Program and Information Processing System

Abstract

Improve the interestingness of the service. 【Solution means】In a service where the program uses a computer to utilize position information indicating the user's position in the real space, the program functions as event control means that enables an event corresponding to a designated position, which is a position on a virtual space designated by the user, to be executed in a state where the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, and acquisition means that causes the user to acquire a predetermined result regarding the event corresponding to the designated position that has been executed in a state where the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, based on the fact that the user has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, games that utilize position information indicating the position of a user in the real space (in other words, the real world) are known. In this type of game, generally, the user actually moves toward a location where various events are set and plays the events. However, there are also cases where the events can be played without moving to the location where the events are set (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-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 one embodiment shown in the present disclosure, a computer, in a service that utilizes position information indicating the position of a user in the real space, Event control means that enables an event corresponding to a specified position, which is a position specified by a user in a virtual space, to be executed in a state where the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the specified position. Acquisition means that causes the user to acquire a predetermined result regarding the event corresponding to the specified position that has been executed in a state where the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the specified position, based on the user reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the specified position. A program is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the interestingness of the 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] [First Embodiment] <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 the 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 any 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), and the like. 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 storage device. The memory 22 is composed of storage devices such as, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 22 provides a working area for the processor 21 by temporarily storing the program read by the processor 21 from the storage 23 and various data. 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 launched 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 composed of a storage device such as, for example, a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). 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 or 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 that is an information input device such as a mouse or a keyboard, and a display unit that is a device for displaying and outputting images.

[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. 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, and the like. 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 is operating according to the program.

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

[0024] Communication IF 14 controls the transmission and reception of various data via a network between the terminal device 10 and the server 20 or the like.

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

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

[0027] Input unit 17 has a function of detecting the position input to the input surface by a user's operation (such as 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 (such as 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 configurations 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 among a plurality of terminal devices 10.

[0030] Note that in the present embodiment, the server 20 uses the accounts of pre-registered users to identify each user and the terminal device 10. The method of registering an account is not particularly limited. For example, another device such as the terminal device 10 or a personal computer may transmit information necessary for registering a 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, etc. 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 user information are data referred to by the control unit 210 when executing the game program.

[0033] Note that, in the present embodiment, the game program may include a game program executed on the server 20 side and a game program executed on the terminal device 10 side. Further, the storage unit 220 may store a game program executed on the server 20 side and a 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. The 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 the user are arranged. Game information includes, for example, various setting information regarding common objects among accounts, such as the arrangement position, size, color, shape, etc. of background objects such as buildings, trees, and stones and objects of non-player characters (NPCs) arranged in the virtual space. Further, 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 a "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. Further, examples of electronic currency include in-game currency usable in the game and cryptocurrency. That is, the storage unit 220 may store information such as electronic currency, items, or characters possessed by each user in association with identification information capable of identifying each user. In the present embodiment, "granting (in other words, acquiring) to 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 includes, for example, a transmission / reception unit 211 and a game control unit 212.

[0037] The transmission / reception unit 211 transmits or receives various data. The transmission / reception unit 211 receives, for example, 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 in a state where game processing by a plurality of accounts is synchronized. The server 20 and the terminal devices 10 of the information processing system 1 execute various processes for supporting the multiplayer function when a plurality of accounts logged in to the information processing system 1 participate in the same game.

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

[0042] In addition, for example, when the game control unit 212 receives a request for synchronization processing for supporting the multiplayer function or data to be subjected to synchronization processing from the terminal device 10 via the transmission / reception unit 211, the game control unit 212 executes synchronization processing for supporting the multiplayer function. Also, 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 transmits information to each terminal device 10 simultaneously to synchronize the games proceeding among the terminal devices 10. By executing the synchronization processing, it becomes possible to simultaneously reflect an event in the game 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 for receiving a user's input operation, and a function as an output device for outputting 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 referred to when the control unit 110 executes 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] By executing the game program stored in the storage unit 120, the control unit 110 controls various processes related to the game executed on the terminal device 10. The control unit 110 includes, 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 an "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 a touch operation, a tap operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, a flick operation, a pinch-in operation, and a 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 for ending an input operation that has been performed until then, such as a touch-off operation for ending contact with the touch screen 16, can also be regarded as an 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 this embodiment, the user's movement in the real space to change the position information described later can also be regarded as an aspect of the input operation.

[0049] The transmission / reception unit 112 transmits and receives various data. For example, the transmission / reception unit 112 transmits 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, data for synchronization for supporting the multiplayer function, etc. from the server 20. The data for synchronization includes, for example, synchronization instruction data for instructing to perform synchronization 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, data for specifying the timing of synchronization, etc.

[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 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 specifies the content of the user's instruction based on the input operation of the user detected by the operation reception unit 111. In addition, the game control unit 113 executes various determination processes related to the progress of the game based on the specified instruction content, etc. Further, the game control unit 113 progresses the game while communicating with the server 20 based on the result of the determination process, etc.

[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. As an example of a dynamic object, a player character or an NPC that operates based on a game program can be mentioned. 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 obtained by drawing the area of the visual field of the virtual camera 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 operations of the game, such as icons, buttons, and menus indicating various parameters, which are UI (User Interface) necessary for the game, 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 and cause a predetermined area of the virtual space to be displayed on the display unit 18 based on object data sent from the server 20, information indicating the positions of various objects in the virtual space, and the like. Also, the control unit 210 of the server 20 may perform the arrangement of objects in the virtual space and the control of 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, and the generation of the image to be displayed on the display unit 18 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 specified by an account or the like. As methods for acquiring the position information, various methods have been conventionally known, 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 in which the user has logged in to the account. Further, the position information acquisition unit 116 may acquire 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), as the position information indicating the position of the user logged in to the account from the terminal device 10. Further, the position information acquisition unit 116 may acquire the position information using, for example, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (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 the control unit 210 of the server 20, for example.

[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 of 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] <The processing according to the present embodiment> Next, the processing according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the processor 11 of the terminal device 10 or the processor 21 of the server 20 executes the game program stored in the information processing system 1 to perform each process according to this embodiment. However, at least a part of the processes performed by the processor 11 among the processes according to this 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 this embodiment may be executed by a processor different from the processor 21. For example, one of the control units 110 and 210 may perform part or all of the processes performed by the other. In other words, the computer that executes the game program in this 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 this 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, the case where the configuration according to this 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 who operates 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 300 displayed on the display unit 18 when the user plays the game.

[0062] That is, in the present embodiment, the game control unit 212 moves the player character 30 of the user in 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 in 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 approach the specific event object 33 in the virtual space, and it can also be said to reach 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 the event object 33 where a specific event occurs is arranged in the 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 reached 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 item acquisition, 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). Further, the event object 33 includes an enemy object 33c corresponding to an event such as a battle with an enemy character, and spots corresponding to events that constitute a part of the game story. The game control unit 212 gives the user an item corresponding to the specific item spot 33a based on the user reaching 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 a specified value) based on the user reaching a position in the real space corresponding to the position in the virtual space where the specific recovery spot 33b is set. Further, the game control unit 212 starts a battle with the specific enemy character based on the user reaching 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 another user (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 or the like. 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 (such as 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 used) is located within the usable range X. When an operation is performed on the event object 33, an event corresponding to the event object 33 on which the operation has been performed is generated. That is, in this embodiment, when the user reaches a position in the real space corresponding to the position where a specific event object 33 is arranged on the virtual space (specifically, reaches and performs a predetermined operation (such as 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 use the event object 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 the event object 33 located within the usable range X to be usable. Here, being usable means that it is possible to generate an event set for the event object and the like.

[0067] The usable range X may be, for example, a circular range of 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 used 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 circular 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 at the position on the virtual space corresponding to the position of the user in the real space and is displayed on the display unit 18. However, a configuration in which the player character 30 is not arranged at the position on the virtual space (in other words, a configuration in which the player character 30 is not displayed on the screen or the like illustrated in FIG. 3) may be employed. 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 or the like of the user with respect to 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 that can be advanced in a first-person display such as a game in which the display can be switched from a third-person display in which the player character 30 is displayed to a first-person display in which the player character 30 is hardly displayed, an available range X in which the operations set for each person can be performed may be set for each person.

[0069] Note that the game control unit 212 can be switched between a manual mode and an automatic mode based on a user's operation. In the manual mode, as a mode related to the progress of the game, 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). 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 by approaching it (in other words, by being 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 where the real space and the virtual space are associated with each other, such as a location-based 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 be said to be equivalent to performing a predetermined setting for a specific location in the real space. Also, performing a predetermined setting for a specific location in the real space can be said to be equivalent to 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 be said to be equivalent to arranging the event object 33 at the corresponding specific location in the real space. Also, for example, setting a specific range in the virtual space as a range related to predetermined control can be said to be equivalent to setting the 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] Also, in a game where the real space and the virtual space are associated with each other, such as a location-based game, for users to be located within a predetermined range can be said to mean that the users are located within a predetermined range in the real space, and it can also be said that the users (in other words, the player characters 30 of each user) are located within a predetermined range in the virtual space.

[0072] <Pre-play> The game control unit 212 enables an event corresponding to a designated position, which is a position designated by a user on the virtual space, to be executed in a state where the user is not located at the position on the real space corresponding to the designated position. Also, the game control unit 212 causes the user to acquire a predetermined result regarding the event corresponding to the designated position that has been executed in a state where the user is not located at the position on the real space corresponding to the designated position, based on the fact that the user has reached the position on the real space corresponding to the designated position.

[0073] Hereinafter, an event corresponding to a specified position that can be executed while the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the specified position is referred to as a "pre-play event". Also, an event object 33 associated with a pre-play event is referred to as a pre-play object 33d (see FIG. 4). The position in the virtual space associated with the pre-play event (in other words, the position where the pre-play event is set) can also be said to be the position where the pre-play object 33d is arranged.

[0074] In a location information game, as described above, usually, the user actually goes to the position in the real space corresponding to the position in the virtual space where an event is set (in other words, the point where the event object 33 corresponding to the event is arranged) and plays the event. In contrast, in the game of this embodiment, before the user goes to the position in the real space corresponding to the point where the pre-play object 33d is arranged, the user can play the pre-play event associated with the pre-play object 33d (hereinafter referred to as "pre-play"). And after pre-playing, when the user reaches the position in the real space, it becomes possible to obtain a predetermined result regarding the pre-play event.

[0075] The game control unit 212 executes the pre-play event associated with the operated pre-play object 33d based on the user's operation on the pre-play object 33d outside the available range X. In other words, the game control unit 212 executes the pre-play event associated with the operated pre-play object 33d based on the user's operation on the pre-play object 33d arranged at a position separated from the user (in other words, the player character 30) by a predetermined distance or more. Executing the pre-play event can also be said to let the user play the pre-play event.

[0076] The pre-play event may proceed based on the user's operation or may proceed automatically (in other words, without requiring the user's operation). In other words, having the user play the pre-play event includes causing the started pre-play event to proceed based on the user's operation, having the user view the display related to the pre-play event that proceeds automatically, and the like.

[0077] A case where the pre-play event proceeds based on the user's operation will be described. For example, the game control unit 212 starts a pre-play event associated with the operated pre-play object 33d based on the user's operation on the pre-play object 33d outside the available range X. Further, the game control unit 212 causes the started pre-play event to proceed based on the user's operation. Further, when a predetermined end condition is satisfied, the game control unit 212 ends the pre-play event. Such a pre-play event may be, for example, a battle event with an enemy character. In other words, the pre-play object 33d may be an enemy object 33c. For example, the game control unit 212 causes the started pre-play event to proceed based on the user's operation of moving the player character 30 (for example, an operation of attacking an enemy character). In the pre-play event, when the end condition is satisfied based on the user's operation (for example, when the user wins (or loses) against the enemy character), the game control unit 212 ends the pre-play event. When the set limit time for the pre-play event has elapsed, it may be considered that the end condition is satisfied.

[0078] Next, a case where the pre-play event automatically progresses will be described. For example, based on a user operation on a pre-play object 33d outside the available range X, the game control unit 212 instructs the terminal device 10 to display an image (e.g., a video, or in other words, a production) related to the pre-play event corresponding to the operated pre-play object 33d. The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display the image based on the instruction. When a predetermined end condition is satisfied (e.g., when the display of the image ends), the game control unit 212 ends the pre-play event. Such a pre-play event may be, as an example, an item acquisition event. In other words, the pre-play object 33d may be an item spot 33a.

[0079] Note that the pre-play event may be an event that constitutes a part of the game story. In other words, the pre-play object 33d may be an event object 33 corresponding to an event that constitutes a part of the game story. Such an event that constitutes a part of the story may also be an event of fighting an enemy character or an event where an item can be acquired.

[0080] Note that the game control unit 212 can progress and end the started pre-play event without requiring the user's movement (in other words, a change in position information). That is, for example, during the progress of a pre-play event that progresses based on a user operation, the user can progress the pre-play event while staying still in the real space.

[0081] Based on the execution (in other words, play) of the pre-play event, the game control unit 212 grants the user the right to obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event. Specifically, based on the execution (in other words, play) of the pre-play event, the game control unit 212 causes the storage unit 220 to store information indicating that the user has the right to obtain a predetermined result related to the pre-play event (hereinafter referred to as "acquisition right information").

