Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device capable of grasping, in a collaborative play, a setting change in a parameter of a game medium to be used in a collaborative play, an information processing method, and a program.SOLUTION: According to one aspect of this inventor, an information processing device includes a request reception part for receiving a participation request for a collaborative play of a quest with a first user from a second user, a display control part for displaying information on a game medium that the second user uses in the collaborative play in a first terminal, and a parameter change part for changing setting of a parameter of the game medium during the collaborative play. If a prescribed condition is established, the parameter change part changes the setting of the parameter to setting different from one if the prescribed condition is not established, and the display control part displays first information showing that the setting of the parameter is changed due to the establishment of the prescribed condition in the first terminal before the start of the collaborative play.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a communication-type (online) game, when a plurality of users play the same quest jointly, each user performs joint play using a game medium such as a character (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Usually, parameters representing performance, attributes, etc. are set for each game medium. Since the difficulty level of a quest by joint play is affected by the parameters of the game medium used by each user, for each user in joint play, the parameters of the game medium used by other users are important information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Also, at the time of performing joint play, the setting of the parameters of the game medium used by each player in joint play may be changed. In such a case, if each user can perform joint play after grasping the change in the parameter setting, each user can perform joint play more advantageously. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program for grasping a change in the setting of parameters of a game medium used in joint play at the time of joint play.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present inventor comprises: a request receiving unit that receives a request from a second user to participate in a joint quest with a first user; a display control unit that displays information regarding the game medium used by the second user in the joint play on the first user's first terminal; and a parameter changing unit that changes the parameter settings of the game medium during joint play. The parameter changing unit changes the parameter settings to different settings than those when the predetermined conditions are not met when a predetermined condition is met, and the display control unit displays first information indicating that the parameter settings will be changed due to the fulfillment of the predetermined condition on the first terminal before the start of joint play. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, when the parameter settings of a game medium used by a second user in co-op play are changed due to the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, the first user can be notified of this before the start of co-op play. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an example of a game screen while playing a quest. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the procedure for selecting characters to use in co-op play. [Figure 3] This is an example of a screen displayed on the first user's device before co-op play begins. [Figure 4] This is an example of a screen that appears on the second user's device before co-op play begins. [Figure 5] This is a conceptual diagram showing an information processing device and peripheral devices according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the functions of an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the user-related information stored in the memory unit. [Figure 8]This diagram shows the information stored in the memory unit, specifically the information about characters that the user can use to play quests. [Figure 9] This diagram shows information related to user relationships, which is stored in the memory unit. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the information related to quests, which is stored in the memory unit. [Figure 11] This is a diagram of an information processing flow using an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the flow of the display data generation process. [Figure 13] This figure shows the functions of an information processing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program of the present invention will be described below with reference to a preferred embodiment shown in the attached drawings (hereinafter referred to as this embodiment).

[0009] The embodiments described below are merely examples provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. In other words, the present invention can be modified or improved upon from the embodiments described below, without departing from its spirit. Naturally, the present invention includes equivalents. Furthermore, the screen examples shown in the drawings referenced in the following description are merely examples, and the screen configuration, the content of the displayed information, and the GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc., can be freely designed and modified according to the system design specifications and user preferences.

[0010] [About the game according to this embodiment] A specific game (hereinafter simply referred to as "game") that can be played through the information processing device according to this embodiment will be described. A game is content that a user plays by operating a terminal for game play while viewing a game screen on the terminal. In this embodiment, it is an online game that utilizes data communication. Online games include browser games using a web browser, social games provided on an SNS (Social Networking Service), games such as mobile games that can be played by downloading dedicated application software, and periodic update type online games such as Play by Web (PBW). Note that the genre (classification) of the game is not particularly limited.

[0011] In this embodiment, the user is a player of the game and can play the game alone or play the game jointly with other users. That is, the game is a co-play compatible game (so-called multiplayer game) in which a plurality of users can play jointly by operating their respective terminals.

[0012] The user plays a game unit called a quest within the game. A quest is played for the purpose of clearing (in other words, satisfying the clear achievement conditions). In this embodiment, a plurality of quests are set, and the content (for example, difficulty level, enemy characters that appear, etc.) changes for each quest. In single play, one user plays a quest, and in co-play, a plurality of users play the same quest jointly during the same time period.

[0013] The user obtains and holds game media in the game and uses or consumes the held game media. The game media is an in-game object that the user uses to advance the game, including playing quests, and for example, in-game characters, items, etc. correspond to it. The characters include a playing character operated by the user and a sub-character (e.g., an auxiliary character) that moves automatically according to the game settings, etc. without being operated by the user. The appearance of the character is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be a living thing such as a person, animal, and plant, a vehicle, a machine such as a robot, an object other than a machine, a fictional character such as a monster, or other characters similar thereto. Items include materials that are used (consumed) by the user and assist or interfere with the user in the game, and a price (in-game currency) that is consumed for exchanging with other items or characters or playing quests.

[0014] When playing a quest, the user designates two or more characters from the characters available for playing the quest and plays the quest using the designated characters. Here, the "characters available for playing the quest" include the characters possessed by the user, the characters that can be borrowed from other users, and the characters that are available for a limited period. More specifically, before starting to play the quest, the user edits the deck by designating n characters from the available characters as shown in FIG. 1. The deck is a team / group of characters designated by the user. The number n of characters constituting the deck is a natural number of 2 or more and is not particularly limited, but hereinafter, the case of n = 4 will be taken as an example for explanation.

[0015] The characters designated to form the deck are classified according to the designated order, and specifically, a frame order is set. For the character designated earliest, the first frame is set, and subsequently, for each of the characters designated second and later, the second, third, and fourth frames are set in order. Here, the first frame corresponds to a specific classification, and the frame orders after the second frame correspond to classifications other than the specific classification. When playing a quest, the characters in your deck are used according to their slot order. For example, when playing a quest where you fight enemy characters, the characters corresponding to the lowest slot order will attack the enemy characters in that order. Decks can be edited for each quest, and multiple decks can be registered in advance, allowing players to select one of them when playing a quest.

[0016] Furthermore, each character available to play Crest has parameters assigned to them that affect game progression. Parameters are indicators of abilities, levels, personalities, characteristics, and attributes that affect the progression of the game for each character, and include those expressed numerically, those expressed as ranks using letters such as "A, B, C...", and those expressed by indicators such as gauges. Some parameters change as the game progresses, while others remain constant and do not change regardless of the game's progression. Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, parameters that change as the game progresses will simply be referred to as "parameters".

[0017] Each character's parameters increase or decrease depending on the type of quest completed using that character, the number of times the quest was completed, and the time of day the quest was played. In addition, in the game, parameters can be changed (more precisely, improved) by using enhancement items or enhancement characters, for example. In this embodiment, each character has multiple parameters, and each character has parameters for items that are common to all characters.

[0018] Here, as an example of a parameter, we will explain the numerical parameter X. Numerical parameter X corresponds to the parameter of the present invention and is set for each character that can be used to play quests. Furthermore, numerical parameter X can increase up to a maximum of Xm through repeated quest completion and enhancement, and the higher the numerical parameter X of a character, the more advantageous effects can be obtained in quests played using that character. Here, "effect" refers to the benefit or disadvantage that the user receives during gameplay. Advantageous effects are beneficial effects for the user during gameplay, such as effects that make it easier to complete quests by improving the parameters of the character being used, and the quality of rewards obtained by completing quests. Examples of effects include increasing rank or rarity, or increasing the number of rewards.

