Program, information processing method, information processing device, and information processing system

Abstract

To facilitate and support interaction between specific users through games. [Solution] An information processing device for providing a game G having a matching function to a user is made to execute a quest management process that presents a joint quest to the user and the user's matching partner and manages the progress of the joint quest; a profile disclosure process that sequentially discloses multiple profiles of the user and the matching partner to each other according to the progress of the joint quest; and a penalty management process that imposes a predetermined penalty on the user if the number of registered matching partners of the user reaches the upper limit and the user cancels the registration of a matching partner.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, communication tools between users that are used by accessing a server via a program installed on terminals such as smartphones and PCs have been widely used.

[0003] As one such communication tool, a service having a matching function (so-called matching app) is provided in which users can obtain an opportunity to communicate with each other through the Internet, and furthermore, users who have increased their intimacy by exchanging messages approve of each other, enabling communication with a higher degree of freedom than communication that can be performed with other users. (See Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In these types of dating apps, profiles are often fully public from the start, as users are required to carefully review their profiles before requesting a match. In this case, judgments are often made solely based on the profile, and even if someone is actually a good match, they may be excluded from consideration from the outset. A profile is only one aspect of a person's character, so judging a potential match early on based solely on the profile can cause you to miss out on meeting a more suitable partner.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a program, an information processing method, an information processing device, and an information processing system that promote and support interaction between specific users through a game having a matching function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The program according to the present invention causes an information processing device for providing a game with a matching function to a user to execute a quest provision process that presents a joint quest to the user and the user's matching partner and manages the progress of the joint quest; an interaction support process that sequentially makes multiple profiles of the user and the matching partner mutually public according to the progress of the joint quest; and a penalty management process that imposes a predetermined penalty on the user if the user unregisters the matching partner.

[0008] The information processing method according to the present invention is an information processing method for providing a game having a matching function to a user, and involves causing a computer to execute: a quest provision process that presents a joint quest to the user and the user's matching partner and manages the progress of the joint quest; an interaction support process that sequentially discloses multiple profiles of the user and the matching partner to each other according to the progress of the joint quest; and a penalty management process that imposes a predetermined penalty on the user if the user unregisters the matching partner.

[0009] Furthermore, the information processing device according to the present invention is an information processing device for providing a user with a matching function, and comprises: a quest provision unit that presents a joint quest to the user and the user's matching partner and manages the progress of the joint quest; an interaction support unit that sequentially discloses multiple profiles of the user and the matching partner to each other according to the progress of the joint quest; and a penalty management unit that imposes a predetermined penalty on the user if the user unregisters the matching partner.

[0010] The information processing system according to the present invention is an information processing system for providing a game having a matching function to a user, comprising: a quest provision unit that presents a joint quest to the user and the user's matching partner and manages the progress of the joint quest; an interaction support unit that sequentially discloses multiple profiles of the user and the matching partner to each other according to the progress of the joint quest; and a penalty management unit that imposes a predetermined penalty on the user if the user unregisters the matching partner. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, which has the configuration described above, it is possible to provide a program, an information processing method, an information processing device, and an information processing system that can promote and support interaction between specific users through a game having a matching function. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram of a game server according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows a specific example of a game screen displayed on a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of information contained in the storage unit of a game server according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a functional block diagram of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing a specific example of a game screen displayed on a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a specific example of a game screen displayed on a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing a specific example of a game screen displayed on a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a specific example of a game screen displayed on a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a specific example of a game screen displayed on a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing a specific example of a game screen displayed on a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing a specific example of a game screen displayed on a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing a specific example of a game screen displayed on a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing AC support processing by an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing penalty application processing by an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of a computer.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiment, common components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations are omitted.

[0014] <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] The information processing system 1 includes a game server 100 and a plurality of user terminals 300 (300(1), 300(2),..., 300(N)). The game server 100 and the user terminals 300 are connected to a network NW and can communicate with each other via the network NW. The network NW includes the Internet. The network NW may include a LAN (Local Area Network) and / or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0016] The game server 100 and the user terminals 300 are information processing devices each composed of one or more computers 900. The basic configuration of the computer 900 will be described later.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the game server 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The game server 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a processing unit 130. The game server 100 is a server that provides a game G to user terminals 300 accessed via the network NW. In the present embodiment, as an example, the case where the user terminal 300 is a smartphone and the user installs and uses the application of the game G on the user terminal 300 will be described below.

[0018] The game G is a simulation game in which a user can display and progress the activities of their own avatar in a virtual space. In the game G, a user can develop their own virtual space assigned to each user, or visit the virtual spaces of other users or virtual spaces shared by multiple users to perform collaborative work. The game G also has a matching function between users who play the game G. In the present embodiment, the game G will be described as providing a sandbox cultivation game that cultivates a user-exclusive sandbox where only the user can perform work and a shared sandbox where users can perform collaborative work.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen D100 as an example of a screen of a game G displayed on a user terminal 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The outline of the game G will be described using FIG. 3.

