Game information processing method and computer program

Abstract

To provide a game information processing method and a computer program for improving convenience of a user in acquisition of desired material content.SOLUTION: A game information processing method includes processing in which a computer displays a list of one or a plurality of material contents to be consumed for changing a predetermined target, and displays different acquisition methods for all the displayed material contents on an acquisition source screen including a list of selectable objects to which transition data to a screen of each acquisition source is attached.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game information processing method and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Game applications (hereinafter referred to as "game apps") that can be executed on communication-enabled information terminal devices such as smartphones and tablet terminals carried by users have become widespread. This type of game app requires the consumption of material content such as items or points to change the characters, weapons, and armor that appear in the game, such as by strengthening them or evolving them into other characters, weapons, and armor. The type or number of material content required is set to differ depending on the character, weapon, or armor to be changed (Patent Document 1, etc.). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-150114 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The materials used to transform characters, weapons, and armor are often acquired in a variety of ways within a game, including through exchange for game currency or points, other items, random acquisition when defeating enemy characters, rewards for solving story challenges, and random acquisition through a lottery known as gacha.

[0005] In addition, in the above-mentioned acquisition methods, there may be multiple sources for obtaining material content. For example, sources that allow for the above-mentioned "acquisition by exchange" include so-called shops, where predetermined items are bought and sold with in-game currency, exchanges where items are exchanged for points exclusive to events held for a limited time, and exchanges where specific items are exchanged for predetermined items. Also, so-called quests are an example of sources that allow for "acquisition by defeating enemy characters."

[0006] In the past, it was not easy for users to know how to obtain the material content needed for items such as characters or weapons that they wanted to transform (strengthen or evolve), or where to obtain them. The more diverse the types of items such as characters or weapons to be transformed and / or the material content consumed for that transformation, the more complicated it will be to access the methods and sources of acquisition.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a game information processing method and computer program that improves user convenience in obtaining desired material content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A game information processing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a process in which a computer displays a list of one or more material contents to be consumed to change a specified object, and displays different acquisition methods for all of the displayed material contents on an acquisition screen including a list of selectable objects accompanied by transition data to each acquisition screen.

[0009] In the game information processing method disclosed herein, methods for obtaining all of the material content required for the target to be changed are presented, and transitions are possible by selecting an object. If the target to be changed is not specified, methods for obtaining each of the material content selected are presented, and transitions to the source of the content are possible. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, users are guided to methods for obtaining items or points, improving convenience for users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a game system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of an information terminal device. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for presenting a method for obtaining an enhancement item. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reinforcement screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a source screen. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the process of presenting a method for obtaining an enhancement item. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a source screen in Modification 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a source screen in Modification 2. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a source screen in Modification 3. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a source screen in Modification 4. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a source screen in Modification 5. [Figure 13] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a source screen in Modification 6. [Figure 14] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a source screen in Modification 6. [Figure 15] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an enhanced screen of Modification 7. [Figure 16] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a source screen in Modification 7. [Figure 17] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a source screen in Modification 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof. In the following embodiments, a game system to which the game information processing method of the present disclosure is applied will be described.

[0013] 1 is a schematic diagram of a game system 100 according to this embodiment. The game system 100 includes an information terminal device 2 used by each of a plurality of users, and an information processing device 1 with which the information terminal device 2 can communicate. The information terminal device 2 and the information processing device 1 can transmit and receive data to and from each other via a network N. The network N includes the Internet N1, a carrier network N2, a base station BS, and an access point AP, and the information terminal device 2 can transmit and receive data to and from the information processing device 1 via the network N wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0014] In the game system 100, an information terminal device 2 having a game application program (hereinafter referred to as a game app) installed therein communicates with the information processing device 1 periodically or as the game progresses. The information terminal device 2 acquires game content from a content database (DB: Data Base) 110 of the information processing device 1 via the network N as needed to progress the game.

[0015] 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of information processing device 1. Information processing device 1 is a game server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from information terminal device 2. In the following description, information processing device 1 will be described as a single game server, but it may also be configured such that multiple server computers are communicatively connected via a network to perform distributed processing.

[0016] The information processing device 1 includes a processing unit 10, a storage unit 11, and a communication unit 12. The processing unit 10 is a processor that uses a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processing unit 10 executes processing as a game server based on an information processing program P1 stored in the storage unit 11.

