Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of providing a user with an experience with higher enjoyability.SOLUTION: A game has a quest using a puzzle board including a plurality of pieces. The game is configured such that, by moving a first piece from a first position to a second position, when a positional relationship between at least one of the first piece and the second piece and a third piece satisfies a predetermined match condition, the puzzle board is updated. The third piece is a piece different from the first piece and the second piece among the pieces arranged in the puzzle board and is a piece involved with satisfying the match condition. In a display step, by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, when a special match condition is satisfied, at least before receiving second operation, visual information is displayed in a mode capable of identifying the third piece involved with satisfying the special match condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for increasing the interest of puzzle games.

[0003] In this puzzle game, player characters are placed in correspondence with predetermined positions on the periphery of the board. The puzzle pieces placed on the board include enemy character pieces representing enemy characters. The player inputs a selection path by drawing it in one stroke starting from a puzzle piece or player character at a predetermined position on the periphery, and selects and erases a group of puzzle pieces of the same type or considered to be of the same type from the board. If an enemy character piece is located along the selection path, the player character corresponding to the puzzle piece set as the starting point or the player character set as the starting point will be the attack source and will launch an attack on the enemy character represented by the enemy character piece. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-055994 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there is still room for improvement in the functions of the above-mentioned known techniques.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present disclosure provides a technology that can provide a more interesting experience to a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system. The information processing system includes at least one processor, and the processor is configured to execute a program so that the following steps are performed. In the game control step, the game is progressed based on a user's operation. The game includes a quest using a puzzle board including a plurality of pieces. When a first operation is input by the user, a first position on the puzzle board where a first piece is placed is identified. When a second operation is input by the user following the first operation, a second position on the puzzle board where a second piece is placed is identified, thereby moving the first piece from the first position to the second position. When the first piece is moved from the first position to the second position, the puzzle board is updated if a positional relationship between at least one of the first and second pieces and a third piece satisfies a predetermined match condition. The third piece is a piece, different from the first and second pieces, among the pieces placed on the puzzle board and involved in satisfying the match condition. The match conditions include a normal match condition and a special match condition different from the normal match condition. The special matching condition is configured so that, when fulfilled, an advantageous effect in the progress of the game occurs that is different from when the normal matching condition is fulfilled. In the display step, when the special matching condition is fulfilled by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, visual information is displayed in a manner that allows identification of the third piece involved in fulfilling the special matching condition at least before accepting the second operation.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a more interesting experience can be provided to the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a game device 3 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3]1 is an activity diagram showing an overview of information processing executed by the information processing system 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of game screens 5a and 5b on which an example of visual information VI is displayed, out of the game screen 5. FIG. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of game screens 5c to 5d on which examples of a first operation OP1 and a second operation OP2 and an example of a group of pieces PiG are displayed. [Figure 6] 5A to 5F are schematic diagrams of game screens 5e to 5f that display an example of a special piece PiS that has been generated and placed on the puzzle board PB, and an example of the puzzle board PB being updated. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing examples of game screens 5g and 5h on which visual information VI is displayed as a suggestion to move piece Pi in a third direction, among the game screens 5. FIG. [Figure 8] 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams of game screens 6a and 6b on which an example of visual information VI is displayed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0011] Incidentally, the program for realizing the software appearing in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, or may be provided so that it can be downloaded from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is started on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0012] In this embodiment, the term "unit" may also include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by a circuit in the broad sense and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. In addition, this embodiment handles various types of information, which may be represented by, for example, physical values ​​of signal values ​​representing voltages and currents, high and low signal values ​​as a binary bit set consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations may be performed on a circuit in the broad sense.

[0013] In addition, a circuit in the broad sense is a circuit realized by at least appropriately combining a circuit, circuitry, a processor, a memory, etc. That is, it includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc.

[0014] 1. Game Description 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. In the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1, an information processing device 2 and a plurality of game devices 3 are communicably connected to each other via a communication network 11, and a game is executed on the game devices 3.

[0015] The game according to this embodiment is an online game executed by the information processing system 1. In this game, a user of the game device 3 controls one or more player characters to act in a virtual game space, and controls the player characters to fight against enemy characters, which are non-player characters. The characters are an example of objects.

[0016] The above-described games are played using a game device 3, which is a home game console such as PlayStation (registered trademark), a portable game console such as Nintendo Switch (registered trademark), or an electronic device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal.

[0017] 2. Overview of Information Processing System 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 is made up of an information processing device 2 and multiple game devices 3. The information processing device 2 stores game programs and game data, and manages the game data of the game devices 3 (for each account information described below). The information processing device 2 is made up of, for example, a server. Each of the multiple game devices 3 has the same configuration. Note that in this embodiment, a system is made up of one or more devices or components. Therefore, for example, the information processing device 2 or game device 3 described below alone can also be an example of the information processing system 1.

[0018] The game device 3 executes a predetermined game based on user operations. To do so, the game device 3 receives (specifically, downloads and installs) a game program and game data from the information processing device 2 via the communication network 11. Each user is assigned account information, including identification information and a password, in association with the game device 3. This account information is transmitted from the game device 3 to the information processing device 2 at the time of login, and is used for user authentication on the information processing device 2.

[0019] After user authentication, mutual communication becomes possible between the information processing device 2 and the game device 3. After logging in, the game device 3 receives data necessary for game progress (data related to the game progress status) from the information processing device 2, and then progresses the game while outputting game images and sounds to the display 4a and speaker 4b based on user operations.

[0020] 2.1 Hardware Configuration Hereinafter, each hardware configuration of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0021] <Information processing device 2> 1, the information processing device 2 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. The communication unit 21 and the storage unit 22 are electrically connected to the control unit 23 via a communication bus 20.

[0022] The communication unit 21 is a so-called network interface that is communicatively connected to each game device 3 via a communication network 11 such as the Internet or a LAN. Main information received by the information processing device 2 via the communication unit 21 includes game program download request information, a gacha lottery request in response to a user operation, a quest execution request, an autoplay execution / end request, account information, game data, etc. Main information transmitted by the information processing device 2 via the communication unit 21 includes information for confirming that the game device 3 has received the game program, information related to game media obtained through gacha, etc.

[0023] The storage unit 22 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The storage unit 22 stores various programs including a part of the game program according to this embodiment, various data related to the game, etc.

[0024] Specifically, for example, the storage unit 22 stores a user DB, a lottery list, and the like. The user DB stores, for each identification number of a user playing a game, information such as the user name, user rank, status information regarding the player character operated by the user, the amount of consumable media usable in the virtual game space, information regarding parameters, and the like, in association with each other. The lottery list is used for a lottery process commonly known as gacha, and includes multiple pieces of information regarding game media to be selected. The lottery list associates information regarding game media (such as name, ability parameters, rarity, and level) with the selection rate in the lottery. Furthermore, when the game media is a player character, the ability parameters include, for example, combat power, HP, attack power, defense power, intelligence, or speed.

[0025] The control unit 23 is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the information processing device 2, which is its own device. In particular, the control unit 23 realizes various functions related to the information processing device 2, which is its own device, by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 22. That is, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically realized by the control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, and each functional unit described below can be executed. Note that the control unit 23 is not limited to being single, and it may be implemented with multiple control units 23 for each function. It may also be a combination of these.

[0026] Examples of information processing executed by the control unit 23 include a charge settlement process, a user account authentication process, and a gacha lottery selection process. The charge settlement process is executed, for example, based on a request for a charge required to restore a predetermined amount of in-game parameters. The user account authentication process is executed, for example, using user identification information received from the game device 3. The gacha lottery selection process is a process in which, in response to a gacha lottery request, one or more game media are selected by lottery from a lottery list based on the selection probability for each game medium. According to the gacha lottery selection process, information about the selected game media and the identification information of the user who performed the operation that sent the lottery request are associated in the user DB, and the user is thereby awarded the game media that they won as a result of their own gacha draw.

