Game assist method and game assistant apparatus

Abstract

Provided are a game assist method and a game assistant apparatus. The game assist method, according to one aspect, may comprise the operations of: detecting a specific interaction of a user requesting a game assistant function, or a specific in-game situation associated with the user; acquiring at least one among in-game data and online activity data of the user; when the specific interaction or the specific situation is detected, determining one or more game play-related recommended motions on the basis of at least one among the in-game data and the online activity data by using an artificial intelligence model; and providing the determined one or more recommended motions to a user terminal.

Description

Game Assist Method and Game Assist Device

[0001] It has to do with game assist technology.

[0002] The recent rise in mobile device adoption and the development of the internet have led to a significant increase in the number of online games played via online networks like the internet, allowing multiple users to enjoy the game simultaneously. The popularity of these online games is typically measured by the number of users, a concept similar to TV ratings or moviegoers. Most online games, believing that a larger user base translates to higher profits, are making significant efforts to increase this number.

[0003] In online games, there are various growth factors, such as weapons and armor, that players use to develop their characters. Information about these growth factors is difficult to access directly within the game itself, requiring users to search and explore the internet to obtain this information, an inconvenient process. This process hinders the influx of new users.

[0004] The purpose is to provide a game assist method and a game assistant device.

[0005] A game assist method performed by a game assistant device according to one aspect may include: an operation of detecting a specific interaction of a user requesting a game assistant function or a specific situation in a game associated with the user; an operation of acquiring at least one of in-game data and online activity data of the user; an operation of determining one or more recommended actions related to game play based on at least one of the in-game data and the online activity data using an artificial intelligence model when the specific interaction or the specific situation is detected; and an operation of providing the determined one or more recommended actions to a user terminal.

[0006] The user terminal may display one or more recommended actions and an execution object for each recommended action, and the game assist method may further include an action of executing a function corresponding to the recommended action in the game in response to a user input for the execution object.

[0007] The above game assistant function can be called on a game platform service and provided on the game platform service.

[0008] The above-described acquiring operation may include an operation of acquiring the user's online activity data from a first server providing a game platform service; and an operation of acquiring the in-game data from a second server providing a game service.

[0009] The above artificial intelligence model can be created by using online activity data for multiple users collected from a first server providing a game platform service and in-game data collected from a second server providing a game service as learning data.

[0010] The above-determined action may determine one or more recommended actions that can be taken in the current game situation based on the in-game data, the online activity data, and the current game situation using the artificial intelligence model.

[0011] The above-determined action may determine one or more recommended actions from among using the game item for strengthening, registering the game item as an item for increasing combat power, increasing defense, increasing accuracy, or increasing experience point acquisition, immediately using or equipping the game item, and selling the game item, when a specific situation of acquiring a game item is detected, a specific interaction of dragging and dropping the game item into an assistant area displayed on the user terminal screen is detected, or a specific interaction of selecting a game item and an assistant object displayed on the user terminal screen is detected.

[0012] The above-determined action may be a recommended action to sell the game item, taking into account the difficulty of obtaining the game item and the benefit of utilizing the game item, if the current transaction price of the game item is higher than the average price.

[0013] The above game assist method may further include an operation of providing the user terminal with a reason for recommending one or more of the determined recommended actions.

[0014] A game assistant device according to another aspect may include a detection unit that detects a specific interaction of a user requesting a game assistant function or a specific situation in a game related to the user; a data acquisition unit that acquires at least one of in-game data and online activity data of the user; and a recommendation determination unit that, when the specific interaction or the specific situation is detected, determines one or more recommended actions related to game play based on at least one of the in-game data and the online activity data using an artificial intelligence model, and provides the determined one or more recommended actions to a user terminal.

[0015] The user terminal may further include an action execution unit that displays one or more recommended actions and an execution object for each recommended action, and the game assistant device may further include an action execution unit that executes a function corresponding to the recommended action in the game in response to a user input for the execution object.

[0016] The above game assistant function can be called on a game platform service and provided on the game platform service.

[0017] The above data acquisition unit can acquire the user's online activity data from a first server that provides a game platform service, and acquire the in-game data from a second server that provides a game service.

[0018] The above artificial intelligence model can be created by using online activity data for multiple users collected from a first server providing a game platform service and in-game data collected from a second server providing a game service as learning data.

[0019] The above recommendation decision unit can use the artificial intelligence model to determine one or more recommended actions that can be taken in the current game situation based on the in-game data, the online activity data, and the current game situation.

[0020] The above recommendation decision unit may determine one or more recommended actions from among using the game item for strengthening, registering the game item as an item for increasing combat power, increasing defense, increasing accuracy, or increasing experience point acquisition, immediately using or equipping the game item, and selling the game item, when a specific situation of obtaining a game item is detected, a specific interaction of dragging and dropping the game item to an assistant area displayed on the user terminal screen is detected, or a specific interaction of selecting a game item and an assistant object displayed on the user terminal screen is detected.

[0021] The above recommendation decision unit may decide to sell the game item as a recommended action, taking into account the difficulty of obtaining the game item and the benefit of using the game item, if the current transaction price of the game item is higher than the average market price.

[0022] The above recommendation decision unit can provide the user terminal with the reason for recommending one or more of the above-determined recommendation actions.

[0023] By using generative artificial intelligence to provide users with assist information or recommended actions related to gameplay from the user's in-game data and / or the user's online activity data, the convenience of the user playing the game can be improved and the game can be played more easily.

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates an example of interconnected servers and one or more user terminals for a game service.

[0025] Figures 2a, 2b and 2c illustrate exemplary cases of providing a game-related user experience using multiple user terminals.

[0026] Figures 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d illustrate exemplary functions supported by a game launcher executed by a user terminal.

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a game assistant system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a game assistant device according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figures 6a, 6b and 6c illustrate one embodiment of providing a recommended action.

[0030] Figures 7 to 10 illustrate other embodiments of providing recommended actions.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a game assist method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a game assistant device according to another embodiment.

[0033] Figure 13 illustrates an example of providing assist information.

[0034] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a game assist method according to one embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a game assist method according to another embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a game assist method according to another embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a computing environment including a computing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components are given the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of related known functions or configurations will be omitted if they are deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure.

[0039] The terms described below are defined based on their functions in this disclosure, and may vary depending on the intent or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, their definitions should be based on the contents of this specification.

[0040] Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. Terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, and the terms such as "comprises" or "has" should be understood to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0041] Furthermore, the division of components in this specification is merely a division based on the main function of each component. In other words, two or more components may be combined into a single component, or a single component may be further subdivided into two or more components with more detailed functions. In addition to its own main function, each component may additionally perform some or all of the functions of other components, and some of the main functions of each component may be exclusively performed by other components. Each component may be implemented in hardware or software, or in a combination of hardware and software.

[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of interconnected servers (e.g., servers (110, 120)) and one or more user terminals (e.g., user terminals (141, 142, 143, 151, 152)) to provide a game service.

[0043] A server (e.g., servers (110, 120)) may include a computer designed to provide server functionality, such as a workstation. Embodiments are not limited thereto, and a server may include a personal computer (PC) configured to run a software application, and / or a combination of personal computers. A server may include a group (or cluster) of the illustrated workstations and / or personal computers.

[0044] In one embodiment, a service provider may use a server to provide or operate an automated service. The service may include a game service. The game service may be provided for network-based playing of games such as role-playing games (RPGs), massive multi-user online RPGs (MMORPGs), first-person shooters (FPSs), and / or puzzle games. Through the game service, different users (e.g., users of the game service) may connect with each other over a network and may cooperate or compete. The server may support or execute functions related to the game service (e.g., matching users, providing a virtual space (130) such as a battlefield, trading virtual items such as a market, and / or chatting between users).

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, servers (110, 120) included in a network are illustrated to provide different services. A first server (110) may be configured to relay a user's connection with various game services provided through the network (e.g., a game service provided by the server (120). The services provided through the first server (110) may be referred to as a game platform service, a game launching service, a game publishing service, and / or a game relay service.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, a first server (110) may cause a second server (120) for providing a game service to provide a user experience related to the game service to users of the game platform service. The first server (110) may store, in a user database related to users of the game platform service, information indicating one or more game services to which the users have subscribed. The information indicating the game services may further include information for the first server (110) to access another server for the game service, such as the second server (120), (e.g., account information for logging into the game service, and / or authentication information).