[0017] The storage unit 11 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, flash memory, or SSD (Solid State Drive), and a volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores predetermined programs and data. The storage unit 11 stores data referenced by the processing unit 10. The storage unit 11 stores an information processing program P1. The information processing program P1 may be an information processing program P9 stored in the storage medium 9 that is read by the processing unit 10 and copied to the storage unit 11. The information processing program P1 may also be a program downloaded by the processing unit 10 from another program server via the communication unit 12 and stored therein.

[0018] The storage unit 11 includes a content DB 110 that stores game content used in the game. The game content stored in the content DB 110 includes scenario data, battle data, character data, battle item data, material content data, and the like.

[0019] Character data is data on characters that appear in the game. Character data includes name (identification data), attribute data (type, characteristics, etc.), image data (animation, video, etc.), audio data, and level-specific parameters (strength, defensive power, attributes, etc.), and rarity. Character data also includes related data such as a description of the character. Character data also includes identification data and data on the number of material content required for character transformation (evolution, strengthening, synthesis). The identification data and number of material content are classified according to differences in the character's transformation factors. In other words, material content required for leveling up the character itself (evolution, synthesis) is stored separately from material content required for leveling up (strengthening) the character's parameters (strength, stamina, etc.). Character data may be stored for the same character in different variations (different clothing, different colors, etc.).

[0020] Battle item data is data on items applied to characters during battle, or in other words, items that assist in battle. Examples of battle items include weapons, armor, and other equipment, tools other than weapons and armor for recovery or attack, and items for temporary strengthening during battle. Battle item data includes name and image data, as well as data that numerically represents the effect on battle parameters (attack amount, defense amount, etc.) applied to characters during battle. Battle item data also includes related data such as item descriptions. Like characters, battle item data includes identification data and data on the number of material contents required to change (evolve, strengthen, synthesize) battle items, depending on the change factor.

[0021] Material content data is data on materials (items) used to evolve, strengthen, or combine characters or battle items. Material content includes, for example, strengthening items for strengthening or evolving (transforming) characters or battle items, synthesis items (including characters and battle items themselves) for combining with other characters or battle items, evolution and strengthening points, etc. Material content data includes names and image data. Material content data includes related data such as item descriptions. Material content data may also include rarity.

[0022] The content DB 110 includes a content table that associates the entity of these game contents with identification data. The data available for use in the game content differs depending on the user and the game progress. The storage unit 11 stores the content IDs of the game contents available for each user on each information terminal device 2, in association with a user ID that identifies the user. For example, the storage unit 11 stores the content IDs and quantities that identify characters, battle items, material content, etc. owned by the user on the game application P2, in association with the user ID. The storage unit 11 also stores the quantity of other items, or points or in-game currency consumed to engage in battles on the game application P2, in association with the user ID. In response to an acquisition request specifying a content ID, the processing unit 10 reads a copy of the game content data from the content table and provides it to the requester.

[0023] The communication unit 12 realizes communication with the information terminal device 2 via the network N. Specifically, the communication unit 12 is a network card. The communication unit 12 may be a wireless communication module that connects to the carrier network N2, or may be a wireless communication module for WiFi. The processing unit 10 can send and receive data to and from the information terminal device 2 via the communication unit 12.

[0024] 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the information terminal device 2. The information terminal device 2 is a device including a display unit 23 and a communication unit 22. The information terminal device 2 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The information terminal device 2 may also be a device dedicated to games.

[0025] The information terminal device 2 includes a processing unit 20, a storage unit 21, a communication unit 22, a display unit 23, an audio output unit 24, and an operation unit 25. The processing unit 20 is a processor that uses a CPU and a GPU. The processing unit 20 executes game-related processing based on a game application program (hereinafter referred to as a game app) P2 stored in the storage unit 21.

[0026] The storage unit 21 includes nonvolatile memory such as flash memory or SSD, and volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing predetermined programs and data. The storage unit 21 stores data referenced by the processing unit 20. The game application P2 is downloaded from the information processing device 1 or another program server device via the communication unit 22 and stored in an executable state.

[0027] The storage unit 21 stores the user ID of the game application P2. The storage unit 21 stores, in association with the user ID, content IDs that identify characters, battle items, material content, points, etc. that the user owns on the game application P2, and the number of such content IDs. The storage unit 21 acquires and stores the names, explanatory text, and image data of the owned characters, battle items, material content, and points from the information processing device 1. The relationship between the user ID, content ID, and number stored in the storage unit 21 is set to be the same as the content ID and number stored in association with the user ID in the information processing device 1.

[0028] The communication unit 22 realizes communication with the information processing device 1 via a network N including the Internet or a carrier network. Specifically, the communication unit 22 may be a wireless communication device connected to a carrier network or a wireless communication device for Wi-Fi. The processing unit 20 can transmit and receive data to and from the information processing device 1 via the communication unit 22.