[0082] After the execution of the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position, based on the user reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, the game control unit 212 causes the user to acquire a predetermined result regarding the pre-play event. Specifically, in a state where the acquisition right information is stored in the storage unit 220, based on the user moving in the real space to a position within a predetermined range where the point in the virtual space associated with the pre-play event is determined based on the user's position information, the game control unit 212 causes the user to acquire a predetermined result regarding the pre-play event. The predetermined range may be the available range X, or a range wider or narrower than the available range X (for example, a circular range centered on the position of the user indicated by the position information (in other words, the position of the player character 30), which is wider or narrower than the available range X). Hereinafter, the predetermined range is referred to as the "acquisition range Y". That is, the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position may be, for example, a position where the point in the virtual space associated with the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position is located within the acquisition range Y from the point in the virtual space corresponding to the current location of the user indicated by the position information. Note that the display control unit 114 may cause the display unit 18 to display a display indicating the acquisition range Y, making the acquisition range Y recognizable to the user (see Fig. 6(a)).

[0083] Causing the user to acquire a predetermined result regarding the pre-play event can also be said to be causing the user to acquire at least a part of the result of the pre-play event. That is, after the execution of the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position, based on the user reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, the game control unit 212 causes the user to acquire at least a part (in other words, a part or all) of the result of the pre-play event.

[0084] Causing the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding a pre-play event may include causing the user to obtain a reward for the pre-play event. The reward for the pre-play event may be an item, virtual currency, or experience points related to an increase in the level of the player character 30 (in other words, points related to an increase in the parameters of the player character 30), etc. That is, causing the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding a pre-play event includes giving the user an item or the like that can be obtained based on playing the pre-play event.

[0085] Also, causing the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding a pre-play event may include adopting the performance of playing the pre-play event as an official performance (in other words, registering it linked to the user's account). That is, for example, when the pre-play event is a battle event against an enemy character and the user wins the battle event, causing the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the pre-play event may mean counting the user's victory as the user's performance. Also, for example, in a configuration where a predetermined ranking is given among a plurality of users who have played the pre-play event, causing the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the pre-play event may mean including the user's performance in the pre-play event in the performance used to determine the predetermined ranking.

[0086] That is, causing the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding a pre-play event may include causing the user to obtain a result different from the item as the event reward (for example, experience points or play performance, etc.).

[0087] In addition, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to acquire a part of the result (e.g., reward) of the pre-play event at the timing when the pre-play event is executed (in other words, before the user reaches the position in the real space corresponding to the position in the virtual space associated with the pre-play event). That is, for example, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to acquire a part of the reward (e.g., an item, electronic currency, or experience points) of the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position at the timing when the pre-play event is executed, and cause the user to acquire the remaining part based on the user reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position. Note that the game control unit 212 may not cause the user to acquire any of the reward (e.g., an item, electronic currency, or experience points) of the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position at the timing when the pre-play event is executed (in other words, before the user reaches the position in the real space corresponding to the position in the virtual space associated with the pre-play event).

[0088] Note that when pre-play is executed, the game control unit 212 may vary whether to store the acquisition right information in the storage unit 220 according to whether the user satisfies a predetermined achievement condition in the pre-play event. The achievement condition may be, for example, clearing an event, winning against an enemy character, or the like. Specifically, when the user plays the pre-play event and satisfies the achievement condition set in the pre-play event (for example, when clearing the pre-play event), the game control unit 212 stores the acquisition right information in the storage unit 220. Also, when the user plays the pre-play event and does not satisfy the achievement condition set in the pre-play event (for example, when failing to clear the pre-play event), the game control unit 212 does not store the acquisition right information in the storage unit 220. That is, when a predetermined achievement condition is satisfied in the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position, after the execution of the pre-play event, based on the user reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, the game control unit 212 may allow the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the pre-play event. Also, when a predetermined achievement condition is not satisfied in the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position, even if the user reaches the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position after the execution of the pre-play event, the game control unit 212 may not allow the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the pre-play event.

[0089] Note that when the user plays the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position and does not satisfy the achievement condition set in the pre-play event, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to play the pre-play event again based on the user reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position. Then, when the achievement condition set in the pre-play event is satisfied by the re-play, the game control unit 212 may allow the user to obtain a predetermined result (for example, a reward) regarding the pre-play event.

[0090] As described above, the game control unit 212 causes the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the pre-play event based on the user's movement in the real space to a position where a point on the virtual space associated with the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position is within the acquisition range Y determined based on the user's position information. Specifically, this may include the following configurations. That is, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to obtain the result of the pre-play event based on the user's movement in the real space to a position where a point on the virtual space associated with the pre-play event is within the acquisition range Y and the user's operation on the pre-play object 33d arranged at the point (in other words, within the acquisition range Y). Alternatively, when the user moves in the real space to a position where a point on the virtual space associated with the pre-play event is within the acquisition range Y, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to obtain the result of the pre-play event without requiring the user's operation on the pre-play object 33d arranged at the point (in other words, automatically). When set to the manual mode, the result of the pre-play event is given to the user based on the user's operation on the pre-play object 33d within the acquisition range Y. When set to the automatic mode, the result of the pre-play event may be given to the user without requiring the user's operation on the pre-play object 33d within the acquisition range Y. In the case where the automatic mode is set and the result of the pre-play event is given to the user without requiring the user's operation on the pre-play object 33d within the acquisition range Y, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may cause the display unit 18 to display a notification indicating that the result of the pre-play event has been given to the user at the timing when the automatic mode is released (in other words, the timing when it is changed to the manual mode).

[0091] Note that, as described above, the game control unit 212 executes a pre-play event based on a user's operation on a pre-play object 33d outside the available range X, and then causes the user to obtain the result of the pre-play event executed based on the user's movement in the real space to a position where the pre-play object 33d is within the acquisition range Y. However, the former pre-play object 33d and the latter pre-play object 33d may be at least visually different. In other words, the former is the pre-play object 33d for executing the pre-play event, and the latter is the pre-play object 33d for obtaining the result of the pre-play event. When the pre-play event is executed, the game control unit 212 may erase the former pre-play object 33d from the position in the virtual space associated with the pre-play event, and instead arrange the latter pre-play object 33d at the position in the virtual space associated with the pre-play event.

[0092] In addition, a limit may be provided for a period during which a predetermined result regarding a pre-play event can be obtained based on reaching a position in the real space corresponding to a designated position after execution of the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position. That is, for example, when the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position is executed, if the user reaches the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position before a predetermined time has elapsed, the game control unit 212 may allow the user to obtain the result of the pre-play event. Also, for example, when the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position is executed, if the user reaches the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position after the elapse of a predetermined time, the game control unit 212 may not allow the user to obtain the result of the pre-play event. Further, for example, when the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position is executed, if the user reaches the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position after the elapse of a predetermined time, or if the user reaches the position in the real space within a certain time after the elapse, only a part of the result of the pre-play event (in other words, a part of the result that can be obtained when reaching before the elapse of the predetermined time) may be allowed to be obtained by the user. For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the game control unit 212 may delete the pre-play object 33d associated with the pre-play event from the virtual space. In other words, the game control unit 212 may delete the acquisition right information based on the elapse of a predetermined time. Note that the predetermined time may be, for example, a fixed time based on the time point when the pre-play event is executed (for example, the time point when the pre-play event is cleared), or a fixed time based on the time point when the pre-play event is associated with a specific position in the virtual space, etc.

[0093] Further, based on the approach of the end of a period during which a predetermined result regarding a pre-play event can be obtained based on reaching a position in the real space corresponding to a designated position, the game control unit 212 may expand the acquisition range Y. In other words, the game control unit 212 may expand the acquisition range Y according to the remaining time until the end of the period during which a predetermined result regarding a pre-play event can be obtained based on reaching a position in the real space corresponding to a designated position. In other words, the game control unit 212 may expand the acquisition range Y based on the elapse of a predetermined time when the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position is executed. Note that the predetermined time may be, for example, a fixed time based on the time point when the pre-play event is executed (for example, the time point when the pre-play event is cleared), a fixed time based on the time point when the pre-play event is associated with a specific position in the virtual space, or the like.

[0094] In addition, when the user fails to reach the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position after the execution of the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position, the game control unit 212 may give the user a reward according to the degree to which the user approaches the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position. For example, when the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position is executed and a predetermined period has elapsed (for example, when the deadline for obtaining a predetermined result has elapsed), the game control unit 212 determines the degree to which the user approaches the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position (in other words, how close the user has approached) from after the execution of the pre-play event until the elapse of the predetermined period. Then, the game control unit 212 may give the user a reward according to the result of the determination. Specifically, for example, when the user fails to reach the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position but reaches a location within a predetermined distance from the position in the real space, a part of the reward for the pre-play event (for example, half of the experience points, electronic currency, items, etc. given as a reward) may be given to the user. Also, for example, the closer the position the user has reached (in other words, the closest position) is to the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, the closer the reward having a value to the reward that could be obtained when the user reaches the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position may be given.

[0095] (Designation of the designated position) As described above, the game control unit 212 enables the execution of the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position, which is the position designated by the user in the virtual space, in a state where the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position. Here, the designation of the designated position by the user will be described. Note that designating the designated position can also be said to be designating (in other words, setting) the place planned to be visited in the real space.

[0096] The designation of the specified position may be performed by selecting a pre-play object 33d arranged at a specific position in the virtual space. Specifically, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may receive an operation of the user who selects a pre-play object 33d arranged at a specific point on the map of the virtual space displayed on the display unit 18 as an operation for designating the specified position.

[0097] For example, based on the user having performed a predetermined operation related to the start of pre-play, the control unit 110 causes the display unit 18 to display a map of the virtual space in which a plurality of pre-play objects 33d are arranged (in other words, a position designation screen 400 described later). The game control unit 212 executes a pre-play event corresponding to the specific pre-play object 33d based on an operation of the user who selects a specific pre-play object 33d from among the plurality of pre-play objects 33d displayed on the map of the virtual space. In this case, by selecting a specific pre-play object 33d from among the plurality of pre-play objects 33d, the user has designated the position (in other words, the point) on the virtual space where the specific pre-play object 33d is arranged as the specified position.

[0098] In addition, the designation of the specified position may be performed by designating a specific position in the virtual space as the position to associate with the pre-play event. Specifically, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may receive an operation of the user designating a position in the virtual space to associate with the pre-play event. Specifically, the control unit 110 may receive an operation of the user designating a specific point on the map of the virtual space displayed on the display unit 18 as an operation of associating the pre-play event with the specific point. The game control unit 212 associates the pre-play event with the position designated by the user based on the operation of the user designating a position in the virtual space to associate with the pre-play event. In addition, the game control unit 212 arranges the pre-play object 33d with which the pre-play event is associated at the position designated by the user based on the operation of the user designating a position in the virtual space to associate with the pre-play event. That is, associating the pre-play event with a specific position in the virtual space can also be said to be arranging the pre-play object 33d with which the pre-play event is associated at the specific position. In other words, the operation of designating a position in the virtual space to associate with the pre-play event can also be said to be the operation of designating the position in the virtual space where the pre-play object 33d is arranged.

[0099] In this case, the game control unit 212 may execute (or in other words, start) the pre-play event at the timing when the user designates a position in the virtual space to which the pre-play event is associated (or in other words, triggered by the designation). Alternatively, at the timing when the user designates a position in the virtual space to which the pre-play event is associated, the game control unit 212 may place the pre-play object 33d associated with the pre-play event at that position but not execute (or in other words, start) the pre-play. Then, based on an operation (such as a touch operation) by the user on the pre-play object 33d placed at that position, the game control unit 212 may execute the pre-play event. In this case, by designating the position (or in other words, the point) to which the pre-play event is associated, the user designates that position as the designated position.

[0100] In this way, after the position for associating the pre-play event by the user is designated, the game control unit 212 can start playing the pre-play event based on an operation (such as an operation on the pre-play object 33d) to start playing the pre-play event. In this way, in a configuration where the user can play the pre-play event at an arbitrary timing after designating the position for associating the pre-play event, a limit may be provided for the period during which the pre-play event can be played. That is, for example, the game control unit 212 may enable the user to play the pre-play event until a predetermined period has elapsed after the pre-play event is associated with a specific position, and when the predetermined period has elapsed, control to disable the user from playing the pre-play event. For example, when the predetermined period has elapsed, the game control unit 212 may delete the pre-play object 33d placed at the specific position from the virtual space or invalidate the user's operation on the pre-play object 33d.

[0101] In the case where the game control unit 212 enables the user to play a pre-play event until a predetermined period elapses, the game control unit 212 may control to disable the user from playing the pre-play event even before the predetermined period elapses, based on detection of the user's movement. That is, for example, the game control unit 212 enables the user to play a pre-play event until a predetermined period elapses after the pre-play event is associated with a specific position, and if a predetermined movement of the user in the real space is detected before the elapse of the predetermined period, the game control unit 212 may control to disable the user from playing the pre-play event. Specifically, after the pre-play event is associated with a specific position and before a predetermined period elapses, if the user starts moving toward the specific position, the game control unit 212 may control to disable the user from playing the pre-play event based on the movement.