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, the first server (110) may store information indicating at least one game service subscribed to by users of the game platform service in a user database. The user database may include records representing users subscribed to the game platform service. The records may include at least one game service subscribed to by the corresponding user and / or information for accessing (or logging in to) at least one game service.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, users (U1, U2) of a game platform service provided by a first server (110) are illustrated. A first user (U1) possessing user terminals (141, 142, 143) and a second user (U2) possessing user terminals (151, 152) are illustrated, but the number of users of the first server (110) and the number of user terminals possessed by each user are not limited thereto. Users of the game platform service may be referred to as users.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, various appearances of a user terminal (or user equipment) are illustrated. The user terminal may include a smartphone (e.g., user terminals (141, 152)), a smartpad, and / or a tablet PC. The user terminal may include a personal computer such as a desktop (e.g., user terminals (142, 151)) and a laptop. The user terminal may include a portable gaming device dedicated to a game service (e.g., user terminal (143)) and / or a gaming console. The user terminal may include a smart accessory such as a smartwatch and / or a head-mounted device (HMD). Embodiments of the user terminal are not limited thereto.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 1, a first user (U1) can access a game platform service provided by a first server (110) using at least one of the user terminals (141, 142, 143). Similarly, a second user (U2) can access the game platform service using at least one of the user terminals (151, 152). A software application for communicating with the first server (110) can be installed on at least one of the user terminals (141, 142, 143, 151, 152). The software application can be referred to as a game platform application, a game platform program, a game launcher, and / or a client application.

[0051] Hereinafter, the connection relationship between the user terminal (141), which is one of the user terminals (141, 142, 143, 151, 152), and the first server (110) and the user terminal (141) and the second server (120) will be described, taking the user terminal (141) as an example.

[0052] For example, a first user (U1) can access a game platform service provided by a first server (110) using a user terminal (141) that has executed a game launcher. The user terminal (141) that has executed the game launcher can establish a communication link (L1) between the user terminal (141) and the first server (110). The communication link (L1) can include a logical connection (e.g., a logical connection distinguished by a session) established for data communication between the user terminal (141) and the first server (110) within a network. Similarly, in response to an input from a second user (U2) to execute a game launcher on the user terminal (151), the user terminal (151) can establish a communication link (L2) between the first server (110) and the user terminal (151).

[0053] The first server (110), which detects a user terminal (141) that has executed a game launcher using a communication link (L1), can confirm a user account logged into the user terminal (141). By comparing the user database stored in the first server (110) with authentication information (e.g., ID, password, PIN (personal identification number), and / or OTP (one-time password)) transmitted from the user terminal (141), the first server (110) can authenticate the first user (U1) that has executed the game launcher on the user terminal (141). Based on this authentication, the user terminal (141) can display a screen provided by the game launcher. For example, the state of the user terminal (141) that executes the game launcher may include a state before authenticating the first user (U1) (e.g., a locked state and / or a state before logging in) and a state after authenticating the first user (U1). Based on this authentication, the screen displayed by the user terminal (141) and / or the function provided to the first user (U1) are described with reference to FIGS. 3a to 3d.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 1, when users (U1, U2) of user terminals (141, 151) connected to a first server (110) via communication links (L1, L2) are authenticated, the first server (110) can support interaction between the users (U1, U2). For example, the first server (110) can support transmission (e.g., streaming) and / or reception of messages (e.g., text messages), images, videos, sounds (e.g., voice chat), and / or posts between the users (U1, U2). The first server (110) configured to provide a game platform service can execute or support functions related to online activities of users (U1, U2) related to games.

[0055] When accessing a game platform service using a user terminal (141), a first user (U1) can access a game service connected to the game platform service. For example, a user terminal (141) running a game launcher can receive an input for accessing a game service. In response to an input for accessing a game service detected using the game launcher, the user terminal (141) can transmit a signal related to the input to a first server (110) via a communication link (L1). The first server (110) that has received the signal related to the input can communicate with a second server (120) that provides the game service indicated by the signal. For example, using a communication link (L3) established between the servers (110, 120), the first server (110) can transmit information related to the first user (U1) who has logged in to the game platform service (e.g., authentication information required for the second server (120) that provides the game service to authenticate the first user (U1). Based on the authentication of the first user (U1) using information related to the first user (U1), a communication link (L4) between the user terminal (141) of the first user (U1) and the second server (120) can be established.

[0056] Similarly, the first server (110) may receive a signal from a user terminal (151) to which a second user (U2) is logged in, indicating receipt of an input for accessing a game service. The first server (110) receiving the signal may transmit a signal to the second server (120) using a communication link (L3) to establish a communication link (L5) between the user terminal (151) and the second server (120). Direct communication between the user terminal (151) and the second server (120) may be performed via the communication link (L5) established by the signal. The embodiment is not limited thereto, and indirect communication between the second server (120) providing the game service and the user terminal (151) may be performed using the communication links (L2, L3).

[0057] As described above, in a state where communication links (L4, L5) are established between the user terminals and the second server (120) so that the game service is provided to the user terminals (e.g., user terminals (141, 151)) of each of the users (U1, U2), the second server (120) for providing the game service can transmit information about at least a part of the virtual space (130) to each of the user terminals. For example, the second server (120) can transmit information related to a part of the virtual space (130) including a location (A) related to the first user (U1) to the user terminal (141) of the first user (U1) (e.g., information for rendering a part of the virtual space (130). For example, the second server (120) can transmit information related to another part of the virtual space (130) including a location (B) related to the second user (U2) to the user terminal (151) of the second user (U2).

[0058] Although an exemplary operation has been described in which a user (e.g., users (U1, U2)) accesses a game service using a first server (110) that provides a game platform service, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a user may directly access a second server (120) for a game service without the first server (110) using a game application installed on a user terminal.

[0059] Hereinafter, exemplary operations of a user terminal and / or a server associated with a communication link connected for a game service and / or a game platform service are described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C . For example, exemplary operations of a first server (110) based on a first user (U1) and a user terminal (142) are described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0060] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate exemplary cases of providing a game-related user experience using multiple user terminals (e.g., user terminals (141, 142)).

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2C, an exemplary state in which communication links (L1, L3, L4) are established between a first server (110) for a game platform service, a second server (120) for a game service, and a user terminal (142) is illustrated. The first server (110) can communicate with the second server (120) according to the operation described with reference to FIG. 1, thereby establishing a communication link (L4) between the second server (120) and the user terminal (142). For communication between the first server (110) and the user terminal (142), a game launcher related to the game platform service can be executed on the user terminal (142).

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2C, a user terminal (142) that executes a game launcher can execute a game application in response to an input for executing the game application. The user terminal (142) that executes the game application can display a screen (210) provided by the game application. An exemplary screen (210) including a player character (PC) (215) controllable by an input received through the user terminal (142) is illustrated, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Using a signal received from a second server (120) via a communication link (L4), the user terminal (142) can display a screen (210) including a PC (215) included in a virtual space (130).

[0063] Referring to FIG. 2A, a user terminal (142) executing a game application can output a screen (210) to a first user (U1) and receive a game-related input (e.g., an input for controlling a PC (215)) from the first user (U1). The user terminal (142) that has received the game-related input can transmit a first signal indicating the game-related input to a second server (120) via a communication link (L4). The user terminal (142) can receive a second signal indicating a virtual space (130) changed by the game-related input and / or a state of the PC (215) from the second server (120) via the communication link (L4). The user terminal (142) that has received the second signal can at least partially change the screen (210). For example, the user terminal (142) can play an animation related to the PC (215) within the screen (210).

[0064] When an input for executing a game application is received through a game launcher, the user terminal (142) can execute the game application in conjunction with the game launcher. Using this conjunction, the user terminal (142) can execute a function of the game launcher based on the status of the game application. The function of the game launcher based on the status of the game application may include a function of transmitting a signal notifying the status of the game application to the first server (110) (e.g., streaming of a screen (210) for live broadcasting). The function of the game launcher based on the status of the game application may include a remote play function of the game application executed on the user terminal (142) using another user terminal different from the user terminal (142).

