the second user via the display processing unit 240. The linkage display unit 650 may not cause the terminal device 30 of a user who does not have a predetermined relationship with the second user to display the status of the second user participating in the event or a message input to the terminal device 30 of the second user. The display screen 1150 has a menu button 1120, an organization button 1130, and a game window 1160. Here, the menu button 1120 and the organization button 1130 are the same as the menu button 1120 and the organization button 1130 in the display screen 1100, respectively.

[0106] The game window 1160 is an area where the main screen of the game provided by the server device 20 is displayed. In the example shown in the figure, the game window 1160 is an area where the field screen of the game is displayed, and includes a character 1112, a background object 1114, an enemy monster object 1116, and an event window 1170. Here, the character 1112, the background object 1114, and the enemy monster object 1116 are the same as the character 1112, the background object 1114, and the enemy monster object 1116 in the display screen 1100, respectively.

[0107] The event window 1170 is an area that displays the status of the second user participating in the event and messages entered into the second user's terminal device 30. The event window 1170 includes an icon 1172, a status bar 1174, and a message 1176. Alternatively, the event window 1170 may include at least one of the icon 1172, the status bar 1174, or the message 1176.

[0108] The icon 1172 is an image indicating a second user participating in the event. As an example, the icon 1172 may indicate the appearance of a character operated by the second user, or may indicate the equipment status of the character operated by the second user. The linkage display unit 650 may read information about the character operated by the second user from the database 200 and display it on the terminal device 30 of the first user via the display processing unit 240.

[0109] The status bar 1174 indicates the status of the second user participating in the event within the event. The status bar 1174 may indicate the status (remaining HP, remaining MP, abnormal status, etc.) of the character being controlled by the second user within the event. In the example of this figure, the status bar 1174 indicates the remaining HP percentage of the character being controlled by the second user ("User A" in this figure) within the event. The linkage display unit 650 may read information regarding the status of the character being controlled by the second user from the database 200 and display it on the terminal device 30 of the first user via the display processing unit 240.

[0110] The message 1176 is an area where a message of the second user input into the terminal device 30 of the second user is displayed. When the message of the second user is input into the terminal device 30 of the second user, the instruction input unit 210 may receive the message of the second user. The message acquisition unit 614 may acquire the message of the second user from the instruction input unit 210. In response to the message acquisition unit 614 acquiring the message of the second user, the linked display unit 650 may display the message of the second user on the terminal device 30 of the first user via the display processing unit 240.

[0111] According to the server device 20 described above, the fact that a second user with a predetermined relationship is participating in an event is displayed on the terminal device 30 of the first user, making it easier for the first user and the second user to participate in the same event than if this information were not displayed. According to the server device 20, the status or message of the second user in the event is displayed on the terminal device 30 of the first user, making it easier for the first user and the second user to cooperate and progress the event than if this information were not displayed.

[0112] 12 shows a second example of the display of the terminal device 30 according to this embodiment. In response to the instruction input unit 210 receiving from the terminal device 30 an instruction to participate in an event in which the player battles an enemy monster, the display processing unit 240 generates a display screen 1200 and transmits the generated display screen 1200 to the terminal device 30.

[0113] The display screen 1200 has a recruiting window 1210 and a participation button 1230. The recruiting window 1210 is an area that displays information related to the event's participation recruitment. In the example shown in the figure, the recruiting window 1210 includes a participant list 1220 and a group button 1225. The participant list 1220 may be a list of users who have applied to participate in the event. The participant list 1220 may be configured to display the maximum number of users that the event is recruiting. In the example shown in the figure, the maximum number of users that the event is recruiting is six, and the users who have applied to participate in the event are "User A," "User B," and "User C." Therefore, the participant list 1220 in the example shown in the figure displays "Now recruiting," indicating that other users are being recruited, for the remaining three users until the maximum number of users is reached.

[0114] The group button 1225 is a button indicating users who belong to the same group as the user of the terminal device 30. In the example of this figure, "User C," for whom the group button 1225 is displayed, is a user who belongs to the same group as the user of the terminal device 30. Therefore, the participation determination unit 620 may allow the user of the terminal device 30 to participate in the event on the condition that "User C" participates in the event. The participation button 1230 is a button for applying for an event invitation. In response to the user of the terminal device 30 clicking the participation button 1230, the instruction input unit 210 may receive an instruction to participate in the event from the terminal device 30 (S710 in FIG. 7).

