Program, information processing method, and information processing system

Abstract

To provide a gaming environment that players can enjoy in a wider range of ways. [Solution] The first path determination means 66 determines the optimal first movement path for the character to move from the initial starting point to the destination point, based on the character's initial starting point and the destination point determined by the destination point determination means 64. The second path determination means 68 determines the optimal second movement path for the character to move from the character's current location to the destination point, based on the character's current location and the destination point determined by the destination point determination means 64. The path presentation means 70 performs various processes to display the first path determined by the first path determination means 66 and the second path determined by the second path determination means 68 in a virtual space or on a map corresponding to the virtual space.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in games and the like, a route for a character to reach a destination in a virtual space may be displayed on the virtual space or on a map (so-called map) corresponding to the virtual space. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of displaying a route to a destination specified by a player on a map (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, many of the conventional technologies including the technology described in Patent Document 1 above display a route from the current position of the character to the destination. Therefore, for example, when a player accidentally moves the character to a place that is not the correct route, the route to the destination is changed and the displayed route is updated. However, for example, from the perspective of a player who has planned to reach the destination while checking the initially displayed route and acquiring items existing near that route, it is considered inconvenient if a new route is displayed every time the current position of the character changes. Furthermore, some players, especially those unfamiliar with the game, may prefer to follow the initially displayed route safely and therefore do not want the route to be updated. However, completely concealing the route from the current location to the destination could cause players to get lost if their character's position changes.

[0005] This disclosure is made in light of these circumstances and aims to provide a game environment that players can enjoy in a wider range of ways.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the first aspect of this disclosure is: The information processing device used in games A destination point determination means for determining the destination point of a character in the virtual space of the aforementioned game, A first path determination means for determining a first path that cannot be updated by the movement of the character from a first location where the character exists to a first destination point which is the destination point, A second path determination means for determining a second path that can be updated by the movement of the character from a second location where the character exists to a second destination point which is the destination point, A presentation means for presenting the first path and the second path as images relating to the game, This is a program that makes it function as such.

[0007] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the presentation means may present the first path and the second path in different ways.

[0008] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the first destination point and the second destination point may be the same location in the virtual space.

[0009] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the first destination point and the second destination point may be different locations in the virtual space.

[0010] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the destination point determination means automatically determines the first destination point and determines the second destination point based on the player's input operation. The first route determination means and the second route determination means may determine the first and second routes from the character's current location to the first destination when the player reaches the second destination and certain conditions are met.

[0011] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the presentation means may change whether or not to present the first path or the second path in response to the player's input operation.

[0012] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the presentation means may present the image relating to the game by excluding the area traversed by the character's movement from the first or second path.

[0013] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the program described above may also function as a third path determination means for determining a path that the character can rejoin the first path if it deviates from the first or second path.

[0014] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the presentation means does not have to present the first or second path if the character is not present on the first or second path for a certain period of time.

[0015] In addition, in the first aspect, the presentation means may further present information relating to the first destination point or the second destination point.

[0016] Furthermore, the second aspect of this disclosure is, An information processing method executed by an information processing device related to a game, A destination point determination step in which the destination point of a character in the virtual space of the game is determined, A first route determination step of determining a first route that cannot be updated by the movement of the character from a first point where the character exists to a first destination point that is the destination point; A second route determination step of determining a second route that can be updated by the movement of the character from a second point where the character exists to a second destination point that is the destination point; A presentation step of presenting the first route and the second route as images related to the game; An information processing method including the above.

[0017] Moreover, a third aspect of the present disclosure is An information processing system related to a game, Destination point determination means for determining a destination point of a character in the virtual space of the game, First route determination means for determining a first route that cannot be updated by the movement of the character from a first point where the character exists to a first destination point that is the destination point, Second route determination means for determining a second route that can be updated by the movement of the character from a second point where the character exists to a second destination point that is the destination point, Presentation means for presenting the first route and the second route as images related to the game, An information processing system comprising the above.