[0065] Referring to FIG. 2B, user terminals (141, 142) connected to each other for remote play functionality are illustrated. The user terminals (141, 142) may be connected via a short-range wireless communication protocol such as Wi-Fi Direct and / or Bluetooth. The embodiment is not limited thereto, and the user terminals (141, 142) may be connected to each other via a cellular protocol such as long-term evolution (LTE), 5G NR (new radio), 6G, and / or above-6G. It is assumed that a game launcher is installed on all user terminals (141, 142), and authentication of a first user (U1) on each of the user terminals (141, 142) based on the game launcher is completed.

[0066] When a game application is executed on a user terminal (141) with relatively limited resources, such as a smartphone, the quality of the user experience related to the game may be reduced. The quality of the user experience related to the game may be evaluated by indicators such as frames-per-second (fps), response delay, and / or resolution. The quality of the user experience may be better when the game application is executed on a desktop user terminal (142) than when the game application is executed on a user terminal (141). Referring to FIG. 2B, the user terminal (142) may transmit a screen (220) generated (or rendered) by a processing circuit (e.g., a GPU (graphics processing unit)) of the user terminal (142) to the user terminal (141). The operation of transmitting the screen (220) may include an operation of transmitting a bitstream representing the screen (220) via a communication link (L6) (e.g., streaming).

[0067] In the exemplary state of FIG. 2b where the user terminal (142) displays the screen (220) on the user terminal (141), the user terminal (141) can display the screen (220) on the display based on the execution of the game launcher. For example, the user terminal (141) can display the screen (220) related to the game service provided by the second server (120) on the display without installing and / or executing a game application for communicating with the second server (120). The user terminal (141) can display the screen (220) provided by the user terminal (142) based on the execution of the game launcher.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 2B, in one embodiment where the user terminal (142) generates a screen (220) to be displayed by the user terminal (141), the user terminal (142) may generate a UI related to the user terminal (141), which is a smart phone. The UI related to the user terminal (141) may include a virtual joystick, which includes a visual object (222) in the shape of a circle that can be dragged (or moved) by a touch input on an area (221) in the shape of a circle. The UI related to the user terminal (141) may include a group (223) of touchable visual objects that can control the state of the PC (215). Comparing FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the screen (210) of FIG. 2A displayed through the display of the user terminal (142), which is a desktop, may not include the visual object (222) and / or the group (223). In a state where a screen (220) is transmitted to a user terminal (141) which is a smartphone, the user terminal (141) that receives the screen (220) can overlap an area (221) and a group (223) including a visual object (222) on the screen (220). For example, a screen (225) displayed on the display of the user terminal (141) can further include a visual object (222), an area (221), and a group (223) for guiding a touch input.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 2B, while displaying a screen (225) based on a screen (220) provided by a user terminal (142), the user terminal (141) can receive an input of a first user (U1) related to the screen (225). In response to the input of the first user (U1), the user terminal (141) can transmit a signal indicating the input to the user terminal (142). The user terminal (142) that has received the signal indicating the input can communicate with the second server (120) and at least partially change the state of the virtual space (130) and / or the PC (215) using the input of the first user (U1) corresponding to the received signal. The first user (U1) can view the screen (220) representing the state of the virtual space (130) and / or the PC (215) at least partially changed through the user terminal (141).

[0070] As described above, although FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment in which a second server (120) and a user terminal (142) for providing a game service directly communicate, and a user terminal (141) indirectly communicates with the second server (120) using the user terminal (142), the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a user terminal (141) that receives an input from a first user (U1) related to a screen (225) may transmit a signal including information related to the input of the first user (U1) to the second server (120) via a communication link (L7). The user terminal (141) may directly transmit the signal to the second server (120) independently of the communication links (L4, L6) established by the user terminal (142). For example, in order to reduce the delay in the input of the first user (U1) or to improve the responsiveness of the game service provided by the second server (120), the user terminal (141) can transmit a signal through the communication link (L7). The second server (120) that receives the signal can transmit a signal (or information) indicating the state of the virtual space (130) changed based on the signal to the user terminal (142) through the communication link (L4). The user terminal (142) that receives the signal indicating the state of the changed virtual space (130) can perform rendering on the screen (220) to be provided to the user terminal (141) through the communication link (L6) and transmit a signal related to the rendered screen (220) to the user terminal (141) through the communication link (L6). The user terminal (141) can display a screen (225) based on a signal related to the rendered screen (220) (e.g., a screen in which a visual object (222), an area (221), and a group (223) are superimposed on the screen (220).

[0071] For example, when a communication link (L6) between user terminals (141, 142) is blocked, the user terminal (141) can establish at least one of a direct communication link (L7) between a second server (120) for providing a game service and the user terminal (141) and / or a direct communication link (L8) between a first server (110) for providing a game platform service and the user terminal (141).

[0072] Although the operation of transmitting a signal representing a screen (220) between user terminals (141, 142) commonly logged in by a first user (U1) has been described, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the user terminal (142) may transmit a signal representing a screen (220) to user terminals of other users logged in to the first server (110) via the first server (110). The function of the user terminal (142) transmitting a signal to user terminals of other users logged in to the first server (110) may be referred to as a broadcasting function.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 2C, a cloud server (230) for cloud gaming can be connected to a user terminal (142). For example, when a request for providing a game service based on the cloud is identified from a user terminal (142), the first server (110) can request the cloud server (230) to provide a cloud service based on the cloud server (230). This request can be transmitted to the cloud server (230) via a communication link (L9) between the first server (110) and the cloud server (230). In response to the request for providing a cloud service, the cloud server (230) can establish a communication link (L10) between the second server (120) for the game service and the cloud server (230) and a communication link (L11) between the cloud server (230) and the user terminal (142). A cloud service provision request transmitted via a communication link (L9) may include information related to the identified user terminal (142) and / or the game service for providing a game service based on the cloud.

[0074] In one embodiment, the cloud server (230) can perform rendering of a screen (210) to be displayed on a user terminal (142). The cloud server (230) can transmit a signal (or bitstream) related to the screen (210) rendered by the cloud server (230) to the user terminal (142) via a communication link (L11) between the user terminal (142) and the cloud server (230). The user terminal (142) that receives the signal related to the screen (210) can display the screen (210) represented by the received signal on the display.

[0075] In the exemplary state of FIG. 2C, a user terminal (142) displaying a screen (210) can receive a user input related to the screen (210). In response to the user input received from the first user (U1), the user terminal (142) can transmit a signal indicating the user input to a cloud server (230) via a communication link (L11). The cloud server (230) that has received the signal indicating the user input can execute a function related to the user input. The cloud server (230) that has executed the function related to the user input can, for example, communicate with a second server (120) via the communication link (L10) and at least partially change the state of the virtual space (130) provided by the second server (120). For example, the cloud server (230) that has executed the function related to the user input can re-render the screen (210) to be transmitted to the user terminal (142) based on the partially changed state of the virtual space (130). For example, a cloud server (230) that executes a function related to user input can transmit a signal related to the re-rendered screen (210) through a communication link (L11).

[0076] As described above, by using the game launcher, the user terminal (141) can display a screen (220) of a game application running on another user terminal (in one embodiment of FIG. 2B, the user terminal (142)) and respond to user (U1) interaction related to the screen (220). The user terminal (141) can indirectly perform graphic rendering (e.g., visualization of a three-dimensional graphical object) by using the resources of the user terminal (142). Even if the user terminal (141) does not have the capacity required to install the game application (e.g., available capacity of flash storage) or the user terminal (141) does not have the resources required to run the game application (e.g., specifications of a GPU and / or CPU), the user terminal (141) running the game launcher can provide a user experience related to the game application.

[0077] Below, exemplary functions supported by a user terminal running a game launcher are described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3D.

