Game program, game system, and display control method

Abstract

Improve user convenience. [Solution] A determination unit 101 determines a notification 50 related to a game according to the progress of the game. A display processing unit 102 displays the notification 50 determined by the determination unit 101 on the display together with an image P10 of the game. The notification 50 includes a first notification 51 and a second notification 52 having a higher priority than the first notification 51. The display processing unit 102 displays a notification 60 on the display 21 together with the image P10 so that the first notification 51 and the second notification 52 are displayed side by side in a notification area R0 provided in the image P10, and the display manner of the first notification 51 and the display manner of the second notification 52 are different.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game program, a game system, and a display control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that a display screen of the game is displayed on the display, along with a notice that the game medium has been acquired. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-166896 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When various notifications are displayed on a display along with game images, it has been found that there is room for improvement in the notifications displayed along with game images, taking into consideration factors such as making it easier to select notifications.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can improve user convenience regarding notifications displayed together with game images. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first aspect is A computer system having one or more computers working together, a decision unit that decides on a notification related to the game according to a progress status of the game; a display processing unit that displays the notification determined by the determination unit on a display together with an image of the game; The notifications include a first notification and a second notification having a higher priority than the first notification; The display processing unit displays the notification together with the image on the display such that the first notification and the second notification are displayed side by side in a notification area provided in the image, and a display manner of the first notification and a display manner of the second notification are different. It is a game program.

[0007] In a first aspect, The display manner of the first notification may be a display manner in which one or more first notifications are displayed in chronological order in the notification area, and when display of a new first notification is started, display of the oldest first notification among the one or more first notifications is terminated. The display manner of the second notification may be such that the second notification is displayed continuously for a predetermined period of time in a predetermined area of ​​the notification area other than the area in which one or more of the first notifications are displayed.

[0008] In a first aspect, The display manner of the second notification may be such that after the second notification has been displayed continuously for a predetermined period of time in the specified area, the second notification is displayed as one of one or more of the first notifications arranged in chronological order in the notification area.

[0009] In a first aspect, The display manner of the second notification may be a display manner in which, after the display of the second notification in the predetermined area has ended, the display of the next second notification in the predetermined area begins.

[0010] In a first aspect, The display manner of the second notification may be such that, when the priority of the new second notification, which is the second notification newly determined by the determination unit, is higher than the priority of the old second notification, which is the second notification currently being displayed, the display of the old second notification is interrupted and the display of the new second notification is started, and after the display of the new second notification has ended, the display of the old second notification is resumed.

[0011] In a first aspect, The display processing unit may display the second notification on the display together with the image so that a time display element indicating the display time of the second notification is associated with the second notification displayed in the notification area.

[0012] In a first aspect, The notification area may be provided so as to avoid a central area of ​​the image.

[0013] In a first aspect, A player character that moves in response to an operation by a user may be placed in a game space in which the game progresses, The notification area may be provided in the image such that the notification displayed in the notification area does not overlap with the player character in the image.

[0014] In a first aspect, The notification may include a notification related to a predetermined process; The display processing unit may cause the display to display a result image showing the result of the specified processing in response to an operation to select a notification related to the specified processing from the notifications displayed together with the image.

[0015] The second aspect is a decision unit that decides on a notification related to the game according to a progress status of the game; a display processing unit that displays the notification determined by the determination unit on a display together with an image of the game, The notifications include a first notification and a second notification having a higher priority than the first notification; The display processing unit displays the notification together with the image on the display such that the first notification and the second notification are displayed side by side in a notification area provided in the image, and a display manner of the first notification and a display manner of the second notification are different. It is a game system.

[0016] The third aspect is A display control method for controlling display of game images, comprising: a determining step of determining a notification related to the game according to a progress status of the game; a display control step of displaying the notification determined in the determination step on a display together with an image of the game, The notifications include a first notification and a second notification having a higher priority than the first notification; In the display control step, the first notification and the second notification are displayed side by side in a notification area provided in the image, and the notification is displayed on the display together with the image such that a display mode of the first notification and a display mode of the second notification are different. A display control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, the priority of a notification displayed together with a game image can be recognized, thereby improving user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a play image. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a first notification display process. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a second notification display process. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example 1 of a change in notification. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example 2 of a change in notification. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example 3 of a change in notification. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a change in notification in the first modification of the embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second notification showing a voice from heaven. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a change in notification in the second modification of the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 illustrates an example notification including a shortcut display element. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wish list image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0020] (Terminology explanation) First, the terms used in the following description will be explained. Terms such as game, game content, and object will be used below.

[0021] A "game" refers to a game (video game) that takes place in a virtual game space. The virtual space may be a three-dimensional space or a two-dimensional space. The virtual space is displayed as an image on a display device.

[0022] An example of such a game is an action game in which a character (player character) controlled by a user defeats enemy characters. In an action game, the player character recovers his / her stamina by equipping equipment items such as weapons and armor, and by using tool items such as recovery potions.

[0023] The games described above may include quests, which are in-game events with set goals to be achieved.

[0024] "Game media" refers to the virtual media used in the above-mentioned games. Examples of game media include items used in the game space (weapons, armor, tools, etc.), characters, vehicles ridden by characters (horses, cars, etc.), character skills, etc. Users can obtain the above-mentioned game media by directly purchasing them for a fee, completing quests, or by entering a lottery known as "gacha."

[0025] The game content includes game content that can be used to generate other game content, such as game content that can be consumed to generate other game content (such as material items or in-game currency) and game content that can be used to generate other game content without being consumed.

[0026] The game content described above also includes game content that is located within the game space and that can be obtained within the game space. Hereinafter, such game content will be referred to as "obtainable content." Examples of obtainable content include items that can be collected in fields within the game space and items that can be purchased within the game space in exchange for in-game currency.

[0027] An "object" refers to a virtual medium placed in the game space. Examples of objects include a player character, an enemy character, a non-player character, and a vehicle. The above objects include objects from which game media can be obtained. An example of such an object is an enemy character (monster) from which material items can be obtained.

[0028] In the above-described game, game contents obtained by a player character through user operation are granted to the player character. Specifically, information about the game contents granted to a player character in a game is associated with the player character and registered in a database. A user can create at least one player character, and information about at least one player character is associated with a user ID assigned to the user. Therefore, the database may also include the user ID of the user associated with the player character. In this embodiment, a game in which a player character is displayed in a third-person perspective in a game space is exemplified, but the present invention is also applicable to games in which a player character is displayed in a first-person perspective in which the player character is not displayed in a game space. In the first-person perspective, game contents can be granted to a user, and "granted (owned) by a user" is synonymous with "associated with a user."

[0029] For the sake of convenience, the following description will be given taking as an example a case where the game is an "action game in which a player character defeats monsters that are enemy characters." In the above action game, game media include items (weapons and armor) that are equipment equipped to the player character, and items that are materials consumed to create equipment or materials.

[0030] Examples of the above-mentioned material items include items that can be collected from monster objects (skin, wings, scales, claws, orbs, etc.), items that can be collected in the fields within the game space (ore, honey, etc.), and items that can be purchased within the game space.

[0031] (Game device) FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of a game device 1 according to an embodiment. The game device 1 executes a game in response to operations by a user. The game progresses on the game device 1 based on an installed game program and game data. Game devices 1 can communicate data with each other using a communication network (not shown) or a short-range wireless communication device (not shown). The game device 1 is an example of a game system.