[0020] As shown in the screen D100 of FIG. 3, the game G according to the present embodiment is a sandbox cultivation game for cultivating a dedicated sandbox D120 in which only the user can perform operations and a shared sandbox D130 in which matched users can perform joint operations. The avatar DA1 displayed on the screen D100 corresponds to the user (Haruto) who is the owner of the dedicated sandbox D120, and the dedicated sandbox D120 and the shared sandbox D130 are moved by the operation of the user (Haruto) who is the owner of the dedicated sandbox D120. The avatar DA2 corresponds to another user (Hinata) who is a matching partner, and the movement of the avatar DA2 in the shared sandbox D130 is performed by the operation of the other user (Hinata).

[0021] The dedicated sandbox D120 is a sandbox dedicated to each user and is displayed only on the user terminal 300 of the user. In the dedicated sandbox D120, a field D121 and a house D122 are provided as work areas, and the user can perform cultivation work on the dedicated sandbox D120, such as growing and harvesting the harvested product D123 in the field D121 through the avatar DA1, selling the harvested product D123 and exchanging it for currency, or repairing the house D122. The harvested product D123 can be sold in the game G to obtain currency that is valid in the game. The obtained currency can be exchanged for items used for cultivating the dedicated sandbox D120 or the shared sandbox D130, decorations for the user's own avatar DA1, etc. Also, by performing these cultivation operations, the user's personal experience value (GP) is given. The dedicated sandbox D120 is continuous with the shared sandbox D130 by a bridge D140, and the avatar DA1 can freely move between the dedicated sandbox D120 and the shared sandbox D130 through this bridge D140.

[0022] The shared garden D130 is displayed on the user terminals 300 of both the user (Haruto), who owns the private garden D120, and the other user (Hinata), who is his matching partner. The shared garden D130 has a work area consisting of a field D131 and a house D132. The user (Haruto) and the other user (Hinata), who is his matching partner, can perform various collaborative tasks in the shared garden D130 through their respective avatars DA1 and DA2, such as cultivating and harvesting crops D133 in the field D131, selling the harvested crops D133 for currency, and repairing the house D132 within the shared garden D130. The harvested crops D133, like crops D123, can be sold in-game to obtain in-game currency and can also be exchanged for various items and decorations. In addition, the user and their matching partner are granted shared experience points (LGP) by performing these cultivation tasks.

[0023] Collaborative tasks within the shared sandbox D130 can be completed by performing a single task, or by performing multiple tasks. Each task can be performed by either the user (Haruto) or the other matching user (Hinata). For example, in a collaborative task consisting of five tasks, the user (Haruto) can perform the first two tasks, and the other user (Hinata) can perform the remaining three. Furthermore, each task is not limited to when both users (Haruto) and the other user (Hinata) are logged in simultaneously; it can also be performed by only one user (Haruto) when the other user (Hinata) is logged out.

[0024] The collaborative work that takes place within the shared garden D130 includes multiple collaborative quests presented sequentially from Game G. Collaborative quests are tasks that the user and their matched partner work on together. By progressing through the collaborative quests, new areas of the shared garden D130 will be unlocked, and the types of crops and animals that can be grown will increase. Collaborative work is not limited to collaborative quests; it also includes tasks that the user (Haruto) and / or their matched partner (Hinata) undertake independently.

[0025] Furthermore, Avatar DA2 can freely move between shared sandboxes D130 and other private sandboxes D120, which are separately prepared for other users (Hinata) who are compatible with Avatar DA2. These private sandboxes are not displayed to the user (Haruto) who owns these private sandboxes. These private sandboxes are only displayed on the user terminal 300 of the other user (Hinata) who is compatible with Avatar DA2, and therefore are not displayed on the user's screen D100 shown in Figure 4.

[0026] Furthermore, above screen D100, there is a user information area D110 that displays information about the user (Haruto). The user information area D110 displays the user (Haruto)'s avatar DA1 icon, username, level, personal experience points (GP), etc. Furthermore, a menu area DMN is provided at the bottom of screen D100, displaying various menu buttons. By selecting (clicking or tapping) a menu button in this menu area DMN, the user (Haruto) can display various operation items and menu items within the game G.

[0027] Thus, Game G is a game in which users (Haruto) and other matched users (Hinata) can interact and deepen their relationship by working together simultaneously or in divided tasks in a shared sandbox D130 that is shared only between them.

[0028] Returning to Figure 2, let's explain the functions of the game server 100. The communication unit 110 is a network interface and communicates with the user terminal 300 via the network NW. The communication unit 110 passes the data received from the user terminal 300 to the processing unit 130, and also sends the data generated by the processing unit 130 to the user terminal 300.

[0029] The memory unit 120 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk or a semiconductor storage device. The memory unit 120 stores information about game G, user information, co-op quest information, prescribed profile information, prescribed question information, application programs, etc., which are necessary for the game server 100 to function.

[0030] Figure 4 shows examples of information included in user information, co-quest information, predefined profile information, and predefined question information stored in the memory unit 120.

[0031] User information includes basic information, matching information, profile response information, and player data.

[0032] Basic information includes user ID, username, avatar information, age, and gender. This basic information is, in principle, publicly available to all other users. Avatar information refers to information about the user's avatar that they control within the game G, and includes the character and equipment / accessories. Users can select their character and equipment / accessories on the user settings screen (not shown).