[0078] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D illustrate exemplary functions supported by a game launcher executed by a user terminal (e.g., user terminals 141, 142, 143, 151, and 152 of FIG. 1). Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3D, exemplary screens (301, 302, 303, and 304) displayed by a user terminal executing a game launcher are illustrated. After completing authentication of a user of a user terminal using the game launcher, the user terminal can display the exemplary screens illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3D.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 3A, a user terminal displaying a screen provided by a game launcher may display visual objects (311, 312, 313, 314) corresponding to each of the options for adjusting the screen mode. For example, the visual object (311) may correspond to a function for outputting a list of multiple game applications executable by the user terminal. For example, the visual object (312) may correspond to a function for outputting a list of one or more game applications installed on the user terminal. For example, the visual object (313) may correspond to a function for executing a messenger service based on a game platform service. For example, the visual object (314) may correspond to a function for executing a community service for users subscribed to the game platform service.

[0080] If a first option corresponding to a visual object (311) is selected, the user terminal may provide a screen (301) for downloading game applications that can be executed using a game launcher. If a second option corresponding to a visual object (312) is selected, the user terminal may provide a screen (302) related to one or more game applications installed on the user terminal. If a third option corresponding to a visual object (313) is selected, the user terminal may provide a screen (303) for exchanging messages (e.g., sending and / or receiving messages) between users logged in to the game platform service. If a fourth option corresponding to a visual object (314) is selected, the user terminal may provide a screen (304) for exchanging information (e.g., postings) between users subscribed to the game platform service.

[0081] Within the area (315) of the screen of FIG. 3A, the user terminal may display a list of game applications. The list of game applications may be provided from a first server (e.g., server (110) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2A, and / or FIG. 2B) providing a game platform service. One or more icons (e.g., icon (319)) displayed in the area (315) may correspond to specific game applications included in the list. For example, in response to an input for selecting an icon (319), the user terminal may display a UI for downloading a game application corresponding to the icon (319) within the screen.

[0082] Within a screen (301) displaying a list of game applications through an area (315), the user terminal may display visual objects (316, 317, 318) for filtering game applications included in the list. The visual object (316) may correspond to an option for displaying all game applications included in the list in the area (315). The visual object (317) may correspond to an option for displaying a sub-list of one or more game applications executable on a personal computer among the game applications included in the list in the area (315). The visual object (318) may correspond to an option for displaying a sub-list of one or more game applications executable on a smartphone among the one or more game applications included in the list in the area (315).

[0083] FIG. 3a is a drawing showing a screen in which a first option is executed in a game launcher of a user terminal by selecting a first visual object (311) capable of outputting a list of game applications that can be executed on a user terminal, for example.

[0084] Referring to the exemplary screen of FIG. 3A, the user terminal may display a visual object (320) mapped to a function for streaming the screen of a game application executed using a game launcher. For example, in response to an input for selecting the visual object (320), the user terminal may display a list of other user terminals in which the user of the user terminal (e.g., users U1 and U2 of FIG. 1) is logged in. For example, if an input for selecting the visual object (320) is received while streaming the screen of the game application, the user terminal may display a pop-up window indicating that the screen of the game application is being streamed. For example, if an input for selecting the visual object (320) is received while preparing to stream the screen of the game application, the user terminal may display a pop-up window indicating that streaming of the screen of the game application is about to start. The pop-up window may include a button and / or a hyperlink for receiving an input for stopping or restarting streaming of the screen of the game application. A user terminal that has received an input for selecting another user terminal from a list of other user terminals can execute a function of transmitting a signal related to a screen to the other user terminal selected by the input.

[0085] FIG. 3b is a drawing showing a screen in which a second option is executed in a game launcher of a user terminal by selecting a visual object (312) that can provide a screen related to a game application installed on a user terminal, for example.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 3B, when the second option corresponding to the visual object (312) is selected, the user terminal can display a list of game applications installed in the user terminal. The user terminal can display an area (324) and visual objects (321, 322, 323) for switching the UI displayed in the area (324). When the visual object (321) is selected, the user terminal can display, in the area (324), visual objects representing each of the game applications installed in the user terminal (e.g., visual objects corresponding to game application A and game application B, respectively). When the visual object (321) is selected, the user terminal can further display, in the area (324), a visual object (329) for switching to a screen for downloading the game application, together with the visual objects corresponding to each of the game applications installed in the user terminal.

[0087] The visual objects (322, 323) that are different from the visual object (321) may each correspond to game applications installed on the user terminal. For example, the visual object (322) may correspond to game application A installed on the user terminal, and the visual object (323) may correspond to game application B installed on the user terminal. For example, in response to an input for selecting the visual object (322), the user terminal may display a UI related to game application A in the area (324). The UI related to game application A may include a visual object for executing game application A.

[0088] In response to an input for selecting a visual object (313), the user terminal may display the screen (303) of FIG. 3c. The screen (303) may be displayed as an overlay on a screen running for the game launcher (e.g., a pop-up window).

[0089] FIG. 3c is a drawing showing a screen in which a third option is executed in a game launcher of a user terminal by selecting a visual object (313) that can provide a screen for exchanging messages between users of a game platform service, for example.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 3C, the user terminal may display a list (331) of game applications to which a user logged into the user terminal is subscribed within the screen (303). The list (331) may include chat channels corresponding to each game application and / or chat channels provided through the game service. For example, the chat channels provided through the game service may include a chat channel dedicated to a guild (or party) provided through the game service, and a one-on-one chat channel (e.g., a whisper channel) displayed by a user account of the user terminal. Within an area (332) of the exemplary screen of FIG. 3C, the user terminal may display one or more messages transmitted or received through any one of the aforementioned chat channels. The user terminal may display visual objects (333, 334, 335) for transmitting text, emoticons, and / or images (or videos) to the chat channel corresponding to the area (332). The user terminal can display a visual object (336) for uploading text entered in a visual object (333), which is a text box, to a chat channel. Through the screen of FIG. 3c, the user terminal can display a visual object (337) mapped to a function for adding a new chat channel.

[0091] FIG. 3D is a drawing showing a screen in which the fourth option is executed in the game launcher of a user terminal by selecting a visual object (314) that can create a post between users of a game platform service, for example.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 3D, when the fourth option corresponding to the visual object (314) is selected, the user terminal may provide a list of posts registered in the game platform service. The user terminal may provide the list of posts through an area (342) within the screen. For example, an element (345) within the area (342) may correspond to a specific post included in the list. In response to an input for selecting an element (345), the user terminal may display a post corresponding to the element (345) within the screen. The user terminal may display visual objects for filtering posts displayed in the area (342) in the area (341). The visual objects displayed in the area (341) may each correspond to hashtags (or keywords) assigned to each post. For example, a visual object (344) may be displayed to provide a list of posts containing an exemplary hashtag (e.g., a hashtag containing the string "#UPDATE") via area (342). For example, a visual object (343) may be displayed to deselect the hashtags displayed via area (341) to provide a list of all posts in area (342).

[0093] FIG. 4 illustrates a game assistant system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 4, a game assistant system (400) according to an exemplary embodiment may include a first server (110), a second server (120), a third server (410), and a user terminal (140). Here, the third server (410) may be referred to as a game assistant device. Since the first server (110), the second server (120), and the user terminal (140) are the same as those described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3D, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to the extent of overlap. Meanwhile, at least a portion of the third server (410) may be included in a portion of the first server (110) or the second server (120).

[0095] The first server (110) can receive and store online activity data performed by multiple users using user terminals. The online activity data may include data regarding various activities performed by each of the multiple users within the game platform service and community provided by the first server (110), such as post data, chat channel (chat room) data to which the user belongs, chat data, affiliation data, and friend data. However, the above-described examples are merely exemplary and are not limiting.

[0096] The second server (120) provides game services to multiple users via user terminals and can receive and store in-game data. In this case, in-game data may include, but is not limited to, user data within the game server, asset status data, exchange data, game progress data such as user levels, missions, or collections, and asset and item data held by the user.

[0097] The third server (410) may provide a game assistant service (game assistant function). Here, the game assistant service may be a service that provides information related to the user's game play (hereinafter, "assist information") or one or more recommended actions related to the game play using a game assistant model. Specifically, when a user (U1) makes a request, a specific interaction is detected, or a specific condition is satisfied, the third server (410) may use the game assistant model to provide the user (U1) with assist information or one or more recommended actions related to the game play from in-game data and / or the user's (U1's) online activity data.

