Information processing program, information processing method, and information processing system

Abstract

To enhance the enjoyment of the game. [Solution] The information processing program causes the computer to perform the following processes: generating a playlist containing multiple song identification information; setting display object information associated with each of the multiple song identification information included in the playlist based on the player's operation input; continuously playing multiple songs corresponding to the multiple song identification information included in the playlist; and controlling the display of images during continuous playback based on the display object information associated with the song identification information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing program, an information processing method, and an information processing system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a so-called rhythm game in which a touch panel is operated in accordance with music has been known. In a rhythm game, a game image is reproduced in accordance with the music.

[0003] In addition, in order to improve the entertainment of rhythm games, a random playback technique has been developed in which a music piece is randomly determined and reproduced from a plurality of music pieces (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, there is a video work called a music video (hereinafter also referred to as MV) that visualizes the worldview and image of a music piece. A music video is also produced for the music of a game and may be implemented in the game. The music video data (hereinafter also referred to as MV data) implemented in the game includes background image data according to the worldview and image of the music, motion data representing the movements of single or plural characters, and the like.

[0006] In the rhythm game of Patent Document 1, when a music video is provided for each music piece, the order of the music pieces is random, while the characters of the music video provided for each music piece are fixed for each music piece, making it difficult to improve the interest of the rhythm game.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide an information processing program, an information processing method, and an information processing system capable of enhancing the enjoyment of games. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the information processing program is: A process to generate a playlist containing multiple song identification information, A process of setting display object information associated with each of the multiple song identification information included in the playlist based on the player's operation input, A process for continuously playing multiple songs corresponding to multiple song identification information included in the playlist, A process for controlling the display of an image during continuous playback based on the display object information associated with the aforementioned music identification information, Have the computer perform this task.

[0009] Furthermore, the process for controlling the display of the image may also control the display of the image based on the music display information of the music corresponding to the music identification information, and the display information of the display object based on the display object information.

[0010] Furthermore, the playlist includes sequence information indicating the playback order of the songs. The process for continuous playback described above may involve continuously playing the multiple songs based on the sequence information, and starting playback of the next song in the playback sequence when the previous song finishes playing.

[0011] Furthermore, the process of setting the display object information may be modified based on the first operation input of the player, by changing the settings of the multiple display object information associated with the multiple song identification information.

[0012] Furthermore, the process of setting the display object information may also be performed to set the same display object information in association with the multiple song identification information based on the player's second operation input.

[0013] Furthermore, the process of setting the display object information may also involve setting basic display object information, which is pre-configured in association with the multiple song identification pieces, as the display object information based on the player's third operation input.

[0014] Furthermore, the process for controlling the display of the image may, when the playback of the music is paused during continuous playback, cause the display unit to display information related to the music corresponding to the music identification information, and the display object information associated with the music identification information.

[0015] To solve the above problems, the information processing method is: An information processing method performed by one or more computers, A process to generate a playlist containing multiple song identification information, A process of setting display object information associated with each of the multiple song identification information included in the playlist based on the player's operation input, A process for continuously playing multiple songs corresponding to multiple song identification information included in the playlist, A process for controlling the display of an image during continuous playback based on the display object information associated with the aforementioned music identification information, Includes.

[0016] To solve the above problems, the information processing system will An information processing system comprising one or more computers, The aforementioned computer, A process to generate a playlist containing multiple song identification information, A process of setting display object information associated with each of the multiple song identification information included in the playlist based on the player's operation input, A process for continuously playing multiple songs corresponding to multiple song identification information included in the playlist, Based on the display object information associated with the music identification information, perform processing for controlling the display of images during continuous playback; Perform.

Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, the interest of the game can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2A is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of a player terminal. FIG. 2B is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of a server. [Figure 3] FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining an example of a home screen. FIG. 3B is a diagram for explaining an example of a live screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of an MV playlist selection screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of an official playlist selection screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of an official MV playlist screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a music video pause screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a my playlist selection screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of a my MV playlist screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a party composition screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a character selection screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 12A is a diagram for explaining an example of a 3D clothing selection screen. FIG. 12B is a diagram for explaining an example of a 2D clothing selection screen. [Figure 13]Figure 13A illustrates an example of the favorite train formation saving screen. Figure 13B illustrates an example of the favorite train formation saving results screen. [Figure 14] Figure 14A illustrates an example of the favorite formation loading screen. Figure 14B illustrates an example of the MV original loading screen. [Figure 15] Figure 15 illustrates an example of the collapsible menu operation section 396 on the My MV Playlist screen. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the song addition screen. [Figure 17] Figure 17 illustrates an example of a batch settings screen. [Figure 18] Figure 18 illustrates an example of the party batch settings screen. [Figure 19] Figure 19 illustrates an example of the costume batch setting screen. [Figure 20] Figure 20 illustrates an example of the MV original loading screen. [Figure 21] Figure 21 illustrates an example of the screen for canceling all party members at once. [Figure 22] Figure 22 illustrates an example of a list save confirmation screen. [Figure 23] Figure 23 illustrates an example of a screen transition confirmation screen. [Figure 24] Figure 24 illustrates an example of a music video pause screen. [Figure 25] Figure 25 illustrates an example of a My MV playlist according to this embodiment. [Figure 26] Figure 26 illustrates the memory configuration and computer functions of the player terminal. [Figure 27] Figure 27 illustrates the memory configuration and computer functionality of the server. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a sequence diagram illustrating the basic processing of the player terminal and server. [Figure 29]Figure 29 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for generating a My MV playlist. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the party setup process according to this embodiment. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the batch setting process according to this embodiment. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the continuous playlist playback process according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values ​​shown in this embodiment are merely examples for the sake of ease of understanding and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the illustration.

[0020] [Overall configuration of information processing system S] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the information processing system S. The information processing system S is a so-called client-server system that includes a player terminal 1, a server 100, and a communication network 200 having a communication base station 200a.

[0021] The player terminal 1 can establish communication with the server 100 via the communication network 200. The player terminal 1 broadly includes electronic devices capable of wireless or wired communication with the server 100. Examples of player terminals 1 include smartphones, mobile phones, tablet devices, personal computers, and game consoles. In this embodiment, the case in which a smartphone is used as the player terminal 1 will be described.

[0022] Server 100 communicates with multiple player terminals 1. Server 100 stores various types of information (hereinafter referred to as player information) for each player identification information (hereinafter referred to as player ID) used to identify players playing the game. Server 100 also updates the stored information based on operations input from player terminals 1.

[0023] The communication base station 200a is connected to the communication network 200 and transmits and receives information wirelessly with the player terminal 1. The communication network 200 consists of a mobile phone network, the internet network, a LAN (Local Area Network), a dedicated line, etc., and enables wireless or wired communication between the player terminal 1 and the server 100.

[0024] In this embodiment, the information processing system S consists of a player terminal 1 and a server 100 that function as a game device G. The player terminal 1 and the server 100 are each assigned a role in controlling the progress of the game, and the game can be played through the cooperation of the player terminal 1 and the server 100.

[0025] [Hardware configuration of player terminal 1 and server 100] Figure 2A is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of player terminal 1. Figure 2B is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of server 100. As shown in Figure 2A, player terminal 1 is composed of one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) 10, memory 12, bus 14, input / output interface 16, storage unit 18, communication unit 20, input unit 22, and output unit 24.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2B, the server 100 is composed of one or more CPUs 110, memory 112, bus 114, input / output interface 116, storage unit 118, communication unit 120, input unit 122, and output unit 124.

[0027] Furthermore, the configuration and functions of the CPU 110, memory 112, bus 114, input / output interface 116, storage unit 118, communication unit 120, input unit 122, and output unit 124 of the server 100 are substantially the same as those of the CPU 10, memory 12, bus 14, input / output interface 16, storage unit 18, communication unit 20, input unit 22, and output unit 24 of the player terminal 1, respectively. Therefore, the hardware configuration of the player terminal 1 will be described below, and the server 100 will not be described.

[0028] The CPU 10 runs the program stored in memory 12 and controls the game's progress. Memory 12 consists of ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory) and stores the program and various data necessary for controlling the game's progress. Memory 12 is connected to the CPU 10 via bus 14.

[0029] An input / output interface 16 is connected to bus 14. A storage unit 18, a communication unit 20, an input unit 22, and an output unit 24 are connected to the input / output interface 16.

[0030] The memory unit 18 is composed of semiconductor memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and stores various programs and data. In the player terminal 1, the programs and data stored in the memory unit 18 are loaded into the memory 12 (RAM) by the CPU 10.