[0029] The display unit 23 is a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 is, for example, a display with a built-in touch panel. The processing unit 20 displays game content such as images and text provided from the information processing device 1 on the display unit 23 based on the game application P2.

[0030] The audio output unit 24 includes a speaker, etc. The processing unit 20 causes the audio output unit 24 to output game content such as voice and music provided by the information processing device 1 based on the game application P2.

[0031] The operation unit 25 is a user interface capable of inputting and outputting data to and from the processing unit 20, and is a touch panel built into the display unit 23. The operation unit 25 may be a physical button. The operation unit 25 may also be a voice input unit.

[0032] A game realized by the game system 100 configured as described above progresses by the information terminal device 2 reproducing game content such as scenario data, battle data, and character data in predetermined execution units (hereinafter referred to as quests) based on the game application P2. A quest involves a character owned by a user battling against a character that is not the target of user control (hereinafter referred to as an NPC (Non-Player Character)) using various methods such as actions, commands, and puzzles. The content of the quest is not limited to this. Quests include quests prepared according to the story, permanent quests (free quests) that can be repeatedly performed, daily quests that can be performed depending on the date or day of the week, and event quests that can be performed for a limited period of time. When one of these multiple types of quests is selected, the user can operate the operation interface for executing the battle. In response to the operation, the scenario and battle progress, characters and backgrounds move, and sound is output.

[0033] As an example of a game according to the present disclosure, a game in which it is possible to strengthen (change) a character or a battle item by using material content will be described below. The game according to this embodiment is a game in which it is possible to strengthen the parameters of a character or a battle item by consuming (using) the number and type of material content determined for each change target.

[0034] In this embodiment, changes resulting from the consumption of material content are not limited to strengthening of specified elements (characters, etc.) such as increasing specified parameters, but also include evolution of characters, etc., such as changes in their appearance or properties, synthesis of material content with at least one character, release of specified effects (increased attack power, etc.), addition of new skills or special moves, changes in the content of skills or special moves (addition or deletion of beneficial effects, or conversely, addition or deletion of detrimental effects, etc.), and other changes in specified elements compared to before consumption due to the consumption of material content.

[0035] Furthermore, the objects that change when material content is consumed (change targets) are not limited to characters and battle items as described above, but can be any game element that can be changed in some way, such as skills or special moves possessed by characters or items, costumes worn by characters, effects (increased attack power, etc.) given to each character or a specific group (attributes, organizations to which they belong, etc.), items other than battle items, etc. Furthermore, the material content may be an item, a character, or points or in-game currency awarded as a result of a predetermined action, a reward, a special benefit, or a lottery result such as gacha.

[0036] The following describes how to obtain material content in the game system 100 of the present disclosure. In this disclosure, the following describes an example of how to obtain an enhancement item (material content), which is one type of material content and is used to enhance characters or battle items. Similar methods can also be applied to methods of obtaining other characters or battle items required for evolution or synthesis, and methods of obtaining points and other items that are not consumed for enhancement. In the game system 100 of the present disclosure, methods of obtaining enhancement items are presented on (1) a character or battle item enhancement (evolution) screen and (2) a screen displaying a list of enhancement items.

[0037] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for presenting a method for obtaining an enhancement item. The process procedure shown in FIG. 4 is executed when the user selects a character or battle item that the user wishes to enhance. That is, the process procedure is performed by the processing unit 20 of the information terminal device 2 reading out the program shown on the left side of FIG. 4 stored in the memory unit 21 in response to the user's selection via the operation unit 25, and executing the program.

[0038] The processing unit 20 of the information terminal device 2 transmits a reference request for a strengthening item required for strengthening, including identification data of the character or battle item to be strengthened (changed) selected by the user, to the information processing device 1 (step S201). The processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 receives the reference request (step S101) and references the identification data of all strengthening items required for strengthening the character or battle item identified by the identification data included in the reference request, and the required number of each item, from the content DB 101 (step S102).

[0039] The processing unit 10 extracts sources of all enhancement items at the time of the reference based on the identification data of the referenced enhancement items (step S103). In step S103, the processing unit 10 extracts at least one of quests, shops, and exchanges as sources of acquisition for each enhancement item designated by the user as an enhancement target. A quest is a quest in which an enemy character that drops the enhancement item appears. A shop is a function that allows the user to purchase the enhancement item using points or in-game currency in the game app P2. An exchange is an event exchange where the user can exchange event items or points obtained by participating in a limited-time event for enhancement items. In step S103, the processing unit 10 extracts the quest, regardless of whether the event is available to each user individually at the source, even if the event period has ended within a predetermined time or the user does not meet the conditions for participating in the event. The processing unit 10 extracts the quest even if the user does not have the points to perform the quest. That is, in step S103, the processing unit 10 essentially extracts all sources from which the target enhancement item can be obtained, regardless of the user's level or the user's possession of items or points.

