Game system, terminal device, game server, game control method, and game program

Abstract

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, provided is a game system comprising a terminal device and a game server, both of which cooperate to advance a game, wherein: the terminal device comprises a first means for transmitting, to the game server, terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device; the game server comprises a second means for generating a restoration code tied to the terminal identification information; the game server comprises a third means for storing, in a storage unit, restoration information for restoring the advanced game, the terminal identification information, and the restoration code in association with each other; the game server comprises a fourth means for transmitting the restoration code to the terminal device; the terminal device comprises a fifth means for generating and storing a restoration image corresponding to the restoration code transmitted from the game server; the terminal device comprises a sixth means for identifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from a user to the terminal device; the terminal device comprises a seventh means for transmitting, to the game server, a restoration request which includes the restoration code corresponding to the identified restoration image and the terminal identification information; the game server comprises an eighth means for determining whether to approve restoration of the game, on the basis of whether or not the terminal identification information included in the restoration request matches the terminal identification information associated with the restoration code included in the restoration request in the storage unit; the game server comprises a ninth means for transmitting the restoration information to the terminal device when a determination is made to approve restoration of the game; and the terminal device comprises a tenth means for restoring the game on the basis of the restoration information.

Description

Game system, terminal device, game server, game control method and game program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a game system, a terminal device, a game server, a game control method, and a game program.

[0002] A method of transferring a game using a transfer code is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent No. 5978379

[0004] Make the game recoverable.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, [1] a game system comprising a terminal device and a game server, the two of which cooperate to progress a game, wherein the terminal device comprises first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server, the game server comprises second means for generating a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information, the game server comprises third means for storing in a storage unit recovery information for recovering a progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in association with each other, the game server comprises fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device, the terminal device comprises fifth means for generating and saving a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code transmitted from the game server, the terminal device comprises sixth means for specifying the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device, and the terminal device comprises seventh means for transmitting to the game server a recovery request including the recovery code and the terminal identification information corresponding to the specified recovery image, The game server is provided with an eighth means for determining whether to approve the restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the restoration request matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the restoration code included in the restoration request, the game server is provided with a ninth means for transmitting the restoration information to the terminal device when it is determined that the restoration of the game is approved, and the terminal device is provided with a tenth means for restoring the game based on the restoration information.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, [2] a game system comprising a terminal device and a game server, the two of which cooperate to progress a game, wherein the terminal device comprises first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server, the game server comprises second means for generating a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information, the game server comprises third means for storing recovery information for recovering a progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other, the game server comprises fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device, the terminal device comprises fifth means for generating and saving a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code transmitted from the game server, the terminal device comprises sixth means for specifying the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device, and the terminal device comprises seventh means for transmitting a recovery request to the game server, the recovery request including the specified recovery image and the terminal identification information, The game server comprises an eighth means for determining whether to approve the restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the restoration request matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request; the game server comprises a ninth means for transmitting the restoration information to the terminal device when it is determined that the restoration of the game is approved; and the terminal device comprises a tenth means for restoring the game based on the recovery information.

[0007] [3] The game system according to [1 or 2], wherein the progression of the game includes obtaining game media, and the fifth means generates the restored image including an image corresponding to the game media.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, [4] a game system comprising a terminal device and a game server, the two of which cooperate to progress a game, wherein the terminal device comprises first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server, the game server comprises second means for generating a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information and a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code, the game server comprises third means for storing recovery information for recovering a progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other, the game server comprises fourth means for transmitting the recovery image to the terminal device, the terminal device comprises fifth means for saving the recovery image transmitted from the game server, the terminal device comprises sixth means for specifying the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device, and the terminal device comprises seventh means for transmitting a recovery request to the game server, the recovery request including the specified recovery image and the terminal identification information, The game server comprises an eighth means for determining whether to approve the restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the restoration request matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request; the game server comprises a ninth means for transmitting the restoration information to the terminal device when it is determined that the restoration of the game is approved; and the terminal device comprises a tenth means for restoring the game based on the recovery information.

[0009] [5] In the game system described in any one of [1] to [4], preferably, the third means stores first status information indicating whether or not the restoration image has been saved in association with the restoration code, the fifth means transmits save completion information to the game server in response to saving of the restoration image, the third means updates the first status information in response to receiving the save completion information, and the eighth means determines whether or not to approve the restoration of the game based also on the first status information.

[0010] [6] In the game system described in any of [1] to [4], preferably, the third means stores second status information indicating whether or not the game has been restored in association with the restoration code, the tenth means transmits restoration completion information to the game server in response to the restoration of the game, the third means updates the second status information in response to receiving the restoration completion information, and the eighth means determines whether or not to approve the restoration of the game based also on the second status information.

[0011] [7] In the game system described in any one of [1] to [4], preferably, the tenth means transmits recovery completion information to the game server in response to recovery of the game, and the third means deletes the recovery code stored in the memory unit in response to receiving the recovery completion information.

[0012] [8] In the game system described in any of [1] to [7], preferably, the second means is capable of generating multiple recovery codes for one terminal identification information, the third means associates and stores multiple user accounts for one terminal identification information, and associates and stores recovery codes and recovery information for each of the multiple user accounts, the fifth means is capable of generating recovery images corresponding to each recovery code, and the sixth means presents two or more saved recovery images to the user and identifies the recovery image selected by the user.

[0013] [9] In the game system described in any one of [1] to [8], preferably, the sixth means presents to the user the selected recovery image and information corresponding to the recovery information associated with the recovery code associated with the recovery image.

[0014]

[10] In the game system described in any one of [1] to [9], preferably, the fifth means is capable of outputting the restored image from the terminal device to an external device, and the sixth means identifies the restored image by using a camera provided in the terminal device to capture the restored image shown on a medium different from the terminal device.

[0015]

[11] In the game system according to any one of [1] to

[10] , preferably, the restored image includes a QR code.

[0016]

[12] In the game system according to any one of [1] to

[11] , preferably, when the terminal device is initialized, the terminal identification information is updated.

[0017]

[13] In the game system described in any one of [1] to

[12] , preferably, the ninth means sets a validity period and transmits the recovery information to the terminal device, and the tenth means recovers the game based on the recovery information only within the validity period.

[0018]

[14] In the game system described in any one of [1] to

[13] , preferably, the game is realized by installing a game program in the terminal device, and the restoration image saved by the fifth means is not deleted even if the game program is uninstalled.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[15] a game control method in a game system including a terminal device and a game server, the two of which cooperate to progress a game, wherein the terminal device transmits terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server, the game server generates a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information, the game server associates recovery information for restoring the progressed game with the terminal identification information and the recovery code in a storage unit, the game server transmits the recovery code to the terminal device, the terminal device generates and saves a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code transmitted from the game server, the terminal device identifies the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device, the terminal device transmits a recovery request to the game server, the recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information, and the game server determines whether to permit recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the recovery request matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the recovery code included in the recovery request, The game control method includes the steps of: when the game server determines that the recovery of the game is permitted, transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device; and the terminal device recovering the game based on the recovery information.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[16] a game control method in a game system including a terminal device and a game server, the two of which cooperate to progress a game, wherein the terminal device transmits terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server, the game server generates a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information, the game server associates recovery information for restoring the progressed game with the terminal identification information and the recovery code, and stores the association in a storage unit, the game server transmits the recovery code to the terminal device, the terminal device generates and saves a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code transmitted from the game server, the terminal device identifies the recovery image in response to a game restoration instruction from a user to the terminal device, the terminal device transmits a recovery request including the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information to the game server, and the game server determines whether to permit recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the recovery request matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the recovery code corresponding to the recovery image included in the recovery request, The game control method includes the steps of: when the game server determines that the recovery of the game is permitted, transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device; and the terminal device recovering the game based on the recovery information.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[17] a game control method in a game system including a terminal device and a game server, both of which cooperate to progress a game, wherein the terminal device transmits terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server, the game server generates a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information and a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code, the game server associates the recovery information for restoring the progressed game with the terminal identification information and the recovery code in a storage unit, the game server transmits the recovery image to the terminal device, the terminal device saves the recovery image transmitted from the game server, the terminal device specifies the recovery image in response to a game restoration instruction from a user to the terminal device, the terminal device transmits a restoration request including the specified restoration image and the terminal identification information to the game server, and the game server determines whether to permit restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the restoration request matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the recovery code corresponding to the recovery image included in the restoration request, The game control method includes the step of: when it is determined that the game server is to permit the recovery of the game, the game server transmits the recovery information to the terminal device; and the terminal device recovers the game based on the recovery information.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a terminal device