[0031] The communication unit 20 is wirelessly connected to the communication base station 200a and transmits and receives various data and information such as programs to and from the server 100 via the communication network 200. In the player terminal 1, programs and other information received from the server 100 are stored in the memory 12 or the storage unit 18.

[0032] The input unit 22 is composed of, for example, a touch panel, buttons, keyboard, mouse, directional pad, analog controller, etc., which receive (accept) the player's operations. Alternatively, the input unit 22 may be a dedicated controller provided on the player terminal 1 or connected to (externally attached to) the player terminal 1. Furthermore, the input unit 22 may consist of an accelerometer that detects the tilt or movement of the player terminal 1, or a microphone that detects the player's voice. In other words, the input unit 22 broadly includes devices that allow the player's intentions to be input in an identifiable manner.

[0033] The output unit 24 includes a display device and a speaker. The output unit 24 may also be an external device connected to the player terminal 1. In this embodiment, the player terminal 1 is equipped with a touch panel 26 that functions as both an input unit 22 and an output unit 24. The touch panel 26 also functions as a display unit for displaying images or videos.

[0034] [Game Content] Before starting the game, the player downloads a dedicated application from the server 100 to the player terminal 1 and registers their player ID with the server 100. When the application is launched, the player terminal 1 receives information stored in the server 100, such as play history information, and displays the game screen on the touch panel 26. In this embodiment, the player can play a rhythm game using multiple characters (display objects) that they have already acquired. During the rhythm game, a music video is displayed in sync with the music being played. The music video is a game screen generated by either the server 100 or the player terminal 1. The music video includes background images that match the worldview and image of the song, and characters that move in accordance with the worldview and image of the song. In other words, the music video data includes background image data that matches the worldview and image of the song, and motion data that represents the movements of the characters.

[0035] Figure 3A illustrates an example of the home screen. Figure 3B illustrates an example of the live screen. When an application is launched on player terminal 1, the home screen shown in Figure 3A is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0036] On the home screen, a menu bar 300 is displayed at the bottom of the touch panel 26, as shown in Figure 3A, for example. The menu bar 300 is provided with multiple control sections that the player can operate (tap). The menu bar 300 includes a home screen selection control section 300a labeled "Home," a party screen selection control section 300b labeled "Party," a live screen selection control section 300c labeled "Live," and a menu screen selection control section 300d labeled "Menu."

[0037] When the home screen selection control 300a is tapped, the home screen shown in Figure 3A is displayed on the touch panel 26. When the party screen selection control 300b is tapped, a party screen (not shown) is displayed on the touch panel 26. When the live screen selection control 300c is tapped, the live screen shown in Figure 3B is displayed on the touch panel 26. When the menu screen selection control 300d is tapped, a menu screen (not shown) is displayed on the touch panel 26. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, the menu screen allows users to check game settings and various information. In the menu bar 300, the control units corresponding to each screen are highlighted so that the screen currently displayed on the touch panel 26 can be identified.

[0038] The home screen shown in Figure 3A corresponds to the initial screen, and a header display area 310 is provided at the top. The header display area 310 displays level information 310a, which shows the player level associated with the player ID, and a stamina display bar 310b, which shows the stamina of the player associated with the player ID.

[0039] Stamina is a parameter necessary to play rhythm games. In this embodiment, multiple types of rhythm games are provided, and each rhythm game has a set stamina consumption value required to play. The amount of stamina consumed to play varies depending on the type and difficulty of each rhythm game. When playing a rhythm game that has a set stamina consumption value, the player will consume stamina to play the rhythm game, so if the player does not have enough stamina, they will not be able to play that rhythm game.

[0040] Without going into too much detail, when a player clears a rhythm game, they earn a predetermined amount of player experience points. Each time their player experience points reach a certain value, their player level increases.

[0041] Additionally, a stamina limit is set for each player level, and as the player level increases, the stamina limit also increases. Stamina recovers within the limit by a predetermined amount (e.g., 1 point) at regular intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes). The stamina display bar 310b visually shows the current remaining stamina relative to the stamina limit.

[0042] Between the menu bar 300 and the header display area 310 on the home screen, the home menu 320 is displayed. The home menu 320 includes an announcement screen selection operation section 320a labeled "Notifications," a gift screen selection operation section 320b labeled "Presents," and an MV playlist screen selection operation section 320c labeled "MV Playlist."

[0043] When the notification screen selection operation unit 320a is tapped, a notification screen (not shown) displaying update information, maintenance information, etc., is displayed on the touch panel 26. When the gift screen selection operation unit 320b is tapped, a gift screen (not shown) displaying items distributed by, for example, the game operator, is displayed on the touch panel 26. When the MV playlist screen selection operation unit 320c is tapped, the MV playlist screen shown in Figure 4 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0044] While a detailed explanation is omitted, the home menu 320 can be customized by the player. Specifically, by configuring the home screen buttons from a menu screen (not shown), each selection operation displayed on the home menu 320 can be customized.

[0045] When the live screen selection control unit 300c shown in Figure 3A is tapped, the live screen shown in Figure 3B is displayed on the touch panel 26. The live screen is a screen for the player to select the type of rhythm game. Here, multiple game types are provided, each with a different song played during the rhythm game. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, multiple game types with different difficulty levels may be provided for the same song.

[0046] The live screen displays the song information tab 330a, the title display tab 330b, and the confirmation tab 332. The song information tab 330a displays the title of the song being provisionally registered and play history information for the game type being provisionally registered. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3B, the song information tab 330a may display "Random" instead of the title of the song being provisionally registered.

[0047] Above and below the song information tab 330a, multiple title display tabs 330b are displayed. Only the song title is displayed in the title display tabs 330b. When a selection operation (up or down flick operation) is performed in the display area of ​​the song information tab 330a and the title display tabs 330b, the title moves and is displayed in the direction of the operation. This changes the temporarily registered song, and the display content of the song information tab 330a is also changed. In addition, if a selection operation is performed by tapping any of the title display tabs 330b, the temporarily registered song is changed to the song corresponding to the tapped title display tab 330b.

[0048] Additionally, the music video playback tab 334 is displayed on the song information tab 330a. When the music video playback tab 334 is tapped on the song information tab 330a where "Random" is displayed, and then the select tab 332 is tapped, the random playback settings screen is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0049] Additionally, the foldable menu control section 336 is displayed on the live screen. The foldable menu control section 336 is superimposed on the title display tab 330b. Figure 3B shows the foldable menu control section 336 in its expanded state. When the foldable menu control section 336 is tapped from the expanded state shown in Figure 3B, the foldable menu control section 336 is folded, and the title display tab 330b, which was hidden beneath the foldable menu control section 336, becomes visible.

[0050] The folding menu operation unit 336 displays the MV playlist screen selection operation unit 336a. When the MV playlist screen selection operation unit 336a is tapped, the MV playlist selection screen shown in Figure 4 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0051] Figure 4 illustrates an example of the MV playlist selection screen. As shown in Figure 4, the MV playlist selection screen displays a playlist selection operation unit 340. The playlist selection operation unit 340 includes an official playlist selection operation unit 340a and a My Playlist selection operation unit 340b. When the official playlist selection operation unit 340a is tapped, the official playlist selection screen is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0052] Figure 5 illustrates an example of the official playlist selection screen. As shown in Figure 5, the official playlist selection screen displays multiple official playlist display tabs 350. Each official playlist display tab 350 displays a playlist selection operation section 350a that can be selected by the player. One of the multiple playlist selection operation sections 350a is set to be selectable by the player. When a playlist selection operation section 350a is tapped, the official MV playlist screen shown in Figure 6 is displayed.

[0053] Additionally, the official playlist selection screen displays a "Close" button labeled "Close" (close selection operation section 352). When the "Close" button is tapped, the MV playlist selection screen shown in Figure 4 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0054] Figure 6 illustrates an example of the official MV playlist screen. The official MV playlist is created based on the setlists used when the songs in the game were actually performed at live concerts. It is a function that allows the player to watch the music videos, which were specially created for each song, playing continuously in the order of the setlist. As shown in Figure 6, the official MV playlist screen displays a list of multiple music video display tabs 360, in which the songs of the official MV playlist selected by the player are arranged in musical order.

[0055] Each music video display tab 360 displays song number information, song title information, and song image information. Each music video display tab 360 also displays a cast list selection control 362 and a playback start position selection control 364. When the cast list selection control 362 is tapped, information about the characters appearing in the song's music video is displayed on a cast list screen (not shown).