[0115] 13 shows a third example of the display of the terminal device 30 according to this embodiment. In response to the participation determining unit 620 determining that the user of the terminal device 30 will participate in the event, the display processing unit 240 generates a display screen 1300 and transmits the generated display screen 1300 to the terminal device 30.

[0116] The display screen 1300 has a recruiting window 1210 and an exit button 1320. In the example shown in the figure, the recruiting window 1210 includes a participant list 1310 and a group button 1225. The group button 1225 is the same as in FIG. 12. The participant list 1310 may be a list of users who have applied to participate in an event. In the example shown in the figure, the maximum number of participants allowed for the event is six, and the users who have applied to participate in the event are "User A," "User B," "User C," and the user of terminal device 30. Therefore, the participant list 1310 in the example shown in the figure displays "User A," "User B," "User C," and "Self," which indicates the user of terminal device 30, and also displays "Now recruiting," which indicates that other users are being recruited, for the remaining two users until the maximum number of participants is reached.

[0117] The withdraw button 1320 is a button for withdrawing participation in the event and withdrawing from the recruitment. In response to the user of the terminal device 30 clicking the withdraw button 1320, the instruction input unit 210 may receive an instruction to withdraw from the event from the terminal device 30. The display processing unit 240 may perform processing to display a display screen different from the display screen 1300 (such as the display screen 1200, the display screen that was displayed on the terminal device 30 before the display screen 1200 was displayed, or a home screen) on the terminal device 30 of the user who has withdrawn from the event, and may perform processing to display a display screen including a participant list that does not include the withdrawn user on the terminal devices 30 of "User A," "User B," and "User C."

[0118] 14 shows a fourth example of the display of the terminal device 30 according to this embodiment. When the conditions for starting an event are met, the event execution unit 640 performs an event start process (S790 in FIG. 7). The display processing unit 240 generates a display screen 1400 according to the event status changed by the event execution unit 640, and transmits the generated display screen 1400 to the terminal device 30.

[0119] The display screen 1400 includes a game window 1410 and a participant window 1480. The game window 1410 is an area where the main screen of the game provided by the server device 20 is displayed. In the example of this figure, the game window 1410 is an area where the status of the battle with an enemy monster is displayed. In the example of this figure, the game window 1410 includes an enemy monster image 1420, a status bar 1430, a remaining time indicator 1440, one or more characters 1450, one or more status bars 1455, a command button 1460, an item button 1465, and an escape button 1470.

[0120] The enemy monster image 1420 is an image showing the appearance of the enemy monster. The status bar 1430 shows the status of the enemy monster. The enemy monster image 1420 may show the status of the enemy monster in the event (remaining HP, abnormal status, etc.). In the example shown in this figure, the enemy monster image 1420 shows the remaining HP percentage of the enemy monster. The remaining time display 1440 shows the remaining time of the event. The remaining time display 1440 may start from a predetermined remaining time and decrease as time passes.

[0121] The character 1450 indicates the appearance of the character operated by the user of the terminal device 30. When the user of the terminal device 30 operates multiple characters, the game window 1410 may include multiple characters 1450. In the example of this figure, the game window 1410 includes three characters 1450. The status bar 1455 indicates the status (remaining HP, remaining MP, abnormal status, etc.) of one or more characters operated by the user of the terminal device 30 within the event. In the example of this figure, the status bar 1455 indicates the remaining HP percentage of each of the three characters operated by the user of the terminal device 30 within the event.

[0122] The command button 1460 is a button for using a command. As an example, the command button 1460 may be a button for displaying a command window. The command window may display a list of candidate commands to be used. In response to the user of the terminal device 30 clicking the command button 1460, the instruction input unit 210 receives an instruction to display a command window. The instruction input unit 210 notifies the event processing unit 230 of this. The event processing unit 230 reads data regarding the types and number of commands that can be used from the database 200 and sends an instruction to the display processing unit 240 to generate a command window. The display processing unit 240 sends the generated command window to the terminal device 30. In response to the user of the terminal device 30 selecting a command via the command window displayed on the terminal device 30, the instruction input unit 210 receives an instruction to use the command. The instruction input unit 210 notifies the event processing unit 230 of this. The event execution unit 640 of the event processing unit 230 performs processing using the command and writes the result to the database 200. For example, if the command is a command to attack an enemy monster, the event execution unit 640 may perform processing such as changing an index value indicating the health of the enemy monster, such as HP, associated with the enemy monster, and processing to reduce the remaining number of times the command can be used, and write the results to the database 200. The display processing unit 240 performs processing to display a screen on the display device 60 of the terminal device 30 after the event status has changed.