[0033] Matching information is information managed on a per-user basis regarding the matchmaking function provided by Game G. Matching information includes the maximum number of matches, the number of registered users, and information about the matched partner. The limit indicates the maximum number of matching slots available for registering matching partners, and includes both the maximum limit and the current limit. The maximum limit is a value common to all users in Game G, and is, for example, 4 slots. The current limit ranges from 0 to the maximum limit and fluctuates depending on the user's progress in Game G and / or the completion of certain conditions. When starting a new Game G, the current limit is set lower than the maximum limit. The registration count indicates the number of registered potential matches. Matching partner information is managed for each user's matching partner. Matching partner information includes the matching partner's user ID, matching status, intimacy level, shared experience points, shared sandbox information, joint quest progress information, chat history between the user and the matching partner, and question and answer information. Status indicates the state of matching, including Friend and Couple. Upon registration, the status is Friend, and can transition to Couple upon mutual approval. A Couple can only be applied to one matching partner. Intimacy level is a numerical value that increases or decreases depending on the interaction with your matched partner in the game G. Shared experience points (LGP) are information indicating the amount of experience points shared between a user and their matched partner, gained through work in the shared sandbox. In diagrams, this may be abbreviated as LGP. The shared sandbox information refers to information about the shared sandbox that you share with the matching partner mentioned above. The co-op quest progress information shows the progress of the aforementioned co-op quest with your matched partner. Specifically, the co-op quest ID of completed co-op quests is stored. The chat history contains information about the chat history between the user and their matched partner. Question and answer information is information (question and answer) that shows the user's response to the question item identified by the question ID in the predefined question information described later. The question ID in the question and answer information is relationally linked to the question ID in the predefined question information.

[0034] Profile response information is information (profile responses) that indicates the user's answers to profile items identified by the profile ID of the predefined profile information described later. The profile ID of the profile information is relationally linked to the profile ID of the predefined profile information. The game server 100 retrieves and stores profile responses for each profile item from the user's user terminal 300 at the user's discretion. Users are encouraged to register a certain number of profile items in advance.

[0035] Player data is information managed for each user in the game G, including their level (sometimes abbreviated as Lv. in the diagram), dedicated sandbox information, personal experience points (sometimes abbreviated as GP in the diagram), currency, and rewards / items. Dedicated sandbox information indicates the progress of the user's dedicated sandbox.

[0036] Co-op quest information includes the co-op quest ID, co-op quest items, and target users, and is managed for each co-op quest. The co-op quest section contains information that describes the content of the co-op quest. The "information to be made available" indicates what will be made available (disclosed) to the user and their matched partner upon completion of the joint quest. This information is communication support information, which includes profile response information, prescribed question information, and question answer information. By linking the information to be made available to a joint quest, information that supports communication can be mutually disclosed sequentially as the joint quest progresses.

[0037] Default profile information includes a profile ID and profile items, and is managed for each profile. A profile is a user's self-introduction information. The default profile information is pre-programmed by the operator of Game G, with multiple profile items stored in the system. Specifically, profile items include, for example, place of residence, blood type, educational background, annual income, hobbies, personality, values, etc. Other specific examples will be explained in the screen examples below.

[0038] The standardized question information includes the question ID and the question item, and is managed for each question in Game G's private question function (hereinafter referred to as "private question"). The standardized question information is pre-stored by the Game G operator with multiple question items. The private question feature allows users to get to know their matched partners more deeply by asking various questions (private questions) from Game G to both the user and the matched partner as the game progresses, obtaining answers from each party, and then making them publicly available at a predetermined time. Private questions cover a wide range of topics, including values, views on love and life, and some may be a little more in-depth. Other specific examples of private questions will be explained in the screen examples below. The order in which the private questions are presented is set according to the game progress and / or intimacy level, starting with lighter questions in the first half and progressing to "questions that are difficult to ask yourself but that you want to ask your matched partner about" in the second half.

[0039] Returning to Figure 2, the processing unit 130 comprises the following functional units: a game provision unit 131, a matching management unit 132, a quest management unit 133, an interaction support unit 134, a penalty management unit 135, and a reward management unit 136. The processing unit 130 realizes each of these functional units by executing the application program stored in the memory unit 120, and performs interaction support processing and penalty application processing. The interaction support process is a process that, upon completion of a joint quest in Game G, makes available to the user and their matched partner, at least one of the following as communication support information: profile answers, private question items, and private question answers. This process includes a series of steps, including the quest completion determination, reward granting process, and information disclosure process, which are described later. The penalty imposition process is the process that occurs when a user cancels a match in game G, and it executes a series of processes including the upper limit determination and penalty imposition process, which will be described later. Details of these processes will be described later.

[0040] The game provision unit 131 provides the user terminal 300 with a game G that can be played by multiple users logging in via their respective user terminals 300.

[0041] The matching management unit 132 manages the matching of users who play game G.

[0042] The matching management unit 132 registers and unregisters matching partners in response to user operations and requests.

[0043] The matching management unit 132 accepts registrations of matching partners for each user up to a predetermined maximum number of matching slots.

[0044] For example, when user A requests a match from user B and user B approves, the match is established and both users are registered in their respective available matching slots. Specifically, when a match is established, the matching management unit 132 creates new matching partner information and a shared sandbox in the user information of the storage unit 120, identified by the matching partner's user ID. However, if either user A or user B has no available matching slots (the current maximum number has already been reached), neither user can be registered.

[0045] To remove a match, for example, if user C selects "Confirm" on the request screen to remove user D, who is user C's matched partner, then both user C and user D will be removed from each other's matching lists after the removal is complete.