[0056] Furthermore, when the playback start position selection operation unit 364 is tapped, the music videos in the official MV playlist will be played sequentially starting from the tapped song. Note that for songs whose music videos are not yet unlocked in the rhythm game, the playback start position selection operation unit 364 will be displayed as uncontrollable by the player, for example, as shown by the hatching in Figure 6. Conversely, for songs whose music videos have already been unlocked in the rhythm game, the playback start position selection operation unit 364 will be displayed as controllable by the player, for example, as shown by the non-hatching in Figure 6.

[0057] In rhythm games, if a song whose music video has not yet been released is included in the official MV playlist, that song will be excluded from continuous playback of the official MV playlist and will be skipped.

[0058] Additionally, the official MV playlist screen displays a list selection control unit 366. When the list selection control unit 366 is tapped, the official playlist selection screen shown in Figure 5 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0059] Additionally, the official MV playlist screen displays a playback selection control unit 368. When the playback selection control unit 368 is tapped, the music videos are played continuously in the order of the official MV playlist displayed in Figure 6. If the touch panel 26 is tapped during continuous playback of the music videos, the music videos are paused, and the music video pause screen is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0060] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a music video pause screen. As shown in Figure 7, the music video pause screen displays a hide selection operation section 370, a resume selection operation section 372, and an end selection operation section 374. When the hide selection operation section 370 is tapped, the music video pause screen shown in Figure 7 is hidden. When the resume selection operation section 372 is tapped, the paused music video is resumed. When the end selection operation section 374 is tapped, continuous playback of the music video ends, and the official MV playlist screen shown in Figure 6 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0061] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the My Playlist selection screen. When the My Playlist selection operation unit 340b shown in Figure 4 is tapped, the My Playlist selection screen shown in Figure 8 is displayed on the touch panel 26. As shown in Figure 8, the My Playlist selection screen displays multiple My Playlist display tabs 380. Each My Playlist display tab 380 displays list number information, maximum number of songs information, and playlist name information. In this embodiment, the maximum number of songs information is set to a value of 50. However, it is not limited to this; the maximum number of songs can be multiple, and the value of the maximum number of songs information can be any value of 2 or more.

[0062] Furthermore, each My Playlist display tab 380 displays a playlist selection control unit 380a that can be selected by the player. One of the multiple playlist selection control units 380a is set to be selectable by the player. When a playlist selection control unit 380a is tapped, the My MV Playlist screen shown in Figure 9 is displayed.

[0063] Additionally, the My Playlist selection screen displays a close selection operation section 382 labeled "Close". When the close selection operation section 382 is tapped, the MV playlist selection screen shown in Figure 4 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0064] Figure 9 illustrates an example of the My MV Playlist screen. Unlike the official MV Playlist, My MV Playlist is a function that allows players to freely customize and create their own setlists. My MV Playlist allows players to set and register their favorite songs from the songs used in the in-game rhythm game in any order they like. My MV Playlist allows players to watch the music videos of each song in succession according to the order (setlist) set by the player. The number of songs that can be registered in My MV Playlist is determined according to the maximum number of songs information shown in Figure 8. In this embodiment, the maximum number of songs information is set to 50, and the maximum number of songs that a player can set and register as each My MV Playlist is 50. As shown in Figure 9, the My MV Playlist screen displays a list of multiple music video display tabs 390 in which the songs of the My MV Playlist selected by the player are arranged in song order.

[0065] Each music video display tab 390 shows song number information (song order information), song title information, and party formation information. Song number information indicates the playback order of songs in My MV playlist. Party formation information includes information about the normal formation, marked "Normal," and information about the special formation, marked "Special." The normal formation has a smaller maximum number of characters that can be registered in one party compared to the special formation. For example, the maximum number of characters that can be registered in one party in the normal formation is "5," while the maximum number of characters that can be registered in one party in the special formation is "15."

[0066] A delete selection operation section 392 is displayed to the left of each music video display tab 390. Each music video display tab 390 is associated with one delete selection operation section 392, and when a delete selection operation section 392 is tapped, the music video display tab 390 corresponding to the tapped delete selection operation section 392 is deleted. Specifically, the song ID and party formation information associated with the tapped song order information, which will be described in more detail later, are deleted from My MV Playlist. This allows the player to delete unwanted songs from My MV Playlist.

[0067] Additionally, a 2D-3D switching control unit 394 is displayed at the top of the My MV playlist. The 2D-3D switching control unit 394 switches the display format of the characters included in the music video between 2D and 3D formats.

[0068] Additionally, each music video display tab 390 displays a song selection operation section 390a, a character selection operation section 390b, a sound source selection operation section 390c, and a swap selection operation section 390d.

[0069] When the song selection control unit 390a is tapped, a list of rhythm game songs (not shown) is displayed on the touch panel 26. The player can change the song that is set in the current My MV playlist by selecting a song from the list of rhythm game songs. Specifically, when a song is selected by the player from the list of rhythm game songs (not shown), the identification information (hereinafter referred to as the song ID) of the song that is set in the current My MV playlist and tapped by the player is updated to the selected song ID.

[0070] When the character selection control unit 390b is tapped, the party formation screen shown in Figure 10 is displayed on the touch panel 26. The details of the party formation in the special form are described below. The party formation in the normal form is the same as that in the special form, so the explanation is omitted.

[0071] Figure 10 illustrates an example of a party formation screen. The party formation screen is where the player sets the characters included in the music video. As shown in Figure 10, the party formation screen displays five identification images 400 that represent the characters included in the party. In special form, up to 15 characters can be included in the party, so a switching operation section 402 is displayed to the left and right of the five identification images 400. By tapping the switching operation section 402, the identification images 400 representing five characters from the special form's party formation can be switched and displayed. When an identification image 400 is tapped on the party formation screen, the character selection screen shown in Figure 11 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0072] Figure 11 illustrates an example of a character selection screen. As shown in Figure 11, the character selection screen displays a list of characters the player has owned in the past. Here, the player information includes character identification information (hereinafter referred to as character ID). The character IDs included in the player information are those of characters that the player has owned at least once in the past.

[0073] When a player taps the identification image 400a of any character displayed in the character list, the character ID of the tapped identification image 400 on the party formation screen shown in Figure 10 can be changed (updated) to the character ID of the tapped identification image 400a on the character selection screen shown in Figure 11.

[0074] Furthermore, a random selection control unit 400b is displayed in the upper left corner of the character list shown in Figure 11. When the random selection control unit 400b is tapped, one character ID is randomly selected from the character IDs included in the player information. Then, the character ID of the identification image 400 that was tapped on the party formation screen shown in Figure 10 is changed (updated) to the randomly selected character ID.

[0075] Returning to Figure 10, the party formation screen displays five identification images 404 below each character's identification image 400, indicating the costumes (display objects) associated with each character. Costumes are items that each character can wear. When an identification image 404 is tapped on the party formation screen, the costume selection screen shown in Figures 12A and 12B is displayed on the touch panel 26. The costume selection screen is where the player sets the costumes of the characters included in the music video.

[0076] Figure 12A illustrates an example of a 3D costume selection screen. Figure 12B illustrates an example of a 2D costume selection screen. Depending on the character display format switched by the 2D-3D switching operation unit 394 shown in Figure 9 or Figure 10, either the costume selection screen in Figure 12A or Figure 12B will be displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0077] As shown in Figure 12A, the 3D costume selection screen displays one or more 3D costume information tabs 420a, a 3D random costume information tab 420b, a 3D random costume priority information tab 420c, and a closed tab 424. The 3D costume information tab 420a displays the image and name of the costume to be displayed in the 3D music video. The 3D random costume information tab 420b indicates that the costume to be displayed in the 3D music video is determined randomly. The 3D random costume priority information tab 420c indicates that among the costumes of the characters displayed in the 3D music video, the identification information (hereinafter referred to as costume ID) of costumes with a high rarity (e.g., SS rare) will be prioritized for selection.

[0078] When the player taps the Change tab 422a in the 3D costume information tab 420a, they can change the costume ID of the identification image 404 tapped on the party formation screen shown in Figure 10 to the costume ID tapped on the costume selection screen shown in Figure 12A. Here, the player information includes the costume IDs of characters the player has owned.