[0098] Here, the game assistant model may be an artificial intelligence (AI) model or a model utilizing such an AI model that determines assistance information or one or more recommended actions related to gameplay based on in-game data and / or the user's online activity data, or generates recommended content. For example, the game assistant model may include text generation AI (conversational AI), image generation AI, audio generation AI, video generation AI, and the like.

[0099] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a game assistant device according to one embodiment.

[0100] The game assistant device (500) of FIG. 5 may be an embodiment of the third server (410) of FIG. 4.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 5, the game assistant device (500) may include a detection unit (520), a data acquisition unit (530), and a recommendation decision unit (540).

[0102] The detection unit (520) can detect a specific interaction of the user or a specific situation in the game related to the user.

[0103] Specific user interactions may include the user entering a command requesting game assistance, the user selecting an assistant object displayed on the screen of the user terminal (140), or the user dragging and dropping an in-game object into an assistant area set on the screen of the user terminal (140). Specific situations may include obtaining a game item, entering an in-game store, entering an item exchange, and failing to complete an in-game mission.

[0104] For example, an assistant object may be displayed on a game service screen or a game platform service screen of a user terminal (140). The assistant object may be an object for requesting a game assistant function of a game assistant device (500). When a user selects an assistant object displayed on a game service screen or a game platform service screen, the user terminal (140) transmits a game assistant request signal to the game assistant device (500), and the detection unit (520) may detect a specific interaction of the user by receiving the game assist request signal.

[0105] As another example, an assistant area may be set and displayed on the game service screen or game platform service screen of the user terminal (140). The assistant area may be an area for requesting the game assistant function of the game assistant device (500) through dragging and dropping an in-game object. When the user drags and drops an in-game object to the assistant area set on the game service screen or game platform service screen, the user terminal (140) transmits a game assist request signal to the game assistant device (500), and the detection unit (520) can detect a specific interaction of the user by receiving the game assist request signal. At this time, the in-game object may include, but is not limited to, a game item object, a character object, a quest object, a collection object, a menu icon object, a hunting ground object, etc.

[0106] As another example, a chat area may be set and displayed on the game service screen or game platform service screen of the user terminal (140). The game assistant device (500) may provide the user with a game assistant function in the form of an AI chatbot through a game assistant model, and the chat area may be an area where the user can chat with the AI ​​chatbot. The user may input text requesting game assistance into the chat area, and when the text requesting game assistance is input, the user terminal (140) may transmit a game assistance request signal to the game assistant device (500). The detection unit (520) may detect a specific interaction of the user by receiving the game assistance request signal.

[0107] For another example, when a specific situation occurs within a game related to the user, such as when the user or the user's player character obtains a game item, enters an in-game store, or enters an item exchange, the user terminal (140) can transmit a game assist request signal to the game assistant device (500), and the detection unit (520) can detect a specific situation within the game, such as obtaining a game item, entering an in-game store, or entering an item exchange, by receiving the game assist request signal.

[0108] For another example, if a user has not performed an in-game mission and a predetermined amount of time remains until the initialization time of the mission, the user terminal (140) can transmit a game assist request signal to the game assistant device (500), and the detection unit (520) can detect a specific situation in the game in which the player character has not performed the in-game mission by receiving the game assist request signal. At this time, the predetermined amount of time can be set for each mission in consideration of the time required for the user to perform the mission. The in-game missions can include daily missions, weekly missions, monthly missions, etc.

[0109] In one embodiment, the game assist request signal may be transmitted directly from the user terminal (140) to the game assistant device (500), or may be transmitted from the user terminal (140) to the game assistant device (500) via the first server (110) or the second server (120).

[0110] The data acquisition unit (530) can acquire in-game data and / or the user's online activity data. For example, the data acquisition unit (530) can acquire the user's online activity data from the first server (110) using a communication link (L12) and can acquire in-game data from the second server (120) using a communication link (L13).

[0111] In one embodiment, the data acquisition unit (530) may acquire in-game data and / or the user's online activity data when a specific user interaction or a specific in-game situation associated with the user is detected. However, this is not limited to this, and the data acquisition unit (530) may also acquire in-game data and / or the user's online activity data in advance before detecting a specific user interaction or a specific situation of the user's player character.

[0112] When a specific interaction of the user or a specific situation in the game related to the user is detected, the recommendation decision unit (540) can use a game assistant model to determine and provide to the user assist information or one or more recommended actions related to game play based on at least one of in-game data, the user's online activity data, and the current game situation.

[0113] For example, when a user selects an assistant object displayed on the screen of a user terminal (140), the recommendation determination unit (540) may use a game assistant model to determine assist information necessary for the current game situation or one or more recommended actions that can be taken in the current game situation based on at least one of in-game data, the user's online activity data, and the current game situation. For example, when a user selects an assistant object displayed on the screen of a user terminal (140), the recommendation determination unit (540) may analyze the in-game data, the user's online activity data, and the current game situation to determine various recommended actions or assist information that can be taken in the current game situation, such as actions that can be taken to obtain game items that can be obtained or need to be obtained in the current game situation or information about the same, actions that can be taken to quickly grow a player character based on the level of the current player character and items held, etc.

[0114] For another example, if a user obtains a game item, drags and drops a game item to an assistant area set on the screen of the user terminal (140), or selects an assistant object (or game item) within a predetermined time after selecting a game item (or assistant object), the recommendation decision unit (540) may use a game assistant model to determine one or more recommended actions related to the game item from in-game data, the user's online activity data, and the current game situation. For example, if a user obtains a game item, drags and drops a game item to an assistant area set on the screen of the user terminal (140), or selects an assistant object (or game item) within a predetermined time after selecting a game item (or assistant object), the recommendation decision unit (540) may determine one or more recommended actions, such as using the game item for strengthening, registering it as a collection item for increasing combat power, increasing defense, increasing accuracy, and increasing experience point acquisition, or using or equipping the game item immediately, or selling the game item. For example, if the current transaction price of the game item is higher than the average price, the recommendation decision unit (540) may decide to recommend the sale of the game item by considering the difficulty of obtaining the game item, the benefit of using the game item, etc.

[0115] As another example, when a user or player character enters an in-game store or an item exchange, the recommendation decision unit (540) may use a game assistant model to determine and provide one or more recommended actions to the user based on at least one of in-game data, the user's online activity data, and the current game situation. For example, when a user or player character enters an in-game store or an item exchange, the recommendation decision unit (540) may recommend the purchase of items necessary for the growth and strengthening of the player character based on the in-game data and the current game situation. In addition, if the analysis of the user's online activity data reveals that the user has previously mentioned purchasing a specific item, the purchase of that item may be recommended.

[0116] In one embodiment, when a specific interaction of the user or a specific situation within the game associated with the user is detected, the recommendation decision unit (540) may use a game assistant model to determine one or more executable actions based on at least one of in-game data, the user's online activity data, and the current game situation, and may determine one or more recommended actions from among the one or more executable actions. In this case, when providing one or more recommended actions to the user, the recommendation decision unit (540) may also provide the remaining executable actions excluding the recommended actions.

[0117] In one embodiment, the recommendation decision unit (540) may generate and provide to the user an explanation of the reason and basis for recommending one or more recommended actions. Specifically, the recommendation decision unit (540) may generate an explanation of the reason and basis for recommending the recommended actions, and transmit the explanation of one or more recommended actions and the reason and basis for recommendation to the user terminal (140), and the user terminal (140) may display the explanation of one or more recommended actions and the reason and basis for recommendation on the screen of the user terminal (140) through a pop-up window.

[0118] In one embodiment, the game assistant function of the game assistant device (500) may be called not only within the game but also outside the game. Here, the inside of the game may be a game (game service) provided by the second server (120), and the outside of the game may be a game platform service provided by the first server (110). That is, the game assistant function of the game assistant device (500) may be called within the game (game service) and provided on the game (game service), or may be called outside the game and provided on the game platform service.

[0119] According to an exemplary embodiment, the game assistant device (500) may further include a model generation unit (510) and / or an action execution unit (550).

[0120] The model generation unit (510) can train, generate, and store a game assistant model.

[0121] In one embodiment, the model generation unit (510) may collect in-game data stored in the second server (120) and / or online activity data for multiple users stored in the first server (110) as learning data, and train and generate a game assistant model using the collected learning data. For example, the model generation unit (510) may generate a game assistant model by fine-tuning a pre-trained model with the collected learning data, but this is only one embodiment and is not limited thereto.

