Program and Information Processing System

Abstract

Improve the interestingness of the service. 【Solution means】The program causes a computer to function as game control means for advancing a game using position information indicating the position of a second user who has received a request from a first user in the real space, and giving means for giving the first user a result obtained based on the movement of the second user in the real space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, games that allow other users to play on behalf of a user have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in services such as games, it is required to improve the interestingness.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve the interestingness of a service.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to an embodiment shown in the present disclosure, a computer is caused to function as game control means for advancing a game using position information indicating the position of a second user in the real space received from a first user, and giving means for giving the first user a result obtained based on the movement of the second user in the real space. A program is provided.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the interestingness of a service can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Hardware Configuration of the System> As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of terminal devices 10 and a server 20.

[0011] The terminal device 10 and the server 20 are connected via a network 2. The network 2 may be configured by, for example, the Internet, a mobile communication system (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, Long Term Evolution (LTE), etc.), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), other communication lines, or a combination thereof. Also, the connection between the terminal device 10 and the server 20 may be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0012] The server 20 (in other words, a computer, an information processing device) may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. The server 20 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage 23, a communication IF (interface) 24, and an input / output IF 25. These components included in the server 20 are connected to each other by a communication bus.

[0013] The processor 21 controls the operation of the entire server 20. The processor 21 may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The processor 21 reads a program from the storage 23 and expands it in the memory 22. The processor 21 executes the expanded program.

[0014] The memory 22 is a main memory device. The memory 22 is constituted by a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), for example. The memory 22 provides a working area for the processor 21 by temporarily storing the program and various data read by the processor 21 from the storage 23. The memory 22 also temporarily stores various data generated while the processor 21 is operating according to the program.

[0015] Note that in this embodiment, the program may be a program for realizing a game by the terminal device 10. Further, the program may be a program for realizing the game by the cooperation of the terminal device 10 and the server 20. Note that, as an example, the game realized by the cooperation of the terminal device 10 and the server 20 may be a game executed on a browser started on the terminal device 10. Further, the program may be a program for realizing the game by the cooperation of a plurality of terminal devices 10. Further, the various data includes, for example, data related to the game such as user information and game information, and instructions and notifications transmitted and received between the terminal device 10 and the server 20.

[0016] The storage 23 is an auxiliary storage device. The storage 23 is constituted by a storage device such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), for example. Various data related to the game is stored in the storage 23.

[0017] The communication IF 24 controls the transmission and reception of various data via the network between the server 20 and the terminal device 10 and the like.

[0018] The input / output IF 25 is an interface for the server 20 to receive data input and an interface for the server 20 to output data. The input / output IF 25 may include, for example, an input unit which is an information input device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and a display unit which is a device for displaying and outputting an image.

[0019] The terminal device 10 (in other words, a computer, an information processing device) may be, for example, a smartphone, a feature phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet computer, a personal computer, a wearable terminal, or a game device, etc. The terminal device 10 may be a mobile terminal. The terminal device 10 may be a portable terminal when the user executes a game.

[0020] The terminal device 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, a communication IF 14, an input / output IF 15, an input unit 17, and a display unit 18. These components included in the terminal device 10 are connected to each other by a communication bus.

[0021] The processor 11 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 10. The processor 11 may include a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, etc. The processor 11 reads a program from the storage 13 and expands it in the memory 12. The processor 11 executes the expanded program.

[0022] The memory 12 is a main storage device. The memory 12 is composed of, for example, storage devices such as a ROM and a RAM. The memory 12 provides a working area for the processor 11 by temporarily storing the program and various data read by the processor 11 from the storage 13. The memory 12 also temporarily stores various data generated while the processor 11 operates according to the program.

[0023] The storage 13 is an auxiliary storage device. The storage 13 is composed of, for example, storage devices such as a flash memory or an HDD. Various data related to the game are stored in the storage 13.

[0024] The communication IF 14 controls the transmission and reception of various data via a network between the terminal device 10 and the server 20, etc.

[0025] The input / output IF 15 is an interface for the terminal device 10 to receive data input and also an interface for the terminal device 10 to output data. The input / output IF 15 may perform data input and output via, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like. The input / output IF 15 may include an input unit 17 or a display unit 18 or the like.

[0026] The input unit 17 receives input from the user. The input unit 17 may be, for example, a pointing device such as a touch pad. The display unit 18 displays an image. The display unit 18 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display or the like. The terminal device 10 includes, for example, a touch screen 16 which is an electronic component combining the input unit 17 and the display unit 18.

[0027] The input unit 17 has a function of detecting the position input to the input surface by a user operation (for example, a touch operation, a tap operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, and a flick operation, etc.) and transmitting information indicating the detected position as an input signal. The touch panel as the input unit 17 can adopt a capacitance method or a resistive film method or the like, but other methods may also be used.

[0028] Note that the input unit 17 may be, for example, a keyboard, various physical buttons, various sensors (for example, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a magnetic sensor, a GPS sensor, a motion sensor, a line-of-sight sensor, a bioelectric potential sensor, a fingerprint sensor, an exhalation sensor, a pressure sensor, or an image sensor, etc.), an operation stick, a camera, or a microphone, etc. Also, the display unit 18 may be, for example, a projector or the like.

[0029] <Functional Configuration of the System> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20 and the terminal device 10. The server 20 in the present embodiment has functions such as providing various data and programs necessary for realizing a game to each terminal device 10, collecting and managing data related to the game from each terminal device 10, and performing synchronization processing between a plurality of terminal devices 10.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the server 20 uses the accounts of users registered in advance to identify each user and the terminal device 10. The method of registering the accounts is not particularly limited. For example, another device such as the terminal device 10 or a personal computer may transmit information necessary for registering the user's account to the server 20 based on the user's operation, and the server 20 may create and save each user's account based on the received information.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the server 20 functions as a control unit 210 and a storage unit 220 through the cooperation of a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage 23, a communication IF 24, an input / output IF 25, and the like. The storage unit 220 stores various data used by the control unit 210. Examples of the various data include a game program, game information, and user information.

[0032] The game program is a program for realizing a game. The game information and the user information are data referred to when the control unit 210 executes the game program.

[0033] In the present embodiment, the game program may include a game program executed on the terminal device 10 side in addition to the game program executed on the server 20 side. Further, the storage unit 220 may store the game program executed on the server 20 side and the game program executed on the terminal device 10 side.

[0034] Game information is information common among accounts. Game information includes, for example, information for defining various virtual spaces. A virtual space is, for example, a space in which various objects such as objects of characters (hereinafter referred to as "player characters") used (in other words, operable) by a user are arranged. Game information includes, for example, various setting information regarding objects common among accounts, such as the arrangement positions, sizes, colors, shapes, etc. of background objects such as buildings, trees, and stones arranged in the virtual space, and objects of non-player characters (NPCs). Also, game information includes, for example, set values of various parameters of NPCs. In the following, the object of a character arranged in the virtual space may be simply referred to as "character".

[0035] User information is information managed for each game account. User information includes, for example, information regarding player characters, information regarding possessed assets, and information indicating the progress of the game. Possessed assets can be said to be the value owned by the user within the virtual space. Examples of such value (in other words, in-game value, possessed assets) include electronic currency, items, and characters. Also, examples of electronic currency include in-game currency usable within the game and cryptocurrency. That is, in the storage unit 220, for example, information such as the electronic currency, items, or characters possessed by each user may be stored in association with identification information capable of identifying each user. In the present embodiment, "grant to (in other words, acquire for) the user" for a predetermined value (in other words, object) such as an item can also be said to store it in a predetermined storage unit linked to the user's account as the value owned by the user.

[0036] The control unit 210 controls various processes related to the game by executing the game program stored in the storage unit 220. The control unit 210 has, for example, a transmission / reception unit 211 and a game control unit 212. Also, the game control unit 212 has a granting unit 215.

[0037] The transmission / reception unit 211 transmits or receives various data. For example, the transmission / reception unit 211 receives requests for transmitting various data and programs, requests for synchronization processing to support the multiplayer function, data to be synchronized, etc. from each terminal device 10, and passes them to the game control unit 212. Also, the transmission / reception unit 211 transmits various data and programs including instructions for synchronization, etc. to each terminal device 10 according to the control by the game control unit 212.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the multiplayer function is a function for advancing game processing while synchronizing game processing by a plurality of accounts. When a plurality of accounts logged in to the information processing system 1 participate in the same game, the server 20 and the terminal device 10 of the information processing system 1 execute various processes for supporting the multiplayer function.

[0039] The game control unit 212 provides a game to the terminal device 10 by executing arithmetic processing described in the game program in response to a request or the like from the terminal device 10.

[0040] The game control unit 212 defines the virtual space based on information for defining the virtual space included in the game information. The game control unit 212 arranges objects in the virtual space based on the setting information of the objects included in the game information. Also, the game control unit 212 controls the objects in the virtual space. Specifically, the game control unit 212 changes the position, orientation, shape, color, etc. of the objects in the virtual space, or causes the objects to perform a predetermined operation.

[0041] Also, the game control unit 212 arranges the player character in the virtual space based on the information transmitted from the terminal device 10. Also, the game control unit 212 performs various determination processes related to the progress of the game based on the information transmitted from the terminal device 10. In other words, the game control unit 212 controls the objects and performs various determination processes based on the information from the user input to the terminal device 10.

[0042] In addition, when the game control unit 212 receives, via the transmission / reception unit 211, a request for synchronization processing or data to be subject to synchronization processing for supporting, for example, the multiplayer function from the terminal device 10, the game control unit 212 executes the synchronization processing for supporting the multiplayer function. Further, the game control unit 212 instructs the transmission / reception unit 211 to transmit game information or user information. For example, when the server 20 transmits information to a plurality of terminal devices 10, the game control unit 212 synchronizes the games in progress among the terminal devices 10 by transmitting information to each terminal device 10 simultaneously. By executing the synchronization processing, it becomes possible to simultaneously reflect an in-game event caused by an operation input on one terminal device 10 on other terminal devices 10.

[0043] The terminal device 10 in the present embodiment has, for example, a function as an input device that receives a user's input operation, and a function as an output device that outputs game images and sounds.

[0044] The terminal device 10 functions as a control unit 110 and a storage unit 120 through the cooperation of a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, a communication IF 14, an input / output IF 15, and the like. The storage unit 120 stores various data used by the control unit 110. Examples of the various data include a game program, game information, and user information. The game program is a program for realizing a game on the terminal device 10 side. The game information and user information are data that the control unit 110 refers to when executing the game program. The game information and user information stored in the storage unit 120 may include the same information as the game information and user information stored in the storage unit 220.

[0045] The control unit 110 controls various processes related to the game executed on the terminal device 10 by executing the game program stored in the storage unit 120. The control unit 110 has, for example, an operation reception unit 111, a transmission / reception unit 112, a game control unit 113, a display control unit 114, and a position information acquisition unit 116.

[0046] The operation reception unit 111 receives an operation input by the user via the input unit 17 (hereinafter also referred to as "input operation"). Specifically, when an input operation is performed on the input unit 17, the operation reception unit 111 detects the coordinates of the input position and the type of the input operation. Examples of the type of the input operation include various operations by fingers, such as touch operation, tap operation, slide operation, swipe operation, flick operation, pinch-in operation, and pinch-out operation. The input operation is not limited to an operation that physically contacts the input unit 17 (for example, the touch screen 16), and may include a non-contact operation. Note that an operation that ends an input operation that has been performed until then, such as a touch-off operation that ends the contact with the touch screen 16, can also be regarded as one aspect of the input operation.

[0047] Here, the operation reception unit 111 can also receive an input operation performed using an operating device connected via the input / output IF 15 in the same manner as an input operation on the input unit 17.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the movement of the user in the real space to change the position information described later can also be regarded as one aspect of the input operation.

[0049] The transmission / reception unit 112 transmits or receives various data. The transmission / reception unit 112 transmits, for example, game information, user information, or a synchronization request for supporting the multiplayer function to the server 20. The transmission / reception unit 112 receives various data, programs, and data for synchronization for supporting the multiplayer function from the server 20. The data for synchronization includes, for example, synchronization instruction data for instructing to synchronize among the terminal devices 10 participating in the multiplayer. The synchronization instruction data includes, for example, data to be synchronized, the type of the data, and data for specifying the timing of synchronization.

[0050] In addition, the transmission / reception unit 112 transmits operation information regarding the input operation received by the operation reception unit 111 and information from the user, such as the position information described later, to the server 20.

[0051] The game control unit 113 executes various processes related to the progress of the game. The game control unit 113 identifies the content of the user's instruction based on the input operation of the user detected by the operation reception unit 111. Further, the game control unit 113 executes various determination processes related to the progress of the game based on the identified instruction content and the like. Further, the game control unit 113 progresses the game while communicating with the server 20 based on the result of the determination process and the like.

[0052] The game control unit 113 defines a virtual camera for designating the area to be presented to the user in the virtual space. The game control unit 113 arranges the virtual camera in the virtual space by defining the position and orientation of the virtual camera in the virtual space. The game control unit 113 instructs the display control unit 114 to generate an image obtained by drawing the visual field area defined by the virtual camera and the objects arranged in this visual field area. In other words, the game control unit 113 instructs the display control unit 114 to display an image corresponding to the progress of the game on the display unit 18.

[0053] The position and orientation of the virtual camera can be appropriately determined for each virtual space. For example, the game control unit 113 arranges the virtual camera so that a specific object is located at the center of the visual field area in a specific orientation, based on the position and orientation of the specific object. At this time, the game control unit 113 adjusts the position and orientation of the virtual camera using the direction, distance, and angle with respect to the specific object. The specific object may be, for example, a dynamic object or a static object such as a building, a tree, or a rock. An example of a dynamic object includes a player character and an NPC that operates based on a game program. The NPC includes so-called enemy characters and the like.

[0054] The display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display an image related to the game. A specific example will be described below.

[0055] The display control unit 114 generates an image by drawing the area of the virtual camera's field of view defined by the game control unit 113 and the objects existing in that area in the virtual space, and causes the display unit 18 to display it. The display control unit 114 can superimpose and draw objects related to various game operations such as icons, buttons, and menus showing various parameters, i.e., objects related to the UI (User Interface), on the image to be displayed on the display unit 18.

[0056] Note that the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may arrange objects in the virtual space based on the object data sent from the server 20, information indicating the positions of various objects in the virtual space, etc., and cause a predetermined area of the virtual space to be displayed on the display unit 18. Also, the control unit 210 of the server 20 may arrange objects in the virtual space, control the virtual camera, generate an image to be displayed on the display unit 18, and transmit it to the terminal device 10, and the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may cause the display unit 18 to display the image. That is, various processes related to the control of objects based on information from the user, the control of the virtual camera, the generation of the image to be displayed on the display unit 18, etc. may be performed by the server 20 or by the terminal device 10.

[0057] The position information acquisition unit 116 acquires position information indicating the position of the user in the real space (in other words, the current position of the user). The position information may be any information indicating the position of the user in the real space identified by an account or the like. As methods for acquiring the position information, various methods have been known conventionally, and known methods can be used. For example, the position information acquisition unit 116 may acquire the position information using the GPS sensor provided in the terminal device 10 on which the user has logged in to the account. Further, the position information acquisition unit 116 may acquire, as the position information indicating the position of the user logged in to the account from the terminal device 10, the position information acquired in the device used by the user, such as various devices (for example, smart devices) that cooperate with the terminal device 10 (for example, cooperation via the user's account or cooperation by wireless communication). Further, the position information acquisition unit 116 may acquire the position information using, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or the like (for example, based on the communication between the terminal device 10 and the Wi-Fi access point). Further, the position information acquisition unit 116 may be provided in, for example, the control unit 210 of the server 20.

[0058] Note that the functions of the terminal device 10 and the server 20 shown in FIG. 2 are merely examples. Each device such as the terminal device 10 and the server 20 may include at least a part of the functions provided in other devices. Further, each device such as the terminal device 10 and the server 20 does not have to be realized by an integrated device, and may be realized by a plurality of devices connected via a network or the like, for example. Further, the information processing system 1 may be configured by only the terminal device 10 or the server 20, for example. In other words, the information processing system 1 does not have to be realized by a plurality of devices connected via a network.