[0040] In step S103, the processing unit 10 may narrow down the number of sources from which the referenced enhancement items can be obtained by, for example, extracting quests with the highest drop rates for each. The processing unit 10 may preferentially extract sources from which the items can be reliably exchanged, such as event exchange points and shops, or may preferentially extract quests within time-limited events or event exchange points. The processing unit 10 may narrow down the total number of sources to be extracted to a specific number based on these priority criteria.

[0041] The processing unit 10 transmits a list of identification data and required quantities of all necessary strengthening items and a list of extracted data specifying the source of acquisition to the information terminal device 2 (step S104). The processing of steps S101 to S104 may be executed on the information terminal device 2 side.

[0042] The processing unit 20 of the information terminal device 2 receives a list of identification data and required quantities of all required enhancement items, and a list of data specifying input and output destinations (step S202). The processing unit 20 displays an enhancement screen including the names and image data of all required enhancement items and the required quantities for the selected character or battle item to be enhanced (step S203). In step S203, the processing unit 20 displays a list of enhancement items for the character or battle item using icons including images of the enhancement items. The required quantity and the number owned by the user are written on the enhancement item icons (see FIG. 5).

[0043] The processing unit 20 outputs a list display interface for displaying a list of acquisition methods on the enhancement screen (step S204). The list display interface may be an acquisition method button displayed for each required enhancement item, an entire area including the icons of the required enhancement items, or any of the icons of the required enhancement items.

[0044] When the processing unit 20 receives a user selection of the list display interface for displaying a list of acquisition methods output in step S204 (step S205), it causes the display unit 23 to display an acquisition source screen including a list of selectable objects with transition data to the acquisition sources of all necessary strengthening items (step S206). The objects are displayed in the form of a board, banner, panel, or the like.

[0045] Each object displayed on the acquisition source screen includes a name or image that allows the user to recognize the required enhancement item that is available at that source, and text that allows the user to recognize the source. The acquisition source screen includes an object for each source of all required enhancement items, and as will be described later, the objects may be sorted according to a predetermined criterion according to the contents of the corresponding source (see Figure 6).

[0046] The processing unit 20 accepts a user selection from a list of source objects displayed on the source screen (step S207). The processing unit 20 determines whether or not a transition to the source corresponding to the object selected by the user is possible (step S208), and if the transition is possible (S208: YES), the processing unit 20 executes a transition to the selected source (step S209), and ends the process.

[0047] In step S208, whether the transition is possible may be determined based on whether the selection time is within the period during which the quest at the acquisition location is available, or whether the enhancement item is available at the acquisition location's shop or exchange. Whether the transition is possible may also be determined based on whether the user's story progression conditions are met, or whether the conditions for clearing a specific quest are met.

[0048] If the transition is not possible (S208: NO), the processing unit 20 notifies that the transition to the acquisition source is not possible (step S210), and returns the process to step S206.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the strengthening screen 300. FIG. 5 shows an example displayed in step S203 of the processing procedure shown in FIG. 4, which is executed with a character as the strengthening target. The same applies when a battle item is the strengthening target, so a description thereof will be omitted. The strengthening screen 300 includes an image area 301 displaying an image of the character to be strengthened, a status area 302 displaying the skills possessed by the character to be strengthened, an strengthening item area 303 including the names, image data, and required number of required strengthening items, and a strengthening button 304 selected when deciding to strengthen. When the strengthening button 304 is selected, the required strengthening items possessed by the user are consumed, and the character to be strengthened is strengthened.

[0050] The status area 302 displays the skills to be strengthened and their respective levels. The strengthening targets on the strengthening screen 300 shown in FIG. 5 are the levels of each skill. In addition to the status, the status area 302 may display the character's level itself as the strengthening target, or parameters such as attack power or stamina as the strengthening target. When the user selects a skill icon that the user wishes to strengthen from among the skill icons representing the skills displayed in the status area 302, the processing unit 20 accepts the strengthening target designated by the user. In FIG. 5, the skill icon 302a representing "Skill 1" is designated as the strengthening target.