[0079] Furthermore, when the Change tab 422b of the 3D Random Costume Information tab 420b, or the Change tab 422c of the 3D Random Costume Priority Information tab 420c is tapped, one costume ID is randomly selected from the costume IDs included in the player information. Then, the costume ID of the identification image 404 tapped on the party formation screen shown in Figure 10 is changed to the randomly selected costume ID. When the Close tab 424 is tapped on the 3D Costume Selection screen, the party formation screen shown in Figure 10 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0080] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12B, the 2D costume selection screen displays one or more 2D costume information tabs 430a, a 2D random costume information tab 430b, a 2D random costume priority information tab 430c, and a close tab 434. The 2D costume information tab 430a displays the image and name of the costume to be displayed in the 2D music video. The 2D random costume information tab 430b indicates that the costume to be displayed in the 2D music video is determined randomly. The 2D random costume priority information tab 430c indicates that among the costumes of the characters displayed in the 2D music video, costumes with higher rarity (e.g., SS rare) costume IDs will be prioritized for selection.

[0081] When a player taps the Change tab 432a in the 2D costume information tab 430a, they can change the costume ID of the identification image 404 tapped on the party formation screen shown in Figure 10 to the costume ID tapped on the costume selection screen shown in Figure 12B.

[0082] Furthermore, when the Change tab 432b of the 2D Random Costume Information tab 430b, or the Change tab 432c of the 2D Random Costume Priority Information tab 430c is tapped, one costume ID is randomly selected from the costume IDs included in the player information. Then, the costume ID of the identification image 404 tapped on the party formation screen shown in Figure 10 is changed to the randomly selected costume ID. When the Close tab 434 is tapped on the 2D Costume Selection screen, the party formation screen shown in Figure 10 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0083] Returning to Figure 10, the party formation screen displays a favorite registration selection operation section 406 above each character's identification image 400. When the favorite registration selection operation section 406 is tapped on the party formation screen, the favorite formation save screen shown in Figure 13A is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0084] Figure 13A illustrates an example of the favorite train formation saving screen. Figure 13B illustrates an example of the favorite train formation saving results screen. As shown in Figure 13A, the favorite train formation saving screen displays multiple favorite train formation registration tabs 440.

[0085] Each favorite formation registration tab 440 displays the character identification image 400 and costume identification image 404 from the party formation screen shown in Figure 10. Each favorite formation registration tab 440 also displays a save selection operation section 442 and a cancel selection operation section 444.

[0086] When the save selection operation unit 442 is tapped, the favorite formation save process is executed. In the favorite formation save process, information about the party formation set on the party formation screen shown in Figure 10 (hereinafter referred to as party formation information) is stored as favorite formation information and associated with the player information. The favorite formation information includes character ID, costume ID, and formation order information regarding the order in which the party formation is arranged. On the other hand, when the cancel selection operation unit 444 is tapped, the favorite formation save process is not executed, and the party formation screen shown in Figure 10 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0087] When the favorite formation save process is executed, the favorite formation save result screen shown in Figure 13B is displayed on the touch panel 26. The favorite formation save result screen displays a confirmation message that the favorite formation has been saved, and a close selection operation section 446 labeled "Close". When the close selection operation section 446 is tapped, the favorite formation save process is completed, and the party formation screen shown in Figure 10 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0088] Returning to Figure 10, the party formation screen displays the Favorite Load Selection Operation Unit 408, the MV Original Load Selection Operation Unit 410, and the Confirmation Operation Unit 412 below the identification images 404 of each costume. When the Favorite Load Selection Operation Unit 408 is tapped on the party formation screen, the Favorite Formation Load Screen shown in Figure 14A is displayed on the touch panel 26. When the MV Original Load Selection Operation Unit 410 is tapped, the MV Original Load Screen shown in Figure 14B is displayed on the touch panel 26. When the Confirmation Operation Unit 412 is tapped, the currently set party formation shown in Figure 10 is confirmed. At this time, the party formation information (character ID, costume ID, etc.) is stored in the My MV playlist in association with the song ID.

[0089] Figure 14A illustrates an example of the favorite train formation loading screen. Figure 14B illustrates an example of the MV original loading screen. As shown in Figure 14A, the favorite train formation loading screen displays multiple favorite train formation loading tabs 450. These multiple favorite train formation loading tabs 450 correspond to the multiple favorite train formation registration tabs 440 shown in Figure 13A.

[0090] Each favorite formation loading tab 450 displays the character identification image 400 and costume identification image 404 from the favorite formation registration tab 440 shown in Figure 13A. Additionally, each favorite formation loading tab 450 displays a load selection operation unit 452 and a cancel selection operation unit 454.

[0091] When the Load Selection Operation Unit 452 is tapped, the Favorite Formation Loading Process is executed. In the Favorite Formation Loading Process, the favorite formation information corresponding to the tapped Favorite Formation Loading Tab 450 is loaded from the player information. On the other hand, when the Cancel Selection Operation Unit 454 is tapped, the Favorite Formation Loading Process is not executed, and the party formation screen shown in Figure 10 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0092] When the favorite formation loading process is executed, the party formation on the party formation screen shown in Figure 10 is updated based on the loaded favorite formation information.

[0093] As shown in Figure 14B, the MV Original Loading screen displays a warning message stating that loading an MV Original Party will overwrite the currently configured Party shown in Figure 10. The MV Original Loading screen also displays a Load Selection Operation Unit 460 and a Close Selection Operation Unit 462 labeled "Close".

[0094] When the load selection operation unit 460 is tapped, the MV original party formation load process is executed. Each song in the rhythm game has a corresponding music video set, and each music video is associated with information about a party formation consisting of pre-set MV original characters (basic display objects) (hereinafter referred to as MV original party formation information). The MV original party formation information is stored in the game information storage unit in association with the song ID, song data, and MV data. When the MV original party formation load process is executed, the MV original party formation information is loaded from the game information storage unit based on the song name information (song ID) shown in Figure 10. Then, the party formation on the party formation screen shown in Figure 10 is updated based on the loaded MV original party formation information, and the MV original party formation load process is completed.

[0095] On the other hand, when the close selection operation unit 462 is tapped, the MV original party formation loading process is not executed, and the party formation screen shown in Figure 10 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0096] Returning to Figure 9, each music video display tab 390 displays an audio source selection control section 390c and a swap selection control section 390d. When the audio source selection control section 390c is tapped, an audio source selection screen (not shown) is displayed on the touch panel 26, allowing the player to customize the audio source of the song to their liking. Additionally, by tapping and swiping up or down on the swap selection control section 390d, the order of songs in the My MV playlist can be changed, and the position of the tapped music video display tab 390 can be moved to the position where the tap is released.

[0097] Furthermore, the My Playlist screen shown in Figure 9 displays the foldable menu control unit 396. Figure 9 shows the foldable menu control unit 396 in a folded state, while Figure 15 shows the foldable menu control unit 396 in an unfolded state.

[0098] Figure 15 illustrates an example of the collapsible menu operation section 396 on the My MV Playlist screen. As shown in Figure 15, the collapsible menu operation section 396 displays the list selection operation section 396a, the song addition operation section 396b, the batch setting operation section 396c, the list save operation section 396d, the repeat switching operation section 396e, the shuffle switching operation section 396f, and the playback selection operation section 396g.

[0099] When the list selection operation unit 396a is tapped, the My Playlist selection screen shown in Figure 8 is displayed on the touch panel 26. Also, when the song addition operation unit 396b is tapped, the song addition screen is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0100] Figure 16 illustrates an example of the song addition screen. As shown in Figure 16, the song addition screen displays a list of rhythm game songs. The rhythm game song list displays multiple song identification images 470 that the player can select.

[0101] At the bottom of the rhythm game song list, multiple song selection frames 472 and a confirmation selection area 474 are displayed. The multiple song selection frames 472 display song order information indicating the order of songs in the My MV playlist. The multiple song selection frames 472 correspond to the song order and song ID of the My MV playlist, and images of the already set song IDs are displayed. A delete selection area 472a is displayed for song selection frames 472 that have a song ID set. When the delete selection area 472a is tapped, the song ID set in the tapped song selection frame 472 is deleted. In this way, song IDs set in the My MV playlist can be deleted.

[0102] If a song selection box 472 does not have a song ID set, the song ID image will not be displayed and the box will remain blank. When the blank song selection box 472 is selected and the song identification image 470 displayed in the rhythm game song list is tapped, a song ID will be added to song selection box 472, and the added song ID will be associated with and stored in My MV playlist. In this way, a new song ID can be added to My MV playlist.