[0032] Examples of the game device 1 include a game console, smartphone, tablet, personal computer, etc., in which a display, speaker, and controller are externally connected or built-in. In the following, we will take as an example a case where the game device 1 is a "game console in which a display, speaker, and controller are externally connected or built-in." The game device 1 includes a game console 10, a display 21, a speaker 22, and a controller 23.

[0033] [Game console hardware configuration] The game console 10 includes a network interface 11, a graphics processing unit 12, an audio processing unit 13, an operation processing unit 14, a memory unit 15, and a control unit 16. The network interface 11, the graphics processing unit 12, the audio processing unit 13, the operation processing unit 14, and the memory unit 15 are electrically connected to the control unit 16 via a bus 17.

[0034] The network interface 11 is communicably connected to other information processing devices via a communication network (not shown) in order to send and receive various information and data between the network interface 11 and other information processing devices such as other game devices 1 and external server devices (not shown).

[0035] A display 21 is connected to the graphics processing unit 12. The graphics processing unit 12 displays various images (moving images drawn in a moving image format) on the display 21 in accordance with various types of image information output from the control unit 16. The display 21 is a display used by a user, and is an example of a display device that displays images to the user.

[0036] A speaker 22 is connected to the audio processing unit 13. The audio processing unit 13 outputs various sounds to the speaker 22 in accordance with various types of audio information output from the control unit 16. The speaker 22 is a speaker used by the user, and is an example of an acoustic device that outputs sounds to the user.

[0037] A controller 23 is connected to the operation processing unit 14. The operation processing unit 14 transmits and receives data related to operation inputs to and from the controller 23. The operation processing unit 14 then transmits operation information indicating operations input to the controller 23 to the control unit 16. The controller 23 is a controller used by a user and is an example of an operation unit operated by a user.

[0038] For example, a user operates the controller 23 to input an operation signal to the game device 1. That is, when the user operates the controller 23, the controller 23 transmits an operation signal corresponding to the user's operation to the operation processing unit 14. The operation processing unit 14 generates operation information based on the operation signal and transmits the operation information to the control unit 16.

[0039] The storage unit 15 stores various types of information and data. The storage unit 15 is configured with an HDD, an SSD, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. In this example, the storage unit 15 stores a game program and game data for executing a game, account information (user ID and password) of a user who uses the game device 1, a database for managing game media, and the like. The game data includes image data for generating various images to be displayed on the display 21, audio data for generating various sounds to be output from the speaker 22, control data (e.g., setting values ​​such as thresholds) used to control processing by the game device 1, information and data for managing the progress of the game (e.g., management information such as lists and tables, and data indicating the progress results of the game), and the like.

[0040] The control unit 16 controls the operation of the game device 1. The control unit 16 transmits and receives various types of information and data, and processes the various types of information and data. The control unit 16 has a CPU (microcomputer) and memory. The memory stores programs for operating the CPU, etc. In this example, the control unit 16 controls the graphics processing unit 12 and audio processing unit 13, thereby controlling the display 21 and speaker 22.

[0041] [Functional configuration of the control unit in the game device] The control unit 16 has a game progression unit 100, a determination unit 101, and a display processing unit 102. Specifically, the control unit 16 functions as the game progression unit 100, the determination unit 101, and the display processing unit 102 by having its CPU execute various programs. These programs are an example of a game program.

[0042] <Game Progression Department> The game progression unit 100 controls the game and progresses the game. For example, the game progression unit 100 progresses the game by causing player characters to move within the game space in response to user operations. The game progression unit 100 also causes non-player characters and predetermined objects (such as vehicles) to move within the game space. For example, the game progression unit 100 controls the actions of non-player characters and predetermined objects using AI (artificial intelligence), and progresses the game in response to the actions of the player characters and non-player characters.

[0043] Specifically, the game progression unit 100 causes the display 21 and speaker 22 to output images and sounds related to the game based on the game data. The game data includes image data that represents images related to the game and audio data that represents sounds related to the game. The user operates the controller 23 in accordance with the images and sounds output from the display 21 and speaker 22.

[0044] The game progression unit 100 acquires operation information indicating operations input to the controller 23, and generates (updates) game data that reflects that operation information. Then, based on the generated (updated) game data, the game progression unit 100 outputs images and sounds related to the game to the display 21 and speaker 22. The above processing is repeated as the game progresses.

[0045] Decision-making department The determination unit 101 determines a notification 50 related to the game in accordance with the progress of the game. For example, the determination unit 101 monitors the progress of the game based on game data generated by the game progression unit 100, and generates data (such as image data including text data) for displaying the notification 50 determined in accordance with the progress of the game. The processing (determination processing) by the determination unit 101 is an example of a registration step in the processing (display control method) by the game device 1.

[0046] The notification 50 may be selected from a plurality of pre-prepared notification candidates, may be a combination of materials selected from a plurality of pre-prepared notification materials (e.g., text that forms part of the notification message), or may be automatically generated by AI or the like.

[0047] Furthermore, the notification 50 includes a first notification 51 and a second notification 52. The priority of the second notification 52 is higher than the priority of the first notification 51. The determining unit 101 may determine whether the notification 50 corresponds to the first notification 51 or the second notification 52.

[0048] For example, the determination unit 101 determines the type of information indicated in the notification 50, and identifies the type of notification 50 corresponding to the type of information indicated in the notification 50 by referring to a table in which the type of information indicated in the notification 50 is associated with the type of the notification 50 (whether the notification 50 corresponds to the first notification 51 or the second notification 52). The determination unit 101 may also determine the priority of the notification 50 based on the information indicated in the notification 50. In this case, the determination unit 101 may determine that the notification 50 corresponds to the first notification 51 if the priority of the notification 50 is below a threshold, and may determine that the notification 50 corresponds to the second notification 52 if the priority of the notification 50 is not below the threshold.

[0049] In this example, the priority of the second notification 52 is set for each type of information indicated in the second notification 52. For example, if the type of information indicated in the second notification 52 changes, the priority of the second notification 52 changes. The same applies to the first notification 51.

[0050] <Explanation of the notification> For example, the first notification 51 is a notification indicating information with a relatively low priority, such as information with a relatively low urgency, information that will have a relatively small impact on the progress of the game even if missed, etc. Examples of information indicated in the first notification 51 include the results of the progress of the game, conversations (chats) between users, etc.

[0051] For example, the second notification 52 is a notification that indicates relatively high-priority information, such as information that is relatively urgent, information that would have a relatively large impact on the progress of the game if overlooked, etc. Examples of information indicated in the second notification 52 include information about the progress of a quest (particularly clear / fail), information about the situation of the field where the game is played (particularly large changes in the situation), information about unexpected changes in the gameplay situation (particularly party composition), etc.

[0052] Examples of information regarding the progress of a quest include information indicating that the player character controlled by the user or a player character controlled by another user has run out of energy, information indicating the time remaining in the quest, and information indicating the achievement of a goal to clear the quest.

[0053] An example of information about the state of the field where gameplay takes place is information indicating the transition between different phases, such as a fertile period and a desolate period. A fertile period is a period in which more items than usual are placed in the field and the number of enemy characters appearing increases, making it possible to expect to collect more items. A desolate period is the opposite of a fertile period, in which fewer items than usual are placed and the number of enemy characters appearing decreases, making it less likely that items will be collected.

[0054] An example of information relating to an unexpected change in the game play situation is information indicating that a communication error has caused the user's or another user's game device 10 to become unable to communicate.