[0046] The quest management unit 133 presents collaborative quests to the user and their matching partner and manages the progress of the collaborative quests (quest management function). Specifically, the quest management unit 133 sequentially presents the user and their matching partner with the content of collaborative quest items identified by the collaborative quest ID in the collaborative quest information of the memory unit 120, according to the progress of the shared sandbox and / or the level of intimacy between the user and their matching partner. The quest management unit 133 also stores the progress of the collaborative quest items in the collaborative quest progress information of the matching partner information in the memory unit 120.

[0047] The Interaction Support Department 134 supports interaction between users of Game G. Specifically, in order to gradually and continuously promote interaction between users and their matched partners, the Interaction Support Department 134 sequentially releases information (communication support information) including the user's personality (character) in accordance with the progress of Game G.

[0048] The communication support unit 134 presents each profile item of the prescribed profile information in the memory unit 120 to the user, obtains profile answers from the user for each profile item, and stores them in the profile answer information of the memory unit 120. The communication support unit 134 then sequentially makes the profile answer information of the user and the matching partner public to each other according to the progress of the joint quest (profile public disclosure function). Specifically, for example, if user E and user F, who is user E's matching partner, complete a predetermined joint quest, and a predetermined profile item (e.g., "intention to marry") is designated as a profile answer to be opened for that predetermined joint quest, then user E's profile answer to that predetermined profile item (e.g., "within a few years") is made public to user F, and user F's profile answer to that predetermined profile item (e.g., "haven't thought about it for a while") is made public to user E.

[0049] The communication support unit 134 also sequentially reveals the private question items stored in the prescribed question information of the memory unit 120 to the user and / or matching partner, depending on the progress of the joint quest. The communication support unit 134 then obtains answers to each item of the private question from the user and / or matching partner and stores them in the question answer information of the memory unit 120. The communication support unit 134 sequentially reveals the question answer information of the user and matching partner to each other, depending on the progress of the joint quest. Specifically, for example, if user E and user F, who is user E's matching partner, complete a predetermined joint quest, and a predetermined private question item (for example, "Is there anything you want to ask the other person that's a little difficult to ask?") is specified as an item to be unlocked in that predetermined joint quest, the communication support unit 134 reveals that question item to both user E and user F and prompts them to enter their profile answers. Furthermore, if, after the question item in question is made public, another co-op quest is completed and the unlockable items for that quest include the answer information for that question item, then User E's answer to that question item (for example, "Do you like games?") will be made viewable (unlocked) to User F, and User F's answer to that question item (for example, "Do you have any pet allergies?") will be made viewable (unlocked) to User E.

[0050] The penalty management unit 135 imposes a predetermined penalty on a user if the user cancels the registration of any matching partner (penalty imposition function). In this case, the penalty management unit 135 does not impose a penalty on the matching partner whose registration was canceled.

[0051] The penalty management unit 135 may impose a predetermined penalty on a user if the number of registered matching partners of the user reaches a predetermined upper limit, specifically the current upper limit, and the user cancels the registration of any matching partner.

[0052] The reward management unit 136 manages in-game rewards that users can acquire and use in game G. In-game rewards include experience points, currency usable within game G, and reward items that can be owned or used within the game.

[0053] The reward management unit 136 grants in-game rewards to matching partners when a user completes a co-op quest. Specifically, when a user completes a co-op quest by performing the final of several work steps, the reward management unit 136 grants currency and / or reward items to both the user and the matching partner, in addition to granting shared experience points.

[0054] The reward management unit 136 may change the reward distribution rate / evaluation rate for joint quests according to the level of intimacy between the user and their matched partner. Furthermore, the reward management unit 136 may change the rate at which rewards for co-op quests are awarded to matching partners / evaluated, depending on the user's game level G. For example, if a higher-level user is matched as a partner, the opportunity to obtain higher rewards or rarer items may increase compared to when a relatively lower-level user is matched as a partner.

[0055] The reward management unit 136 may calculate the ranking of user and matching partner pairs in Game G based on the progress of Game G, specifically the progress of the cultivation work in the shared garden D130, and may adjust the amount of in-game rewards awarded according to the ranking. More specifically, the amount of in-game rewards awarded may be adjusted based on the ranking of shared experience points (LGP). Furthermore, the reward management unit 136 may provide items that can only be obtained by the user and their matching partner, depending on the level of intimacy between the user and their matching partner.

[0056] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of a user terminal 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The user terminal 300 comprises a communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, a control unit 330, a display unit 340, and an operation unit 350. The communication unit 310, storage unit 320, control unit 330, display unit 340, and operation unit 350 are electrically connected to each other via a communication bus 360. The user terminal 300 is a terminal that allows a user to play game G alone or together with other users using other user terminals 300 by accessing the game server 100 via an installed program, such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC.

[0057] <Screen example> Next, a specific example of a game G provided to a user terminal 300 by a game server 100 having the above-described configuration and functions will be explained using a screen example.

[0058] Figures 6 to 13 show example screens D200 to D900 of the game G displayed on the user terminal 300 of a user (Haruto) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] The screen D200 shown in Figure 6 is the matching management screen for game G. Screen D200 contains a user information area D210 that displays user (Haruto) information, a matching frame area D220 that displays the user's matching frame, and a menu area DMN that displays the menu for game G. The matching management screen D200 can be displayed by selecting the transition to the matching management screen from the menu button in the menu area DMN that is displayed on various screens.