[18] that cooperates with a game server to progress a game, the terminal device comprising: first means for transmitting terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device to the game server; fifth means for generating and saving a recovery image that corresponds to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information, which is transmitted from the game server; sixth means for identifying the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device; seventh means for transmitting a recovery request to the game server, the recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information; and tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game, which is transmitted from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[19] there is provided a game program that causes a terminal device that cooperates with a game server to progress a game to function as: first means for transmitting terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device to the game server; fifth means for generating and saving a recovery image that corresponds to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information and that is transmitted from the game server; sixth means for identifying the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device; seventh means for transmitting a recovery request to the game server that includes the recovery code and the terminal identification information that correspond to the identified recovery image; and tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game that is transmitted from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[20] a game control method is provided in which a terminal device that cooperates with a game server to progress a game: transmits terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device to the game server; generates and saves a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information that is transmitted from the game server; identifies the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device; transmits a recovery request to the game server that includes the recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information; and restores the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game that is transmitted from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[21] there is provided a game server that cooperates with a terminal device to progress a game, comprising: second means for generating a recovery code linked to terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device and is transmitted from the terminal device; third means for storing in a memory unit recovery information for recovering the progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in association with each other; fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device; eighth means for determining whether to approve recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a recovery request that is transmitted from the terminal device and includes the recovery code and the terminal identification information matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code included in the recovery request; and ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is approved.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[22] there is provided a game program that causes a game server that cooperates with a terminal device to progress a game to function as: second means for generating a recovery code associated with terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device and is transmitted from the terminal device; third means for storing in a memory unit recovery information for recovering the progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in association with each other; fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device; eighth means for determining whether to approve recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a recovery request that is transmitted from the terminal device and includes the recovery code and the terminal identification information matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code included in the recovery request; and ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is approved.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[23] a game control method is provided in which a game server that cooperates with a terminal device to progress a game generates a recovery code linked to terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device and is transmitted from the terminal device, associates the recovery information for recovering the progressed game with the terminal identification information and stores the recovery code in a memory unit, transmits the recovery code to the terminal device, determines whether to allow recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a recovery request that includes the recovery code and the terminal identification information and is transmitted from the terminal device matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code included in the recovery request, and transmits the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is allowed.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a terminal device

[24] that cooperates with a game server to progress a game, the terminal device comprising: first means for transmitting terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device to the game server; fifth means for generating and saving a recovery image that corresponds to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information, which is transmitted from the game server; sixth means for identifying the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device; seventh means for transmitting a recovery request including the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information to the game server; and tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game, which is transmitted from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

[0029] According to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[25] there is provided a game program that causes a terminal device that cooperates with a game server to progress a game to function as: first means for transmitting terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device to the game server; fifth means for generating and saving a recovery image that corresponds to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information and that is transmitted from the game server; sixth means for identifying the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device; seventh means for transmitting a recovery request to the game server that includes the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information; and tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game that is transmitted from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[26] a game control method is provided in which a terminal device that cooperates with a game server to progress a game transmits terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device to the game server, generates and saves a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code that is transmitted from the game server and that is associated with the terminal identification information, identifies the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device, transmits a recovery request to the game server that includes the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information, and restores the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game that is transmitted from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[27] there is provided a game server that cooperates with a terminal device to progress a game, comprising: second means for generating a recovery code linked to terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device and is transmitted from the terminal device; third means for storing in a memory unit, in association with recovery information for recovering the progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code; fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device; eighth means for determining whether to approve recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a recovery request that is transmitted from the terminal device and includes a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code and the terminal identification information matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code that corresponds to the recovery image included in the recovery request; and ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is approved.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[28] there is provided a game program that causes a game server that progresses a game in cooperation with a terminal device to function as: second means for generating a recovery code linked to terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device and is transmitted from the terminal device; third means for storing in a memory unit, in association with recovery information for recovering the progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code; fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device; eighth means for determining whether to approve recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a recovery request that is transmitted from the terminal device and includes a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code and the terminal identification information matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code that corresponds to the recovery image included in the recovery request; and ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is approved.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[29] a game control method is provided in which a game server that cooperates with a terminal device to progress a game generates a recovery code linked to terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device and is transmitted from the terminal device, associates the recovery information for recovering the progressed game with the terminal identification information and stores the recovery code in a memory unit, transmits the recovery code to the terminal device, determines whether to allow recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a recovery request that includes a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code and the terminal identification information and is transmitted from the terminal device matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code that corresponds to the recovery image included in the recovery request, and transmits the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is allowed.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a terminal device

[30] that cooperates with a game server to progress a game, the terminal device comprising: first means for transmitting terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device to the game server; fifth means for saving a recovery image that is transmitted from the game server and that is associated with the terminal identification information; sixth means for identifying the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device; seventh means for transmitting a recovery request that includes the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information to the game server; and tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game that is transmitted from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[31] there is provided a game program that causes a terminal device that cooperates with a game server to progress a game to function as: first means for transmitting terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device to the game server; fifth means for saving a recovery image that is transmitted from the game server and that is associated with the terminal identification information; sixth means for identifying the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device; seventh means for transmitting a recovery request to the game server that includes the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information; and tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game that is transmitted from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

[0036] According to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[32] a game control method is provided in which a terminal device that cooperates with a game server to progress a game transmits terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device to the game server, saves a recovery image that is transmitted from the game server and is associated with the terminal identification information, identifies the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device, transmits a recovery request to the game server that includes the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information, and restores the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game that is transmitted from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[33] there is provided a game server that cooperates with a terminal device to progress a game, comprising: second means for generating a recovery code linked to terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device and is transmitted from the terminal device, and a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code; third means for storing in a memory unit, in association with the recovery information for recovering the progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code; fourth means for transmitting the recovery image to the terminal device; eighth means for determining whether to approve the recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a recovery request that is transmitted from the terminal device and includes the recovery image and the terminal identification information matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code that corresponds to the recovery image included in the recovery request; and ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is approved.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[34] there is provided a game program that causes a game server that progresses a game in cooperation with a terminal device to function as: second means for generating a recovery code that is linked to terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device and is transmitted from the terminal device, and a recovery image that corresponds to the recovery code; third means for storing recovery information for recovering the progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a memory unit in association with each other; fourth means for transmitting the recovery image to the terminal device; eighth means for determining whether to approve recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a recovery request that is transmitted from the terminal device and includes the recovery image and the terminal identification information matches the terminal identification information that is associated in the memory unit with the recovery code that corresponds to the recovery image included in the recovery request; and ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is approved.

[0039] According to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[35] there is provided a game control method in which a game server that cooperates with a terminal device to progress a game generates a recovery code linked to terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device and is transmitted from the terminal device, and a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code, associates the recovery information for restoring the progressed game with the terminal identification information and the recovery code, and stores the recovery information in a memory unit, transmits the recovery image to the terminal device, determines whether to allow recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a recovery request that is transmitted from the terminal device and includes the recovery image and the terminal identification information matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code that corresponds to the recovery image included in the recovery request, and transmits the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is allowed.