[0051] In the enhancement item area 303, icons 305 each containing the name and image of a required enhancement item are displayed side by side. In FIG. 5, the skill icon 302a corresponding to "Skill 1" is selected as the enhancement target, so the processing unit 20 sets the icon 305 indicating the enhancement item required to enhance "Skill 1" in the enhancement item area 303. Needless to say, when "Skill 2" is selected as the enhancement target, the enhancement items required to enhance "Skill 2" are displayed. In the example of FIG. 5, the required number and the number of items possessed by the user are displayed side by side within the icon 305. In the enhancement item area 303, if the required number is greater than the possessed number and there are insufficient enhancement items required for enhancement, the text indicating the possessed number of the target enhancement item is highlighted by changing the color, blinking, font, decoration, etc. In the example of FIG. 5, the possessed number of one enhancement item is insufficient compared to the required number, so the possessed number is displayed in a box. The entire icon 305 may be highlighted by using color, blinking, decoration, etc., or a mark may be added.

[0052] One acquisition method button 306 is displayed in the enhancement item area 303. When the acquisition method button 306 is operated using the operation unit 25, the processing unit 20 displays an acquisition source screen.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the acquisition source screen 307. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the acquisition source screen 307 is displayed superimposed on the enhancement screen 300. The acquisition source screen 307 includes boards 308 corresponding to the acquisition sources for all enhancement items required to enhance "Skill 1" selected on the enhancement screen 300, corresponding to the number of acquisition sources. Each board 308 includes an icon 309 of the available enhancement item and text indicating the name of the acquisition source. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the acquisition sources include an event item exchange, a shop, and a free quest named "Desert Town." The acquisition source screen 307 may also include boards 308 of acquisition sources for enhancement items that are sufficient for enhancement. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the acquisition source screen 307 may also include boards 308 for acquisition sources to which the user cannot transition because the period has expired. In the acquisition source screen 307 illustrated in FIG. 4, boards 308 for acquisition sources to which transition is not possible are grayed out. However, when selected, it is determined that transition is not possible (S208: NO) and a notification is displayed.

[0054] When the user taps one of the boards 308 shown in FIG. 6 with the operation unit 25, the processing unit 20 transitions the screen to an event item exchange screen, a shop screen, or a free quest selection screen (not shown) based on the transition data attached to the selected board 308. This allows the user to efficiently transition to a source of acquisition of the enhancement items necessary for the character to be enhanced. Furthermore, by displaying a list of boards 308 on the acquisition source screen 307 indicating the sources of acquisition of all material content (enhancement items) for the selected skill to be enhanced, including enhancement items that are not in short supply, the user can strategically consider and select sources of acquisition, not only for materials that are in short supply but also for materials that are sufficient, depending on the situation, such as the period and the expected number of drops. Furthermore, by displaying a list of sources of acquisition of all enhancement items at once, the user does not need to return to the enhancement screen 300 each time to check the source of each item.

[0055] 7 is a flowchart showing another example of the process of presenting a method for obtaining an enhancement item. The process shown in FIG. 7 is executed when a menu displaying a list of enhancement items owned by the user is selected, regardless of the enhancement target. That is, the process is executed by the processing unit 20 of the information terminal device 2 reading out the program shown in FIG. 7 stored in the memory unit 21 in response to the user's selection via the operation unit 25, and executing the program.

[0056] The processing unit 20 of the information terminal device 2 reads out the identification data and number of enhancement items owned by the user stored in the memory unit 21 (step S301), and reads out image data, such as icon data, included in the enhancement item data from the memory unit 21 (step S302).

[0057] The processing unit 20 displays a list screen on the display unit 23, displaying icons including images of the enhancement items, based on the read image data and the number of items (step S303). The processing unit 20 accepts the selection of one of the enhancement items (step S304). The processing unit 20 requests data of a list of sources for obtaining the selected enhancement item from the information processing device 1 (step S305).

[0058] When a request for data on a list of sources is sent to the information processing device 1, the information processing device 1 extracts sources of the target enhancement item in the same manner as in step S103 described above, and returns a list of data identifying the extracted sources. This process may be performed by the processing unit 20 of the information terminal device 2, as in step S103 described above. The source extraction process may prioritize quests with a high drop rate or shops where the item can be reliably obtained, as described in the explanation of step S103, or it may employ an extraction method shown in a modified example described below.

[0059] The processing unit 20 uses the data of the list of acquisition sources returned from the information processing device 1 to cause the display unit 23 to display a details screen showing details of the selected enhancement item (step S306). In step S206, the processing unit 20 may superimpose (pop up) the details screen on the enhancement item list screen, or may transition to a different screen and display it. It is possible to return from the details screen to the enhancement item list screen, and if the return selection is made, the processing unit 20 returns the processing to step S303.