[0055] In the following description, "normal chat" is given as an example of information shown in the first notification 51, and "important chat" is given as an example of information shown in the second notification 52. Normal chat is information with a relatively low level of urgency, and important chat is information with a relatively high level of urgency.

[0056] <Display Processing Section> The display processing unit 102 displays a game image P10 (see FIG. 2) on the display 21. In this example, the display processing unit 102 is responsible for part of the processing for displaying an image by the game progression unit 100 (processing for displaying a predetermined image). The display processing unit 102 displays an image on the display 21 based on the image (image data) generated by the display processing unit 102. The processing (display processing) by the display processing unit 102 is an example of a display control step in the processing (display control method) by the game device 1.

[0057] Furthermore, the display processing unit 102 causes the display 21 to display the notification 50 determined by the determination unit 101 together with the image P10 of the game. The display processing unit 102 causes the display 21 to display the notification 50 (first notification 51 and / or second notification 52) together with the image P10 so that the first notification 51 and the second notification 52 are displayed side by side in the notification area R0 provided in the image P10 of the game, and so that the display mode of the first notification 51 and the display mode of the second notification 52 are different.

[0058] [Notification display mode] 2, the first notification 51 and the second notification 52 are displayed side by side in the vertical direction of the game image P10 in the notification area R0. Each of the first notification 51 and the second notification 52 is displayed as a rectangular image including the text to be notified.

[0059] The short side and long side directions of the image showing first notification 51 correspond to the up-down and left-right directions, respectively, of game image P10. The length of the short side direction of second notification 52 is longer than the length of the short side direction of first notification 51. The length of the long side direction of second notification 52 is equal to the length of the long side direction of first notification 51.

[0060] Hereinafter, the "area in notification area R0 where first notification 51 is displayed" will be referred to as the "first area R1," and the "predetermined area in notification area R0 where first notification 51 is not displayed" will be referred to as the "second area R2." The second area R2 is the area where second notification 52 is displayed. Note that if first notification 51 is not displayed, second area R2 may be the entire notification area R0. Similarly, if second notification 52 is not displayed, first area R1 may be the entire notification area R0.

[0061] The display mode of the first notifications 51 is such that one or more (a predetermined number or less) first notifications 51 are displayed in chronological order in the notification area R0, and when the display of a new first notification 51 begins, the display of the oldest first notification 51 among the one or more first notifications 51 is terminated. The predetermined number is the upper limit of the number of first notifications 51 that can be displayed in the notification area R0. The number of first notifications 51 displayed in the first area R1 is limited to be equal to or less than the predetermined number.

[0062] Specifically, each time a new first notification 51 is determined, the first notification 51 shifts step by step from the display start position (the bottom in this example) in the first region R1 toward the display end position (the top in this example). For example, when one first notification 51 is displayed near the display start position in the first region R1 and it is determined that a new first notification 51 should be displayed, the already-positioned first notification 51 shifts toward the display end position (the top), and the new first notification 51 is positioned near the display start position. Furthermore, when a first notification 51 is displayed near the display end position in the first region R1 and it is determined that a new first notification 51 should be displayed, the display of the first notification 51 positioned at the display end position in the first region R1 is terminated, and the new first notification 51 is positioned at the display start position. In the first region R1, the first notifications 51 are displayed in a so-called FIFO (First in First out) manner.

[0063] In this example, the shift process (the process of shifting the first notification 51 step by step from the display start position to the display end position in the first region R1) is performed in response to "determination of a new first notification 51" and "the passage of time." The shift process will be described in detail later.

[0064] The display mode of the second notification 52 is such that the second notification 52 is displayed continuously for a predetermined period of time within a predetermined area (second area R2) in the notification area R0 that is not an area in which one or more (a predetermined number or less) first notifications 51 are displayed.

[0065] In this example, the display mode of second notification 52 is such that, after the display of second notification 52 in the predetermined area (second area R2) has ended, the display of the next second notification 52 begins in the predetermined area (second area R2). Furthermore, the display mode of second notification 52 is such that, when the priority of a "new second notification" that is a second notification 52 newly determined by determination unit 101 is higher than the priority of an "old second notification" that is a second notification 52 currently being displayed, the display of the old second notification is interrupted and the display of the new second notification begins, and after the display of the new second notification has ended, the display of the old second notification is resumed.

[0066] The manner in which the display of the second notification 52 ends (how the display ends) may be such that the second notification 52 suddenly disappears (is immediately erased at the time of display end), or may be such that the second notification 52 gradually disappears. The same applies to the first notification 51.

[0067] Furthermore, the state in which "display of second notification 52 has ended" includes not only a state in which the image (data) of second notification 52 has been completely erased from game image P10, but also a state in which the image of second notification 52 exists as data in game image P10 but cannot be recognized by the naked eye (for example, the image brightness is low or the image transparency is high). The same applies to first notification 51.

[0068] Also, as shown in Figure 2, the display processing unit 102 displays the notification 50 on the display 21 together with the image P10 so that the second notification 52 displayed in the notification area R0 is associated with a time display element 61 indicating the display time of the second notification 52.

[0069] In this example, the time display element 61 is a playback bar, a bar-shaped display element extending in the left-right direction of the game image P10. The length of the time display element 61 changes depending on the remaining time of the display of the second notification 52 (the time remaining until the display ends). Specifically, the length of the time display element 61 is minimum (e.g., zero) when the remaining time of the display of the second notification 52 is the longest (the time when the display starts), and as the remaining time of the display of the second notification 52 becomes shorter, the length of the time display element 61 gradually increases, and the length of the time display element 61 is longest just before the time when the remaining time of the display of the second notification 52 becomes zero (the time when the display ends).

[0070] In a display mode in which the display of the old second notification is interrupted and the display of the new second notification is started, and the display of the old second notification is resumed after the display of the new second notification has ended, the time for displaying the old second notification may be such that the "old second notification" is displayed from the beginning, regardless of how long the "old second notification" was displayed before being interrupted. Alternatively, the time for re-displaying the "old second notification" may vary depending on how long the "old second notification" was displayed before being interrupted. For example, if the "old second notification" was displayed for less than half the time before being interrupted, it may be re-displayed from the beginning, and if it was displayed for more than half the time, it may be re-displayed for only half the time. Alternatively, the "old second notification" may be re-displayed for the remaining time, minus the time the "old second notification" was displayed before being interrupted, from the predetermined time for which it should be displayed.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the display processing unit 102 may display the notification 50 on the display together with the image P10 so that a stock display element 62 is further displayed in the second notification 52 displayed in the notification area R0. The stock display element 62 is an element that represents the number of second notifications 52 in a display standby state that are not currently displayed in the notification area R0 but that have been determined to be displayed in the notification area R0 after the currently displayed second notification 52. In the example of FIG. 2, the stock display element 62 is displayed superimposed on the lower right portion of the currently displayed second notification 52. In FIG. 2, the number "2" is displayed as the stock display element 62. This indicates that there are two second notifications 52 in a display standby state.

[0072] 2, the notification area R0 is provided in the image P10 so that the notification 50 displayed in the notification area R0 does not overlap with the player character C1 in the image P10. Specifically, the notification area R0 is provided in the peripheral area of ​​the image P10, avoiding the central area of ​​the image P10. [Notification display processing] The display processing unit 102 performs a "first notification display process" which is a process for displaying the first notification 51 and a "second notification display process" which is a process for displaying the second notification 52 in parallel.