[0040] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a game system comprising a terminal device and a game server, the two of which cooperate to progress a game, the game system generating a recovery code linked to terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device, storing recovery information for restoring the progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in association with each other in a memory unit, generating and saving a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code, identifying the recovery image, generating a recovery request including the identified recovery image or the recovery code corresponding thereto, and the terminal identification information, determining whether to allow recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the recovery request matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery image included in the recovery request or the recovery code corresponding thereto, and if it is determined that recovery of the game is allowed, restoring the game based on the recovery information.

[0041] You can restore the game.

[0042] 9B. A block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game system according to a first embodiment. A diagram schematically showing the structure of a storage unit 11. A diagram schematically showing information stored in a storage unit 21. A sequence diagram showing an example of processing operations of the game system. A diagram schematically showing a home screen for the game. A diagram schematically showing a screen for saving a restored image. A diagram schematically showing a generated restored image. A sequence diagram showing an example of processing operations of the game system. A flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining whether restoration is possible. A diagram schematically showing an example of a restoration request. A diagram schematically showing an example of a restoration request. A diagram schematically showing an example of a restoration request. A diagram schematically showing a data restoration screen. A diagram schematically showing a screen displayed after the screen of FIG. 9A. A diagram schematically showing a screen displayed after the screen of FIG. 9B. A diagram schematically showing information stored in a storage unit 21 according to a first modified example. A sequence diagram showing an example of processing operations of a game system according to a first modified example. A flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining whether restoration is possible according to the first modified example. A sequence diagram showing an example of processing operations of a game system according to a second modified example. A diagram schematically showing information stored in a storage unit 21 according to a second modified example. A sequence diagram showing an example of a processing operation of a game system. A block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game system according to a third embodiment. A sequence diagram showing an example of a processing operation of a game system.

[0043] There is a need to restore a game that has been partially completed. For example, after deleting (uninstalling) an installed game program, there are cases where players want to restart the game from its original state rather than starting over from the beginning. Or, in a game where items are acquired randomly at the start of the game, players may want to repeatedly install and uninstall the game program and restart the game with the best items they have obtained (a so-called "reset marathon" (risemara)).

[0044] In response to these needs, a method for easily restoring a game is proposed.

[0045] 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a game system according to a first embodiment. The game system includes a terminal device 1 and a game server 2 that can communicate with each other. There is no particular limit to the number of terminal devices 1, and the game server 2 may be composed of two or more devices.

[0046] The terminal device 1 is any computer used by a user, and is typically a smartphone or tablet, but may also be a personal computer or a dedicated game terminal.

[0047] The terminal device 1 may have a storage unit 11, a processor 12, a communication unit 13, a display 14, a touch panel 15, a camera 16, etc. Although not shown, the terminal device 1 may have a speaker and an output terminal for outputting various data to the outside as an output interface in addition to the display 14. Furthermore, the terminal device 1 may have a microphone, etc. as an input interface in addition to the touch panel 15 and the camera 16.

[0048] Unless otherwise specified, the storage unit 11 may be a storage medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory) built into the terminal device 1, or may be a storage medium such as an SD card (registered trademark) inserted externally into the terminal device 1. As shown in FIG. 2 , a game information storage area 111 is provided in part of the storage unit 11. A game program for the terminal device 1 is stored in the game information storage area 111. Data related to the game implemented by this game program, such as information about characters appearing in the game and information about items obtained during the game, is also stored in the game information storage area 111. When the game program is uninstalled (deleted), the data stored in the game information storage area 111 is also deleted.

[0049] Returning to FIG. 1 , the terminal device 1 may have a game control unit 171, a terminal identification information transmission unit 172, a recovery image generation unit 173, a recovery image specification unit 174, a recovery request transmission unit 175, a recovery processing unit 176, etc. Some or all of these units may be realized by the processor 12 executing a game program stored in the storage unit 11. Alternatively, some of these units may be functions of the OS (Operating System) of the terminal device 1. Alternatively, some or all of these units may be implemented by hardware.

[0050] The game control unit 171 progresses the game in cooperation with the game server 2. As a specific example, the game control unit 171 progresses the game in response to user operations via an input interface such as the touch panel 15, and outputs the progress of the game from an output interface such as the display 14. The progress of the game is shared with the game server 2. Furthermore, in order to enable recovery of the game, the game control unit 171 can request the game server 2 to record or update the progress of the game as recovery information (described later).

[0051] The progress of a game is linked to a user's user account. Note that a user account does not necessarily correspond one-to-one with a user. For example, a new user account may be created each time a game program is installed. In this case, if a user repeatedly installs and uninstalls a game program, multiple user accounts will correspond to that user.

[0052] The terminal identification information transmission unit 172 transmits information for identifying the terminal device 1 (hereinafter referred to as "terminal identification information") to the game server 2 via the communication unit 13. To prevent the terminal identification information from being misused, it is preferable that the terminal identification information transmission unit 172 encrypts the terminal identification information before transmitting it. It is also more preferable that the terminal identification information transmission unit 172 use a different encryption key for each transmission.

[0053] The terminal identification information may be generated by the terminal identification information transmission unit 172 itself, or may be generated by a function of the OS of the terminal device 1. When the terminal device 1 is initialized, it is desirable that the terminal identification information be updated. Furthermore, the terminal identification information is stored in a storage area different from the game information storage area 111 in the storage unit 11 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, even if the game program is uninstalled, the terminal identification information is not lost.

[0054] The recovery image generation unit 173 generates and stores a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code (described later) received from the game server 2 via the communication unit 13. The storage location may be the storage unit 11 of the terminal device 1 or an external storage medium. When storing the recovery image in the storage unit 11 of the terminal device 1, it is desirable to store the recovery image in a storage area different from the game information storage area 111 in the storage unit 11 (see FIG. 2). This allows the recovery image to be preserved even if the game program is uninstalled by mistake or the like, without being deleted, making recovery possible.

[0055] There is a one-to-one correspondence between the recovery code received from the game server 2 and the generated recovery image. As an example, the recovery image may include a QR code, and the recovery code corresponding to the recovery image may be determined by analyzing the QR code. Alternatively, the recovery image and the corresponding recovery code may be stored in the storage unit 11 (preferably, a storage area different from the game information storage area 111).

[0056] In addition, the restored image generating unit 173 transmits storage completion information to the game server 2 via the communication unit 13 in response to the storage of the restored image.

[0057] In response to a request from a user, the recovery image identification unit 174 identifies (acquires) a recovery image to be used to recover the game. Then, the recovery image identification unit 174 acquires a recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image. As a specific example, the recovery image may include a QR code, and the recovery image identification unit 174 may analyze the QR code included in the identified recovery image to acquire the recovery code. Note that the analysis may not be performed by the recovery image identification unit 174, but may be performed using a function of the OS or another application installed on the terminal device 1.

[0058] The restoration request sending unit 175 generates a restoration request for restoring the game and sends it to the game server 2. This restoration request includes a restoration code corresponding to the restoration image identified by the restoration image identifying unit 174 and terminal identification information.

[0059] The recovery processing unit 176 recovers the game based on recovery information received from the game server 2 via the communication unit 13 .

[0060] On the other hand, the game server 2 may have a memory unit 21, a processor 22, a communication unit 23, etc. The game server 2 may also have a game control unit 231, a recovery code generation unit 232, an association unit 233, a recovery code transmission unit 234, a recovery possibility determination unit 235, a recovery information transmission unit 236, etc. Some or all of these units may be realized by the processor 22 executing a game program for the game server 2 stored in the memory unit 21. Alternatively, some or all of these units may be implemented by hardware.