[0122] In one embodiment, the model generation unit (510) can periodically collect new learning data and use the collected new learning data to further train the previously stored game assistant model, thereby updating the previously stored game assistant model. This can improve the performance of the game assistant model.

[0123] The motion execution unit (550) can execute a function corresponding to each recommended motion in the game according to the user's command. For example, when the user terminal (140) displays one or more recommended motions, the execution object for each recommended motion can be displayed together. The user can select an execution object displayed on the user terminal (140), and the motion execution unit (550) can execute a function corresponding to the recommended motion in the game in response to the user input selecting the execution object.

[0124] In one embodiment, when displaying one or more recommended actions, the user terminal (140) may also display one or more executable actions in addition to the recommended actions. In this case, the user terminal (140) may display an execution object for each executable action. The user may select an execution object for each executable action displayed on the user terminal (140), and the action execution unit (550) may execute a function corresponding to the action in the game in response to a user input selecting an execution object.

[0125] Figures 6a to 6c illustrate one embodiment of providing recommended actions.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 6A, an assistant area (610) and an assistant object (620) may be displayed on a certain area of ​​the screen of a user terminal. The user may drag and drop a game item (630) requiring assistance into the assistant area (610), or select the game item (630) requiring assistance and the assistant object (620). Here, the selection of the game item (630) and the selection of the assistant object (620) may be performed simultaneously or sequentially within a set time period.

[0127] When a user drags and drops a game item (630) into the assistant area (610) or selects a game item (630) and an assistant object (620), the game assistant device detects this and analyzes in-game data, the user's online activity data, and the current game situation, and determines one or more recommended actions for the game item (630) as shown in FIGS. 6b and 6c and provides the recommended actions to the user terminal along with the reason for recommending the recommended actions.

[0128] For example, referring to FIG. 6B, the game assistant device may analyze in-game data and the current game situation to determine actions that can be performed on the game item (630), including an action of registering the game item (630) as a collection item for increasing hit rate, an action of registering the game item (630) as a collection item for increasing defense, and an action of equipping the game item (630), and may determine the action of registering the game item (630) as a collection item for increasing hit rate among the three actions as a recommended action (650) for the game item (630). The game assistant device may provide the recommended action (650) together with a reason for recommendation (652) to the user terminal. The user terminal may display the recommended action (650), the reason for recommendation (652), and the execution object (651) of the recommended action (650) in a pop-up window (640). When a user selects an execution object (651), the game assistant device can register a game item (630) as a collection item for increasing the hit rate in response to the user input for selecting the execution object.

[0129] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 6b, the user terminal can display execution objects (660, 670) for each of the remaining executable actions, and the user can easily perform an action of registering a game item (630) as a collection item for increasing defense power or an action of equipping a game item (630) rather than a recommended action (650) by selecting the execution object (660, 670).

[0130] For example, referring to FIG. 6C, the game assistant device may determine that it is more efficient to sell the game item (630) rather than directly use it, based on analysis of the current transaction price of the game item (630), the difficulty of obtaining the game item (630), and the benefits of using the game item (630). In this case, the game assistant device may determine the sale of the game item, i.e., registration on the exchange, as a recommended action (680), and may provide the recommended action (680) along with the reason for the recommendation (682) to the user terminal. The user terminal may receive the recommended action (680) and the reason for the recommendation (682) from the game assistant device, and display the recommended action (680) and the reason for the recommendation (682) together with the execution object (681) of the recommended action (680) in a pop-up window (640). A user can easily perform the exchange registration of a game item (630), which is a recommended action (680), by selecting an execution object (681).

[0131] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 6c, when the user terminal displays the exchange registration recommendation action (680), it can display the market price information of the game item (630).

[0132] In one embodiment, the assistant area (610) and / or the assistant object (620) may be displayed on a certain area of ​​the screen when the user selects or drags a game item requiring assistance.

[0133] In one embodiment, when a user selects an assistant object (620), a list of game items that can be assisted may be displayed on the screen. In this case, the user may request the game assistant function of the game assistant device by selecting a game item within the list or dragging and dropping it into the assistant area (610).

[0134] Figures 7 to 10 illustrate other embodiments of providing recommended actions.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 7, when a player character obtains a game item, the game assistant device detects it and analyzes in-game data, the user's online activity data, and the current game situation to determine one or more recommended actions for the obtained game item, and provides information about the recommended actions (recommended actions and reasons for recommendation) to the user terminal. The user terminal can inform the user of the existence of the recommended actions through a notification (710) displayed in an adjacent area of ​​the assistant object (620), and when the user selects the assistant object (620), the recommended actions and reasons for recommendation can be displayed through a pop-up window as exemplified in FIGS. 6b and 6c.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 8, when a user or player character enters an item exchange, the game assistant device may determine the presence of items whose current price is higher than the average market price among the items owned through analysis of in-game data and determine one or more recommended actions (e.g., exchange registration) based on the determination result. In addition, the game assistant device may provide information on the recommended actions (the recommended actions and reasons for the recommendations) to the user terminal, and the user terminal may notify the user of the presence of the recommended actions through a notification (810) displayed in an adjacent area of ​​the assistant object (620). When the user selects the assistant object (620), the recommended actions and reasons for the recommendations may be displayed through a pop-up window.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 9, when a user or a player character enters an item exchange, the game assistant device may analyze the user's online activity data to determine which items among multiple items in the item exchange have been mentioned by the user, determine one or more recommended actions (e.g., item purchase) based on the determination result, and provide information about the recommended actions (recommended actions and reasons for recommendation) to the user terminal. The user terminal may display an assistant object (620) in an area adjacent to an item among multiple items in the item exchange that the user has mentioned, and may notify the user of the existence of the recommended action through a notification (910) displayed in the area adjacent to the assistant object (620). When the user selects the assistant object (620), the recommended action and reason for recommendation may be displayed in a pop-up window.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 10, if a user has not performed an in-game mission of entering a dungeon and a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 6 hours) remains until the mission initialization time, the game assistant device may analyze in-game data, the user's online activity data, and the current game situation to determine one or more recommended actions for performing the in-game mission. In addition, the game assistant device may provide information about the recommended actions (the recommended actions and the reason for the recommendation) to the user terminal, and the user terminal may inform the user of the non-performance of the in-game mission and the existence of the recommended actions through a notification (1010) displayed in an adjacent area of ​​the assistant object (620). When the user selects the assistant object (620), the recommended actions and the reason for the recommendation may be displayed through a pop-up window.

[0139] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a game assist method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0140] The game assist method of FIG. 11 can be performed by the game assistant device (500) of FIG. 5. While the game assist method is described as being divided into multiple steps in the illustrated flowchart, at least some of the steps may be performed in a different order, combined with other steps and performed together, omitted, divided into substeps and performed, or one or more steps not illustrated may be added and performed. Furthermore, some steps may be performed substantially simultaneously. This can be equally applied to the flowchart below.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 11, the game assistant device can create and store a game assistant model (1110).

[0142] In one embodiment, the game assistant device may collect in-game data and / or online activity data for multiple users as learning data, and use the collected learning data to create a game assistant model.

[0143] The game assistant device may detect specific user interactions or specific in-game situations associated with the user (1120).

[0144] Specific user interactions may include the user entering a command requesting game assistance, the user selecting an assistant object displayed on the user terminal screen, or the user dragging and dropping an in-game object into an assistant area set on the user terminal screen. Specific in-game situations may include obtaining a game item, entering an in-game store, entering an item exchange, or failing to complete an in-game mission.

[0145] The game assistant device can obtain in-game data and / or the user's online activity data (1130).

[0146] When a specific interaction of a user or a specific situation in a game related to the user is detected, the game assistant device can use a game assistant model to determine assistance information or one or more recommended actions related to game play based on at least one of in-game data, the user's online activity data, and the current game situation, and provide the determined assistance information or one or more recommended actions to the user terminal (1140).

[0147] The game assistant device may execute a function corresponding to one or more recommended actions in the game according to a user's command (1150). For example, the game assistant device may execute a function corresponding to each recommended action in the game in response to a user input selecting an execution object for each recommended action displayed on the user terminal.