[0073] [First notification display process] Next, the first notification display process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0074] <Step S11> The display processing unit 102 determines whether or not a new first notification 51 has been determined by the determination unit 101. If a new first notification 51 has been determined, the process of step S12 is performed; if not, the process of step S13 is performed.

[0075] <Step S12> When a new first notification 51 is determined, the display processing unit 102 performs a first shift process. In the first shift process, the display processing unit 102 shifts one or more (a predetermined number or less) first notifications 51 displayed in the first area R1 upward by one step (toward the top of the first area R1). Note that if there is a first notification 51 located at the top of the first area R1 (the display end position), the display processing unit 102 ends the display of that first notification 51 without shifting that first notification 51. In addition, the display processing unit 102 displays a new first notification 51 at the bottom of the first area R1 (the display start position).

[0076] In addition, if there is a gap of one or more first notifications 51 between the lowest first notification 51 among one or more first notifications 51 displayed in the first area R1 and the bottom (display start position) in the first area R1, the display processing unit 102 may display the first notification 51 directly below the lowest first notification 51, rather than at the bottom in the first area R1.

[0077] <Step S13> If a new first notification 51 has not been determined, the display processing unit 102 determines whether a predetermined update time has elapsed since the previous shift process was performed. If the update time has elapsed, the process of step S14 is performed; if not, the process of step S11 is performed.

[0078] <Step S14> When the update time has elapsed since the previous shift process was performed, the display processing unit 102 performs a second shift process. The second shift process corresponds to a process in which "displaying a new first notification 51" is omitted from the first shift process. In the second shift process, the display processing unit 102 shifts one or more (a predetermined number or less) first notifications 51 displayed in the first area R1 upward by one step (toward the top of the first area R1). Note that if there is a first notification 51 located at the top of the first area R1 (display end position), the display processing unit 102 ends the display of that first notification 51 without shifting that first notification 51.

[0079] [Second notification display processing] Next, the second notification display process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0080] <Step S21> The display processing unit 102 determines whether or not a new second notification 52 has been determined by the determination unit 101. If a new second notification 52 has been determined, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0081] <Step S22> When the new second notification 52 is determined, the display processing unit 102 determines whether or not there is a second notification 52 currently being displayed on the display 21. If there is no second notification 52 currently being displayed on the display 21, the process of step S23 is performed, and if not, the process of step S24 is performed.

[0082] <Step S23> When a new second notification 52 is determined, if there is no second notification 52 being displayed on the display 21, the display processing unit 102 starts displaying the new second notification 52. Specifically, the display processing unit 102 displays the new second notification 52 on the display 21 together with the game image P10 so that the new second notification 52 is displayed in the notification area R0. Next, the processing of step S31 is performed.

[0083] <Step S24> When a new second notification 52 is determined and there is a second notification 52 being displayed on the display 21, the display processing unit 102 determines whether the priority of the new second notification 52, the "new second notification," is higher than the priority of the "old second notification," the second notification 52 being displayed on the display 21. If the priority of the new second notification is not higher than the priority of the old second notification, the process of step S25 is performed; otherwise, the process of step S26 is performed.

[0084] <Step S25> If the priority of the new second notification is not higher than the priority of the old second notification, the display processing unit 102 does not display the new second notification, but stores the new second notification in a stock area (area for stocking second notifications) of the storage unit 15. In this way, the new second notification is stocked.

[0085] Furthermore, the display processing unit 102 displays the stock display element 62 on the display 21 so that the stock display element 62 is displayed in association with the second notification 52. If the stock display element 62 is already displayed, 1 is added to the stock number indicated in the stock display element 62, and if a new stock display element 62 is to be displayed, the stock display element 62 indicating "1" is displayed. Next, the process of step S31 is performed.

[0086] <Step S26> If the priority of the new second notification is higher than the priority of the old second notification, the display processing unit 102 suspends the display of the old second notification (the second notification 52 currently being displayed on the display 21) and starts displaying the new second notification (the new second notification 52). The display processing unit 102 also stores the old second notification whose display has been suspended in a stock area of ​​the storage unit 15. This causes the old second notification to be stocked. Next, the process of step S31 is performed.

[0087] <Step S31> Next, the display processing unit 102 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the second notification 52 was displayed on the display 21. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process of step S32 is performed, and if not, the process of step S33 is performed.

[0088] <Step S32> If a predetermined time has not elapsed since the second notification 52 was displayed, the display processing unit 102 determines whether or not a new second notification 52 has been determined by the determination unit 101. If a second notification 52 has been determined, the process of step S22 is performed; if not, the process of step S31 is performed.

[0089] <Step S33> When a predetermined time has elapsed since the second notification 52 was displayed, the display processing unit 102 ends the display of the second notification 52.

[0090] <Step S34> Next, the display processing unit 102 determines whether or not the second notification 52 is stored in the stock area of ​​the storage unit 15 (whether or not there is a stock of the second notification 52). If there is a stock of the second notification 52, the process proceeds to step S35; if not, the process of step S21 is performed.

[0091] <Step S35> If there is a stock of second notification 52, display processing unit 102 reads out second notification 52 from the stock area of ​​storage unit 15 and starts displaying second notification 52. Thereafter, the process of step S31 is performed.

[0092] [Example of change in notifications 1] 5, when five first notifications 51 from "Normal Chat 1" to "Normal Chat 5" are displayed in the notification area R0, if a new second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 1" is determined, the second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 1" starts to be displayed in the second area R2 of the notification area R0. Also, the time display element 61 related to the second notification 52 starts to be displayed.

[0093] In addition, in the first area R1 of the notification area R0, the display of the first notification 51 indicating "Normal Chat 1" ends over time, and the four first notifications 51 from "Normal Chat 2" to "Normal Chat 5" shift upward one step at a time.

[0094] Next, when three new first notifications 51 from "Normal Chat 6" to "Normal Chat 8" are determined in order, in the first area R1 of the notification area R0, the four first notifications 51 from "Normal Chat 2" to "Normal Chat 5" shift upward one row at a time, the display of the three first notifications 51 from "Normal Chat 2" to "Normal Chat 4" ends in order, and the first notification 51 indicating "Normal Chat 5" is placed at the top of the first area R1. Also, in the first area R1, three new first notifications 51 from "Normal Chat 6" to "Normal Chat 8" are displayed in order, shifting upward one row at a time.

[0095] [Example 2 of changes in notifications] As shown in FIG. 6, when four first notifications 51 from "Normal Chat 5" to "Normal Chat 8" are displayed in the first area R1 and a second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 1" is displayed in the second area R2, if a "new second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 2"" with a lower priority than the second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 1" is determined, the new second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 2" is not displayed but is stocked. As a result, a stock display element 62 indicating "1" begins to be displayed as a stock display element 62 related to the second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 1".

[0096] Next, as time passes, the display of the second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 1" ends, and the display of the second notification 52 indicating the stocked "Important Chat 2" begins. As a result, the stock of second notifications runs out, and the display of the stock display element 62 indicating the number of stocked second notifications 52 ends.

[0097] In Figure 6, while the second notification 52 displayed in the second area R2 changes from "Important Chat 1" to "Important Chat 2," in the first area R1 of the notification area R0, the display of the first notification 51 indicating "Normal Chat 5" ends and the three first notifications 51 from "Normal Chat 6" to "Normal Chat 8" shift up one level each as time passes, and further, the display of the first notification 51 indicating "Normal Chat 6" ends and the two first notifications 51 from "Normal Chat 7" to "Normal Chat 8" shift up one level each.