[0102] Here, the control for disabling the play of the pre-play event is not particularly limited, and for example, the following control may be used. That is, if the game control unit 212 detects a predetermined movement of the user in the real space before the elapse of a predetermined period, the pre-play object 33d associated with the pre-play event arranged at a specific position is changed to an event object 33 associated with an event having the same content as the pre-play event, and the event object 33 from which the event cannot be executed outside the available range X. That is, until the predetermined movement is detected, the user can perform an operation on the event object 33 (specifically, the pre-play object 33d) arranged at the specific position outside the available range X and play the pre-play event. On the other hand, when the predetermined movement is detected, the user can no longer perform an operation on the event object 33 arranged at the specific position outside the available range X and play the pre-play event. Then, after the predetermined movement is detected, the user moves to a place where the event object 33 arranged at the specific position is located within the available range X, and can perform an operation on the event object 33 within the available range X to play an event having the same content as the pre-play event.

[0103] Note that the position associated with the pre-play event may be changeable based on the user's operation. That is, for example, it is assumed that a specific pre-play event is associated with a first position in the virtual space. In this case, the game control unit 212 may change the position associated with the specific pre-play event from the first position to the second position based on the user's operation of changing the position associated with the specific pre-play event from the first position to the second position (for example, an operation of designating the second position as the position to which the specific pre-play event is associated). Specifically, the game control unit 212 may accept the user's operation of moving the pre-play object 33d associated with the specific pre-play event arranged at the first position to the second position.

[0104] (Replay) A pre-play event associated with a specific position in the virtual space may be playable again even after being played once. For example, when the user plays a pre-play event associated with a specific position and fails to clear the pre-play event, the game control unit 212 may allow the user to re-challenge the pre-play event. Specifically, first, based on the user's operation on the pre-play object 33d associated with a specific position (specifically, an operation from outside the available range X), the game control unit 212 causes the user to play the pre-play event associated with the pre-play object 33d. Also, after playing the pre-play event (for example, when failing to clear the pre-play event), the game control unit 212 accepts again the user's operation on the pre-play object 33d (specifically, an operation from outside the available range X), and based on the user's operation, causes the user to play again the pre-play event associated with the pre-play object 33d.

[0105] (Bonus Reward) When a pre-play event corresponding to a specified position is executed, the game control unit 212 may give a specific reward (in other words, a bonus reward) to the user according to the time until the user reaches the position in the real space corresponding to the specified position. Note that the time may be, for example, the time from when the pre-play event is executed until the user reaches, or the time from when the pre-play event is associated with a specific position in the virtual space until the user reaches.

[0106] Specifically, when a pre-play event corresponding to a specified position is executed, if the user reaches the position in the real space corresponding to the specified position within a predetermined time, the game control unit 212 may give a specific reward to the user. That is, when the user reaches the position in the real space corresponding to the specified position quickly, the game control unit 212 may give a reward for reaching quickly.

[0107] (Background communication) After the execution of the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position, even if the user reaches the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position (specifically, even if reaching in such a state and then leaving the position) while the screen of the application related to the game of the present embodiment is not displayed on the user's terminal device 10 (in other words, not displayed on the display unit 18), the game control unit 212 causes the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the pre-play event. That is, the control unit 110 can function as a background processing unit that executes the application related to the game of the present embodiment in the background to obtain position information and sends the obtained position information to the server 20. Then, the game control unit 212 determines whether the user has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position by using the position information obtained by executing the application in the background, and if it is determined that the user has reached, the result of the pre-play event may be obtained by the user. Note that the timing for executing the determination is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be during the period when the application is being executed in the background, or it may be the timing when the execution of the application that was being executed in the background starts in the foreground, etc.

[0108] (Designation of a plurality of designated positions) The game control unit 212 enables the execution of a first event corresponding to a first designated position specified by the user in a state where the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the first designated position, and enables the execution of a second event corresponding to a second designated position specified by the user in a state where the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the second designated position after the first event is executed (for example, after the achievement condition of the first event is satisfied) and before reaching the position in the current space corresponding to the first designated position. That is, for example, the game control unit 212 allows the user to place the pre-play object 33d at the first designated position and play (for example, clear) the first pre-play event associated with the pre-play object 33d while staying at one place in the real space, and after playing the pre-play event, allows the user to place the pre-play object 33d at the second designated position and play (for example, clear) the second pre-play event associated with the pre-play object 33d.

[0109] Also, when the first event is executed while the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the first designated position, and further, when the second event is executed while the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the second designated position, based on the user reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the first designated position, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the first event, and based on the user reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the second designated position, may also cause the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the second event. Here, after the execution of the first event and the second event, if the user reaches the position in the real space corresponding to the first designated position and then does not reach the position in the real space corresponding to the second designated position, the game control unit 212 may not cause the user to obtain the predetermined result regarding the first event and the predetermined result regarding the second event. Specifically, after the execution of the first event and the second event, if the user reaches the position in the real space corresponding to the second designated position before reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the first designated position, the game control unit 212 may not cause the user to obtain the predetermined result regarding the second event (and the predetermined result regarding the first event). That is, when a plurality of pre-play events are executed, in order to obtain the predetermined result regarding each pre-play event, it may be configured such that it is necessary to reach the location for obtaining each result in a determined order (for example, the order of execution).

[0110] Note that, after the execution of the first event and the second event, if the user reaches both the position in the real space corresponding to the first designated position and the position in the real space corresponding to the second designated position, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the first event and a predetermined result regarding the second event, regardless of the order of arrival. That is, after the execution of the first event and the second event, if the user reaches the position in the real space corresponding to the second designated position, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the second event, regardless of whether the user has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the first designated position before that. Further, after the execution of the first event and the second event, if the user reaches the position in the real space corresponding to the first designated position, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the first event, regardless of whether the user has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the second designated position before that.

[0111] In addition, a predetermined consideration may be required for the execution of the first event and the execution of the second event (in other words, the execution of the pre-play event). In other words, the first event and the second event may be executed by consuming a predetermined value owned by the user. The timing at which the predetermined value is consumed may be, for example, the timing at which an operation to specify the first specified position is performed, the timing at which an operation to specify the second specified position is performed, or the like. Also, the timing at which the predetermined value is consumed may be the timing at which an operation to instruct the execution of the first event is performed, the timing at which an operation to instruct the execution of the second event is performed, or the like. For example, when the game control unit 212 arranges the pre-play object 33d at a specific position in the virtual space based on the user's operation, the game control unit 212 may decrease a predetermined value owned by the user in accordance with the arrangement. Also, for example, when the game control unit 212 starts playing the pre-play event based on the user's operation, the game control unit 212 may decrease a predetermined value owned by the user in accordance with the start. Here, the predetermined value may be electronic currency, a predetermined item, a predetermined point that the user can obtain in the game, or the like. Also, the amount of the predetermined value that decreases due to the execution of the second event (for example, the specification of the second specified position) may be larger than the amount of the predetermined value that decreases due to the execution of the first event (for example, the specification of the first specified position). That is, the execution of the second event may require a larger amount of consideration than the execution of the first event.

[0112] Note that the game control unit 212 may prohibit a user from designating a specified position and playing (e.g., clearing) a pre-play event corresponding to the specified position while the user is stopped at a specific position in the real space, and further prohibit the user from designating another specified position and playing another pre-play event while remaining stopped at the specific position. In other words, after a pre-play event corresponding to a first position on the virtual space is executed, the game control unit 212 may enable the execution of a pre-play event corresponding to a second position on the virtual space based on the user's movement. Specifically, the game control unit 212 may associate a pre-play event based on the user's operation with a position on the virtual space different from the position on the virtual space corresponding to the pre-play event that has been played, based on the user reaching a position in the real space corresponding to the position on the virtual space with which the played pre-play event is associated, or may enable the execution of a pre-play event associated with another position, etc. Alternatively, after a pre-play event is played, the game control unit 212 may associate a pre-play event based on the user's operation with a position on the virtual space different from the position on the virtual space with which the played pre-play event is associated, based on the user moving a predetermined amount or more in the real space, or may enable the execution of a pre-play event associated with another position, etc. Note that the movement of a predetermined amount or more may be, for example, movement of a predetermined distance or more, movement of a predetermined number of steps or more, or movement for a predetermined time or more.

[0113] (Multiplayer event) The pre-play event may be an event that progresses through multiplayer. Specifically, the pre-play event may be an event in which a user who designates a specified position and a user who is at a position in the real space corresponding to the specified position (in other words, within a predetermined range from the specified position designated by the user) can participate.

[0114] The game control unit 212 matches the user who has specified a designated position with the user who is at the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, and starts a pre-play event in which the matched users participate. The pre-play event may be an event that progresses through cooperation among the matched users (for example, an event of cooperating to fight against enemy characters), or may be an event in which the matched users fight against each other.

[0115] (Specific Example 1) A specific example of the game according to the present embodiment is shown.

[0116] FIG. 4(a) shows an example of a screen related to the designation of a designated position (hereinafter referred to as "position designation screen 400"). The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display the position designation screen 400 based on a predetermined operation by the user. For example, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display the position designation screen 400 based on an operation by the user on a predetermined UI displayed on the play screen 300.

[0117] A map of the virtual space is displayed on the position designation screen 400. Then, the control unit 110 accepts an operation of designating a specific point on the map of the virtual space as an operation of designating the specific point on the virtual space as the designated position (in other words, an operation of associating a pre-play event with the specific point). That is, on the position designation screen 400, an operation by the user who designates the designated position is accepted. The game control unit 212 associates a pre-play event with the point in the virtual space designated by the user based on the operation, and arranges a pre-play object 33d with the pre-play event associated with the point (see FIG. 4(c)). Note that the operation of designating a specific point on the map of the virtual space may be an operation of selecting a specific point from a plurality of candidates 401 presented as shown in FIG. 4(a), or may be an operation in which the user can arbitrarily select a specific point without any restrictions on the presented candidates.

[0118] Also, as shown in FIG. 4(b), based on the fact that a pre-play event is associated with a specific point in the virtual space, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a notification display 410 that notifies the user that a pre-play event is associated with a specific point in the virtual space. The notification display 410 includes a display indicating the location in the real space corresponding to the specific point (for example, a display of the name of the location). Further, the notification display 410 includes a confirmation display 412 for confirming whether to execute the pre-play event associated with the specific point (in other words, whether to play immediately). In a state where the confirmation display 412 is displayed, the control unit 110 accepts an operation for selecting whether to execute the pre-play event associated with the specific point. Then, when an operation of selecting to execute the pre-play event is performed, the game control unit 212 executes the pre-play event (in other words, starts playing the pre-play event). During the execution of the pre-play event, the game control unit 212 advances the pre-play event based on the user's operation, and when the achievement condition set for the pre-play event is satisfied, the pre-play event is terminated.

[0119] Note that when an operation of selecting to execute the pre-play event is not performed in a state where the confirmation display 412 is displayed (for example, when an operation is performed on the close button 413 illustrated in FIG. 4(b)), the game control unit 212 executes the pre-play event based on the user's operation on the pre-play object 33d arranged at the specific point, which will be executed later. For example, when an operation is performed on the close button 413 displayed together with the confirmation display 412, and then, based on an operation on the pre-play object 33d on the map of the virtual space that the control unit 110 causes the display unit 18 to display at a predetermined timing (see FIG. 4(c)), the game control unit 212 executes the pre-play event.

[0120] The notification display 410 may include a display of precautions 415 regarding the execution of the pre-play event. In other words, the control unit 110 may cause the precautions 415 regarding the execution of the pre-play event to be displayed on a predetermined screen where an operation of selecting whether to execute a pre-play event associated with a specific location is received. Specifically, as the precautions 415, precautions regarding the acquisition of the results of the pre-play event, precautions regarding the consideration for the execution of the pre-play event, etc. may be displayed. More specifically, as the precautions 415, it may be displayed that in order to obtain the results of the pre-play event, it is necessary to reach the position in the real space corresponding to the position (in other words, the designated position) associated with the pre-play event. Also, as the said precautions, the content of the consideration for the execution of the pre-play event, etc. may be displayed.

[0121] Further, before the pre-play event is executed, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may present to the user the content of the reward for the pre-play event (specifically, the reward that can be obtained by reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the position (in other words, the designated position) associated with the pre-play event). Specifically, based on the fact that an operation of selecting to execute the pre-play event is performed in a state where the confirmation display 412 is displayed, or an operation on the pre-play object 33d is performed, etc., as shown in FIG. 4(d), the control unit 110 may cause the display unit 18 to display a display indicating the content of the reward for the pre-play event to be executed. Also, in a state where the said display is displayed, the control unit 110 may receive an operation of the user (for example, an operation on the start button 417 illustrated in FIG. 4(d)) that instructs (in other words, finalizes) the execution of the pre-play event. Then, the game control unit 212 may execute the pre-play event based on the said operation.