[0060] The user information area D210 contains the user's (Haruto's) avatar icon DA1, basic user information such as username (Haruto), age (34 years old), and gender (male), player data (level 20), and a profile button. By selecting (tapping or clicking) the profile button, the user (Haruto) can transition to a screen displaying their profile information. The matching slot area D220 contains four matching slots D221, D222, D223, and D224. Matching slot D221 displays information about the first matching partner (Hinata) registered by the user (Haruto). Matching slot D222 displays information about the second matching partner (Aoi) registered by the user (Haruto). Matching slot D223 indicates that it is possible to register a new matching partner, but no matching partner has been registered yet. By selecting matching slot D223, the user (Haruto) can transition to a screen (not shown) where they can apply for a match with a new matching partner. Matching slot D224 indicates that it is a matching slot that is not currently available (matching slot not unlocked). The user (Haruto) can unlock matching slot D224 by satisfying certain conditions, specifically, by progressing through game G, or by paying points in game G as compensation. Matching slot D221 displays the icon of the first matching partner (Hinata)'s avatar DA2, their status (Friend), shared points (LGP: 265), intimacy level (B+), and the progress of the joint quest. The joint quest progress displays information about the ongoing joint quest (Let's continue! Harvest the turnips), information about the completed joint quest (Finished! Plant the flowers), and a rating button to send feedback to the matching partner regarding the progress. The user (Haruto) can proceed to the shared garden screen D130 with the first matching partner (Hinata) by selecting the "Harvest the turnips" button to continue the ongoing joint quest. Similarly, in matching slot D222, the icon of the second matching partner (Aoi)'s avatar DA3, status (friend), common points (LGP: 965), intimacy level (D-), and progress of the joint quest are displayed. The joint quest progress displays information on the ongoing joint quest (Let's continue! Watering the fields) and information on the completed joint quest (Finished! Harvesting chestnuts), along with a rating button. Similarly, the user (Haruto) can transition to the shared garden screen D130 with the second matching partner (Aoi) by selecting the "Harvesting Chestnuts" button.

[0061] The screen D300 shown in Figure 7 is the quest management screen for managing quests in game G. Screen D300 contains a user information area (DUI) that displays user (Haruto) information, a quest list area (D310) that displays a list of quests, and a menu area (DMN). The quest management screen D300 can be displayed by selecting the transition to the quest management screen from the menu button in the menu area (DMN) that is displayed on various screens. The user information area DUI contains the user's (Haruto's) avatar icon DA1, username (Haruto), and player data (level 20, GP965). The quest list area D310 contains tabs to switch between "Private Garden" and "Shared Garden." Figure 7 shows the state when the shared garden with the first matching partner (Hinata) is selected. Below the tabs are the quest content areas D311, D312, and D313, which show the details of each joint quest. In quest area D311, the instructions for the co-op quest, "Harvest 50 spinach plants in the shared garden together," along with the reward, a gauge showing the progress of the work process, and a "Plant" button to transition to the shared garden in order to advance the co-op quest. In the quest content area D312, the instructions for the collaborative quest, "Let's send a message from Haruto," the reward, a gauge, and a "Send" button that takes you to a chat screen where the user (Haruto) can send a message to their matched partner (Hinata). In quest area D313, the instructions for the collaborative quest, "Send a message from Hinata," along with the reward and a gauge, are placed.

[0062] The screen D400 shown in Figure 8 is a screen that includes a pop-up area D410 that notifies the user that a profile has been made public. Pop-up area D410 displays that the user's (Haruto's) answer to the "Intention to Marriage" section of their matched partner's (Hinata's) profile has been made public as a result of completing the joint quest. The user (Haruto) may also proceed to screen D500, which displays the profile information of their matched partner (Hinata), by selecting (tapping, etc.) the "Confirm" button in pop-up area D410.

[0063] The screen D500 shown in Figure 9 is a screen that includes a pop-up area D510 that displays the profile information of the matching partner (Hinata). The pop-up area D510 displays a list of profile items and the matching partner's (Hinata's) answers that are publicly available to the user (Haruto).

[0064] The screen D600 shown in Figure 10 is a screen that includes a pop-up area D610 for canceling registration in the matching management screen. The pop-up area D610 displays content confirming that the user (Haruto) will cancel the friendship (cancel the match) with their matching partner (Aoi). When the user (Haruto) selects the OK button in the pop-up area D610, the registration of both the user (Haruto) and the matching partner (Aoi) is canceled. When the user (Haruto) selects the OK button, the game server 100 executes the penalty application process described later, and if it is determined that a penalty should be applied to the user (Haruto), the screen transitions to the screen D700 shown in Figure 11.

[0065] The screen D700 shown in Figure 11 includes a pop-up area D710 that notifies the user of a penalty for their matching slots. The pop-up area D710 displays that the matching slots for which registration was canceled will be restricted until a specified date and time. The user (Haruto) can also make the restricted matching slots available again in exchange for certain points or items.

[0066] The screen D800 shown in Figure 12 is a screen that includes a pop-up area D810 that notifies the user that a private question has been made public. Pop-up area D810 displays that the answer to the private question "Is there anything you want to ask the other person that's a little difficult to ask!?" has been made public upon completion of the joint quest. The user (Haruto) may also proceed to screen D900, which displays the answer to the private question from his matching partner (Hinata), by selecting the "Confirm" button in pop-up area D810.