[0061] The game control unit 231 progresses the game in cooperation with the game server 2. The game control unit 231 grasps the progress of the game and generates recovery information for restoring the progressed game. The recovery information is generated for each user account. The recovery information may also be updated as the game progresses. The timing for generating or updating the recovery information is arbitrary, and may be, for example, when a game is started and an item is obtained, when a request is made by the user, when a specific event is cleared, at a fixed time, or at a predetermined time.

[0062] The recovery code generation unit 232 generates a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information transmitted from the terminal device 1. The recovery code is a unique code and is composed of character information such as alphanumeric characters. By generating a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information, it becomes possible to recover the game only on a specific terminal device 1. This makes it difficult for a third party to steal the recovery code, improving security.

[0063] 3 , the associating unit 233 associates the terminal identification information transmitted from the terminal device 1, the user account, the recovery code generated by the recovery code generating unit 232, the recovery information generated by the game control unit 231, and the save status information, and stores them in the storage unit 21. The save status information indicates whether or not the recovery image corresponding to the recovery code has been saved by the terminal device 1. The save status information is initially set to "unsaved." Thereafter, the save status information is updated to "saved" in response to receiving save completion information transmitted from the terminal device 1.

[0064] In the example of FIG. 3, a user account U10, a recovery code R10, recovery information A, and storage status information "unsaved" are associated with terminal identification information T1.

[0065] On the other hand, the terminal identification information T2 is associated with the user account U20, recovery code R20, recovery information B, and storage status information "saved," and is also associated with the user account U21, recovery code R21, recovery information C, and storage status information "saved." In this way, it is desirable to associate two or more user accounts, recovery codes, recovery information, and storage status information with one terminal identification information. However, one recovery code, recovery information, and storage status information are associated with one user account.

[0066] When performing a reroll, a different user account is set up each time the game program is installed. For example, two user accounts U20 and U21 are set up for terminal device 1 with terminal identification information T2. ​​Therefore, it is desirable that the recovery code generation unit 232 be able to generate two or more recovery codes for one terminal identification information.

[0067] 1 , the recovery code transmission unit 234 transmits the recovery code generated by the recovery code generation unit 232 to the terminal device 1 via the communication unit 23. In detail, the recovery code associated with the terminal identification information transmitted from the terminal device 1 is transmitted to the terminal device 1.

[0068] The recovery possibility determination unit 235 determines whether to permit recovery of the game when a recovery request is sent from the terminal device 1. Specifically, the recovery possibility determination unit 235 makes the determination based on the terminal identification information and recovery code included in the recovery request from the terminal device 1 and the information stored by the association unit 233.

[0069] If the recovery possibility determination unit 235 determines that the recovery of the game is permitted, the recovery information transmission unit 236 transmits recovery information associated with the recovery code included in the recovery request to the terminal device 1 via the communication unit 23.

[0070] 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation of the game system, illustrating the procedure for generating and saving a recovery image. Although not shown in the figure, it is assumed that the game control unit 171 of the terminal device 1 and the game control unit 231 of the game server 2 cooperate to progress the game, and recovery information is saved in the storage unit 21 at appropriate times.

[0071] The terminal identification information transmitting unit 172 of the terminal device 1 transmits the terminal identification information (and the user account, if necessary) to the game server 2 (step S11). The timing of transmission is arbitrary, and may be when the game program is installed, when the game is started, when a specific screen (for example, the home screen) is displayed for the first time, or when an instruction is given by the user.

[0072] When the game server 2 receives the terminal identification information, the recovery code generation unit 232 of the game server 2 generates a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information (step S21). Then, the association unit 233 associates the terminal identification information, user account, recovery code, recovery information, and saved status information and stores them in the storage unit 21 (step S22). Then, the recovery code transmission unit 234 transmits the recovery code to the terminal device 1 (step S23).

[0073] Then, the recovery image generation unit 173 of the terminal device 1 generates and saves a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code (step S12). The generation and saving of the recovery image may be performed automatically in response to the terminal device 1 receiving the recovery code, or may be performed based on an operation by the user. Upon completing the generation and saving of the recovery image, the recovery image generation unit 173 transmits, to the game server 2, save completion information (and terminal identification information, if necessary) indicating that the recovery image has been saved (step S13).

[0074] When the save completion information is received by the game server 2, the associating unit 233 of the game server 2 updates the save status information associated with the recovery code sent in step S23 to "saved" (step S24).

[0075] The generation and storage of restored images will be described below with reference to game screens. Each screen described below is generated by the restored image generation unit 173 and / or the game control unit 171, for example.

[0076] 5A is a diagram showing a typical home screen of a game. This home screen is displayed on the display 14 after, for example, a game program is executed to launch the game app and a login operation for inputting a user account, etc. This home screen includes a restored image save icon 52 for generating and saving a restored image.

[0077] 5B is a diagram schematically illustrating a screen for saving a restored image, which is displayed on the display 14 in response to the user selecting the restore image save icon 52 on the home screen of FIG. 5A. The restored image may include a QR code (registered trademark) 64. The restored image may also include any image.

[0078] As an example, the recovery image generation unit 173 displays a plurality of selectable images 61-63 on the display 14. The recovery image generation unit 173 then superimposes the image selected by the user on the original QR code 64 (however, the superimposition is performed in a manner that does not interfere with reading the QR code). As a result, the recovery image generation unit 73 generates a recovery image composed of the image selected by the user and the QR code 64. The plurality of images 61-63 displayed here are preferably images corresponding to recovery information (game progress status). The images 61-63 may be, for example, images corresponding to items or characters (game media) obtained as the game progresses, or images corresponding to the ongoing (or completed) scenario.

[0079] Including such an image in the recovery image makes it easier for the user to intuitively understand the state in which the game will be restored. For example, assuming a reroll, it is preferable to generate a recovery image that includes items obtained at the start of the game. For example, when image 62 is selected in FIG. 5B, a recovery image 65 is generated and saved, in which image 62 is superimposed on a QR code 64, as shown in FIG. 5C.

[0080] Any image may be included in the recovery image. For example, the recovery image may include an image corresponding to a game or a scenario in the game. If the recovery image includes an image corresponding to the recovery information, the recovery image can be viewed using a general-purpose image viewing app or a preview screen without executing the game program or even if the game program is deleted. This makes it easy to identify what data (recovery information) the recovery image relates to.

[0081] It is also desirable that the screen shown in FIG. 5B display precautions and the like as needed.

[0082] This is how a recovery image is generated. Even if the game program is uninstalled, the recovery code is not deleted. Therefore, by keeping the recovery image, if the game program is reinstalled, the game can be restored using the saved recovery image.

[0083] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation of the game system, illustrating the procedure for restoring a game using a restoration image.

[0084] In response to an operation by a user who desires to restore the game, the restoration image specification unit 174 of the terminal device 1 specifies a restoration image (step S31). Then, the restoration image specification unit 174 acquires a restoration code corresponding to the specified restoration image (step S32). Furthermore, the restoration request transmission unit 175 transmits a restoration request including the restoration code and terminal identification information to the game server 2 (step S33). Such a restoration request requires a small amount of data, thereby reducing the load on communications.

[0085] When the recovery request is received by the game server 2, the recovery possibility determination unit 235 of the game server 2 determines whether recovery is possible based on the recovery request and the information stored in the storage unit 21 (step S41).

[0086] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining whether recovery is possible. First, the recovery possibility determination unit 235 acquires terminal identification information (hereinafter referred to as "first terminal identification information") included in the recovery request. The determination possibility determination unit also acquires terminal identification information (hereinafter referred to as "second terminal identification information") associated with the recovery code included in the recovery request from the storage unit 21. Then, the recovery possibility determination unit 235 determines whether the first terminal identification information and the second terminal identification information match (step S51).