[0123] The item button 1465 is a button for using an item. As an example, the item button 1465 may be a button for displaying an item window. The item window may display a list of candidate items to be used. In response to the user of the terminal device 30 clicking the item button 1465, the instruction input unit 210 receives an instruction to display an item window. The instruction input unit 210 notifies the event processing unit 230 of this. The event processing unit 230 reads data regarding the types and number of times of use of usable items from the database 200 and sends an instruction to the display processing unit 240 to generate an item window. The display processing unit 240 sends the generated item window to the terminal device 30. In response to the user of the terminal device 30 selecting an item via the item window displayed on the terminal device 30, the instruction input unit 210 receives a command to use the item. The instruction input unit 210 notifies the event processing unit 230 of this. The event execution unit 640 of the event processing unit 230 performs processing to use the item and writes the result to the database 200. For example, if the item is a recovery item, the event execution unit 640 may perform processing such as changing an index value indicating the health of the character, such as HP, associated with the character in the possessed character information, and processing to reduce the number of possessed items, and write the results to the database 200. The display processing unit 240 performs processing to display a screen on the display device 60 of the terminal device 30 after the event status has been changed.

[0124] The leave button 1470 is a button for leaving the event. In response to the leave button 1470 being clicked by the user of the terminal device 30, the instruction input unit 210 may receive an instruction to leave the event from the terminal device 30. The display processing unit 240 may perform processing to display a display screen different from the display screen 1400 on the terminal device 30 of the user who has left the event (such as a result screen indicating that the user has left the event, a display screen that was displayed on the terminal device 30 before the display screen 1400 was displayed, or a home screen). The event execution unit 640 may write to the database 200 that the user of the terminal device 30 has left the event.

[0125] The participant window 1480 may be a list of users participating in the event. In the example shown in the figure, the participant window 1480 indicates that "User A," "User B," and "User C" are participating in the event in addition to the user of the terminal device 30. The display processing unit 240 may display the users in the participant window 1480 in descending order of the order in which they applied for the event, or may display the users in descending order of the degree of contribution to the event. The display processing unit 240 may display all users participating in the event in the participant window 1480, or may display only a predetermined number of users participating in the event (such as the top three users in terms of the degree of contribution to the event) in the participant window 1480.

[0126] Various embodiments of the present invention may be described with reference to flowcharts and block diagrams, where the blocks (e.g., blocks in flowcharts, blocks designated as "means" or "unit") may represent (1) stages of a process in which operations are performed or (2) sections of an apparatus responsible for performing the operations. Particular stages and sections may be implemented by dedicated circuitry, programmable circuitry provided with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, and / or a processor provided with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium. Dedicated circuitry may include digital and / or analog hardware circuitry and may include integrated circuits (ICs) and / or discrete circuits. Programmable circuitry may include reconfigurable hardware circuitry including logical AND, logical OR, logical XOR, logical NAND, logical NOR, and other logic operations, flip-flops, registers, memory elements such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), etc.

[0127] A computer-readable medium may include any tangible device capable of storing instructions that are executed by an appropriate device, such that the computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon comprises an article of manufacture containing instructions that can be executed to create means for performing the operations specified in the flowcharts or block diagrams. Examples of computer-readable media may include electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, and semiconductor storage media. More specific examples of computer-readable media may include floppy disks, diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), static random access memory (SRAM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc, memory stick, integrated circuit card, and the like.

[0128] The computer readable instructions may include either assembler instructions, Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or source or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk®, JAVA®, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages.

[0129] The computer-readable instructions may be provided to a processor or programmable circuitry of a programmable data processing apparatus, such as a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other computer, either locally or over a wide-area network (WAN) such as a local area network (LAN), the Internet, etc., which executes the computer-readable instructions to create means for performing the operations specified in the flowcharts or block diagrams. Examples of processors include computer processors, processing units, microprocessors, digital signal processors, controllers, microcontrollers, etc.

[0130] 15 illustrates an example of a computer 2200 in which aspects of the present invention may be embodied, in whole or in part. Programs installed on the computer 2200 may cause the computer 2200 to function as or perform operations associated with an apparatus or one or more sections of the apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention, and / or to perform a process or steps of a process according to embodiments of the present invention. Such programs may be executed by the CPU 2212 to cause the computer 2200 to perform specific operations associated with some or all of the blocks in the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

[0131] A computer 2200 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 2212, a RAM 2214, a graphics controller 2216, and a display device 2218, which are interconnected by a host controller 2210. The computer 2200 also includes input / output units such as a communication interface 2222, a hard disk drive 2224, a DVD-ROM drive 2226, and an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controller 2210 via an input / output controller 2220. The computer also includes legacy input / output units such as a ROM 2230 and a keyboard 2242, which are connected to the input / output controller 2220 via an input / output chip 2240.