[0067] The screen D900 shown in Figure 13 is a screen that includes a pop-up area D910 that displays the answers to the private questions. The pop-up area D910 displays the questions of the private questions and the answers from both the user (Haruto) and the matching partner (Hinata).

[0068] <System Operation> Next, the operation of the game server 100 of the information processing system 1 having the configuration and functions described above will be explained using a flowchart. In the following explanation, it will be assumed that user A (for example, "Haruto" shown in Figure 7) is using user terminal 300, and user A is in the process of matching with user B (for example, "Hinata" shown in Figure 7) in game G (status: friend).

[0069] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the AC support processing by the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] In step S101, the game server 100 provides the game G to the user terminal 300.

[0071] In step S102, the quest management unit 133 of the game server 100 presents the user and their matching partner with the next joint quest to be completed, based on the matching partner information for user B and the joint quest information for user A. The user then works together with the matching partner to complete the presented joint quest. The quest management unit 133 updates the joint quest progress information in response to the actions of user A and / or user B.

[0072] In step S103, the quest management unit 133 of the game server 100 determines whether the co-op quest presented in step S102 has been completed (quest completion determination) if the progress information of the co-op quest presented in step S102 has been updated. If the result of this determination is true (YES), i.e., the co-op quest has been completed, the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the result of this determination is false (NO), i.e., the co-op quest has not been completed, step S103 is repeated.

[0073] In step S104, that is, if the joint quest presented in step S102 is completed, the reward management unit 137 of the game server 100 grants in-game rewards to the user and their matching partner (reward granting step). This reward granting step may be omitted depending on the reward settings for the joint quest.

[0074] In step S105, the communication support unit 134 of the game server 100 discloses the unlocked targets associated with the joint quest presented in step S102 to the user and the matching partner (information disclosure step), and then terminates the flow.

[0075] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the penalty imposition process by the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The penalty imposition process is applied when a user cancels the registration of a matching partner.

[0076] In step S201, the game provision unit 131 of the game server 100 provides the game G to the user's user terminal 300.

[0077] In step S202, the matchmaking management unit 132 of the game server 100 accepts a request from the user to unregister a matchmaking partner specified by the user, in response to the user's operation.

[0078] In step S203, the matching management unit 132 of the game server 100 refers to the user's matching partner information in the storage unit 120 and determines whether the number of registered matching partners for the user, including the matching partner for whom registration cancellation was requested in step S102, is equal to the current maximum number (maximum number determination). If the determination result is true (YES), that is, the number of registered matching partners for the user is equal to the current maximum number, the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if the determination result is false (NO), that is, the number of registered matching partners for the user is not equal to the current maximum number, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0079] In step S204, that is, if the number of registered matching partners for the user is equal to the current maximum number, the penalty management unit 135 of the game server 100 imposes a penalty on the user (penalty imposition step).

[0080] In step S205, the matchmaking management unit 132 of the game server 100 mutually cancels the registration of the user and the matching partner specified by the user in step S202, and terminates the flow.

[0081] <Basic Computer Configuration> Figure 16 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of computer 900. Computer 900 includes a control unit 901, a storage unit 902, a communication unit 903, an input unit 904, and an output unit 905. The control unit 901, storage unit 902, communication unit 903, input unit 904, and output unit 905 are electrically connected to each other via a communication bus 910.

[0082] The control unit 901 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit, also called a processor) and controls various parts of the computer 900, as well as reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 902.

[0083] The memory unit 902 includes a main memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and an auxiliary memory such as a hard disk, and is a device that stores various programs for running the operating system and various applications of the computer 900, as well as data used by these programs. The processes shown in the flowcharts described above are realized by the control units 901 of each computer constituting the game server 100 and the user terminal 300 executing the programs stored in their respective memory units 902.

[0084] The communication unit 903 is a device for communicating with external devices and sends and receives data according to instructions from the control unit 901. Each computer constituting the game server 100 and the user terminal 300 uses this communication unit 903 to communicate with other devices, including the network NW shown in Figure 1.

[0085] The input unit 904 is a device that receives input from an external source and supplies it to the control unit 901, and includes, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, and camera. The output unit 905 is a device that outputs the processing results of the control unit 901 to the outside, and includes, for example, a display and speaker.

[0086] <Program> Here, we will describe the programs for realizing each functional unit of the game server 100 according to this embodiment. The game server 100 is implemented in the computer 900. The operation of each component of the game server 100 is stored in the auxiliary storage device of the storage unit 902 in the form of a program. The control unit 901 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device of the storage unit 902, loads it into the main memory of the storage unit 902, and executes the above processing according to the program. The control unit 901 also reserves a storage area in the main memory of the storage unit 902 corresponding to the storage unit 120 described above, according to the program.

[0087] Specifically, the program is a program to be executed on a computer 900, which is equipped with a processor and a memory unit, for the purpose of providing a game with a matching function to a user, and the program causes the computer to execute a quest provision process that presents a joint quest to the user and the user's matching partner and manages the progress of the joint quest, an interaction support process that sequentially makes multiple profiles of the user and the matching partner mutually public according to the progress of the joint quest, and a penalty management process that imposes a predetermined penalty on the user if the user unregisters the matching partner.