[0122] Also, when the pre-play event ends, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display an end screen 430 illustrated in FIG. 5(a). In other words, the control unit 110 causes the display unit 18 to display the end screen 430 based on the satisfaction of the end condition (in other words, the achievement condition) of the pre-play event. The end screen 430 includes a display regarding the result of the pre-play event that can be obtained by reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the position associated with the pre-play event (in other words, the designated position). Specifically, the end screen 430 includes a display indicating the content of the result of the pre-play event that can be obtained by reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the position associated with the pre-play event. Further, the end screen 430 includes a display indicating the conditions for obtaining the result of the pre-play event. Specifically, the end screen 430 may display the deadline by which the result of the pre-play event can be obtained, that it is necessary to reach the position in the real space corresponding to the position associated with the pre-play event in order to obtain the result of the pre-play event, and the like. Also, based on the past user's movement speed and information on the distance to the designated position, a display indicating by when the user should depart from the current position in order to reach the designated position within a period during which a predetermined result can be obtained (for example, a display such as "Depart by 14:00 today." or a display such as "Depart within the next hour.") may be provided. Further, the display indicating by when to depart may be a display of the time required to reach the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position from the current position (for example, a display such as "It is expected to take about one hour to reach the destination.")

[0123] Further, when the pre-play event ends, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may receive an operation to select whether to play another pre-play event continuously. For example, on the end screen 430, a UI 432 related to receiving the operation is displayed. Based on an operation on the UI 432, the control unit 110 causes the position specification screen 400 to be displayed, and receives an operation to associate the other pre-play event with a position specified by the user in the virtual space, an operation related to execution of the other pre-play event, etc. (see FIG. 4). Then, based on these operations by the user, the game control unit 212 associates the other pre-play event with the position specified by the user in the virtual space and executes the other pre-play event.

[0124] In a screen where an operation for selecting whether to continue playing another pre-play event is accepted, a display 433 indicating the remaining number of times the pre-play event can be played may be displayed. That is, in the present embodiment, the game control unit 212 may perform control to limit the number of times the pre-play event can be executed. Specifically, the game control unit 212 may limit the number of times the pre-play event can be executed within a predetermined period. Further, when the number of executed (for example, cleared) pre-play events (for example, pre-play events that have been executed but the result acquisition has not been completed, in other words, pre-play events that have not reached the position in the real space corresponding to the position in the virtual space associated with the pre-play event) reaches a predetermined number, the game control unit 212 may prohibit the execution of another pre-play event. Further, the value of the predetermined number may change based on the user's game progress (for example, the user's level, information regarding past movement, etc.). For example, when the user's level is low, the value of the predetermined number may be made larger compared to when the user's level is high, or when the user's level is high, the value of the predetermined number may be made smaller compared to when the user's level is low. Note that the user's level may be the level of the user itself, or may be the level of the player character 30 used by the user, etc. Further, for example, information regarding the user's past movement (in other words, past movement status) and step count information are acquired (in other words, stored in the storage unit 220 or the like as user information), and in the case of a user determined to move well based on the acquired information (in other words, a user determined to have a large movement amount), the value of the predetermined number may be made larger compared to a user not determined to move well (in other words, a user determined to have a small movement amount). Thereby, it is possible to give preferential treatment to a user considered to have a high possibility of reaching the designated position after the pre-play event. Further, in the case of a user determined to move well, the value of the predetermined number may be made smaller compared to a user not determined to move well. Thereby, it is possible to motivate a user who does not move much to move toward the designated position.

[0125] After the execution of the pre-play event, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a map of the virtual space indicating the position on the virtual space associated with the pre-play event. In other words, after the end of the pre-play event, the control unit 110 causes the destination for acquiring the result of the pre-play event to be displayed on the map of the virtual space. For example, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the point on the map of the virtual space where the pre-play object 33d corresponding to the pre-play event is arranged becomes the destination for acquiring the result of the pre-play event.

[0126] Also, when the pre-play event is executed, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes a support display 450 for assisting in acquiring the result of the pre-play event to be displayed on the play screen 300 as shown in FIG. 6(a). The support display 450 may notify the user of at least one of the point to which the user should go to acquire the result, the direction to go, the distance to move, or the deadline by which the result can be acquired. In other words, the support display 450 may notify the user of the direction to a specified position, the distance to the specified position, etc. The support display 450 may be a display of a character string or a display of a predetermined object. The predetermined object may be an object arranged at the position associated with the pre-play event or an object indicating the direction to go (an arrow in FIG. 6), etc.

[0127] Note that after the execution of the pre-play event, the user may be able to play the game in the same way as in normal times while moving towards the specified position to obtain the result of the pre-play event. That is, after the execution of the pre-play event and until the result of the pre-play event is obtained, the game control unit 212 may generate an event corresponding to the operated event object 33 and allow the user to play based on the user's operation on the event object 33 within the available range X determined based on the user's position information. Alternatively, after the execution of the pre-play event and until the result of the pre-play event is obtained, the game control unit 212 may restrict the user from playing a predetermined event (for example, playing an event based on an operation on an event object 33 (for example, a specific type of event object 33) within the available range X).

[0128] Based on the user reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the position in the virtual space associated with the pre-play event executed by specifying the specified position (in other words, the specified position), the game control unit 212 causes the user to obtain the result of the pre-play event. Further, when causing the user to obtain the result of the pre-play event, the game control unit 212 instructs the terminal device 10 to notify the user that the result of the pre-play event has been obtained. As shown in FIG. 6(b), the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a notification display 455 related to the notification based on the instruction. The notification display 455 includes, for example, a display indicating that the result of the pre-play event has been obtained, a display indicating the content of the obtained result, and the like.

[0129] Note that the control unit 110 may cause the display unit 18 to display the notification display 455 at the timing when the user reaches the position in the real space corresponding to the position on the virtual space (in other words, the designated position) associated with the pre-play event executed by designating the designated position. Further, for example, when the user reaches the position in the real space while playing the game in the automatic mode, the control unit 110 may cause the display unit 18 to display the notification display 455 at the timing when the user releases the automatic mode (in other words, the timing when switching to the manual mode).

[0130] Further, as described above, the control unit 110 can execute the application related to the game of the present embodiment in the background. And even when the user reaches the position in the real space while the application is being executed in the background, the game control unit 212 causes the user to acquire the result of the pre-play event. In this way, when the user is caused to acquire the result of the pre-play event based on the fact that the user has reached the position in the real space while the application is being executed in the background, the control unit 110 may cause the display unit 18 to display the notification display 455 at the timing when the execution of the application that was being executed in the background starts in the foreground.

[0131] Note that the control unit 110 may output a sound indicating that the user has reached the speaker provided in the terminal device 10 or generate a vibration indicating that the user has reached the vibration generating device (for example, a vibration motor) provided in the terminal device 10 based on the fact that the user has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the position on the virtual space (in other words, the designated position) associated with the pre-play event executed by designating the designated position. For example, the control unit 110 may generate the sound or the vibration at the timing when reaching the position in the real space. In other words, the control unit 110 may generate a sound or a vibration for notifying the user that the condition has been satisfied based on the fact that the user has reached the position in the real space and the condition for acquiring a predetermined result of the pre-play event has been satisfied (in other words, at the timing when the condition has been satisfied).

[0132] (Flow of processing) Next, an example of the processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7.

[0133] First, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display the position designation screen 400 based on a predetermined operation by the user who is playing a game played using the position information (step S101).

[0134] Next, the control unit 110 receives an operation of the user who designates a position in the virtual space that associates the pre-play event on the position designation screen 400 (step S102). In other words, the control unit 110 receives an operation of designating a designated position on the position designation screen 400.

[0135] Next, the game control unit 212 associates the pre-play event with the position designated by the user based on the operation of the user who designates the position in the virtual space that associates the pre-play event (step S103).

[0136] Next, the game control unit 212 executes the pre-play event based on an operation of the user who selects to execute the pre-play event (step S104). In other words, the game control unit 212 starts playing the pre-play event based on an operation of the user who selects to start playing the pre-play event. Note that the operation of designating the position that associates the pre-play event may also serve as the operation of selecting to execute the pre-play event. In other words, when the position that associates the pre-play event is designated, the pre-play event may be automatically started.

[0137] Next, the game control unit 212 grants the user the right to obtain a predetermined result regarding the pre-play event based on the execution (in other words, the play) of the pre-play event (step S105).

[0138] Next, the game control unit 212 determines, based on the position information of the user, whether a user who has the right to obtain a predetermined result regarding the pre-play event has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the position in the virtual space (in other words, the designated position) associated with the pre-play event (step S106). In other words, the game control unit 212 determines whether a user who has played the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position. For example, the game control unit 212 determines whether the position in the virtual space associated with the pre-play event is within the acquisition range Y determined based on the position information of the user.

[0139] When it is determined that the position in the real space has been reached (YES in step S106), the game control unit 212 causes the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the pre-play event (step S107). For example, the game control unit 212 grants the reward of the pre-play event to the user. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the position in the real space has been reached (NO in step S106), the game control unit 212 does not cause the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the pre-play event. For example, when it is not determined that the position in the real space has been reached within a predetermined deadline, the game control unit 212 decides not to cause the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the pre-play event. Note that even when it is not determined that the position in the real space has been reached within a predetermined deadline, the game control unit 212 may grant the user a reward according to the degree to which the user has approached the position in the real space within the predetermined deadline.

[0140] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing system 1 of the second embodiment can adopt the content described in the first embodiment within a non - conflicting range. For example, the information processing system 1 of the second embodiment may include part or all of the configuration of the information processing system 1 of the first embodiment. In other words, the information processing system 1 of the first embodiment can adopt the content described in the second embodiment within a non - conflicting range. Hereinafter, the matters described in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified in the description.

[0141] In this embodiment, the control unit 110 receives an operation of a user who designates a specific point on the map of the virtual space displayed on the display unit 18 as an operation designating the specific point as a designated position. The game control unit 212 sets the specific point as the designated position designated by the user based on the operation (in other words, stores it in the storage unit 220 linked to the user's account as the designated position of the user). Further, the game control unit 212 cancels the setting of the designated position based on the elapse of a predetermined period after the designated position is set (in other words, deletes the information indicating that the specific point is the designated position set by the user from the storage unit 220). That is, the game control unit 212 sets the point on the virtual space designated by the user as the designated position for a predetermined period.

[0142] In this embodiment, the designated position can also be said to be the current position of the user in the virtual space. That is, in the game according to this embodiment, usually, the position of the user (in other words, the player character 30) in the virtual space is the position corresponding to the position of the user in the real space (in other words, the position indicated by the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 116). However, when the designated position is specified, the position of the user in the virtual space is changed to the designated position. In other words, while the designated position is set, the game control unit 212 treats the user as being present at the designated position (in other words, the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position) in a predetermined process. In this embodiment, the player character 30 is arranged at the designated position. That is, the designated position can also be said to be the position of the player character 30 in the virtual space. Note that the period during which the designated position is set and the period during which the user is treated as being present at the designated position in various processes in the real space do not have to match. That is, for example, during the period when the designated position is set, until a predetermined time elapses, the player character 30 is arranged at the designated position, and after the predetermined time elapses, the player character 30 may be arranged at the position of the user in the real space. Also, for example, during the period when the designated position is set, in determining the matching partner in the multiplayer event described later, the user is regarded as being present at the designated position in the real space to determine the matching partner, and for obtaining the result of the multiplayer event, it may be determined whether the user has reached a predetermined place based on the position of the user in the real space and the user may be made to obtain the result.

[0143] In addition, in the game according to this embodiment, each user can execute an operation of recruiting members who participate in multiplayer on their own terminal device 10. Based on this operation, the game control unit 212 notifies the terminal devices 10 of other users (for example, users within a predetermined range from the user who performed this operation) about this recruitment. The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 that has received this notification causes the display unit 18 to display a display related to this recruitment based on this notification, and also accepts an operation of applying for this recruitment. Then, the game control unit 212 establishes a multiplayer between the user who performed the recruitment operation and the user who performed the application operation (in other words, starts a multiplayer in which these users participate).

[0144] Specifically, for example, when a user performs an operation on a specific event object 33 on the play screen 300 or the map of the virtual space, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a recruitment button 501 as a UI that accepts an operation of recruiting members who participate in an event (specifically, an event in which multiplayer is possible (hereinafter referred to as a "multiplayer event")) associated with the specific event object 33, as shown in FIG. 8(a).

[0145] Based on the operation on the recruitment button 501, the game control unit 212 notifies the terminal device 10 of a user within a predetermined range (for example, several tens of meters) from the user who has performed the operation on the recruitment button 501 about the recruitment. Based on the notification, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 that has received the notification causes the display unit 18 to display a display related to the recruitment. Specifically, as the display related to the recruitment, the control unit 110 causes the display unit 18 to display a notification display 502 notifying that there is a multiplayer event recruiting members (in other words, a display prompting participation in the event). Further, based on the user's operation on the notification display 502, as shown in FIG. 8(c), the control unit 110 causes the display unit 18 to display a list 505 of multiplayer events recruiting members. In the list 505, the multiplayer events related to each recruitment notified by the game control unit 212 are displayed in a list. The control unit 110 accepts an operation of selecting a specific multiplayer event from the multiplayer events displayed in the list 505 as an operation of participating in the specific multiplayer event (in other words, an operation of applying for the recruitment of members related to the specific multiplayer event). Based on the operation, the game control unit 212 causes the user who has performed the operation and the user who has recruited members to participate in the specific multiplayer event to participate in the specific multiplayer event and proceeds with the specific multiplayer event.