[0027] To further expand on the above, "game media" refers to electronic data representing elements related to a game, such as the name of a character used as a player character and items (weapons, armor, tools) used by the player character in the virtual game space. Users can acquire game media through direct purchase, quest completion, or a lottery system known as gacha. The acquired game media is stored and managed in a user DB in association with the identification information of the user who will own the game media. Furthermore, "gacha" refers to a method in which an information processing device 2 randomly selects game media from a lottery list based on a predetermined selection rate. The selected game media is then granted to the user's game device 3. The phrase "granting the game media selected through gacha to a user / owning the user" is synonymous with "associating the game media selected through the lottery process with / being associated with the identification information identifying the user."

[0028] <Game Device 3> A display 4a, a speaker 4b, and an input device 4c are externally connected or built into the game device 3. The game device 3 also has a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a control unit 33, a graphics processing unit 34a, an audio processing unit 34b, and an operation unit 34c. The communication unit 31, the storage unit 32, the graphics processing unit 34a, the audio processing unit 34b, and the operation unit 34c are electrically connected to the control unit 33 via a communication bus 30.

[0029] The communication unit 31 is a so-called network interface that is communicatively connected to the communication network 11 in order to transmit and receive various data between the game device 3 and the information processing device 2. Main information that the game device 3 receives via the communication unit 31 includes account information, download request information for new game data, a gacha execution request, a quest execution request, etc. Main information that the game device 3 transmits via the communication unit 31 includes new game data sent from the information processing device 2 in response to the download request information, information on the game media selected by lottery processing, etc.

[0030] The storage unit 32 is composed of an HDD, an SSD, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The storage unit 32 stores game data downloaded from the information processing device 2, various programs including a part of the game program, account information of the game device 3 itself, user information, and the like. The user information is at least a part of the information in a user DB stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2. The user DB manages a master of the user information, and the storage unit 32 of the game device 3 stores at least a part of the information in this master that is distributed from the information processing device 2.

[0031] The control unit 33 is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the game device 3, which is the device itself. In particular, the control unit 33 realizes various functions related to the game device 3, which is the device itself, by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 32. That is, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 32 is specifically realized by the control unit 33, which is an example of hardware, and each functional unit described below can be executed. Note that the control unit 33 is not limited to being single, and multiple control units 33 may be provided for each function. A combination of these may also be used. In other words, the information processing system 1 includes at least one processor, and the processor includes a program that causes each step described below to proceed.

[0032] In particular, the control unit 33 is configured to execute a game in accordance with the operation of the input device 4c by the user of the game apparatus 3, which is the own apparatus. Specifically, the control unit 33 reads data such as virtual game space objects and textures included in the game data from the storage unit 32, or generates two-dimensional or three-dimensional game image information using data received from the information processing device 2. The game image information is processed by the graphics processing unit 34a, and the processed game images are sequentially displayed on the display 4a. In other words, the control unit 33 is configured to perform display control of the display 4a and audio output control of the speaker 4b in accordance with the operation of the user of the game apparatus 3, which is the own apparatus, when executing a game.

[0033] The graphics processing unit 34a renders game images, including characters and various objects related to the virtual game space, in a moving image format in accordance with game image information output from the control unit 33. The graphics processing unit 34a is connected to the display 4a, which may be, for example, a liquid crystal display, and the rendered game images are displayed on the display 4a as a game screen. The audio processing unit 34b is connected to the speaker 4b and plays and synthesizes game sounds in accordance with instructions from the control unit 33, and outputs the sounds from the speaker 4b. The operation unit 34c is connected to the input device 4c and transmits and receives data related to operation inputs to and from the input device 4c. The user inputs operation signals to the game apparatus 3 by operating the input device 4c. The input device 4c is a general term for a touch panel integrated with the display 4a, an external game pad, a mouse, a keyboard, etc.

[0034] 2.2 Functional Configuration Next, the functional configuration of the game device 3 of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0035] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the game device 3 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 33 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 32, thereby functioning as a game control unit 331, a reception unit 332, an identification unit 333, a calculation unit 334, and a display control unit 335. In other words, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 32 is specifically realized by the control unit 33, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 33.

[0036] The game control unit 331 is configured to control the progress of the game. That is, the game control unit 331 progresses the game based on the user's operation as a game control step. Details will be described later.

[0037] The reception unit 332 is configured to receive various data. For example, the reception unit 332 receives user information, game data, input from the user, and the like from the information processing device 2, the storage unit 32, or the operation unit 34c. In the present embodiment, the various information received by the reception unit 332 is described as being stored in the storage unit 32.

[0038] The specifying unit 333 is configured to specify any information based on an input from a user, as will be described in detail later.

[0039] The calculation unit 334 is configured to execute various information processing calculations related to the game device 3.

[0040] In the display step, the display control unit 335 displays various pieces of information stored in the storage unit 32 or screens containing such information on the display 4a of the game device 3 in a visible manner. Specifically, the display control unit 335 displays visual information generated in a human-visible manner, such as a screen, an image (e.g., a still image or a video), an icon, or text, on the display 4a. The display control unit 335 may also control the game device 3 to receive rendering information for displaying the visual information, generated by the information processing device 2, and display the visual information on the display 4a. The display control unit 335 may generate the visual information itself generated in a human-visible manner, or may generate and transmit rendering information for displaying the visual information, for example.

[0041] 3. Explanation of various information and terms In this section, an example of a game provided in the information processing system 1 will be described.

[0042] The games provided in the information processing system 1 include out-games and in-games.

[0043] The out-game includes obtaining and developing characters, decorating their appearance, obtaining, purchasing, and disposing of various items, and mainly includes elements that allow the user to prepare for playing the in-game.

[0044] The in-game includes elements that mainly make up the main part of the game, such as quests and mini-games. A quest, which is an example of an in-game, is completed by progressing the game in accordance with the user's operations and satisfying the completion conditions set for that quest. On the other hand, a quest fails to be completed if the end conditions are met without satisfying the completion conditions.

[0045] The clearing conditions include, for example, reaching a set goal point, defeating a specific enemy character such as a boss, winning a battle between characters, etc. The ending conditions include, for example, the stamina value of the character controlled by the player falling below a predetermined value and becoming unable to fight, or the expiration of a time limit or a specified number of action turns.

[0046] In one embodiment, the game has, as an in-game, a quest using a puzzle board PB including a plurality of pieces Pi. The puzzle board PB includes a plurality of squares Sq on which the pieces Pi can be placed, and is configured so that each piece Pi included in the puzzle board PB can be moved based on an operation OP by the user. In other words, the quest according to one embodiment is a so-called puzzle game that progresses by rearranging the positions of the pieces Pi so as to satisfy a match condition MC.

[0047] The operation OP is an operation for moving a piece Pi included in the puzzle board PB, and may be a click operation, a tap operation, a swipe operation (e.g., an input operation using a single stroke), a selection operation, or a combination of these. In one embodiment, the operation OP includes a first operation OP1 and a second operation OP2. The operation OP is configured to move the piece Pi, for example, in the up-down direction (an example of a first direction), the left-right direction (an example of a second direction) and a direction at 45 degrees to the up-down and left-right directions (an example of a third direction intersecting the first and second directions) on the puzzle board PB.

[0048] The first operation OP1 is an operation for selecting a first piece Pi1 as a piece Pi to be moved from among the pieces Pi placed on the puzzle board PB. By inputting the first operation OP1, the square Sq on which the first piece Pi1 is located is identified as a first position Pn1. In other words, the first position Pn1 is the position of the square Sq on which the first piece Pi1 is located, which is identified by inputting the first operation OP1. In other words, a puzzle game according to one embodiment is configured so that, when the first operation OP1 is input by the user, the square Sq on which the first piece Pi1 is located on the puzzle board PB is identified as the first position Pn1. Note that the first operation OP1 may be an operation for selecting the square Sq on which the first piece Pi1 is located, instead of selecting the first piece Pi1.