[0059] <Processing according to this embodiment> Next, the processing according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the processor 11 of the terminal device 10 or the processor 21 of the server 20 executes a game program stored in the information processing system 1 to perform each process according to the present embodiment. However, at least a part of the processes performed by the processor 11 among the processes according to the present embodiment may be executed by a processor different from the processor 11. Also, at least a part of the processes performed by the processor 21 among the processes according to the present embodiment may be executed by a processor different from the processor 21. For example, a part or all of the processes performed by one of the control units 110 and 210 may be performed by the other. In other words, the computer that executes the game program in the present embodiment may be either the terminal device 10 or the server 20, or may be realized by a combination of a plurality of devices.

[0060] The configuration according to the present embodiment can be applied, as an example, to a position information game or the like that links the position of the user in the real space and the position in the virtual space. Hereinafter, a case where the configuration according to the present embodiment is applied to such a position information game will be described as an example.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 3, the game control unit 212 arranges the player character 30 corresponding to the user operating the terminal device 10 (in other words, the player character 30 linked to the user's account) at the position in the virtual space corresponding to the position of the user in the real space (in other words, the position indicated by the position information). Then, the game control unit 212 moves the player character 30 in the virtual space in conjunction with the movement of the user in the real space. Note that FIG. 3 is an example of the play screen 280 displayed on the display unit 18 when the user plays the game (specifically, when playing a normal play, not the proxy play described later).

[0062] That is, in the present embodiment, the game control unit 212 moves the player character 30 of the user on the virtual space based on the position information of the user as information from the user. Note that the game control unit 212 may move the player character 30 of the user on the virtual space based on operation information regarding an input operation on the input unit 17 (for example, an operation of moving a finger in an arbitrary direction while touching the touch screen 16 (that is, a swipe operation), etc.) as information from the user.

[0063] Note that the virtual space of the present embodiment is a virtual space in which at least a part of the real space is reflected. In other words, the virtual space of the present embodiment is a virtual space generated using map information of the real space. For example, in the virtual space of the present embodiment, objects (for example, road objects 31) corresponding to each of a plurality of roads existing in the real space are arranged at positions corresponding to the positions of the plurality of roads in the real space.

[0064] In games such as location information games, a plurality of objects (hereinafter referred to as "event objects 33") associated with a predetermined event (in other words, an effect or an event) are arranged in a virtual space. By approaching the event object 33 (for example, by performing an operation (such as a touch operation) on the event object 33 displayed on the display unit 18 after approaching), it is known that an event corresponding to the specific event object 33 occurs. Here, in a location information game, approaching a specific event object 33 arranged in a virtual space can also be said to be approaching the specific event object 33 in the virtual space, and it can also be said to be visiting the position in the real space corresponding to the position in the virtual space where the specific event object 33 is arranged (in other words, approaching the specific event object 33 in the real space). When an event object 33 where a specific event occurs is arranged in a virtual space, the game control unit 212 generates a specific event corresponding to the event object 33 based on the fact that the user has visited the position in the real space corresponding to the position in the virtual space where the event object 33 is arranged. Note that the place where the event object 33 is arranged in the virtual space can also be said to be the place where a predetermined event is set.

[0065] The event object 33 includes, for example, an item spot 33a corresponding to an event such as obtaining an item, and a recovery spot 33b corresponding to an event such as the recovery of a predetermined parameter related to the user (for example, the physical strength of the player character 30). The event object 33 also includes an enemy object 33c corresponding to an event such as a battle with an enemy character, and spots corresponding to events that constitute part of the game story. The game control unit 212 gives the user the item corresponding to the specific item spot 33a based on the user visiting a position in the real space corresponding to the position in the virtual space where the specific item spot 33a is arranged. Further, the game control unit 212 restores a predetermined parameter related to the user (in other words, brings the predetermined parameter closer to the specified value) based on the user visiting a position in the real space corresponding to the position in the virtual space where the specific recovery spot 33b is set. Also, the game control unit 212 starts a battle with the specific enemy character based on the user visiting a position in the real space corresponding to the position in the virtual space where the enemy object 33c related to the specific enemy character is arranged. Note that the event associated with the event object 33 may be an event that can be advanced by multiplayer (in other words, play by at least two or more people). In other words, by approaching the event object 33 corresponding to an event that can be advanced by multiplayer, an event advanced by multiplayer (for example, an event of fighting an enemy character in cooperation with other users (so-called raid battle), etc.) may be started. Note that the appearance of the event object 33 is not particularly limited, and may be in the form of an item, a building, a character, etc., or may be a predetermined symbol, etc. Note that the event associated with the event object 33 may be automatically advanced and ended without the intervention of the user's operation, or may be advanced through the user's operation (for example, advanced by operating the player character 30, etc.).

[0066] In this embodiment, operations (e.g., touch operations) by the user on event objects 33 located within a predetermined range (in other words, the operable range; hereinafter referred to as "usable range X") from the player character 30 in the virtual space are effective. The game control unit 212 moves the player character 30 by the user so that the event object 33 for which a corresponding event is to be generated (in other words, to be utilized) is located within the usable range X. When an operation is performed on the event object 33, an event corresponding to the operated event object 33 is generated. That is, in this embodiment, when the user visits a position in the real space corresponding to the position where a specific event object 33 is arranged on the virtual space (specifically, visits and performs a predetermined operation (e.g., a touch operation on the specific event object 33)), an event corresponding to the specific event object 33 can be generated. In other words, the user can utilize the event objects 33 existing within the usable range X. In other words, the game control unit 212 determines whether the event object 33 is located within the usable range X and controls to make the event object 33 located within the usable range X available for use. Here, being available for use means being able to generate an event set for the event object and the like.

[0067] The usable range X may be, for example, a circular range with a predetermined size centered on the player character 30 (in other words, the position of the user). Note that the shape of the usable range X is not limited to a circle, and it is not limited to a range centered on the player character 30. The usable range X can also be said to be the range that can be utilized by the user in the virtual space (in other words, in the entire virtual space). The usable range X is determined according to the position of the user in the real space (in other words, based on the position information of the user) and varies according to the position of the user in the real space. The display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display a display indicating the usable range X (a circle display in FIG. 3) to make the usable range X recognizable to the user.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the player character 30 is arranged and displayed on the display unit 18 at a position in the virtual space corresponding to the position of the user in the real space. However, a configuration may be adopted in which the player character 30 is not arranged at the position in the virtual space (in other words, a configuration in which the player character 30 is not displayed on the screen etc. illustrated in FIG. 3). Even in such a configuration, a configuration may be adopted in which an event corresponding to the event object 33 is generated based on an operation etc. of the user on the event object 33 located within the available range X determined according to the position of the user in the real space. Similarly, in a game etc. that can proceed in a first-person view such as a game in which the display can be switched from a third-person view in which the player character 30 is displayed to a first-person view in which the player character 30 is hardly displayed, an available range X in which the operations set for each person view are possible may be set.

[0069] Note that the game control unit 212 can switch between a manual mode and an automatic mode as modes related to the progress of the game. In the manual mode, when approaching the event object 33 and an operation (e.g., a touch operation) on the event object 33 is performed, a corresponding event is generated. In the automatic mode, when approaching the event object 33, an event corresponding to the approached event object 33 is automatically generated (in other words, without requiring a touch operation or the like). The switching can be based on the user's operation. That is, in the automatic mode, when a specific event object 33 is in a state of being located within the available range X, the game control unit 212 may automatically generate an event corresponding to the specific event object 33. Among the event objects 33, there may be an event object 33 for which an event corresponding to the event object 33 is automatically generated when approached (in other words, when located within the available range X), regardless of whether it is set in the manual mode or the automatic mode. Also, even when set in the automatic mode, it may be possible to generate an event based on an operation (e.g., a touch operation) on the event object 33. Note that the switching between the manual mode and the automatic mode may be automatically performed based on the fulfillment of a predetermined condition (e.g., triggered by the start of a predetermined event, etc.).

[0070] In a game in which the real space and the virtual space are associated with each other, such as a location information game, each location in the real space corresponds to each location in the virtual space. In other words, the correspondence relationship between each location in the real space and each location in the virtual space is stored in the storage unit 220. Therefore, performing a predetermined setting for a specific location in the virtual space can also be said to be performing a predetermined setting for a specific location in the real space. Further, performing a predetermined setting for a specific location in the real space can also be said to be performing a predetermined setting for a specific location in the virtual space. That is, for example, arranging a specific event object 33 at a specific location in the virtual space can also be said to be arranging the event object 33 at a corresponding specific location in the real space. Further, for example, setting a specific range in the virtual space as a range related to predetermined control can also be said to be setting a corresponding specific range in the real space as a range related to predetermined control. Note that the setting may be performed by the game operator or by the user.

[0071] (Request for proxy play) In the game of this embodiment, a user can request another user to substitute for the play and have the other user who has received the request substitute for the play. Although details will be described later, the user who has received the request moves in the real space on behalf of the user who has made the request. Then, the game control unit 212 advances the game using the position information indicating the position of the user who has received the request in the real space. In addition, the granting unit 215 grants the results obtained based on the movement of the user who has received the request in the real space, such as the benefits generated by the movement of the user who has received the request in the real space, to the user who has made the request.

[0072] An example of a screen related to a proxy play request is shown in FIG. 4. The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requesting user causes the display unit 18 to display a code information display screen 300 illustrated in FIG. 4(a) based on a predetermined operation by the requesting user.

[0073] The code information display screen 300 is a screen that displays the code information 301 related to the agency request. The code information 301 may be, for example, a character string composed of alphanumeric characters, or may be image information such as a two-dimensional code (e.g., QR code (registered trademark)). Note that the code information 301 is issued by the control unit 210. Note that the code information 301 may be automatically determined (in other words, issued) by the control unit 210, or may be arbitrarily determined by the user. That is, for example, the control unit 210 may issue the code information 301 of the character string input by the user himself as the available code information 301.

[0074] The user of the requester can cause the user of the request destination to substitute the play by transmitting the code information 301 displayed on the code information display screen 300 to the user of the request destination. The method of transmitting the code information 301 is not particularly limited, and as a function of the application related to the game of the present embodiment, a function of transmitting the code information 301 to the user of the request destination may be prepared. In other words, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user of the requester may be able to transmit the code information 301 related to the agency request requested by the user of the requester to the terminal device 10 of the user of the request destination. Then, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user of the request destination may display the transmitted code information 301 on the display unit 18, or may receive an agency request using the transmitted code information 301. Alternatively, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user of the request destination may be able to read a two-dimensional code or the like displayed on the code information display screen 300 in the terminal device 10 of the user of the requester via a camera or the like provided in the terminal device 10. Further, the code information 301 may be transmitted to other users via an SNS (Social Networking Service) application different from the application related to the game of the present embodiment (for example, an application capable of cooperating with the application). Further, the code information 301 may be transmitted to other users via oral communication, printing on paper, or the like.

[0075] On the terminal device 10 of the recipient user, based on a predetermined operation by the recipient user, the acceptance screen 310 shown in FIG. 4(b) is displayed on the display unit 18. Note that the code information display screen 300 may also serve as the acceptance screen 310.

[0076] On the acceptance screen 310, a code information input UI 311 as a UI related to the input of the code information 301 is displayed. The code information input UI 311 accepts an operation for the user to input the code information 301. The code information input UI 311 may include an input field 312 for inputting a character string as the code information 301. Further, the code information input UI 311 may include a button 313 or the like that accepts an operation related to reading image information as the code information 301.

[0077] The recipient user can accept the proxy request by inputting the code information 301 through an operation on the code information input UI 311.

[0078] When the code information 301 is input, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the recipient user causes the acceptance confirmation screen 320 illustrated in FIG. 4(c) to be displayed on the display unit 18. More specifically, in the present embodiment, an acceptance button 315 is displayed on the acceptance screen 310, and when the recipient user inputs the code information 301 through an operation on the code information input UI 311 and then performs an operation on the acceptance button 315, the acceptance confirmation screen 320 is displayed. However, when the code information 301 is input to the code information input UI 311, the acceptance confirmation screen 320 may be automatically displayed. Further, the code information input UI 311 may be displayed based on an operation being performed on the acceptance button 315. That is, the input of the code information 301 may be performed either before or after the operation on the acceptance button 315.

[0079] On the entrusted confirmation screen 320, information 322 about the user of the requester (in other words, information that can identify the user of the requester), such as the user name of the user of the requester, is displayed, enabling the confirmation of who the agency request being entrusted is from. On the entrusted confirmation screen 320, an entrusted execution button 324 for receiving an operation to execute the entrustment and an entrusted cancellation button 325 for receiving an operation to cancel the entrustment are displayed, and the user of the requested party can accept the agency request by operating the entrusted execution button 324. Note that on the entrusted confirmation screen 320, a warning display 326 warning that information about the user of the requested party (in other words, information that can identify the user of the requested party), such as the user name of the user of the requested party, will be notified to the user of the requester by accepting the entrustment may be displayed. In this embodiment, "notification" to the user means displaying information related to the notification or outputting the information related to the notification by voice on the terminal device 10 or the like of the user who is the target of the notification.

[0080] Based on the operation of inputting the code information 301 and the operation on the entrusted execution button 324, which are operations related to the entrustment by the user of the requested party, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requested party requests the game control unit 212 to start a game play (hereinafter referred to as "agency play") for acting on behalf of the user of the requester. The game control unit 212 starts the agency play by the user of the requested party based on the request. That is, the game control unit 212 starts the agency play by the user of the requested party based on the operation related to the entrustment by the user of the requested party.

[0081] In this embodiment, when the game control unit 212 starts the proxy play by the user of the destination based on the request (in other words, based on the operation related to the entrustment by the user of the destination), the game control unit 212 requests the user of the source to give consent for the proxy play by the user of the destination. Specifically, based on the operation related to the entrustment by the user of the destination, the game control unit 212 notifies the terminal device 10 of the user of the source that the user of the destination has requested the start of the proxy play. Based on the notification, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user of the source causes the display unit 18 to display a confirmation screen 330 illustrated in FIG. 4(d). The confirmation screen 330 is a screen for confirming whether to start the proxy play by the user of the destination.

[0082] On the confirmation screen 330, information 332 about the user of the destination (in other words, information capable of identifying the user of the destination), such as the user name of the user of the destination, is displayed, enabling the user of the source to confirm the user of the destination who is about to accept the entrustment. On the confirmation screen 330, an approval button 334 for accepting an operation to approve the start of the proxy play and a rejection button 335 for accepting an operation to reject the start of the proxy play are displayed. Then, the user of the source can approve the start of the proxy play by operating the approval button 334. Also, the user of the source can reject the start of the proxy play by operating the rejection button 335. Note that the operation to approve the start of the proxy play can also be said to be an operation to request the proxy play.

[0083] When an operation is performed on the approval button 334, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user of the source notifies the game control unit 212 that the user of the source has approved the start of the proxy play. Also, when an operation is performed on the rejection button 335, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user of the source notifies the game control unit 212 that the user of the source has rejected the start of the proxy play. Then, when the user of the source has approved the start of the proxy play, the game control unit 212 starts the proxy play by the user of the destination. On the other hand, when the user of the source has rejected the start of the proxy play, the game control unit 212 does not start the proxy play by the user of the destination.

[0084] In addition, even in conventional games, SNS applications, etc., it is known that a user (corresponding to the requester in the present embodiment) passes code information to another user (corresponding to the request destination in the present embodiment) to connect users to each other via the code information (for example, constructing a friend relationship or constructing a party related to multiplayer to start multiplayer). However, the proxy request via the code information in the present embodiment can be realized by the same method.

[0085] The proxy request may be made without passing through the code information 301. For example, the user who is the requester may be able to request a specific user to substitute for the game play by specifying the specific user from a list in which a plurality of users who play the game according to the present embodiment are displayed. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5(a), the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user who is the requester causes the display unit 18 to display a list screen 360 as a screen for displaying a list of users based on a predetermined operation by the user who is the requester.

[0086] The list screen 360 may be, for example, a screen that displays a list of users having a predetermined relationship with oneself (here, the user who is the requester).

[0087] Here, the predetermined relationship may be, for example, a friendship relationship or a following relationship within the game. A friend refers to a relationship in which a certain user and another user are associated with each other. In other words, a friend refers to a relationship in which one user is associated with another user and the other user is associated with the one user. That is, if the second user is a friend from the perspective of the first user, the first user is a friend from the perspective of the second user. A friend may be a relationship established based on the mutual consent of a certain user and another user. Also, following means that a certain user registers another user by associating the other user with himself / herself. That is, when the first user follows the second user, it is not necessarily the case that the second user follows the first user. Following may be a relationship that can be established based on one's own will. Note that the construction of a friendship relationship and the construction of a following relationship can be the same as those in conventional games, SNSs, etc.