[0019] The effects described above, depending on the numerical parameter X, are granted to the user during or after playing a quest. The content of the effects granted to the user is determined according to the numerical parameter X of the character used in that quest, and in this embodiment, it is determined according to the numerical parameter X of the character corresponding to the first slot in the deck. In other words, the numerical parameter X of the characters corresponding to the second slot and subsequent slots in the deck does not participate in determining the content of the effects granted to the user. In the following explanation, we will use the example of a case where the effect determined by the numerical parameter X is the number of rewards obtained by completing a quest (hereinafter referred to as "clear rewards"). However, naturally, the present invention is not limited to the above case, and the contents described below also apply when the effect is something other than the number of rewards.

[0020] The clear rewards include, with a certain probability, the character corresponding to that quest, specifically, the enemy character that appeared in the quest (for example, the quest's boss character). The number of clear rewards is determined by the numerical parameter X of the character in the first slot of the deck used for that quest. Normally, it is a fixed value (for example, 1), but as the numerical parameter X increases, it becomes easier to get more than the fixed value (for example, 2).

[0021] By the way, each character's numerical parameter X usually increases gradually (continuously) by repeatedly clearing quests using that character, or by performing enhancements using enhancement items or enhancement characters.

[0022] On the other hand, in this embodiment, if a predetermined condition is met, the setting of the numerical parameter X of a predetermined character is changed to a different setting than when the predetermined condition is not met. Specifically, while the predetermined condition is met, the value of the numerical parameter X of the predetermined character is changed to a predetermined value during quest play, or more precisely, temporarily increased. In this case, the user can increase the probability of an increased number of clear rewards by adding that character to the deck and setting it in the first slot of the deck.

[0023] Examples of conditions that temporarily increase the numerical parameter X (hereinafter referred to as parameter change conditions) include the following conditions 1 to 3. Condition 1: Play the special quest with a deck that includes the character to be changed. Second condition: Play the quest at a pre-set date and time. Third condition: In-game effects must occur that correspond to the user's current location.

[0024] To explain the first condition, a special quest is a pre-defined type of quest. Examples include limited-time quests that can be played during events aimed at promoting the game or encouraging gameplay, or designated quests specified by the game provider / operator. Furthermore, a designated quest may be a restricted quest with limitations on the character's parameters (e.g., level). The characters subject to modification are those associated with special quests, whose numerical parameter X is changed during gameplay of these special quests, including co-op play, and correspond to the game medium subject to modification. Examples of characters subject to modification include characters obtainable as quest rewards in limited-time quests, characters recommended for use in specified quests, or characters usable only in limited-time quests or specified quests. Furthermore, when playing restricted quests, the designated character will be a character with parameters that meet the restrictions. If the first condition is met, the numerical parameter X of the character being modified will be temporarily changed during the special quest, and more specifically, it will increase to its maximum value of Xm.

[0025] The second condition is that the parameter change time is set to be regular or irregular, for example, a specific day each month or a specific day each week is set as the parameter change time. Furthermore, if the second condition is met, that is, within the parameter change time, the numerical parameter X of all characters available to play the quest will be changed, and more specifically, it will be temporarily increased to its maximum value of Xm.

[0026] To explain the third condition, during gameplay, the user's current location is determined in real time by the device's GPS (Global Positioning System) function, etc. Then, when the user performs a predetermined action during gameplay, an in-game effect corresponding to the user's current location occurs. An in-game effect is an effect that grants an effect to the user during gameplay, and includes an effect that temporarily changes the numerical parameter X of the character the user possesses (hereinafter referred to as a parameter change effect). Furthermore, if the third condition is met, and more precisely, when the parameter change animation is performed, the numerical parameter X of each character owned by the user is changed, and more specifically, it increases uniformly by a predetermined amount.

[0027] If any one of the above three parameter change conditions is met and the numerical parameter X temporarily rises to its maximum value of Xm during quest play, the effect obtained by playing the quest with that character (i.e., the probability of an increase in the number of clear rewards) will be the same as when the numerical parameter X reaches Xm through repeated quest completion or enhancement. However, this is not limited to this, and the clear reward when clearing a quest using a character whose numerical parameter X has risen to its maximum value of Xm due to the fulfillment of a parameter change condition may be an effect corresponding to the clear reward when clearing a quest using a character whose numerical parameter X has reached Xm through repeated completion or enhancement, for example, a number of rewards set based on the number of clear rewards in the latter case. Note that the numerical parameter X of a character that has been changed due to the fulfillment of the parameter change conditions will revert to its original setting (original value) once the quest using that character is completed.

[0028] [About co-op play] Users can play the same quest together with other users at the same time. This type of cooperative play (multiplayer) is achieved when one user acts as the host and other users are guests. Cooperative play can be implemented using known communication technologies. When one user acts as the host and recruits guests, and other users apply to be guests, a communication path for cooperative play is established, and then the data communication required for cooperative play is carried out according to known communication methods. In the following, a user participating in co-op play as the host will be referred to as the first user, and a user participating in co-op play as a guest will be referred to as the second user.

[0029] The first user selects a quest to be played collaboratively (hereinafter referred to as the "target quest"), requests to play collaboratively, and waits until a second user applies. Applying means requesting to participate in collaborative play of the target quest with the first user, that is, an expression of intent to play the target quest collaboratively with the host as a guest. The first user also has the authority to request the start of collaborative play and can start collaborative play at a time of their choosing. In this embodiment, at least two users are required to start collaborative play, namely the first user and one or more second users.

[0030] The second user applies to participate in a joint play session of the target quest with the first user and plays the quest together with the first user as a guest. If there are multiple first users (i.e., hosts) requesting joint play, the second user selects one of the first users before applying.

[0031] The second user may be any user, a user located near the first user's current location (within a predetermined distance), or a user with a predetermined relationship to the first user. Here, a second user with a predetermined relationship is a second user associated with the first user in the game, for example, a user who has a cooperative relationship with the first user in the game, specifically a user registered as a friend of the first user. The first user can cooperate with the second user who is registered as a friend to progress through the game, and specifically, for example, can borrow the characters owned by the second user who is registered as a friend when editing their deck. However, a user with a predetermined relationship may not be a registered friend; for example, a user with a high degree of interaction, as described later, specifically a user who has played together with the first user more than a predetermined number of times.

[0032] At the start of co-op play, the deck to be used in co-op play is edited. The deck used in co-op play is selected from the characters available for the first and second users to play the target quest. The number of characters n that make up the deck is the same as in normal single-player play (i.e., 4 characters). On the other hand, each of the first and second users selects a number of characters from the total number n that corresponds to the number of users participating in co-op play. In other words, the number of characters each user uses in co-op play changes depending on the number of users participating in co-op play.

[0033] To explain in more detail, if there are two users participating in co-op play, the first user and the second user will each specify two characters, or more specifically, as shown in Figure 2(a), each user will specify the character for the first slot and the character for the second slot. If there are three users participating in co-op play, as shown in Figure 2(b), the first user designates the characters for the first and second slots, and each of the two second users designates the character for the first slot. If there are four users participating in co-op play, as shown in Figure 2(c), the first user and the three second users each designate a character for the first slot.

[0034] When a target quest is cleared through cooperative play, both the first and second users who participated in the cooperative play will receive a clear reward. The number of clear rewards awarded at this time is determined by the numerical parameter X of the character used by each of the first and second users in the cooperative play, and the higher the numerical parameter X of the character used by each user, the greater the reward.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the first user and / or the second user each use multiple characters in co-op play, the number of clear rewards is determined according to the numerical parameter X of the character corresponding to the first slot among those multiple characters. For example, if the second user uses two characters in co-op play and clears the target quest, the number of clear rewards corresponding to the numerical parameter X of the character corresponding to the first slot among the two characters will be awarded to both the first and second users.