[0049] The second operation OP2 is an operation for selecting, as the second piece Pi2, a piece Pi arranged in a direction in which the first piece Pi1 can be moved, from among the pieces Pi arranged on the puzzle board PB. By inputting the second operation OP2 following the first operation OP1, the square Sq on which the second piece Pi2 is located is identified as the second position Pn2. In other words, the second position Pn2 is the position of the square Sq on which the second piece Pi2 is located, which is identified by inputting the second operation OP2. In other words, a puzzle game according to one embodiment is configured such that, when the user inputs the second operation OP2 following the first operation OP1, the square Sq on which the second piece Pi2 is located on the puzzle board PB is identified as the second position Pn2. The puzzle game is then configured such that the first position Pn1 and the second position Pn2 are identified based on the operation OP, and the first piece Pi1 is moved from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2. Note that if the second operation OP2 is not an operation to select a piece Pi that is arranged in a direction in which the first piece Pi1 can be moved, the second position Pn2 will not be specified. The second operation OP2 may be an operation to select the square Sq on which the second piece Pi2 is located, instead of selecting the second piece Pi2.

[0050] The match condition MC is a condition for progressing through a puzzle game, which is an example of a quest, and is determined, for example, by the arrangement of the pieces Pi. For example, the match condition MC is configured to be satisfied when multiple pieces Pi arranged on the puzzle board PB are arranged in a predetermined arrangement. For example, the match condition MC is configured to be satisfied when three or more pieces Pi are aligned. A puzzle game having such a match condition MC is called a match-3 type puzzle game. Specifically, for example, the match condition MC is that a predetermined number of pieces Pi with the same attribute are arranged consecutively along the vertical direction (an example of the first direction D1) or the horizontal direction (an example of the second direction D2) on the puzzle board PB. In this way, by arranging a predetermined number of pieces Pi with the same attribute consecutively, a group of pieces PiG is formed as a collection of pieces Pi that satisfy the match condition MC. In other words, the group of pieces PiG is a group of pieces Pi that satisfy the match condition MC in terms of the positional relationship of the pieces Pi as a result of movement based on the operation OP. The match condition MC includes a normal match condition MC1 and a special match condition MC2 that differs from the normal match condition MC1.

[0051] The normal match condition MC1 is a match condition MC that can be more easily fulfilled than the special match condition MC2, and is, for example, a condition that three pieces Pi are gathered.

[0052] The special matching condition MC2 is a matching condition MC that is more difficult to satisfy than the normal matching condition MC1, such as a requirement that four or more pieces Pi be gathered. In other words, the special matching condition MC2 is a matching condition MC that includes the normal matching condition MC1 as a necessary condition. That is, if a certain group of pieces PiG satisfies the special matching condition MC2, the group of pieces PiG will necessarily satisfy the normal matching condition MC1. However, even if a certain group of pieces PiG satisfies the normal matching condition MC1, the group of pieces PiG will not necessarily satisfy the special matching condition MC2. Furthermore, the special matching condition MC2 is configured to produce advantageous effects in the progression of the game that are different from those when the normal matching condition MC1 is satisfied. Details of these advantageous effects will be described later.

[0053] The clearing condition in a puzzle game is to eliminate a certain number of specific pieces Pi or to accumulate a certain number of points acquired by eliminating any piece Pi. Examples of the ending condition include the expiration of a time limit or manipulating pieces Pi a set number of times.

[0054] In one embodiment, the puzzle game is configured to display visual information VI as support for making it easier to meet the clearing conditions. The visual information VI is information that visually distinguishes a certain piece Pi or the square Sq on which the piece Pi is located from other pieces Pi or the squares Sq on which the other pieces Pi are located, thereby displaying the pieces Pi involved in the match condition MC in an identifiable manner. The pieces Pi involved in the match condition MC are not limited to pieces Pi that form a group of pieces PiG that satisfies the match condition MC as a result of movement based on an operation OP, but may also include, for example, pieces Pi other than the pieces Pi that form the group of pieces PiG and that are moved by the operation OP. The visual information VI includes match information VI1 and special match information VI2.

[0055] The match information VI1 is any information that can visually distinguish at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 to be selected by the operation OP to satisfy the match condition MC from other pieces Pi. Specifically, for example, the match information VI1 is any information that can visually distinguish the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 involved in satisfying the match condition MC from other pieces Pi.

[0056] The special match information VI2 is information that is drawn in addition to the match information VI1 when the special match condition MC2 is satisfied, and is information that is drawn in a manner that makes it possible to identify the piece Pi involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2. Specifically, for example, the special match information VI2 is any information that makes it possible to visually distinguish the square Sq on which the piece Pi involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2 is located from the squares Sq on which other pieces Pi are located.

[0057] 4. Operational flow of information processing system 1 In this section, the flow of operations of the information processing system 1 described above will be explained.

[0058] 4.1 Overview of Information Processing First, an overview of the flow of the information processing method executed by the information processing system 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is an activity diagram showing an overview of the information processing executed by the information processing system 1. The results of the processing in each activity included in the information processing described below can be output in a manner that can be recognized by the user using the display 4a or the like as appropriate. Note that the information processing can include any exception processing not shown. Exception processing includes the interruption of the information processing or the omission of each process. The selection or input performed in the information processing can be based on a user operation or can be performed automatically without relying on a user operation.

[0059] First, the display control unit 335 causes the display 4a to display a top screen (not shown) that allows the user to input selections related to the game through user operations. Next, the reception unit 332 receives input through user operations (e.g., click operation, tap operation, swipe operation, selection operation, etc.), and the display control unit 335 displays a screen corresponding to the input. In the following, the description will be given assuming that the game screen 5 (see FIGS. 4 to 7) is displayed based on the input through the user operations.

[0060] The display control unit 335 displays the game screen 5 based on the input by the user's operation (activity A001). A puzzle board PB is drawn on the game screen 5. As a result, the game screen 5 is configured so that a quest using the puzzle board PB can be executed. The puzzle board PB is configured so that the first piece Pi1 can be moved by inputting a first operation OP1 and a second operation OP2 following the first operation OP1 as operations OP.

[0061] First, the game control unit 331 starts accepting an operation OP, which is an operation input from the user via the game screen 5 (activity A002).

[0062] Next, the game control unit 331 initializes the elapsed time t (activity A003) in parallel with activity A002, and starts counting the elapsed time t (activity A004). In other words, the elapsed time t indicates the time that has elapsed since the start of accepting operation input from the user.

[0063] Next, the game control unit 331 waits until an operation OP, which is an operation input, is input from the user (activity A005). Specifically, for example, the game control unit 331 waits until a first operation OP1 and a second operation OP2 following the first operation OP1 are input as the operation OP. In this case, the calculation unit 334 determines whether or not the count of the elapsed time t, which progresses while waiting for the input of the operation OP, has exceeded the assistance time Ts (activity A101). If the count of the elapsed time t does not exceed the assistance time Ts and an operation OP is input, the process proceeds to activity A201. If the count of the elapsed time t exceeds the assistance time Ts, the process proceeds to activity A102. In other words, activity A005 is an interruptible process. Below, the process of activity A102 will be described first. The assistance time Ts is the time until the progress of the puzzle game is supported, for example, until visual information VI is drawn on the puzzle board PB. Specifically, for example, the support time Ts may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 seconds, or may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. In the following description, it is assumed that the support time Ts is set to 5 seconds.

[0064] When the count of the elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts, the calculation unit 334 determines whether or not there is any piece Pi placed on the puzzle board PB that satisfies the special match condition MC2 by moving it (activity A102).