[0098] [Example 3 of changes in notifications] As shown in Figure 7, when four first notifications 51 from "Normal Chat 5" to "Normal Chat 8" are displayed in the first area R1 and a second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 1" is displayed in the second area R2, if a "new second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 2"" having a higher priority than the second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 1" is determined, the display of the second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 1" is interrupted and the display of the second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 2" begins.

[0099] Furthermore, the second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 1," whose display has been interrupted, is stocked. As a result, the display of the stock display element 62 indicating "1" begins as the stock display element 62 related to the second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 2."

[0100] Next, as time passes, when the display of the second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 2" ends, the display of the second notification 52 indicating the stocked "Important Chat 1" resumes. As a result, the stock of second notifications runs out, and the display of the stock display element 62 indicating the number of stocked second notifications 52 ends.

[0101] In Figure 7, while the second notification 52 displayed in the second area R2 changes from "Important Chat 2" to "Important Chat 1," the same display behavior as described in [Specific example 2 of notification change] is displayed in the first area R1 of the notification area R0.

[0102] [Summary of the embodiment] To summarize the above, the game program of the embodiment causes a computer system having one or more computers (control units 16) to function as a determination unit 101 that determines a notification 50 related to a game in accordance with the progress of the game, and a display processing unit 102 that displays the notification 50 determined by the determination unit 101 together with an image P10 of the game on the display 21. The notification 50 includes a first notification 51 and a second notification 52 that has a higher priority than the first notification 51. The display processing unit 102 displays the notification 50 together with the image P10 on the display 21 so that the first notification 51 and the second notification 52 are displayed side by side in a notification area R0 provided in the image P10, and the display manner of the first notification 51 and the second notification 52 is different.

[0103] The game system of the embodiment includes the determination unit 101 and the display processing unit 102.

[0104] Furthermore, the display control method of the embodiment is a display control method for controlling the display of an image P10 of a game, and includes a determination step (determination processing) of determining a notification related to the game in accordance with the progress of the game, and a display control step (display processing) of displaying the notification 50 determined in the determination step together with the image P10 of the game on the display 21. The notification 50 includes a first notification 51 and a second notification 52 having a higher priority than the first notification 51. In the display control step, the notification 50 is displayed together with the image P10 on the display 21 so that the first notification 51 and the second notification 52 are displayed side by side in a notification area R0 provided in the image P10, and the display mode of the first notification 51 and the display mode of the second notification 52 are different.

[0105] [Effects of the embodiment] As described above, in the embodiment, by differentiating the display mode of the first notification 51 and the display mode of the second notification 52, the user can distinguish whether the notification 50 displayed on the display 21 is the first notification 51 or the second notification 52 (two notifications with different priorities). This allows the user to recognize the priority of the notification 50 displayed together with the game image P10, improving user convenience.

[0106] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the display mode of the first notification 51 is such that one or more (a predetermined number or less) first notifications 51 are displayed in chronological order in the notification area R0, and when the display of a new first notification 51 starts, the display of the oldest first notification 51 among the one or more first notifications 51 is terminated. The display mode of the second notification 52 is such that the second notification 52 is continuously displayed for a predetermined time in a predetermined area (second area R2) other than the area (first area R1) in the notification area R0 where one or more first notifications are displayed.

[0107] In the above configuration, the first notifications 51 can be displayed one after another, and the second notification 52 can be displayed at leisure. This allows the second notification 52 to be displayed with priority over the first notification 51.

[0108] In addition, in the embodiment, the display mode of the second notification 52 is such that after the display of the second notification 52 in the specified area (second area R2) has ended, the display of the next second notification 52 in the specified area begins.

[0109] In the above configuration, the plurality of second notifications 52 can be displayed one by one in order within the predetermined area (second area R2), thereby allowing the plurality of second notifications 52 to be recognized one by one in order.

[0110] In addition, in the embodiment, the display mode of the second notification 52 is such that, when the priority of the new second notification, which is the second notification 52 newly determined by the determination unit 101, is higher than the priority of the old second notification, which is the second notification 52 currently being displayed, the display of the old second notification is interrupted and the display of the new second notification is started, and after the display of the new second notification has ended, the display of the old second notification is resumed.

[0111] In the above configuration, the new second notification, which has a higher priority than the old second notification, can be displayed preferentially.

[0112] In addition, in an embodiment, the display processing unit 102 displays the notification 50 on the display 21 together with the image P10 so that the second notification 52 displayed in the notification area R0 is associated with a time display element 61 indicating the display time of the second notification 52.

[0113] In the above configuration, the time display element 61 is displayed in association with the second notification 52, so that the user can recognize that the second notification 52 is being displayed over a period of time.

[0114] In the embodiment, a player character C1 that moves in response to user operations is placed in a game space in which the game progresses. The notification area R0 is provided in the image P10 so that the notification 50 displayed in the notification area R0 in the image P10 does not overlap with the player character C1. Specifically, in the embodiment, the notification area R0 is provided so as to avoid the central area of ​​the image P10.

[0115] With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the display of the notification 50 in the image P10 from interfering with game play.

[0116] (Modification 1 of the embodiment) The game device 1 of the first modified example of the embodiment differs from the game device 1 of the embodiment in the display mode of the second notification 52 (second notification display process). The other configurations and processes of the game device 1 of the first modified example of the embodiment are similar to the configurations and processes of the game device 1 of the embodiment.

[0117] In the first variant of the embodiment, the display mode of the second notification 52 is such that the second notification 52 is displayed continuously for a predetermined period of time in a predetermined area (second area R2), and then the second notification 52 is displayed as one of one or more (not more than a predetermined number) first notifications 51 arranged in chronological order in the notification area R0.

[0118] The second notification display process of the first modification of the embodiment differs from the second notification display process of the embodiment in the process of step S33 shown in Fig. 4. The other steps of the second notification display process of the first modification of the embodiment are the same as the steps of the second notification display process of the embodiment shown in Fig. 4.

[0119] In the first modification of the embodiment, in step S33, after the display processing unit 102 has finished displaying the second notification 52 in the notification area R0, the display processing unit 102 determines the second notification 52 as the "new first notification 51." This satisfies the condition of step S11 in the first notification display process shown in FIG. 3 that "a new first notification 51 is determined," and the display processing unit 102 performs the first notification display process.

[0120] [Examples of changes in notifications] 8, when four first notifications 51 from "Normal Chat 5" to "Normal Chat 8" are displayed in the first area R1 and a second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 1" is displayed in the second area R2, if the display of the second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 1" ends over time, the second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 1" is treated as a new first notification 51 indicating "Important Chat 1." As a result, the new first notification 51 indicating "Important Chat 1" is displayed immediately below the first notification 51 indicating "Normal Chat 8," which is the lowest of the four first notifications 51 displayed in the notification area R0.

[0121] In addition, when a predetermined time for which "Important Chat 1" should be displayed in the second area R2 has elapsed, rather than terminating the display of the second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 1," the handling of "Important Chat 1" may be switched from the second notification 52 to the first notification 51 while "Important Chat 1" remains displayed.