[0036] By the way, from the time a request to join a co-op play is received from one or more second users until the co-op play begins, the waiting screen shown in Figure 3 (hereinafter referred to as the pre-co-op play screen G1) is displayed on each of the terminals of the first and second users. The pre-co-op play screen G1 has information display fields for each of the first and second users, and each information display field displays information about each user, as well as information about the character that each user will use in co-op play. Incidentally, in the example shown in Figure 3, the top row is the information display field for the first user, and the rows from the second row onwards are the information display fields for the second user.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, each user's information includes their username and user rank, which changes depending on the number of quests played. As shown in Figure 3, each user's character information includes the type of character they use and an image of that character.

[0038] Furthermore, for playable characters whose predetermined parameters reach predetermined values ​​during co-op play, specifically characters whose numerical parameter X reaches its maximum value Xm, information indicating this fact will be displayed on the pre-co-op play screen G1 (for details, in the corresponding user information display area). One case in which numerical parameter X reaches its maximum value Xm is, as mentioned above, when the numerical parameter X temporarily increases due to the fulfillment of parameter change conditions. In this case, on the pre-co-op play screen G1, the first display mark M1 shown in Figure 3 will be displayed for characters whose numerical parameter X temporarily reaches its maximum value Xm during co-op play.

[0039] The first display mark M1 corresponds to the first piece of information and indicates that the setting of the numerical parameter X will be changed due to the fulfillment of the parameter change conditions, specifically that it will temporarily reach its maximum value Xm. The first user can check the information displayed in each information display field on the screen G1 before the start of co-op play to confirm the information about the character that the second user will use in co-op play. If the first display mark M1 is displayed at that time, the first user can understand that the setting of the numerical parameter X of that character will be changed in co-op play, specifically that it will temporarily increase to its maximum value Xm.

[0040] In this embodiment, when a second user uses two or more characters in co-op play, the first display mark M1 is displayed on the pre-co-op play screen G1 when the parameter change condition is met for the character corresponding to the first slot among the two or more characters used. On the other hand, for the characters corresponding to the second slot and subsequent slots among the two or more characters used, the first display mark M1 is not displayed even if the parameter change condition is met.

[0041] In addition to the above, another case in which the numerical parameter X reaches its maximum value Xm is when the numerical parameter X gradually increases to Xm through repeated quest completion or enhancement. When a character whose numerical parameter X has reached its maximum value Xm in this case (hereinafter referred to as "the specific character") is used in co-op play, the second display mark M2 shown in Figure 3 will be displayed for the specific character on the pre-co-op play screen G1.

[0042] The second display mark M2 corresponds to the second piece of information and has a different design from the first display mark M1. A character displaying the second display mark M2 is a specific character; in other words, the second display mark M2 indicates that the character's numerical parameter X has reached its maximum value Xm, regardless of whether the parameter change conditions are met or not. Note that this specific character corresponds to a specific game medium. Then, the first user can look at the information display fields on the G1 screen before the start of co-op play to check the information about the character that the second user will use in co-op play. If the second display mark M2 is displayed at that time, the first user can recognize that the character is a specific character.

[0043] Furthermore, for certain characters, the second display mark M2 is displayed as described above, while the first display mark M1 is not displayed even if the parameter change conditions are met. Therefore, if the character used by the second user in co-op play is one of the specified characters and the parameter change conditions are met, the only information displayed for that character on the pre-co-op play screen G1 (specifically, the corresponding user information display section) will be the second display mark M2. In other words, for the above-mentioned characters, both the first display mark M1 and the second display mark M2 will not be displayed simultaneously; the second display mark M2 will be displayed preferentially.

[0044] Furthermore, among the second users participating in co-op play, there may be a second user who is registered as a friend of the first user (hereinafter referred to as "Second User A") and a second user who is not registered as a friend of Second User A (hereinafter referred to as "Second User B"). In this case, as shown in Figure 3, the pre-co-op play screen G1 displayed on the first user's terminal will show additional information J regarding the character that Second User A will use in co-op play. Incidentally, in the example shown in Figure 3, the second row is the information display field for Second User A, and the third and fourth rows are the information display fields for Second User B.

[0045] Additional information J corresponds to the third type of information and is different from the first display mark M1 and the second display mark M2. It indicates a parameter of a different type from the numerical parameter X among the character parameters used by the second A user in co-op play. The type and number of parameters indicated by additional information J (hereinafter referred to as selected parameters) are determined by a predetermined procedure. Furthermore, the additional information J regarding the character used by user 2A is displayed on user 1's terminal, but not on user 2B's terminal, as shown in Figure 4.

[0046] Furthermore, if the numerical parameter X of the character used by user 2A temporarily becomes Xm due to the fulfillment of the parameter change condition, the first display mark M1 will be displayed for the character used by user 2A on each terminal of user 1 and user 2B (except when the character used by user 2A is a specific character).

[0047] [Regarding the information processing device and peripheral devices of this embodiment] Next, the information processing device and its peripheral devices according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. In the following description, we will assume a scenario in which four users U1, U2, U3, and U4 are playing together. Here, user U1 corresponds to the first user (host), and users U2, U3, and U4 correspond to second users (guests). Furthermore, user U2 corresponds to a second A user who is registered as a friend of user U1 and has a predetermined relationship with the first user, while users U3 and U4 correspond to second B users who are not friends of user U2 and do not have a predetermined relationship with second A users.

[0048] Users U1 to U4 participating in the co-op play each possess a game terminal (hereinafter referred to as terminals 11 and 12), and operate their respective terminals to play the target quest together. Here, terminal 11, owned by user U1, corresponds to terminal 1, and terminals 12, owned by users U2, U3, and U4, correspond to terminals 2. User U1 operates terminal 11 to request the start of co-op play, specifically by selecting a target quest and recruiting guests. Users U2, U3, and U4 each operate terminal 12 to request participation in the co-op play of the target quest with user U1, that is, to apply as guests.

[0049] Terminals 11 and 12 are client terminals, and specifically consist of personal computers, smartphones, mobile phones, tablet devices, game consoles, television receivers capable of inputting information, or wearable devices. As shown in Figure 5, terminals 11 and 12 are connected to the server 10 via a communication network 14 so as to be able to communicate. The communication network 14 is a communication network consisting of, for example, the Internet or a mobile communication network, and may include LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), intranet, and Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0050] Server 10 is an example of the "information processing device" of the present invention, and is a computer that performs various information processing related to game progression, such as generating and sending / receiving data necessary for game progression, and more specifically, is an SNS server in this embodiment. Server 10 may consist of a single computer, or it may consist of multiple computers distributed in parallel. Furthermore, Server 10 may be a server computer for ASP (Application Service Provider), SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service). In this case, since a series of information processes related to game progression (excluding information input and display) are performed by Server 10, Terminals 11 and 12 only need to input information to be handed over to Server 10 and display information distributed from Server 10.

[0051] As hardware components, the server 10 includes a processor 21, memory 22, communication interface 23, and storage 24, as shown in Figure 5, which are electrically connected via a bus 25. The processor 21 may be composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), MCU (Micro Controller Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc.