[0146] That is, when a user performs an operation of recruiting members to participate in a multiplayer event, the game control unit 212 determines the users located within a predetermined range from the certain user as users to be recruited (in other words, users who can participate in the event). Then, the game control unit 212 notifies each terminal device 10 of the users determined as users to be recruited about the recruitment performed by the certain user. In other words, the game control unit 212 instructs each terminal device 10 of the users determined as users to be recruited to include the multiplayer event that the certain user is recruiting members for in the event of displaying it in the list 505.

[0147] Here, the area within a predetermined range from a certain user may be, for example, within a predetermined range centered on a specific event object 33 selected by the certain user (in other words, the event object 33 associated with the multiplayer event for which the certain user is recruiting members).

[0148] In such a configuration, when another user wants to participate in a multiplayer event recruited by another user, or when another user wants the other user to participate in the multiplayer event they are recruiting, there must be users around who want to play multiplayer. However, in this embodiment, even with such a configuration, it is possible to participate in multiplayer from a remote location by specifying a specified position. This will be described below.

[0149] When a certain user recruits members to participate in a multiplayer event, the game control unit 212 determines whether a user whose specified position is not set is located within a predetermined range from the certain user based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 116 when determining the users to be recruited. Then, the game control unit 212 determines the users determined to be located within a predetermined range from the certain user as the users to be recruited. Also, when a certain user recruits members to participate in a multiplayer event, for users whose specified position is set, the game control unit 212 determines whether they are located within a predetermined range from the certain user based on the specified position when determining the users to be recruited. Then, the game control unit 212 determines the users determined to be located within a predetermined range from the certain user as the users to be recruited. Here, the certain user is a user for whom no specified position is set.

[0150] Next, a case will be described where a certain user designates a specified position and recruits members to participate in a multiplayer event. When a certain user performs an operation to designate a specified position and an operation to recruit members to participate in a multiplayer event, the game control unit 212 determines whether a user whose specified position is not set is located within a predetermined range from the specified position designated by the certain user based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 116 when determining the users to be recruited. Then, the game control unit 212 determines the users determined to be located within a predetermined range from the specified position designated by the certain user as the users to be recruited (in other words, includes them in the users to be recruited). Also, when a certain user performs an operation to designate a specified position and an operation to recruit members to participate in a multiplayer event, the game control unit 212 determines whether a user whose specified position is set is located within a predetermined range from the specified position designated by the certain user based on the specified position when determining the users to be recruited. Then, the game control unit 212 determines the users determined to be located within a predetermined range from the specified position designated by the certain user as the users to be recruited.

[0151] In other words, when a certain user recruits members to participate in a multiplayer event, the game control unit 212 determines the users whose current positions are within a predetermined range from the certain user as the users to be recruited. At this time, for users whose specified positions are not set, the game control unit 212 sets the position indicated by the position information (in other words, the position actually existing in the real space) as the current position of that user. Also, for users whose specified positions are set, the game control unit 212 sets the position indicated by the specified position as the current position of that user.

[0152] (Specific Example 2) A specific example of the game according to this embodiment is shown.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 9(a), the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a designation start button 520 as a UI that accepts an operation related to the start of designation at a designated position on the play screen 300. Based on an operation on the designation start button 520, the control unit 110 causes the display unit 18 to display a position designation screen 400 illustrated in FIG. 9(b). The position designation screen 400 is a screen that accepts an operation for designating a designated position. In the present embodiment, a map of the virtual space is displayed on the position designation screen 400. That is, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 110 causes the screen to be displayed on the display unit 18 to transition from the play screen 300 to the position designation screen 400. Here, it is assumed that a predetermined condition is satisfied by an operation on the designation start button 520. However, for example, a predetermined condition may be satisfied by using a specific item (in other words, consuming a predetermined value owned by the user). In other words, a predetermined value owned by the user may be required as a consideration for designating a designated position.

[0154] The control unit 110 accepts an operation of the user for designating a specific point on the map of the virtual space displayed on the position designation screen 400 as an operation for designating the specific point as a designated position. The control unit 110 changes a range (in other words, an area on the virtual space shown in the map) on the virtual space shown in the map based on a slide operation on the map of the virtual space (specifically, a slide operation of sliding a finger on the map). Thereby, the user can search for a point on the virtual space corresponding to the point that the user wants to set as the destination in the real space on the map and designate the point as the designated position.

[0155] Note that the control unit 110 may also be configured to receive an operation by the user to input a keyword, and cause the display unit 18 to display a map indicating a range on the virtual space related to the input keyword. For example, based on a predetermined operation such as an operation on the specified start button 520, the control unit 110 causes the display unit 18 to display a search window 522 in which a keyword can be input, as shown in FIG. 9(b). Then, the control unit 110 receives an operation to input a keyword to the search window 522. Further, when a keyword is input to the search window 522, the control unit 110 causes the display unit 18 to display a map indicating a range on the virtual space related to the input keyword. As the keyword, for example, a place name, a station name, or a facility name in the real space may be input. For example, based on the input of the keyword "Sapporo", the control unit 110 changes the map of the virtual space displayed on the display unit 18 to a state indicating a range on the virtual space corresponding to Sapporo in the real space (for example, virtual Sapporo). Similarly, for example, based on the input of the keyword "Shinjuku Station", the control unit 110 changes the map of the virtual space displayed on the display unit 18 to a state indicating a range on the virtual space corresponding to the vicinity of Shinjuku Station in the real space (for example, the vicinity of virtual Shinjuku Station). Further, for example, based on the input of the name of a specific shopping center as a keyword, the control unit 110 changes the map of the virtual space displayed on the display unit 18 to a state indicating a range on the virtual space corresponding to the area where the specific shopping center is located in the real space.

[0156] Based on an operation by the user to specify a specific point on the map of the virtual space displayed on the display unit 18, the game control unit 212 sets the specific point as the designated position of the user. Note that the operation to specify a specific point on the map of the virtual space may be an operation to select a specific point from among a plurality of presented candidates, or an operation in which the user can arbitrarily select a specific point without any restrictions on the presented candidates. When the designated position is set, as shown in FIGS. 9(c) and (d), an object 530 indicating the designated position is arranged at the designated position on the map of the virtual space.

[0157] When the specified position designated by the user is set, the control unit 110 causes the display unit 18 to display a list 505 of events corresponding to the specified position (see Fig. 10(a)). The list 505 displays a list of multiplayer events in which other users are recruiting members in the vicinity of the specified position and which have been determined as multiplayer events for which the user himself / herself is the recruitment target based on the specified position designated by the user himself / herself. In other words, the list 505 displays multiplayer events in which other users within a predetermined range from the specified position designated by the user himself / herself are recruiting members.

[0158] Specifically, when the specified position is set, as shown in Fig. 9(d), the control unit 110 causes a notification display 502 (in other words, a display prompting participation in the multiplayer event) to be displayed on the screen displaying the map of the virtual space, notifying that there is a multiplayer event in which members participating are being recruited and which has been determined as a multiplayer event for which the user himself / herself is the recruitment target. Further, based on the user's operation on the notification display 502, the control unit 110 causes the list 505 to be displayed on the display unit 18 as shown in Fig. 10(a).

[0159] Note that when the specified position is set, the control unit 110 may cause the display unit 18 to display precautions 531 regarding the multiplayer event to be executed by designating the specified position, as shown in Fig. 9(c). Specifically, as the precautions 531, precautions regarding the acquisition of the results of the multiplayer event, information regarding users who can play multiplayer together, information regarding the number of times the executable multiplayer event can be executed, etc. may be displayed.

[0160] In addition, when the designated position is set, as shown in FIG. 8(b), an image of a virtual space in which the player character 30 is arranged at the designated position may be displayed. In other words, when the designated position is not set, the control unit 110 causes the display unit 18 to display the play screen 300 in which the player character 30 is arranged at the position on the virtual space corresponding to the position information of the user. However, when the designated position is set, the control unit 110 may cause the display unit 18 to display the play screen 300 in which the player character 30 is arranged at the designated position of the user. Then, a notification display 502 may be displayed on the play screen 300 in which the player character 30 is arranged at the designated position, or a list 505 may be displayed by performing a predetermined operation on the play screen 300.

[0161] Further, the control unit 110 accepts an operation of selecting a specific multiplayer event from the multiplayer events included in the list 505 as an operation of requesting participation in the specific multiplayer event. Specifically, participation buttons 506 corresponding to each multiplayer event are displayed in the list 505. The control unit 110 accepts an operation on the participation button 506 as an operation of requesting participation in the multiplayer event corresponding to the operated participation button 506. Based on the operation of the user requesting participation in a specific multiplayer event, the game control unit 212 allows the user to participate and starts the specific multiplayer event. Specifically, the game control unit 212 matches the user with the user who recruited the members participating in the specific multiplayer event, and starts a multiplayer event in which these users play together. In this embodiment, the multiplayer event may be an event in which three or more users can participate. For example, when the multiplayer event is an event in which a maximum of four users can participate, the game control unit 212 matches the user who recruited the members participating in the multiplayer event with the three users who requested participation in the multiplayer event, and can start a multiplayer event in which these users play multiplayer. In this case, the users who request participation may include users who are actually within a predetermined range from the user who recruits the members (in other words, users whose current position indicated by the position information is within the predetermined range).

[0162] Note that in the multiplayer event, the number of users who can participate by specifying a designated position (in other words, participate from a remote location) may be limited (for example, limited to one person). For example, when a certain user (for example, a user who recruits members without specifying a designated position) recruits members to participate in a multiplayer event, the game control unit 212 may limit (for example, limit to one person) the number of users who are not actually located within a predetermined range from the certain user and who can participate in the multiplayer event by specifying a designated position. Also, when a certain user recruits members to participate in a multiplayer event by specifying a designated position, the game control unit 212 may limit the users who can apply and participate in the multiplayer event to those who are actually located within a predetermined range from the designated position. Further, there may be something that restricts participation from a remote location according to the attributes of the multiplayer event (for example, in the case of an event aimed at attracting customers to a position in the real space corresponding to the multiplayer event (in other words, attracting customers to a specific place in the real space), participation from a remote location may be restricted). In other words, the game control unit 212 may limit (for example, prohibit) the matching of users who participate by specifying a designated position (in other words, participate from a remote location) in the multiplayer matching. According to such a configuration, it is possible to restrict the participation of users from a remote location in a multiplayer event that is carried out among users who actually come to a position in the real space corresponding to the multiplayer event. Also, depending on the event, due to circumstances such as expected congestion in the real space, it may not be appropriate to permit only the participation of users who actually gather at a position in the real space corresponding to the multiplayer event.In this case, the user may be able to participate in the multiplayer event by specifying a designated position from a remote location. However, a user who can specify a designated position to participate in the multiplayer event may be a user who is not within the available range X of the multiplayer event but is within a predetermined distance from the position in the real space corresponding to the multiplayer event. Alternatively, the multiplayer event may be set with a shorter deadline (in other words, shorter than other predetermined pre-play events) for obtaining a predetermined result regarding the multiplayer event after the pre-play. By doing so, it is possible to accept only pre-play from users who are substantially located near the multiplayer event.

[0163] In addition, on the screen for displaying the list 505, for each multiplayer event included in the list 505, a display indicating the content of the event may be displayed. Specifically, as the display indicating the content of the event, a display such as the name of the event, information about the characters appearing in the event (for example, the name of the enemy character, etc.), or a display regarding the difficulty level of the event may be displayed.

[0164] Also, when an operation requesting participation in the multiplayer event is performed, the control unit 110 may cause the display unit 18 to display a standby screen 540 exemplified in FIG. 10(b). The standby screen 540 is a screen for waiting for the start of the multiplayer event. On the standby screen 540, an operation instructing the start of the event may be accepted. Then, the game control unit 212 may start the multiplayer event based on the fact that the users participating in the multiplayer event (for example, all the participating users) have performed an operation instructing the start of the event. Alternatively, on the standby screen 540, user operations may not be accepted, and when a predetermined time elapses in the state where the standby screen 540 is displayed (in other words, when various processes for starting the event are completed), the multiplayer event may be automatically started, etc.

[0165] On the standby screen 540, information about each user participating in the multiplayer event may be displayed. Specifically, on the standby screen 540, information that can identify each user participating in the multiplayer event (for example, username, etc.) and information about from which location each user is participating (for example, the name of the location where each user is currently located (specifically, the location in the real space or the virtual space)) may be displayed. Also, on the standby screen 540, a display that can identify users participating in the multiplayer event by setting a specified position (in FIG. 10(b), the display of the characters "Remote Participation") may be displayed.

[0166] Also, the game control unit 212 advances the multiplayer event based on the operations of each user participating in the multiplayer event, and ends the multiplayer event based on the achievement condition of the event being satisfied. For example, the game control unit 212 advances a multiplayer event in which users participating in the event cooperate with each other to defeat an enemy character based on the operations of each user, and ends the multiplayer event based on the enemy character being defeated.