[0018] The information processing method and information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure are also provided as an information processing method or information processing system corresponding to the program according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present disclosure, a player can provide a game environment in which a wider range of enjoyment is possible.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a game device that constitutes an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of a game device and a server that constitute an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of an image of how various travel routes are displayed on a map in an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of an image of how various movement paths are displayed in a virtual space related to an information processing system according to one embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of an image displayed on a game device that constitutes an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the flow of various processes performed by a game device that constitutes an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of an image of how various movement paths are displayed in a virtual space according to an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a different example from the example in Figure 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] [Embodiment] First, before describing embodiments of the present invention, we will briefly describe the games to which the information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this system") is applied. The games to which this system applies (hereinafter referred to as "the game") include, for example, RPGs (Role-Playing Games) and action RPGs. In the game, the player can freely control their character in a virtual space, strengthen their character by repeatedly engaging in battles with enemy characters, and progress through the game. The player then experiences various content set within the game and ultimately aims to clear the game. In the following explanation, the controllable character that moves in response to the player's input will simply be referred to as the character.

[0022] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, this system consists of a game device 1 and a server 2. The game device 1 and the server 2 are interconnected via a predetermined network N, such as the Internet. However, the network N is not a mandatory component; for example, NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth (registered trademark), LAN (Local Area Network), etc., may be used. Hereafter, when simply referred to as "image," it includes both "moving images" and "still images."

[0023] Game device 1 is used by players who wish to apply the services provided by this system. Game device 1 consists of a general-purpose home game console, PC (Personal Computer), smartphone, tablet, etc. Game device 1 performs various processes necessary for the progress of this game.

[0024] Server 2 is managed by the system administrator, etc. Server 2 is composed of a general-purpose PC or similar device. Server 2 communicates with game device 1, etc., and saves and manages various information necessary for the progress of this game.

[0025] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a game device that constitutes an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the game device 1 includes a control unit 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0027] The control unit 11 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, GPU, and semiconductor memory. The control unit 11 executes various processes according to the program recorded in the ROM 12 or the program loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13. RAM13 also stores information necessary for the control unit 11 to perform various processes.

[0028] The control unit 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14. An output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

[0029] The output unit 16 outputs image information or audio information to a display or speaker. The image information or audio information output by the output unit 16 is output from the display or speaker in a format that can be recognized by a person as an image or sound.

[0030] The input unit 17 is, for example, a game controller, and it inputs various information in response to the player's input operations.

[0031] The memory unit 18 consists of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores various types of information. For example, the memory unit 18 stores various game programs necessary for game progression, save data, account information, and so on.

[0032] The communications unit 19 controls communications with other hardware, etc., via the network N, including the Internet.

[0033] A drive 20 is provided as needed. A removable media 31, consisting of a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, is appropriately mounted in the drive 20. Various programs for running the game are stored in the removable media 31. Programs read from the removable media 31 by the drive 20 are installed in the storage unit 18 as needed. Furthermore, the removable media 31 can store various types of information stored in the memory unit 18, just as the memory unit 18 does.

[0034] Here, the hardware configuration of Server 2 can be basically the same as that of Game Device 1, so we will omit the explanation.

[0035] Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of a game device and server constituting an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 11 of the game device 1 functions as a game processing execution means 60, an input operation receiving means 62, a destination point determination means 64, a first route determination means 66, a second route determination means 68, a route presentation means 70, and an output control means 72 by executing various programs.

[0036] The game processing execution means 60 of the game device 1 performs various processes related to the game. Specifically, the game processing execution means 60 executes the game program and generates 2D or 3D images and sounds related to the game, by reading virtual game space objects and textures included in the game information from a storage unit (not shown) in accordance with various input operations from the player or other users. In other words, the game processing execution means 60 controls the progress of the game by generating and managing game images of the game based on input operations and the position and angle of the virtual camera. Furthermore, the game processing execution means 60 transmits various information related to the game to the server 2 as appropriate.

[0037] The input operation receiving means 62 receives game-related input operations from the player. The information regarding input operations received by the input operation receiving means 62 (hereinafter referred to as "input operation information") includes information regarding the type of button or analog stick used for the input operation, information regarding the time the input operation was performed, and information regarding the number of times the button was pressed.