[0088] Also, the predetermined relationship may be, for example, a relationship of belonging to the same group within the game. The group may be a group that cooperates for a predetermined purpose, such as a so-called guild or team.

[0089] Also, the predetermined relationship may be a relationship regarding the history of multiplayer play. Specifically, the predetermined relationship may be a relationship of having played multiplayer together, a relationship of having played multiplayer together a predetermined number of times or more, or a relationship that a predetermined period has elapsed since the first multiplayer play together.

[0090] Also, the predetermined relationship may be a relationship regarding the history of agency requests. Specifically, the predetermined relationship may be a relationship with a person who has made a request or a relationship with a person who has received a request.

[0091] Information indicating other users having a predetermined relationship with a certain user is stored in the storage unit 220 as the user information of the certain user. In other words, the storage unit 220 stores, for each user, which users have a predetermined relationship with the user. Specifically, the storage unit 220 stores friends of each user, users being followed, or the history of multiplayer play between users (in other words, users who have played multiplayer together), etc. Note that the construction of the predetermined relationship may be performed based on a predetermined operation in which the control unit 210 requests the user to construct a relationship, or may be automatically performed without the intervention of the user's operation.

[0092] Also, the list screen 360 may be a screen that displays a list of users who recruit requesters for proxy play (in other words, users who want to perform proxy play). For example, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of a user who wishes to perform proxy play requests the game control unit 212 to register the user as a user who recruits requesters based on a predetermined operation by the user. The game control unit 212 registers the user as a user who recruits requesters (in other words, stores the user in the storage unit 220) based on the request. Then, a list of users registered as users who recruit requesters may be displayed on the list screen 360.

[0093] In the list screen 360, users with more experience in proxy play may be preferentially displayed (for example, users with more experience may be displayed higher in the list). Here, the proxy play experience may include only the proxy play experience related to the user of the terminal device 10 on which the list screen 360 is displayed (in other words, oneself), or may include the proxy play experience not related to the user of the terminal device 10 on which the list screen 360 is displayed. Also, here the proxy play experience may be the experience of requesting as the requester of proxy play (for example, the number of times of requesting), the experience of receiving as the trustee of proxy play (for example, the number of times of receiving), or may include both. In other words, the proxy play experience may be, for example, the number of times that user (in other words, each user in the list) requests another user (for example, oneself), the number of times that user receives a request from another user, etc.

[0094] The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user who is the requester receives an operation by the user who is the requester to specify the user who is the trustee from among the plurality of users displayed on the list screen 360. For example, on the list screen 360, a request button 361 corresponding to each of the plurality of users displayed on the list screen 360 is displayed. The request button 361 functions as a UI that receives an operation to specify a specific user as the user who is the trustee from among the plurality of users displayed on the list screen 360.

[0095] The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requesting user requests the game control unit 212 to request a proxy play for the specific user based on an operation on the request button 361 corresponding to the specific user, which is an operation of designating the specific user as the requested user from among the plurality of users displayed on the list screen 360. The game control unit 212 notifies the terminal device 10 of the specific user that there is a request for proxy play from the requesting user based on the request. The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the specific user causes the display unit 18 to display the confirmation screen 370 illustrated in FIG. 5(b) based on the notification. The confirmation screen 370 is a screen for confirming whether the requested user accepts the proxy play.

[0096] On the confirmation screen 370, information 372 about the requesting user (in other words, information that can identify the requesting user), such as the user name of the requesting user, is displayed, enabling the requesting user to be confirmed. On the confirmation screen 370, an acceptance button 374 for accepting an operation to accept the proxy play request and a rejection button 375 for accepting an operation to reject the proxy play request are displayed. Then, the user who has been requested for proxy play (that is, the requested user) can accept the proxy play by operating the acceptance button 374. Also, the user who has been requested for proxy play can reject the proxy play request by operating the rejection button 375.

[0097] Based on an operation on the entrustment button 374, which is an operation related to entrustment by the user of the destination of the request, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user of the destination of the request requests the game control unit 212 to start the proxy play. Based on this request, the game control unit 212 causes the proxy play by the user of the destination of the request to start. That is, the game control unit 212 causes the proxy play by the user of the destination of the request to start based on an operation related to entrustment by the user of the destination of the request. Further, based on an operation on the rejection button 375, which is an operation to reject the request, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user of the destination of the request notifies the game control unit 212 that the request for proxy play is rejected. Upon receiving this notification (in other words, when the user of the destination of the request rejects the request for proxy play), the game control unit 212 does not cause the proxy play by the user of the destination of the request to start.

[0098] Also, the request for proxy play may be made based on an offer from the user of the destination of the request to the user of the source of the request. The offer may be made by specifying the user of the source of the request or may be made without specifying the user of the source of the request.

[0099] Examples of offers that specify the user of the source of the request include the following. The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user who makes the offer (that is, the user of the destination of the request) accepts an operation by the user to specify the user of the source of the request from among a plurality of users displayed on the list screen 360. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6(a), on the list screen 360, offer buttons 365 corresponding to each of the plurality of users displayed on the list screen 360 are displayed. The offer button 365 functions as a UI that accepts an operation to specify a specific user as the user of the source of the request from among the plurality of users displayed on the list screen 360. In other words, the offer button 365 functions as a UI that accepts an operation to make an offer for proxy play (specifically, an offer to a specific user). Note that the code information input UI 311 or the like may function as a UI that accepts an operation to make an offer for proxy play (specifically, an offer to a specific user).

[0100] The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user to whom the offer is made requests the game control unit 212 to offer a proxy play for the specific user based on an operation on the offer button 365 corresponding to the specific user, which is an operation of designating the specific user as the requesting user from among the plurality of users displayed on the list screen 360. In other words, the control unit 110 requests the game control unit 212 to offer a proxy play based on an operation of offering a request for proxy play. The game control unit 212 notifies the terminal device 10 of the specific user that there is an offer for proxy play based on the request. The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the specific user causes the display unit 18 to display a confirmation screen 380 illustrated in FIG. 6(b). The confirmation screen 380 is a screen for confirming whether the proxy play can be started by the user to whom the offer was made.

[0101] On the confirmation screen 380, information 382 about the user to whom the offer was made (in other words, information that can identify the user to whom the offer was made), such as the user name of the user to whom the offer was made, is displayed, enabling the user to whom the offer was made and who is about to accept the entrustment to be confirmed. On the confirmation screen 380, an acceptance button 384 for accepting an operation to accept the start of the proxy play and a rejection button 385 for accepting an operation to reject the start of the proxy play are displayed. Then, the requesting user can accept the start of the proxy play by operating the acceptance button 384. Also, the requesting user can reject the start of the proxy play by operating the rejection button 385.

[0102] Based on an operation on the approval button 384 as an operation related to the approval of the start of the proxy play, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requester requests the game control unit 212 to start the proxy play by the user who made the offer. Based on this request, the game control unit 212 causes the proxy play by the user of the requested destination who made the offer to start. That is, based on the operation related to the approval by the user of the requester, the game control unit 212 causes the proxy play by the user of the requested destination who made the offer to start. Also, based on an operation on the rejection button 385 as an operation to reject the start of the proxy play, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requester notifies the game control unit 212 to reject the start of the proxy play. Upon receiving this notification, the game control unit 212 does not cause the proxy play by the user of the requested destination to start.

[0103] Note that the list screen 360 on which such operations related to the offer specifying the user of the requester are possible may be a screen that displays a list of users having a predetermined relationship with oneself (here, the user of the requested destination). In other words, regarding the display on the list screen 360 displayed on the terminal device 10 of the user of the requested destination, a display similar to the display on the list screen 360 displayed on the terminal device 10 of the aforementioned user of the requester may be adopted. Also, the list screen 360 may be a screen that displays a list of users who recruit proxy play trustees (in other words, users who want to request proxy play). For example, based on a predetermined operation by the user who wants to request proxy play, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user requests the game control unit 212 to register the user as a user who recruits trustees. Based on this request, the game control unit 212 registers the user as a user who recruits trustees (in other words, stores it in the storage unit 220). Then, a list of users registered as users who recruit trustees may be displayed on the list screen 360. Also, on the list screen 360, users with more experience in proxy play may be preferentially displayed.

[0104] The game control unit 212 may start the proxy play after the biometric information of the requested user is acquired. For example, when the requested user accepts the proxy request, the game control unit 212 may request the acquisition of the biometric information of the user. In other words, when starting the proxy play, the game control unit 212 establishes a proxy relationship between the requesting user and the requested user, but may establish the proxy relationship on the condition that the biometric information of the requested user is acquired. In other words, the game control unit 212 may permit the proxy play by the requested user on the condition that the biometric information of the requested user is registered in a predetermined storage unit, and may not permit the proxy play by the requested user when the biometric information is not registered in the predetermined storage unit.

[0105] Specifically, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requested user acquires the biometric information of the requested user input via a predetermined sensor as an input unit. For example, the control unit 110 may acquire information that can identify the user individual, such as the information of the user's face, iris, fingerprint, or voice, as the biometric information. In other words, the biometric information may be information acquired via an image sensor that acquires an image, a fingerprint sensor, or a microphone.

[0106] The acquired biometric information is stored in the storage unit 220 as user information. The game control unit 212 may permit the proxy play by the requested user based on the fact that the biometric information is stored in the storage unit 220.

[0107] Note that the user who is the request source may be able to view the biometric information of the user who is the request destination. In other words, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user who is the request source may acquire the biometric information stored in the storage unit 220 and be able to display it on the display unit 18. Also, the user who is the request source may not be able to view the biometric information of the user who is the request destination. In this way, by acquiring the biometric information of the user who is the request destination and storing it in a predetermined storage unit, it is possible to identify the user who has committed an irregularity in the case where the user who is the request destination has committed an irregularity during the proxy play. Note that even if the user who is the request source cannot view the biometric information, the biometric information can be used when identifying the user who has committed an irregularity by the game operator or the like, and acquiring the biometric information itself can serve as a deterrent against irregularities.

[0108] (Execution of Proxy Play) When the user who is the requester plays by himself / herself (in other words, normal play rather than proxy play), the game control unit 212 arranges the player character 30 of the user who is the requester (in other words, the player character 30 linked to the account of the user who is the requester) at the position on the virtual space corresponding to the position of the user who is the requester in the real space. Then, the game control unit 212 moves the player character 30 of the user who is the requester on the virtual space in conjunction with the movement of the user who is the requester in the real space. That is, the game control unit 212 moves the player character 30 of the user who is the requester on the virtual space based on the position information of the user who is the requester as information from the user who is the requester. Based on this control by the game control unit 212, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user who is the requester causes the display unit 18 to display the display that the player character 30 of the user who is the requester moves on the virtual space in conjunction with the movement of the user who is the requester. Further, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user who is the requester accepts the operations by the user who is the requester on various objects on the virtual space. Specifically, the control unit 110 accepts a touch operation on the event object 33 for generating an event corresponding to the event object 33 by the user who is the requester, an operation for moving the player character 30 in a battle with an enemy character, etc. Then, the game control unit 212 advances the game based on the movement of the user who is the requester in the real space, the operations by the user who is the requester on various objects, etc. That is, in normal play, as described above, the user moves his / her player character 30 on the virtual space by his / her own movement in the real space to advance the game. Also, in normal play, the display that his / her player character 30 moves on the virtual space in conjunction with his / her movement in the real space is displayed on his / her terminal device 10. The same applies to the case where the user who is the requested party performs normal play rather than proxy play. That is, normal play can be the same as a conventional location information game.

[0109] On the other hand, in proxy play, the game control unit 212 places the player character 30 of the requesting user at a position in the virtual space corresponding to the position of the requested user in the real space. Then, the game control unit 212 moves the player character 30 of the requesting user in the virtual space in conjunction with the movement of the requested user in the real space.

[0110] Specifically, the game control unit 212 progresses the game (i.e., proxy play) that the requested user is playing on behalf of the requesting user by moving the requesting user's player character 30 (in other words, the player character 30 linked to the requesting user's account) in the virtual space based on the requested user's location information acquired by a location information acquisition unit 116 (e.g., the location information acquisition unit 116 of the requested user's terminal device 10) that acquires the requested user's location information.

[0111] The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requested user, under the control of the game control unit 212, causes the display unit 18 to display a display in which the requesting user's player character 30 moves in the virtual space in conjunction with the movement of the requested user. FIG. 7 shows an example of a play screen 400 displayed on the terminal device 10 of the requested user during execution of a proxy play. The play screen 400 exemplified in FIG. 7 is a screen on which the requested user plays a game, but the player character 30 displayed on the play screen 400 is the player character 30 of the requesting user (in other words, the appearance of the player character 30 of the requesting user).

[0112] In proxy play, the user at the destination basically progresses the game in the same way as in normal play. Specifically, the user at the destination approaches each event object 33 in the virtual space displayed on the display unit 18 of his or her terminal device 10 by moving himself or herself (for example, by performing an operation (for example, a touch operation) on the event object 33 displayed on the display unit 18 after approaching), to generate an event corresponding to the event object 33 and progress the game. More specifically, the user at the destination moves the player character 30 of the user at the origin by moving himself or herself so that the event object 33 for which he or she wants to generate (in other words, use) the corresponding event is located within the available range X, and progresses the game by performing an operation on the event object 33.

[0113] In proxy play, the game control unit 212 generates an event corresponding to the operated event object 33 based on the operation by the user at the destination on the event object 33 within the available range X. Note that the available range X is an available range X determined according to the position of the user at the destination in the real space, and can also be said to be an available range X corresponding to the position of the player character 30 of the user at the origin.

[0114] For example, based on the operation of the destination user on the item spot 33a by the destination user (in other words, based on the fact that the destination user has visited the position corresponding to the position on the virtual space where the item spot 33a is arranged in the real space), the game control unit 212 may generate an event of item acquisition. Here, the game control unit 212 (in other words, the granting unit 215) may grant an item (in other words, a reward) corresponding to the operated item spot 33a to the source user based on the operation of the source user on the item spot 33a, may grant it to the destination user, or may grant it to both the source user and the destination user. Further, when granting to both the source user and the destination user, the item granted to the source user and the item granted to the destination user may be different or may be the same. Note that in this embodiment, for the predetermined value such as an item obtained in the proxy play, "granting to the source user" means that the granted value is finally (in other words, until the proxy play ends) linked to the account of the source user as the value owned by the source user and stored in a predetermined storage unit. For example, it may be temporarily granted to the destination user during the progress of the proxy play, and the item temporarily granted to the destination user may be passed to the source user when the proxy play ends.

[0115] Also, for example, based on the operation of the destination user on the recovery spot 33b (in other words, based on the fact that the destination user has visited the position corresponding to the position on the virtual space where the recovery spot 33b is arranged in the real space), the game control unit 212 recovers a predetermined parameter (for example, physical strength value) of the player character 30 of the source user.

[0116] Also, for example, the game control unit 212 starts a battle with an enemy character based on the operation of the user to whom the request is sent for the enemy object 33c (in other words, based on the fact that the user to whom the request is sent has visited a position in the real space corresponding to the position on the virtual space where the enemy object 33c is placed). This battle is advanced by the user to whom the request is sent operating the player character 30 of the user who sent the request. That is, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user to whom the request is sent receives an operation (for example, an operation to cause an attack on the enemy character, etc.) by the user to whom the request is sent to move the player character 30 of the user who sent the request. Then, the game control unit 212 advances the battle with the enemy character based on an operation or the like by the user to whom the request is sent to move the player character 30 of the user who sent the request. Further, the game control unit 212 grants a reward to a predetermined user based on the fact that the user to whom the request is sent has won the battle with the enemy character by operating the player character 30. Here, the game control unit 212 may grant the reward to the user who sent the request, may grant the reward to the user to whom the request is sent, or may grant the reward to both the user who sent the request and the user to whom the request is sent. Also, when granting the reward to both the user who sent the request and the user to whom the request is sent, the reward granted to the user who sent the request and the reward granted to the user to whom the request is sent may be different or may be the same. Note that the reward for the battle may be, for example, an item, may be a point related to an increase in a parameter of the player character 30 such as a so-called experience value, or may be electronic currency or the like.