[0167] This multiplayer event functions as a pre-play event for users who participate by setting a specified position. On the other hand, this multiplayer event functions as a normal event for users who participate without setting a specified position. That is, the game control unit 212 causes users who participate without setting a specified position (for example, a user who recruited members or a user who is actually within a predetermined range from the said user) to obtain the result of the event at the timing when the multiplayer event ends. Specifically, the game control unit 212 gives the reward of the event to users who participate without setting a specified position at the timing when the multiplayer event ends.

[0168] On the other hand, when the multi - play event ends, the game control unit 212 does not cause at least a part of the results of the event to be acquired (for example, does not cause any to be acquired) for the user who participated after setting the designated position. When the achievement condition of the multi - play event is satisfied, the game control unit 212 instructs the terminal device 10 of the user who participated after setting the designated position to display the end screen 550 illustrated in FIG. 10(c) on the display unit 18. Further, based on the instruction (that is, when the multi - play event as a pre - play event ends), the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the end screen 550 to be displayed on the display unit 18.

[0169] The end screen 550 includes a display related to the results of the multi - play event that can be acquired by reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position. Specifically, the end screen 550 includes a display indicating the content of the results of the multi - play event that can be acquired by reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position. Also, the end screen 550 includes a display indicating the conditions for acquiring the results of the multi - play event. Specifically, the end screen 550 may display the deadline by which the results of the multi - play event can be acquired, and that it is necessary to reach the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position to acquire the results of the multi - play event, etc.

[0170] Based on the fact that the user who designated the designated position has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, the game control unit 212 causes the results of the multi - play event played after designating the designated position to be acquired.

[0171] In addition, various events according to this embodiment, such as multiplayer events and pre-play events, may be events in which the user can increase the reward by paying a predetermined price. For example, the control unit 110 may accept a user operation related to an increase in the reward of the event at a predetermined timing from the start to the end of the event (for example, during the display of the end screen 550). The game control unit 212 increases the reward of the event (for example, the reward to be obtained by the user based on the satisfaction of the achievement condition) based on the operation. Specifically, when the operation is performed, the game control unit 212 doubles the reward of the event. In addition, as a price for increasing the reward, the game control unit 212 decreases a predetermined value owned by the user at a predetermined timing (for example, the timing from when the operation is performed until the reward is given).

[0172] Various events according to this embodiment may be events in which a user who plays without specifying a designated position (for example, a user who participates in a multiplayer event without setting a designated position) can increase the reward by paying a predetermined price. On the other hand, various events according to this embodiment may be events in which a user who plays by specifying a designated position (for example, a user who participates in a multiplayer event by setting a designated position) cannot increase the reward by paying a predetermined price. In other words, various events according to this embodiment can increase the reward by paying a predetermined price when not played as a pre-play event, while it may be impossible to increase the reward by paying a predetermined price when played as a pre-play event. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a user who has played the pre-play event but has not satisfied the conditions for obtaining the result of the pre-play event from paying the price in vain.

[0173] In addition, various events according to the present embodiment may be events that can increase rewards by paying a predetermined price even for a user who plays by designating a designated position (for example, a user who sets a designated position and participates in a multiplayer event). In other words, the pre-play event may be an event that can increase rewards by paying a predetermined price. In this case, when the user who played the event corresponding to the designated position designated by the game control unit 212 did not reach the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position designated by the user (for example, did not reach within the deadline), at least a part (for example, all) of the predetermined price paid may be returned to the user. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a user who played the pre-play event but did not satisfy the conditions for obtaining the result of the pre-play event from paying the price in vain.

[0174] Note that, in a state where the designated position is set, the user may be able to select the event object 33 around the designated position and cause an event corresponding to the selected event object 33 to occur. For example, when the designated position is set, a play screen 300 in which the player character 30 is arranged at the designated position may be displayed on the display unit 18 (see FIG. 8(b)). At this time, the game control unit 212 sets the available range X to a predetermined range centered on the player character 30 (in other words, including the position where the player character 30 is arranged). In other words, the game control unit 212 sets the available range X to a predetermined range centered on the designated position (in other words, including the designated position). In other words, the game control unit 212 determines the available range X based on the position indicated by the user's position information when the designated position is not set, whereas the game control unit 212 determines the available range X based on the designated position when the designated position is set.

[0175] Further, in a state where the available range X is determined based on the designated position (in other words, a state where the player character 30 is arranged at the designated position), the control unit 110 accepts a user operation (for example, a touch operation) on the event object 33 within the available range X. The game control unit 212 generates an event corresponding to the operated event object 33 based on the operation. Here, the event corresponding to the operated event object 33 is a pre-play event, and the user can obtain the result of the event by later reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position. Specifically, the game control unit 212 may generate an event related to obtaining an item based on an operation on the item spot 33a. In this case, the event is executed at the timing when the operation on the item spot 33a is performed, but the giving of the item to the user is executed based on the user reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position after the execution of the event. Also, the game control unit 212 may generate a battle event with an enemy character based on an operation on the enemy object 33c. In this case, the battle with the enemy character is executed at the timing when the operation on the enemy object 33c is performed, but the result of the event is given to the user based on the user reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position after the execution of the event.

[0176] Also, the event object 33 may be an event object to which a multiplayer event is associated. The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may cause the recruitment button 501 to be displayed on the display unit 18 based on an operation on the event object 33 (see FIG. 8(a)). In this case, when the user performs an operation to recruit members to participate in a multiplayer event such as an operation on the recruitment button 501, the game control unit 212 determines, as described above, the users located within a predetermined range from the designated position designated by the user as the users to be recruited, and notifies each of the terminal devices 10 of the users determined as the users to be recruited about the recruitment.

[0177] Also, in a state where a designated position is set and the player character 30 is placed at the designated position, the game control unit 212 may move the player character 30 in the virtual space based on the user's operation. Then, the game control unit 212 may move the available range X as the player character 30 moves. In other words, the game control unit 212 may move the available range X determined based on the designated designated position, along with the available range X (in other words, the player character 30), in a predetermined direction (for example, east, west, south, or north) in the virtual space according to the user's operation of moving. That is, in a state where the designated position is not designated, the player character 30 moves in the virtual space in conjunction with the user's movement in the real space, but in a state where the designated position is set, the player character 30 may move in the virtual space based on an operation such as the user indicating the moving direction of the player character 30 with a finger.

[0178] Note that, regardless of whether the available range X (in other words, the player character 30) is configured to be movable or immovable in a state where the designated position is set and the available range X is determined based on the designated position, the game control unit 212 may expand the available range X in a state where the available range X is determined based on the designated position compared to a state where the available range X is determined based on the user's position in the real space.

[0179] Note that the game control unit 212 may return a state where the available range X is determined based on the designated position to a state where the available range X is determined based on the user's position in the real space based on the elapse of a predetermined time. In other words, a limit time may be set during a period in which an event object 33 around the designated position can be selected and an event corresponding to the selected event object 33 can be generated.

[0180] In the configuration of the present embodiment, the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position may be an event associated with an event object arranged around the designated position. In other words, the pre-play event may be an event associated with each point within a predetermined range from the designated position. Further, the game control unit 212 may execute a plurality of pre-play events as the pre-play event corresponding to one designated position. In other words, the game control unit 212 enables the user who designates the designated position to play a plurality of pre-play events as the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position.

[0181] When the user designates a designated position and plays a plurality of pre-play events as the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position, the game control unit 212 causes the user to acquire the result of each of the plurality of pre-play events played based on the fact that the user has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position. Specifically, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to acquire all the results of the plurality of pre-play events played based on the fact that the user has moved in the real space to a position where the point in the virtual space designated by the user as the designated position is within the acquisition range Y determined based on the user's position information. Further, the game control unit 212 may cause the user to individually acquire the result of each pre-play object played based on the fact that the user has moved in the real space to a position where the point in the virtual space associated with the played pre-play event is within the acquisition range Y determined based on the user's position information. That is, the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position may be one range centered on the designated position (for example, a circular range), or may be each range centered on each point associated with the pre-play event around the designated position.

[0182] In addition, in this specification, the acquisition of an item can be read as the acquisition of an object. Further, the object includes items, characters, and the like. That is, as the event object 33, an event object 33 from which a character can be acquired may be prepared instead of or in addition to the item spot 33a. In other words, the reward for the event associated with the event object 33 may be a character. That is, after the pre-play event corresponding to the designated position is executed, the game control unit 212 can cause the user to acquire a character as a result of the pre-play event based on the fact that the user has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position.

[0183] (Flow of processing) Next, an example of the processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 11.

[0184] First, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display the position designation screen 400 based on a predetermined operation by the user (step S201).

[0185] Next, the control unit 110 receives an operation of the user designating the designated position on the position designation screen 400 (step S202).

[0186] When the user designates the designated position, if there is a multiplayer event in which another user is recruiting members and the user is a target of the recruitment, the game control unit 212 notifies the terminal device 10 of the user that there is a multiplayer event for which the user is a target of the recruitment (step S203). Note that the game control unit 212 determines whether or not the user who designates the designated position is a target of recruitment for each multiplayer event based on the designated position of the user. For example, the game control unit 212 determines that the user is a target of recruitment when the designated position of the user is located within a predetermined range from another user who is recruiting members.

[0187] The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 that has received the notice accepts the operation of the user who applies for the multi-play event targeted for recruitment (step S204). In the case where there are a plurality of multi-play events targeted for recruitment, the control unit 110 accepts the operation of the user who applies for a specific multi-play event among the plurality of multi-play events.

[0188] Next, the game control unit 212 executes a multi-play event in which another user who recruited members and the user who applied for the recruitment participate (step S205).

[0189] Next, based on the execution of the multi-play event, the game control unit 212 grants the user who participated in the multi-play event by designating a specified position the right to obtain a predetermined result regarding the multi-play event (step S206).

[0190] Next, the game control unit 212 determines, based on the position information of the user, whether or not the user who has the right to obtain a predetermined result regarding the multi-play event has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the specified position designated by the user (step S207).

[0191] When it is determined that the position in the real space has been reached (YES in step S207), the game control unit 212 causes the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the multiplayer event (step S208). For example, the game control unit 212 gives the user a reward for the multiplayer event. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the position in the real space has been reached (NO in step S207), the game control unit 212 does not cause the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the multiplayer event. For example, when it is not determined that the position in the real space has been reached within a predetermined deadline, the game control unit 212 decides not to cause the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the multiplayer event. Note that even when it is not determined that the position in the real space has been reached within a predetermined deadline, the game control unit 212 may give the user a reward according to the degree to which the user has approached the position in the real space within the predetermined deadline.

[0192] (Display related to the designation of the designated position) On the position specification screen 400, as illustrated in FIG. 12(a) or FIG. 12(b), a map of the virtual space color-coded based on a predetermined condition related to the specification of the specified position may be displayed. For example, a map of the virtual space color-coded based on the number of surrounding users or the amount of a predetermined object may be displayed. That is, for example, an area on the map with a large number of users is indicated by a color (e.g., red) indicating a large number of users, and an area with a small number of users is indicated by a color (e.g., blue) indicating a small number of users. Also, an area on the map with a large amount of a predetermined object is indicated by a color (e.g., red) indicating a large amount of the predetermined object, and an area with a small amount of the predetermined object is indicated by a color (e.g., blue) indicating a small amount of the predetermined object. The predetermined object may be, for example, a predetermined event object 33, or an object (e.g., an item) that can be obtained in an event. Note that the color-coded map of the virtual space may be a map in which a color based on a predetermined condition is applied only to a specific area such as an area with a large number of users as shown in FIG. 12(a), or a map in which a color based on a predetermined condition is applied to the whole as shown in FIG. 12(b). Note that FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) are merely examples, and the display format of the color-coding is not particularly limited. In other words, on the position specification screen 400, a map of the virtual space in a display mode based on a predetermined condition related to the specification of the specified position may be displayed.

[0193] The number of users may be determined based on, for example, the position information of each user. For example, the game control unit 212 may determine the number of users in each area on the map (e.g., the number of users currently in each area) based on the position information of each user. Then, the control unit 110 may cause the position specification screen 400 to display a map of the virtual space in which an area determined to have a large number of users as a result of the determination is indicated by a color indicating a large number of users, and an area determined to have a small number of users as a result of the determination is indicated by a color indicating a small number of users.

[0194] Also, the amount of a predetermined object may be determined based on, for example, the number of event objects 33 arranged at each point in the virtual space. For example, the control unit 110 causes the position designation screen 400 to display a map of the virtual space in which an area with a large number of a specific type of event object 33 (for example, item spot 33a or enemy object 33c, etc.) is shown in a color indicating that the amount of the predetermined object is large, and an area with a small number of a specific type of event object 33 is shown in a color indicating that the amount of the predetermined object is small. Here, the fact that a specific type of event object 33 is numerous (or scarce) may include not only the fact that there are many (or few) currently arranged specific types of event objects 33, but also the fact that the probability or frequency of arranging a specific type of event object 33 is high (or low), etc.

[0195] Also, the amount of a predetermined object may be determined based on, for example, the details of events associated with each point in the virtual space. For example, the control unit 110 causes the position designation screen 400 to display a map of the virtual space in which an area where many events in which a specific item can be acquired (for example, an event in which a specific item is set as a reward) are set is shown in a color indicating that the amount of the predetermined object is large, and an area where the setting of events in which a specific item can be acquired is small is shown in a color indicating that the amount of the predetermined object is small. Here, the fact that the setting of events in which a specific item can be acquired is numerous (or scarce) may include not only the fact that the number of currently set events in which a specific item can be acquired is large (or small), but also the fact that the probability or frequency of setting an event object 33 in which a specific item can be acquired is high (or low), etc.