[0038] The destination point determination means 64 determines the destination point of the character in the virtual space of the game. Specifically, the destination point determination means 64 determines a predetermined point in the virtual space (hereinafter referred to as the "destination point") that the target character is intended to move to, based on the player's input operation.

[0039] The first path determination means 66 determines a first path that cannot be updated by the character's movement from the first point where the character is located to the first destination point, which is the destination point. Specifically, the first path determination means 66 determines the optimal movement path (hereinafter referred to as the "first movement path") for the character to move from the starting point to the destination point, based on the character's initial current location (hereinafter referred to as the "starting point") and the destination point determined by the destination point determination means 64. In other words, the initial current location referred to here is the current position where the character is located when the destination point is first determined by the player.

[0040] The second path determination means 68 determines a second path that can be updated by the character's movement from the second point where the character is located to the second destination point, which is the destination point. Specifically, the second path determination means 68 determines the optimal movement path (hereinafter referred to as the "second movement path") for the character to move from the current location of the character after the movement (hereinafter referred to as the "movement point") to the destination point determined by the destination point determination means 64. In other words, the movement point referred to here is the location where the character is located when the destination point is determined by the player for the first time or later.

[0041] The route presentation means 70 presents the first route and the second route as images related to the game. Specifically, the route presentation means 70 performs various processes to display the first route determined by the first route determination means 66 and the second route determined by the second route determination means 68 on a virtual space or on a map corresponding to the virtual space (hereinafter referred to as "map").

[0042] The output control means 72 performs various processes to display various game images, sounds, etc., generated by the game processing execution means 60 on the output unit 16.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 100 of server 2 executes various programs, thereby enabling the game information management means 120 to function.

[0044] The game information management means 120 of server 2 manages various information necessary for the game to progress on game device 1 and executes various processes. Specifically, for example, the game information management means 120 performs authentication for account information transmitted from game device 1, and delivers game information in response to download requests for various game information from game device 1.

[0045] Figure 4 shows an example of how various movement paths can be displayed on a map. In the example in Figure 4, the optimal movement path RA is displayed for the target character to move from the starting point A1 to the destination point A2 determined by the player's input. This system can present a movement path (first movement path or second movement path) to the player as part of the game image, for example, by the method shown in Figure 4. The movement path (first movement path or second movement path) can be overlaid on a map showing the terrain of such a virtual space and presented to the player as part of the game image.

[0046] In contrast, Figure 5 shows an example of how various movement paths can be displayed in a virtual space. In the example in Figure 5, the target character F1 and the optimal movement path RB for moving character F1 from its starting point B1 to its destination point B2 are displayed. Specifically, in the example in Figure 5, a pattern of white circles extending from the current position to the destination position is displayed in the virtual space to indicate the movement path RB. This system can, for example, present a movement path (first movement path or second movement path) to the player as part of the game image using the method shown in Figure 5.

[0047] Figure 6 shows an example of an image displayed on a game device that constitutes an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example in Figure 6, two movement paths are displayed: movement path RC, which is the movement path from the initial starting point C1 to the destination point C2, and movement path RD, which is the movement path from the destination point D1 to the destination point C2 after the movement. That is, after the initial starting point is determined, the position after the character moves becomes the destination point D1. In the example in Figure 6, movement path RC is the first movement path, and RD is the second movement path. That is, in the example in Figure 6, the character, initially at the starting point C1, has determined movement path RC, but then mistakenly deviates from movement path RC and moves to movement point D1, after which movement path RD is displayed. In this way, the system can present to the player both the second movement path (which is updated) determined based on the character's movement point and the first movement path (which is not updated) initially determined based on the starting point. This allows the player to confirm the base movement path that does not change, and then also confirm the shortest movement path according to the character's current position. In this embodiment, if the character moves further from the situation in the example in Figure 6, the first movement path, movement path RC, is always displayed as is, and only the second movement path, movement path RD, is updated according to the character's current position after the move.