[0060] The processing unit 20 displays text representing the name and description of the enhancement item on the details screen (step S307). The processing unit 20 uses the data of the list of acquisition locations to display a list of selectable objects (boards, banners, panels, etc.) with transition data to the acquisition locations of the selected enhancement item (step S308).

[0061] The processing unit 20 accepts a selection from the list of objects displayed on the details screen (step S309). The processing unit 20 determines whether or not a transition to the acquisition source corresponding to the selected object is possible (step S310), and if the transition is possible (S310: YES), executes a transition to the selected acquisition source (step S311), and ends the processing.

[0062] If the transition is not possible (S310: NO), the processing unit 20 notifies that the transition to the acquisition source is not possible (step S312), and returns the process to step S306 (or S307).

[0063] In this way, on the list screen for enhancement items that are not related to the characters or battle items that can be used with the enhancement items, a list of objects that can be selected and transitioned to a source of acquisition is displayed. This allows the user to check the sources of acquisition of the enhancement items and consider which source to select in order to further increase the number of enhancement items they possess.

[0064] Several variations of the above-mentioned acquisition method presentation screen (FIG. 6, acquisition source screen 307) will be shown below.

[0065] (Variation 1) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a source screen 310 in Modification 1. The source screen 310 is displayed superimposed on the enhancement screen 300 when the acquisition method button 306 is selected on the enhancement screen 300 shown in FIG. 5. In Modification 1, when the processing unit 20 causes the display unit 23 to display the source screen 310, which includes a list of selectable boards (or banners, etc.) 308 with transition data to the source, the processing unit 20 outputs images or text on the quest board 308 that allow the user to recognize other enhancement items or points that can be obtained in the quest. Therefore, in Modification 1, the board 308 includes icons 309 of available enhancement items, text indicating the names of the acquisition sources, and icons 311 of enhancement items that can be probabilistically obtained when the quest is completed. The enhancement item icons 311 may include both enhancement items that are not required for enhancing the enhancement target selected on the enhancement screen 300 and enhancement items that are required. The latter enhancement item icons 311 are highlighted with a bold frame as shown in FIG. 8, allowing the user to recognize them. This allows the user to efficiently select not only a single enhancement item but also enhancement items that are sufficient for the selected enhancement target. Specifically, the board for each quest displays all items available for the corresponding quest, and the enhancement items necessary to enhance the user's selected enhancement target are highlighted. Therefore, if there is a quest in which the user can obtain an enhancement item other than the one displayed in icon 309 (an enhancement item for enhancing the selected enhancement target), the user can easily recognize that quest and identify, at a glance, the acquisition source screen 310, a quest in which multiple enhancement items related to the selected enhancement target can be obtained. Furthermore, the user can strategically select quests in which multiple enhancement items can be obtained, such as enhancement items for unselected enhancement targets in addition to the enhancement items that are sufficient for the selected enhancement target. The user can strategically select a quest that is easy for the user to complete and that provides a sense of value, focusing on the enhancement item of interest, and then proceed directly to the start screen of that quest, allowing for efficient progress.

[0066] (Variation 2) In the second modification, the processing unit 20 also displays a board showing where to obtain all of the enhancement items required to enhance the enhancement target selected on the enhancement screen 300. In the second modification, the processing unit 20, in step S206 shown in FIG. 4, prioritizes and displays at the top of the list sources of enhancement items for which the number of possessed enhancement items is insufficient relative to the required number, among all of the enhancement items required to enhance the selected enhancement target. For example, in step S102, the processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 not only extracts the number of enhancement items (required number) required to enhance the selected enhancement target, but also extracts the number of the required enhancement items possessed by the user with reference to the content DB 110, and in step S104, the processing unit 10 also transmits data indicating the number of the extracted enhancement items possessed to the information terminal device 2. The processing unit 20 of the information terminal device 2 can determine whether the number of possessed enhancement items related to the selected enhancement target is insufficient relative to the required number required for enhancement, and calculate the number that is insufficient. In addition, if there are multiple missing enhancement items, the processing unit 20 may sort them in order of the number of missing items, or may further sort the missing enhancement items in the order in which the enhancement items are arranged on the enhancement screen 300 shown in Figure 5.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a source screen 312 in Modification Example 2. As with FIGS. 6 and 8, the source screen 312 is displayed when the acquisition method button 306 is selected on the enhancement screen 300. The source screen 312 includes selectable boards (or banners, etc.) 313, each with transition data to the source, corresponding to the number of sources. The boards 313 include icons 309 of available enhancement items and text indicating the names of the sources. In Modification Example 2, text 315 indicating the required number of enhancement items and the number owned by the user is added to the board 313. Furthermore, compared to FIG. 6, the source screen 312 shown in FIG. 9 displays enhancement items such as "pots" at a higher position. This makes it easier for the user to select recommended sources, such as sources for obtaining materials needed by the user, without having to intentionally select an item. By displaying a list of all the sources of enhancement items at once, it is no longer necessary to return to the enhancement screen 300 each time to check the source of each item, and convenience for the user is improved by having the processing unit 20 (or processing unit 10) predict and present the source of enhancement items that are likely to be needed by the user.