[0148] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a game assistant device according to another embodiment.

[0149] The game assistant device (1200) of FIG. 12 may be another embodiment of the third server (410) of FIG. 4.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 12, the game assistant device (1200) may include a chatbot (1220), a data acquisition unit (1230), and an assist information acquisition unit (1240).

[0151] The chatbot (1220) is an AI chatbot utilizing a game assistant model and can conduct a conversation with a user through a user terminal (140). The chatbot (1220) can recognize a game assistance request from the user during the conversation.

[0152] In one embodiment, a chatbot (1220) may be provided on a game (game service) or a game platform service. For example, a chatbot conversation area (chat window) for conversation with the chatbot (1220) may be set in a certain area of ​​a game screen (game service screen) or a game platform service screen, and a user may conduct a conversation with the chatbot (1220) by entering text into the chatbot conversation area (chat window) while using the game (game service) or the game platform service.

[0153] In one embodiment, a chat window within a game platform service provided by a first server (110) and a chat window (in-game chat window) within a game service provided by a second server (120) may be connected to each other to display the same content. Accordingly, a conversation between a chatbot (1220) and a user conducted through a chat window within a game platform service while using the game platform service provided by the first server (110) may be confirmed through an in-game chat window within the game service provided by the second server (120), and a conversation between a chatbot (1220) and a user conducted through an in-game chat window while using the game service provided by the second server (120) may be confirmed through a chat window within the game platform service provided by the first server (110).

[0154] The data acquisition unit (1230) can acquire in-game data when the chatbot (1220) recognizes the user's game assistance request. For example, the data acquisition unit (1230) can acquire in-game data from the second server (120).

[0155] The assist information acquisition unit (1240) can analyze the conversation content and in-game data between the chatbot (1220) and the user using a game assistant model, and obtain assist information related to the user's game play based on the analysis results and provide the information to the user. In other words, the assist information acquisition unit (1240) can obtain and provide assist information suitable for the user by considering not only the recognized game assist request but also all previous conversations between the chatbot (1220) and the user prior to the game assist request.

[0156] In one embodiment, the assist information acquisition unit (1240) may acquire assist information corresponding to a user's game assist request through data acquired from a first server (110), a second server (120), and / or other external servers (e.g., a community service such as a video sharing platform or a social network service).

[0157] In one embodiment, the assist information acquisition unit (1240) can provide the acquired assist information to the user through the chatbot conversation area (chat window) of the user terminal in the form of text, voice, video, etc. As described above, the chat window within the game platform service provided by the first server (110) and the chat window (in-game chat window) within the game service provided by the second server (120) of the second server (120) are connected to each other and can display the same content. Accordingly, the user can check the assist information provided through the chat window within the game platform service while using the game platform service through the in-game chat window of the game service, and the assist information provided through the in-game chat window while using the game service can be checked through the chat window within the game platform service.

[0158] In one embodiment, the assist information acquisition unit (1240) may provide the user with link information that can move to a game service screen (in-game screen) depending on the type of assist information acquired. For example, if the game assist request requested by the user is a method of raising a specific ability, the assist information acquisition unit (1240) may provide the user with link information that can move directly to the game service screen for raising the specific ability. The user terminal may receive the link information and set a link to the assist information, and when the user selects the assist information for which a link has been set, the game assistant device (1200) may display a game service screen according to the assist information, i.e., a game service screen for raising the specific ability, on the user terminal in response to a user input regarding the assist information for which a link has been set.

[0159] According to an exemplary embodiment, the game assistant device (1200) may further include one or more of a model generation unit (1210), a content generation unit (1250), and a simulation unit (1260).

[0160] The model generation unit (1210) can generate and store a game assistant model.

[0161] In one embodiment, the model generation unit (1210) may collect in-game data stored in the second server (120) and / or online activity data for multiple users stored in the first server (110) as learning data and may use the collected learning data to generate a game assistant model. For example, the model generation unit (1210) may generate a game assistant model by fine-tuning a pre-trained model with the collected learning data, but this is only one embodiment and is not limited thereto.

[0162] In one embodiment, the model generation unit (1210) may periodically collect new learning data and use the collected new learning data to further train the previously stored game assistant model, thereby updating the previously stored game assistant model. This may improve the performance of the game assistant model.

[0163] The content generation unit (1250) can generate video content or audio content based on the acquired assist information and provide it to the user.

[0164] If the assist information acquired by the assist information acquisition unit (1240) is of text type, providing the assist information in the form of video or audio may be more effective than providing the assist information in the form of text. Accordingly, in one embodiment, if the content generation unit (1250) determines that the acquired assist information is of text type and that video or audio content corresponding to the assist information can be generated through the assist information, the content generation unit (1250) may generate video or audio content corresponding to the assist information and provide the generated video or audio content to the user.

[0165] If the user's game assist request is related to simulation, the simulation unit (1260) can perform game simulation according to the game assist request based on the user's conversation content and the user's in-game data.

[0166] In one embodiment, the simulation unit (1260) may request information necessary for the game simulation from the user through the chatbot (1220) or obtain it from the second server (120) to increase the accuracy of the game simulation. The simulation unit (1260) may receive information necessary for the game simulation from the user or obtain it from the second server (120) and perform the game simulation based on this. For example, during a conversation between the chatbot (1220) and the user about a match between the user's player character and another player character, the user may request a match simulation with another player character. In this case, the simulation unit (1260) may receive information about the other player character from the user or obtain information about the other player character from the second server (120) and perform the match simulation with the other player character based on this.

[0167] In one embodiment, when the game simulation of the simulation unit (1260) is completed, the content generation unit (1250) may generate game simulation video content and provide it to the user. At this time, the content generation unit (1250) may display information that is helpful for the user's game play in the game simulation video content. For example, if the game simulation video content is a video of a match between the user's player character and another player character, and the user's player character wins by attacking a specific location at a specific timing as a result of the game simulation, the content generation unit (1250) may display information about the attack timing and attack location in the game simulation video content so that the user can know that he or she can win by attacking a specific location at a specific timing.

[0168] Figure 13 illustrates one embodiment of providing assist information. Figure 13 illustrates an example of providing assist information through a chat window within a game platform service provided by the first server (110). However, this is merely one embodiment, and the provision of assist information is not limited to this.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 13, the game assistant device (1200) can recognize a game assist request, “Connect me to something that can increase stun resistance,” during a conversation with a user. When the game assist device (1200) recognizes the user’s game assist request, the game assist device (1200) can obtain in-game data, analyze the user’s conversation content and in-game data, and obtain assist information (Option 1 (Collection A stun resistance +1) and Option 2 (Proficiency B stun resistance +2)) that can increase stun resistance, and provide the information through the user terminal. At this time, the game assistant device (1200) can provide link information that can move to a game service screen (in-game screen) to the user terminal according to the assist information.

[0170] Users can choose either Option 1 or Option 2, in which case they will be taken directly to the game service screen where they can increase stun resistance according to the link information of that option.

[0171] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a game assist method according to one embodiment.

[0172] The game assist method of FIG. 14 can be performed by the game assistant device (1200) of FIG. 12.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 14, the game assistant device conducts a conversation with a user through a chatbot, and can recognize a game assistance request from the user during the conversation with the user (1410).

[0174] The game assistant device can obtain in-game data when the chatbot recognizes the user's game assistance request (1420). For example, the game assistant device can obtain in-game data from a second server providing game services.

[0175] The game assistant device can analyze the conversation between the chatbot and the user and in-game data using the game assistant model, and obtain and provide the user with assist information related to the user's game play based on the analysis results (1430).

[0176] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a game assist method according to another embodiment.

[0177] The game assist method of FIG. 15 can be performed by the game assistant device (1200) of FIG. 12.

[0178] Referring to FIG. 15, the game assistant device conducts a conversation with a user through a chatbot, and can recognize a game assistance request from the user during the conversation with the user (1510).

[0179] The game assistant device can obtain in-game data when the chatbot recognizes the user's game assistance request (1520).

[0180] If the user's game assistance request is related to a simulation, the game assistant device can perform a game simulation according to the game assistance request based on the user's conversation content and in-game data (1530).