[0196] A map of a virtual space colored based on predetermined conditions may be capable of displaying a color that changes over time based on a prediction. That is, for example, conventionally, in a map application or the like, it is known that it is possible to display the congestion level of each area or each store (specifically, the current congestion situation, the predicted congestion situation for each day and each time zone, etc.). For example, a control unit of a server or the like accumulates the history of the position information of each user in a predetermined storage unit, predicts the congestion level (in other words, the number of users at each location) from the past position information of each user, and displays the congestion level based on the prediction. In the present embodiment, the control unit 210 of the server 20 may predict the number of future users in each area on the map of the virtual space based on the past position information of each user. Then, the control unit 110 may change the color of the map of the virtual space colored based on predetermined conditions over time based on the prediction. For example, a playback button 560 for receiving an operation to start a display in which the color changes over time may be displayed on the position designation screen 400. Then, the control unit 110 may change the color of each area of the map of the virtual space over time based on the user's operation on the playback button 560 based on the prediction (for example, according to the increase or decrease in the predicted number of future users). Specifically, the control unit 110 may change the color of each area of the map of the virtual space over time so as to gradually show a future prediction based on the user's operation on the playback button 560. More specifically, the control unit 110 may change the color of each area of the map of the virtual space over time based on the operation on the playback button 560, for example, to a color based on a prediction after 5 minutes, a color based on a prediction after 10 minutes, a color based on a prediction after 15 minutes. That is, on the position designation screen 400, a map of a virtual space colored according to the prediction of the number of users after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, a few minutes or a few hours later) may be displayed.

[0197] Note that the number of users may be the number of users using the game of the present embodiment (in other words, the application of the game), or may be the number of users using a specific function of the game (for example, the multiplayer function), and may include both users using the game and users not using the game. That is, for example, by setting the position information used by the control unit 210 to calculate the number of users at each location as the position information of users using the game of the present embodiment (for example, the position information acquired via the application of the game), it is possible to grasp the number of users (for example, the current number or the past number) using the game at the location in the real space corresponding to each location in the virtual space. Further, for example, by setting the position information used by the control unit 210 to calculate the number of users at each location as the position information acquired via devices such as smartphones used by each of the users using and not using the game of the present embodiment (in other words, the device in which the application of the game is installed and the device in which it is not installed), it is possible to grasp the number of users (for example, the current number or the past number) including both users using the game and users not using the game at the location in the real space corresponding to each location in the virtual space.

[0198] Note that the prediction is not limited to predicting the number of users, and may be to predict the amount of a predetermined object. The amount of the predetermined object may be predicted from the amount of the predetermined object in each region in the past, similar to the number of users. Also, while the arrangement of the event object 33 and the details of the event associated with each point are determined based on the game program and game information, the amount of the predetermined object can also be easily predicted from the program and game information. The control unit 110 may change the color of each region of the map of the virtual space color-coded based on the amount of the predetermined object over time according to the predicted change in the amount of the predetermined object in the future. That is, on the position designation screen 400, a map of the virtual space color-coded according to the prediction of the amount of the predetermined object after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, a few minutes later or a few hours later) may be displayed.

[0199] The game control unit 212 may be able to extract a place recommended as a designated position based on the conditions input by the user. For example, when the user inputs (for example, inputs into the search window 522, etc.) conditions such as place names such as "Sapporo" or "Minato-ku", or attributes of places such as "shopping" or "shrine", a place that meets the input conditions and is determined to be excellent based on a predetermined standard (in other words, a place determined to be optimal) may be extracted as a place recommended as a designated position. Here, the place determined to be excellent based on a predetermined standard may be, for example, a place where a specific item can be obtained (for example, a place where an event in which a specific item is set as a reward can be played), a place where a large amount of obtainable items are available (for example, a place where many event objects 33 related to an event where items can be obtained are arranged), a place where the number of specific types of event objects 33 is large, or a place where the difficulty level of an event executable when set as a designated position is suitable for the user. Also, the input of conditions by the user may be performed, for example, by inputting a character string (for example, a keyword), or may be performed by selecting from among a plurality of presented options.

[0200] Also, the game control unit 212 may be able to automatically set the extracted recommended place as a designated position. That is, the game control unit 212 may automatically determine which position in the virtual space to set as the designated position based on the conditions input by the user.

[0201] Alternatively, the game control unit 212 may present the extracted recommended location to the user. When the game control unit 212 extracts a recommended location as the designated position based on the conditions input by the user, it may instruct the user's terminal device 10 to present the extracted recommended location to the user. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may cause the display unit 18 to display a display indicating the extracted recommended location based on the instruction, and may also accept a user operation for setting the extracted recommended location as the designated position. Then, the game control unit 212 may set the extracted recommended location as the designated position based on the operation by the user. Note that the display indicating the extracted recommended location may be a display in which a specific object 565 is arranged at a location corresponding to the location in the virtual space, or a display of information 566 about the location such as the name and position of the location.

[0202] In addition, the game control unit 212 may determine the recommended location as the designated position based on the feedback data input by the user. In other words, the location determined to be excellent based on a predetermined criterion may be the location determined to be excellent based on the feedback data. The feedback data is data input by the user as feedback about the play. For example, the feedback data may indicate the user's evaluation and impressions regarding whether people gathered in multiplayer or whether the desired item was obtained. The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 prompts the user to input the feedback data at a predetermined timing and accepts a user operation for inputting the feedback data. Note that the input of the feedback data may be performed, for example, by inputting a character string or by selecting from a plurality of presented options. The control unit 210 of the server 20 accumulates the feedback data input by each user in the storage unit 220. Then, the game control unit 212 may determine the recommended location as the designated position based on the accumulated feedback data.

[0203] Each piece of feedback data is associated with a specific location. The method of associating the feedback data with a specific location is not particularly limited, and for example, it can be done as follows. For example, the feedback data may be data input by a user who played a game with a designated position set, and the data may be associated with the designated position. That is, for example, when a user plays a game (in other words, an event) with a designated position set, when the setting of the designated position is cancelled, the user may be prompted to input feedback data related to the play with the designated position set. Also, the feedback data may be data input by a user who played a specific event, and the data may be associated with the position associated with the specific event. That is, for example, when a user plays a specific event, when the specific event ends, the user may be prompted to input feedback data related to the specific event. According to such a configuration, for example, if a user who played a pre-play event by designating a specific location on the virtual space as the designated position has a high satisfaction level with the play, the feedback data related to the specific location will indicate that the user has a high satisfaction level. And as feedback data indicating a high satisfaction level accumulates for the specific location, the specific location is more likely to be selected as a recommended location as the designated position. Also, for example, if a user who played a pre-play event by designating a specific location on the virtual space as the designated position has a low satisfaction level with the play, the feedback data related to the specific location will indicate that the user has a low satisfaction level. And as feedback data indicating a low satisfaction level accumulates for the specific location, the specific location is less likely to be selected as a recommended location as the designated position.

[0204] The state in which the position specification screen 400 is displayed can be said to be a state in which the user can set the specified position. That is, it can also be said that the control unit 110 switches the mode of the game (in other words, the application related to the game) to the specified position setting mode based on the operation on the specified start button 520 as an operation related to the start of the specification of the specified position. Note that the state in which the play screen 300 is displayed can also be said that the mode of the game is the play mode (specifically, the mode of playing the game by moving in the real space).

[0205] In the state where the position specification screen 400 is displayed (in other words, the specified position setting mode), the control unit 110 receives the user's operation to narrow down the area where the specified position is set. For example, the control unit 110 receives the operation on the search window 522 as an operation to narrow down the area where the specified position is set. For example, as shown in FIG. 14(a), when "Sapporo" is input into the search window 522, the area where the specified position is set is narrowed down to Sapporo.

[0206] In addition, the control unit 110 receives the user's operation to specify a further narrowing criterion in the state where the area where the specified position is set is narrowed down. For example, the control unit 110 receives the user's operation to specify "congestion level", "type of items that can be obtained", etc. as the narrowing criterion. For example, the control unit 110 may display the criterion specification UI 570 as a UI that can select the narrowing criterion from a plurality of options on the position specification screen 400, and receive the operation on the criterion specification UI 570 as an operation to specify the narrowing criterion.

[0207] The game control unit 212 narrows down a location suitable for setting the specified position from among the regions narrowed down as the regions for setting the specified position, based on the criteria specified by the user. When the game control unit 212 narrows down a location suitable for setting the specified position based on the criteria specified by the user, it instructs the user's terminal device 10 to present the narrowed-down location to the user. Then, based on the instruction, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a display indicating the narrowed-down location as illustrated in FIG. 14(a), and may also accept an operation by the user to set the narrowed-down location as the specified position. Then, the game control unit 212 may set the narrowed-down location as the specified position based on the operation by the user. Note that the display indicating the narrowed-down location may be a display in which a specific object 571 is arranged at a location corresponding to the location in the virtual space, or a display of information about the location such as the name and position of the location.

[0208] For example, when "congestion level" is specified as the narrowing criterion, the game control unit 212 narrows down locations with a high congestion level (in other words, locations with a large number of users) among the narrowed-down regions. Note that in this specification, the high or low congestion level and the large or small number may be determined relatively within the narrowed-down region or the like, or may be determined based on a predetermined criterion. Note that the congestion level may be the congestion level at the time when the narrowing is performed, or may be the average congestion level within a predetermined period at each location.

[0209] Also, for example, when "a specific type of item" is specified as the narrowing criterion, the game control unit 212 narrows down a location suitable for obtaining the specified specific type of item among the narrowed-down regions. For example, the game control unit 212 narrows down a location suitable for obtaining a specific type of item based on the event objects 33 arranged (or whose arrangement is predicted) at each location or around each location, or based on the events set (or whose setting is predicted) at each location or around each location.

[0210] Note that as a result of the narrowing-down process, one location may be presented to the user, or multiple locations may be presented to the user. Also, the location that is narrowed down and presented to the user may be a specific point in the virtual space, or may be a specific range in the virtual space. That is, as a display indicating the narrowed-down location, a display indicating a specific range on the virtual interval or the like may be displayed.

[0211] Further, when the user designates a designated position, the game control unit 212 may provide the user with information regarding the state of the designated position (hereinafter referred to as "designated position-related information 580"). The designated position-related information 580 is information unique to the designated position designated by the user, and can also be said to be information related to an event corresponding to the designated position designated by the user. Specifically, the game control unit 212 may transmit the designated position-related information 580 to the terminal device 10 based on the operation of the user designating the designated position (for example, an operation of designating a specific point in the virtual space on the position designation screen 400). Then, as shown in FIG. 14(b), the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may cause the display unit 18 to display the transmitted designated position-related information 580. Note that the designated position-related information 580 may be displayed after the user designates the designated position and the designated position is determined (in other words, set) (see FIG. 14(b)). Also, the designated position-related information 580 may be displayed before the user designates the designated position and the designated position is determined (in other words, in a state where an operation related to the determination of the designated position is received, etc.) (see FIG. 14(a)).

[0212] The designated position-related information 580 may be information regarding the congestion level around the designated position, information regarding the event object 33 arranged around the designated position, information regarding the items acquirable around the designated position, or information regarding the attributes of the area including the designated position. Further, the designated position-related information 580 may indicate the current state of the designated position, or may indicate the predicted state of the designated position in the future. In other words, the designated position-related information 580 may indicate the prediction of the change in the state of the designated position in the future. That is, the designated position-related information 580 may be, for example, information indicating that the area around the current designated position is congested, or information predicting congestion in the future (e.g., in a few minutes or a few hours). Further, the designated position-related information 580 may be information indicating that a large amount of a specific type of event object 33 is arranged around the designated position, or information predicting that a large amount will be arranged in the future. Further, the designated position-related information 580 may be information indicating that a large amount of a specific type of event is set, or information predicting that a large amount will be set in the future. Further, the designated position-related information 580 may be, for example, information regarding the ease of obtaining a specific item around the current designated position, or information regarding the ease of obtaining a specific item around the designated position in the future. Further, the designated position-related information 580 may be information indicating the current attributes of the area including the designated position, or information indicating the future change in the attributes.

[0213] Note that the attribute of the area containing the specified position may be, for example, an attribute assigned for each region, and may be an attribute that affects the event associated with the event object 33 arranged in that region. Specifically, for example, for each region in the virtual space, attributes related to land such as plains, forests, and deserts may be set as the attributes of the region. Also, for each region in the virtual space, attributes related to weather such as sunny, cloudy, and rainy may be set as the attributes of the region. Further, the attributes set for each region may be fixed or may change. When the items that can be obtained in that region (for example, the rewards of the events set in that region) change according to the attributes, the information about the attributes can function as information about the items that can be obtained.