[0088] The auxiliary storage device of the memory unit 902 is an example of a tangible medium that is not temporary. Other examples of tangible mediums that are not temporary include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memory connected via the input unit 904. Furthermore, if this program is distributed to the computer 900 via the network NW, the computer 900 that receives the program may load it into the main memory of the memory unit 902 and execute the above processing.

[0089] Furthermore, the program may be intended to implement some of the functions described above. In addition, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that implements the functions described above in combination with other programs already stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory unit 902.

[0090] According to the information processing system 1 of this embodiment described above, when a user cancels the registration of a matching partner, a predetermined penalty is imposed on the user who cancels the registration. This prevents users from arbitrarily changing matching partners and encourages them to continue interacting with their registered matching partners. Furthermore, by sequentially releasing profiles, private questions, and answers to private questions according to game progress, we can support continuous interaction and provide opportunities to get to know your matched partner more deeply. Also, by staggering the timing of when private questions are asked and when the answers obtained from users for those questions are released, we can motivate continued use of the service. In this way, by gradually releasing information about your matched partner, we can provide continuous topics of conversation and reveal unexpected sides of them, thereby enabling the building of a more intimate and lasting relationship. In other words, it can facilitate and support interaction between specific users through game G.

[0091] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be adopted.

[0092] For example, in the above embodiment, the joint quest was an activity performed jointly by the user and the matching partner, but it may also be a task where the user and / or the matching partner's experience points in the game exceed a predetermined value.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a shared sandbox was generated for each matching partner whose status is "friend," but a shared sandbox may be generated only for matching partners whose status is "couple." In other words, a user may be allowed to have a shared sandbox only with matching partners whose status is "couple."

[0094] Alternatively, the upper limit determination step (step S203) for the penalty imposition process in the above embodiment may be omitted, and a penalty may be imposed for unregistering all matching partners. This provides a stricter deterrent against unregistering.

[0095] The game provider unit 131 may provide a sub-game SG within the game G. The game provider unit 131 may provide a sub-game SG that can only be played by the user and their matching partner. The game provider unit 131 may provide a sub-game SG that can only be played by a pair of users and their matching partner whose status is "couple".

[0096] Furthermore, the above-described operation flows can be performed not only independently but also in combination of two or more operation flows. For example, some steps of one operation flow may be added to another operation flow, or some steps of one operation flow may be replaced with some steps of another operation flow. It is not necessary to execute all steps in each flow; only some steps may be executed. Also, the order of steps in each flow may be changed as appropriate.

[0097] (Note) The features of the above-described embodiment are noted below. (Note 1) An information processing device for providing users with a game that has a matching function, A quest provision process that presents a joint quest to the user and the user's matching partner and manages the progress of the joint quest, An interaction support process that sequentially makes the profiles of the user and the matching partner mutually public according to the progress of the joint quest, If the user cancels the registration of the matching partner, a penalty management process is performed to impose a predetermined penalty on the user. A program that executes the command. This can encourage continued interaction with existing matched partners. In other words, it can facilitate and support interaction between specific users through games that have a matchmaking function. (Note 2) The matching function allows registration of up to a predetermined maximum number of matching partners. The penalty management process, when the number of registered matching partners for the user reaches the upper limit, imposes the predetermined penalty on the user if the user cancels the registration of a matching partner. The program described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The aforementioned penalty management process does not impose the aforementioned penalty on the matching partner. The program described in Appendix 1. (Note 4) The aforementioned information processing device further includes, When the user completes the joint quest, the system executes a reward management process to grant a reward to the matching partner. The program described in Appendix 1 or 2. This allows players to contribute to their matchmaking partners, thus increasing motivation to progress through cooperative quests. (Note 5) The reward management process varies the amount of the reward according to the relationship value between the user and the matching partner. The program described in Appendix 4. By offering greater rewards for being a couple rather than just friends, players will be motivated to deepen their relationships to become a couple, thereby increasing their motivation to progress through co-op quests. (Note 6) The interaction support process makes multiple profiles of the user and / or the matching partner public when the user's and / or the matching partner's game experience points reach a predetermined value or higher. The program described in any of the appendices 1 through 5. This allows for increased motivation to progress through collaborative quests by including collaborative quests in addition to collaborative garden work. (Note 7) The aforementioned interaction support process, depending on the completion status of the joint quest, makes a set of pre-prepared questions available to the user and the matching partner. The program described in Appendix 1. This can increase motivation to progress through collaborative quests. Furthermore, since Game G can pre-prepare questions that can serve as catalysts for deeper interaction, it can encourage interaction even for users who are not comfortable with socializing. (Note 8) The aforementioned communication support processing is, Obtain the answer to the question from the user and / or the matching partner, Depending on the progress of the joint quest, the user's answers are made public to the matching partner, and the matching partner's answers are made public to the user. The program described in Appendix 7. This allows you to stagger the timing of when you ask (publish) a question and when you publish the answer to that question, thereby increasing motivation to progress through the collaborative quest. (Note 9) The aforementioned joint quest is an in-game task that the user and the matching partner carry out together. The program described in any of the appendices 1 through 8. Users can gain a deeper understanding of their match's personality through information sharing and collaborative work processes via chat and other means. (Note 10) The reward management process calculates the rankings of the user and the matching partner in the game, and adjusts the amount of the reward according to the ranking. The program described in Appendix 4. This can increase motivation to progress through collaborative quests in order to improve one's ranking. (Note 11) The reward management process provides items that can only be obtained by the user and the matching partner, according to the level of intimacy between the user and the matching partner. The program described in Appendix 4. This can increase motivation to progress through cooperative quests in order to acquire rare items. (Note 12) The reward management process varies the amount of reward given to the matched opponent in the game according to the user's game level. The program described in Appendix 4. (Note 13) The aforementioned information processing device further includes, Game provision process that provides a sub-game playable only by the aforementioned user and their matching partner. The program described in any of the appendices 1 to 12 that is to be executed. (Note 14) An information processing method for providing users with a game that has a matching function, A quest provision process that presents a joint quest to the user and the user's matching partner and manages the progress of the joint quest, An interaction support process that sequentially makes the profiles of the user and the matching partner mutually public according to the progress of the joint quest, If the user cancels the registration of the matching partner, a penalty management process is performed to impose a predetermined penalty on the user. An information processing method that causes a computer to execute an action. (Note 15) An information processing device for providing users with a game that has a matching function, A quest provision unit that presents a joint quest to the user and the user's matching partner and manages the progress of the joint quest, An interaction support unit that sequentially makes the profiles of the user and the matching partner mutually public according to the progress of the joint quest, If the user cancels the registration of the matching partner, a penalty management unit imposes a predetermined penalty on the user. An information processing device equipped with the following features. (Note 16) An information processing system for providing users with a game that has a matching function, A quest provision unit that presents a joint quest to the user and the user's matching partner and manages the progress of the joint quest, An interaction support unit that sequentially makes the profiles of the user and the matching partner mutually public according to the progress of the joint quest, If the user cancels the registration of the matching partner, a penalty management unit imposes a predetermined penalty on the user. An information processing system equipped with the following features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1: Information Processing System 100: Game Server 110: Communications Department 120: Storage section 130: Processing Unit 131: Game Provision Department 132: Matching Management Department 133: Quest Management Department 134: Exchange Support Department 135: Penalty Management Department 136: Compensation Management Department 300: User terminal NW: Network