[0052] The memory 22 may be composed of semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The communication interface 23 may be configured, for example, by a network interface card or a communication interface board. The data communication standard using the communication interface 23 is not particularly limited and may include communication via Wi-Fi®-based wireless LAN, communication via 3G to 5G or later generations of mobile communication systems, or communication based on LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0053] Storage 24 includes flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), FD (Flexible Disc), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disc), and CD. The storage device may consist of a Compact Disc, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card), or USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory), etc. Furthermore, the storage device 24 may be built into the server 10 or attached to the server body as an external device. Additionally, the storage device 24 may consist of an external computer (e.g., a database server) connected to the server body in a communicative manner. As a technology for recording various types of data, distributed ledger technology such as blockchain may be used to prevent unauthorized data tampering.

[0054] Furthermore, the server 10 has software installed, including an operating system (OS) program and an information processing program for game progression. These programs correspond to the "programs" of the present invention, and are executed by the processor 21, allowing the server 10 to function as an information processing device of the present invention.

[0055] To explain in more detail, by executing the above program, server 10 receives operations from each user through communication with terminals 11 and 12, generates data to advance the game according to the received operations, and transmits the generated data to each user's terminals 11 and 12. In addition, server 10 manages each user's play history, relationships between users (specifically, friend relationships), and information about the characters that each user can use when playing quests. Furthermore, server 10 grants predetermined effects to each user participating in cooperative play, specifically granting clear rewards to each user when they clear the target quest.

[0056] The above program may be obtained by reading it from a computer-readable recording medium, or it may be obtained (downloaded) via a network such as the Internet or an intranet.

[0057] [About the functions of the information processing device of this embodiment] To explain the configuration of server 10 from a functional standpoint, as shown in Figure 6, server 10 has a reception unit 31, a classification and identification unit 32, a game progress unit 33, a memory unit 34, a display control unit 35, a parameter change unit 36, and an effect application unit 37. Of these functional units, the memory unit 34 is realized by memory 22 or storage 24, while the other functional units are realized by the cooperation of various hardware devices constituting server 10 and programs installed on server 10. Each functional unit will be explained in detail below.

[0058] (Reception Department) The reception unit 31 receives game progression operations performed by the user operating terminals 11 and 12 by communicating with terminals 11 and 12, and more specifically, acquires data indicating the content of the operations. User operations received by the reception unit 31 include not only gameplay operations to progress through quests in order to complete them, but also various selections, specifications, instructions, requests, commands, permission or denial, registration, and other input operations performed by the user at various points in the game.

[0059] To explain in more detail, the reception unit 31 has a request reception unit 39 that receives requests related to co-op play, as shown in Figure 6. The request reception unit 39 receives requests to implement co-op play from user U1 (first user), and also receives requests from users U2, U3, and U4 (second users) to participate in co-op play of the target quest with user U1. The request from user U1 includes the result of selecting the target quest and the result of specifying the characters to be used in co-op play. The requests from users U2, U3, and U4 include the result of selecting the host of the co-op play to participate in and the result of specifying the characters to be used in co-op play. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the request receiving unit 39 receives requests to participate in co-op play from multiple second users, specifically three users U2, U3, and U4, and these users include a second A user (user U2) and second B users (users U3 and U4).

[0060] (Classification and Specific Section) The character classification unit 32 identifies the character classification, specifically the character slot order, for each user to use in co-op play. Specifically, during co-op play, each user operates terminals 11 and 12 to specify the character they will use, and this specification operation is received by the reception unit 31 for each user. At this time, each user's character specification operation includes specifying the order in which each user specified the character, i.e., the character slot order. Based on the specification operation of each user received by the reception unit 31, the character classification unit 32 identifies the character slot order (classification) for that user.

[0061] Here, if there are four users participating in co-op play, each user designates one character to use. In this case, the classification unit 32 designates the slot order of each user's character as the first slot. On the other hand, for example, if there are two users participating in co-op play, each user, i.e., the first user and the second user, selects two characters to use. In this case, the classification unit 32 designates the slot order of each of the two characters designated by each user, specifically designating the slot order of the character designated first as the first slot, and designating the slot order of the character designated second as the second slot.

[0062] (Game Management Team) The game progress unit 33 executes processes to advance the game based on user input received by the reception unit 31. Specifically, it moves the character being played in a quest according to the user's input and performs effects and other actions in response to the user's input. Furthermore, when cooperative play is implemented, the game progress unit 33 executes processes to advance the game based on the input of each user participating in the cooperative play.

[0063] (Storage part) The memory unit 34 stores information necessary for playing the game, specifically user information about the user, information about characters available to the user for playing quests, information about the degree of interaction between users, and information about quests.

[0064] User information, as shown in Figure 7, includes, for example, username, user ID, total game play time, user rank, owned characters, owned items, names of other users with whom the user has a friend relationship (a predetermined relationship), and last login time, and is stored for each user who plays the game. Note that user information may include information about the user other than the information shown in Figure 7.

[0065] Information about the characters a user can use to play a quest (usable character information) is stored for each character available to the user, and includes, for example, the character name, character ID, the user who owns the character, the current parameter settings, the flag to be changed, and information about the corresponding quest, as shown in Figure 8. The Change Target Flag indicates whether a character is one whose numerical parameter X is changed when playing a special quest. It is set to "1" if the character is a target character, and to "0" if the character is not. The corresponding quest is a special quest associated with a character whose Change Target Flag is "1," i.e., a target character, and is quest information that changes the setting of the character's numerical parameter X when played using that character. In other words, the target character is stored in the memory unit 34 in association with the special quest. Furthermore, the character information may include information about characters used other than the information shown in Figure 8.

[0066] Information regarding the degree of interaction between users is managed and stored for each user combination, as shown in Figure 9. The degree of interaction between users is an indicator value that represents the level of closeness between users in the game, and is expressed, for example, by the number of times users have participated in cooperative play together, or the frequency of such play over a unit period. In the case shown in Figure 9, the number of times cooperative play has been performed is used as the degree of interaction.

[0067] Quest information, as shown in Figure 10, includes the quest ID, quest area information, appearing characters, and a special quest flag, and is stored for each quest. The special quest flag indicates whether or not the quest is a special quest; it is "1" if it is, and "0" if it is not. Note that the quest information may include information about quests other than the information shown in Figure 10.

[0068] (Display Control Unit) The display control unit 35 controls each user's terminals 11 and 12 during gameplay to display game progress information on the screens of terminals 11 and 12. Specifically, it generates data for displaying information and transmits the generated display data to terminals 11 and 12 via the communication network 14. For example, during quest play, it displays the results of processing by the game progress unit 33 (play status), etc., on terminals 11 and 12. In addition, during co-op play, the display control unit 35 displays the status of co-op play, etc., on each user's terminals 11 and 12.

[0069] Furthermore, the display control unit 35 causes the terminals 11 and 12 of each user participating in the co-op play to display the pre-co-op play screen G1 before the start of co-op play, or more specifically, from the time the request from each user participating in co-op play is received until co-op play begins. In this way, the display control unit 35 displays information about the character that each user will use in co-op play on each user's terminal 11 and 12 before the start of co-op play.

[0070] Furthermore, if the characters used in co-op play include a specific character whose numerical parameter X has reached its maximum value Xm through repeated quest completion or enhancement, the display control unit 35 displays a second display mark M2 as information about that specific character on the pre-co-op play screen G1 (see Figure 3). Moreover, if the characters used in co-op play include a character whose numerical parameter X temporarily rises to its maximum value Xm due to the fulfillment of parameter change conditions, the display control unit 35 displays a first display mark M1 as information about that character on the pre-co-op play screen G1 (see Figure 3). However, while the display control unit 35 displays the second display mark M2 for a specific character, it does not display the first display mark M1 for that specific character, even if the parameter change conditions are met.