[0068] (Variation 3) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an acquisition source screen 316 in Modification Example 3. The acquisition source screen 316 is displayed superimposed on the enhancement screen 300 when the acquisition method button 306 is selected on the enhancement screen 300 shown in FIG. 5. In Modification Example 3, when the processing unit 20 displays the acquisition source screen 316, which includes a list of selectable boards (or banners, etc.) 317 with transition data to acquisition sources, on the display unit 23, the processing unit 20 outputs an image or text that informs the user of the remaining time available for an event quest or daily quest board 317, which has limited execution time. In FIG. 10, the board 317 corresponding to the transition data to an event quest also includes an icon 309 of an available enhancement item and text that identifies the acquisition source. In the example shown in FIG. 10, text 318 indicating the remaining time available for the event is added to the board 317 corresponding to an event quest or an event exchange. This can motivate the user to complete a quest with limited execution opportunities.

[0069] (Variation 4) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a source screen 319 in Modification Example 4. The source screen 319 is displayed superimposed on the enhancement screen 300 when the acquisition method button 306 is selected on the enhancement screen 300 shown in FIG. 5. In Modification Example 4, when the processing unit 20 causes the display unit 23 to display the source screen 319, which includes a list of selectable boards (or banners, etc.) 314 to which transition data to the source is attached, the processing unit 20 outputs text indicating the conditions for transition to the board 314 of the source to which transition is not possible. On the source screen 319, as with the source screen 307 shown in FIG. 6, the board 314 of the source to which transition is not possible is grayed out, but text 320 indicating the conditions for transitioning to the source to which transition is not possible is displayed. This can motivate the user to progress through the story in order to increase the number of quests that can be performed.

[0070] (Variation 5) In the fifth modification, the processing unit 20 also displays a board of sources for all of the enhancement items necessary to enhance the character selected on the enhancement screen 300. In the fifth modification, the processing unit 20 adds a process to step S206 shown in Fig. 4 in which, of all the required enhancement items, sources from which a greater number of types of enhancement items may be obtained are preferentially displayed at the top. If three types of enhancement items are required as shown in Fig. 5, the processing unit 20 displays at the top the quests from which all three types of enhancement items may be obtained, then preferentially displays quests from which two types of enhancement items may be obtained, and then displays quests from which one type of enhancement item may be obtained.

[0071] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an acquisition source screen 321 in Modification Example 5. Similar to FIG. 6 or FIG. 8, the acquisition source screen 321 is displayed when the acquisition method button 306 is selected on the enhancement screen 300. The acquisition source screen 321 includes selectable boards (or banners, etc.) 308, each with transition data to the acquisition source, corresponding to the number of acquisition sources. The boards 308 include icons 309 of available enhancement items and text indicating the names of the acquisition sources. In the acquisition source screen 321 shown in FIG. 12, the board 308 corresponding to the transition data to a quest includes icons 311 of other enhancement items that can be probabilistically obtained by completing the quest, similar to Modification Example 1 (FIG. 8). Compared to FIG. 8, boards 308 for quests from which two types of enhancement items can be obtained are displayed at the top. The user can strategically select advantageous quests from which they can obtain not only one enhancement item but also multiple enhancement items, including enhancement items sufficient for the selected character.

[0072] (Variation 6) In the sixth modification, the processing unit 20 also displays boards from which to obtain all of the strengthening items necessary to strengthen the character selected on the strengthening screen 300. In the sixth modification, the processing unit 20 also outputs an interface such as a sort button for changing the display order of the boards in step S206 shown in Fig. 4. Every time a sort interface is selected, the processing unit 20 changes the criteria for the display order and switches the screen.