[0122] After that, when two new first notifications 51 indicating "Normal Chat 9" and "Normal Chat 10" are determined in order, the four first notifications 51 from "Normal Chat 5" to "Normal Chat 8" and the first notification 51 indicating "Important Chat 1" shift upward one level in the notification area R0, the display of the two first notifications 51 indicating "Normal Chat 5" and "Normal Chat 6" respectively ends in order, and the first notification 51 indicating "Normal Chat 7" is placed at the top of the first area R1. Also, in the notification area R0, two new first notifications 51 indicating "Normal Chat 9" and "Normal Chat 10" are displayed in order below the first notification 51 indicating "Important Chat 1," and shift upward one level together with the three first notifications 51 indicating "Normal Chat 7," "Normal Chat 8," and "Important Chat 1," respectively.

[0123] [Effects of Modification 1 of the Embodiment] In the first modification of the embodiment, after the display of the second notification 52 in the predetermined area (second area R2) has finished, the second notification 52 can be displayed as the first notification 51. This increases the chances of recognizing the notification 50 corresponding to the second notification 52, making it easier to recognize the notification 50 corresponding to the second notification 52.

[0124] (Modification 2 of the embodiment) The game device 1 of the second modification of the embodiment differs from the game device 1 of the embodiment in the type of notification 50 and the second notification display process. The other configurations and processes of the game device 1 of the second modification of the embodiment are similar to the configurations and processes of the game device 1 of the embodiment.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 9 , in the second modification of the embodiment, the notification 50 includes a second notification 52 indicating "lines according to the game situation." Hereinafter, lines according to the game situation will be referred to as "a voice from heaven." For example, the voice from heaven is the line of a non-player character (the receptionist in the example of FIG. 9 ) appearing in the game, and the voice from heaven includes advice from the non-player character (advice to help the user progress through the game). By listening to the voice from heaven, the user can understand what action to take next in gameplay.

[0126] The length of the time display element 61 (length of the playback bar) associated with the second notification 52 indicating the "Voice from Heaven" corresponds to the playback time of the Voice from Heaven. Specifically, the start of playback of the Voice from Heaven coincides with the start of display of the second notification 52, and the end of playback of the Voice from Heaven coincides with the end of display of the second notification 52. The length of the time display element 61 is shortest (e.g., zero) at the start of playback of the Voice from Heaven, and longest immediately before the end of playback of the Voice from Heaven.

[0127] The second notification display process of the second modification of the embodiment differs from the second notification display process of the embodiment in the process of step S33 shown in Fig. 4. The other steps of the second notification display process of the second modification of the embodiment are the same as the steps of the second notification display process of the embodiment shown in Fig. 4.

[0128] In the second variation of the embodiment, in step S33, after the display processing unit 102 has finished displaying the second notification 52 in the notification area R0, it determines whether the second notification 52 corresponds to the second notification 52 indicating a "voice from heaven."

[0129] If the second notification 52 whose display has ended in step S33 corresponds to the second notification 52 indicating the "voice from heaven," the display processing unit 102 performs processing similar to that of Modification 3 of the embodiment. Specifically, the display processing unit 102 determines the second notification 52 indicating the "voice from heaven" whose display has ended as the "new first notification 51." This satisfies the condition of step S11 in the first notification display processing shown in FIG. 3 that "a new first notification 51 is determined," and the display processing unit 102 performs the first notification display processing.

[0130] On the other hand, if the second notification 52 whose display has been terminated in step S33 corresponds to the second notification 52 indicating the "voice from heaven," the display processing unit 102 may perform the same processing as the processing of the embodiment. Specifically, the display processing unit 102 may perform the next processing (processing of step S34) without determining the second notification 52 whose display has been terminated as the "new first notification 51."

[0131] [Examples of changes in notifications] As shown in Figure 10, when four first notifications 51 from "Normal Chat 5" to "Normal Chat 8" are displayed in the first area R1 and a second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 1" is displayed in the second area R2, if a "new second notification 52 indicating 'Voice from Heaven 1'" which has a higher priority than the second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 1" is determined, the display of the second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 1" is interrupted and the display of the second notification 52 indicating "Voice from Heaven 1" begins.

[0132] Furthermore, the second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 1," whose display has been interrupted, is stocked. As a result, the display of the stock display element 62 indicating "1" begins as the stock display element 62 related to the second notification 52 indicating "Voice from Heaven 1."

[0133] Next, when the display of the second notification 52 indicating "Voice from Heaven 1" ends, the second notification 52 indicating "Voice from Heaven 1" is treated as a new first notification 51 indicating "Voice from Heaven 1". As a result, the new first notification 51 indicating "Voice from Heaven 1" is displayed directly below the first notification 51 indicating "Normal Chat 8", which is the lowest of the three first notifications 51 displayed in the first area R1. Also, the display of the second notification 52 indicating "Important Chat 1", which had been stocked, resumes. As a result, the stock of second notifications is depleted, and the display of the stock display element 62, which indicates the number of stocked second notifications 52, ends.

[0134] Furthermore, when a predetermined time has elapsed during which the second notification 52 indicating "Voice from Heaven 1" should be displayed in the second area R2, rather than terminating the display of the second notification 52 indicating "Voice from Heaven 1," the handling of the notification 50 indicating "Voice from Heaven 1" may be switched from the second notification 52 to the first notification 51 while the second notification 52 indicating "Voice from Heaven 1" remains displayed.

[0135] [Effects of Modification 2 of the Embodiment] In the second modification of the embodiment, after the display of the second notification 52 indicating the "voice from heaven" in the predetermined area (second area R2) has finished, the second notification 52 can be displayed as the first notification 51. This increases the chances of recognizing the notification 50 indicating the "voice from heaven," making it easier to recognize the notification 50 indicating the "voice from heaven."

[0136] (Modification 3 of the embodiment) In the third modification of the embodiment, the notification 50 includes a notification related to a predetermined process. The display processing unit 102 performs shortcut processing using the "notification related to the predetermined process." The other configurations and processes of the game device 1 of the third modification of the embodiment are the same as those of the game device 1 of the embodiment.

[0137] The shortcut process is a process for simplifying the steps for presenting the results of the predetermined process. In the shortcut process, the display processing unit 102 displays a result image indicating the result of the predetermined process on the display 21 in response to an operation for selecting a "notification 50 related to the predetermined process" from the notifications 50 displayed together with the game image P10.

[0138] Examples of the above-mentioned predetermined processing include a wish list display processing for displaying a wish list image on the display 21, a wish list registration processing for registering game media (e.g., equipment) specified by the user on the wish list, and a quest application processing for applying to participate in a quest. A wish list is a list in which equipment (items) that the user wishes to obtain in the future are registered. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned "notification related to the predetermined processing" will be simply referred to as a "predetermined notification."

[0139] [Shortcut processing related to wish list display processing] Next, shortcut processing will be explained using an example in which the above-mentioned specified processing is "wish list display processing" and the specified notification related to the wish list display processing is "a notification indicating that the materials (items) required to create the equipment registered in the wish list have been collected."

[0140] As shown in FIG. 11, notification 50, which corresponds to the predetermined notification related to the above-mentioned "wish list display process," displays information such as "You have all the materials for Sword B!" This notification 50 also includes a shortcut display element 70. The shortcut display element 70 is a display element for instructing the display of a result image showing the result of the predetermined process. In this example, the shortcut display element 70 is a start button labeled "START," and can be selected by operating the controller 23.