[0117] During the proxy play, the game control unit 212 may allow the user of the requested party to use at least a part of the items owned by the user of the requesting party (in other words, items that the user of the requesting party can use in normal play, in other words, items linked to the account of the user of the requesting party). Also, during the proxy play, the game control unit 212 may restrict the use by the user of the requested party of at least a part of the items owned by the user of the requesting party. In other words, during the proxy play, the game control unit 212 may permit the use of the first item among the items owned by the user of the requesting party and prohibit the use of the second item. The first item may be, for example, equipment of the player character 30. Also, the first item may be an item that is not consumed by use (in other words, an item that does not disappear even if used), or an item that is consumed by use (in other words, an item that disappears by use). Also, the second item may be, for example, an item that is consumed by use, or an item that is not consumed by use. Also, the user of the requesting party may be able to select the items for which use by the user of the requested party is permitted and the items for which use is prohibited.

[0118] (Consideration for the request) A consideration may be required for the proxy play request. Specifically, when starting the proxy play, the game control unit 212 may reduce the value owned by the user of the requesting party by the amount of the consideration related to the proxy play request.

[0119] (Achievement conditions) The proxy play may have achievement conditions set. Also, the awarding unit 215 may award a specific reward to the requested user when the requested user satisfies the achievement conditions in the proxy play. Further, the game control unit 212 may end the proxy play based on the satisfaction of the achievement conditions. In other words, the achievement conditions may be the end conditions of the proxy play or may be set separately from the end conditions. Only one achievement condition may be set for one proxy play, or multiple achievement conditions may be set. Also, when multiple achievement conditions are set, the awarding unit 215 may award a specific reward to the user based on the satisfaction of one achievement condition, or may award a specific reward to the user based on the satisfaction of multiple (for example, all) achievement conditions.

[0120] As an example, the achievement conditions may include obtaining a predetermined number of specific items, defeating a predetermined number of specific enemy characters, reaching a specific location (specifically, moving the player character 30 to a specific location in the virtual space, in other words, the requested user moving to a specific location in the real space), or moving a predetermined amount, etc. Here, the "predetermined number" may be 1 or multiple. That is, "defeating a predetermined number of specific enemy characters" includes defeating specific enemy characters such as so-called boss characters in the proxy play or defeating a specified number of so-called mook characters. Also, "moving a predetermined amount" includes the requested user moving a specific distance (for example, 3 km, etc.) in the real space or moving a specific number of steps (for example, 1000 steps). Also, for the predetermined amount of movement, the direction of movement may be determined, such as "moving 3 km north".

[0121] The achievement conditions may be set based on the user's selection, may be automatically set by the game control unit 212, or may be predetermined.

[0122] Note that the proxy play may request the progress of a specific part of a story composed of multiple parts. For example, in normal play, assume that the user who makes the request progresses the story based on their own movement. In this case, the user who makes the request may request the user who is the recipient to progress (in other words, clear) a part of the story. In this case, the achievement condition may be the clearance of the part for which the clearance is requested.

[0123] The reward given to the user who is the recipient upon achievement of the achievement condition may be a predetermined value (e.g., digital currency, items, etc.) owned by the user who makes the request. Also, the reward given to the user who is the recipient upon achievement of the achievement condition may be a part of the results obtained in the proxy play (e.g., the value obtained by operating on the item spot 33a during the proxy play, defeating enemy characters, etc.). In other words, a part of the results obtained in the proxy play may be distributed to the user who is the recipient. Also, the reward given to the user who is the recipient upon achievement of the achievement condition is not limited to that passed from the user who makes the request to the user who is the recipient (in other words, that which reduces the value owned by the user who makes the request or the share of the user who makes the request), and may be that given to the user who is the recipient by the game operator (in other words, that which is given without reducing the value owned by the user who makes the request or the share of the user who makes the request).

[0124] (End condition) An end condition is set for the proxy play. The game control unit 212 ends the proxy play based on the end condition being satisfied. Only one end condition may be set for one proxy play, or multiple end conditions may be set. Also, when multiple end conditions are set, the game control unit 212 may end the proxy play based on one end condition being satisfied, or may end the proxy play based on multiple (e.g., all) end conditions being satisfied.

[0125] As described above, the achievement condition may be the end condition. Further, the end condition may be that the user of the requester or the user of the request destination performs a predetermined operation instructing the end of the proxy play. Further, the end condition may be that a predetermined time has elapsed from a predetermined reference time (for example, the start time of the proxy play). That is, a deadline for satisfying the achievement condition may be set for the proxy play. Then, the awarding unit 215 may award a specific reward to a user who has satisfied the achievement condition within the set deadline, and may not award the specific reward to a user who has not satisfied the achievement condition within the set deadline.

[0126] Note that regardless of whether the end condition is the same as the achievement condition, various conditions shown as examples of the achievement condition above may be set as the end condition.

[0127] The end condition may be determined based on the selection of the user, may be automatically determined by the game control unit 212, or may be predetermined.

[0128] (Benefits obtained by the user of the requester) The granting unit 215 grants to the requesting user the results obtained by the proxy play of the requested user, such as the benefits generated by the proxy play of the requested user. In other words, the granting unit 215 grants to the requesting user the results obtained based on the movement of the requested user in the real space, such as the benefits generated based on the movement of the requested user in the real space. Here, the granted benefit may be a predetermined reward. Specifically, the granted benefit may be an item, virtual currency, experience points obtained by the player character 30 of the requesting user (in other words, points related to the increase of the parameters of the player character 30) that can be obtained by executing the proxy play. Also, the granted benefit may be the progress of the game. Specifically, the granted benefit may be the progress of the story of the game that the requesting user advances in normal play (in other words, the clearance of a part of the story). That is, the granting unit 215 may consider that the predetermined event (for example, a part of the story) has been cleared for the account of the requesting user based on the fact that the requested user has cleared the predetermined event in the proxy play (in other words, it may be changed from the uncleared state to the cleared state). Note that even if the requested user has not reached the point of clearing the predetermined event in the proxy play and has only progressed halfway, the granting unit 215 may pass on the situation up to the progressed part to the requesting user (in other words, for the account of the requesting user, it may be changed to the completed state up to the part progressed by the requested user).

[0129] Also, the granted benefit may be, for example, an item granted based on an operation on the item spot 33a, a reward granted based on defeating an enemy character, or a reward granted based on clearing a predetermined event.

[0130] The giving by the giving unit 215 of the result obtained through proxy play (in other words, the profit generated) to the user who is the requester may be performed at the timing when the proxy play ends, or may be performed during the progress of the proxy play. For example, based on the fact that the requested user has satisfied the achievement condition, the giving unit 215 may give the user who is the requester the result obtained through proxy play (in other words, the generated profit). Also, the giving unit 215 may give the user who is the requester a profit at the timing when a predetermined event occurs in the proxy play. For example, every time an operation on the item spot 33a is performed in the proxy play, the giving unit 215 may give the user who is the requester the item corresponding to the operated item spot 33a. Also, for example, every time the user defeats an enemy character in the proxy play, the giving unit 215 may give the user who is the requester the reward based on the defeat of the enemy character.

[0131] Note that the benefits to be provided may be such that events that can occur based on the movement of the requesting user in the real space during normal play can occur without the requesting user moving in the real space. For example, the awarding unit 215 awards a specific point (or a specific item) to the requesting user according to the movement amount (e.g., the distance traveled, the number of steps, the time, etc.) of the requested user during the proxy play. The specific point (or specific item) may be, for example, a point (or item) that enables the occurrence (in other words, play) of an event set at a position more than a predetermined distance away from the current position of the requesting user (in other words, outside the available range X) by consumption. For example, the game control unit 212 may be able to cause an event set at a position at a first distance (e.g., 1 km) away from the current position of the requesting user by consuming a specific point in a first amount (e.g., 1000 points) based on the operation of the requesting user. Also, the game control unit 212 may be able to cause an event set at a position at a second distance (e.g., 2 km) away from the current position of the requesting user, which is farther than the first distance, by consuming a specific point in a second amount that is more than the first amount (e.g., 2000 points) based on the operation of the requesting user. Alternatively, the game control unit 212 may be able to cause an event set at a position at a first distance away from the current position of the requesting user by consuming a first specific item based on the operation of the requesting user. Also, the game control unit 212 may be able to cause an event set at a position at a second distance away from the current position of the requesting user by consuming a second specific item (or by consuming a larger amount than when causing an event set at a position at a first distance away from the current position by consuming the first specific item) based on the operation of the requesting user. In other words, the awarding unit 215 may award a specific point (or specific item) that can reduce the burden of movement of the requesting user in normal play to the requesting user according to the movement amount of the requested user during the proxy play.Specifically, the awarding unit 215 may award more specific points as the amount of movement (e.g., distance traveled or number of steps) of the user at the destination of the request during the proxy play is greater.

[0132] Note that, as described above, the awarding unit 215 awards the results obtained through the proxy play of the user at the destination of the request to the user at the source of the request. However, the results awarded to the user at the source of the request are not limited to positive results for the user at the source of the request and may also include negative results. That is, for example, when the user at the destination of the request fails to clear an event during the proxy play (e.g., loses to an enemy character), the awarding unit 215 may link and register (in other words, store in the storage unit 220) the result of failure to the account of the user at the source of the request. Also, when the user at the destination of the request uses an item during the proxy play, the awarding unit 215 may reduce the items owned by the user at the source of the request by the amount used by the user at the destination of the request during the proxy play. Further, when the parameters of the player character 30 decrease during the proxy play, the awarding unit 215 causes the user at the source of the request of the player character 30 to start using the player character 30 while maintaining the state in which the parameters of the player character 30 have decreased after the end of the proxy play.

[0133] (Reward obtained by the user at the destination of the request) The user at the destination of the request obtains a reward by performing the proxy play. The said reward can also be said to be a reward given to the user at the destination of the request for the user at the destination of the request to perform the proxy play and bring benefits to the user at the source of the request. In other words, the awarding unit 215 awards a reward to the second user based on the fact that a benefit is awarded to the first user based on the movement of the second user in the real space. In other words, the awarding unit 215 awards a reward to the second user based on the fact that the result obtained based on the movement of the second user in the real space is awarded to the first user.

[0134] Specifically, the awarding unit 215 may award a reward to the user at the destination of the request based on the user at the destination of the request satisfying the achievement condition during the proxy play.

[0135] In addition, the awarding unit 215 may award a reward to the requested user based on the operation performed by the requested user on the item spot 33a in the proxy play.

[0136] In addition, the awarding unit 215 may award a reward to the requested user based on the defeat of an enemy character by the requested user in the proxy play.

[0137] The awarding of the reward to the requested user by the awarding unit 215 may be performed at the timing when the proxy play ends, or may be performed during the progress of the proxy play. For example, the awarding unit 215 may award a reward to the requested user at the timing when the requested user satisfies the achievement condition. In addition, the awarding unit 215 may award a reward to the requested user at the timing when a predetermined event occurs in the proxy play. For example, each time an operation on the item spot 33a is performed in the proxy play, the awarding unit 215 may award an item corresponding to the operated item spot 33a to the requested user. Also, for example, each time the user defeats an enemy character in the proxy play, the awarding unit 215 may award a reward based on the defeat of the enemy character to the requested user.

[0138] Note that the awarding unit 215 may award different rewards to each of the requesting user and the requested user on a specific occasion. In other words, based on a specific condition being satisfied in the proxy play (for example, the achievement condition being satisfied), the awarding unit 215 may award a first reward to the requesting user and a second reward different from the first reward to the requested user. Here, the first reward may not be awarded to the requested user. Also, the second reward may not be awarded to the requesting user.

[0139] (Display during proxy play) As illustrated in FIG. 7, during the progress of the proxy play, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user at the requested destination may cause the display unit 18 to display a display indicating that the proxy play is in progress. Also, during the progress of the proxy play, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user at the requested destination may cause the display unit 18 to display the achievement conditions. Further, during the progress of the proxy play, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user at the requested destination may cause the display unit 18 to display the end conditions.

[0140] For example, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user at the requested destination may cause the play screen 400 on which the user at the requested destination performs the proxy play to display a display indicating that the proxy play is in progress, the achievement conditions, and the end conditions. Specifically, the control unit 110 may cause the play screen 400 to display the progress status of the achievement conditions (for example, the remaining number and types of items to be acquired, the remaining number and types of enemy characters to be defeated). Also, the control unit 110 may cause the play screen 400 to display the remaining time until the proxy play ends.

[0141] In addition, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user at the requested destination may cause the display unit 18 to display the precautions 405 related to the proxy play. The precautions 405 may, for example, notify the user at the requested destination of the differences from the normal play. Also, the precautions 405 may, for example, notify the user of the demerits of the proxy play. In the present embodiment, the differences between the proxy play and the normal play that are disadvantageous compared to the normal play, specifically, the fact that no predetermined benefits can be obtained in the proxy play is displayed as a precaution. More specifically, in the proxy play, the fact that no experience points (in other words, points related to the increase in the parameters of the user's own player character 30) can be obtained (for example, even by defeating enemy characters) is displayed as a precaution. The predetermined benefits are not limited to experience points and may be items, virtual currency, or the like.

[0142] (Communication during Proxy Play) During the progress of the proxy play, the game control unit 212 may notify the requesting user of the progress of the achievement conditions (in other words, the achievement status of the request). For example, the game control unit 212 notifies the terminal device 10 of the requesting user of the progress of the achievement conditions. Based on the notification, the terminal device 10 of the requesting user causes the display unit 18 to display a notification display 410 notifying the requesting user of the progress of the achievement conditions, as exemplified in FIG. 8(a). Note that the game control unit 212 may perform the notification, for example, periodically (in other words, at a predetermined time), or may perform the notification when the requested user achieves a predetermined item in the proxy play (for example, achieves a part of a plurality of achievement conditions). The notification display 410 may, for example, notify the requesting user of the achievement conditions that have been achieved, the requesting user of the achievement conditions that have not been achieved, etc. Furthermore, the notification display 410 may notify the requesting user of the acquisition status of an item (in other words, a profit) that the requesting user acquires as a result of the proxy play.

[0143] Furthermore, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requesting user may accept an operation (specifically, an operation by the requesting user) of sending a reaction to the notification of the progress of the achievement condition to the requested user. Specifically, a stamp (in other words, a pictogram) or a message (for example, a fixed phrase or a sentence freely input by the requesting user) may be sent to the requested user as a reaction. The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requesting user transmits the reaction to the terminal device 10 of the requested user via the server 20 based on the operation. The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requested user causes the transmitted reaction (for example, the stamp 412) to be displayed on the display unit 18 (for example, the play screen 400). This allows the reaction of the requesting user to be conveyed to the requested user.

[0144] In addition, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requesting user may receive an operation from the requesting user to send a predetermined value (in other words, a gift) to the requested user during the progress of the proxy play. The predetermined value may be electronic currency or the like, may be a substitute for money, or may be an item or the like that can be used within the game. Here, the electronic currency may be in-game currency or currency that can be used outside the game. In other words, "sending a specific value (in other words, sending a gift)" includes so-called tipping in a video distribution service or the like, sending an item, and the like. Regarding the method of sending a predetermined value from user to user, it can be the same as the method of sending a predetermined value in a conventional video distribution service or the method of sending an item from user to user in a conventional game. For example, it may be as follows.

[0145] For example, based on a predetermined operation by the requesting user, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requesting user transmits a request to send a predetermined value from the requesting user to the requested user to the server 20. Based on the request (in other words, based on the predetermined operation), the control unit 210 of the server 20 increases the assets held by the requested user by the amount of the value sent from the requesting user and decreases the assets held by the requesting user by an amount corresponding to the value sent to the requested user. In addition, based on the request, the control unit 210 of the server 20 notifies that a predetermined value has been sent from the requesting user to the requested user and the details of the sent value. For example, the control unit 210 notifies the terminal device 10 of the requested user that a predetermined value has been sent from the requesting user to the requested user and the details of the sent value. Based on the notification, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requested user causes a display 413 for notifying that a predetermined value has been sent from the requesting user to the requested user and the details of the sent value to be displayed on the display unit 18 (for example, the play screen 400) as illustrated in FIG. 8(c).