[0048] Figure 7 shows an example of the processing flow performed by a game device that constitutes an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] In step S1, the input operation receiving means 62 receives the player's input operation for the destination point.

[0050] In step S2, the destination point determination means 64 determines the destination point that the target character is aiming to move to, based on the player's input operation.

[0051] In step S3, the first path determination means 66 determines the optimal first movement path for the character to move from the initial starting point to the destination point, based on the character's initial starting point and the destination point determined by the destination point determination means 64.

[0052] In step S4, the route presentation means 70 performs various processes to display the first travel route determined by the first route determination means 66 in a virtual space or on a map.

[0053] In step S5, the second path determination means 68 determines whether or not the character is moving after the first movement path has been determined by the first path determination means 66. If no movement has occurred, the second route determination means 68 determines that step S5 is NO, and the process returns to the point immediately before step S5. If movement is occurring, the second route determination means 68 determines that step S5 is YES, and the process proceeds to S6.

[0054] In step S6, the second path determination means 68 determines the optimal second movement path for the character to move from the character's current location to the destination location, based on the character's current location after movement and the destination location determined by the destination location determination means 64.

[0055] In step S7, the path presentation means 70 performs various processes to display the first movement path determined by the first path determination means 66 and the second movement path determined by the second path determination means 68 on the virtual space or on the map. This completes the various processes related to the presentation of movement paths performed by the game device 1.

[0056] Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described above, and modifications, improvements, etc., to the extent that they can achieve the purpose of the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure.

[0057] [Other embodiments] Here, referring to Figure 8, an example of a method for presenting a movement path (first movement path or second movement path) to the player, different from those in Figures 4 and 5, is shown. Specifically, in the example in Figure 8, a swarm of insects is displayed along the movement path from the starting point to the destination point, guiding the character. This system may present the first movement path to the player in the manner shown in Figure 8, for example, and the second movement path to the player in the manner shown in Figure 5, for example. Conversely, this system may present the first movement path to the player in the manner shown in Figure 5, for example, and the second movement path to the player in the manner shown in Figure 8, for example.

[0058] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explained that the system determines the destination point based on player input, it is not limited to this. The system may, for example, automatically determine the destination point according to the progress of the game.

[0059] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explained that the system determines a travel path from the character's current location (starting point or moving point) to the destination point, it is not limited to this. The system may, for example, determine a travel path from any point different from the character's current location (starting point or moving point) to the destination point (e.g., a predetermined object, the character's past location, etc.).

[0060] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explained that the system determines the shortest path from the current location (starting point or moving point) to the destination as the travel path, it is not limited to this. The system may determine the optimal travel path not by determining the shortest path from the current location (starting point or moving point) to the destination, but by considering, for example, the travel time taking into account information such as terrain and objects present in the travel path, or the presence or absence of game media that can be obtained along the target travel path.

[0061] Furthermore, although the above embodiments described the system as displaying movement paths in a virtual space or on a map corresponding to the virtual space, it is not limited to this. The system may, for example, display movement paths only in the virtual space or on the map, or it may display movement paths in both the virtual space and the map. Alternatively, the system may not display movement paths in either the virtual space or the map, but present the movement paths to the player by any other method.

[0062] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment assumed that both the first and second movement paths target the same destination point, this is not limited to that. The system may determine two destination points: the destination point of the first movement path (hereinafter referred to as the "first destination point") and the destination point of the second movement path (hereinafter referred to as the "second destination point"). In this case as well, the first and second destination points may be the same location in the virtual space or different locations in the virtual space. Specifically, the system may, for example, automatically determine the first destination point according to the progress of the story and determine the second destination point according to the player's input. The player can set a free movement path unrelated to the story (for example, a movement path to obtain a rare item) as the second destination point, which is thought to broaden the range of gameplay.