[0103] When the selection operation unit 474 is tapped, the song order and song ID of the My MV playlist are determined, and the My MV playlist screen shown in Figure 15 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0104] When the batch setting operation unit 396c is tapped on the My MV Playlist screen shown in Figure 15, the batch setting screen shown in Figure 17 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0105] Figure 17 illustrates an example of a batch settings screen. As shown in Figure 17, the batch settings screen displays the Party Batch Settings Selection Operation Unit 480a, the Costume Batch Settings Selection Operation Unit 480b, the MV Original Settings Selection Operation Unit 480c, and the Party Batch Deactivation Selection Operation Unit 480d. The batch settings screen also displays the Confirm Selection Operation Unit 482 and the Cancel Selection Operation Unit 484.

[0106] When the Party Batch Setting Selection Operation Unit 480a is tapped, the Party Batch Setting Selection Operation Unit 480a is selected. If the Confirmation Selection Operation Unit 482 is tapped in this state, the Party Batch Setting screen shown in Figure 18 will be displayed on the touch panel 26. On the other hand, if the Cancel Selection Operation Unit 484 is tapped, the Party Batch Setting process is canceled, and the My MV Playlist screen shown in Figure 15 will be displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0107] Figure 18 illustrates an example of a party batch settings screen. As shown in Figure 18, the party batch settings screen displays an identification image 400 indicating the characters in the party, a switching operation unit 402, and an identification image 404 indicating the costumes. The party batch settings screen also displays a favorites load selection operation unit 490 and a confirm selection operation unit 492.

[0108] When the Favorite Load Selection Operation Unit 490 is tapped, the Favorite Formation Load screen shown in Figure 14A is displayed on the touch panel 26. Then, as explained in Figure 14A, when the Favorite Formation Load process is executed, the party formation on the Party Batch Settings screen shown in Figure 18 is updated based on the loaded Favorite Formation information.

[0109] When the selection operation unit 492 is tapped, the party formation shown in the batch party setting screen in Figure 18 is set for all songs in My MV playlist. Specifically, the party formation information (character ID, costume ID, formation order information) shown in Figure 18 is associated with and stored for all song IDs in My MV playlist. The party formation information may also include identification information for accessories that can be equipped to characters (hereinafter referred to as accessory ID).

[0110] Here, as mentioned above, party formations include both normal and special forms. If the party formation shown in Figure 18 is a special form, and this special form is set for all songs at once, then the normal form party formations for all songs will consist of a portion of the special form's formation. For example, of the 15 characters in the special form party formation, the 5 characters displayed on the party bulk setting screen in Figure 18 will be set as the normal form party formation. However, of the 15 characters in the special form party formation, the 5 characters not displayed on the party bulk setting screen in Figure 18 may also be set as the normal form party formation.

[0111] Furthermore, if the party formation shown in Figure 18 is the normal form, and the normal form party formation is set for all songs at once, then some of the special form party formations in all songs will be set to the normal form party formation. The remaining parts of the special form party formation will be set to a party formation of randomly selected characters.

[0112] Returning to Figure 17, when the costume batch setting selection operation unit 480b is tapped, the costume batch setting screen shown in Figure 19 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0113] Figure 19 illustrates an example of the batch costume setting screen. As shown in Figure 19, the batch costume setting screen displays a random costume information tab 500a, a random costume priority information tab 500b, a random costume information tab for all characters 500c, and a random costume priority information tab for all characters 500d. The batch costume setting screen also displays a confirmation selection operation unit 504, and when the confirmation selection operation unit 504 is tapped, the batch costume setting process described below is executed.

[0114] The Random Costume Information tab 500a displays a message indicating that one type of costume will be randomly selected for the music video. Additionally, the Selection Operation tab 502a is displayed on the Random Costume Information tab 500a. Tapping the Selection Operation tab 502a selects the Random Costume Information tab 500a.

[0115] The Random Costume Priority Information tab 500b displays that one type of costume displayed in the music video is randomly determined, and if there is a character with a high rarity (e.g., SS Rare) costume ID, that costume ID will be prioritized. In addition, the Selection Operation tab 502b is displayed on the Random Costume Priority Information tab 500b. When the Selection Operation tab 502b is tapped, the Random Costume Priority Information tab 500b is selected.

[0116] The "All Characters Random Costume Information" tab 500c displays a message indicating that the costumes for each character displayed in the music video are randomly determined. Additionally, the "Selection Operation" tab 502c is displayed within the "All Characters Random Costume Information" tab 500c. Tapping the "Selection Operation" tab 502c selects the "All Characters Random Costume Information" tab 500c.

[0117] The "All Characters Random Costume Priority Information" tab 500d displays that the costumes for all characters displayed in the music video are randomly determined, and if a character has a costume ID with a high rarity (e.g., SS Rare), that costume ID will be prioritized. Additionally, the "All Characters Random Costume Priority Information" tab 500d displays the "Selection Operation" tab 502d. When the "Selection Operation" tab 502d is tapped, the "All Characters Random Costume Priority Information" tab 500d is selected.

[0118] When the Random Costume Information tab 500a is selected, and the Confirmation Selection Operation Unit 504 is tapped, one type of costume to be displayed in the music video is randomly selected and that one type of costume is set for all characters. Specifically, one type of costume ID is associated with and stored for all character IDs.

[0119] When the Random Costume Priority Information tab 500b is selected, and the Confirmation Selection Operation Unit 504 is tapped, one type of costume to be displayed in the music video is randomly determined and set for all characters. At this time, if there is a character with a high rarity costume ID (for example, SS rarity), that costume ID will be prioritized and set only for that character. Specifically, for character IDs with a high rarity costume ID, the high rarity costume ID will be associated and stored, and for all other character IDs, one type of costume ID will be associated and stored.

[0120] When the All Characters Random Costume Information tab 500c is selected, and the Confirmation Selection Operation Unit 504 is tapped, the costumes of all characters displayed in the music video are randomly determined, and each determined costume is set for all characters. Specifically, the randomly determined costume ID is associated with and stored for each character ID.

[0121] When the All Characters Random Costume Priority Information tab 500d is selected, and the Confirmation Selection Operation Unit 504 is tapped, the costumes for all characters displayed in the music video are randomly determined, and each determined costume is set for all characters. At this time, if there is a character with a high rarity costume ID (for example, SS Rare), that costume ID will be prioritized and set for that character only. Specifically, for character IDs with a high rarity costume ID, the high rarity costume ID will be associated and stored, while for other character IDs, the randomly determined costume ID will be associated and stored.

[0122] On the other hand, when the cancel selection operation unit 506 is tapped, the batch costume setting process is not performed, and the My MV playlist screen shown in Figure 15 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0123] Returning to Figure 17, when the MV original setting selection operation unit 480c is tapped, the MV original loading screen shown in Figure 20 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0124] Figure 20 illustrates an example of the MV Original Loading screen. As shown in Figure 20, the MV Original Loading screen displays a warning message stating that loading an MV Original Party will overwrite all Parties in My MV Playlist. The MV Original Loading screen also displays a Load Selection Operation Unit 510 and a Close Selection Operation Unit 512 labeled "Close".

[0125] When the load selection operation unit 510 is tapped, the MV original party formation load process described in Figure 14B is executed. The MV original load process is executed for each song in the My MV playlist, and the MV original party formation information (basic display object information) that has been set in advance for the music video of each song is set as the party formation information of the characters displayed in the music video. Here, if the number of characters in the MV original party formation is less than a specified number (for example, 5), randomly selected characters may be added to make the number equal to or greater than the specified number. Specifically, party addition formation information that associates randomly determined character IDs with the MV original party formation information may be set as the party formation information of the characters displayed in the music video.

[0126] On the other hand, when the close selection operation unit 512 is tapped, the MV original party formation loading process is not executed, and the My MV playlist screen shown in Figure 15 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0127] Returning to Figure 17, when the Party Batch Deactivation Selection Operation Unit 480d is tapped, the Party Batch Deactivation screen shown in Figure 21 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0128] Figure 21 illustrates an example of the party batch deactivation screen. As shown in Figure 21, the party batch deactivation screen displays a confirmation message stating that all party formations for all songs in the My MV playlist will be deactivated and all party formations will be composed of randomly selected characters. The party batch deactivation screen also displays a confirm selection operation section 520 and a cancel selection operation section 522.

[0129] When the selection operation unit 520 is tapped, all party formations for all songs in the My MV playlist are deactivated, and a random setting process is executed to set all party formations with randomly selected characters. Specifically, party formation information, formed with randomly determined character IDs, is associated with and stored for each song ID in the My MV playlist.