[0146] In addition, when the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requesting user causes the display unit 18 to display a notification display 410 that notifies the requesting user of the progress of the achievement conditions, the control unit 110 may cause the display unit 18 to display a display 416 that prompts the sending of a response to the notification to the receiving user, a display 417 that prompts the sending of a predetermined value to the receiving user, and the like. Further, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requesting user may cause the display unit 18 to display a UI 418 that accepts an operation corresponding to these prompting displays 416 and 417 together with the prompting displays 416 and 417. Then, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requesting user may accept an operation corresponding to these prompting displays 416 and 417 as an operation of sending a response to the receiving user or an operation of sending a predetermined value to the receiving user. Note that "prompt" includes confirming whether or not to send.

[0147] (Request to Multiple Users) The requesting user may be able to request a proxy play from a plurality of receiving users in the same period. In other words, a proxy relationship may be established between one requesting user and each of a plurality of receiving users in the same period. Further, the awarding unit 215 may award a specific reward only to the user who first achieved the achievement conditions among the plurality of receiving users who received a request for proxy play from one requesting user. In this case, it may be that no reward is awarded to users other than the user who first achieved the achievement conditions among the plurality of receiving users, or a reward different from the specific reward may be awarded.

[0148] (Detailed Settings for Proxy Request) In this embodiment, the user can set the achievement conditions and end conditions for the proxy play. An example of a screen related to the detailed settings of the proxy play is shown in FIG. 9.

[0149] The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requesting user causes the display unit 18 to display a condition setting screen 500 exemplified in FIG. 9 based on a predetermined operation by the requesting user. The condition setting screen 500 may be displayed, for example, at the timing when the requesting user actually makes a request. For example, the control unit 110 may cause the display unit 18 to display the condition setting screen 500 based on the operation of the requesting user designating the destination user from among a plurality of users displayed on the list screen 360. Further, for example, the control unit 110 may cause the display unit 18 to display the condition setting screen 500 based on a predetermined operation related to receiving a request, such as an operation in which the destination user inputs code information 301. Further, the condition setting screen 500 may be a screen on which various conditions can be set in advance, for example, before the timing when the requesting user actually makes a request or before the timing when the destination user performs a predetermined operation related to receiving a request. In other words, the requesting user may be able to set various conditions in advance on the condition setting screen 500 regardless of the timing of actually making a request (in other words, the timing when the request is received). When the request is received, the game control unit 212 starts the proxy play under the conditions set on the condition setting screen 500.

[0150] On the condition setting screen 500, an achievement condition setting UI 501 as a UI related to the setting of achievement conditions is displayed. The achievement condition setting UI 501 (in other words, the control unit 110) receives an operation of a user who sets achievement conditions. Specifically, the achievement condition setting UI 501 receives an operation of setting achievement conditions related to the acquisition of items, an operation of setting achievement conditions related to the defeat of enemy characters, an operation of setting a destination of movement (specifically, a specific location in the virtual space as a destination for moving the player character 30, in other words, the destination that the user of the request destination aims for in the real space), or an operation of setting achievement conditions related to the amount of movement, etc. The game control unit 212 sets achievement conditions based on the user's operation on the achievement condition setting UI 501. The achievement condition setting UI 501 may be a UI that can select an achievement condition to be set from a plurality of presented achievement conditions as illustrated in FIG. 9(a). Also, the achievement condition setting UI 501 may be a UI that can receive an operation of setting the type and number of items to be acquired, the type and number of enemy characters to be defeated, the destination of movement, the amount of movement, or the direction of movement, etc. as illustrated in FIG. 9(b).

[0151] Also, on the condition setting screen 500, an end condition setting UI 502 as a UI related to the setting of end conditions is displayed. The end condition setting UI 502 (in other words, the control unit 110) receives an operation of a user who sets the end conditions for the proxy play. The game control unit 212 sets end conditions based on the user's operation on the end condition setting UI 502. For example, the game control unit 212 may set the deadline of the proxy play (in other words, the deadline for satisfying the achievement conditions) based on the user's operation of setting the deadline of the proxy play. Also, the aforementioned achievement condition setting UI 501 may function as the end condition setting UI 502.

[0152] Note that the setting of achievement conditions based on the operation on the achievement condition setting UI 501 and the setting of end conditions based on the operation on the end condition setting UI 502 may be possible for the user of the request destination to perform on their own terminal device 10.

[0153] In addition, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requesting user causes the display unit 18 to display a reward setting screen 510 illustrated in FIG. 9(c) based on a predetermined operation by the requesting user. On the reward setting screen 510, a reward setting UI 511 as a UI related to the setting of the reward for the proxy play is displayed. The reward setting UI 511 (in other words, the control unit 110) accepts an operation related to the setting of the reward. Specifically, the reward setting UI 511 accepts an operation for setting the type of reward (for example, the type of item as the reward) and an operation for setting the amount of the reward (for example, the number of items as the reward). The game control unit 212 sets the reward for the proxy play based on the user's operation on the reward setting UI 511. In other words, when the request is accepted, the game control unit 212 starts a proxy play in which the reward set in the reward setting UI 511 can be acquired by the requested user. The reward set in the reward setting UI 511 may be, for example, a reward given to the requested user when the requested user satisfies the achievement condition in the proxy play. That is, for example, the awarding unit 215 awards the reward set based on the operation on the reward setting UI 511 to the requested user when the requested user satisfies the achievement condition in the proxy play.

[0154] Note that the reward given to the requested user may be a predetermined value owned by the requesting user, may be a part of the result obtained in the proxy play, or may be given to the requested user from the game operator. That is, the reward setting UI 511 may accept, for example, an operation in which the requesting user selects a reward from the values owned by the user. In addition, the reward setting UI 511 may accept an operation for setting the share of the requested user (for example, the type and amount of the value passed to the requested user (in other words, the distribution), etc.) among the results obtained in the proxy play.

[0155] The achievement conditions set by the requesting user are notified to the receiving user. Also, the end conditions set by the requesting user are notified to the receiving user. Further, the reward set by the requesting user is notified to the receiving user. Specifically, the game control unit 212 notifies the terminal device 10 of the receiving user of the achievement conditions, end conditions, and reward set by the requesting user. The terminal device 10 of the receiving user causes the display unit 18 to display the notified achievement conditions, end conditions, and reward. Note that the terminal device 10 of the receiving user may cause the display unit 18 to display the notified achievement conditions, end conditions, and reward before the request for the proxy play is received (in other words, before the proxy play is started), or after the request for the proxy play is received (in other words, after the proxy play is started). That is, the notification of the achievement conditions, end conditions, or reward to the receiving user may be performed before or after the entrustment by the receiving user.

[0156] In the case where the achievement conditions, end conditions, or reward set by the requesting user are notified (in other words, displayed on the display unit 18) to the receiving user before the request is received, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the receiving user may accept an operation for requesting the receiving user to change the achievement conditions, end conditions, or reward. For example, the control unit 110 may accept an operation for requesting a change in any of the type or number of items to be acquired, the type or number of enemy characters to be defeated, the destination of movement, the amount of movement, or the direction of movement, etc., which are set by the requesting user as the achievement conditions. Also, the control unit 110 may accept an operation for requesting a change in the deadline set by the requesting user as the end condition. Further, the control unit 110 may accept an operation for requesting a change in the type or number of items set by the requesting user as the reward. That is, the control unit 110 may accept an operation for requesting the receiving user to change the details of the proxy play set by the requesting user. An example of a change request screen 520 for requesting a change in details is shown in FIG. 9(d).

[0157] For example, assume that the user who is the requester sets the deadline for the proxy play to 3 hours and sets the rewards to 1 item Z and 1 item K. In this case, as shown in Fig. 9(d), the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user who is the requestee may accept an operation to request a change of the deadline (for example, an operation to change the deadline to 5 hours) by the user who is the requestee. Further, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user who is the requestee may accept an operation to request a change in the type of item as the reward or an operation to request a change in the number of items as the reward (for example, an operation to increase the number of item Z as the reward, an operation to change the type of reward from item K to item Z), etc.

[0158] When an operation to request a change in the details of the proxy play is performed by the user who is the requestee, the game control unit 212 notifies the terminal device 10 of the user who is the requester of the content of the request. The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user who is the requester causes the display unit 18 to display the notified content of the request. Further, the control unit 110 accepts an operation corresponding to the request by the user who is the requester (in other words, an operation to change the details of the proxy play according to the request of the user who is the requestee) and an operation to reject the request. The game control unit 212 changes the details of the proxy play (specifically, achievement conditions, end conditions, or rewards) according to the request based on the operation corresponding to the request by the user who is the requester. On the other hand, when the user who is the requester performs an operation to reject the request, the game control unit 212 does not change the details of the proxy play (specifically, achievement conditions, end conditions, or rewards). Note that the game control unit 212 may determine that the proxy request is established based on the fact that an operation corresponding to the request by the user who is the requester has been performed, and cause the user who is the requestee to start the proxy play (specifically, the proxy play under the conditions after the details are changed). Note that an operation to request a change in the details of the proxy play by the user who is the requestee and an operation corresponding to the request by the user who is the requester may be executable after the start of the proxy play. In this case, the game control unit 212 may change the details of the proxy play being executed (in other words, the proxy play being played by the user who is the requestee) based on the fact that an operation corresponding to the request by the user who is the requester has been performed.

[0159] (Restrictions on Users Who Use Proxy Play) The game control unit 212 may restrict the use of proxy play according to the attributes of the user. Specifically, the game control unit 212 may restrict the use of proxy play according to the attributes related to the user's age. Also, the game control unit 212 may restrict the use of proxy play according to the attributes related to the user's gender. Note that the attributes of the user (for example, information such as the user's age and gender) are stored in the storage unit 220 linked to the user's account as user information, for example. Then, the game control unit 212 refers to the user information to determine the attributes of the user and performs control according to the attributes of the user.

[0160] For example, based on the fact that the user is a child (in other words, the user's age is less than a predetermined age), the game control unit 212 may permit the user to request proxy play from another user as the requester, and based on the fact that the user is an adult (in other words, the user's age is greater than or equal to the predetermined age), the game control unit 212 may prohibit the user from requesting proxy play from another user as the requester. Also, based on the fact that the user is female, the game control unit 212 may permit the user to request proxy play from another user as the requester, and based on the fact that the user is male, the game control unit 212 may prohibit the user from requesting proxy play from another user as the requester. That is, for example, when the user is a child or female, it may be permitted to request proxy play from another user as the requester, and when the user is an adult male, it may be prohibited to request proxy play from another user as the requester.

[0161] The method for the game control unit 212 to prohibit a user with a specific attribute from requesting a proxy play from another user as the requester is not particularly limited as long as the request is not allowed to be established. For example, the game control unit 212 controls operations for designating the requester user, such as the input operation of the code information 301 performed on the terminal device 10 of the requested user or the operation of designating a specific user from among a plurality of users displayed on the list screen 360, so that a user with a specific attribute cannot be designated as the requester user. Specifically, the game control unit 212 controls not to display a UI related to receiving an operation of designating the user with the specific attribute as the requester user, or invalidates the operation of designating the user with the specific attribute as the requester user for the UI. Also, when an operation of designating the user with the specific attribute as the requester user is performed by the requested user, the game control unit 212 may notify the requested user who performed the operation that the user with the specific attribute cannot be designated as the requester user. Further, for example, when the requester user is a user with a specific attribute, the game control unit 212 may control so that operations related to a request, such as an operation of designating a specific user from among a plurality of users displayed on the list screen 360, performed on the terminal device 10 of the requester user cannot be performed. Specifically, the game control unit 212 controls not to display a UI for receiving an operation of requesting a proxy play from another user on the terminal device 10 of the user with the specific attribute, or invalidates the operation by the user with the specific attribute for the UI.

[0162] Also, for example, when a user satisfies a predetermined condition (hereinafter referred to as "requested destination condition"), the game control unit 212 may permit a proxy play with the user as the requested destination, and when the user does not satisfy the requested destination condition, prohibit a proxy play with the user as the requested destination.

[0163] The destination conditions may be, for example, conditions related to the positional relationship between the source user and the destination user. Specifically, the destination conditions may be, for example, the condition that the destination user is located within a predetermined range (in other words, within a predetermined distance (for example, within 10 m, etc.)) from the source user. Note that the determination as to whether or not the users satisfy the conditions related to the positional relationship may be made based on the position information of each user detected by, for example, a GPS sensor or the like. Further, the determination as to whether or not the users satisfy the conditions related to the positional relationship may be made based on the short-range wireless communication (for example, infrared communication, Bluetooth communication, or WiFi communication) of the terminal device 10 possessed by each user. Specifically, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may determine whether or not another specific user's terminal device 10 is nearby by infrared communication or Bluetooth communication, and thereby determine whether or not the specific user is within the predetermined range. Alternatively, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may determine whether or not another user is within the predetermined range by detecting other terminal devices 10 connected to the same network device.

[0164] Further, the destination conditions may be conditions related to the attributes of the destination user. Specifically, the destination conditions may be, for example, the condition that the destination user is an adult.

[0165] Further, the destination conditions may be conditions related to the relationship between the source user and the destination user. Specifically, the destination conditions may be, for example, the condition that the destination user has a predetermined relationship with the source user.

[0166] Also, the destination conditions may be conditions related to the depth of the relationship between the source user and the destination user. The depth of the relationship may be determined based on the multiplayer history between the source user and the destination user. In other words, the destination conditions may be conditions related to the multiplayer history between the source user and the destination user. Specifically, the destination conditions may be a condition that the source user and the destination user have played multiplayer together, a condition that the source user and the destination user have played multiplayer together a predetermined number of times or more, or a condition that a predetermined period has elapsed since the multiplayer in which the source user and the destination user participate was first conducted. When the source user and the destination user satisfy the conditions related to the multiplayer history, the game control unit 212 permits a proxy play in which the destination user plays instead of the source user, and prohibits the proxy play when the conditions related to the multiplayer history are not satisfied (for example, when they have never played multiplayer together).

[0167] (Cancellation of Proxy Play) The proxy play may be cancellable based on a request from the source user. In other words, the game control unit 212 may cancel (in other words, forcibly end) the ongoing proxy play based on an operation of the source user.

[0168] For example, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the source user causes the display unit 18 to display a cancellation operation screen 530 illustrated in FIG. 10(a) based on a predetermined operation by the source user. On the cancellation operation screen 530, an operation to cancel the ongoing (in other words, requested) proxy play by the source user is accepted.

[0169] The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the source user requests the game control unit 212 to cancel the proxy play based on an operation to cancel the proxy play by the source user. The game control unit 212 cancels the proxy play based on the request.

[0170] Also, when the game control unit 212 suspends the proxy play based on the request, it notifies the user of the proxy play suspension at the destination of the request. Specifically, the game control unit 212 notifies the terminal device 10 of the user at the destination of the proxy play suspension based on the operation to suspend the proxy play by the user who is the source of the request. As illustrated in FIG. 10(b), the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user at the destination causes the display unit 18 to display a display 533 notifying the suspension of the proxy play based on the notification. The display 533 notifying the suspension of the proxy play may notify that it is suspended based on the selection of the user who is the source of the request. Further, in addition to the display 533 notifying the suspension of the proxy play, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user at the destination may cause the display unit 18 to display a display 534 indicating the result of the proxy play (specifically, the result obtained by the play of the user at the destination).

[0171] Even when the proxy play is suspended, the user who is the source of the request may be able to obtain the benefits (in other words, the result of the proxy play) based on the proxy play until it is suspended. That is, when the granting unit 215 grants benefits to the user who is the source of the request during the progress of the proxy play, the granted benefits may not be lost even if the proxy play is suspended. Also, in a configuration where the benefits generated by the proxy play are granted at the timing when the proxy play ends, the granting unit 215 may grant benefits corresponding to the result of the proxy play until it is suspended to the user who is the source of the request when the proxy play is suspended.

[0172] Even when the proxy play is suspended, the user at the destination of the request may be able to obtain the reward based on the proxy play until it is suspended. That is, when the granting unit 215 grants a reward to the user at the destination of the request during the progress of the proxy play, the granted reward may not be lost even if the proxy play is suspended. Also, in a configuration where the reward of the proxy play is granted at the timing when the proxy play ends, the granting unit 215 may grant a reward corresponding to the result of the proxy play until it is suspended (for example, the achievement conditions satisfied until it is suspended) to the user at the destination of the request when the proxy play is suspended.