[0063] Furthermore, the method by which this system determines the first and second destination points is arbitrary, but for example, the first and second destination points may be determined by the following method. (1) The system may determine a first destination point and a second destination point depending on the method used to determine the destination point. For example, the system may determine a destination point automatically determined by the system as the first destination point, and a destination point determined by the player's input as the second destination point. If, for example, the first destination point determined by the system and the destination point determined by the player's input are the same location, the system may process them as the same location in its information processing, or it may process them as different destination points in its processing. (2) The system may determine the first and second destination points by considering them as different destination points if their locations are physically far apart.

[0064] Furthermore, although not described in the above embodiments, the system may determine a first travel path and a second travel path for each of the first and second destination points, especially when different first and second destination points are set. This system may present the player with a combination of the first movement path to the first destination, the second movement path to the first destination, the first movement path to the second destination, and the second movement path to the second destination. Furthermore, this system may, for example, initially present the player with only the first movement path to the second destination and the second movement path to the second destination. Once the player fulfills a predetermined condition at the second destination (for example, the character reaches the second destination, or the enemy character set as the second destination is defeated), the system may automatically determine and present the first and second movement paths from the second destination to the first destination.

[0065] Furthermore, although not explained in the embodiments described above, in cases where different first and second destination points are set, the system may, for example, simply determine the movement path to the first destination point as the first movement path and the movement path to the second destination point as the second movement path, and present them to the player. That is, in this case, the system guides the character to the second destination point via the second movement path, and the first movement path is always displayed as the movement path from the initial starting point to the first destination point. The system may also present the player with explanations or guidance regarding the first or second destination point, such as "The destination has been temporarily changed."

[0066] Furthermore, although not explained in the above embodiment, this system does not need to display the first or second movement path if the character is not present on the first or second movement path for a certain period of time. This prevents the display of various movement paths from interfering with the player's intended gameplay when the player voluntarily deviates from the movement path. Note that this system may determine that a character is present on a movement path only if the character is present on the first movement path, or it may determine that a character is present on a movement path if the character is within a certain range from the first movement path.

[0067] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment (particularly the embodiment in Figure 7) explains that the system determines whether or not the character has moved after determining the first movement path, it is not limited to this. The system does not necessarily have to determine whether or not the character has moved after determining the first movement path. Specifically, for example, the system may, after determining the first movement path, assume that the character has moved and then determine the second movement path accordingly.

[0068] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described the destination point as a point (region) within the virtual space, it is not limited to that. The destination point is not limited to a point (region) within the virtual space, but may be any object such as a building or other object existing in the virtual space, an NPC (Non-Player Character), an enemy character, an arbitrary mechanical event (hereinafter referred to as a "gimmick"), or various game media (such as items placed in the virtual space). Note that the object that becomes the destination point may be a moving object or a stationary object.

[0069] Furthermore, although not described in the above embodiment, if a moving object (e.g., an enemy character) is set as the destination, the system may add the path the object took to the first or second movement path and present it to the player.

[0070] Furthermore, although not explained in the above embodiment, the system may update the destination point under different conditions depending on whether a stationary object or a moving object is set as the destination point. Specifically, for example, if the system automatically sets an enemy character as the first destination point, and then the player sets a stationary object such as a building as the second destination point, the system may determine that predetermined conditions have been met when the character enters the building, which is the second destination point, and then determine and present the first movement path to the enemy character, which is the first destination point. On the other hand, if the system automatically sets an enemy character as the first destination point, and then the player sets a different enemy character as the second destination point, the system may determine that predetermined conditions have been met when the character defeats the other enemy character, which is the second destination point, or when the setting of the second destination point is canceled, and then determine and present the first movement path to the enemy character, which is the first destination point.

[0071] Furthermore, although not explained in the above embodiment, this system can accept destination point settings by any method. Specifically, this system may accept the setting of a destination point by, for example, accepting a marker (a so-called pin) at the location of the destination point. Furthermore, especially if an enemy character is set as the destination, this system may cancel the setting of the destination upon defeating the enemy character, the passage of time, or the disappearance of the enemy character (for example, if it is possible to obtain items after defeating the enemy character). Furthermore, if an NPC, especially one located in a town, is set as the destination, this system may, for example, cancel the setting of the destination by causing the NPC to disappear (for example, by moving outside the virtual space). Furthermore, if a gimmick existing in a virtual space is set as the destination, this system may, for example, cancel the setting of the destination by activating the gimmick. Also, if the target gimmick requires step-by-step operation, this system may cancel the setting of the destination once all operations are completed. Furthermore, if an item placed in a virtual space is set as the destination, this system may, for example, cancel the destination setting when the placed item is acquired. In addition, if the target item can be acquired multiple times, this system may cancel the destination setting once the item has been acquired up to its maximum number of times.