[0141] 11, the second notification 52 is given as an example of the notification 50 including the shortcut display element 70, but the shortcut display element 70 may be included in the first notification 51. The predetermined notification may be the first notification 51 or the second notification 52. The predetermined notification is displayed in the notification area R0 as the notification 50 (the first notification 51 or the second notification 52).

[0142] When an operation is input to the controller 23 to select a shortcut display element 70 included in a notification 50 (predetermined notification) displayed in the notification area R0 from among the game image P10 displayed on the display 21, the display processing unit 102 automatically starts processing (wish list display processing) to display on the display 21 a wish list image showing "Sword B" for which all materials have been collected.

[0143] 12, the wishlist image P70 displayed on the display 21 by the wishlist display process of the display processing unit 102 shows that all the materials required to create "Sword B" are available. In the example of Fig. 12, the materials required to create "Sword B" are "Wing A," "Scale A," and "Ore A," and the user has more than the required number of each of these materials.

[0144] Furthermore, the wishlist image P70 shown in FIG. 12 is provided with a button (a button labeled "Generate") for generating a "Sword B" by consuming "Wings A," "Scales A," and "Ore A." When an operation to select this button is input to the controller 23, the game progression unit 100 generates a "Sword B" by consuming "Wings A," "Scales A," and "Ore A," and causes the generated "Sword B" to be owned by the player character. Because the player character and the user ID are associated with each other, the item "Sword B" is ultimately granted to the user.

[0145] In order to display the above-mentioned wish list image P70 on the display 21 without using shortcut processing, an operation to display the image of the menu screen, an operation to select "Display wish list image P70" from the image of the menu screen, and an operation to display information about "Sword B" on the wish list image P70 displayed on the display 21 are required.

[0146] On the other hand, when using shortcut processing, simply by performing an operation to select the "notification 50 related to a specified process (notification 50 including shortcut display element 70)" displayed on display 21, the desired wishlist image P70, that is, an image of "Sword B with all materials" related to the content displayed in notification 50 among the wishlist image P70, can be displayed on display 21.

[0147] [Shortcut processing related to wish list registration processing] Next, shortcut processing will be explained using an example in which the above-mentioned predetermined processing is a "wish list registration processing" and the predetermined notification related to the wish list registration processing is a "notification indicating equipment recommended by other users."

[0148] When an operation to select a shortcut display element 70 included in a notification 50 (predetermined notification) displayed in the notification area R0 of the game image P10 displayed on the display 21 is input to the controller 23, the display processing unit 102 automatically starts processing to register an item of equipment recommended by another user in the wish list (wish list registration processing). In this way, the equipment recommended by another user can be registered in the wish list simply by performing the operation to select the shortcut display element 70.

[0149] [Shortcut processing related to quest application processing] Next, shortcut processing will be explained using an example in which the above-mentioned predetermined processing is a "quest application processing" and the predetermined notification related to the wish list registration processing is a "notification indicating a quest in which another user has been invited to participate."

[0150] When an operation to select the shortcut display element 70 included in the notification 50 (predetermined notification) displayed in the notification area R0 of the game image P10 displayed on the display 21 is input to the controller 23, the display processing unit 102 automatically starts processing to apply for participation in a quest that another user has encouraged you to participate in (quest application processing). In this way, by simply performing the operation to select the shortcut display element 70, you can apply for participation in a quest that another user has encouraged you to participate in.

[0151] [Effects of Modification 3 of the Embodiment] In the third modification of the embodiment, the steps up to when a result image showing the result of a predetermined process is displayed on the display 21 can be simplified.

[0152] Other examples of combinations of the above-mentioned "predetermined notification" and "shortcut processing automatically performed by an operation for selecting the predetermined notification" include a combination of "a notification indicating that predetermined information has been updated" and "processing for confirming the predetermined information," and a combination of "a notification indicating an invitation such as a friend request" and "processing for responding to the invitation." Examples of the above-mentioned predetermined information include information that supplies have been replenished, information regarding changes in the situation on the field where the game is played, etc.

[0153] (Other embodiments) In the above description, the following configuration or processing may be performed.

[0154] The direction in which the first notification 51 and the second notification 52 are arranged is not limited to the vertical direction in the game image P10. For example, the direction in which the first notification 51 and the second notification 52 are arranged may be the horizontal direction in the game image P10. Furthermore, the second notification 52 may be displayed above the first notification 51. Furthermore, the first notification 51 and the second notification 52 may be displayed overlapping each other so that the second notification 52 is above the first notification 51 (for example, the second notification 52 hides a part of the first notification 51). Furthermore, the time (predetermined time) for which the display of the second notification 52 continues may be set to a length of time according to the priority of the second notification 52. For example, the higher the priority of the second notification 52, the longer the time (predetermined time) for which the display of the second notification 52 continues may be set.

[0155] The process of displaying the notification 50 in the notification area R0 (notification display process) may be performed at all times, or may be performed only in predetermined situations in the game (for example, while participating in a quest).

[0156] The display mode of the notification 50 displayed in the notification area R0 may be changeable by the user. For example, it may be possible to end the display of the second notification 52 midway without continuing to display it for a predetermined period of time. Also, it may be possible to set (select) whether to display or hide the notification 50 depending on, for example, the type of notification 50. Also, it may be possible to set (select) the priority of the notification 50 depending on, for example, the type of notification 50.

[0157] In order to avoid confusion between "shortcut operations", which are operations for performing shortcut processing, and "game play operations", which are operations for playing the game, the priority of shortcut operations may be set lower than the priority of game play operations, or the button settings for shortcut operations may be set differently from the button settings for game play operations. One method for setting the priority of shortcut operations lower than the priority of game play operations is to give priority to operations performed by the player character during game play, and to enable shortcut operations when the player character is not being operated.

[0158] Furthermore, a list (log) of notifications 50 displayed on display 21 may be stored in storage unit 15 so that missed notifications 50 can be checked later. Furthermore, in response to an operation for viewing the list of notifications 50 (for example, an operation for selecting a predetermined menu on a menu screen), an image showing the list of notifications 50 may be displayed on display 21.

[0159] The game program may be implemented so as to be executed by multiple computers working together. In this case, the processing performed by control unit 16 of game device 1 may be performed by any one of the multiple computers, or may be shared among the multiple computers. For example, the game program may be a game program for an online game executed by the control unit of game device 1 and the control unit of a server device (not shown), which communicate via a network.

[0160] In the above case, the processing performed by the control unit 16 of the game device 1 may be performed by the control unit of the server device, or may be shared between the control unit of the game device 1 and the control unit of the server device. The game system may be configured by the control unit of one information processing device (game device 1), or may be configured by the control units of multiple information processing devices.

[0161] For example, in the above embodiment, it has been described that the database for managing game content, information and data for managing the progress of the game (for example, management information such as lists and tables and data indicating the results of the progress of the game), various data related to notifications 50, data related to wish lists, etc. are stored in the storage unit 15 of the game device 1, but these may also be stored and managed in the server device in association with a user ID, etc. In this case, when a user logs in to the game and selects save data for the player character to be played, the user ID and data related to the selected save data are transmitted to the server device, and the server device transmits data related to the selected save data from the data it is managing to the game device 1, thereby allowing the user to enjoy a game similar to that of the above embodiment.

[0162] The game is not limited to an action game, but may be, for example, a role-playing game, a simulation game, or any other type of game.