[0181] In one embodiment, the game assistant device may request information necessary for game simulation via a chatbot to the user or obtain it from a second server providing game services to improve the accuracy of the game simulation. The game assistant device may receive information necessary for game simulation from the user or obtain it from the second server and perform the game simulation based on this information.

[0182] When the game simulation is completed, the game assistant device can generate game simulation video content and provide it to the user (1540). At this time, the game assistant device can display information helpful to the user's game play in the game simulation video content.

[0183] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a game assist method according to another embodiment.

[0184] The game assist method of FIG. 16 can be performed by the game assistant device (1200) of FIG. 12.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 16, the game assistant device conducts a conversation with a user through a chatbot, and can recognize a game assistance request from the user during the conversation with the user (1610).

[0186] The game assistant device can obtain in-game data when the chatbot recognizes the user's game assistance request (1620).

[0187] The game assistant device can analyze the conversation between the chatbot and the user and in-game data using the game assistant model, and obtain assist information related to the user's game play based on the analysis results (1630).

[0188] If the game assistant device determines that the searched assist information is of a text type and that video content or voice content corresponding to the assist information can be generated through the assist information, the game assistant device can generate video content or voice content for the assist information and provide it to the user (1640).

[0189] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a computing environment including a computing device according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, each component may have different functions and capabilities other than those described below, and may include additional components other than those described below.

[0190] The illustrated computing environment (10) may include a computing device (12). In one embodiment, the computing device (12) may be one or more components included in the game assistant devices (500, 1200) of FIGS. 5 and 12.

[0191] A computing device (12) may include at least one processor (14), a computer-readable storage medium (16), and a communication bus (18). The processor (14) may cause the computing device (12) to operate according to the exemplary embodiments mentioned above. For example, the processor (14) may execute one or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium (16). The one or more programs may include one or more computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by the processor (14), may be configured to cause the computing device (12) to perform operations according to the exemplary embodiments.

[0192] A computer-readable storage medium (16) may store computer-executable instructions or program code, program data, and / or other suitable forms of information. A program (20) stored in the computer-readable storage medium (16) may include a set of instructions executable by the processor (14). In one embodiment, the computer-readable storage medium (16) may be a memory (volatile memory such as random access memory, non-volatile memory, or a suitable combination thereof), one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, any other form of storage medium that can be accessed by the computing device (12) and capable of storing desired information, or a suitable combination thereof.

[0193] A communication bus (18) may interconnect various other components of the computing device (12), including a processor (14) and a computer-readable storage medium (16).

[0194] The computing device (12) may also include one or more input / output interfaces (22) and one or more network communication interfaces (26) that provide interfaces for one or more input / output devices (24). The input / output interfaces (22) and the network communication interfaces (26) may be connected to a communication bus (18). The input / output devices (24) may be connected to other components of the computing device (12) via the input / output interfaces (22). Exemplary input / output devices (24) may include input devices such as pointing devices (such as a mouse or trackpad), keyboards, touch input devices (such as a touchpad or touchscreen), voice or sound input devices, various types of sensor devices, and / or photographing devices, and / or output devices such as display devices, printers, speakers, and / or network cards. An exemplary input / output device (24) may be included within the computing device (12) as a component constituting the computing device (12), or may be connected to the computing device (12) as a separate device distinct from the computing device (12).

[0195] One aspect of the present disclosure can be implemented as computer-readable code on a computer-readable recording medium. Codes and code segments implementing the above program can be easily inferred by a computer programmer in the art. The computer-readable recording medium may include any type of recording device that stores data that can be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical disk, etc. Furthermore, the computer-readable recording medium may be distributed across network-connected computer systems, so that the computer-readable code can be written and executed in a distributed manner.

[0196] The present disclosure has been described above, focusing on preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure can be implemented in modified forms without departing from its essential characteristics. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments, but should be interpreted to include various embodiments within the scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. In a game assist method performed by a game assistant device, An action that detects a specific interaction of a user requesting a game assistant function or a specific situation within a game associated with said user; An action of obtaining at least one of in-game data and online activity data of the user; When the specific interaction or the specific situation is detected, an action of determining one or more recommended actions related to game play based on at least one of the in-game data and the online activity data using an artificial intelligence model; and A game assist method comprising: providing one or more of the above-determined recommended actions to a user terminal; 2. In claim 1, The user terminal displays one or more recommended actions and an execution object for each recommended action, A game assist method further comprising: an action of executing a function corresponding to a recommended action in a game in response to a user input for the above execution object; 3. In claim 1, A game assist method in which the above game assistant function is called on a game platform service and provided on the game platform service.

4. In claim 1, The above acquisition action is, An operation of obtaining the user's online activity data from a first server providing a game platform service; and A game assist method, comprising: an operation of obtaining the in-game data from a second server providing a game service; 5. In claim 1, A game assist method in which the above artificial intelligence model is generated by using online activity data for multiple users collected from a first server providing a game platform service and in-game data collected from a second server providing a game service as learning data.

6. In claim 1, The above decision-making action is, A game assist method that uses the artificial intelligence model to determine one or more recommended actions that can be taken in a current game situation based on the in-game data, the online activity data, and the current game situation.

7. In claim 6, The above decision-making action is, A game assist method, wherein when a specific situation of acquiring a game item is detected, a specific interaction of dragging and dropping a game item into an assistant area displayed on a user terminal screen is detected, or a specific interaction of selecting a game item and an assistant object displayed on a user terminal screen is detected, one or more recommended actions are determined from among using the game item for strengthening, registering the game item as an item for increasing combat power, increasing defense, increasing accuracy, or increasing experience point acquisition, immediately using or equipping the game item, and selling the game item.

8. In claim 7, The above decision-making action is, A game assist method that determines that selling a game item is a recommended action when the current trading price of the game item is higher than the average price, taking into account the difficulty of obtaining the game item and the benefits of using the game item.

9. In claim 1, A game assist method further comprising: an action of providing the user terminal with a reason for recommending one or more of the above-determined recommended actions; 10. A detection unit that detects a specific interaction of a user requesting a game assistant function or a specific situation within the game associated with the user; A data acquisition unit that acquires at least one of in-game data and online activity data of the user; and A game assistant device comprising a recommendation determination unit that determines one or more recommended actions related to game play based on at least one of the in-game data and the online activity data using an artificial intelligence model when the specific interaction or the specific situation is detected, and provides the determined one or more recommended actions to a user terminal.

11. In claim 10, The user terminal displays one or more recommended actions and an execution object for each recommended action, A game assistant device further comprising an action execution unit that executes a function corresponding to a recommended action in a game in response to a user input for the above-mentioned execution object.

12. In claim 10, The above game assistant function is called on a game platform service and is a game assistant device provided on the game platform service.

13. In claim 10, The above data acquisition unit, A game assistant device that obtains the user's online activity data from a first server providing a game platform service and obtains the in-game data from a second server providing a game service.

14. In claim 10, The above artificial intelligence model is a game assistant device that is generated by using online activity data for multiple users collected from a first server providing a game platform service and in-game data collected from a second server providing a game service as learning data.

15. In claim 10, The above recommendation decision-making body, A game assistant device that uses the artificial intelligence model to determine one or more recommended actions that can be taken in the current game situation based on the in-game data, the online activity data, and the current game situation.

16. In claim 15, The above recommendation decision-making body, A game assistant device that determines one or more recommended actions among using the game item for strengthening, registering the game item as an item for increasing combat power, increasing defense, increasing accuracy, or increasing experience point acquisition, immediately using or equipping the game item, and selling the game item when a specific situation of acquiring a game item is detected, a specific interaction of dragging and dropping the game item into an assistant area displayed on a user terminal screen is detected, or a specific interaction of selecting a game item and an assistant object displayed on a user terminal screen is detected.

17. In claim 16, The above recommendation decision-making body, A game assistant device that determines to sell a game item as a recommended action when the current transaction price of the game item is higher than the average market price, taking into account the difficulty of obtaining the game item and the benefits of using the game item.

18. In claim 10, A game assistant device in which the above recommendation decision unit provides the reason for recommending one or more of the above-determined recommended actions to the user terminal.

Images