[0072] Furthermore, although not explained in the above embodiment, determining a movement path in this system does not require actually creating a movement path (such as a road) that the character can traverse in the virtual space; it is sufficient to simply identify a movement path that can be presented to the player.

[0073] Furthermore, although not explained in the above embodiments (especially the embodiments in Figures 5 and 8), this system does not necessarily display an indication that all of the first or second movement paths are movement paths. For example, it may exclude the indication that areas already traversed by the character are movement paths and present them to the player. This makes it easier for the player to reach their destination.

[0074] Furthermore, although not described in the above embodiment, if a character deviates from the first or second movement path, the system may determine a new third movement path that can rejoin the first or second movement path and present it to the player.

[0075] Furthermore, although not described in the above embodiment, this system may also include a function that allows switching the display of the first movement path or the second movement path depending on the player's input.

[0076] Furthermore, although not explained in the above embodiment, this system may also include a function to change whether or not to display the first movement path or the second movement path depending on the progress of the game and the character's movement (whether walking, running, riding a vehicle, terrain conditions, etc.).

[0077] Furthermore, although not described in the embodiments described above, this game may be run on any hardware, such as a home game console like PlayStation®, a portable game console like Nintendo Switch®, various game consoles designed for commercial use, or electronic devices such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet.

[0078] Furthermore, although not explained in the embodiments described above, the content of the games covered by this system is not limited. This system may be applied to any game, such as FPS (First Person Shooter), TPS (Third Person Shooter), RPG (Role Playing Game), action games (including so-called open world games), simulation games, sports games, card games, battle royale (symmetrical and asymmetrical), MOBA (Multiplayer online battle arena), music games, fighting games, quiz games, and so on.

[0079] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment assumed that the game is intended for single-player gameplay, it is not limited to this. The game may be a so-called multiplayer game in which multiple players participate, not just a solo game.

[0080] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment was explained as a game whose ultimate goal is to complete, it is not limited to this. The game may be a game that does not presuppose completion.

[0081] Furthermore, the series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or by software. In other words, the functional configurations shown in Figure 3 are merely examples and are not particularly limiting. In other words, it is sufficient for the information processing system to have a function that can execute the series of processes described above as a whole, and the type of functional block used to realize this function is not limited to the examples shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, the location of the functional block is not limited to the examples shown in Figure 3, and can be arbitrary. Furthermore, a single functional block may consist of hardware alone, software alone, or a combination of both.

[0082] Specifically, for example, this system may consist of multiple game devices 1 connected by a method such as P2P (Peer to Peer), and various processes executed on the server 2 of the above embodiment may be performed by other game devices 1. In other words, the server 2 is not an essential component of this system and is not limited to it.

[0083] Furthermore, the number and users of the various hardware components that make up this system are arbitrary, and it may also include other hardware components.

[0084] Furthermore, when a series of processes are executed by software, the programs that make up that software are installed on a computer or other device from a network or storage medium.

[0085] Furthermore, the computer may be one that is built into dedicated hardware. Also, the computer may be one that can perform various functions by installing various programs. In other words, for example, any computer, any mobile device such as a smartphone, any game console, etc., may be freely used as the various hardware in the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, any combination of types and contents of various input and output units may be adopted.

[0086] Furthermore, such a recording medium containing a program may consist not only of a removable medium (not shown) provided separately from the main unit of the device to provide the program to a player or the like, but may also consist of a recording medium that is pre-installed in the main unit of the device and provided to the player.