[0065] If there is a piece Pi placed on the puzzle board PB that, when moved, satisfies the special match condition MC2, the display control unit 335 displays visual information VI in a manner that allows the user to identify the piece Pi involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2 (activity A103). Specifically, for example, the display control unit 335 displays match information VI1 and special match information VI2 as visual information VI on the puzzle board PB. This allows the user to easily identify the piece Pi to be moved to satisfy the special match condition MC2 from the match information VI1 and the special match information VI2. Specifically, for example, if the special match condition MC2 is satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the square Sq identified as the first position Pn1 to the square Sq identified as the second position Pn2, the display control unit 335 may display special match information VI2 (an example of visual information VI) in a manner that allows the user to identify the third piece Pi3 involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2 at least before accepting the second operation OP2. In this case, the third piece Pi3 is a piece Pi, different from the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2, among the pieces Pi placed on the puzzle board PB, that is involved in satisfying the match condition MC.

[0066] If there is no piece Pi placed on the puzzle board PB that satisfies the special matching condition MC2 by being moved, the calculation unit 334 determines whether there is any piece Pi placed on the puzzle board PB that satisfies the normal matching condition MC1 by being moved (activity A104). That is, the calculation unit 334 first determines whether there is any piece Pi placed on the puzzle board PB that satisfies the special matching condition MC2 by being moved, and then determines whether there is any piece Pi placed on the puzzle board PB that satisfies the normal matching condition MC1 by being moved.

[0067] If there is a piece Pi placed on the puzzle board PB that, when moved, satisfies the normal match condition MC1, the display control unit 335 displays match information VI1 as visual information VI on the puzzle board PB (activity A105). This allows the user to easily identify the piece Pi to be moved to satisfy the normal match condition MC1 from the match information VI1. Specifically, for example, if the normal match condition MC1 is satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, the display control unit 335 displays the match information VI1 in a manner that allows identification of at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2, which contribute to satisfying the normal match condition MC1, before accepting at least the second operation OP2. On the other hand, if there is no piece Pi placed on the puzzle board PB that, when moved, satisfies the normal match condition MC1, the processing of activity A105 is omitted.

[0068] When the processing of activity A103 is executed, when there is no piece Pi placed on the puzzle board PB in the processing of activity A104 that satisfies the normal match condition MC1 by moving it, or when the processing of activity A105 is executed, the processing proceeds to activity A106.

[0069] The game control unit 331 waits until an operation OP, which is an operation input, is input from the user (activity A106). Specifically, for example, the game control unit 331 waits until a second operation OP2 is input as the operation OP following a first operation OP1. During this time, the visual information VI displayed in activity A103 or activity A105 continues to be displayed on the puzzle board PB. When an operation OP is input, the process proceeds to activity A201.

[0070] Next, a case will be described in which an operation OP is input during the processing of activity A005 or activity A106, and the processing proceeds to the processing of activity A201.

[0071] When the second operation OP2 is input following the input of the first operation OP1, the receiving unit 332 receives the input of the first operation OP1 and the second operation OP2 (activity A201).

[0072] Subsequently, the identification unit 333 identifies the first position Pn1 and the second position Pn2 based on the received input of the first operation OP1 and the second operation OP2 (activity A202).

[0073] Furthermore, the game control unit 331 moves the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2 (activity A203). That is, to summarize the processing of activities A201 to A203, a puzzle game, which is an example of a game, is configured so that when a first operation OP1 is input by the user, the first position Pn1 at which the first piece Pi1 is placed on the puzzle board PB is identified. Furthermore, the puzzle game is configured so that when a second operation OP2 is input by the user following the first operation OP1, the second position Pn2 at which the second piece Pi2 is placed on the puzzle board PB is identified. Then, the puzzle game is configured so that, by identifying the first position Pn1 and the second position Pn2, the first piece Pi1 is moved from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2. If the match condition MC is not satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, the game control unit 331 cancels the movement of the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, and waits again until the user inputs the operation OP, which is an operation input.

[0074] Next, the game control unit 331 removes a group of pieces PiG, which is a collection of pieces Pi that satisfy the match condition MC, from the puzzle board PB based on the fact that the first piece Pi1 has been moved from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2 (activity A204). The group of pieces PiG is a group of pieces Pi that is composed of at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2, and a third piece Pi3.

[0075] The calculation unit 334 determines whether the fulfilled matching condition MC is the special matching condition MC2 (activity A205). Specifically, for example, the calculation unit 334 determines whether the number of pieces Pi included in the group of pieces PiG to be removed from the puzzle board PB is four or more.

[0076] When the special match condition MC2 is satisfied, that is, when the number of pieces Pi included in the group of pieces PiG to be eliminated from the puzzle board PB is four or more, the game control unit 331 generates a special piece PiS and places it on the puzzle board PB (activity A206). The special piece PiS is a piece Pi that has an advantageous effect in the progress of the game, different from the normal pieces Pi that are placed on the puzzle board PB. Specifically, for example, when the group of pieces PiG is eliminated in a position adjacent to the special piece PiS, the game control unit 331 not only eliminates the group of pieces PiG and the special piece PiS, but also eliminates the piece Pi located in a predetermined square Sq starting from the square Sq on which the special piece PiS is located.

[0077] If the satisfied matching conditions MC do not include the special matching condition MC2 or if the processing of activity A206 is performed, the display control unit 335 displays the updated puzzle board PB (activity A207). Specifically, for example, the puzzle board PB is updated by adding pieces Pi to the squares Sq where the removed piece group PiG was located. That is, the puzzle game is configured to update the puzzle board PB by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2 when the positional relationship between at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 and the third piece Pi3 satisfies a predetermined matching condition MC. Specifically, for example, the game control unit 331 updates the puzzle board PB by adding random types of pieces Pi.

[0078] Then, the calculation unit 334 determines whether a predetermined condition is met (activity A208). The predetermined condition is either a clear condition or an end condition. If the predetermined condition is not met, the process returns to activity A002, and the puzzle game continues. If the predetermined condition is met, the game control unit 331 ends the puzzle game.

[0079] To summarize the above, the information processing method executed by the information processing system 1 includes the following steps. As a game control step, the game control unit 331 progresses the game based on a user operation OP. The game has a quest using a puzzle board PB including a plurality of pieces Pi. The game is configured so that, when a first operation OP1 is input by the user, a first position Pn1 at which a first piece Pi1 is placed on the puzzle board PB is identified. The game is configured so that, when a second operation OP2 is input by the user following the first operation OP1, a second position Pn2 at which a second piece Pi2 is placed on the puzzle board PB is identified, thereby moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2. The game is configured so that, by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, the puzzle board PB is updated when the positional relationship between at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 and the third piece Pi3 satisfies a predetermined match condition MC. The third piece Pi3 is a piece Pi, different from the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2, that contributes to satisfying a matching condition MC among the pieces Pi placed on the puzzle board PB. The matching condition MC includes a normal matching condition MC1 and a special matching condition MC2 that differs from the normal matching condition MC1. When the special matching condition MC2 is satisfied, an advantageous effect in the game progress occurs that differs from when the normal matching condition MC1 is satisfied. At the display step, the display control unit 335 displays visual information VI in a manner that allows the third piece Pi3, which contributes to satisfying the special matching condition MC2, to be identified at least before accepting the second operation OP2 when the special matching condition MC2 is satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2. Furthermore, the program according to this embodiment causes at least one computer to execute each step of the information processing system 1. This aspect of the invention can provide a more engaging experience to the user.

[0080] 4.2 Details of information processing The details of the information processing outlined above will be explained using the drawings.

[0081] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of game screens 5a and 5b, among the game screens 5, on which an example of visual information VI is displayed.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, game screens 5a and 5b have areas 501 to 503, which display information about quests. Area 501 displays the name of the quest currently being executed, "1-3 Chase the Phantom Buddha." Area 502 displays the number of operations OP input by the user up to that point and the number of operations OP permitted in the currently being executed quest. Here, "0 / 18" is displayed, indicating that the number of operations OP input by the user up to that point is 0 and that the number of operations OP permitted in the currently being executed quest, "1-3 Chase the Phantom Buddha," is 18. Furthermore, area 503 displays an illustration of what will happen when pieces Pi are erased and the number of pieces to be erased (for example, "32"). In other words, if the user erases 32 pieces Pi within 18 inputs, it is determined that the clearing condition for the quest is met.