[0130] When the cancel selection operation unit 522 is tapped, the party is not canceled all at once, and the My MV Playlist screen shown in Figure 15 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0131] Returning to Figure 15, when the list save operation unit 396d is tapped, the process of saving the My MV playlist is executed, and the list save confirmation screen shown in Figure 22 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0132] Figure 22 illustrates an example of a list save confirmation screen. As shown in Figure 22, the list save confirmation screen displays a confirmation message indicating that the My MV playlist has been saved. The list save confirmation screen also displays a close selection operation section 530 labeled "Close".

[0133] When the close selection operation unit 530 is tapped, the My MV playlist saving process is performed, and the My MV playlist screen shown in Figure 15 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0134] On the other hand, if the list save operation unit 396d shown in Figure 15 is not tapped, and one of the home screen selection operation unit 300a, party screen selection operation unit 300b, live screen selection operation unit 300c, or menu screen selection operation unit 300d of the menu bar 300 is tapped, a screen movement confirmation screen is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0135] Figure 23 illustrates an example of a screen transition confirmation screen. Here, we will explain the case where the Home screen selection operation unit 300a of the menu bar 300 is tapped, but the List Save operation unit 396d is not tapped. As shown in Figure 23, the screen transition confirmation screen displays a warning message stating that if you move to the Home screen without saving the My MV playlist you are editing, the current My MV playlist will be discarded. The screen transition confirmation screen also displays a Close selection operation unit 540 labeled "Close," a Save selection operation unit 542 labeled "Save and move," and a Non-Save selection operation unit 544 labeled "Move without saving."

[0136] When the Close selection operation 540 is tapped, the screen movement confirmation screen is closed, and the My MV Playlist screen shown in Figure 15 is displayed on the touch panel 26. When the Save selection operation 542 is tapped, the My MV Playlist is saved, and the Save confirmation screen shown in Figure 22 is displayed on the touch panel 26. When the Do Not Save selection operation 544 is tapped, the My MV Playlist is not saved, the screen movement confirmation screen is closed, and the Home screen shown in Figure 3A is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0137] Returning to Figure 15, when the repeat switching operation unit 396e is tapped, the repeat playback of the My MV playlist switches between ON and OFF. Similarly, when the shuffle switching operation unit 396f is tapped, the shuffle playback of the My MV playlist switches between ON and OFF.

[0138] Furthermore, when the playback selection control unit 396g is tapped, the song and its corresponding music video are played continuously in sync according to the song order in the My MV playlist. If the touch panel 26 is tapped during continuous playback of the song and music video, the song and music video are paused, and the music video pause screen is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0139] Figure 24 illustrates an example of a music video pause screen. As shown in Figure 24, the music video pause screen displays song image information, song number information, song title information, party formation information, and party formation information. Specifically, the song ID in My MV Playlist is associated with song information (song image information, song title information, party formation information), and the song order information (song number information) and party formation information in My MV Playlist are also associated with it. When a music video is paused, the music video pause screen is generated based on this various information.

[0140] The music video pause screen displays a hide selection operation section 550, a resume selection operation section 552, and an end selection operation section 554. When the hide selection operation section 550 is tapped, the music video pause screen is hidden. When the resume selection operation section 552 is tapped, the paused song and music video resume. When the end selection operation section 554 is tapped, continuous playback of the song and music video ends, and the My MV playlist screen shown in Figure 15 is displayed on the touch panel 26.

[0141] Figure 25 illustrates an example of a My MV playlist according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 25, My MV playlist includes song order information, song IDs, and party formation information. One song order information, one song ID, and one party formation information are associated and stored in My MV playlist. The song order information indicates the order in which the music videos of songs corresponding to the song IDs are played consecutively, and is order information that indicates the playback order of the songs (music videos). The song ID is identification information for songs that can be played in the rhythm game.

[0142] Party formation information includes character position information, character ID, and costume ID. Character position information indicates the position (or order) of the characters in the party formation. The position of the characters displayed in the music video is determined based on the character's position in the party formation. In other words, the position of the characters displayed in the music video changes depending on the character's position in the party formation. The character ID is the identification information of the character, and the costume ID is the identification information of the costume that can be worn by the character.

[0143] According to this embodiment, the player can freely set and change the song order information, song ID, and party formation information of their My MV playlist. This allows the player to create their own My MV playlist tailored to their preferences, and to freely customize the characters, party formation, costumes, etc., displayed in the music video for each song in the My MV playlist. As a result, the enjoyment of the game can be enhanced.

[0144] Next, we will explain the basic configuration and communication processes of player terminal 1 and server 100. Note that this section describes only one example of basic communication processing necessary for game progression; other processes will not be explained.

[0145] (Functional configuration of player terminal 1) Figure 26 illustrates the configuration of the memory 12 in the player terminal 1 and its function as a computer. The memory 12 is provided with a program storage area 12a and a data storage area 12b. When the game starts, the CPU 10 stores the terminal-side game control program (module) in the program storage area 12a.

[0146] The terminal-side game control program includes a game execution control program 600, a playlist generation program 610, a music setting program 620, a display object setting program 630, a continuous playback program 640, and a display control program 650. Note that the programs listed in Figure 26 are just examples, and the terminal-side game control program includes many other programs.

[0147] The data storage area 12b is equipped with a game information storage unit 700 and a player information storage unit 710 as storage units for storing data. Note that the above-mentioned storage units are just examples, and the data storage area 12b is equipped with many other storage units.

[0148] The CPU 10 operates each program stored in the program storage area 12a and updates the data in each storage unit of the data storage area 12b. The CPU 10 then operates each program stored in the program storage area 12a, thereby causing the player terminal 1 (computer) to function as the terminal-side game control unit 1A. The terminal-side game control unit 1A includes a game execution control unit 600a, a playlist generation unit 610a, a music setting unit 620a, a display object setting unit 630a, a continuous playback unit 640a, and a display control unit 650a.

[0149] Specifically, the CPU 10 runs the game execution control program 600, causing the computer to function as a game execution control unit 600a. Similarly, the CPU 10 runs the playlist generation program 610, the music setting program 620, the display object setting program 630, the continuous playback program 640, and the display control program 650, causing them to function as a playlist generation unit 610a, a music setting unit 620a, a display object setting unit 630a, a continuous playback unit 640a, and a display control unit 650a, respectively.

[0150] The game execution control unit 600a controls the overall progress of the game. For example, when a user logs in, the game execution control unit 600a sends login information to the server 100. Also, when the game information for the entire game is updated, the game execution control unit 600a receives the updated game information from the server 100 and stores it in the game information storage unit 700. This game information includes song information associated with song IDs and MV data.

[0151] The playlist generation unit 610a generates the My MV playlist shown in Figure 25 based on the player's operation input. Specifically, the playlist generation unit 610a generates the My MV playlist which includes multiple song order information, multiple song IDs (song identification information), and multiple party formation information.

[0152] The music setting unit 620a sets information about the music in the My MV playlist based on the player's input. Specifically, the music setting unit 620a sets the music ID and the order of the music in the My MV playlist.

[0153] The display object setting unit 630a sets the display object information to be displayed in the music video of each song in the My MV playlist based on the player's operation input. The display object information is, for example, the character ID and costume ID of the characters in the party. Specifically, the display object setting unit 630a sets the display object information (for example, character ID and costume ID) associated with each of the multiple song IDs included in the My MV playlist based on the player's operation input.

[0154] The display object setting unit 630a changes the settings of multiple display object information associated with multiple song IDs based on the player's first operation input. For example, in the party batch cancellation screen shown in Figure 21, when the confirmation selection operation unit 520 is tapped (first operation input), the currently set party formation information is changed all at once to party formation information formed by randomly determined character IDs. This allows the player to enjoy a different presentation from the music video in the rhythm game without having to set each character that appears in the music video for each song.

[0155] The display object setting unit 630a sets the same display object information associated with multiple song IDs based on the player's second operation input. For example, in the party batch setting screen shown in Figure 18, when the confirmation selection operation unit 492 is tapped (second operation input), the same party formation information is set in bulk for all song IDs in the My MV playlist. This allows the player to set a party formation with their favorite characters as the party formation for the characters appearing in the music video of each song, eliminating the need to set a party formation for each song individually.

[0156] The display object setting unit 630a sets basic display object information, which is pre-configured in association with multiple song IDs, as display object information based on the player's third operation input. For example, in the MV original loading screen shown in Figure 20, when the loading selection operation unit 510 is tapped (third operation input), the MV original party formation information (basic display object information) pre-configured for each song's music video in the My MV playlist is set all at once. As a result, the player can easily enjoy the specially created music video effects for each song in the rhythm game without having to configure the characters that appear in each song's music video.