[0173] (Viewing of proxy play) The user who requested the proxy play may be able to view the proxy play played by the requested user. The game control unit 212 provides the requesting user with a viewing screen 550 for viewing the play by the requested user of the game that is advanced using the position information indicating the position of the requested user in the real space. Specifically, the game control unit 212 performs control to display the viewing screen 550 for viewing the proxy play by the requested user on the display unit 18 of the terminal device 10 of the requesting user during the period in which the requested user is performing the proxy play. An example of the viewing screen 550 displayed on the terminal device 10 of the requesting user is shown in FIG. 11.

[0174] The viewing screen 550 shows the progress of the proxy play played by the requested user. On the viewing screen 550, a display showing the movement of the player character 30 of the requesting user based on the position information of the requested user is displayed. On the viewing screen 550, for example, a display similar to the play screen 400 being displayed on the terminal device 10 of the requested user is displayed (see FIG. 7). That is, on the terminal device 10 of the requesting user, it is possible to view in real time the play content of the requested user, in other words, the state in which the requested user plays the game.

[0175] Note that, as will be described later, in the proxy play, on the play screen 400 of the user at the destination of the request, a display may be shown in which the player character 30 of the user at the destination of the request moves based on the movement of the user at the destination of the request in the real space. In this case, on the viewing screen 550, a display may be shown in which the player character 30 of the user who made the request moves based on the movement of the user at the destination of the request in the real space. In other words, the game control unit 212 may display a viewing screen 550 in which the image of the character (for example, the player character 30 owned by the user at the destination of the request) displayed on the play screen 400 of the user at the destination of the request is replaced with the image of another character (for example, the player character 30 owned by the user who made the request) in the display of the viewing screen 550. According to such a configuration, it is possible to enable the user at the destination of the request to play the game with the character they are attached to, and at the same time, enable the user who made the request to view the display of the movement of the character they are attached to.

[0176] The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user who made the request may accept an operation on the viewing screen 550, which is an operation of the user who made the request on an object in the game that appears in the proxy play played by the user at the destination of the request. The object may be, for example, an event object 33, or may be a character or the like. That is, for example, the control unit 110 may accept a touch operation by the user who made the request on the event object 33 displayed on the viewing screen 550. Also, the control unit 110 may accept an operation by the user who made the request to move the character displayed on the viewing screen 550. Then, the game control unit 212 may advance the game based on the operation of the user who made the request on an object in the game that appears in the proxy play played by the user at the destination of the request.

[0177] That is, in the proxy play, the game control unit 212 may be able to progress the game based on the movement of the user at the request destination in the real space and the operation on the in-game object by the user at the request source. For example, the game control unit 212 moves the player character 30 displayed on the play screen 400 in the terminal device 10 of the user at the request destination and displayed on the viewing screen 550 in the terminal device 10 of the user at the request source in the virtual space based on the position information of the user at the request destination. Further, the game control unit 212 accepts the operation of the user at the request source on the event object 33 within the available range X centered on the player character 30 (in other words, the available range X determined based on the position information of the user at the request destination). Then, the game control unit 212 generates an event corresponding to the operated event object 33 based on the operation of the user at the request source on the event object 33 within the available range X.

[0178] For example, the game control unit 212 may generate an event of item acquisition based on the operation of the user at the request source on the item spot 33a. Here, the game control unit 212 may assign the item corresponding to the operated item spot 33a to the user at the request source, to the user at the request destination, or to both the user at the request source and the user at the request destination based on the operation of the user at the request source on the item spot 33a. Also, when assigning to both the user at the request source and the user at the request destination, the item assigned to the user at the request source and the item assigned to the user at the request destination may be different or the same. Note that during the progress of the proxy play, when the user at the request source operates the item spot 33a on their own terminal device 10 and when the user at the request destination operates the item spot 33a on their own terminal device 10, the user to whom the item is assigned and the type of item assigned to each user may be different.

[0179] Also, for example, the game control unit 212 may generate an event of fighting an enemy character based on an operation on the enemy object 33c by the user who is the request source.

[0180] Also, the generated event may be playable by the user who is the request source (for example, playing alone or playing in cooperation with the user who is the request destination), and may also be playable by the user who is the request destination (for example, playing alone or playing in cooperation with the user who is the request source). For example, the game control unit 212 shall generate an event of fighting an enemy character based on an operation on the enemy object 33c by the user who is the request source. At this time, the game control unit 212 may advance the fight with the enemy character based on either one or both of an operation by the user who is the request source (for example, an operation to cause the player character 30 to attack the enemy character or an operation to use a predetermined item) and an operation by the user who is the request destination (for example, an operation to cause the player character 30 to attack the enemy character or an operation to use a predetermined item).

[0181] In addition, when the event that occurs is an event in which the user of the destination of the request and the user of the source of the request play in cooperation, the game control unit 212 may divide roles between the user of the destination of the request and the user of the source of the request in the event. For example, when there are a first operation and a second operation as operations related to the progress of the event, the game control unit 212 may permit the first operation for the user of the destination of the request while not permitting the second operation, and permit the second operation for the user of the source of the request while not permitting the first operation. As an example, one of the first operation and the second operation may be an operation to move the player character 30, and the other may be an operation to use an item. Also, as an example, one of the first operation and the second operation may be an operation to move the player character 30, and the other may be an operation to support the play of another user. In other words, the game control unit 212 may give different roles to each user, such as a role of performing an attack, a role of performing recovery, or a role of using an item, for the event, and proceed with the event. Further, the game control unit 212 may determine which user assumes which role in the event based on the selection of the user (for example, prior (in other words, before the start of the event) setting by the user of the source of the request or the user of the destination of the request).

[0182] In addition, when the event that occurs is an event in which the user of the destination of the request and the user of the source of the request play in cooperation, a first character operable by the user of the destination of the request and a second character operable by the user of the source of the request may appear in the event. Then, the game control unit 212 may move the first character based on the operation of the user of the destination of the request and move the second character based on the operation of the user of the source of the request to proceed with the event. The first character may be, for example, a character linked to the account of the user of the destination of the request (in other words, the player character 30 of the user of the destination of the request). Also, the second character may be, for example, a character linked to the account of the user of the source of the request (in other words, the player character 30 of the user of the source of the request).

[0183] Note that, as described above, the game control unit 212 can generate a specific event in the proxy play where the user of the request destination and the user of the request source play in cooperation. However, the specific event does not have to be started based on an operation on the event object 33 or an operation by the user of the request source. That is, the game control unit 212 can generate the specific event based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition in the proxy play. The predetermined condition may be, for example, that the user of the request source performs an operation on a specific event object 33, the user of the request destination performs an operation on a specific event object 33, or the user of the request destination reaches a specific location. The specific event may be a so-called boss battle or an event related to the progress of the story.

[0184] (Game play by the user of the request source during proxy play) In the application related to the game of this embodiment, a first content that is played using location information and a second content that can be used without requiring location information may be prepared. Here, the first content includes content for which a request for proxy play to another user is possible (in other words, content for which another user can play on behalf). The game control unit 212 may enable the user of the request source to play the second content during the progress of the proxy play. That is, the game control unit 212 may enable the user of the request source to play the second content during the period when the user of the request destination is playing the first content on behalf of the user of the request source. For example, the game control unit 212 may display a screen related to the second content on the terminal device 10 of the user of the request source during the period when the user of the request destination is playing the first content on behalf of the user of the request source, and advance the second content based on the operation of the user of the request source.

[0185] The second content may be, for example, a so-called mini-game or the like. The type of mini-game (in other words, the second content) is not particularly limited, but as an example, it may be a table game, a card game, a puzzle game, an action game, a shooting game, a sports game, or a quiz, etc.

[0186] Also, the second content may be an event corresponding to a specific event object 33. That is, for example, during the play of the first content (for example, during normal play or proxy play), the game control unit 212 may register, in the storage unit 220, an event corresponding to a specific event object 33 as an event to be played later based on a predetermined operation or the like by the user (for example, the user who is the source of the request (in other words, oneself) or the user who is the destination of the request). In other words, the game control unit 212 may perform control to reserve an event corresponding to a specific event object 33 as an event that can be played later. Then, the game control unit 212 may start the event registered as an event to be played later (in other words, the reserved event) as the second content based on a predetermined operation by the user (specifically, the user who is the source of the request during the progress of proxy play).

[0187] In addition, the second content may be content that enables multiplayer play with other users (specifically, users other than the user who is the recipient of the proxy play request). Here, content that enables multiplayer play includes content that enables battles with other users, and content that enables cooperative play with other users (for example, content where common enemies are defeated through cooperation). Also, the second content as content that enables multiplayer play may be content that enables play with non-player characters (for example, battles or cooperative play with non-player characters) without multiplayer play with other users. For example, when the second content is Mahjong as a table game, Mahjong that enables battles with other users or Mahjong that enables battles with non-player characters may be playable. Also, for example, when the second content is content aimed at defeating a specific enemy, it may be possible to aim to defeat a specific enemy in cooperation with other users, or to aim to defeat a specific enemy with the cooperation of non-player characters instead of other users.

[0188] (Lending of Character) As described above, in the proxy play in the game of this embodiment, the recipient user advances the game using the player character 30 of the requesting user. That is, the game control unit 212 lends the player character 30 of the requesting user to the recipient user. Note that with regard to the player character, "lending" can also be said to be allowing a user other than the user who owns the player character 30 (in other words, the user of the account associated with the player character 30) to use the player character 30.

[0189] Normal play or proxy play may proceed using only one player character 30. Also, normal play or proxy play may proceed using a plurality of player characters 30. In other words, in normal play or proxy play, each user may form a party composed of a plurality of characters and use the party to proceed with the game. That is, for example, the battle with enemy characters occurring in normal play or proxy play may be an event in which a plurality of player characters 30 are operated to fight the enemy characters. Note that normal play may be one in which each user proceeds using only one of their own player characters 30, and proxy play may be one in which both the player character 30 of the user who made the request and the player character 30 of the user to whom the request was made are used to proceed. In proxy play, when both the player character 30 of the user who made the request and the player character 30 of the user to whom the request was made are used, in a specific event during proxy play (for example, battle with enemy characters), either the user who made the request or the user to whom the request was made may operate both characters, or the users who made the request and to whom the request was made may share the operation of each character (for example, the owner of each character, or by swapping owners).

[0190] Here, for example, in normal play, each user may form a party composed of a plurality of characters and use the party to progress the game. In other words, when the requesting user progresses the game by themselves, they may use a party composed of a plurality of player characters 30 owned by themselves (i.e., the requesting user) to progress the game. In this case, in the proxy play, the game control unit 212 may lend a part (for example, one unit) of the player characters 30 owned by the requesting user to the requested user. Then, in the proxy play, the requested user may be able to progress the game using a party that includes the player characters 30 owned by themselves (i.e., the requested user) and the player characters 30 owned by the requesting user.

[0191] (Restrictions on Contents Allowing Proxy Play) There may be restrictions on the contents of the game allowing proxy play. For example, in normal play, assume that the requesting user progresses the story based on their own movement. In this case, the game control unit 212 may not permit proxy play by other users for specific events related to the progress of the story (for example, events that have a major impact on the progress of the story).

[0192] That is, for example, as events (in other words, game content) that can be played by the requesting user himself / herself (in other words, in normal play), let there be a first event (in other words, first content) and a second event (in other words, second content). In this case, the game control unit 212 may permit the requested user to play the first event on behalf of the requesting user, but may not permit the requested user to play the second event on behalf of the requesting user. Here, the first event may be, for example, an event that has less impact on the progress of the story compared to the second event (for example, a so-called sub-event). That is, for events that have a large impact on the progress of the story, it may be such that other users are not allowed to play on their behalf.

[0193] In normal play, for the first event and the second event, when the requesting user performs an operation related to the start of the event, the destination of movement (specifically, a specific location in the virtual space as the destination for moving the player character 30, in other words, the destination that the requesting user aims for in the real space) is set, and the event may be one that aims for that destination. That is, the first event and the second event may be events that can be cleared (for example, by simply reaching the destination or by winning in a battle against enemy characters that occur when reaching the destination, etc.) when the requesting user reaches the destination in normal play. In other words, the first event and the second event may be events (for example, clearable events) that progress based on the movement of the requesting user in the real space in normal play. In such a case, the game control unit 212 may permit a proxy play aiming to clear the first event (in other words, a proxy play whose achievement condition is clearing the first event), but may not permit a proxy play where the requested user aims to clear the second event on behalf of the requesting user (in other words, a proxy play whose achievement condition is clearing the second event).

[0194] Alternatively, the first event or the second event may be an event or the like set at each point in the virtual space. In other words, for example, an event corresponding to the first event object 33 among a plurality of event objects 33 arranged in the virtual space may be defined as the first event, and an event corresponding to the second event object 33 may be defined as the second event. For example, when a proxy play is requested from a requesting user to a requested user, the game control unit 212 may let the requested user play a battle with an enemy character (e.g., a mook character) started based on an operation on the first event object 33, and may let the requesting user play a battle with an enemy character (e.g., a boss character) started based on an operation on the second event object 33. Here, the point where the second event is set may be the destination that the requested user aims for in the proxy play. Then, based on the fact that the requested user has reached the destination in the proxy play (in other words, has visited a position in the real space corresponding to the position in the virtual space where the event object 33 corresponding to the second event is arranged), the game control unit 212 may enable the requesting user to play the second event. In other words, the game control unit 212 may let the requested user play a proxy play with the point where the second event is set as the destination (in other words, the place the requested user aims for), and based on the fact that the requested user has reached the destination, may let the requesting user play the second event.

[0195] In this embodiment, the requested user can also play a battle with an enemy character that is started based on an operation on the enemy object 33c, but the requested user does not have to be able to play the battle. That is, for example, a battle with an enemy character that occurs during proxy play may be played by the requesting user moving his / her own player character 30 on his / her own terminal device 10. Also, the requested user cannot perform operations on various spots such as the item spot 33a and the recovery spot 33b during proxy play, and the requesting user may perform the operations on his / her own terminal device 10 (in other words, via the viewing screen 550).

[0196] (Other restrictions) There may be a limit on the number of times that a user can request a proxy play from another user. For example, the game control unit 212 performs control to prohibit a user who has requested a proxy play from another user a predetermined number of times (specifically, based on the fact that the user has requested a proxy play from another user a predetermined number of times). For example, the game control unit 212 changes a stored value in the storage unit 220 relating to the number of times that the user can request a proxy play in a first direction (for example, decreases the stored value by "1") every time a user requests a proxy play. Then, based on the stored value reaching a predetermined value (for example, "0"), the game control unit 212 performs control to prohibit the user from requesting a proxy play. In other words, the game control unit 212 performs control to prohibit the user from requesting a proxy play while the stored value is a predetermined value (for example, "0"). Furthermore, the game control unit 212 changes the stored value in the second direction (for example, increases it (in other words, restores it)) at a predetermined opportunity, and lifts the prohibition on the user requesting proxy play. Specifically, the game control unit 212 may change the stored value in the second direction based on the passage of time, or may change the stored value in the second direction based on the requesting user taking a predetermined action in the game.

[0197] Also, once a proxy play request is made to another user, it may be prohibited from making a proxy play request for a predetermined period thereafter. For example, the game control unit 212 performs control to prohibit a proxy play request for a predetermined period for the user who made the proxy play request to another user (specifically, based on having made a proxy play request to another user). Further, the game control unit 212 releases the prohibition of the proxy play request by the requesting user based on the elapse of the predetermined period.

[0198] Also, once a proxy play is accepted (in other words, once a proxy play is performed), it may be prohibited from performing a proxy play for a predetermined period thereafter. For example, the game control unit 212 performs control to prohibit acceptance of a proxy play for a predetermined period for the user who received the proxy play request from another user (specifically, based on having received the proxy play request). Further, the game control unit 212 releases the prohibition of acceptance of a proxy play by the receiving user based on the elapse of the predetermined period.

[0199] (Game distribution) In the information processing system 1 of the present embodiment, each user may be able to distribute a video related to their own play (hereinafter referred to as a "play video") to other users or view the play videos of other users that have been distributed. Specifically, as functions of the application related to the game of the present embodiment, a function to distribute a play video and a function to view it may be provided. That is, in the information processing system 1, distribution and viewing of events occurring in the virtual space may be possible. Note that in such an information processing system 1, each user may also be able to play the game without distribution.