[0132] The CPU 2212 operates according to programs stored in the ROM 2230 and RAM 2214, thereby controlling each unit. The graphics controller 2216 acquires image data generated by the CPU 2212 into a frame buffer or the like provided in the RAM 2214 or into the graphics controller 2216 itself, and causes the image data to be displayed on the display device 2218.

[0133] The communications interface 2222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The hard disk drive 2224 stores programs and data used by the CPU 2212 in the computer 2200. The DVD-ROM drive 2226 reads programs or data from the DVD-ROM 2201 and provides the programs or data to the hard disk drive 2224 via the RAM 2214. The IC card drive reads programs and data from an IC card and / or writes programs and data to an IC card.

[0134] The ROM 2230 stores therein a boot program or the like that is executed by the computer 2200 upon activation, and / or programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 2200. The input / output chip 2240 may also connect various input / output units to the input / output controller 2220 via a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, etc.

[0135] The programs are provided by a computer-readable medium such as a DVD-ROM 2201 or an IC card. The programs are read from the computer-readable medium, installed in the hard disk drive 2224, RAM 2214, or ROM 2230, which are also examples of computer-readable media, and executed by the CPU 2212. Information processing described in these programs is read by the computer 2200, and brings about cooperation between the programs and the various types of hardware resources described above. An apparatus or method may be configured by realizing information manipulation or processing in accordance with the use of the computer 2200.

[0136] For example, when communication is performed between the computer 2200 and an external device, the CPU 2212 may execute a communication program loaded into the RAM 2214 and instruct the communication interface 2222 to perform communication processing based on the processing described in the communication program. Under the control of the CPU 2212, the communication interface 2222 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer processing area provided in the RAM 2214, the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM 2201, or a recording medium such as an IC card, and transmits the read transmission data to the network, or writes reception data received from the network to a reception buffer processing area or the like provided on the recording medium.

[0137] The CPU 2212 may also cause all or a necessary portion of a file or database stored on an external recording medium such as the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM drive 2226 (DVD-ROM 2201), an IC card, etc. to be read into the RAM 2214, and perform various types of processing on the data on the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 then writes back the processed data to the external recording medium.

[0138] Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, may be stored on the recording medium and may undergo information processing. The CPU 2212 may perform various types of processing on data read from the RAM 2214, including various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgment, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information search / replacement, etc., as described throughout this disclosure and specified by the instruction sequences of the programs, and write the results back to the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 may also search for information in a file, database, etc. on the recording medium. For example, if multiple entries each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute are stored on the recording medium, the CPU 2212 may search for an entry that matches a condition specified by the attribute value of the first attribute from among the multiple entries, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and thereby obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0139] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0140] It should be noted that the execution order of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not specifically stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and that the processes can be performed in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a subsequent process. Even if the operational flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is described using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, this does not mean that the processes must be performed in this order.

[0141] "Addendum" According to the specification and drawings of the present application, the following features are also disclosed as appendices. "assignment" The purpose is to increase interest. "Solution" (Appendix 1) Computer, an event execution unit that executes processing of an event in which a user who satisfies a participation condition can participate via a terminal device; a participation determination unit that allows a first user who does not satisfy at least a part of the participation conditions to participate in the event, on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event; A program that makes it work. (Appendix 2) causing the computer to function as a group management unit that manages a group formed by a plurality of users; The program described in Appendix 1, wherein the participation determination unit determines that the second user has the predetermined relationship with the first user if the first user belongs to the same group as the second user. (Appendix 3) The program according to claim 2, wherein the group management unit dissolves the group when a predetermined group dissolution condition is satisfied. (Appendix 4) The program described in Appendix 1, wherein the participation determination unit allows the first user to participate in the event on the condition that the second user also participates in the event when the number of participants in the event has reached the upper limit. (Appendix 5) The program described in Appendix 4 causes the computer to function as an adjustment unit that, in response to the first user participating in the event when the maximum number of participants has been reached, reduces the number of non-player characters participating in the event, or switches other users who are planning to participate or are currently participating in the event to participate in another event. (Appendix 6) The program described in Appendix 1, wherein the participation determination unit allows the first user to participate in the event on the condition that the second user is participating in the event when participation recruitment for the event has ended. (Appendix 7) the event is a competition or battle with an enemy character, enemy user, or group of enemy users in the game; The program described in Appendix 1, wherein the participation determination unit allows the first user to participate in the event on the condition that the second user participates in the event when the parameters of the first user do not satisfy the participation parameter conditions of the event. (Appendix 8) The program according to claim 7, wherein the participation determination unit relaxes at least some of the constraints imposed by the event for the first user who participates in the event without satisfying the participation parameter conditions. (Appendix 9) A program described in Appendix 1 that causes the computer to function as a linked display unit that displays on the terminal device of the first user the status of the second user participating in the event within the event, or a message entered on the terminal device of the second user.