[0157] The continuous playback unit 640a plays multiple songs included in the My MV playlist in the order of the songs in the My MV playlist. Specifically, the continuous playback unit 640a plays song data corresponding to multiple song IDs included in the My MV playlist in the order of the songs in the My MV playlist. The continuous playback unit 640a plays multiple song data in the order of the songs based on the song order information and, upon completion of song playback, starts playback of the next song in the playback order. The playback of the song data is synchronized with the music video (image) controlled by the display control unit 650a.

[0158] The display control unit 650a plays music videos corresponding to songs in synchronization with the songs played by the continuous playback unit 640a. The display control unit 650a controls the display of images shown on the touch panel 26 during continuous playback of music videos, based on the My MV playlist. Specifically, the display control unit 650a controls the display of images shown on the touch panel 26 during continuous playback of music videos, based on the display object information associated with the song ID of the My MV playlist.

[0159] More specifically, the display control unit 650a controls the display of images shown on the touch panel 26 based on the music display information of the music corresponding to the music ID, and the display information of the display objects based on the display object information. In other words, the display control unit 650a controls the display of images shown on the touch panel 26 by performing real-time rendering from the music display information (background information and motion information) of the music (music video) and the display information of the display objects (character image information and costume image information). Note that during music video playback, the display objects included in the images rendered in real time cannot be operated by the player. In other words, during music video playback, the game mode is simply for viewing, and the player cannot operate on the display objects (for example, characters). The images rendered in real time may be 2D images (2D object images) or 3D images (3D object images).

[0160] Furthermore, when playback of a song is paused during continuous playback of a music video, the display control unit 650a displays information about the song corresponding to the song ID, and display object information associated with the song ID, on the touch panel 26. Specifically, when continuous playback of a music video is paused, the display control unit 650a displays information about the song (song image information, song number information, song title information, party formation information), and display object information (party formation information) on the touch panel 26.

[0161] (Functional configuration of Server 100) Figure 27 illustrates the configuration of the memory 112 in the server 100 and its function as a computer. The memory 112 is provided with a program storage area 112a and a data storage area 112b. When the game starts, the CPU 110 stores the server-side game control program (module) in the program storage area 112a.

[0162] The server-side game control program includes a game execution control program 800 and a playlist management program 810. Note that the programs listed in Figure 27 are just examples; the server-side game control program includes many other programs.

[0163] The data storage area 112b is equipped with a game information storage unit 900 and a player information storage unit 910 as storage units for storing data. Note that the above-mentioned storage units are just examples, and the data storage area 112b is equipped with many other storage units.

[0164] The CPU 110 runs each program stored in the program storage area 112a and updates the data in each storage unit of the data storage area 112b. The CPU 110 then runs each program stored in the program storage area 112a, thereby enabling the server 100 to function as the server-side game control unit 100A. The server-side game control unit 100A includes a game execution control unit 800a and a playlist management unit 810a.

[0165] Specifically, the CPU 110 runs the game execution control program 800, causing the computer to function as a game execution control unit 800a. Similarly, the CPU 110 runs the playlist management program 810, causing the computer to function as a playlist management unit 810a.

[0166] The game execution control unit 800a controls the overall progress of the game. For example, when the game execution control unit 800a receives login information from the player terminal 1, it makes the player information stored in the player information storage unit 910 available for the player terminal 1 to download from the server 100. Also, when the game information for the entire game is updated, the game execution control unit 800a reads the updated game information from the game information storage unit 900 and makes it available for the player terminal 1 to download from the server 100.

[0167] When the playlist management unit 810a receives information about My MV playlists (My MV playlist information) from the player terminal 1, it checks whether the contents of My MV playlists are consistent, and if they are consistent, it stores them in the player information storage unit 910.

[0168] (Communication processing between player terminal 1 and server 100) Figure 28 is a sequence diagram illustrating the basic processing of player terminal 1 and server 100. In the following explanation, processing performed on player terminal 1 is denoted as Pn (where n is any integer), and processing performed on server 100 is denoted as Sn (where n is any integer).

[0169] When a player starts a game application on player terminal 1 (P1), the game execution control unit 600a sends login information to server 100. When the game execution control unit 800a of server 100 receives the login information, it identifies the player ID associated with the login information and performs the login process (S1). Here, the game execution control unit 800a reads the player information corresponding to the identified player ID and the My MV playlist information (hereinafter also referred to as list information) shown in Figure 25 from the player information storage unit 910, and makes the player information and list information available for download from server 100 to player terminal 1. In addition, if the game information stored in the game information storage unit 900 is changed, the game execution control unit 800a makes the changed game information available for download from server 100 to player terminal 1.

[0170] When the playlist selection operation unit 380a on the My Playlist Selection screen shown in Figure 8 is tapped on the player terminal 1, the playlist generation unit 610a executes the My MV playlist generation process (P2).

[0171] Figure 29 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the My MV playlist generation process. As shown in Figure 29, the song setting unit 620a determines whether or not the song selection operation unit 390a has been tapped (P2-1). If the song selection operation unit 390a is tapped, the song setting unit 620a executes a song setting process to set the song ID in the My MV playlist, according to the selection operation of the song (song ID) shown in the rhythm game song list (not shown) (P2-2).

[0172] If the song selection operation unit 390a is not tapped, the song setting unit 620a determines whether or not the song addition operation unit 396b has been tapped (P2-3). If the song addition operation unit 396b is tapped, the song setting unit 620a executes a song setting process to set the song ID in the My MV playlist according to the selection operation of the song (song ID) shown in the rhythm game song list in Figure 16 (P2-2).

[0173] The display object setting unit 630a determines whether or not the character selection operation unit 390b has been tapped (P2-4). If the character selection operation unit 390b has been tapped, the display object setting unit 630a executes a party setting process to set party formation information in My MV Playlist (P100). The party setting process will be described later.

[0174] If the character selection operation unit 390b is not tapped, the display object setting unit 630a determines whether or not the batch setting operation unit 396c has been tapped (P2-5). If the batch setting operation unit 396c is tapped, the display object setting unit 630a executes the batch setting process (P200). The batch setting process will be described later.

[0175] After processing P100 and P200, or if P2-5 is NO, the display object setting unit 630a determines whether or not the swap selection operation unit 390d has been swiped (P2-6). If the swap selection operation unit 390d has been swiped, the display object setting unit 630a executes a song order change process to change the song order of the My MV playlist in response to the swipe operation of the swap selection operation unit 390d (P2-7).

[0176] After processing P2-7, or if the answer to P2-6 is NO, the display object setting unit 630a determines whether the delete selection operation units 392 and 472a have been tapped (P2-8). If the delete selection operation units 392 and 472a are tapped, the display object setting unit 630a deletes the music video display tab 390 and performs a deletion process that removes the song ID and party formation information corresponding to the deleted music video display tab 390 from My MV Playlist (P2-9).

[0177] After processing P2-9, or if P2-8 is NO, the display object setting unit 630a determines whether the list save operation unit 396d has been tapped (P2-10). If the list save operation unit 396d has been tapped, the display object setting unit 630a performs a save process to save the My MV playlist to the player information storage unit 710 in association with the player information (P2-11), and then terminates the My MV playlist generation process.

[0178] If the list save operation unit 396d is not tapped, the display object setting unit 630a determines whether or not the non-save selection operation unit 544 has been tapped (P2-12). If the non-save selection operation unit 544 is tapped, the My MV playlist generation process ends without performing the save process in P2-11. If the non-save selection operation unit 544 is not tapped, the process returns to P2-1.

[0179] Figure 30 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the party setting process according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 30, the display object setting unit 630a determines whether or not the character identification image 400 shown in Figure 10 has been tapped (P101). If the identification image 400 has been tapped, the display object setting unit 630a executes a character setting process to set the characters to be formed as a party, in accordance with the character selection operation of the character list shown in Figure 11 (character ID) (P102).

[0180] If the identification image 400 is not tapped, the display object setting unit 630a determines whether or not the identification image 404 of the costume shown in Figure 10 has been tapped (P103). If the identification image 404 is tapped, the display object setting unit 630a executes a costume setting process to set the costume as an item to be attached to the character, according to the selection operation of the change tabs 422a, 422b, and 422c shown in Figures 12A and 12B (P104).