[0071] Furthermore, if there are two users, U1 and U2, participating in co-op play, each user will use two playable characters in co-op play. In this case, the display control unit 35 will display the first display mark M1 on the pre-co-op play screen G1 for the character corresponding to the first slot of the two playable characters when the parameter change condition is met. On the other hand, the display control unit 35 will not display the first display mark M1 for the character corresponding to the second slot of the two playable characters, even if the parameter change condition is met.

[0072] Furthermore, the display control unit 35 can display additional information J, which indicates the parameters of the character used by a given user in co-op play (specifically, the selected parameters excluding the numerical parameter X), on the screen G1 before co-op play begins. Here, the additional information J of the character being used is displayed only to users who have the user using that character as a friend. In other words, the display control unit 35 displays the additional information J of the character used by user U2, who is a second A user, on the terminal 11 of user U1 (first user) who has user U2 as a friend, but does not display it on the terminals 12 of users U3 and U4 (second B users) who do not have user U2 as a friend.

[0073] The selection parameters of the character used by user U2, as indicated by the additional information J, are selected by the display control unit 35. Specifically, the display control unit 35 may determine the selection parameters based on information about the character used by user U1 in co-op play, such as attributes or parameters that characterize that character. Specifically, if the parameter Y (e.g., attack power) of user U1's character is relatively high, the display control unit 35 may select a parameter Z (e.g., defense power) from the parameters of the character used by user 2A that is complementary to parameter Y as the selection parameter.

[0074] Furthermore, the display control unit 35 may determine the number of selected parameters to be displayed as additional information J from among the parameters of the character used by user U2, based on the degree of interaction between user U1 and user U2 in the game. For example, the number of selected parameters may be determined to correspond to the number of times user U1 and user U2 have participated in cooperative play together. In this embodiment, the number of selection parameters is determined based on the degree of interaction, but the content and type of selection parameters displayed as additional information J may also be determined based on the degree of interaction.

[0075] Furthermore, while the scenario assumed that user U3 is not a friend of user U2, if user U3 is a user who is friends with user U2, additional information J of user U2's character may be displayed on user U3's terminal 11. In that case, the number of selected parameters from user U2's character parameters that are displayed as additional information J may be determined based on the degree of interaction between user U2 and user U3 in the game.

[0076] (Parameter change section) The parameter modification unit 36 ​​changes the parameter settings of characters available to the user for playing quests, according to the game's progress, etc. For example, while a quest is being played with a certain character, or after the quest has been completed, the parameter modification unit 36 ​​reflects the results of the processing performed by the game progress unit 33 and changes the parameter settings of that character (specifically, the current state or current values, etc.). Also, if a character is enhanced or otherwise modified, the parameter modification unit 36 ​​changes the parameter settings of that character. Furthermore, parameter changes made by the parameter modification unit 36 ​​are not limited to those that improve or enhance the current settings, but may also include those that worsen or decrease the current settings.

[0077] Furthermore, the parameter modification unit 36 ​​changes the parameter settings of the character being used during co-op play when the parameter modification conditions are met. Specifically, it changes the numerical parameter X to a different setting (value) than when the parameter modification conditions are not met. To explain with a specific example, if user U2 requests to participate in co-op play and specifies character #001 as the character to be used in that co-op play, the parameter modification unit 36 ​​will determine whether both of the following conditions (1) and (2) are met for character #001, based on the character information and quest information stored in the memory unit 34. Condition (1): Character #001 is the character to be changed. Condition (2): The quest for which user U2 requested to participate in co-op play is a special quest associated with character #001. Then, if the above conditions (1) and (2) are met, the parameter modification unit 36 ​​changes the setting of the numerical parameter X of character #001 in co-op play, and more specifically, temporarily increases it to the maximum value Xm.

[0078] On the other hand, if either condition (1) or (2) is not met, the parameter modification unit 36 ​​determines whether the time for the co-op play requested by user U2 is within the predetermined time, and more specifically, whether it is within the parameter modification time. If the time for the co-op play is within the parameter modification time, the parameter modification unit 36 ​​changes the setting of the numerical parameter X for all characters, including character #001, and more specifically, temporarily increases it to the maximum value Xm.

[0079] When the parameter change unit 36 ​​increases the numerical parameter X of character #001 to its maximum value Xm due to the fulfillment of the parameter change condition, the display control unit 35 displays the first display mark M1 for character #001. In other words, the first display mark M1 for character #001 is displayed on the pre-cooperative play screen G1, which is drawn on the terminals 11 and 12 of each user participating in cooperative play. Furthermore, the parameter modification unit 36 ​​resets the numerical parameter X of character #001 to its original setting (original value) when the co-op play ends.

[0080] (Effect application section) The effect granting unit 37 grants predetermined effects to each user participating in cooperative play, and in this embodiment, when the target quest is cleared, clear rewards are granted to each of users U1 to U4. The content of the effects granted by the effect granting unit 37, that is, the rate of increase in clear rewards, changes according to the numerical parameter X of the character used by each user in cooperative play. Therefore, when playing cooperatively using a character whose numerical parameter X has temporarily increased to its maximum value Xm due to the fulfillment of the parameter change condition, in other words, a character on which the first display mark M1 is displayed, the number of clear rewards tends to increase.

[0081] Similarly, when playing cooperatively using a specific character whose numerical parameter X has reached its maximum value Xm through repeated quest completion or enhancement, in other words, a character with the second display mark M2 displayed, the number of clear rewards is more likely to increase. In particular, in this embodiment, the content of the effect (increase rate of clear rewards) granted by the effect granting unit 37 in cooperative play is the same whether a character with the first display mark M1 is used or a character with the second display mark M2 is used. However, this is not limited to this, and the increase rate of clear rewards, specifically the number of rewards, when using a character with the second display mark M2 displayed may be determined in correspondence with the increase rate when using a character with the second display mark M2 displayed, for example, it may be set higher or lower by a predetermined value from the latter increase rate.

[0082] Furthermore, if there are two users, U1 and U2, participating in the co-op play, and each user uses two playable characters, the effect granting unit 37 grants each user a number of clear rewards corresponding to the numerical parameter X of the character corresponding to the first slot of the two playable characters. On the other hand, the numerical parameter X of the character corresponding to the second slot does not affect the number of clear rewards.

[0083] [Regarding the information processing method according to this embodiment] Next, as an example of the information processing method of the present invention, an information processing flow (hereinafter referred to as "this flow") using the information processing device (i.e., server 10) according to this embodiment will be described. This flowchart is merely an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps added, or the order of steps rearranged, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0084] This flow is a processing flow related to the implementation of cooperative gameplay, and is executed according to the flow shown in Figure 11 through communication between the user terminals 11 and 12 (i.e., the first terminal and the second terminal) participating in the cooperative play and the server 10. This flow begins with the host, the first user, operating terminal 11 to request the start of co-op play (S001). In step S001, the first user selects the target quest and specifies the characters to be used in co-op play. Server 10 receives the request to start co-op play from the first user through communication with terminal 11 (S002).

[0085] Subsequently, the second user requests to participate in co-op play (S003). Specifically, when the second user requests to participate, they check the first user who has requested to participate in co-op play at that time on terminal 12 and select one of the first users. If the second user wishes to participate in co-op play of the target quest with the selected first user, they request to participate in the co-op play by performing a predetermined operation on terminal 12. At this time, the second user specifies the character to be used in co-op play. Server 10 receives the request to participate in co-op play from the second user through communication with terminal 12 (S004). If multiple second users request to join the same co-op game, server 10 will accept each second user's request separately.