[0142] The solution constituted by the above program may be appropriately applied to the fields of devices, systems, methods, and media. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 10 Systems 20 Server device 30 Terminal Equipment 40 Network 50 Input Device 60 Display device 200 databases 210 Instruction input unit 220 Game Processing Unit 225 Group Management Department 230 Event Processing Unit 240 Display processing section 300 Terminal input processing unit 305 Terminal status acquisition unit 310 Terminal transmitter 320 Terminal receiving unit 330 Terminal display processing unit 600 Database Connection 610 Input acquisition unit 612 Event Participation Instruction Acquisition Department 614 Message Acquisition Unit 620 Participation Determination Department 630 Adjustment section 640 Event Execution Department 650 Linked display unit 1100 display screen 1110 Game Window 1112 characters 1114 Background Objects 1116 Enemy Monster Object 1120 Menu button 1130 Formation button 1150 display screen 1160 Game Window 1170 Event Window 1172 icons 1174 Status Bar 1176 Messages 1200 display screen 1210 Recruitment Window 1220 Participant List 1225 Group Button 1230 Join button 1300 display screen 1310 Participant List 1320 Exit button 1400 display screen 1410 Game Window 1420 Enemy Monster Images 1430 Status Bar 1440 remaining time display 1450 characters 1455 Status Bar 1460 Command Button 1465 Item Button 1470 Escape Button 1480 Participant Window 2200 Computer 2201 DVD-ROM 2210 host controller 2212 CPU 2214 RAM 2216 Graphics Controller 2218 Display Device 2220 Input / Output Controller 2222 communication interface 2224 hard disk drive 2226 DVD-ROM drive 2230 ROM 2240 I / O chip 2242 keyboard

Claims

1. Computer, an event execution unit that executes processing of an event in which a user who satisfies a participation condition can participate via a terminal device; a participation determination unit that allows a first user who does not satisfy at least a part of the participation conditions to participate in the event, on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event; A program that makes it work.

2. causing the computer to function as a group management unit that manages a group formed by a plurality of users; The program according to claim 1 , wherein the participation determination unit determines that the second user has the predetermined relationship with the first user if the first user belongs to the same group as the second user.

3. The program according to claim 2 , wherein the group management unit dissolves the group when a predetermined group dissolution condition is satisfied.

4. The program according to claim 1 , wherein the participation determination unit allows the first user to participate in the event on the condition that the second user also participates in the event when the number of participants in the event has reached an upper limit.

5. The program described in claim 4, wherein the computer functions as an adjustment unit that, in response to the first user participating in the event when the maximum number of participants has been reached, reduces the number of non-player characters participating in the event, or switches other users who are planning to participate in or are currently participating in the event to participate in another event.

6. The program according to claim 1 , wherein the participation determination unit allows the first user to participate in the event on the condition that the second user is participating in the event when participation recruitment for the event has ended.

7. the event is a competition or battle with an enemy character, enemy user, or group of enemy users in the game; The program according to claim 1 , wherein the participation determination unit allows the first user to participate in the event on the condition that the second user also participates in the event when the parameters of the first user do not satisfy the participation parameter conditions of the event.

8. The program according to claim 7 , wherein the participation determination unit relaxes at least a part of the constraints imposed by the event for the first user who participates in the event without satisfying the participation parameter condition.

9. The program described in claim 1 causes the computer to function as a linked display unit that displays on the terminal device of the first user the status of the second user participating in the event within the event, or a message entered on the terminal device of the second user.

10. an event execution unit that executes processing of an event in which a user who satisfies a participation condition can participate via a terminal device; a participation determination unit that allows a first user who does not satisfy at least a part of the participation conditions to participate in the event, on the condition that a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user participates in the event; A system comprising:

Images