[0087] If they do not match (NO in step S51), the recovery possibility determination unit 235 does not allow the recovery (step S52). In this way, the game cannot be recovered on a terminal device 1 other than the terminal device 1 that generated the recovery image, thereby improving security.

[0088] If they match, the recovery possibility determination unit 235 checks the storage status information associated with the recovery code included in the recovery request in the storage unit 21 .

[0089] If the storage status information indicates that the restored image has not been saved (NO in step S53), the recovery possibility determination unit 235 does not approve the recovery (step S52). This makes it difficult to recover based on a recovery image that has not been saved, and it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts such as forging a recovery code or a recovery image.

[0090] If the storage status information indicates that the restored image has already been stored (YES in step S53), the restoration possibility determination unit 235 approves the restoration (step S54).

[0091] The recovery possibility determination unit 235 may check whether the recovery code is stored in the storage unit 21, and if it is not stored, may not allow recovery at that point in time. This prevents fraudulent recovery using a recovery code that has been tampered with.

[0092] Below, three cases will be illustrated assuming that the information shown in FIG. 3 is stored in the storage unit 21. Assume that the recovery request sent from the terminal device 1 includes terminal identification information T3 and recovery code R30, as shown in FIG. 8A. In this case, the first terminal identification information included in the recovery request is T3. Meanwhile, the second terminal identification information associated with the recovery code R30 included in the recovery request in the storage unit 21 is T3. Therefore, the two pieces of terminal identification information match (YES in step S51 in FIG. 8). Furthermore, the storage status information associated with the recovery code R30 in the storage unit 21 is "saved" (YES in step S52 in FIG. 8). Therefore, the recovery feasibility determination unit 235 approves recovery.

[0093] Assume that the recovery request sent from the terminal device 1 contains terminal identification information T4 and recovery code R30, as shown in FIG. 8B. In this case, the first terminal identification information included in the recovery request is T4. Meanwhile, in the storage unit 21, the second terminal identification information associated with the recovery code R30 included in the recovery request is T3. Therefore, the two pieces of terminal identification information do not match (NO in step S51 in FIG. 8). Therefore, the recovery feasibility determination unit 235 does not approve the recovery.

[0094] Assume that the recovery request sent from the terminal device 1 includes terminal identification information T1 and recovery code R10, as shown in FIG. 8C. In this case, the first terminal identification information included in the recovery request is T1. Meanwhile, in the storage unit 21, the second terminal identification information associated with the recovery code R10 included in the recovery request is T1. Therefore, the two match (YES in step S51 in FIG. 8). However, in the storage unit 21, the saved status information associated with the recovery code R10 is "unsaved" (NO in step S52 in FIG. 8). Therefore, the recovery feasibility determination unit 235 does not approve the recovery.

[0095] It is also possible to omit step S53 without providing the storage status information.

[0096] 6 , if the recovery possibility determination unit 235 determines that recovery is possible (YES in step S42), the recovery information transmission unit 236 of the game server 2 refers to the storage unit 21 and transmits recovery information associated with the recovery code included in the recovery request to the terminal device 1 (step S43). For example, in the case of FIG. 8A , recovery information D ( FIG. 3 ) associated with recovery code R30 is transmitted to the terminal device 1.

[0097] The recovery information transmission unit 236 may set a validity period and transmit the recovery information to the terminal device 1. The validity period may be, for example, within a predetermined time (for example, within 15 minutes) from the time of transmission from the game server 2 or reception by the terminal device 1, or may be until a predetermined time point (for example, 12:00 on June 1, 2023).

[0098] When the terminal device 1 receives the recovery information, the recovery processing unit 176 of the terminal device 1 recovers the game based on the recovery information (step S34). If a validity period is set in the recovery information, the recovery processing unit 176 recovers the game only within the validity period.

[0099] Below, game recovery using recovery images will be explained with reference to game screen examples. Fig. 9A is a diagram schematically illustrating a data recovery screen. This screen is displayed on the display 14 by selecting the menu icon 51 on the home screen of Fig. 5A, for example, and then performing an operation for data transfer. Recovery images can be obtained by selecting a recovery image stored in the storage unit 11 or by scanning with the camera 16, and corresponding icons 71 and 72 are displayed.

[0100] To select a restored image stored in the storage unit 11, the user selects the icon 71. In response to this selection, the restored image specifying unit 174 displays one or more restored images 81 to 83 stored in the storage unit 11 on the display 14, as shown in FIG.

[0101] Here, restoration images 81 to 83 may include images 62, 821, and 831 selected by the user. In the example of Fig. 9B, restoration image 81 is restoration image 64 shown in Fig. 5C. By including such images 62, 821, and 831 in the restoration images, the user can more easily intuitively understand the state in which the game will be restored.

[0102] When the user selects one of the restoration images, the restoration image specification unit 174 associates the selected restoration image with information corresponding to the associated restoration information and displays the image on the display 14, as shown in Fig. 9C . In the example screen shown in Fig. 9C , the information corresponding to the restoration information includes the last login date and time, parameters (e.g., level) of a main character (e.g., the protagonist character), and at least some of the acquired items (game media) 91 to 93.

[0103] Then, when the data recovery icon 94 is selected by the user on the screen example of FIG. 9C, the recovery image selected on FIG. 9B is identified by the recovery image identification unit 174.

[0104] On the other hand, a restored image can also be selected by scanning with the camera 16 as follows. The restored image generation unit 173 of the terminal device 1 can output the generated restored image to the outside. The output restored image is then displayed on a medium other than the terminal device 1. For example, it may be displayed on a display other than the display 14 of the terminal device 1, or it may be printed on a paper medium.

[0105] 9A, when the scan icon 72 is selected, the restored image specifying unit 174 activates the camera 16. The camera 16 then captures a restored image displayed on a medium different from the terminal device 1, allowing the restored image specifying unit 174 to specify the restored image.

[0106] In this way, it is possible to restore the game. By enabling the restoration only by the terminal device 1 that generated the restoration image, security is improved. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the user's selection of the restoration image can be simplified, making the restoration work easier. For example, compared to restoration using a takeover code, there is no need to manually input the takeover code, and there is no need to set a password. Furthermore, since the user can select the restoration image in a short time, power consumption of the terminal device 1 can be reduced.

[0107] As a modification of the first embodiment, if the game has already been restored, restoration may not be permitted. Two specific modifications to achieve this will be described.

[0108] 10A is a diagram schematically illustrating information stored in the storage unit 21 according to the first modified example, and corresponds to FIG. 3 . As illustrated, the association unit 233 associates a recovery code with recovery status information and stores the associated information in the storage unit 21. The recovery status information is initially set to “unsaved.” Thereafter, the recovery status information is updated to “saved” in response to receiving recovery completion information (described later) transmitted from the terminal device 1.

[0109] Fig. 10B is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation of the game system according to the first modified example, and corresponds to Fig. 6. Steps S31 to S34 and S41 to S43 in Fig. 10B are the same as those in Fig. 6. Then, in response to the recovery of the game based on the recovery information (step S34), the recovery processing unit 176 of the terminal device 1 transmits recovery completion information to the game server 2 (step S35). The recovery completion information can also be considered information indicating that the game has been recovered.

[0110] When the recovery completion information is received by the game server 2, the associating unit 233 of the game server 2 updates the recovery status information associated with the recovery code sent in step S23 to "recovered" (step S44).

[0111] Fig. 10C is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining whether or not recovery is possible according to the first modified example, and corresponds to Fig. 7. Steps S51 and S52 in Fig. 10C are the same as those in Fig. 7.

[0112] If the terminal identification information (first terminal identification information) included in the recovery request matches the terminal identification information (second terminal identification information) associated with the recovery code included in the recovery request in the memory unit 21 (YES in step S51), the recovery feasibility determination unit 235 checks the recovery status information associated with the recovery code included in the recovery request in the memory unit 21.