[0214] In addition, when the specified position designated by the user satisfies a predetermined condition, the game control unit 212 may recommend to the user to designate another position as the specified position. Specifically, when the specified position designated by the user satisfies a predetermined condition, the game control unit 212 may instruct the terminal device 10 to display a recommendation display 590 that recommends designating another position as the specified position. The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may cause the display unit 18 to display the recommendation display 590 illustrated in FIG. 15 based on the instruction.

[0215] Here, whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied may be determined based on the degree of congestion around the specified position, the event object 33 arranged around the specified position, the events set around the specified position, and the like. For example, the game control unit 212 may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when there are few people around the specified position, when the number of items that can be obtained around the specified position is small, or when the specified position is designated after the criteria for narrowing down are specified and is determined to be inappropriate as the specified position in light of the criteria for narrowing down (for example, when a specific type of item is specified as the criteria for narrowing down and the designated specified position is a position where it is difficult to obtain the specific type of item).

[0216] The recommendation display 590 may include a string that recommends designating another position as the designated position. The recommendation display 590 may also include a display of the place recommended as the designated position. That is, for example, when the designated position specified by the user satisfies a predetermined condition, the game control unit 212 may extract a place recommended as the designated position (in other words, a place determined to be excellent based on a predetermined standard). Then, the terminal device 10 may be instructed to display, as the recommendation display 590, a display indicating the extracted recommended place.

[0217] (Others) When the user designates a designated position, the game control unit 212 may set the point to be set as the designated position as a point automatically adjusted from the point designated by the user. That is, for example, when the user performs an operation of designating a specific point on the map of the virtual space as an operation of designating a designated position, the game control unit 212 may determine a point slightly modified from the specific point as the designated position. In other words, when the user performs an operation of associating a pre-play event with a specific point, the game control unit 212 may associate the pre-play event with a point slightly modified from the specific point. Even when such a slightly modified point is determined as the designated position, the designated position after the slight modification can be said to be the position designated by the user. Such adjustment can be executed, for example, for the following purposes. That is, the point designated by the user before adjustment may be a place where the user's entry is prohibited in the real space or a place where few people pass, and thus may be a point that is unlikely to be included in the acquisition range Y when visited in the real space. Therefore, the game control unit 212 may execute such adjustment so that the user can easily acquire the result of the pre-play event when visiting the real space.

[0218] According to the configuration described in this specification, for example, the following effects can be achieved. That is, in a normal location-based game, the user actually goes to the location where the event object 33 is placed and then plays the event associated with the event object 33. In contrast, according to the configuration described in this specification, the user can play the event associated with the event object 33 before actually going to the location where the event object 33 is placed. Moreover, in order to obtain the result of the played event, after playing the event, it is required to actually go to that location, so the fun unique to the location-based game in which the game progresses by moving in the real space is not impaired.

[0219] Also, according to the configuration described in this specification, the user can play the event before actually moving to the designated position specified by himself / herself. Therefore, for example, the user can specify the place where he / she has something to do and plans to go in the real world as the designated position, and play the event in advance, so that when actually going to that place, he / she can concentrate on the business in the real world. That is, for example, when the business is to meet a friend, by playing the event in advance, it is possible to concentrate on the conversation with the friend while meeting the friend at that place.

[0220] Also, enabling the user to play the event before actually moving to the designated position also leads to suppression of playing the game while walking.

[0221] Also, for example, when there is an event or the like that enables multiplayer among users within a predetermined range, in a normal location-based game, there may be a difference in the ease of playing the event depending on the area where the user lives, etc. That is, users living in a densely populated area are more likely to be matched and play a multiplayer event, while users living in a less populated area may have problems such as being less likely to be matched and less likely to play a multiplayer event. However, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, even a user living in a less populated area can play a multiplayer event in advance at home or the like before going out to the city. As a result, it becomes easier for each user to play a multiplayer event.

[0222] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made 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, or a game that utilizes a photographed image of the real space. Games that utilize a photographed image of the real space include, 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), or a game in which the photographed image of the real space has a predetermined influence on the virtual space (for example, a game that changes the parameters of an object in the virtual space or deforms the shape of an object in the virtual space based on the photographed image). In other words, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may be able to acquire a photographed image captured 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, the configuration of the present embodiment may be applied to games other than games that link the virtual space and the real space. Further, the configuration of the present embodiment may be applied to games other than games that utilize information regarding the position of the user in the real space. Further, the configuration of the present embodiment may be applied to services (in other words, applications) other than games. For example, it may be applied to a walking application, a running application, a pedometer application, or the like.

[0223] Within the scope of the present invention, free combination of each component, modification of any component, replacement of any component, omission of any component, or addition of other components, etc. are possible. Further, the processing 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 processing flow and specific determination processes, etc. may be different from those exemplified in this specification.

[0224] <Supplementary Note> The configuration of this embodiment may be used, for example, to improve the interestingness of a service. The matters described in the above embodiments may also be described as follows in the supplementary note below.

[0225] (Supplementary Note 1) A computer In a service that utilizes position information indicating the position of a user in the real space, event control means (for example, game control unit 212) that enables an event corresponding to a designated position on a virtual space designated by the user to be executed in a state where the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position; acquisition means (for example, game control unit 212) that causes the user to acquire a predetermined result regarding the event corresponding to the designated position that has been executed in a state where the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, based on the fact that the user has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position; and function as a program. According to such a configuration, it is possible to enable the user to play the event before actually going to the place where the event is set. Further, on top of that, it is possible to prompt the user to move in the real space in order to acquire the result of the event. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both ease of playing the event and enjoyment from moving in the real space, and improve the interestingness of the service.

[0226] (Supplementary Note 2) Causing the user to acquire a predetermined result regarding the event corresponding to the designated position based on the fact that the user has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position includes causing the user to acquire a result different from an item as a reward for the event. The program according to Supplementary Note 1. According to such a configuration, for example, things other than items, such as play achievements and experience points, can be caused to be acquired by the user based on movement in the real space.

[0227] (Appendix 3) A limit is provided for a period during which a predetermined result regarding an event corresponding to the designated position can be obtained based on the user reaching a position in the real space corresponding to the designated position. The program according to Appendix 1. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prompt a user who designates a designated position and plays an event to move earlier.

[0228] (Appendix 4) Cause a computer to function as an expanding means (for example, the game control unit 212) that expands a range in which it is determined that the user has reached a position in the real space corresponding to the designated position based on the approach of the end of a period during which a predetermined result regarding an event corresponding to the designated position can be obtained The program according to Appendix 3. According to such a configuration, it is possible to relieve a user who is unlikely to reach a place where a predetermined result can be obtained.

[0229] (Appendix 5) When the event corresponding to the designated position is executed while the acquisition means is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, and then the user does not reach the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, a reward corresponding to the degree to which the user approaches the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position is given to the user. The program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the movement toward the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position from being felt as wasted when the user does not reach the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position.

[0230] (Appendix 6) After the event corresponding to the designated position is executed while the event control means is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, before the user reaches the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, the event corresponding to the second designated position, which is the position in the virtual space designated by the user, can be executed while the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the second designated position. The acquisition means When the event corresponding to the designated position is executed while the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, and further when the event corresponding to the second designated position is executed while the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the second designated position, Cause the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the event corresponding to the designated position based on the fact that the user has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position. Cause the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the event corresponding to the second designated position based on the fact that the user has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the second designated position. The program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4. According to such a configuration, it is possible to pre-play a plurality of events, then start moving in the real space, and obtain the results of each event. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the need to alternately perform movement and event play.

[0231] (Appendix 7) The event corresponding to the designated position is an event that allows multi-play by the user and other users located at the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position. The acquisition means causes the user to obtain the multi-play reward based on the fact that the user has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position. The program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4. According to such a configuration, the user can perform multiplayer play with another user who is at a remote location by specifying a designated position. Further, the user can be made to move in the real space in order to obtain the result of the multiplayer play.

[0232] (Appendix 8) Cause the computer to function as presentation means (for example, control unit 110) that presents a map of the virtual space in a display mode based on a predetermined condition related to the designation of the designated position to the user before the user designates the designated position The program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4. According to such a configuration, it becomes easier to search for a place suitable for designating as the designated position. Therefore, the user who designates the designated position can comfortably perform the designation of the designated position.

[0233] (Appendix 9) The presentation means provides the user with a display that changes the color of each region of the map of the virtual space color-coded based on the predetermined condition over time according to a predicted future change in the predetermined condition. The program according to Appendix 8. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to easily grasp the change in the state of each place on the virtual space by the change in color. Therefore, the user who designates the designated position can easily search for a place suitable for designating as the designated position and can comfortably perform the designation of the designated position.

[0234] (Appendix 10) Cause the computer to function as providing means (for example, game control unit 212) that provides the user with information regarding the state of the designated position designated by the user. The program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4. According to such a configuration, it becomes easier for the user to confirm whether the designated position designated by the user meets the conditions the user is seeking.

[0235] (Appendix 11) In a service that utilizes location information indicating the user's position in the real space, event control means that enables an event corresponding to a specified position on a virtual space specified by the user to be executed in a state where the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the specified position; acquisition means for causing the user to acquire a predetermined result regarding the event corresponding to the specified position that has been executed in a state where the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the specified position, based on the user reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the specified position. An information processing system. According to such a configuration, the same operational effects as the program described in Appendix 1 can be achieved.

[0236] Note that the problem-solving means configured by the above-described program (for example, each configuration described in the appendix) can be appropriately diverted to an apparatus, a system, a method, a medium, or the like.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0237] 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 Location information acquisition unit, 120 Storage unit, 210 Control unit, 211 Transmission / reception unit, 212 Game control unit, 220 Storage unit

Claims

1. A computer, in a game that utilizes position information indicating a user's position in the real space, based on an operation by the user in a state of not being located at a position in the real space corresponding to a specific position in the virtual space, designating the specific position as a designated position to which a specific event is to be associated, an event setting means for associating the specific event with the designated position and arranging an object corresponding to the specific event at the designated position; an event control means for enabling the specific event associated with the designated position based on the operation of the user designating the designated position to be playable in a state where the user is not located at a position in the real space corresponding to the designated position; an acquisition means for causing the user to acquire a predetermined result regarding the specific event corresponding to the designated position in a state where the user has played the specific event corresponding to the designated position in a state of not being located at a position in the real space corresponding to the designated position and has then reached the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, functioning as; when the specific event corresponding to the designated position is played in a state where the user is not located at a position in the real space corresponding to the designated position and then the user does not reach the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, the acquisition means gives the user a reward according to the degree of approach of the user to the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position; an operation capable of designating an arbitrary position on the virtual space, different from an operation of selecting the designated position from among a plurality of candidates presented to the user, is accepted as an operation of the user designating the designated position Program.

2. Causing the user to acquire a predetermined result regarding the specific event corresponding to the designated position based on the user reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position includes causing the user to acquire a result different from an item as a reward for the specific event The program according to claim 1.

3. A limit is provided on a period during which a predetermined result regarding the specific event corresponding to the designated position can be acquired based on the user reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position The program according to claim 1.

4. A computer, Function as an enlargement means for enlarging the range in which it is determined that the user has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, based on the approach of the end of the period during which a predetermined result regarding the specific event corresponding to the designated position can be obtained The program according to claim 3

5. After the specific event corresponding to the designated position is played while the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, before the user reaches the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, the user can play a second event corresponding to a second designated position, which is the position in the virtual space designated by the user, while the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the second designated position The acquisition means When the specific event corresponding to the designated position is played while the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, and further when the second event corresponding to the second designated position is played while the user is not located at the position in the real space corresponding to the second designated position Cause the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the specific event corresponding to the designated position based on the fact that the user has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position Cause the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the second event corresponding to the second designated position based on the fact that the user has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the second designated position, and execute The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4

6. The specific event corresponding to the designated position is an event in which the user and another user located at the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position participate in a predetermined battle The acquisition means causes the user to obtain the reward for the predetermined battle based on the fact that the user has reached the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4

7. Function the computer as a presentation means for presenting a map of the virtual space in a display mode based on a predetermined condition related to the designation of the designated position, to the user before the designation of the designated position The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4

8. The presentation means provides the user with a display that changes over time the color of each region of the map of the virtual space color-coded based on the predetermined condition in accordance with a predicted future change in the predetermined condition. The program according to claim 7.

9. Cause the computer to function as providing means for providing the user with information regarding the state of the designated position designated by the user. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. In a game that uses position information indicating the user's position in the real space, Based on an operation of designating, by the user in a state of not being located at the position in the real space corresponding to a specific position on the virtual space, the specific position as a designated position to which a specific event is associated, an event setting means for associating the specific event with the designated position and arranging an object corresponding to the specific event at the designated position; Event control means for enabling the user to play the specific event associated with the designated position in a state of not being located at the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position based on the operation of the user designating the designated position; Obtaining means for causing the user to obtain a predetermined result regarding the specific event corresponding to the designated position played in a state of not being located at the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position based on the user reaching the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, When the specific event corresponding to the designated position is played in a state of not being located at the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position and then the user does not reach the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position, the obtaining means gives the user a reward according to the degree of approach of the user to the position in the real space corresponding to the designated position. An operation that can designate an arbitrary position on the virtual space, which is different from an operation of selecting the designated position from among a plurality of candidates presented to the user, is accepted as an operation of the user designating the designated position. An information processing system.

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