[0086] Next, server 10 identifies the characters that each of the first and second users will use in co-op play, as well as the character slots (categorization) for each user (S005). After that, server 10 executes a display data generation process to generate display data related to the characters used by each identified user (S006).

[0087] The display data generation process proceeds according to the flow shown in Figure 12. In this process, first, the server 10 reads from the storage unit 34 information about the user identified in step S005, information about the quest designated as the target quest for co-op play, and information about the users participating in co-op play (S021).

[0088] Next, the server 10 determines, based on the information read, whether each user's character corresponds to a specific character whose numerical parameter X has reached its maximum value Xm through repeated quest completion or enhancement (S022). Then, the server 10 generates data to display the second display mark M2 for the user's character that corresponds to the specific character (S023).

[0089] Meanwhile, Server 10 determines whether the aforementioned conditions (1) and (2) are met for any user character that does not fall under a specific character category (S024). If conditions (1) and (2) are met, Server 10 temporarily increases the numerical parameter X of the user character to its maximum value Xm during co-op play and generates data to display the first display mark M1 for that user character (S025).

[0090] Furthermore, if either or both of conditions (1) and (2) are not met, the server 10 determines whether the timing of the co-op play is within the parameter change time (S026). If the timing of the co-op play is within the parameter change time, the server 10 temporarily increases the numerical parameter X of the character being used to its maximum value Xm during the co-op play, and generates data to display the first display mark M1 for that character (S025).

[0091] Furthermore, if one user (for example, a second user) uses two or more characters in co-op play, steps S024 to S026 above should only be performed for the character corresponding to the first slot, and not for the characters corresponding to the second and subsequent slots. In other words, for the character corresponding to the first slot, the first display mark M1 will be displayed when the parameter change condition is met, but for the characters corresponding to the second and subsequent slots, the first display mark does not need to be displayed even if the parameter change condition is met.

[0092] Subsequently, server 10 generates data that displays other information (e.g., the character's appearance) for each user's character (S027). This step S027 is also performed if conditions (1) and (2) are not met and the timing of the co-op play is not within the parameter change time.

[0093] Furthermore, if the user to whom the information is displayed is a friend of the user who uses a character in which the numerical parameter X temporarily increases to Xm, the server 10 generates additional data J to display additional information about that character (S029). For example, when generating display data about a character used by a second user (i.e., user 2A), who is a friend of the first user, as display data to be sent to the first user, the server generates additional data J to display the selection parameters of that character. In this case, the selection parameters may be determined based on the attributes or parameters of the character used by the first user in co-op play. Alternatively, the type and number of selection parameters to display may be determined based on the degree of interaction between the first user and user 2A (specifically, the number of co-op play sessions in which both users participated).

[0094] In the display data generation process, the above series of steps S021 to S029 are repeated for each character used in co-op play. The display data generated by the above procedure is then sent to the terminals 11 and 12 of each user participating in co-op play (S030).

[0095] On each terminal 11 and 12 that receives the display data, the pre-cooperative play screen G1 shown in Figure 3 is drawn before the start of cooperative play, and this screen displays information about the characters that each user will use in cooperative play (S007, S008). Specifically, on terminal 11 of the first user, who is the host of cooperative play, information about the character used by the guest, the second user, is displayed on the pre-cooperative play screen G1. If the character used by the second user corresponds to a specific character, a second display mark M2 is displayed for that character.

[0096] Furthermore, if the numerical parameter X of a second user's character is temporarily changed to its maximum value Xm due to the fulfillment of a parameter change condition, the first display mark M1 will be displayed for that character, unless that character corresponds to a specific character. Furthermore, if the second user's character corresponds to a specific character, even if the parameter change conditions are met, the first display mark M1 will not be displayed for that character, and only the second display mark M2 will be displayed.

[0097] As described above, the first user can confirm information about the second user's character, particularly that the numerical parameter X will be temporarily changed to its maximum value Xm upon fulfillment of the parameter change conditions, before starting co-op play. By knowing in advance that the numerical parameter X of the second user's character will be temporarily changed to its maximum value Xm, the first user can approach co-op play expecting to gain a more advantageous effect (specifically, an increase in the number of clear rewards).

[0098] Furthermore, for the character used by User 2A, who is a friend of User 1, additional information J indicating the selection parameters of that character is displayed on User 11 of User 1. This allows User 1 to check parameters other than the numerical parameter X for User 2A's character, and to determine, for example, whether the character has parameters that are advantageous in relation to the character used by User 1.

[0099] Meanwhile, on the second user's terminal 12, information regarding the characters used by the first user and other second users is displayed on the pre-co-op play screen G1. On the pre-co-op play screen G1, a second display mark M2 is displayed for characters that correspond to a specific character, and for characters whose numerical parameter X is temporarily changed to its maximum value Xm due to the fulfillment of parameter change conditions, the first display mark M1 is displayed unless that character corresponds to a specific character.

[0100] Furthermore, when displaying information about a character used by a second user (second B user) who is not a friend of a second user (second B user) on a second user's terminal 12, if the numerical parameter X of that character is changed to the maximum value Xm due to the fulfillment of the parameter change condition, the first display mark M1 will be displayed on the pre-co-op start screen G1 for that character. On the other hand, the additional information J of the second B user's character will not be displayed on the pre-co-op start screen G1.

[0101] Then, after viewing the pre-cooperative play screen G1, the first user instructs the start of cooperative play by performing a predetermined operation on terminal 11 (S009). Server 10 receives the instruction to start cooperative play from the first user through communication with terminal 11 and initiates cooperative play (S010). Please note that the specific procedures and flow of operations after the start of co-op play are publicly known, so we will omit further explanation.

[0102] Then, if the target quest is cleared through cooperative play (S011), the clear reward will be awarded to both the first and second users who participated in the cooperative play (S012). Here, the number of rewards awarded to each user is determined according to the numerical parameter X of the character used by each user in cooperative play, or more specifically, the numerical parameter X of the character corresponding to the first slot among the characters used by each user. Furthermore, the probability of the number of clear rewards awarded to the second user increasing is the same whether the character used by the second user is a character that has the second display mark M2 displayed on the pre-cooperative play screen G1 or a character that has the first display mark M1 displayed.

[0103] [Other embodiments] To date, we have described the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program of the present invention with specific examples. However, the embodiments described above are merely examples, and other embodiments may also be conceivable.

[0104] In the above-described embodiment, a server computer (server 10) that performs information processing for game progression functions as the information processing device of the present invention, but the invention is not limited to this. Server 10 and terminals 11 and 12 may cooperate to constitute the information processing device of the present invention, in which case some of the functions of server 10 in the above-described embodiment may be provided on the user terminals 11 and 12. For example, a function corresponding to the parameter change unit 36 ​​may be provided on terminals 11 and 12.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the method by which each user's terminals 11 and 12 communicate with each other when multiple users play a quest together may be a method via the server 10 (client-server method), or a P2P (peer-to-peer) method that does not involve the server 10. In the case of the P2P method, multiple terminals 11 and 12 that communicate with each other will cooperate to constitute the information processing device of the present invention.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when playing cooperatively, the first user acts as the host and recruits guests, and the second user applies to be a guest. However, the invention is not limited to this, and cooperative play may be conducted without assigning host / guest roles. For example, a quest that can be played by being in a predetermined area in real space may be played cooperatively by multiple users gathered in that area on an equal footing (without assigning roles). The present invention is also applicable in such cases.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the setting of the parameter (specifically, the numerical parameter X) is improved or enhanced when the parameter change condition is met, but the system is not limited to this, and the setting of the parameter may be worsened or reduced when the condition is met. In this case as well, for characters whose parameter settings have been changed due to the condition being met, it is preferable to display first information (such as a sign corresponding to the first display mark M1) indicating this before the start of co-op play.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, additional information J indicating the selection parameters for the character used by the second user (second A user), who is a friend of the first user, is displayed on the first user's terminal 11 before the start of co-op play. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the type and number of selection parameters indicated by additional information J are determined based on the information (attributes, parameters, etc.) of the character used by the first user in co-op play, or the degree of interaction between the first user and second A user. However, other examples (hereinafter, modified examples) are possible for determining the selection parameters.