[0113] If the restoration status information indicates that the game has already been restored (YES in step S53'), the restoration possibility determination unit 235 does not approve the restoration (step S52).

[0114] If the restoration status information indicates that the game has not yet been restored (NO in step S53'), the restoration possibility determination unit 235 approves restoration (step S54).

[0115] In this way, by storing the recovery code in association with the recovery status information indicating whether or not the game has been restored, it is possible to prevent further recovery attempts using the recovery image used for the previous recovery. Note that both the save status information ( FIG. 3 ) and the recovery status information ( FIG. 10A ) may be associated with the recovery code, and recovery feasibility may be determined based on both pieces of status information.

[0116] 11A is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation of the game system according to the second modified example, and corresponds to FIG. 10B. Steps S31 to S35 and S41 to S44 in FIG. 11A are the same as those in FIG. 10B. When the recovery completion information is received by the game server 2, the associating unit 233 of the game server 2 deletes the recovery code transmitted in step S23 (step S44′).

[0117] For example, if the information shown in FIG. 3 is stored in the memory unit 21 and the game is restored using the restoration code R20, the association unit 233 deletes the restoration code R20 as shown in FIG. 11B.

[0118] As a result, even if the recovery code R20 is subsequently transmitted from the terminal device 1, the recovery possibility determination unit 235 will not approve the recovery because the recovery code R20 is not stored in the storage unit 21. In this way, it is possible to not approve a second recovery using the recovery image used for the recovery.

[0119] Another modification will now be described. It is possible that the game program may be deleted after the recovery image is saved. Therefore, upon receiving the recovery code, the game server 2 may check whether the game program is installed on the terminal device 1 that sent the recovery code. If the game program is installed, the processing operation shown in FIG. 6 is performed.

[0120] On the other hand, when a restoration request is sent from the terminal device 1 from which the game program has been deleted, the game server 2 may direct the terminal device 1 to a website for downloading the game program. In this way, the user can perform the restoration process by selecting a restoration image without having to reinstall the deleted game program in advance, thereby simplifying the restoration procedure.

[0121] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment described above, a recovery code corresponding to a recovery image is transmitted from the terminal device 1 to the game server 2 (step S33 in FIG. 6). In contrast, in the second embodiment described next, a recovery image is transmitted from the terminal device 1 to the game server 2. Below, the points in common with the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified, and the explanation will focus on the points that are different from the first embodiment.

[0122] The general configuration of the game system may be the same as that shown in Fig. 1 , except for the processing operation of the recovery request sending unit 175. More specifically, the recovery request sending unit 175 sends a recovery request including the recovery image identified by the recovery image identifying unit 174 and the terminal identification information to the game server 2.

[0123] Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation of the game system, and corresponds to Fig. 6 (procedure for restoring a game using a restored image). The difference from Fig. 6 is the part surrounded by the dashed line.

[0124] In response to an operation by a user who desires to restore the game, the restoration image specification unit 174 of the terminal device 1 specifies a restoration image (step S31). Then, the restoration request transmission unit 175 transmits a restoration request including the restoration image specified by the restoration image specification unit 174 (not the restoration code) and the terminal identification information to the game server 2 (step S33').

[0125] When the game server 2 receives the recovery request, the recovery possibility determination unit 235 of the game server 2 acquires a recovery code corresponding to the recovery image included in the received recovery request (step S40). As an example, the recovery image includes a QR code, and the recovery possibility determination unit 235 analyzes the QR code included in the recovery image to acquire the recovery code. The recovery possibility determination unit 235 then determines whether recovery is possible based on the acquired recovery code, the terminal identification information included in the recovery request, and the information stored in the storage unit 21 (step S41). A specific example of the determination process may be as shown in FIG. 7 (however, in step S51 in the figure, the "recovery code included in the recovery request" should be read as the "recovery code corresponding to the recovery image included in the recovery request"). The subsequent process is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0126] In this embodiment, the acquisition of a recovery code corresponding to a recovery image (for example, analysis of a QR code) is performed by the game server 2, not by the terminal device 1. This reduces the processing load on the terminal device 1, prevents tampering on the terminal device 1 side, and reduces security risks such as information leakage. Furthermore, since the terminal device 1 does not necessarily need to analyze the recovery image, the terminal device 1 does not need an application for analysis.

[0127] (Third Embodiment) In the first and second embodiments described above, a recovery code is transmitted from the game server 2 to the terminal device 1 (step S23 in FIG. 4), and the terminal device 1 generates a recovery image (step S12 in the same figure). In contrast, in the third embodiment described next, the game server 2 generates a recovery image and transmits it to the terminal device 1. Below, the points in common with the first and second embodiments will be omitted or simplified, and the explanation will focus on the differences from the first and second embodiments.

[0128] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game system according to the third embodiment. The difference from FIG. 1 is that the game server 2 includes a recovery code / recovery image generation unit 232′ and a recovery image transmission unit 234′ instead of the recovery code generation unit 232 and the recovery code transmission unit 234 shown in FIG. 1 . The recovery code / recovery image generation unit 232′ generates a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information transmitted from the terminal device 1. Furthermore, the recovery code / recovery image generation unit 232′ generates a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code. The recovery image transmission unit 234′ then transmits the generated recovery image to the terminal device 1 via the communication unit 23.

[0129] 1. The terminal device 1 also has a restored image storage unit 173′ in place of the restored image generation unit 173 in FIG.

[0130] Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation of the game system, and corresponds to Fig. 4 (procedure for generating and saving a restored image). The difference from Fig. 4 is the part surrounded by the dashed line.

[0131] The terminal identification information transmitting unit 172 of the terminal device 1 transmits the terminal identification information (and the user account, if necessary) to the game server 2 (step S11).

[0132] When the game server 2 receives the terminal identification information, the recovery code / recovery image generation unit 232' of the game server 2 generates a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information, and further generates a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code (step S21'). The association unit 233 associates the terminal identification information, user account, recovery code, recovery information, and saved status information and stores them in the storage unit 21 (step S22). Furthermore, the association unit 233 may associate the recovery code and the recovery image and store them in the storage unit 21. Then, the recovery image transmission unit 234' transmits the recovery image to the terminal device 1 (step S23').

[0133] Then, the restored image storage unit 173′ of the terminal device 1 stores the restored image from the game server 2 (step S12′). When the storage of the restored image is completed, the restored image storage unit 173′ transmits storage completion information indicating that the restored image has been stored (and terminal identification information, if necessary) to the game server 2 (step S13).

[0134] When the save completion information is received by the game server 2, the associating unit 233 of the game server 2 updates the save status information associated with the recovery code sent in step S23 to "saved" (step S24).

[0135] The procedure for restoring a game using a restoration image may be as shown in Fig. 10. That is, a restoration request including the restoration image is sent from the terminal device 1 to the game server 2 (step S33' in Fig. 10), and a restoration code corresponding to the restoration image is acquired (step S40). If the restoration code and the restoration image are stored in association with each other in the storage unit 21, the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image may be acquired by referring to the storage unit 21.

[0136] In this embodiment as well, the recovery code corresponding to the recovery image is obtained by the game server 2, not by the terminal device 1. In addition, in this embodiment, it is not necessary for the terminal device 1 to generate the recovery image. This further reduces the processing load on the terminal device 1, prevents tampering on the terminal device 1 side, and reduces security risks such as information leakage. Furthermore, since the terminal device 1 is not required to analyze or generate the recovery image, the terminal device 1 does not need applications for analysis or image generation.

[0137] While the above example illustrates the restoration of a game, the present disclosure can be applied to the restoration of any digital content, not just games. For example, the present disclosure can be applied to restoring activity status in an application that uses a virtual space, such as the Metaverse, or restoring a read section in an e-book application. In this case, an image related to the digital content or an image related to the progress of the digital content may be used as an image corresponding to the restoration information included in the restoration image.