Claims

1. An information processing device for providing users with a game that has a matching function, A quest provision process that presents a joint quest to the user and the user's matching partner and manages the progress of the joint quest, An interaction support process that sequentially makes the profiles of the user and the matching partner mutually public according to the progress of the joint quest, If the user cancels the registration of the matching partner, a penalty management process is performed to impose a predetermined penalty on the user. A program that executes the command.

2. The matching function allows registration of up to a predetermined maximum number of matching partners. The penalty management process, when the number of registered matching partners for the user reaches the upper limit, imposes the predetermined penalty on the user if the user cancels the registration of a matching partner. The program according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned penalty management process does not impose the aforementioned penalty on the matching partner. The program according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned information processing device further includes, When the user completes the joint quest, the system executes a reward management process to grant a reward to the matching partner. The program according to claim 1.

5. The reward management process varies the amount of the reward according to the relationship value between the user and the matching partner. The program according to claim 4.

6. The interaction support process makes multiple profiles of the user and / or the matching partner public when the user's and / or the matching partner's game experience points reach a predetermined value or higher. The program according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned interaction support process, depending on the completion status of the joint quest, makes a set of pre-prepared questions available to the user and the matching partner. The program according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned communication support processing is, Obtain the answer to the question from the user and / or the matching partner, Depending on the progress of the joint quest, the user's answers are made public to the matching partner, and the matching partner's answers are made public to the user. The program according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned joint quest is an in-game task that the user and the matching partner carry out together. The program according to claim 1.

10. The reward management process calculates the rankings of the user and the matching partner in the game, and adjusts the amount of the reward according to the ranking. The program according to claim 4.

11. The reward management process provides items that can only be obtained by the user and the matching partner, according to the level of intimacy between the user and the matching partner. The program according to claim 4.

12. The reward management process varies the amount of the reward given to the matched opponent in the game according to the user's game level. The program according to claim 4.

13. The aforementioned information processing device further includes, Game provision process that provides a sub-game playable only by the aforementioned user and their matching partner. The program according to claim 1 that causes the execution of the program.

14. An information processing method for providing users with a game that has a matching function, A quest provision process that presents a joint quest to the user and the user's matching partner and manages the progress of the joint quest, An interaction support process that sequentially makes the profiles of the user and the matching partner mutually public according to the progress of the joint quest, If the user cancels the registration of the matching partner, a penalty management process is performed to impose a predetermined penalty on the user. An information processing method that causes a computer to execute an action.

15. An information processing device for providing users with a game that has a matching function, A quest provision unit that presents a joint quest to the user and the user's matching partner and manages the progress of the joint quest, An interaction support unit that sequentially makes the profiles of the user and the matching partner mutually public according to the progress of the joint quest, If the user cancels the registration of the matching partner, a penalty management unit imposes a predetermined penalty on the user. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

16. An information processing system for providing users with a game that has a matching function, A quest provision unit that presents a joint quest to the user and the user's matching partner and manages the progress of the joint quest, An interaction support unit that sequentially makes the profiles of the user and the matching partner mutually public according to the progress of the joint quest, If the user cancels the registration of the matching partner, a penalty management unit imposes a predetermined penalty on the user. An information processing system equipped with the following features.

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