[0073] 13 and 14 are diagrams showing an example of a source screen 322 of Modified Example 6. The source screen 322, like that of FIG. 6, is displayed when the acquisition method button 306 is selected on the enhancement screen 300. The source screen 322 includes selectable boards (or banners, etc.) 308, each with transition data to the source, corresponding to the number of sources. The source screen 322 also includes a sort button 323. On the source screen 322 of FIG. 13, boards 308 for sources from which an enhancement item whose number is less than the required number can be obtained are displayed at the top (similar to FIG. 9). When the sort button 323 is selected on the source screen 322 of FIG. 13, the processing unit 20 updates the contents of the source screen 322, changing it so that boards 308 for sources from which other enhancement items can be obtained are displayed at the top, as shown in FIG. 14. The sorting criteria may be a combination of examples of Modified Examples 1, 2, 5, etc., as appropriate. This allows the source of all enhancement items to be displayed in a list at once, eliminating the need for the user to return to the enhancement screen 300 each time to check the source of each item, and also making it easier for the user to refer to the list displayed on a small screen such as a smartphone to determine the most desirable quest when formulating a strategy.

[0074] (Variation 7) In Variation 7, the interface for displaying a list of acquisition methods is not an acquisition method button, but one of the icons of the required enhancement items. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of an enhancement screen 324 of Variation 7. Unlike the enhancement screen 300 shown in Figure 5, the enhancement screen 324 shown in Figure 15 does not display the acquisition method button 306. In Variation 7, when one of the enhancement item icons 305 is selected, the processing unit 20 displays an acquisition location screen including boards corresponding to transition data to acquisition locations of all required enhancement items, including that enhancement item.

[0075] 16 and 17 each show an example of a source screen 325 of Variation 7. The source screen 325 of FIG. 16 is displayed when the enhancement item icon 305 with the image of a "seashell" is selected on the enhancement screen 324 of FIG. 15 , and the source screen 325 of FIG. 17 is displayed when the enhancement item icon 305 with the image of a "sparkling flask" is selected. Both the source screens 325 of FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 display boards 308 corresponding to transition data to the source of all enhancement items necessary for strengthening the character selected on the enhancement screen 300, regardless of the enhancement item corresponding to the selected icon 305. Each board 308 includes an enhancement item icon 309, similar to FIG. 6 . On the source screen 325 of FIG. 16 , quests that allow the acquisition of an enhancement item with the image of a "seashell" are displayed at the top, while on the source screen 325 of FIG. 17 , quests that allow the acquisition of an enhancement item with the image of a "sparkling flask" are displayed at the top. This allows the user to view a list of all the sources of enhancement items at once, eliminating the need to return to the enhancement screen 300 each time to check where each item can be obtained, and making it easier for the user to select a board 308 that will take them to a quest where they can obtain the enhancement item corresponding to the icon 305 they selected.

[0076] What is important about the above-described embodiment and its variations is that when a user performs an input that triggers the display of material content sources, such as by operating the acquisition method button 306, the user is presented with sources for all of the material content necessary to transform (e.g., strengthen) the transformation target selected by the user. However, it is not important to present all sources for each required material content. For example, if the required material content is material content A, material content B, and material content C, and there are 20 sources for material content A, 30 sources for material content B, and 10 sources for material content C, a total of 60 sources may be displayed on the source screen. However, the sources may be thinned out for each of material contents A through C according to a predetermined criterion (e.g., displaying the five with the highest acquisition rates, such as drop rates). In other words, in this embodiment, it is sufficient to present sources for all of the required material content, and for each material content, it is sufficient to present at least one source.

[0077] The embodiments disclosed above are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. Forms obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the above-described embodiments and their modifications are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 100 Game System 1. Information processing equipment 10 Processing section 2. Information terminal device 20 Processing section 23 Display section 306 How to get button 307,310,312,316,319,321,322,325 Source screen P1 Information Processing Program P2 Game App

Claims

1. The computer Displaying a list of one or more material contents to be consumed to change a predetermined object; Displaying different acquisition methods for all of the displayed material contents on an acquisition source screen including a list of selectable objects with transition data to each acquisition source screen. A game information processing method including the processing.

2. The screen for accepting an operation to change the predetermined target includes a list of the one or more material contents and an interface for displaying the source screen for the one or more material contents. The game information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. On the computer, Displaying a list of one or more material contents to be consumed to change a predetermined object; Displaying different acquisition methods for all of the displayed material contents on an acquisition source screen including a list of selectable objects with transition data to each acquisition source screen. A computer program that executes a process.

4. The computer, A list of the one or more material contents and an interface for displaying the source screen for the one or more material contents are displayed on a single screen that accepts an operation to change the predetermined object.

4. A computer program according to claim 3, which causes a process to be executed.

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