[0109] The following describes modified examples with reference to Figure 13. Note that, in the following, we will mainly describe the differences between the modified examples and the embodiments described above, and will omit explanations of points that are common to the embodiments described above.

[0110] The modified information processing device differs from the device of the above-described embodiment in that it includes a ranking determination unit 38, as shown in Figure 13. The ranking determination unit 38 determines the priority order for each of the multiple parameters of the character used by the second A user in co-op play. The method of determining the priority order is not particularly limited, but for example, the priority order for each of the multiple parameters may be determined based on information related to the quest in which co-op play takes place (target quest), such as the attributes of enemy characters that appear during the quest. Alternatively, the priority order for each of the multiple parameters may be determined based on information related to the character used by the first user in co-op play, specifically the attributes or parameters of the character being used.

[0111] Then, after the ranking unit 38 determines the priority for each of the multiple parameters, the display control unit 35 selects the parameters from the multiple parameters according to their priority, for example, selecting the top N parameters (where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 1) with the highest priority. The display control unit 35 then displays the parameters selected in the above manner as additional information J on the first user's terminal 11 before the start of co-op play. This allows the first user to check which parameters of the second user's character have a high priority in relation to the target quest and the first user's character before the start of co-op play.

[0112] [summary] The present invention is achieved by the configurations shown in [1] to

[13] below, and each configuration can produce various effects.

[0113] [1] The information processing device of the present invention comprises: a request receiving unit that receives a request from a second user to participate in a joint quest with a first user; a display control unit that displays information regarding the game medium used by the second user in the joint play on the first terminal of the first user; and a parameter changing unit that changes the parameter settings of the game medium during joint play. The parameter changing unit changes the parameter settings to different settings than when the predetermined conditions are not met when a predetermined condition is met, and the display control unit displays first information indicating that the parameter settings will be changed due to the fulfillment of the predetermined condition on the first terminal before the start of joint play. With the above configuration, if the parameters of the game medium used by the second user in co-op play are changed due to the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, the first user can be notified of this before the co-op play begins. This allows the first user to understand the impact of the changes to the parameters of the game medium used by the second user and to engage in co-op play accordingly.

[0114] [2] In the information processing device of the present invention, a game medium whose parameters are changed during co-op play is stored in the memory unit in association with a quest, and the parameter change unit determines whether the following conditions (1) and (2) are met, and if conditions (1) and (2) are met, it may change the parameter settings of the game medium used by the second user in co-op play. Condition (1): The game medium used by the second user in co-op play is the game medium to be changed. Condition (2): The quest for which the second user requested to participate in co-op play is associated with the game medium to be changed. According to the above configuration, in co-op play of a quest associated with the game medium to be modified, when a second user uses the game medium to be modified, the parameter settings of that game medium are changed. This allows, for example, if the parameters of the game medium to be modified are improved due to the fulfillment of conditions (1) and (2), a second user who has access to the game medium to be modified can be motivated to use that game medium to play the quest co-op. In addition, the first user can understand the impact of the changes to the parameter settings of the game medium (game medium to be modified) used by the second user and engage in co-op play accordingly.

[0115] [3] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the parameter changing unit may determine whether the timing for implementing cooperative play is a predetermined time, and if the timing for implementing cooperative play is a predetermined time, it may change the parameter settings. According to the above configuration, for example, if the parameters improve when cooperative play is performed at a predetermined time, the second user can be motivated to play cooperatively at that predetermined time.

[0116] [4] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, if the game medium used by the second user in co-op play is a specific game medium in which the parameters have reached a predetermined value regardless of whether the predetermined conditions are met, the display control unit may display second information different from the first information on the first terminal before the start of co-op play for the specific game medium, and may not display the first information on the first terminal even if the predetermined conditions are met. According to the above configuration, for game media where the second information is displayed (specific game media), the parameters have reached predetermined values ​​regardless of whether the predetermined conditions are met or not. Therefore, even if the predetermined conditions are met, there is no need to display the first information. Consequently, the display of the first information for specific game media can be omitted, which makes it easier to view, for example, the screen that the first user checks before starting co-op play, i.e., the screen displaying information about the game media used by the second user.

[0117] [5] The information processing device of the present invention may include an effect-granting unit that grants effects to a second user in co-op play. In this case, the effect-granting unit may grant the same effect to the second user when the second user uses a game medium displaying the first information in co-op play, and when the second user uses a game medium displaying the second information in co-op play. According to the above configuration, the same effect is granted to the second user in co-op play whether the second user uses a game medium displaying the first information or a game medium displaying the second information. As a result, it becomes easier to motivate the second user to play co-op using a game medium whose parameter settings have been changed upon the fulfillment of predetermined conditions.

[0118] [6] In the information processing device of the present invention, the number of game media used by each user in co-op play may change depending on the number of users participating in co-op play. The information processing device of the present invention may also have a classification identification unit that identifies classifications based on the second user's specified operation for each of the two or more game media when a second user uses two or more game media in co-op play. When predetermined conditions are met, the display control unit displays first information for game media that fall under a specific classification among the two or more game media before the start of co-op play, and does not display first information for game media that fall under classifications other than the specific classification. According to the above configuration, for game media that fall under categories other than the specific categories, the first information will not be displayed, even if the predetermined conditions are met. In other words, the display of the first information for game media that fall under categories other than the specific categories will be omitted, thereby making it easier to see, for example, the screen that the first user checks before starting co-op play.

[0119] [7] The information processing device of the present invention may include an effect-granting unit that grants effects to a second user in co-op play. Furthermore, when a second user uses two or more game media in co-op play, the effect-granting unit may grant the second user effects corresponding to the parameters of a game media that falls into a specific category among the two or more game media. According to the above configuration, it becomes possible to omit the display of the first information for game media that fall under categories other than the specific category. Specifically, when a second user uses two or more game media in co-op play, the parameters of game media that fall under categories other than the specific category do not affect the effects granted to the second user. Therefore, since there is no need to display the first information for game media that fall under categories other than the specific category, the display of the first information can be omitted.

[0120] [8] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, if the request receiving unit receives requests to participate in co-op play from multiple second users, and the multiple second users include a second A user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user and a second B user who does not have a predetermined relationship with the second A user, the display control unit may display information regarding the game medium that the second A user will use in co-op play on the first terminal and the second terminal of the second B user before the start of co-op play. Furthermore, if the parameter settings of the game medium that the second A user will use in co-op play are changed when predetermined conditions are met, the display control unit may display first information and a third information different from the first information on the first terminal before the start of co-op play, and display first information on the second terminal before the start of co-op play without displaying the third information. According to the above configuration, when the parameter settings of a game medium used by User 2A in co-op play are changed due to the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, the first information is displayed to users participating in co-op play, regardless of whether a predetermined relationship exists. On the other hand, the third information regarding the game medium is displayed to users who have a predetermined relationship, while the third information is not displayed to users who do not have a predetermined relationship. As a result, in the game, users who have a predetermined relationship with User 2A (First User) are displayed to users who do not have a predetermined relationship with User 2A. (User 2B) can be treated more favorably.