[0083] Furthermore, a puzzle board PB1 is depicted on the game screens 5a and 5b as a puzzle board PB used in a puzzle game. The puzzle board PB1 is composed of a plurality of square cells Sq arranged along a grid (for example, a square grid). A piece Pi is arranged in each of the plurality of cells Sq. The puzzle board PB1 is configured so that each piece Pi arranged in the cell Sq can be moved based on an operation OP by the user so as to satisfy a match condition MC.

[0084] Furthermore, pieces Pia, which are pieces Pi shown with an illustration of an acorn, are placed on squares Sq1, Sq31 to Sq34, Sq4, Sq61, and Sq62 on puzzle board PB1. Furthermore, pieces Pib, which are pieces Pi shown with an illustration of a candy, are placed on squares Sq2 and Sq5 on puzzle board PB1. As an example, Table 1 summarizes examples of illustrations corresponding to pieces Pia and pieces Pib. [Table 1]

[0085] On puzzle board PB1, the square Sq located below and adjacent to square Sq1 is square Sq2, the square Sq located to the left of square Sq2 is square Sq31, the square Sq located to the right of square Sq2 is square Sq32, the square Sq located below and adjacent to square Sq2 is square Sq33, and the square Sq located below and adjacent to square Sq33 is square Sq34. To summarize the positional relationships of the pieces Pi located in these squares Sq, the user can swap the positions of the piece Pia located in square Sq1 and the piece Pib located in square Sq2 to place the pieces Pia adjacent to each other in square Sq2 and squares Sq31 to Sq34, i.e., in five squares Sq. In this case, five pieces Pia are eliminated, and the special matching condition MC2 is satisfied.

[0086] Additionally, on the puzzle board PB1, the square Sq located adjacent to the right of square Sq4 is square Sq5, the square Sq located adjacent above square Sq5 is square Sq61, and the square Sq located adjacent below square Sq5 is square Sq62. To summarize the relative positions of the pieces Pi located in these squares Sq, the user can swap the positions of the piece Pia located in square Sq4 with the piece Pib located in square Sq5, thereby placing the piece Pia adjacent to the squares Sq5, Sq61, and Sq62, i.e., in three squares Sq. In this case, the three pieces Pia are eliminated, satisfying the normal match condition MC1. In other words, the puzzle board PB1 is configured to allow both an operation OP that moves the piece Pi to a positional relationship that satisfies the normal match condition MC1 and an operation OP that moves the piece Pi to a positional relationship that satisfies the special match condition MC2.

[0087] Furthermore, on the puzzle board PB1, match information VI1 is rendered in a manner that allows the piece Pia placed in the square Sq1 and the piece Pib placed in the square Sq2 to be distinguished. Specifically, for example, the match information VI1 on the puzzle board PB1 is composed of visual information showing the piece Pia placed in the square Sq1 moving closer to and farther away from the square Sq2, and visual information showing the piece Pib placed in the square Sq2 moving closer to and farther away from the square Sq1. In more detail, the match information VI1 in FIG. 4A is composed of visual information showing the piece Pia placed in the square Sq1 moving closer to and farther away from the square Sq2, as indicated by the arrows in the figure, and visual information showing the piece Pib placed in the square Sq2 moving closer to and farther away from the square Sq1. 4B includes visual information indicating that the piece Pia located in the square Sq1 is moving away from the square Sq2, and visual information indicating that the piece Pib located in the square Sq2 is moving away from the square Sq1, as indicated by the arrows in the figure. In other words, the match information VI1 is configured to suggest to the user, through visual information, that the piece Pia located in the square Sq1 and the piece Pib located in the square Sq2 be swapped. This aspect allows the user to satisfy the match condition MC by swapping the pieces Pi in accordance with the match information VI1, thereby facilitating progress in the puzzle game. In other words, this aspect allows the user to visually identify the pieces Pi involved in satisfying the match condition MC, even if it takes time to input the operation OP because the user is considering which piece Pi to move. In this case, one of the piece Pia placed in square Sq1 and the piece Pib placed in square Sq2 corresponds to the first piece that can be identified by the match information VI1 as the visual information VI, and the other corresponds to the second piece that can be identified by the match information VI1 as the visual information VI.

[0088] To summarize the match information VI1 drawn on the puzzle board PB1, the display control unit 335 displays the match information VI1 as visual information VI in a manner that makes it possible to identify at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2, which are involved in satisfying the match condition MC, when the match condition MC is satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, or when the match condition MC is satisfied by moving the second piece Pi2 from the second position Pn2 to the first position Pn1, at least before accepting the second operation OP2.

[0089] Furthermore, on the puzzle board PB1, the special match information VI2 is rendered in a manner that allows the user to distinguish between the piece Pib located in the square Sq2 and the pieces Pia located in the squares Sq31 to Sq34. Specifically, for example, the special match information VI2 on the puzzle board PB1 renders the squares Sq2 and Sq31 to Sq34 visually distinct from the other squares Sq. Specifically, the special match information VI2 is configured as visual information by filling in the squares Sq2 and Sq31 to Sq34. According to this configuration, if the user is considering which piece Pi to move and is taking time before inputting the operation OP, the special match information VI2 is rendered in addition to the match information VI1, allowing the user to visually identify the piece Pi involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2. In this case, the piece Pia located in the squares Sq31 to Sq34 corresponds to the third piece Pi3, which is identifiable by the special match information VI2 as visual information VI.

[0090] To summarize the special match information VI2 depicted on the puzzle board PB1, at least before receiving the second operation OP2, if the match condition MC that is satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2 is the special match condition MC2, or if the special match condition MC2 is satisfied by moving the second piece Pi2 from the second position Pn2 to the first position Pn1, the display control unit 335 further displays the special match information VI2 as visual information VI in a manner that enables identification of the third piece Pi3 involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2. This manner makes it possible to display visual information VI according to the match condition MC that is satisfied, allowing the user to easily understand which match condition MC will be satisfied. Preferably, when the special matching condition MC2 is satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, or when the special matching condition MC2 is satisfied by moving the second piece Pi2 from the second position Pn2 to the first position Pn1, the display control unit 335 displays the visual information VI in a manner that enables identification of the second piece Pi2 involved in satisfying the special matching condition MC2, in addition to the third piece Pi3 involved in satisfying the special matching condition MC2, at least before accepting the second operation OP2. According to this manner, by identifying the second piece Pi2 and the third piece Pi3 involved in satisfying the special matching condition MC2, at least before performing the second operation OP2, the positional relationship that satisfies the special matching condition MC2 can be visually and easily grasped.

[0091] On the other hand, as mentioned above, on puzzle board PB1, the normal match condition MC1 can be satisfied by swapping the positions of piece Pia located in square Sq4 and piece Pib located in square Sq5. However, visual information VI that identifies piece Pi located in squares Sq4, Sq5, Sq61, and Sq62 is not rendered on puzzle board PB1. In other words, because match information VI1 and special match information VI2 have already been rendered on puzzle board PB1 so as to identify piece Pi that satisfies special match condition MC2, visual information VI that identifies piece Pi located in squares Sq4, Sq5, Sq61, and Sq62, which are different from piece Pi, is not rendered. 4, when the puzzle board PB is configured to allow both an operation OP for moving the piece Pi to a positional relationship that satisfies the normal matching condition MC1 and an operation OP for moving the piece Pi to a positional relationship that satisfies the special matching condition MC2, the display control unit 335 displays the visual information VI to preferentially suggest that the special matching condition MC2 will be satisfied. According to this aspect, it is possible to preferentially suggest that the special matching condition MC2 will be satisfied over the normal matching condition MC1, thereby providing the user with a more enjoyable experience.

[0092] 5 is a schematic diagram of game screens 5c to 5d on which an example of the first operation OP1 and the second operation OP2 and an example of the group of pieces PiG are displayed. Note that a description of the same configuration as that of the game screen 5a will be omitted.