[0138] The programs mentioned in this specification may be distributed by being non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, or may be distributed via a communication line (including wireless communication) such as the Internet, or may be distributed in an installed state on any terminal.

[0139] The inventions described in this specification are not limited to the individual embodiments described above, and various additions, modifications, combinations, and partial deletions are possible as appropriate.

[0140] For example, what is described herein as a single device (including what is depicted in the drawings as a single device) may be realized by multiple devices. Conversely, what is described herein as multiple devices (including what is depicted in the drawings as multiple devices) may be realized by a single device. Alternatively, some or all of the means and functions included in a device (e.g., a game server) may be included in another device (e.g., a terminal device).

[0141] Furthermore, parts of one embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments to the extent that no inconsistency arises. Furthermore, not all of the features described in this specification are essential. In particular, features described in this specification but not recited in the claims are optional additional features.

[0142] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the term "means" in this specification and claims refers to hardware itself (or a function realized by hardware) and does not include a human being (or human mental activity).

[0143] The applicant is merely aware of the inventions disclosed in the documents listed in the "Prior Art Documents" section of this specification, and the inventions described herein do not necessarily aim to solve the problems of the disclosed inventions. The problem to be solved by the claimed invention should be determined by taking into consideration the entire specification. For example, if a specific configuration in this specification achieves a certain effect (including when it is explicitly stated or can be inferred from the configuration), it can also be said that the problem that is the reverse of the specified effect is solved. However, this does not necessarily mean that such a specific configuration is an essential requirement.

[0144] 1 Terminal device 11 Memory unit 111 Game information storage area 12 Processor 13 Communication unit 14 Display 15 Touch panel 16 Camera 171 Game control unit 172 Terminal identification information transmission unit 173 Recovery image generation unit 173' Recovery image storage unit 174 Recovery image identification unit 175 Recovery request transmission unit 176 Recovery processing unit 2 Game server 21 Memory unit 22 Processor 23 Communication unit 231 Game control unit 232 Recovery code generation unit 232' Recovery code / recovery image generation unit 233 Association unit 234 Recovery code transmission unit 234' Recovery image transmission unit 235 Recovery possibility determination unit 236 Recovery information transmission unit 51 Menu icon 52 Recovery image storage icon 61 to 63, 821, 831 Image 64 QR code 65, 81 to 83 Restored image 71, 72 icon

Claims

1. A game system comprising a terminal device and a game server, the two working together to progress a game, wherein the terminal device comprises a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server, the game server comprises a second means for generating a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information, the game server comprises a third means for storing in a memory unit recovery information for recovering a game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in association with each other, the game server comprises a fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device, the terminal device comprises a fifth means for generating and saving a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code transmitted from the game server, the terminal device comprises a sixth means for identifying the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction issued to the terminal device by a user, and the terminal device comprises a seventh means for transmitting to the game server a recovery request including the recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information, The game server comprises an eighth means for determining whether or not to approve the recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the recovery request matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code included in the recovery request; the game server comprises a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is approved; and the terminal device comprises a tenth means for recovering the game based on the recovery information.

2. A game system comprising a terminal device and a game server, the two working together to progress a game, wherein the terminal device comprises a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server, the game server comprises a second means for generating a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information, the game server comprises a third means for storing in a memory unit recovery information for recovering a progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in association with each other, the game server comprises a fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device, the terminal device comprises a fifth means for generating and storing a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code transmitted from the game server, the terminal device comprises a sixth means for identifying the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction issued to the terminal device by a user, and the terminal device comprises a seventh means for transmitting to the game server a recovery request including the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information, The game server comprises an eighth means for determining whether or not to approve the recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the recovery request matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code corresponding to the recovery image included in the recovery request; the game server comprises a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is approved; and the terminal device comprises a tenth means for recovering the game based on the recovery information.

3. A game system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein progression of the game includes obtaining game media, and the fifth means generates the restoration image including an image corresponding to the game media.

4. A game system comprising a terminal device and a game server, the two of which cooperate to progress a game, wherein the terminal device comprises a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server, the game server comprises a second means for generating a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information and a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code, the game server comprises a third means for storing in a memory unit recovery information for recovering a progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in association with each other, the game server comprises a fourth means for transmitting the recovery image to the terminal device, the terminal device comprises a fifth means for saving the recovery image transmitted from the game server, the terminal device comprises a sixth means for identifying the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device, and the terminal device comprises a seventh means for transmitting to the game server a recovery request including the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information, The game server comprises an eighth means for determining whether or not to approve the recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the recovery request matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code corresponding to the recovery image included in the recovery request; the game server comprises a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is approved; and the terminal device comprises a tenth means for recovering the game based on the recovery information.

5. A game system as described in any of claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein the third means stores first status information indicating whether or not the recovery image has been saved in association with the recovery code, the fifth means transmits save completion information to the game server in response to the saving of the recovery image, the third means updates the first status information in response to receiving the save completion information, and the eighth means determines whether or not to approve the recovery of the game based also on the first status information.

6. A game system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the third means stores second status information indicating whether or not game recovery has been performed in association with the recovery code, the tenth means transmits recovery completion information to the game server in response to the recovery of the game, the third means updates the second status information in response to receiving the recovery completion information, and the eighth means determines whether or not to approve the recovery of the game based also on the second status information.

7. A game system as described in any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein the tenth means transmits recovery completion information to the game server in response to recovery of the game, and the third means deletes the recovery code stored in the memory unit in response to receiving the recovery completion information.

8. A game system as described in any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein the second means is capable of generating multiple recovery codes for one terminal identification information, the third means associates and stores multiple user accounts for one terminal identification information, and associates and stores recovery codes and recovery information for each of the multiple user accounts, the fifth means is capable of generating recovery images corresponding to each recovery code, and the sixth means presents two or more stored recovery images to the user and identifies the recovery image selected by the user.

9. A game system as described in any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein the sixth means presents to the user the selected restoration image and information corresponding to the restoration information associated with the restoration code associated with the restoration image.

10. A game system as described in any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein the fifth means is capable of outputting the restored image from the terminal device to the outside, and the sixth means identifies the restored image by a camera provided in the terminal device photographing the restored image shown on a medium other than the terminal device.

11. A game system as described in any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein the restoration image includes a QR code.

12. A game system according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein when the terminal device is initialized, the terminal identification information is updated.

13. A game system as described in any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein the ninth means sets a validity period and transmits the recovery information to the terminal device, and the tenth means restores the game based on the recovery information only within the validity period.

14. A game system as described in any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein the game is realized by installing a game program on the terminal device, and the restoration image saved by the fifth means is not deleted even if the game program is uninstalled.

15. A game control method in a game system comprising a terminal device and a game server, the two of which cooperate to progress a game, the method comprising: the terminal device transmits terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server; the game server generates a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information; the game server associates recovery information for recovering a progressed game with the terminal identification information and the recovery code and stores them in a memory unit; the game server transmits the recovery code to the terminal device; the terminal device generates and stores a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code transmitted from the game server; the terminal device identifies the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device; the terminal device transmits a recovery request to the game server, the recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information; and the game server determines whether or not to permit recovery of the game based on whether or not the terminal identification information included in the recovery request matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code included in the recovery request; The game control method further comprises the steps of: when it is determined that the game server should permit recovery of the game, transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device; and the terminal device recovering the game based on the recovery information.

16. A game control method in a game system comprising a terminal device and a game server, the two of which cooperate to progress a game, the method comprising: the terminal device transmits terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server; the game server generates a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information; the game server associates recovery information for recovering a progressed game with the terminal identification information and the recovery code and stores them in a memory unit; the game server transmits the recovery code to the terminal device; the terminal device generates and stores a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code transmitted from the game server; the terminal device identifies the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device; the terminal device transmits a recovery request including the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information to the game server; the game server determines whether or not to permit recovery of the game based on whether or not the terminal identification information included in the recovery request matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code corresponding to the recovery image included in the recovery request; The game control method further comprises the steps of: when it is determined that the game server should permit recovery of the game, transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device; and the terminal device recovering the game based on the recovery information.