[0200] The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 starts the distribution of the play video, for example, based on a predetermined operation by the user. Specifically, based on a predetermined operation by the user, the control unit 110 transmits to the server 20 data for displaying on the terminal device 10 of another user the play video related to the play by the user. Further, the control unit 110 stops the distribution of the play video based on a predetermined operation by the user during the distribution.

[0201] In addition, based on an input operation by the user related to the start of viewing the distributed play video (for example, an operation of selecting a specific play video to view from among a plurality of play videos during distribution), the control unit 110 receives from the server 20 data for displaying (in other words, playing) the distributed play video on the terminal device 10, and causes the play video to be displayed on the display unit 18. In other words, based on an operation related to the start of viewing the distributed play video, the control unit 110 causes the play video to be displayed on the display unit 18. In other words, among the viewable distributions, the control unit 110 causes the video of the distribution selected by the user to be displayed on the display unit 18.

[0202] That is, when an input operation related to the start of distribution of a play video is performed on the terminal device 10 of the first user and the distribution is started, it becomes possible to view the play video on the terminal device 10 of the second user. Here, the video (in other words, the distribution) viewed by the second user is the play video of the first user and shows the play status of the game of the first user. On the terminal device 10 of the second user, it is possible to view in real time the play content of the first user, in other words, the state in which the first user plays the game. The distribution in the present embodiment can be referred to as a live distribution. Note that on the terminal device 10 of the second user, a screen similar to the play screen displayed on the terminal device 10 of the first user may be displayed as the play video of the first user. Note that known techniques can be adopted for the method of distributing and viewing the play video.

[0203] The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user who views the distribution (i.e., the viewer) causes the display unit 18 to display a distribution viewing screen 570, exemplified in FIG. 12, based on the operation of the user. In the distribution viewing screen 570, a play video is played, and it is possible to view how another user (i.e., the distributor) plays (in other words, the play screen showing the play of another user).

[0204] On the distribution viewing screen 570, for example, the play screen 280 of the distributor who is playing normally is displayed (see FIG. 3). That is, the distributor can be a user who is executing normal play.

[0205] Also, on the distribution viewing screen 570, based on the operation of the distributor, a display 572 related to the recruitment of a user who substitutes for the play of the distributor (in other words, the destination user of the request) is displayed. The control unit 110 of the viewer's terminal device 10 requests the game control unit 212 to start a substitute play that substitutes for the distributor as the source user of the request based on an operation by the viewer in response to the recruitment (for example, an operation on the display 572 related to the recruitment). The game control unit 212 starts a substitute play by the user who has performed an operation in response to the recruitment as the destination user of the request based on the request. That is, the viewer who is viewing the distribution can receive a request for a substitute play with the distributor as the source user by performing an operation in response to the recruitment.

[0206] (Selection from multiple offers) As described above, the request for proxy play may be made based on an offer from the user of the destination of the request to the user of the source of the request. Further, the user of the source of the request may specify the user who makes the request from among the plurality of users who have made the offer and make a request for proxy play. In other words, the user of the source of the request may select a specific offer from among the plurality of offers and make a request for proxy play. Here, the offer that the user of the source of the request can select may be an offer in which the user of the source of the request is specified as the target user of the offer, or an offer in which the target user is not specified (in other words, an offer by the user of the destination of the request to recruit a person who can make a proxy request from among a plurality of users).

[0207] An offer screen 600 as an example of a screen on which the user of the source of the request can select a specific offer from among a plurality of offers is shown in FIG. 13. On the offer screen 600, the offers made by a plurality of users are displayed in a list. For example, as described above, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user who makes the offer requests the game control unit 212 for an offer for proxy play for the specific user based on an operation on the offer button 365 corresponding to the specific user as an operation for designating the specific user as the user of the source of the request. The game control unit 212 instructs the terminal device 10 of the specific user to display the offer related to the request on the offer screen 600. The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the specific user displays the offer related to the request on the offer screen 600 based on the instruction. When a plurality of users each make an offer to the specific user, a plurality of offers made by each user are displayed in a list on the offer screen 600.

[0208] The offered user may be able to select a specific offer from among the multiple offers displayed on the offer screen 600 and request a proxy play for the user who made the specific offer. That is, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requesting user accepts an operation by the requesting user to select a specific offer from among the multiple offers displayed on a predetermined screen as an operation to receive the specific offer (in other words, an operation to approve the start of proxy play by the user who made the specific offer). Then, based on the operation to receive the specific offer, the game control unit 212 causes the user who made the specific offer to start proxy play.

[0209] Here, on the offer screen 600, for example, information that can identify the user who made the offer for each offer may be displayed. Also, conditions related to the acceptance of proxy play may be displayed on the offer screen 600. Specifically, as conditions related to the acceptance of proxy play, conditions related to the reward for proxy play or conditions related to the deadline of proxy play may be displayed. More specifically, on the offer screen 600, information regarding the reward desired by the user who made the offer for proxy play, the deadline presented for proxy play, etc. may be displayed.

[0210] The conditions related to the entrustment of proxy play are the conditions presented by the user who makes the offer. When the user who makes the offer operates the terminal device 10, the control unit 110 thereof receives an operation for inputting the conditions related to the entrustment of proxy play by the user at a predetermined timing such as when the user makes an offer (for example, when operating the offer button 365). Specifically, it receives an operation for inputting the conditions related to the reward of proxy play (for example, the desired reward) by the user, an operation for inputting the conditions related to the deadline for achieving the achievement conditions of proxy play (for example, the time required to achieve the achievement conditions), and the like. In addition, when the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user who makes the offer requests the game control unit 212 to make an offer for proxy play, it notifies the game control unit 212 of the conditions related to the entrustment of proxy play. Based on the notification, the game control unit 212 displays the conditions related to the entrustment of proxy play for each offer on the offer screen 600. In other words, the game control unit 212 presents a plurality of offers to the user who is the requester and presents the conditions related to the entrustment of proxy play for each offer.

[0211] In addition, when the user who has received the offer performs an operation to accept a specific offer, the user requests the user who made the specific offer to perform proxy play in accordance with the conditions related to the entrustment of proxy play input by the user who made the specific offer. That is, when such an operation is performed, the game control unit 212 starts proxy play under the conditions related to the entrustment of proxy play input by the user who made the specific offer. For example, when the desired reward is input as the condition related to the entrustment of proxy play, the game control unit 212 sets the desired reward as the reward for proxy play and starts proxy play. Also, for example, when the time required to achieve the achievement condition is input as the condition related to the entrustment of proxy play, the game control unit 212 sets the deadline for proxy play based on the time and starts proxy play.

[0212] Note that the offer screen 600 may be a screen on which offers made without specifying the user targeted by the offer are displayed, rather than a screen on which offers made to itself are displayed.

[0213] Also, the game control unit 212 may extract an offer to be recommended from among a plurality of offers and present it to the user who is the request source. For example, when there are a plurality of offers for a specific user (in other words, when there are offers from a plurality of users), the game control unit 212 extracts, as the offer to be recommended, an offer with a high priority determined based on a predetermined rule from among the plurality of offers. Then, the game control unit 212 causes the extracted offer to be recommended to be displayed on the terminal device 10 of the user who is the request source (for example, on a predetermined screen such as the offer screen 600). The predetermined rule may be settable by the user himself / herself or may be predetermined. In other words, the game control unit 212 extracts, as the offer to be recommended, an offer with better conditions from among the plurality of offers. For example, the game control unit 212 may increase the priority of an offer with excellent conditions regarding the reward for proxy play (for example, an offer with a small required reward or an offer with a low value of the required reward). Also, for example, the game control unit 212 may increase the priority of an offer with excellent conditions regarding the deadline for proxy play (for example, an offer with a short time required to achieve the achievement condition). Also, when the user can set the predetermined rule, the game control unit 212 may determine, based on the user's operation, items to be prioritized in determining the priority (for example, which of the conditions regarding the reward and the conditions regarding the deadline should be prioritized).

[0214] Based on an operation by the user who received the offer to be recommended to accept the presented offer (for example, an operation on the display 602 related to the offer to be recommended), the game control unit 212 starts proxy play by the user who made the offer to be recommended.

[0215] Note that the number of recommended offers to be extracted and presented may be one or more. In other words, the game control unit 212 may present the user who is the source of the request with the offer having the highest priority among the plurality of offers, or may present the offers up to a predetermined order from the top in terms of priority to the user who is the source of the request.

[0216] (Modification Example 1) In the game of this embodiment, a user can request another user to substitute for the play and have the other user who has received the request substitute for the play. However, the substitution for play only needs to be, at least, having another user substitute for the movement in the real space.

[0217] That is, for example, as described above, in the substitute play, the game control unit 212 arranges the player character 30 of the user who is the source of the request at the position in the virtual space corresponding to the position of the user who is the destination of the request in the real space. Then, the game control unit 212 moves the player character 30 of the user who is the source of the request on the virtual space in conjunction with the movement of the user who is the destination of the request in the real space.

[0218] In the foregoing example, in the play screen 400 displayed on the terminal device 10 of the requested user, the movement of the player character 30 linked to the movement of the requested user is displayed, and the game control unit 212 was configured to advance the game based on the operations by the requested user. Instead of this, or in addition, in the play screen 610 displayed on the terminal device 10 of the requesting user illustrated in FIG. 14, the movement of the player character 30 linked to the movement of such a requested user may be displayed, and the game may be advanced based on the operations by the requesting user. That is, for the proxy play, it is sufficient that at least the position information of the requested user is used, and various operations by the requested user (for example, operations on the event object 33 or operations to move the player character 30) and the display in which the player character 30 of the requesting user moves in conjunction with the movement of the requested user on the terminal device 10 of the requested user (in other words, the display of the play screen 400) do not necessarily have to be performed.

[0219] That is, during the proxy play, on the terminal device 10 of the requesting user, a display in which the player character 30 moves in conjunction with the movement of the requested user is shown, and the requesting user may be able to advance the game based on operations on the event object 33 located within the available range X. In other words, in the proxy play, unlike the normal play, the player character 30 of oneself (in other words, the requesting user) moves based on the position information of another user (in other words, the requested user), but for other operations (for example, operations on the event object 33 or operations to cause the player character 30 to attack an enemy character), it may be possible to perform them by oneself on one's own terminal device 10 in the same manner as in the normal play. In other words, the requesting user may be able to advance the game with their own account using (in other words, borrowing) the position information of the requested user.

[0220] Even in the proxy play according to Modification Example 1, the game control unit 212 may be able to cancel (in other words, forcibly end) the ongoing proxy play based on the operation of the user who is the request source. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user who is the request source may cause the display unit 18 (for example, the play screen 610) to display a display 612 related to receiving an operation to cancel the ongoing (in other words, requested) proxy play. Then, the game control unit 212 may cancel the proxy play based on an operation by the user who is the request source to cancel the proxy play (for example, an operation on the display 612 related to receiving an operation to cancel the proxy play). In other words, based on an operation by the user who is the request source to cancel the proxy play, the game control unit 212 may change the game played by the user who is the request source from a state where the player character 30 of the user who is the request source moves on the virtual space based on the position information of the user who is the requested destination to a state where the player character 30 of the user who is the request source moves on the virtual space based on the position information of the user who is the request source.

[0221] In addition, when a display is made on the terminal device 10 of the user who is the request source such that the player character 30 moves in conjunction with the movement of the user who is the request destination (including the case where it is displayed on the play screen 610 and the case where it is displayed on the viewing screen 550), the display may indicate the position of the user who is the request destination before the current time (in other words, a predetermined time ago). That is, if the position where the user who is currently the request destination is located is directly displayed and the position is transmitted to the user who is the request source, it may not be preferable from the perspective of privacy and the like. By setting the position of the user who is the request destination in the display to a position before the current position, it is possible to prevent the current position of the user who is the request destination from being transmitted to the user who is the request source. Such a display may be performed by the game control unit 212 determining the position of the player character 30 of the user who is the request source in the virtual space based on position information indicating the position of the user who is the request destination and being a position information before a predetermined time from the current time. Alternatively, an image for performing such a display may be generated in advance by the game control unit 212 at a timing determined based on the position information indicating the current position of the user who is the request destination for the position of the player character 30 of the user who is the request source, and the image may be displayed on the terminal device 10 of the user who is the request source after a predetermined period has elapsed from the timing when the image was generated. Even in such a case of making such a display, it may be possible for the user who is the request source to perform an operation on an object in the virtual space such as the event object 33.

[0222] (Modification Example 2) The proxy play may be such that the user who is the request destination advances the game using his or her own player character 30. That is, the user who is the request destination and has received a request for proxy play from the user who is the request source may advance the game using his or her own player character 30 in the same manner as in the case of normal play even in proxy play.

[0223] That is, in the proxy play according to Modification 2, the game control unit 212 arranges the player character 30 of the requested user at a position on the virtual space corresponding to the position of the requested user in the real space. Then, the game control unit 212 moves the player character 30 of the requested user on the virtual space in conjunction with the movement of the requested user in the real space. Then, based on the control by the game control unit 212, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requested user causes the display unit 18 to display the movement of the player character 30 of the requested user on the virtual space in conjunction with the movement of the requested user.

[0224] Also, in the proxy play, the requested user basically progresses the game in the same way as in normal play. Specifically, the requested user approaches each event object 33 on the virtual space displayed on the display unit 18 of their own terminal device 10 by moving themselves (for example, by performing an operation (such as a touch operation) on the event object 33 displayed on the display unit 18 after approaching), thereby generating an event corresponding to the event object 33 and progressing the game. More specifically, the requested user moves their own player character 30 by moving themselves so that the event object 33 for which the corresponding event is to be generated (in other words, the event object to be used) is located within the available range X, and progresses the game by performing an operation on the event object 33.

[0225] The rewards obtained by the requested user, the benefits obtained by the requesting user, and the conditions for granting various benefits may be the same as in the case of the above-described proxy play in which the requested user progresses the game using the player character 30 of the requesting user.

[0226] Moreover, the configurations according to Modification 1 and Modification 2 can also be combined. That is, during the progress of the proxy play, the game control unit 212 functions as a first control unit that arranges the player character 30 of the requested user at a position in the virtual space corresponding to the position of the requested user in the real space and controls it to move in the virtual space in conjunction with the movement of the requested user in the real space, and a second control unit that arranges the player character 30 of the requesting user at a position in the virtual space corresponding to the position of the requested user in the real space and controls it to move in the virtual space in conjunction with the movement of the requested user in the real space, and these controls may be performed in parallel. And in the terminal device 10 of the requested user, as shown in Modification 2, a display is provided in which the player character 30 of the requested user moves in conjunction with the movement of the requested user, and the requested user may be able to progress the game based on their own operations on the event object 33 located within the available range X. In other words, in the proxy play, the requested user may be able to play the game using their own player character 30 on their own terminal device 10 in the same way as in normal play. Also, in the terminal device 10 of the requesting user, as shown in Modification 1, a display is provided in which the player character 30 of the requesting user moves in conjunction with the movement of the requested user, and the requesting user may be able to progress the game based on their own operations on the event object 33 located within the available range X. In other words, in the proxy play, the requesting user may be able to play the game using their own player character 30 on their own terminal device 10 in the same way as in normal play, except that their player character moves based on the position information of another user (in other words, the requested user).

[0227] In addition, in Modification 1 and Modification 2, various configurations described in the present embodiment can be adopted. Further, in adopting various configurations, the various configurations can be appropriately changed so as to conform to Modification 1 and Modification 2. For example, regarding Modification 2, the user of the destination may be able to play the game using a party including the player character 30 owned by himself / herself (i.e., the user of the destination) and the player character 30 owned by the user of the source. Further, for example, regarding Modification 2, the user of the source may be able to progress the game by an operation on the viewing screen 550, which is an operation on an object in the game.