[0121] [9] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the display control unit may display third information on the first terminal before the start of co-op play, which indicates selected parameters among the parameters of the game medium used by the second A user in co-op play, based on information about the game medium used by the first user in co-op play. According to the above configuration, the selection parameters displayed as third-party information among the parameters of the game medium used by the second user A in co-op play are determined according to the game medium used by the first user in co-op play. This allows the first user to determine, for example, whether the game medium used by the second user A has parameters that are advantageous in relation to the game medium used by the first user, before co-op play begins.

[0122]

[10] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the display control unit may display third information indicating the parameters of the game medium used by the second A user in co-op play on the first terminal before the start of co-op play. In this case, the display control unit may determine the number of parameters to be displayed as third information based on the degree of interaction between the first user and the second A user in the game. According to the above configuration, the number of parameters displayed as third-party information among the game medium parameters used by the 2A user in co-op play is determined according to the degree of interaction between the 1st user and the 2A user. As a result, in the game, the more interaction there is with the 2A user, the more advantageously the 1st user can be treated.

[0123]

[11] The information processing device of the present invention may include a priority determination unit that determines the priority of each of the multiple parameters of a game medium used by the second A user in co-op play. In this case, the display control unit may display the parameter selected from the multiple parameters according to the priority as third information. According to the above configuration, before the start of co-op play, the first user can check which of the multiple parameters possessed by the character used by the second A user has the highest priority, determined in a predetermined manner.

[0124]

[12] The information processing method of the present invention is characterized in that a computer receives a request from a second user to participate in a joint quest with a first user, the computer displays information regarding the game medium that the second user will use in the joint play on the first terminal of the first user, the computer changes the settings of the parameters of the game medium during the joint play, and when a predetermined condition is met, the computer changes the parameter settings to a different setting than when the predetermined condition is not met, and the computer displays first information indicating that the parameter settings will be changed due to the fulfillment of the predetermined condition on the first terminal before the start of the joint play. According to the method described above, if the parameters of the game medium used by the second user in co-op play are changed due to the fulfillment of certain conditions, the first user can be notified of this before the start of co-op play.

[0125]

[13] The program of the present invention is characterized in that it causes a computer to receive a request from a second user to participate in a joint quest with a first user, to display information about the game medium that the second user will use in the joint play on the first terminal of the first user, to change the settings of the game medium parameters during the joint play, to cause the computer to change the parameter settings to different settings than when the predetermined conditions are not met when predetermined conditions are met, and to display first information indicating that the parameter settings will be changed when predetermined conditions are met on the first terminal before the start of the joint play. By running the above program on a computer, if the parameters of the game medium used by the second user in co-op play are changed due to the fulfillment of certain conditions, the first user can be notified of this before the co-op play begins. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0126] 10. Server (Information Processing Device) 11,12 terminals 14. Communications Network 21 processors 22 memory 23 Communication Interfaces 24 storage 25 buses 31 Reception Department 32 Classification Specific Sections 33 Game Management Section 34 Storage section 35 Display Control Unit 36 Parameter Change Section 37 Effect-granting section 38. Ranking Section 39 Request Reception Department G1 Co-op Play Pre-Start Screen J Additional Information (Third Information) M1 First display mark (first information) M2 2nd display mark (2nd information)

Claims

1. Having one or more processors, The one or more processors mentioned above are: The second user accepts a request to participate in a quest co-op with the first user. A screen is displayed on the first user's first terminal containing information about the game medium used by the second user in the co-op play, which includes additional information indicating a different type of parameter than the parameters that are temporarily changed during the co-op play if the second user is registered as a friend of the first user, and which does not include the additional information if the second user is not registered as a friend of the first user. When a predetermined condition is met, the parameters of the game medium used during the co-op play are temporarily changed to values ​​different from those when the predetermined condition is not met. First information indicating that the parameters will be temporarily changed upon the fulfillment of the predetermined conditions is attached to the information regarding the game medium being used and displayed on the screen before the start of the co-op play. After the aforementioned screen is displayed, the system receives an instruction from the first user to start co-op play with the second user. An information processing device that, in the co-op play using the game medium in which the parameters have been temporarily changed, grants an effect to the second user according to the parameters of the game medium in which the parameters have been temporarily changed.

2. One or more processors receive a request from the second user to participate in a co-op quest with the first user. The one or more processors cause the first user's first terminal to display a screen on which the first user's first terminal has information relating to the game medium used by the second user in the co-op play, which includes additional information indicating a different type of parameter than the parameters that are temporarily changed during the co-op play if the second user is registered as a friend of the first user, and which does not include the additional information if the second user is not registered as a friend of the first user. When one or more of the aforementioned processors meet predetermined conditions, they temporarily change the parameters of the game medium being used during co-op play to values ​​different from those when the predetermined conditions are not met. The one or more processors attach first information indicating that the parameters are temporarily changed when the predetermined conditions are met to the information regarding the game medium being used, and display it on the screen before the start of the co-op play. The one or more processors receive a command from the first user to start co-op play with the second user after the screen is displayed, An information processing method in which one or more processors, in the co-op play using the game medium in which the parameters have been temporarily changed, grant an effect to a second user according to the parameters of the game medium in which the parameters have been temporarily changed.

3. One or more processors, The second user will accept the request to participate in a co-op quest with the first user. A screen is displayed on the first user's first terminal containing information about the game medium used by the second user in the co-op play, which includes additional information indicating a different type of parameter than the parameters that are temporarily changed during the co-op play if the second user is registered as a friend of the first user, and which does not include the additional information if the second user is not registered as a friend of the first user. When a predetermined condition is met, the parameters of the game medium used during the co-op play are temporarily changed to values ​​different from those when the predetermined condition is not met. First information indicating that the parameters will be temporarily changed upon the fulfillment of the predetermined conditions is attached to the information regarding the game medium being used and displayed on the screen before the start of the co-op play. After the aforementioned screen is displayed, the first user gives an instruction to start co-op play with the second user. A program that, in the co-op play using the game medium in which the parameters have been temporarily changed, grants an effect to the second user according to the parameters of the game medium in which the parameters have been temporarily changed.

4. An information processing system including a server and a terminal capable of communicating with the server, The aforementioned server, The second user accepts a request to participate in a quest co-op with the first user. A screen is displayed on the first user's first terminal containing information about the game medium used by the second user in the co-op play, which includes additional information indicating a different type of parameter than the parameters that are temporarily changed during the co-op play if the second user is registered as a friend of the first user, and which does not include the additional information if the second user is not registered as a friend of the first user. When a predetermined condition is met, the parameters of the game medium used during the co-op play are temporarily changed to values ​​different from those when the predetermined condition is not met. First information indicating that the parameters will be temporarily changed upon the fulfillment of the predetermined conditions is attached to the information regarding the game medium being used and displayed on the screen before the start of the co-op play. After the aforementioned screen is displayed, the first terminal receives an instruction from the first user to start co-op play with the second user. An information processing system that, in the co-op play using the game medium in which the parameters have been temporarily changed, grants an effect to the second user according to the parameters of the game medium in which the parameters have been temporarily changed.

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