[0087] Furthermore, in this specification, each step in a program stored on a storage medium does not necessarily have to be processed chronologically in the order described in the embodiments above. It may be processed in a different order, and some processes may be omitted in parallel or individually, or only some processes may be executed.

[0088] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "system" refers to an overall system composed of multiple devices, means, etc.

[0089] The effects and advantages of this embodiment will also be achieved when these other embodiments are adopted. Furthermore, it is possible to combine this embodiment with other embodiments, and other embodiments with each other, as appropriate.

[0090] In summary, the information processing system to which this disclosure applies can take various forms having the following configurations. The information processing device used in games A destination point determination means (for example, a destination point determination means 64) for determining the destination point of a character in the virtual space of the game, A first path determination means (for example, a first path determination means 66) that determines a first path that cannot be updated by the movement of the character from a first location where the character exists to a first destination point which is the destination point, A second path determination means (for example, a second path determination means 68) that determines a second path that can be updated by the movement of the character from the second location where the character exists to the second destination point, which is the destination point, A presentation means (for example, a path presentation means 70) that presents the first path and the second path as images relating to the game, Any program that functions as such will suffice.

[0091] In other words, for example, the destination point determination means 64 functions as a determination means. For example, the first route determination means 66 functions as the first route determination means. For example, the second route determination means 68 functions as a second route determination means. For example, the route presentation means 70 functions as a presentation means.

[0092] This allows players to enjoy the game in a more diverse and flexible way. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1 Game device 11 Control Unit 60 Game Processing Execution Means 62 Input operation receiving means 64 Destination point determination means 66 First route determination means 68 Second route determination means 70 Route presentation means 72 Output control means 2 servers 100 Control Unit 120 Game Information Management Methods

Claims

1. The information processing device used in games A destination point determination means for determining the destination point of a character in the virtual space of the aforementioned game, A first path determination means for determining a first path that cannot be updated by the movement of the character from a first location where the character exists to a first destination point which is the destination point, A second path determination means for determining a second path that can be updated by the movement of the character from a second location where the character is located to a second destination point which is the destination point, A presentation means for presenting the first path and the second path as images relating to the game, A program that makes it function as such.

2. The presenting means presents the first path and the second path in different ways. The program according to claim 1.

3. The first destination point and the second destination point are the same location in the virtual space. The program according to claim 1.

4. The first destination point and the second destination point are different locations in the virtual space. The program according to claim 1.

5. The destination point determination means automatically determines the first destination point and determines the second destination point based on the player's input operation. The first route determination means and the second route determination means determine the first and second routes from the character's current location to the first destination when the player reaches the second destination and a predetermined condition is met. The program according to claim 1.

6. The presentation means changes whether or not to present the first route or the second route in response to the player's input operation. The program according to claim 1.

7. The presentation means presents the image related to the game, excluding the area traversed by the character's movement from either the first or second path. The program according to claim 1.

8. If the character deviates from the first or second path, a third path determination means is further configured to determine a path that can be rejoined to the first path. The program according to claim 1.

9. The presentation means does not present the first or second path if the character is not present on the first or second path for a certain period of time. The program according to claim 1.

10. The presenting means further presents information relating to the first destination point or the second destination point. The program according to claim 1.

11. An information processing method executed by an information processing device related to a game, A destination point determination step in which the destination point of a character in the virtual space of the game is determined, A first path determination step in which a first path is determined that cannot be updated by the movement of the character from a first location where the character exists to a first destination point which is the destination point, A second path determination step, which determines a second path that can be updated by the movement of the character from a second location where the character exists to a second destination point which is the destination point, A presentation step in which the first path and the second path are presented as images relating to the game, Information processing methods including

12. An information processing system related to games, A destination point determination means for determining the destination point of a character in the virtual space of the aforementioned game, A first path determination means for determining a first path that cannot be updated by the movement of the character from a first location where the character exists to a first destination point which is the destination point, A second path determination means for determining a second path that can be updated by the movement of the character from a second location where the character is located to a second destination point which is the destination point, A presentation means for presenting the first path and the second path as images relating to the game, An information processing system equipped with the following features.

Images