[0228] In each configuration described in this embodiment, the game control unit 212 may determine whether the player character 30 used by the requested user in the proxy play is the player character 30 owned by the requesting user (in other words, linked to the account), or the player character 30 owned by the requested user, based on the selection of the requested user (or the requesting user). Specifically, in the proxy play, the game control unit 212 may determine whether the appearance of the player character 30 that moves in the virtual space in conjunction with the movement of the requested user (in other words, the appearance of the player character 30 on the play screen 400, etc.) is the appearance of the player character 30 owned by the requesting user, or the appearance of the player character 30 owned by the requested user, based on the operation of the requested user (or the requesting user). Further, in a predetermined event (for example, a battle with an enemy character) during the proxy play, the game control unit 212 may determine whether the player character 30 used by the requested user is the player character 30 owned by the requesting user, or the player character 30 owned by the requested user, based on the operation of the requested user (or the requesting user). Here, even if the appearance of the player character 30 that moves in the virtual space in conjunction with the movement of the requested user is the appearance of the player character 30 owned by the requested user, the player character 30 used by the requested user in a predetermined event during the proxy play may be the player character 30 owned by the requesting user. Specifically, this may be the case according to the user's selection, or may be forced to be the case. Further, even if the appearance of the player character 30 that moves in the virtual space in conjunction with the movement of the requested user is the appearance of the player character 30 owned by the requesting user, the player character 30 used by the requested user in a predetermined event during the proxy play may be the player character 30 owned by the requested user.

[0229] <Flow of processing> An example of the process related to the delegation request (in other words, the start of the delegated play) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 15.

[0230] First, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user at the destination of the request receives an operation of inputting the code information 301 by the user at the destination of the request (step S101).

[0231] Next, based on the input of the code information, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user at the destination of the request causes the display unit 18 to display the entrusted confirmation screen 320 illustrated in FIG. 4(c) (step S102).

[0232] Next, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user at the destination of the request receives an operation of accepting the delegation request by the user at the destination of the request (step S103).

[0233] Next, based on the operation of accepting the delegation request, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user at the destination of the request requests the control unit 210 of the server 20 to start the delegated play (step S104).

[0234] Next, based on the request from the terminal device 10 of the user at the destination of the request, the control unit 210 of the server 20 notifies the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user at the source of the request that there has been a request to start the delegated play from the user at the destination of the request (step S105).

[0235] Next, based on the notification from the server 20, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user at the source of the request causes the display unit 18 to display the confirmation screen 330 illustrated in FIG. 4(d) (step S106).

[0236] Next, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user at the source of the request receives an operation of the user at the source of the request to approve the start of the delegated play (in other words, an operation of approving the delegation request to the user at the destination of the request who made the request) (step S107).

[0237] Next, based on the operation of accepting the start of the proxy play, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requesting user notifies the control unit 210 of the server 20 that the requesting user has accepted the start of the proxy play (step S108).

[0238] Next, based on the notification from the terminal device 10 of the requesting user, the control unit 210 of the server 20 determines to start the proxy play by the requested user (step S109). In the case where an operation of accepting the start of the proxy play is not performed and instead an operation of rejecting the start of the proxy play by the requesting user is performed, it is determined not to start the proxy play by the requested user.

[0239] Note that the start of the proxy play can also be rephrased as the establishment of the agency relationship. In other words, the start of the proxy play can also be said to be to store information indicating that the agency relationship is established in the storage unit 220. That is, based on the request by the requesting user, the control unit 210 of the server 20 establishes an agency relationship between the requesting user and the requested user. While the proxy play is being performed, information indicating that the agency relationship is established is stored in the storage unit 220. Also, at the end of the proxy play, the control unit 210 deletes the information indicating that the agency relationship is established from the storage unit 220. Various processes performed during the progress of the proxy play can also be said to be processes performed based on the establishment of the agency relationship.

[0240] Next, an example of the process related to the progress of the proxy play will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 16.

[0241] During the progress of the proxy play, the position information acquisition unit 116 acquires position information indicating the current position of the requested user in the real space (step S201).

[0242] Next, the game control unit 212 places the player character 30 of the requesting user at the position on the virtual space corresponding to the position of the requested user indicated by the acquired position information (step S202). Note that the acquisition of the position information by the position information acquisition unit 116 and the placement of the player character 30 at the position indicated by the position information by the control unit 210 are sequentially performed during the progress of the proxy play, and the player character 30 moves on the virtual space in conjunction with the movement of the requested user in the real space. Further, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the requested user causes the display unit 18 to display a play screen 400 on which the requested user plays the game. An image of the virtual space is displayed on the play screen 400. That is, on the play screen 400, a display is shown in which the player character 30 of the requesting user moves on the virtual space in conjunction with the movement of the requested user in the real space.

[0243] Next, the game control unit 212 advances the game (in other words, the proxy play) based on the movement of the requested user in the real space and the operation of the input unit 17 by the requested user (for example, an operation on the touch screen 16) (step S203). For example, the game control unit 212 generates an event corresponding to the operated event object 33 based on the operation of the requested user on the event object 33 arranged within the available range X determined based on the position of the requested user indicated by the position information (in other words, the position of the player character 30). Further, the game control unit 212 advances the event based on the event that has occurred and an operation such as an operation to move the player character 30 of the requesting user by the requested user.

[0244] Next, the game control unit 212 determines whether or not the end condition of the proxy play is satisfied (step S204).

[0245] If the end condition is not satisfied (NO in step S204), the game control unit 212 continues the proxy play.

[0246] When the end condition is satisfied (YES in step S204), the game control unit 212 determines the end of the proxy play (step S205).

[0247] When the end of the proxy play is determined, the game control unit 212 gives the user who is the source of the request a profit according to the result of the proxy play (step S206). For example, the game control unit 212 gives the user who is the source of the request the items acquired by the user who is the destination of the request in the proxy play. In other words, the game control unit 212 gives the user who is the source of the request the profit generated based on the movement of the user who is the destination of the request in the real space in the proxy play.

[0248] Also, when the end of the proxy play is determined, the game control unit 212 gives the user who is the destination of the request a reward according to the result of the proxy play (step S207). For example, the game control unit 212 gives the user who is the destination of the request a reward according to the profit given to the user who is the source of the request based on the movement of the user who is the destination of the request in the real space in the proxy play. For example, it may be such that the higher the profit given to the user who is the source of the request, the higher the reward given to the user who is the destination of the request. Here, a large profit includes, for example, a large quantity of items, electronic currency, or predetermined points given, a high value of the items given, a large progress degree of the story, etc. Also, a high reward includes, for example, a large quantity of items, electronic currency, or predetermined points given, a high value of the items given, etc.

[0249] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the gist thereof. The configuration of the present embodiment may be applied to a game that utilizes information regarding the position of the user in the real space. Further, the configuration of the present embodiment may be applied to a game that links the virtual space and the real space, for example, the position information game described in the present embodiment, a game that utilizes a photographed image of the real space, or the like. The game that utilizes a photographed image of the real space includes, for example, a game in which a superimposed image in which a virtual object (for example, an object in the virtual space such as a player character) is superimposed on the photographed image of the real space (in other words, a game that utilizes augmented reality), a game in which the photographed image of the real space has a predetermined influence on the virtual space (for example, a game in which the parameters of the object in the virtual space are changed or the shape of the object in the virtual space is deformed based on the photographed image), or the like. In other words, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may be able to acquire a photographed image taken by a predetermined camera such as a camera built in the terminal device 10, or generate a superimposed image in which a virtual object is superimposed on the photographed image. Further, in the case of proxy play, the user who is the request source may be able to have the user who is the request destination acquire a photographed image or generate a superimposed image on his / her behalf. Further, the configuration of the present embodiment may be applied to a game other than a game that links the virtual space and the real space. Further, the configuration of the present embodiment may be applied to a game other than a game that utilizes information regarding the position of the user in the real space. As an example, cooperative play between the user who is the request source and the user who is the request destination via the viewing screen 550 is applicable to a game that does not utilize the position information of the user. Further, the configuration of the present embodiment may be applied to a service (in other words, an application) other than a game. For example, it may be applied to a walking application, a running application, a step counter application, or the like.

[0250] Within the scope of the present invention, free combination of each component, modification of any component, substitution of any component, omission of any component, or addition of other components, etc. are possible. Also, the process flow described in this specification is merely an example, and the order and configuration of each process may be different. Further, there may be processes not described in this specification. In other words, the process flow and specific determination processes, etc. may be different from those exemplified in this specification.

[0251] <Supplementary Note> The configuration of this embodiment may be used, for example, to improve the interestingness of a service. Also, the configuration of this embodiment may be used, for example, to improve the convenience of a service. The matters described in the above embodiments may also be described as follows in the supplementary note below.

[0252] (Supplementary Note 1) A computer is caused to function as game control means (for example, game control unit 212) that advances a game using position information indicating the position of a second user in the real space who has received a request from a first user, and imparting means (for example, imparting unit 215) that imparts the result obtained based on the movement of the second user in the real space to the first user. Program. According to such a configuration, the first user can obtain a result based on movement without moving himself / herself by having another user move on his / her behalf. Therefore, it is possible to provide a new way of enjoying a game that utilizes position information to obtain a result based on movement without moving oneself, and improve the interestingness of the service.

[0253] (Supplementary Note 2) A computer is caused to function as lending means (for example, game control unit 212) that lends the character of the first user to the second user based on the request. The program described in Supplementary Note 1. In such a configuration, the second user who receives a request from the first user and moves in the real space can use the character of the first user, enabling the realization of unprecedented gameplay. Therefore, the appeal of the service can be enhanced.

[0254] (Appendix 3) Based on the result obtained based on the movement of the second user in the real space being given to the first user, the giving means gives a reward to the second user. The program described in Appendix 1. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to give a consideration to the second user who receives a request from another user and moves in the real space.

[0255] (Appendix 4) The computer is caused to function as providing means (for example, game control unit 212) that provides the first user with a viewing screen for viewing the play of the game that proceeds using position information indicating the position of the second user in the real space. The program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3. According to such a configuration, the first user can view the play of the second user who plays based on the first user's request. Therefore, a new experience that has never existed before can be provided to the user, and the appeal of the service can be enhanced.

[0256] (Appendix 5) The computer is caused to function as operation receiving means (for example, operation reception unit 111) that receives an operation of the first user on an object in the game that is displayed on the viewing screen. The program described in Appendix 4. According to such a configuration, the first user can also participate in the game that progresses using the position information indicating the position of the second user in the real space received from the first user. Therefore, it is possible to provide a new experience that has never been available to users, and the interestingness of the service can be improved.

[0257] (Appendix 6) The game control means can progress the game that progresses using the position information indicating the position of the second user in the real space based on the operation of the first user. The program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3. According to such a configuration, the game can progress based on the position information indicating the position of the second user in the real space and the operation of the first user. Therefore, it is possible to provide a new experience that has never been available to users, and the interestingness of the service can be improved.

[0258] (Appendix 7) Cause the computer to function as achievement condition display means (for example, control unit 110) that displays the achievement conditions of the request on the play screen of the second user who plays the game that progresses using the position information indicating the position of the second user in the real space. The program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3. According to such a configuration, the second user can confirm the achievement conditions of the request while playing. Therefore, it becomes possible to facilitate the second user to confirm the achievement conditions while moving in the real space, and the interestingness of the service can be improved.

[0259] (Appendix 8) Cause the computer to function as issuing means (for example, control unit 210) that issues the code information related to the request, and function as operation reception means (for example, operation reception unit 111) that receives the operation of inputting the code information by the second user as an operation related to the acceptance of the request. The program according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to limit the users who can accept a request to the users who have acquired the code information.

[0260] (Supplementary Note 9) Cause the computer to Function as operation reception means (for example, operation reception unit 111) that receives, as an operation for designating a destination user, the operation of the first user who selects the second user from a list in which a plurality of users are displayed. The program according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3. According to such a configuration, the first user can select from a list which user to request.

[0261] (Supplementary Note 10) Cause the computer to Function as notification means (for example, game control unit 212) that notifies the first user that the second user has satisfied a predetermined condition in the game that progresses using position information indicating the position of the second user in the real space. The program according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3. According to such a configuration, it is possible to notify the first user of the play status of the second user who plays the game based on a request from the first user. Therefore, it is possible to give the user the pleasure of receiving the notification and improve the interestingness of the service.

[0262] (Supplementary Note 11) Cause the computer to Function as reaction transmission means (for example, control unit 110) that transmits the reaction to the second user based on an operation of sending a reaction to the notification by the first user who has been notified that the second user has satisfied the predetermined condition. The program according to Supplementary Note 10. According to such a configuration, for a game that progresses based on a request from a first user, communication based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition can be enabled, and the interestingness of the service can be improved.

[0263] (Appendix 12) Cause a computer to function as value transmission means (for example, control unit 110) that sends a predetermined value from the first user to the second user who is playing the game that progresses using position information indicating the position of the second user in the real space, based on an operation by the first user. The program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to send a special reward for the action of the second user based on a request from the first user from the first user to the second user, etc.

[0264] Note that the problem-solving means configured by the above-described program (for example, each configuration described in the appendix, etc.) can be appropriately diverted to an apparatus, a system, a method, a medium, etc.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0265] 1 Information processing system, 10 Terminal device, 11 Processor, 12 Memory, 13 Storage, 14 Communication IF, 15 Input / output IF, 17 Input unit, 18 Display unit, 20 Server, 21 Processor, 22 Memory, 23 Storage, 24 Communication IF, 25 Input / output IF, 110 Control unit, 111 Operation reception unit, 112 Transmission / reception unit, 113 Game control unit, 114 Display control unit, 116 Position information acquisition unit, 120 Storage unit, 210 Control unit, 211 Transmission / reception unit, 212 Game control unit, 215 Granting unit, 220 Storage unit

Claims

1. A computer, game control means for advancing a game using position information indicating the position of a second user in the real space who has received a request for play substitution from a first user; granting means for granting the first user the profit obtained by the second user moving in the real space on behalf of the first user and advancing the game; Based on the request, lending means for lending the character of the first user to the second user as an operable character when the second user fights an enemy character during the play substitution based on the request, and enabling the second user to advance the game using the character of the first user, and functioning as a program.

2. A computer, game control means for advancing a game using position information indicating the position of a second user in the real space who has received a request for play substitution from a first user; granting means for granting the first user the profit obtained by the second user moving in the real space on behalf of the first user and advancing the game, and functioning as it is possible for a plurality of users to receive one such request, the granting means grants a reward to the second user who has achieved the achievement condition set for the request by moving in the real space on behalf of the first user and advancing the game among the plurality of second users who have received one such request, and who is the first to achieve the achievement condition a program.

3. A computer, functioning as providing means for providing the first user with a viewing screen for viewing the play by the second user of the game advanced using the position information indicating the position of the second user in the real space The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A computer, functioning as operation receiving means for receiving an operation of the first user on an object in the game, which object is displayed on the viewing screen The program according to claim 3.

5. The game control means can advance the game advanced using the position information indicating the position of the second user in the real space based on the operation of the first user The program according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A computer, Function as achievement condition display means for displaying the achievement conditions of the request on the play screen of the second user who plays the game advanced using the position information indicating the position of the second user in the real space The program according to claim 1 or 2

7. A computer, Issuing means for issuing code information related to the request, Function as operation reception means for receiving an operation of inputting the code information by the second user as an operation related to receiving the request The program according to claim 1 or 2

8. A computer, Function as operation reception means for receiving an operation of the first user for selecting the second user from a list in which a plurality of users are displayed as an operation for designating a user as a request destination The program according to claim 1 or 2

9. A computer, Function as notification means for notifying the first user that the second user has satisfied a predetermined condition in the game advanced using the position information indicating the position of the second user in the real space The program according to claim 1 or 2

10. A computer, Function as reaction transmission means for transmitting the reaction to the second user based on an operation of sending a reaction to the notification by the first user who has been notified that the second user has satisfied the predetermined condition The program according to claim 9

11. A computer, Function as value transmission means for sending a predetermined value from the first user to the second user who is playing the game advanced using the position information indicating the position of the second user in the real space based on an operation by the first user The program according to claim 1 or 2

12. Game control means for advancing the game using the position information indicating the position of the second user in the real space who has received a request for play substitution from the first user, Granting means for granting the first user the profit obtained by the second user moving in the real space and advancing the game on behalf of the first user Based on the request, lending means for lending the character of the first user to the second user as an operable character when the second user fights against an enemy character during the proxy play based on the request, and enabling the second user to advance the game using the character of the first user. An information processing system.

13. Game control means for advancing the game using position information indicating the position of the second user in the real space who has received a request for proxy play from the first user. Granting means for granting the profit obtained by the second user advancing the game by moving in the real space on behalf of the first user to the first user. It is possible for a plurality of users to receive one such request. The granting means grants a reward to the second user who has achieved the achievement condition set for the request by moving in the real space on behalf of the first user and advancing the game among the plurality of second users who have received one such request, and who is the first to achieve the achievement condition. An information processing system.

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