[0181] If the identification image 404 is not tapped, the display object setting unit 630a determines whether or not the favorite loading selection operation unit 408 has been tapped (P105). If the favorite loading selection operation unit 408 is tapped, the display object setting unit 630a executes a favorite party formation setting process to set the party formation based on the loaded favorite formation information, in accordance with the selection operation of the loading selection operation unit 452 shown in Figure 14A (P106).

[0182] If the Favorites Load Selection Operation Unit 408 is not tapped, the Display Object Setting Unit 630a determines whether or not the MV Original Load Selection Operation Unit 410 has been tapped (P107). If the MV Original Load Selection Operation Unit 410 is tapped, the Display Object Setting Unit 630a executes the MV Original Party Formation Setting Process to set the party formation based on the loaded MV Original Party Formation Information, in accordance with the selection operation of the Load Selection Operation Unit 460 shown in Figure 14B (P108).

[0183] If the processing of P102, P104, P106, and P108 is completed, or if the MV original load selection operation unit 410 is not tapped, the display object setting unit 630a determines whether or not the confirm selection operation unit 412 has been tapped (P109). If the confirm selection operation unit 412 is tapped, the display object setting unit 630a terminates the party formation process. On the other hand, if the confirm selection operation unit 412 is not tapped, the display object setting unit 630a returns to processing P101.

[0184] Figure 31 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the batch setting process according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 31, when the decision selection operation unit 482 shown in Figure 17 is tapped, the display object setting unit 630a determines which of the party batch setting selection operation unit 480a, costume batch setting selection operation unit 480b, MV original setting selection operation unit 480c, or party batch deactivation selection operation unit 480d is selected.

[0185] First, the display object setting unit 630a determines whether the batch party setting selection operation unit 480a is selected (P201). If the batch party setting selection operation unit 480a is selected, the display object setting unit 630a performs the same party setting process, which associates the currently set party formation information in Figure 18 with all song IDs in My MV playlist (P202).

[0186] If the party batch setting selection operation unit 480a is not selected, the display object setting unit 630a determines whether the costume batch setting selection operation unit 480b is selected or not (P203). If the costume batch setting selection operation unit 480b is selected, the display object setting unit 630a executes the costume batch setting process described in Figure 19 (P204).

[0187] If the costume batch setting selection operation unit 480b is not selected, the display object setting unit 630a determines whether the MV original setting selection operation unit 480c is selected or not (P205). If the MV original setting selection operation unit 480c is selected, the display object setting unit 630a executes the MV original party formation loading process described in Figure 20 (P206).

[0188] If the MV original setting selection operation unit 480c is not selected, the display object setting unit 630a assumes that the party batch deactivation selection operation unit 480d is selected, executes the random setting process described in Figure 21 (P207), and terminates the batch setting process.

[0189] Returning to Figure 28, once a My MV playlist is generated, the playlist generation unit 610a sends list information about the generated My MV playlist to the server 100 (P2). Upon receiving the list information, the server 100's playlist management unit 810a checks whether the contents of the list information are consistent. If consistent, it performs My MV playlist management processing to associate the list information with player information and save it in the player information storage unit 910 (S2). If the contents of the list information are inconsistent, the playlist information is discarded, and error information indicating that an error has occurred in the list information is made available for download from the server 100 to the player terminal 1 (S2).

[0190] When the playback selection operation unit 396g shown in Figure 15 is tapped, the continuous playback unit 640a determines that a playback operation has been received and executes a playlist continuous playback process (P3) to continuously play music videos of songs from the rhythm game based on the My MV playlist generated in P2.

[0191] Figure 32 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the continuous playback process of a playlist according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 32, the continuous playback unit 640a refers to the My MV playlist shown in Figure 25 and performs a song identification process to identify the song to be played based on the song order information and song ID (P3-1).

[0192] The display control unit 650a refers to the My MV playlist shown in Figure 25 and performs an MV data reading process (P3-2) to read the MV data associated with the song from the game information storage unit 700 based on the song ID of the song identified in P3-1.

[0193] Furthermore, the display control unit 650a executes a party formation information reading process (P3-3) which reads the party formation information corresponding to the song from the My MV playlist based on the song ID of the song identified in P3-1.

[0194] Then, the continuous playback unit 640a performs music playback processing to play the music data of the song identified in P3-1, and the display control unit 650a performs image control processing to generate and control the image to be displayed on the touch panel 26 based on the MV data read in P3-2 and the party formation information read in P3-3 (P3-4). Here, the MV data includes music display information (information about the background image of the music video, character motion information, etc.). In the image control processing, the display control unit 650a performs real-time rendering using the character position information, character ID, and costume ID included in the party formation information and the music display information included in the MV data to control the display of the image shown on the touch panel 26.

[0195] The continuous playback unit 640a determines whether there is a song in the next playback sequence when playback of a song ends (P3-5). The determination of whether there is a song in the next playback sequence is made based on the information in the My MV playlist shown in Figure 25. If there is a song in the next playback sequence, the continuous playback unit 640a returns to the process in P3-1 and performs a song identification process to identify the song in the next playback sequence. The display control unit 650a then performs the processes in P3-2, P3-3, and P3-4 based on the song ID of the identified song and the My MV playlist shown in Figure 25.

[0196] On the other hand, if there is no song in the next playback sequence, the continuous playback unit 640a terminates the playlist continuous playback process.

[0197] Returning to Figure 28, the continuous playback unit 640a determines that a pause operation has been received when the touch panel 26 is tapped during playlist continuous playback processing, and executes a process to pause the currently playing song (music video). At this time, the display control unit 650a executes a pause screen display process (P4) that displays the music video pause screen described in Figure 24 on the touch panel 26.

[0198] When the resume selection operation unit 552 shown in Figure 24 is tapped, the continuous playback unit 640a determines that a resume operation has been received and executes a playlist playback resume process to resume playback of the paused song (music video) (P5).

[0199] The continuous playback unit 640a determines that an end operation has been received when the end selection operation unit 554 shown in Figure 24 is tapped, or when the last song in the playback order finishes while the repeat function of the My MV playlist is OFF, and executes a playlist end operation to terminate the playlist continuous playback process (P6).

[0200] As described above, the player terminal 1 is equipped with a game execution control program 600, a playlist generation program 610, a music setting program 620, a display object setting program 630, a continuous playback program 640, and a display control program 650. The player terminal 1 also includes a game execution control unit 600a, a playlist generation unit 610a, a music setting unit 620a, a display object setting unit 630a, a continuous playback unit 640a, and a display control unit 650a. However, some or all of these programs and functions may be provided on the server 100. In other words, these programs and functions may be provided on either the player terminal 1 or the server 100, or both.

[0201] Furthermore, the server 100 is equipped with a game execution control program 800 and a playlist management program 810. The server 100 also includes a game execution control unit 800a and a playlist management unit 810a. However, some or all of these programs and functional units may be provided on the player terminal 1. In other words, these programs and functional units may be provided on either the player terminal 1 or the server 100, or both.

[0202] Furthermore, the information processing program in the above embodiment may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and provided as such. It may also be provided as a player terminal or information processing system including this storage medium. Moreover, the above embodiment may also be an information processing method that implements each function and the steps shown in the flowchart.

[0203] Although one embodiment has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or variations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0204] 610a Playlist Generation Unit 630a Display Object Setting Section 640a Continuous Playback Unit 650a Display Control Unit

Claims

[Claim 1] A process to generate a playlist that includes multiple song identification information linked to song order information, which indicates the playback order of songs, and multiple first display object information, A process of setting the plurality of first display object information in association with each of the plurality of song identification information included in the playlist based on the player's input operation, A process that outputs a list of display sets corresponding to the plurality of song identification information, wherein each display set included in the list includes song title information associated with each of the plurality of song identification information and a list of identification images corresponding to the first display object information, and the display sets can be deleted based on the player's delete selection operation, and when a display set is deleted, the list of identification images corresponding to the song title information and the first display object information included in the deleted display set is deleted. A process for continuously playing multiple songs corresponding to the multiple song identification information included in the playlist, If the display set is not deleted based on the delete selection operation of the player, the multiple songs will be played continuously according to the song order information. If the display set is deleted based on the player's delete selection operation, the playback order of the songs corresponding to the song identification information corresponding to the deleted display set will be played in the order that was removed from the song order information, and the process of playing the multiple songs consecutively will be performed. A process to control the output of the display when the multiple songs are played continuously, in synchronization with the playback of the songs, based on the first display object information associated with each of the multiple song identification information included in the playlist, An information processing program that causes a computer to perform a task.

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