[0093] FIG. 5A illustrates a situation in which a user refers to visual information VI and inputs an operation OP via a game screen 5c. Specifically, for example, FIG. 5A illustrates a situation in which an operation OP is input to swap the positions of piece Pia located in square Sq1 and piece Pib located in square Sq2 so as to satisfy special match condition MC2. In this case, the operation OP includes a first operation OP1 that selects piece Pia located in square Sq1 as a first piece Pi1. Following the first operation OP1, a second operation OP2 is performed that performs a swipe operation starting from the position of square Sq1 selected by the first operation OP1 and ending at the position of square Sq2. The piece Pib located in square Sq2 is selected as a second piece Pi2 by the second operation OP2. Furthermore, by inputting the first operation OP1, the square Sq where the first piece Pi1 is located is identified as a first position Pn1. By inputting the second operation OP2 following the first operation OP1, the square Sq where the second piece Pi2 is located is identified as the second position Pn2.

[0094] 5B shows a game screen 5d including a puzzle board PB2 in which a first piece Pi1 has moved from a first position Pn1 to a second position Pn2 as a result of a user operation OP. Specifically, for example, on the puzzle board PB2, a second piece Pi2 is located in the square Sq1 identified as the first position Pn1, and the first piece Pi1 is located in the square Sq2 identified as the second position Pn2. That is, five pieces Pia are adjacent to each other at the square Sq2 and the squares Sq31 to Sq34. The five adjacent pieces Pia form a group of pieces PiG, which is a collection of pieces Pi that satisfy the special matching condition MC2. The group of pieces PiG includes a piece Pia located at the squares Sq31 to Sq34 as a third piece Pi3 that is positioned so as to satisfy the special matching condition MC2.

[0095] 6 is a schematic diagram of game screens 5e to 5f that display an example of a special piece PiS that has been generated and placed on the puzzle board PB, and an example of an updated puzzle board PB. Note that a description of the same configuration as that of the game screen 5a will be omitted.

[0096] Puzzle board PB3 shown in FIG. 6A illustrates a situation in which pieces Pi forming piece group PiG that satisfies special matching condition MC2 are eliminated due to the special matching condition MC2 being satisfied on puzzle board PB2. Specifically, for example, pieces Pi forming piece group PiG that were placed on square Sq2 and squares Sq31 to Sq34 are eliminated along with a visual effect. Furthermore, a special piece PiS is generated due to the special matching condition MC2 being satisfied, and the generated special piece PiS is placed on square Sq2, which is identified as the second position Pn2. Note that area 502 on game screen 5e displays "1 / 18" due to the user's input of an operation OP, indicating that the number of operations OP input by the user up to that point is one. Furthermore, area 503 on game screen 5e displays "25" due to the removal of pieces Pi. In other words, the user can understand that five pieces Pi have been removed with one operation OP.

[0097] The puzzle board PB4 shown in FIG. 6B illustrates a situation in which the puzzle board PB is updated after the pieces Pi forming the piece group PiG are deleted and the special pieces PiS are placed. Specifically, for example, the existing pieces Pi are moved from the top to the bottom of the puzzle board PB so that new pieces Pi are placed in the squares Sq from which the pieces Pi forming the piece group PiG were deleted, and a new replacement piece PiR is added to the squares Sq from which the pieces Pi were moved. In this manner, the puzzle board PB is updated. Note that in FIG. 6B , when the puzzle board PB is updated, the special piece PiS is moved from the square Sq where it was generated and placed to the square Sq below it. However, this is not limited thereto, and the special piece PiS may remain in the square Sq where it was generated and placed. In this case, the existing pieces Pi are moved from the top to the bottom of the puzzle board PB so that new pieces Pi are placed in the squares Sq from which the pieces Pi forming the piece group PiG were deleted, except for the squares Sq where the special piece PiS was generated and placed, and a new replacement piece PiR is added to the squares Sq from which the pieces Pi were moved.

[0098] 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of game screens 5g and 5h on which visual information VI is displayed as a suggestion to move piece Pi in the third direction, among the game screens 5. Note that a description of the same configuration as game screen 5a will be omitted.

[0099] 7A and 7B, game screens 5g and 5h show puzzle board PB5, where a new operation OP can be input after the puzzle board PB has been updated. Specifically, for example, pieces Pic, which are pieces Pi shown as shellfish illustrations, are placed on squares Sq7, Sq91, and Sq92 of puzzle board PB5, and piece Pid, ​​which is pieces Pi shown as mushroom illustrations, is placed on square Sq8. As an example, Table 2 summarizes examples of illustrations corresponding to each piece Pi. [Table 2]

[0100] In the puzzle board PB5 in FIG. 7 , the square Sq located adjacent to the left of square Sq7 is square Sq92, the square Sq located above square Sq92 is square Sq8, and the square Sq located above square Sq8 is square Sq91. To summarize the relative positions of the pieces Pi located in these squares Sq, the user can swap the positions of the piece Pic located in square Sq7 with the piece Pid located in square Sq8 to place the pieces Pic adjacent to the positions of squares Sq8, Sq91, and Sq92, i.e., three squares Sq. In this case, three pieces Pic are eliminated, and the normal match condition MC1 is satisfied. Furthermore, the movement direction of the pieces Pi in this case is at a 45-degree angle relative to the vertical and horizontal directions of the puzzle board PB. That is, the puzzle game is configured so that the first piece Pi1 can be moved from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2 when the first position Pn1 and the second position Pn2 are adjacent to each other along any one of the vertical direction (an example of the first direction D1), the horizontal direction (an example of the second direction D2), and a direction at 45 degrees to the vertical and horizontal directions (an example of a third direction D3 intersecting the first direction D1 and the second direction D2). According to this aspect, the piece Pi can be moved along the third direction D3 in addition to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, providing the user with a more entertaining experience.

[0101] Furthermore, in puzzle board PB5, match information VI1 is rendered in a manner that allows the piece Pic placed in square Sq7 and the piece Pid placed in square Sq8 to be distinguished. Specifically, for example, match information VI1 in puzzle board PB5 is composed of visual information showing the piece Pic placed in square Sq7 moving toward and away from square Sq8, and visual information showing the piece Pid placed in square Sq8 moving toward and away from square Sq7. In detail, match information VI1 in FIG. 7A is composed of visual information showing the piece Pic placed in square Sq7 moving toward square Sq8, and visual information showing the piece Pid placed in square Sq8 moving toward square Sq7, along third direction D3 as indicated by the arrow in the figure. 7B includes visual information indicating that the piece Pic located in the square Sq7 is moving away from the square Sq8 along the third direction D3, as indicated by the arrow in the figure, and visual information indicating that the piece Pid located in the square Sq8 is moving away from the square Sq7 along the third direction D3. In other words, the match information VI1 is configured to suggest to the user, through visual information, that the piece Pic located in the square Sq7 and the piece Pid located in the square Sq8 be swapped along the third direction D3. The match information VI1, which is the visual information VI in this case, includes information suggesting in which direction, among the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3, at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 should be moved to satisfy the match condition MC. According to this embodiment, in addition to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, it is possible to suggest to the user the third direction D3, which is difficult for the user to notice, in terms of the direction in which the piece Pi should be moved to satisfy the match condition MC, and the user can easily understand at which position on the puzzle board PB the match condition MC will be satisfied.

[0102] [others] The information processing system 1 according to the above embodiment may be configured as follows.

[0103] In the embodiment described above, the special match information VI2 is drawn in a manner that allows the piece Pib placed on square Sq2 and the pieces Pia placed on squares Sq31 to Sq34 to be distinguished from each other on the puzzle board PB1 in Fig. 4, but this is not limiting. Another example will be described below with reference to Fig. 8.

[0104] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of game screens 6a and 6b on which an example of visual information VI is displayed. As shown in Fig. 8, game screens 6a and 6b have areas 601 to 603, and areas 601 to 603 on game screens 6a and 6b have the same configuration as areas 501 to 503 on game screens 5a and 5b. Furthermore, a description of the same configuration as game screens 5a and 5b will be omitted.