17. A game control method in a game system comprising a terminal device and a game server, the two of which cooperate to progress a game, the method comprising: the terminal device transmits terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server; the game server generates a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information and a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code; the game server associates recovery information for recovering a progressed game with the terminal identification information and the recovery code and stores them in a memory unit; the game server transmits the recovery image to the terminal device; the terminal device saves the recovery image transmitted from the game server; the terminal device identifies the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction issued to the terminal device by a user; the terminal device transmits a recovery request including the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information to the game server; the game server determines whether or not to permit recovery of the game based on whether or not the terminal identification information included in the recovery request matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code corresponding to the recovery image included in the recovery request; The game server transmits the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is permitted, and the terminal device recovers the game based on the recovery information.

18. A terminal device which cooperates with a game server to progress a game, comprising: first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server; fifth means for generating and saving a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information transmitted from the game server; sixth means for identifying the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device; seventh means for transmitting a recovery request to the game server, the recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information; and tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game, which is transmitted from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is to be approved based on the recovery request.

19. A game program that causes a terminal device that cooperates with a game server to progress a game to function as: first means for transmitting terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device to the game server; fifth means for generating and saving a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information transmitted from the game server; sixth means for identifying the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device; seventh means for transmitting a recovery request to the game server, the recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information; and tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game, which is transmitted from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is to be approved based on the recovery request.

20. A game control method in which a terminal device which cooperates with a game server to progress a game transmits terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server, generates and stores a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information transmitted from the game server, identifies the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device, transmits a recovery request to the game server including the recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information, and restores the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game which is transmitted from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

21. A game server that cooperates with a terminal device to progress a game, comprising: second means for generating a recovery code linked to terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device and is transmitted from the terminal device; third means for storing in a memory unit recovery information for recovering the progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in association with each other; fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device; eighth means for determining whether or not to approve recovery of the game based on whether or not the terminal identification information contained in a recovery request that includes the recovery code and the terminal identification information and is transmitted from the terminal device matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code contained in the recovery request; and ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is approved.

22. A game program that causes a game server that cooperates with a terminal device to progress a game to function as: second means for generating a recovery code linked to terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device and is transmitted from the terminal device; third means for storing in a memory unit recovery information for recovering the progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in association with each other; fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device; eighth means for determining whether or not to approve recovery of the game based on whether or not the terminal identification information contained in a recovery request that is transmitted from the terminal device and includes the recovery code and the terminal identification information matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code contained in the recovery request; and ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is approved.

23. A game control method in which a game server that cooperates with a terminal device to progress a game generates a recovery code linked to terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device and is transmitted from the terminal device, associates the recovery information for recovering the progressed game with the terminal identification information and the recovery code in a memory unit, transmits the recovery code to the terminal device, determines whether to approve recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a recovery request that includes the recovery code and the terminal identification information and is transmitted from the terminal device matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code included in the recovery request, and transmits the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is approved.

24. A terminal device which cooperates with a game server to progress a game, comprising: first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server; fifth means for generating and saving a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information transmitted from the game server; sixth means for identifying the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device; seventh means for transmitting a recovery request including the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information to the game server; and tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game, which is transmitted from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

25. A game program that causes a terminal device that cooperates with a game server to progress a game to function as: first means for transmitting terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device to the game server; fifth means for generating and saving a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information transmitted from the game server; sixth means for identifying the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device; seventh means for transmitting a recovery request including the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information to the game server; and tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game, which is transmitted from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

26. A game control method in which a terminal device which cooperates with a game server to progress a game transmits terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server, generates and stores a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information transmitted from the game server, identifies the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device, transmits a recovery request including the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information to the game server, and restores the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game which is transmitted from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

27. A game server that cooperates with a terminal device to progress a game, comprising: second means for generating a recovery code linked to terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device and is transmitted from the terminal device; third means for storing in a memory unit recovery information for recovering the progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in association with each other; fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device; eighth means for determining whether or not to approve recovery of the game based on whether or not the terminal identification information contained in a recovery request that includes a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code and the terminal identification information and is transmitted from the terminal device matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code that corresponds to the recovery image included in the recovery request; and ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is approved.

28. A game program that causes a game server that cooperates with a terminal device to progress a game to function as: second means for generating a recovery code linked to terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device and is transmitted from the terminal device; third means for storing in a memory unit recovery information for recovering the progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in association with each other; fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device; eighth means for determining whether or not to approve recovery of the game based on whether or not the terminal identification information contained in a recovery request that includes a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code and the terminal identification information and is transmitted from the terminal device matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code that corresponds to the recovery image included in the recovery request; and ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is approved.

29. A game control method in which a game server that cooperates with a terminal device to progress a game generates a recovery code linked to terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device and is transmitted from the terminal device, associates the recovery information for recovering the progressed game with the terminal identification information and the recovery code in a memory unit, transmits the recovery code to the terminal device, determines whether to allow recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a recovery request that includes a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code and the terminal identification information and is transmitted from the terminal device matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code that corresponds to the recovery image included in the recovery request, and transmits the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is allowed.

30. A terminal device which cooperates with a game server to progress a game, comprising: first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server; fifth means for saving a recovery image transmitted from the game server and associated with the terminal identification information; sixth means for identifying the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device; seventh means for transmitting a recovery request including the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information to the game server; and tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game, which is transmitted from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

31. A game program that causes a terminal device that cooperates with a game server to progress a game to function as: first means for transmitting terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device to the game server; fifth means for saving a recovery image associated with the terminal identification information transmitted from the game server; sixth means for identifying the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device; seventh means for transmitting a recovery request including the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information to the game server; and tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game, which is transmitted from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

32. A game control method in which a terminal device which cooperates with a game server to progress a game transmits terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server, stores a recovery image transmitted from the game server and associated with the terminal identification information, identifies the recovery image in response to a game recovery instruction from a user to the terminal device, transmits a recovery request including the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information to the game server, and restores the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game which is transmitted from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

33. A game server that cooperates with a terminal device to progress a game, comprising: second means for generating a recovery code linked to terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device and is transmitted from the terminal device, and a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code; third means for storing in a memory unit recovery information for recovering a progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in association with each other; fourth means for transmitting the recovery image to the terminal device; eighth means for determining whether or not to approve recovery of the game based on whether or not the terminal identification information included in a recovery request that is transmitted from the terminal device and includes the recovery image and the terminal identification information matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code that corresponds to the recovery image included in the recovery request; and ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is approved.

34. A game program that causes a game server that cooperates with a terminal device to progress a game to function as: second means for generating a recovery code linked to terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device and is transmitted from the terminal device, and a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code; third means for storing in a memory unit recovery information for recovering a progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in association with each other; fourth means for transmitting the recovery image to the terminal device; eighth means for determining whether or not to approve recovery of the game based on whether or not the terminal identification information included in a recovery request that is transmitted from the terminal device and includes the recovery image and the terminal identification information matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code that corresponds to the recovery image included in the recovery request; and ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is approved.

35. A game control method in which a game server that cooperates with a terminal device to progress a game generates a recovery code linked to terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device and is transmitted from the terminal device, and a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code, associates the recovery information for recovering the progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a memory unit, transmits the recovery image to the terminal device, determines whether to approve recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a recovery request that includes the recovery image and the terminal identification information transmitted from the terminal device matches the terminal identification information associated in the memory unit with the recovery code that corresponds to the recovery image included in the recovery request, and transmits the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is approved.

Images