[0163] The effects of the present invention can be achieved even when these other embodiments are adopted. Furthermore, this embodiment can be combined with other embodiments, and other embodiments can be combined with each other as appropriate. The above-described embodiments are essentially preferred examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses. [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 1. Game device (game system) 10. Game consoles 11 Network Interface 12 Graphics Processing Unit 13 Audio Processing Section 14 Operation Processing Section 15 Storage section 16 Control Unit 21 Display 22 Speaker 23 Controller 50 notifications 51 First notice 52 Second Notice 61 Time Display Elements 62 Stock Display Elements 70 Shortcut Display Elements 100 Game Progression Section 101 Decision Section 102 Display processing unit

Claims

1. A computer system having one or more computers working together, a decision unit that decides on a notification related to the game according to a progress status of the game; a display processing unit that displays the notification determined by the determination unit on a display together with an image of the game; The notifications include a first notification and a second notification having a higher priority than the first notification, the display processing unit displays the notification together with the image on the display such that the first notification and the second notification are displayed side by side in a notification area provided in the image, and a display mode of the first notification and a display mode of the second notification are different; the display mode of the first notifications is a display mode in which one or more first notifications are arranged and displayed in chronological order in the notification area, and when display of a new first notification is started, display of the oldest first notification among the one or more first notifications is terminated; The display mode of the second notification is a display mode in which the second notification is not displayed in a first region of the notification area in which one or more first notifications are displayed, but is continuously displayed for a predetermined time in a second region of the notification area that is not the first region, and then the second notification is displayed as one of the one or more first notifications arranged in chronological order in the first region. Game program.

2. A computer system having one or more computers working together, a decision unit that decides on a notification related to the game according to a progress status of the game; a display processing unit that displays the notification determined by the determination unit on a display together with an image of the game; The notifications include a first notification and a second notification having a higher priority than the first notification, the display processing unit displays the notification together with the image on the display such that the first notification and the second notification are displayed side by side in a notification area provided in the image, and a display mode of the first notification and a display mode of the second notification are different; the display mode of the first notifications is a display mode in which one or more first notifications are arranged and displayed in chronological order in the notification area, and when display of a new first notification is started, display of the oldest first notification among the one or more first notifications is terminated; the display mode of the second notification is a display mode in which the second notification is continuously displayed for a predetermined time in a second area of ​​the notification area other than a first area in which the one or more first notifications are displayed, The display manner of the second notification is a display manner in which, when a priority of a new second notification that is the second notification newly determined by the determination unit is higher than a priority of an old second notification that is the second notification currently being displayed, display of the old second notification is interrupted and display of the new second notification is started, and after display of the new second notification is terminated, display of the old second notification is resumed. Game program.

3. 3. The game program according to claim 1, The display manner of the second notification is a display manner in which, after the display of the second notification in the second area has ended, the display of the next second notification in the second area begins. Game program.

4. 3. The game program according to claim 1, The display processing unit displays the second notification on the display together with the image such that a time display element indicating a display time of the second notification is associated with the second notification displayed in the notification area. Game program.

5. 3. The game program according to claim 1, The notification area is provided so as to avoid the central area of ​​the image. Game program.

6. 3. The game program according to claim 1, a player character that moves in response to a user's operation is placed in a game space in which the game progresses; The notification area is provided in the image so that the notification displayed in the notification area does not overlap with the player character in the image. Game program.

7. 3. The game program according to claim 1, The notification includes a notification related to a predetermined process; The display processing unit causes the display to display a result image indicating a result of the predetermined processing in response to an operation for selecting a notification related to the predetermined processing from the notifications displayed together with the image. Game program.

8. a decision unit that decides on a notification related to the game according to a progress status of the game; a display processing unit that displays the notification determined by the determination unit on a display together with an image of the game, The notifications include a first notification and a second notification having a higher priority than the first notification, the display processing unit displays the notification together with the image on the display such that the first notification and the second notification are displayed side by side in a notification area provided in the image, and a display mode of the first notification and a display mode of the second notification are different; the display mode of the first notifications is a display mode in which one or more first notifications are arranged and displayed in chronological order in the notification area, and when display of a new first notification is started, display of the oldest first notification among the one or more first notifications is terminated; The display mode of the second notification is a display mode in which the second notification is not displayed in a first region of the notification area in which one or more first notifications are displayed, but is continuously displayed for a predetermined time in a second region of the notification area that is not the first region, and then the second notification is displayed as one of the one or more first notifications arranged in chronological order in the first region. Game system.

9. a decision unit that decides on a notification related to the game according to a progress status of the game; a display processing unit that displays the notification determined by the determination unit on a display together with an image of the game, The notifications include a first notification and a second notification having a higher priority than the first notification, the display processing unit displays the notification together with the image on the display such that the first notification and the second notification are displayed side by side in a notification area provided in the image, and a display mode of the first notification and a display mode of the second notification are different; the display mode of the first notifications is a display mode in which one or more first notifications are arranged and displayed in chronological order in the notification area, and when display of a new first notification is started, display of the oldest first notification among the one or more first notifications is terminated; the display mode of the second notification is a display mode in which the second notification is continuously displayed for a predetermined time in a second area of ​​the notification area other than a first area in which the one or more first notifications are displayed, The display manner of the second notification is a display manner in which, when a priority of a new second notification that is the second notification newly determined by the determination unit is higher than a priority of an old second notification that is the second notification currently being displayed, display of the old second notification is interrupted and display of the new second notification is started, and after display of the new second notification is terminated, display of the old second notification is resumed. Game system.

10. A display control method for controlling display of game images, comprising: a determining step of determining a notification related to the game according to a progress status of the game; a display control step of displaying the notification determined in the determination step on a display together with an image of the game, The notifications include a first notification and a second notification having a higher priority than the first notification, In the display control step, the first notification and the second notification are displayed side by side in a notification area provided in the image, and the notification is displayed on the display together with the image such that a display mode of the first notification and a display mode of the second notification are different from each other; the display mode of the first notifications is a display mode in which one or more first notifications are arranged and displayed in chronological order in the notification area, and when display of a new first notification is started, display of the oldest first notification among the one or more first notifications is terminated; The display mode of the second notification is a display mode in which the second notification is not displayed in a first region of the notification area in which one or more first notifications are displayed, but is continuously displayed for a predetermined time in a second region of the notification area that is not the first region, and then the second notification is displayed as one of the one or more first notifications arranged in chronological order in the first region. Display control method.

11. A display control method for controlling display of game images, comprising: a determining step of determining a notification related to the game according to a progress status of the game; a display control step of displaying the notification determined in the determination step on a display together with an image of the game, The notifications include a first notification and a second notification having a higher priority than the first notification, In the display control step, the first notification and the second notification are displayed side by side in a notification area provided in the image, and the notification is displayed on the display together with the image such that a display mode of the first notification and a display mode of the second notification are different from each other; the display mode of the first notifications is a display mode in which one or more first notifications are arranged and displayed in chronological order in the notification area, and when display of a new first notification is started, display of the oldest first notification among the one or more first notifications is terminated; the display mode of the second notification is a display mode in which the second notification is continuously displayed for a predetermined time in a second area of ​​the notification area other than a first area in which the one or more first notifications are displayed, The display mode of the second notification is a display mode in which, when a priority of a new second notification that is the second notification newly determined in the determining step is higher than a priority of an old second notification that is the second notification currently being displayed, display of the old second notification is interrupted and display of the new second notification is started, and after display of the new second notification is terminated, display of the old second notification is resumed. Display control method.

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