[0105] On the puzzle board PB6, match information VI1 is drawn in a manner that allows the piece Pia placed in square Sq1 and the piece Pib placed in square Sq2 to be distinguished. Furthermore, on the puzzle board PB6, special match information VI2 is drawn in a manner that allows the pieces Pia placed in square Sq1 and squares Sq31 to Sq34 to be distinguished. Specifically, for example, the special match information VI2 on the puzzle board PB6 draws square Sq1 and squares Sq31 to Sq34 so that they are visually distinguished from the other squares Sq. In more detail, the special match information VI2 is composed of visual information that fills in squares Sq1 and squares Sq31 to Sq34.

[0106] To summarize the special match information VI2 depicted on the puzzle board PB6, when the special match condition MC2 is satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, or when the special match condition MC2 is satisfied by moving the second piece Pi2 from the second position Pn2 to the first position Pn1, the display control unit 335 may display the visual information VI in a manner that enables identification of the first piece Pi1, which is involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2, as well as the third piece Pi3, which is involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2, before accepting the first operation OP1. According to this manner, by identifying the first piece Pi1 and the third piece Pi3, which are involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2, at least before performing the first operation OP1, it is possible to simultaneously identify both the piece Pi to be moved to satisfy the special match condition MC2 and the positional relationship that will satisfy the special match condition MC2.

[0107] In the above-described embodiment, the visual information VI, that is, the match information VI1 and the special match information VI2, are displayed when the count of the elapsed time t, which advances as the player waits for the input of the operation OP, exceeds the support time Ts. However, this is not limited to this. For example, when the normal match condition MC1 is met, the match information VI1 may be displayed when the count of the elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts. When the special match condition MC2 is met, the match information VI1 may be displayed first when the count of the elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts, and then the special match information VI2 may be displayed after a predetermined time has passed. Alternatively, when the normal match condition MC1 is met, the match information VI1 may be displayed when the count of the elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts. When the special match condition MC2 is met, the match information VI1 may be displayed before the count of the elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts, and then the special match information VI2 may be displayed when the count of the elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts.

[0108] When displaying the aforementioned match information VI1, if the puzzle board PB is configured to allow both an operation OP that can move the piece Pi to a positional relationship that satisfies the match condition MC by moving the piece Pi in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2, and an operation OP that can move the piece Pi to a positional relationship that satisfies the match condition MC by moving the piece Pi in the third direction D3, the match information VI1 may be displayed based on a preset priority.

[0109] For example, the match information VI1 suggesting that the piece Pi be moved in the third direction D3 may be displayed with priority over the match information VI1 suggesting that the piece Pi be moved in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. According to this aspect, the user can preferentially grasp the third direction D3, which is less noticeable to the user than the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, in terms of the direction in which the piece Pi should be moved to satisfy the match condition MC, thereby improving the user's game proficiency.

[0110] Alternatively, for example, the match information VI1 suggesting that the piece Pi be moved in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 may be displayed with priority over the match information VI1 suggesting that the piece Pi be moved in the third direction D3. According to this embodiment, the user can preferentially grasp the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, which are easier to notice than the third direction D3, when it comes to the directions in which the piece Pi should be moved to satisfy the match condition MC, and the user can easily progress through the game.

[0111] Furthermore, for example, the priority for displaying the match information VI1 may be determined based on the user's play history. For example, if an operation OP for moving the piece Pi in the third direction D3 has not been input or has not been input more than a predetermined number of times in the play history, the priority for displaying the match information VI1 may be determined so that match information VI1 suggesting moving the piece Pi in the third direction D3 is displayed with higher priority than match information VI1 suggesting moving the piece Pi in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. According to this embodiment, the user can preferentially grasp the third direction D3, which is less noticeable to the user than the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, as the direction in which the piece Pi should be moved to satisfy the match condition MC, thereby improving the user's game proficiency.

[0112] Alternatively, for example, the priority for displaying the match information VI1 may be determined so that, when an operation OP for moving the piece Pi in the third direction D3 has not been input or has not been input more than a predetermined number of times in the play history, match information VI1 suggesting moving the piece Pi in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 is displayed with higher priority than match information VI1 suggesting moving the piece Pi in the third direction D3. According to this aspect, the user can preferentially grasp the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, which are easier to notice than the third direction D3, as directions in which the piece Pi should be moved to satisfy the match condition MC, thereby enabling the user to easily progress through the game. Note that, when an operation OP for moving the piece Pi in the third direction D3 has been input more than a predetermined number of times in the play history, there may be no difference in priority between displaying match information VI1 suggesting moving the piece Pi in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 and displaying match information VI1 suggesting moving the piece Pi in the third direction D3.

[0113] In the embodiment described above, the special match information VI2 is provided by filling in the squares Sq in which the pieces Pi involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2 are located so that the user can visually identify the pieces Pi. However, this is not limiting. For example, the special match information VI2 may be visual information that highlights the frame of the square Sq in which the involved piece Pi is located, or visual information that highlights the involved piece Pi itself.

[0114] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the visual information VI is continuously displayed on the puzzle board PB, but this is not limited to this. For example, after the visual information VI is displayed, a state in which the visual information VI is displayed and a state in which the visual information VI is not displayed may be repeated at a predetermined frequency, or the visual information VI may be hidden after a predetermined time has elapsed since the visual information VI was displayed.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, the advantageous effect was described as an example in which a special piece PiS was generated and placed on the puzzle board PB. However, the advantageous effect is not limited to this example and may be an effect or right for enhancing the user's interest in the virtual space compared to normal times. For example, the advantageous effect may be an effect for enhancing the user's interest in the virtual space through the user's five senses, such as displaying special visual effects on the display 4a, enhancing the image display, generating special background music or sound effects, or adding vibrations to the input device 4c. Furthermore, for example, the right may be an advantageous right in the real world, such as the right to enter a predetermined lottery, the right to enable a predetermined lottery, the right to pre-order, or the right to a special discount.

[0116] In the above-described embodiment, the puzzle board PB is configured in a roughly grid-like shape by including a plurality of rectangular squares Sq. However, this is not limited to this. The shape of the squares Sq may be any shape that allows the placement of pieces Pi, such as a polygon (triangle, trapezoid, hexagon, etc.), circle, ellipse, etc. Furthermore, the puzzle board PB may be configured by combining a plurality of polygonal (triangle, trapezoid, hexagon, etc.), circle, ellipse, etc., squares Sq, as long as the match condition MC can be satisfied by moving the pieces Pi placed in the squares Sq. Furthermore, the outer shape of the puzzle board PB is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a rectangle, circle, or irregular shape.

[0117] At least one of the devices included in the information processing system 1 may be installed outside Japan. For example, the information processing device 2 may be installed outside Japan, and a user in Japan may access the information processing device 2 using his or her own game device 3, or the information processing device 2 may be installed in Japan, and a user outside Japan may access the information processing device 2 using his or her own game device 3. According to such an embodiment, a more interesting experience can be provided to the user through various management forms.

[0118] In the present embodiment, the game control unit 331, the reception unit 332, the identification unit 333, the calculation unit 334, and the display control unit 335 are described as functional units implemented by the control unit 33 of the game device 3, but at least some of these may be implemented as functional units implemented by the control unit 23 of the information processing device 2. Furthermore, the various information described in the above example may be stored in a distributed manner not only in the storage unit 32 of the game device 3, but also in other external devices. In such cases, distributed ledger management based on a blockchain or the like may be performed.

[0119] Furthermore, it may be provided in the following aspects.

[0120] (1) An information processing system, comprising at least one processor, the processor being configured to execute a program so as to progress through the following steps: a game control step in which the game is progressed based on a user's operation, wherein the game has a quest using a puzzle board including a plurality of pieces, and wherein when a first operation is input by the user, a first position on the puzzle board where a first piece is placed is identified; when a second operation is input by the user following the first operation, a second position on the puzzle board where a second piece is placed is identified, thereby moving the first piece from the first position to the second position; and by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, at least one of the first piece and the second piece and a a display step for displaying visual information in a manner that identifies the third piece involved in satisfying the special match condition when the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, at least before the second operation is accepted;

[0121] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with a more interesting experience.

[0122] (2) In the information processing system described in (1) above, in the display step, when the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, the visual information is further displayed in a manner that allows the second piece involved in satisfying the special match condition to be identified, at least before accepting the second operation.

[0123] According to this aspect, by identifying the second and third pieces involved in satisfying the special matching condition at least before performing the second operation, it is possible to easily visually grasp the positional relationship in which the special matching condition is satisfied.

[0124] (3) In the information processing system described in (1) or (2) above, in the display step, when the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, the visual information is further displayed in a manner that allows the first piece involved in satisfying the special match condition to be identified before accepting the first operation.

[0125] According to this embodiment, by identifying the first and third pieces involved in satisfying the special matching condition at least before performing the first operation, it is possible to simultaneously identify both the pieces to be moved to satisfy the special matching condition and the positional relationship in which the special matching condition can be satisfied.

[0126] (4) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (3) above, in the display step, when the puzzle board is configured to allow both an operation to move the piece to a positional relationship that satisfies the normal match condition and an operation to move the piece to a positional relationship that satisfies the special match condition, the system displays the visual information so as to preferentially suggest that the special match condition will be satisfied.

[0127] According to this aspect, it is possible to suggest that satisfying the special match condition is given priority over satisfying the normal match condition, thereby providing the user with a more interesting experience.

[0128] (5) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (4) above, in the display step, at least before receiving the second operation, if the match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, the visual information is displayed in a manner that allows identification of at least one of the first piece and the second piece that are involved in satisfying the match condition, and if the match condition that is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position is the special match condition, the visual information is further displayed in a manner that allows identification of the third piece that is involved in satisfying the special match condition.

[0129] According to this aspect, it is possible to display visual information according to the match conditions that are met, and the user can easily understand what match conditions are met.

[0130] (6) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (5) above, the matching condition is that a predetermined number of pieces of the same attribute are arranged consecutively along a first direction or a second direction on the puzzle board, and the game is configured to be able to move the first piece from the first position to the second position when the first position and the second position are adjacent along any one of the first direction, the second direction, and a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

[0131] According to this aspect, the pieces can be moved in the third direction in addition to the first and second directions, and a more interesting experience can be provided to the user.

[0132] (7) In the information processing system described in (6) above, the visual information includes information suggesting in which direction, among the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction, at least one of the first piece and the second piece should be moved to satisfy the match condition.

[0133] According to this aspect, in addition to the first and second directions, it is possible to suggest to the user a third direction, which the user may not easily notice, in order to move the piece in order to satisfy the match condition, and the user can easily understand at which position on the puzzle board the match condition will be satisfied.

[0134] (8) An information processing method, comprising the steps of the information processing system according to any one of (1) to (7) above.

[0135] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with a more interesting experience.

[0136] (9) A program that causes at least one computer to execute each step of the information processing system according to any one of (1) to (7) above.

[0137] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with a more interesting experience. Of course, this is not the case.

[0138] Finally, various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, but these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The embodiments and their modifications are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the disclosure, as well as within the scope of the disclosure and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1: Information processing system 11: Communication Network 2: Information processing equipment 20: Communication bus 21: Communications Department 22: Storage section 23: Control section 3: Game device 30: Communication bus 31: Communications Department 32: Storage section 33: Control section 331: Game control unit 332: Reception 333: Specific part 334: Arithmetic section 335: Display control unit 34a: Graphics processing unit 34b: Audio processing section 34c: Operation section 4a: Display 4b: Speaker 4c: Input Device 5: Game screen 5a: Game screen 5b: Game screen 5c: Game screen 5d: Game screen 5e: Game Screen 5f: Game screen 5g: Game screen 5h: Game screen 501 :Area 502 :Area 503 :Area 6: Game screen 6a: Game screen 6b: Game screen 601 :Area 602 :Area 603 :Area D1: 1st direction D2 :Second direction D3: Third direction MC: Match Conditions MC1: Normal Match Conditions MC2: Special Match Conditions OP: Operation OP1: 1st operation OP2: 2nd operation PB: Puzzle board PB1: Puzzle board PB2: Puzzle board PB3: Puzzle board PB4: Puzzle board PB5: Puzzle board PB6: Puzzle board Pi: Peace Pi1: First piece Pi2: Second piece Pi3: The third piece PiG: Piece Group PiR: Replacement Piece PiS: Special Piece Pia: Peace Pib: Peace Pic: Peace Pid: Peace Pn1: 1st position Pn2: 2nd position Sq: Square Sq1: Square Sq2: Square Sq31: Masu Sq32: Masu Sq33: Trout Sq34: Trout Sq4: Square Sq5: Square Sq61: Trout Sq62: Trout Sq7: Square Sq8: Square Sq91: Trout Sq92: Trout t: elapsed time Ts: Support time VI: Visual Information VI1: Match Information VI2: Special Match Information

Claims

1. An information processing system, The method includes at least one processor, the processor being configured to execute a program to perform the following steps: In the game control step, the game is progressed based on the user's operation. The game is It has a quest using a puzzle board containing multiple pieces, When a first operation is input by the user, a first position on the puzzle board where a first piece is placed is identified, When a second operation is input by the user following the first operation, a second position on the puzzle board where a second piece is placed is identified, thereby moving the first piece from the first position to the second position; The puzzle board is updated when the first piece is moved from the first position to the second position such that a positional relationship between at least one of the first piece and the second piece and a third piece satisfies a predetermined matching condition; the third piece is one of the pieces arranged on the puzzle board that is different from the first piece and the second piece and that is involved in satisfying the matching condition; the match conditions include normal match conditions and special match conditions different from the normal match conditions, the special match condition is configured so that, when satisfied, an advantageous effect occurs in the progress of the game that is different from an effect that occurs when the normal match condition is satisfied; In the display step, when the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, visual information is displayed in a manner that allows the third piece involved in satisfying the special match condition to be identified at least before the second operation is accepted, the visual information includes match information and special match information; the match information includes information that allows the first piece and the second piece involved in satisfying the match condition to be visually distinguished from other pieces, the special match information includes information that displays the third piece involved in satisfying the special match condition in an identifiable manner; In the display step, the system displays the match information when the special match condition is satisfied, and displays the special match information when a predetermined time has elapsed since the match information was displayed.

2. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, In the display step, when the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, the system further displays the visual information in a manner that enables identification of the second piece involved in satisfying the special match condition, at least before accepting the second operation.

3. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, In the display step, when the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, the system further displays the visual information in a manner that enables identification of the first piece involved in satisfying the special match condition before accepting the first operation.

4. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, In the display step, when the puzzle board is configured to allow both an operation to move the pieces to a positional relationship that satisfies the normal match condition and an operation to move the pieces to a positional relationship that satisfies the special match condition, the system displays the visual information so as to preferentially suggest that the special match condition will be satisfied.

5. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, In the display step, at least before the second operation is received, When the match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, displaying the visual information in a manner that allows identification of at least one of the first piece and the second piece involved in satisfying the match condition; If the match condition that is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position is the special match condition, the system further displays the visual information in a manner that enables identification of the third piece involved in satisfying the special match condition.

6. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, the matching condition is that a predetermined number of pieces having the same attribute are arranged consecutively along a first direction or a second direction on the puzzle board; The game is configured to allow the first piece to be moved from the first position to the second position when the first position and the second position are adjacent along any one of the first direction, the second direction, and a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

7. 7. The information processing system according to claim 6, The system, wherein the visual information includes information suggesting in which direction, among the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction, at least one of the first piece and the second piece should be moved to satisfy the match condition.

8. An information processing method, comprising: A method comprising the steps of the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A program, A program that causes at least one computer to execute each step of the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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